This proposal was developed as part of an invited international competition for the expansion of the French Collection Museum in Denmark. Set within a carefully curated landscape and neighbouring the museum’s celebrated extension by Zaha Hadid, the project posed a unique challenge: how can a museum grow without compromising the architectural, cultural and environmental qualities that make it exceptional?
Rather than introducing another prominent object into the landscape, the proposal sought to preserve and strengthen the existing character of the site by placing the majority of the expansion below ground. Positioned south of the existing museum and conservatory, the new extension remains largely hidden within the terrain, allowing the surrounding parkland, architecture and views to retain their prominence.
Natural light plays a central role throughout the design. A sequence of transitional spaces introduces visitors gradually to the different collections, creating moments of pause, reflection and anticipation before entering the next collection. These intermediary spaces act as thresholds between the surrounding landscape and the artworks themselves, preparing the visitor for a more focused and contemplative experience.
While discreet in its presence, the extension was envisioned as a significant addition to the museum's future. Beyond improving conservation, security and exhibition capacity, the project transforms the act of discovering art into a carefully choreographed journey, where architecture, landscape and exhibition design become inseparable.
location: charlottenlund, denmark
type: architecture competition entry
program: museum extension
area: 1.700sqm
client: ordrupgaard museum
design team: kengo kuma, yuki ikeguchi, miguel huelga de la fuente, minoru ko, kimio suzuki, leroy merks, zsuzsanna barat, yamato abe
local architect: adept architect
status: second prize invited competition (2012)
services: architecture, interior design