A new museum concept based on open storage and marked by a layout in compartments for exhibiting the collection

The project presents a new museum concept that seeks to solve a number of problems typifying the present generation of cultural-historical museums. These have to contend with dwindling visitor attendance figures and swelling collections that scarcely ever come out of storage. The presented concept is applied in the design for the new Frisian Museum on the main square (Wilhelminaplein) in Leeuwarden. Its layout is informed by a high degree of flexibility.

To achieve this flexibility the exhibition spaces need a loose-fit format whose extra space can be used to bypass parts of the exhibition area where changes are being made. As I see it, the museum depot could provide that extra space. By opening this storage area to the public, museumgoers would be inclined to visit the museum more often. There is no need to wait until the curator has mounted a new exhibition. It also enables visitors to make contact with those working behind the scenes to encourage mutual understanding between staff and public.

To store a large collection requires a great deal of space and a well-ordered storage system. For this I devised an orthogonal structure of floors and walls giving a great many enclosed storage cabinets. Each cabinet has its own x, y and z coordinates. The cabinet walls have a layout in compartments that enables all pieces to be exhibited and stored. Variations in the structure's dimensions allow great spatial variety within the cabinets. From this structure of walls and floors an exhibition space has been incised where pieces can be shown in selected relationships. Unlike the cabinets, the exhibition space is an open unbroken area providing a logical route through the building. Here too the variation in structure makes for a great diversity and spaciousness so that there are many possible ways to mount a show.

These exhibition components open up the building to embrace the surroundings, giving new links and forms of openness as well as views across the city. The building is entirely of wood and glass, its use of timber walls and floors rooted in the wish to create spaces that are as much abstract and neutral as they are warm and vibrant. At the same time, the solid timber walls and floors enable great spans and with them the possibility of fitting out large museum spaces. A glass dome enveloping the timber structure is there to protect it against the elements. It also affords a degree of transparency that enables institute and community to interact.

The concept behind the building is flexible enough to take account of both place and programme in advance. In other words, it can be used for other museums, as the solution to a generic problem.

Place of education: AvB Groningen | Specialization: architecture | Tutors: Hugo de Clercq, Geir Eide, Maarten Schmitt