Oberhessisches
Museum

Project description

For the new conception of “Oberhessisches Museum” in Giessen, the university town announced a realization competition. 

The subject of the non-open, single-phase competition was the new conception of the museum in terms of content, architecture and urban planning, taking into account the urban planning conditions and the protection of historical monuments, with the aim of achieving a barrier free museum landscape.

Design concept:

The complementary building elements in the new concept by the architects of PLAN FORWARD create a modern and open architectural framework that makes the museum a visible, defining part of the urban space and a place of encounter.

With its characteristic façade design, the building forms a symbiosis with the listed existing buildings, but can be read as a clear contemporary extension in the cityscape. Maximum transparency of the extended reception building as well as the visible staircase sculpture in the joint of the buildings allow deep insights into the history of the city and open with the striking city window new (view) relationships from the newly structured, clear exhibition levels to the Old Palace.

The lively structure communicates with the urban space through its warm copper façade, which changes to a warm chestnut brown through oxidation over time, and the stair sculpture made of regional oak. Due to sufficient distance of the reception pavilion, the listed half-timbered and solid walls remain visible and untouched. New main materials, appropriate in their value to the use, are copper, oak and glass.

The pavilion serves as a visitor reception, offers a self-catering station and is a meeting point for school classes and visitor groups. From here, the path in the area of the previous entrance leads into Leib's House. Still at entrance level (barrier-free), visitors are introduced to the exhibition world. A slightly lowered demonstration and lecture area offers space to inform and inspire groups and classes with "new media". This is open and inviting, but can also be used partitioned off and darkened with heavy sound-absorbing curtains.

Through the open design of the staircase sculpture, the visitors gain insight into the exhibition focal points of the other levels and know at all times where they are in the ensemble. The tour leads back to the entrance pavilion via the existing exit in Wallenfels' house.