ARCHITECTURE:Peter Zumthor-Project For The Extension Of Fondation Beyeler
Designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano and the recipient of a number of awards Fondation Beyeler in the Berower Park is considered one of the most beautiful spaces dedicated to art. Its famous Collection of Modern and Contemporary art has doubled in size since the museum was created by Ernst and Hildy Beyeler, having expanded through valuable donations and permanent loans from Private Collections and renowned artists. As a result of a partnership with the Daros Collection, works from that prestigious collection are also regularly displayed at the Fondation Beyeler.
By Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: Fondation Beyeler Archive
On 4/5/17, the Swiss architect Peter Zumthor presented the project for the extension to the Fondation Beyeler. The extension will be constructed on the previously private land of the Iselin-Weber Park, which adjoins the Fondation Beyeler. The Fondation Beyeler will create a group of museum buildings that satisfies the needs of a visitor-friendly museum. The size of the parks will be doubled. In the 21st century, a museum is a place for human beings and no longer just for objects. Together with general exhibition activities, the organization of cultural events and art education are some of the core functions of a visitor-friendly museum today. Renzo Piano’s museum building does not contain any suitable rooms for such events, so they have had to be held in the museum’s galleries. This is a key reason for the planned extension. A second reason is the lack of galleries where, in addition to the active exhibition program, the constantly growing collection of modern and contemporary art can be permanently presented. Peter Zumthor’s design distributes the various functions between three relatively small buildings and is consequently a project that is adapted to Riehen’s village-like character and that blends harmoniously into the natural environment. Zumthor plans a simple service building for administration and deliveries, a transparent pavilion for events and a House for Art. Together, they create a subtle link between the two parks.
