| Title |
A Study on the Characteristics of Space Organization of Renzo Piano's Museum Projects |
| Abstract |
This study intends to analyze the various spatial structures and characteristics of the museum based on the two of the Renzo Piano's recent projects, Menil Collection & Museum and Beyeler Foundation Museum, which defined the direction of the "Third Generation" in museum architecture with reference to the quality of spatial experience and design applications. Comparison and analysis were done on the basic spatial organization, floor layout, accessibility, exhibition area, lighting plan, and circulation between the two museum. Through the itemized common characteristics of the museum, the architect's proposal on meaning and direction of the new museum architecture can be viewed.
The contemporary museums distinguish themselves quite clearly from their predecessors and this applies both to their own form and to their spatial organization. As the public demands and requests toward the museum building facility expand everyday, the architect must respond by providing multiple types of space where people can experience different atmosphere in each area. One concept he used to create multi experienced area was manipulation of the natural light using by the state-of-the-art techniques of the light filtering system and multi-layering roof system to protect the valuable collections against the direct sunlight. But mainly it was to prove his strong belief in "architecture of light" by creating space with minimized meaning but purposely distinguished area in order to provide maximum support to the physical value of the collection. "The connection with nature" is another concept which Piano used to provide the public a tranquil experience through out the architecture which engages in a lively dialogue with the art. In spatial organization, Piano concerned on functionality which not only concentrated on the visitor's point of view but also on the museum staff's comfort. Unlike the traditional museum, he alternates various size of exhibition areas for spatial hierarchy. Specially the spatial flexibility that the temporary exhibition areas are able to be expanded to the permanent exhibition areas by adjoining two spaces differentiate Piano's new museum from the rest. |