CHRISTIAN TONKO


ERNEUERUNG TEXTILMUSEUM ST GALLEN
St Gallen, Switzerland
Competition
013.jpg

A load bearing parabolic shell replaces the existing roof creating the enclosure for a generous and column free exhibition hall in the new museum of textiles. Intentionally referencing classicist geometries the new volume complements the historic building in a respectful and natural way.

013.jpg

Indide the new exhibition space a gentle atmosphere prevails. Free standing dresses and other textiles are softly illuminated and impress observers from all viewing angles. The size of the space and the absence of columns enable great flexibility in exhibition design. The large skylights can be blacked out if necessary. The staircase leads directly into the exhibition hall as the arrival on the top floor marks the highlight of the museums circuit.

013.jpg

The Structure consists of parabolic arches which enable great spans while remaining comparably light weight. As the exterior walls and foundations of the historic building are able to take on some additional loads costly reinforcements of the existing structure are being avoided.

013.jpg

The L-shaped intersection of roof ridge lines is a recurring theme of the world heritage listed city centre of St Gallen. This motive as well as the roof shape of the nearby historic textiles exchange building inform the geometry of the museums new roof. Moreover the museums identity and visibility is strengthened as the new roof is tilted away from the neighbouring building giving it a free standing appearance when viewed from the nearby hills. Also the parabolic shape ensures a minimum loss of daylight in the immediate urban surroundings.