Edward Sarafian - ARCH1390

The re-envisioned Vitra Design Museum follows a dissimilar concept to the original building. Whilst some aspects of museum’s architecture are retained, the original function, site, structure, form and materials are transformed to create an alternative interpretation of Frank O. Gehry’s unique and artistic museum.

The function of the building is essentially transformed from a space that displays magnificent pieces of art to a holiday home, ultimately providing comfortable living for a couple. However, apart from being a place to live, the function of the re-invented Design Museum involves creating a relaxing and leisurely atmosphere within the home. This is achieved through the delivery of the site, structure, form, materials and aesthetics.

The holiday house is located on a secluded beach, surrounded by nature. The soothing sound of the crashing waves and harmony of singing birds create the relaxing atmosphere required by the re-envisioned Design Museum.

The form of the original Vitra Design Museum is quite complex. The re-invented version is a little toned down, by removing some of the complicated aspects, whilst adding simple features to express the buildings functionality. By creating a less complex architecture, there is less tension within the home.

The original structure is also a little dissimilar to the holiday beach house. Wall thickness will be reduced for the interior whilst still keeping some thickness for the exterior, to create a contrast with the external environment. Furthermore a variety of lighter materials are integrated in the structure of the beach house, such as glass, wood and aluminium. This lightness of structure creates a relationship with the residents of the house, resulting in a sensation of less responsibility and burden, thus reinforcing the relaxation of the environment.

Materiality will also be greatly altered. Unlike the Vitra Design Museum, the re-invented beach house will have a larger variety of materials emphasising on the buildings concept. Warmer and more welcoming materials will be used, much suited for a beach home, e.g. wood and white ceramic. A lot of natural materials will also be used, including stone, creating a contrast between the more synthetic materials used, including glass and aluminium. Moreover the choice of materials forms a modern, organic architecture that is welcoming and combines notions of relaxation and comfort.

The aesthetical accessories are quite lacking in the original Vitra Design Museum. Thus the reinvented museum acts upon this by including some water features, i.e. interior waterfalls. The use of water features emphasises the location and the relaxing atmosphere. Furthermore images of appealing landscapes are framed on the walls to create a homely environment.

The scale of the Vitra Design Museum is somewhat large, consisting of large floor spaces and high ceilings. However, the re-envisioned beach house has been scaled down a little to suit its context of a home.

The re-invented Design Museum will have an open plan, creating a smooth flow of movement and unimpeded circulation through the home. This will be achieved by replacing some doors with openings, and removing obstructing walls. In addition, the back entrance of the beach house is a wide set of bi-folding doors, which when open unites the interior and exterior spaces. This creates a relationship with indoor living area and the natural, soothing environment outside.

The functional form and purposeful structure of ‘Vitra Beach House’, combined with a soothing contrast of natural and synthetic materials, and appealing aesthetics, produces a delightful re-envisioned solution for the Vitra Design Museum.

Layout Plan

Initially I decided on a rough room layout, and placed it over the original floor plans of the Vitra Design Museum. This gives a rough indication of my intentions with the transformations.

Sketches

Below are floor plan sketches of my new concept.

Modifications

The image below shows the modifications that will be made to the Museum's structure and form. It also shows details, with aspects of other buildings.

Early Model

This model originated from the base model I created of the Vitra Design Museum. Aspects of the building were altered to reflect my re-interpretation.

Below shows some aspects of the model that was altered as experimental brainstorming. It includes adding a butterfly roof and extended the back on of the building.