National Museum of Warsaw extension
"Projektowana architektura składa się z połączenia dwóch uzupełniających się stref. Dolna, należy do świata parku, jest bardziej publiczna, odnosi się nawet do pobliskiego Elizeum. Górna, bardziej biurowa, stanowi łącznik pomiędzy światem pobliskich biurowców a instytucją muzeum" – z opinii jury.
The building of the National Museum, located at the junction of Aleje Jerozolimskie and the "Na Książęcem" park, is one of the most stately buildings in Warsaw, opening the Śródmieście from the Vistula side and closing the green string of Powiśle parks.
In this unique urban context, its extension is to be created. The Pavilion of the Conservation and Storage is planned in the park area on the south side of the Museum, in close proximity to notable public buildings — the former Party House and the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
The importance of this area in the urban fabric has changed in recent years, thanks to the animation of the understory and courtyard of the KC building. The footbridge over Książęca Street, the ground clearance at the Nowy Świat 2.0 building and the pergola-covered passageway leading to Aleja Jerozolimskie, have become popular walking routes that have brought this part of the park to life.
The location of a new public function in it seems all the more justified and a logical continuation of part of the recent transformations. In addition to the contemporary urban context, the historical one is nevertheless important. The rich history and natural features of the 18th century garden “Na Książęcem” were the main source of inspiration for the pavilion concept.
The reconstruction of the erased elements of the composition of the park and references to the atmosphere of the original underground structures, including the unique structure of the Elyseum, are the main ideological axis of the project. An attempt was also made to establish a dialogue with the restrained architecture of the Tadeusz Tołwiński museum building. The architecture and surroundings of the building reflect the existing elements of the park “Na Ksieczęcem”, which hides a rich history, dating back to the time of the founding of the garden, the author of which was Szymon Bogumił Zug.
The base of the ground floor took the form of a massive, partially recessed ground, referring to the atmosphere located near the underground Elyseum. The body of the upper floors, erected on the base, has the character of a light garden pavilion, the glazing of which allows passersby to see the work of museologists, to adequately illuminate their workplaces, and after dark they illuminate the park area.
