For a long time now, when people think of museum architects, the first names that come to mind are Frank Gehry and Renzo Piano. In the past, also Richard Meier. Of course, there’ve been others (some whose buildings haven’t been built), but still…
I am not along in thinking that some of their buildings are overrated.
That’s why I was pleased to see that the 2011 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award has gone to the Neues Museum in Berlin, whose 19th century building was restored and recreated by David Chipperfield of the U.K.
This prize is given every other year and comes with a 60,000 Euro award. From afar, the Neues Museum looks to be a good choice.
I’m no architecture expert, but given the deficiencies of some recent museum construction projects perhaps Chipperfield should have a higher place on the go-to list of museum architects here. Some smart art-world people I know think that so; they’d like to see more of his work on these shores.
Chipperfield has done some projects in the U.S.: the master site plan for the Menil Collection in Houston, the Saint Louis Art Museum expansion, the Figge Art Museum, the Anchorage Museum expansion, among them. But most of his work is abroad. His Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate, England, opens on Saturday.
Announcing the EU Mies winner, Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, said “The Neues Museum brings the past and present together in an stunning mix of contemporary architecture, restoration and art.”
And Mohsen Mostafavi, the chair of the jury, said: “…Rarely have an architect and client succeeded in undertaking a work of such historic importance and complexity; especially one that involves both preservation and new building. The project raises and addresses many aesthetic, ethical, and technical issues. It is an exemplary demonstration of what collaboration can achieve in the context of contemporary European architectural practice.”
Says the release:
The original Neues Museum, designed by Friedrich August Stüler, was built in the mid-19th century. The building was severely damaged in the Second World War and reconstruction began in 2003, with the aim of restoring the site to its former glory. David Chipperfield, who worked on the project in collaboration with fellow British architect Julian Harrap, adopted a dynamicapproach in his restoration. Rather than attempting to conceal the difference between the old and new elements, the past and present are beautifully combined to create an unforgettable building with multiple layers.
Some 343 buildings were nominated for this award and the Emerging Architect award, which went to Ramon Bosch and Bet Capdeferro for the Collage House in Girona, Spain.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Neues Museum/European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award