Location: Hanover
Competition: 3. Round 2010
Client: City of Hanover
Extension of the “Sprengel Museum”
The “Sprengel Museum” in Hanover belongs to the major art museums of the 20th and 21st century. After the architectural competition, construction works started in 1973 and were then completed in 1989. The edifice is considered as an example for the extraordinary quality of museum architecture form the 1970s and 80s. Now, an annex is planned to give room to the new and larger growing art collection. Located at the northern banks of the lake “Maschsee” and close to the city center of Hanover, it formulates a popular point of interest.
In a simple structure, our design expands the existing building making a powerful statement for the ensemble. Directly located at the lake the museum design functions as a relevant link towards the surrounding city structure.
The building extension is a two-storey rectangular volume that connects to the existing museum along the entire property. By that, the western façade takes on the alignment of the building, thus resulting in the same building height. The major design element – the slope – defines the entire length of the extension ending with a slight pitch in the south giving the building an individual identity. The existing building and the extension are carefully balanced in regards of proportions and masses which results in a powerful new ensemble. The façade is foreseen to be realized with reflecting colored glass that was developed from the existing aluminum plates and represents the rhythm of the museum façade. By day, it reflects the surrounding landscape; when the night falls the façade can be backlit thus receiving a very own identity.
Contrary to the linearity of the building the transition of the outdoor space on the eastern side is designed with a dynamic slope. It creates a green backdrop for the private properties as well as for the museum’s yard.
The first – and largest – room of the extension is a multifunctional space and can be used for events presenting the end of the route through the museum. At the same time, it formulates a smooth transition towards the new spaces. The different levels of the floors are connected by a sequence of ramps and stairs. A roof construction from translucent glass and open joints optimally diffuses the light into the underlying space. Consequently, the exhibition is in focus and recognizes the appropriate value of the collection.