European Case study - 1

Extension of Kunstmuseum, Basel

"We understand it as neither a repetition nor a copy of the main building, but rather as an emphatically contemporary, forward-looking building capable of accommodating completely new forms of art and the engagement with it," ——Christ & Gantenbein.

Plan & Facade

In terms of the master plan, the addition part has a completely different shape from the existing one, which is a whole irregularity volume compared to the existing classical typology (rectangular plan and courtyard). They are only connected by an underground canal. The addition part has only a direct entry fromed by the extension of the existing permeable arcades. While the existing facade is more accessable due to the openings and arcades.

A contemporary element —— a frieze made out of light-emitting diodes called "digital art magazine", is splashed across the front of the new brick facade to create an image for the newer building.

In terms of the facade, the new wing speaks the some language, mimicking the proportions and layout of the existing. They have same classical architecture’s standard tripartite order of base, middle, and capital. Their window height match, as well as the heights of the buildings. And they are both transparent at the lower level, becoming more solid with increasing height.

Existing part

Construction time: 1931 - 1936

Surface: 5350 sqm

Height: 25m

Function: museum, collections up to classical modernism the heights of two parts match facade layer 3: new light frieze facade layer 2: windows facade layer 1: new entrys & existing arcades

Same classical architecture’s standard tripartite order of base, middle, and capital.

Addition part

Construction time: 2009 - 2016

Surface: 2750 sqm

Height: 23m

Function: museum, larhe special exhibitions