Jimmy Briers

Aerotopia® stands for an architectural conversion of an universal dream: flying, to get rid of gravity. In this museum the victories that were achieved on this case, are being exposed as if they were just a beginning of flying. The ideas of great-artist Panamarenko are the driving force behind this museum; flying as the second nature of individual, human behavior. Aerotopia® as a quest for science-breaking possibilities.

In terms of architecture, such program will translate itself into an aerodynamic flux, reaching for height and “leaving” gravity behind. By starting this chronicle beneath the earth surface, the visitor gets an inspiring sentiment, longing for altitude and air. In so doing, the historical Tapijn-site doesn’t get overwhelmed with construction-mass. Significant in this project is the dialog between Aerotopia® and the monumental military building, without demanding an hierarchic position.
Creating the south border of the city centre of Maastricht, the Tapijn-site appears as one of the most gorgeous parts of Maastricht. This historical park area, in touch with the Maas, is enhanced for the overall public with a military-site which had been engated till 2007. The negative connotation of these buildings, needed to be transformed with a new gesture.
The presence of ‘science’ which is linked with the university, located in the military building together with the topic of ‘leisure’, handed the primary impulses to create a program and to design out of the subject matter ‘flying’. Designing such an interactive museum demands a sort of thoughtful gesture concerning the activity at daytime but fades away at night. By attaching an attractive restaurant to the museum, 24hour activity becomes a realistic possibility. The unity of exhibition, experience, activity and recreation with the primary center of attention the exploration of the site from a height, figures to be the spine of Aerotopia®.

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