Björn Mohn

modification and extension of the museum of Cologne´s city

the local situation

The museum existis of two old military buildings, the arsenal, builded in 1600 and the prussian guard-house, builded in 1830. It is situated in elongation of the west axis of the cathedral of cologne along the line of the old roman city wall.

The exhibition gives a view of the history, the intellect and everydays life of Cologne´s citiziens. Because of the large collection it has become necessary to add a new building. The area in the west, is the ideal place for the extension, presently used as parking area.

The intention of the task was to develop an architectonic overall concept for the three buildings. A multifunctional hall, a cinema, a depot and an administration area should be integrated as well.

the conception

The guard-house in the middle of the trilogy takes the funktion as foyer. From that place the arsenal and the new building will be reached up subteraneanly. The structure of the arsenal will be conserved for largely. Just the ceilings will be perforated just nearby the gables to connect the different levels.

The architectonic design of the new building is restricted to the longish tight form of the site and also restricted in it´s height by the guard-house. Farther the roman city wall should be integrated. That´s wy the possible space for the building results in a long flat Box. The principle of the new building is to fold it´s walls and ceilings into the possible volume. The exibition area is separated into four levels, being connected by many openings in the ceiling.

The bottom part of the new building contains the multifunctional hall, the depot and the office area. A surrounding glasjoint separates the different used areas of the building. 

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