MuseumLab. Some Big Words by Mia Tarducci. Design Architects: KoningEizenberg; Architect of Record: PWWG.
We do not always stop to observe with the same inquisitive gaze the interior of a building or a cultural institution, as we usually do when we are before our eyes. favorite paintings or before the magnificent creations of different artists, but this time the space MuseumLab at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh It has become a work of art in itself.
American architecture firm Koning Eisenberg decided to expose part of the original structure of the old Carnegie Public Library in Allegheny, Pennsylvania , where a space that advocates artistic and technological educational experiences for children over ten years of age is currently operating.
The original construction of the building dates back to 1890 , designed by Andrew Carnegie in conjunction with the city, and erected by architects Paul J Pelz and John L Smithmeyer, this work represents the first of a total of 2,509 bookstores erected by Carnegie around the world.
MuseumLab. Design Architects: KoningEizenberg; Architect of Record: PWWG
Commissioning for the purpose of serve the community – this is how Carnegie defined it – and offer learning programs outside of formal education. Almost a century later, in 1974, the Library was designated as Historical Heritage , until in 2006 one of the towers was struck by lightning and had to stop being used.
That was when the firm Koning Eizenberg entered the scene and together with the owners decided to transform the space into a Children's Laboratory Museum , as an extension to the Pittsburgh campus, and with the goal of hosting experiences of art, technology and creativity , understanding that these three aspects positively affect children's abilities.
From the outset, the concept did not involve revealing the structures or 19th century decorations . However, they decided to carry it out because the interior was not in good condition and the building had not been successfully modernized over time.
“We expected that some of the original architecture would be intact. But that was not the case. Time and remodeling had taken their toll on the columns, steel trusses, and surface plaster. Traditional restoration was not economical and the beautiful pop-up ruin suggested that the archeology of the building could become an entire exhibition about how things were done. It was well adapted to the museum's program”, they explain from Koning Eizenberg to Traveler.es.
MuseumLab. Over View by FreelandBuck. Design Architects: KoningEizenberg; Architect of Record: PWWG.
Thus, the remains of the building have been combined with contemporary elements and the renovations have required exposing a large part of its arches, classical ornamentation, columns and original mosaic floors from the year 1890 , laying the foundations for a space that seamlessly blends the past with the future.
The secret lies in having increased the amount of natural light by restoring the windows that had previously been sealed, encouraging the historical paths of the textures.
In fact, the firm has not made major changes to the original layout because the proportions of the spaces were appropriate, they have only added a structure that emulates a fireplace -created from recovered floor panels-, an elevator that promotes accessibility between levels , a meeting space on the second floor, as well as a screen and a new staircase in the lobby.
MuseumLab. Design Architects: KoningEizenberg; Architect of Record: PWWG
MuseumLab It is made up of three spaces for exhibitions, two learning laboratories and a space for young adults.
“Revealing the hidden infrastructure of a building like this has power and beauty. . It's a compelling approach to heritage buildings. I'm not sure when we'll have a chance to do it again in the near future. I hope we can. However, I must add that it should not be seen as a convenient option. The MuseumLab dig it was a task that required trust and close collaboration between the owner, the contractor and the architect to achieve it”, they tell us.
Currently, and due to the creation of the Laboratory Museum , the city of Pittsburgh can boast of hosting the largest cultural campus dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents.
MuseumLab. Over View by FreelandBuck. Design Architects: KoningEizenberg; Architect of Record: PWWG.