Gothenburg, Museum of World Culture – Brisac Gonzalez Architects

Photo Hélène Binet. Courtesy of  Brisac Gonzalez Architects.

The Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg, Sweden

Introduction by Federica Lusiardi, Inexhibit

The Museum of World Culture (Världskulturmuseerna) is both an ethnographic museum and a vibrant cultural center, open to the city. The permanent collection of the museum consists of about 100,000 pieces coming from all over the world.
The artifacts are displayed on a rotational basis and form the base of the constantly-developing research activity of the center. The fascinating museum building, offering a total floor area of 10,950 square meters, has been designed by the London-based practice Brisac Gonzalez Architects. It is located not far from Gothenburg city center, midway between the Universeum Science Centre and Liseberg Park.

Photo Hélène Binet. Courtesy of  Brisac Gonzalez Architects.

Project report by Brisac Gonzalez Architects

The museum provides a new public platform for the ethnographic collections of Sweden. It also serves as a new forum for international and local events.
Situated at the foot of a hill in the city center, the museum incorporates an auditorium, research center, library, seminar rooms, restaurant, and administrative offices.

Photos Hélène Binet. Courtesy of  Brisac Gonzalez Architects.

The design strategy revolved around creating a clearly marked difference between a solid west wing, containing the gallery spaces and offices along the street, and an open east wing towards the hill, where public activities take place. Between the solid west and the open east is a canyon-like zone containing the building services, with public circulation weaving its way through the three areas.
As one goes up the building, the elements which were seen from below are gradually perceived from above, creating a sequence of reference points throughout the building with alternating views of the hill, atrium, and museum.

Photos Hélène Binet. Courtesy of Brisac Gonzalez Architects.

Prizes
Kasper Salins Prize – Best new building in Sweden, 2004.
Selected work – European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture ‘Mies van der Rohe Award’, 2005.
AIA / UK Chapter Excellence in Design Award, 2005.
Nominee – The Forum Prize, Stockholm, Sweden, 2005.
International Prize ‘Dedalo Minosse alla Committenza di Architettura’, Vicenza, Italy, 2006.