I was lucky enough to visit the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart a week ago. The building, designed by UNStudio from Amsterdam, replaced the old museum which was at the area (and I had also seen back in 1999). The Museum’s sophisticated geometry synthesizes structural and
programmatic organizations resulting in a new landmark building
celebrating a legendary car.
programmatic organizations resulting in a new landmark building
celebrating a legendary car.
Sublime architecture for unique auto mobiles: the basic design evolved around a simple geometric figure of three loops that turn endlessly around each other, much like the three leaf clover of the nearby road intersection. However, instead of radiating outwards, the museum routes unwind slowly down a time line that guides the visitor through nine levels, from the invention of the auto mobile, to present day reality in the entrance hall at ground level. The building's height and "double helix" interior were designed to
maximise space, providing 16,500 square metres of exhibition space on a
footprint of just 4,800 square metres. The museum contains more than
160 vehicles, some dating back to the very earliest days of the motor
engine.
maximise space, providing 16,500 square metres of exhibition space on a
footprint of just 4,800 square metres. The museum contains more than
160 vehicles, some dating back to the very earliest days of the motor
engine.
An outer skin of aluminium and glass lends the building an air of transparency and weightlessness despite its 110,000 tons. The polished aluminium panels intertwine like strips of ribbon, while the darker glazed areas, consisting of 1,800 individual panoramic glass panes mysteriously draw the mind's eye into the interior.
Nothing about the architecture of the museum is what one expects it to be. For a start, we were transported by one of the three silver bullet-like central lifts in the entrance hall's atrium (their interior panelled with leather and wood like a proper Mercedes) to the top level of the 47,5 meter high building. It felt like being in a Star Wars film! From this starting point, we set out on a voyage of discovery along a spiralling route down to ground level that traces the history of the auto mobile from its beginnings to the present day.
Actually there are two routes to take: one being the car and truck collection and
the other consisting of historical displays called the Legend rooms,
spiral downwards on the perimeter of the display platforms,
intersecting with each other at several points allowing the visitor to
change routes. The experience is overwhelming, with the building being as much on display as the cars – the various materials used in each level are astonishingly combined to give a different look and feel for each era, while at the same time keeping the museum as a whole very much in the future.
the other consisting of historical displays called the Legend rooms,
spiral downwards on the perimeter of the display platforms,
intersecting with each other at several points allowing the visitor to
change routes. The experience is overwhelming, with the building being as much on display as the cars – the various materials used in each level are astonishingly combined to give a different look and feel for each era, while at the same time keeping the museum as a whole very much in the future.
The museum has no right angles: All walls and ceilings. some rising as high as 33 meters, are either concave or convex and flow from one to the other in gentle, undulating forms. The intelligently designed lighting concept – incorporating 12,000 lights – ensures all 1,500 exhibits are displayed to maximum effect. The lighting concept makes a clear distinction between the naturally lit Collection rooms and the artificial light of the Legend rooms.
The amazing set up of the exhibition was done by architects HG Merz: they succeeded in presenting the exhibits as stars of the show and a
fascinating focus of interest for the visitor. “The museum should
evolve from what is inside, what it contains,” says HG Merz. “Contents
and outer casing should have the same value, complement each other and
present a unified whole.” The museum was completed and opened in 2006. If you happen to visit Stuttgart, do not miss it, even if you do not like the cars.
fascinating focus of interest for the visitor. “The museum should
evolve from what is inside, what it contains,” says HG Merz. “Contents
and outer casing should have the same value, complement each other and
present a unified whole.” The museum was completed and opened in 2006. If you happen to visit Stuttgart, do not miss it, even if you do not like the cars.
Photos. © 2009 Stratos Bacalis
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I was especially interested in the interior design of the restaurant level in the lower area. It creatively repeats the elements you described earlier, but also uses small, metal-ball curtains to create an intimate atmosphere while eating. Yet, the natural light is still allowed through. It also allows for several different types of eating areas within the restaurant, from casual snacking, drinking to formal dining in large groups and smaller for individuals. Amazing architecture and interior design!