MKM Museum Kuppersmulhe

I know, I know, its not a competition. Its not about who’s the best, but…. Swiss architecture firm HDM (Herzog & de Meuron) have created another beautiful project that reinforces what an amazing design practice they are and have been, since they established in 1978 (by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron).

Image - Simon Menges

HDM have created an amazing heritage in arts and culture projects and particularly in sites that marry existing heritage buildings (usually with an industrial past) with new extensions. London’s The Tate Museum and the CaixaForum in Madrid are two great examples of HDM’s ability to provide beautiful architecture for a city. And like the Tai Kwun - Centre for Heritage and Arts in Hong Kong, HDM have managed to weave this building into the fabric of the city (and with another beautiful spiralling concrete stair).

Image - Simon Menges

Having previously worked on the site, HDM first converted this grain mill into a museum in 1999. This new scope, adding 2,500m2 of space, celebrates its connection to the nearby waterfront and the existing 19th century silo’s. Like the turbine hall at London’s Tate Museum, MKM Museum Küppersmühle elevates the industrial past, warts and all. Its the texture and shear monumental scale that makes celebrating this industrial past so worthwhile. With new gallery spaces and bridges to existing silo’s, this project juggles modern gallery needs with a celebration of heritage.

Lucky Duisburg, Germany.

S.W