The main idea behind FORMA’s design for the Museum of Arts is to fit the building into the fabric of an old industrial neighborhood. Signs of its history, such as the smokestack and the brewery’s facade are present on the project area. This respect to the building’s history consists not only in renovation and preservation of its remains, but also in an attempt to extend the history by bringing the building to life. This is achieved by reconstruction of the brewery’s original volume and involving it in the museum’s daily life. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The smokestack being reconstructed and fortified serves as an orienting point. The basement (the part of it in the center of the project area) shelters a restaurant, while the above-ground levels contain a cafe, the hybrid library and office facilities. The former brewery’s facade from the street is reconstructed according to the original drawings. The old building’s facades from the backyard are different. They do not mimic the original facade plastic — but are rather done in a stylistic balance with the original.
