Captivating Integration at Fondation Beyeler
Renowned architect Peter Zumthor has unveiled his latest contribution to the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, Switzerland, showcasing the ambitious expansion project. Nestled in the gardens outside the museum, the new buildings complement the park’s serene environment. Designed by Zumthor’s Atelier Peter Zumthor, the project comprises three distinctive structures—a rammed concrete art gallery, a glazed cultural space, and a wood-clad office facility—carefully arranged to harmonize with the landscape with the original museum designed by Renzo Piano in 1997.
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A Thoughtful Architectural Arrangement
Instead of unifying the various functions within a single edifice, Zumthor chose a scattered architectural approach. “I wanted my buildings to blend in so naturally that it felt completely self-evident,” he commented. This arrangement ensures that the buildings not only blend seamlessly with their surroundings but also create delightful spaces that feel as though they’ve always belonged there, contributing significantly to the expansion project.
The Distinctive Wyss Museum
The Wyss Museum, a three-storey structure with a Y-shaped floor plan, elegantly integrates with its environment, avoiding existing trees and enjoying expansive window views of the lush foliage. Embracing a warm yellow tone due to its rammed concrete with Jura limestone aggregate, the building also features terrazzo flooring and sturdy stone elements, creating a cohesive and inviting space as part of the project.
Cultural Hub: The Ammann Pavilion
The Ammann Pavilion serves as a one-storey cultural hub designed for engaging public interactions, hosting events ranging from performances to screenings. Its glass walls framed in oak allow for unobstructed park views, while cherry and pear wood accents lend a cozy warmth to its interior. The multifunctional stepped flooring doubles as seating, enhancing the pavilion’s versatility within the development.
The Functional Erlen Torhaus
The Erlen Torhaus, housing both logistics and office spaces, features oak-clad ground floors and large windows offering scenic views. This building is efficiently linked to the main museum through an underground passage, optimizing artwork movement and workspace functionality. The expansion underscores the museum architecture focus of the project, which embodies swiss design principles.
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Fondation Beyeler Expansion in Landscape and Architectural Collaboration
Collaborating with Vogt Landscape Architects, Atelier Peter Zumthor meticulously planned the park’s redevelopment, enhancing it with outdoor artworks by Louise Bourgeois and others. The improvements also touched existing buildings—India Mahdavi refreshed the Orangerie with green accents for plant enthusiasts, while Forsberg Architekten updated the Ammann Atelier to provide workspaces for art education and workshops.
Upcoming Opening and Recognition
Set for a soft opening on September 26, with a full public debut on January 15, 2027, the expanded Fondation Beyeler promises a unique blend of art, architecture, and nature. This undertaking follows Zumthor’s acclaimed work on the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and his distinctive Secular Retreat in Devon. Photography for the project is credited to Mark Niedermann.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What structures are part of the Fondation Beyeler expansion?
The expansion includes a rammed concrete art gallery, a glazed cultural space called the Ammann Pavilion, and a wood-clad office facility known as the Erlen Torhaus.
How did Peter Zumthor design the Wyss Museum?
The Wyss Museum is a three-storey structure with a Y-shaped floor plan that avoids existing trees, features expansive window views, and has a warm yellow tone from its rammed concrete with Jura limestone aggregate.
When is the Fondation Beyeler expansion set to open?
The expansion is set for a soft opening on September 26, with a full public debut on January 15, 2027.