MILITARY HISTORY MUSEUM LOCATION- Dresden, Germany ARHITECT- Daniel Libeskind A distortion. This is the first impression of the structure to the eye. An old symmetrical mansion-like horizontally spanning structure, visually gentle and subtle. This is almost brutally interrupted by the sharp dynamic steel and glass wedge which becomes the point of focus. The wedge like structure intrigues the onlooker to find its true meaning and what it entails. A person enters the space through the old neo-classical structure which has large volumes and linear walls, a more relatable space. The museum space is entered through a dynamic space of inclined walls made of exposed concrete, which actually creates a sense of transition from the old to the new. Volumetrically, this space also changes the perception of a person from being in a free bright space to being overpowered by the converging dark walls.
Figure 72- (Facing Page, Clockwise from top left) The pronounced wedge like form, The staircase to Libeskinds extension, Spaces for contemplation, Glimpses of Dresden beyond, Thrill at the top (Source:Dezeen, Archdaily, Author)
The user moves to a level above by a dynamic staircase, by which point, unpredictability seemingly becomes predictable. This journey is immediately contradicted as a person re-enters the old structure where the movement is free and the change of space happens in a very subtle and ‘regular’ manner. Moving through the old structure, one arrives at the topmost level, the exhibits being the point of focus in the subtle backgrounds with momentary glimpses of the outside.
Advaith Mani / Fifth Year B.Arch / L.S.Raheja School of Architecture
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