malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery

the geometric layout draws from the triangular bastions that once fortified české budějovice.

MCH edited by kat barandy October 19, 2024 3 min

new Aleš South Bohemian Gallery proposal by Malý Chmel

Malý Chmel studio’s competition proposal envisions the new art museum for Aleš South Bohemian Gallery in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. The concept presents a contemporary design that integrates with the historical and cultural fabric of its site. The modern gallery complements the Museum of South Bohemia and Slavia cultural house, designed to face the city with only its front facades, and no backside, establishing a strong connection with its urban context. The building’s geometry takes inspiration from the triangular bastions that once formed the fortifications of the city, merging historical references with modern architectural language.

malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery - 1 — the design draws from the triangular bastions that once fortified the city | all visuals by ZAN studio

five cores interweave into dynamic bastion floor plan

For the floor plan, the design team at Malý Chmel follows a geometric principle of interwoven cores and free in-between open spaces. Four of the five cores are dedicated to service and communication functions, while the fifth, which rises above the roofline, houses the primary exhibition area. The exhibition spaces are organized into a series of interconnected pentagonal rooms that flow into a central orthogonal hall, allowing visitors to experience a journey through dynamic, unfolding spaces. The uppermost level concludes the visit with a larger exhibition room illuminated by northern daylight, which connects to a rooftop bar and terrace offering views of the city.

malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery - 2 — the gallery faces the city with only its front facades, creating a strong urban connection

malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery - 3 — historical elements are merged with modern architectural language in the building’s geometry

malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery - 4 — the entrance hall with a reception desk is oriented towards the square and the city center

malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery - 5 — the exhibition rooms are pentagonal and connected to a central orthogonal hall

maly-chmel-studio-new-ales-south-bohemian-gallery-designboom-1800-2 — four of the five cores serve service and communication functions

malý chmel proposes new star-like angular art museum for aleš south bohemian gallery - 6 — visitors experience a dynamic journey through interconnected spaces

maly-chmel-studio-new-ales-south-bohemian-gallery-designboom-1800-3 — the uppermost floor features a large exhibition room with northern daylight

the floor plan is based on a geometric principle of interwoven cores and open spaces | model the gallery balances functional efficiency with visual impact through its geometric layout | model

project info:

name: The new Aleš South Bohemian Gallery – competition proposal
architect: Malý Chmel studio | @malychmel

design team: Zdeněk Chmel, Gabriela Sládečková, Miroslav Chmel, Jana Trunda, Jitka Vančurová, Klára Ligasová, Vojtěch Vysloužil

visualization: ZAN studio | @zan_studio

location: České Budějovice, Czech Republic

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