© Rheinzink GmbH & Co. KG
The Riverside Museum is derived from its context. The historic development of the river Clyde and the city of Glasgow is a unique legacy. Located where the Kelvin joins the Clyde, the museum’s design flows from the city to the river; symbolizing a dynamic relationship where the museum is the voice of both, connecting the city to the river and also the transition from one to the other. The museum is situated in very context of its origins, with its design actively encouraging connectivity between the exhibits and the wider environment.
The building, open at opposite ends, has a tunnel-like configuration between the city and the Clyde. However, within this connection between the city and river, the
building diverts to create a journey away from its external context into the world of the exhibits. Here, the internal path within the museum becomes a mediator between city and river, which can either be hermetic or porous depending on the exhibition layout. Thus, the museum positions itself symbolically and functionally as open and fluid, engaging its context and content to ensure it is profoundly interlinked with not only Glasgow’s history, but also its future. Visitors build up a gradual sense of the external context as they move through the museum from exhibit to exhibit.
© Rheinzink GmbH & Co. KG
The design is a sectional extrusion, open at opposing ends along a diverted linear path. This cross-sectional outline is a responsive gesture to encapsulate a wave or ‘pleats’. The outer ‘pleats’ are enclosed to accommodate support services and the ‘black box’ exhibits. This leaves the main central space column-free and open offering greatest flexibility to exhibit the museum’s world-class collection.
The smooth and fluent design of the facade challenged planners and craftsmen. Roof and facade outlines are enveloped with titanium-zinc which emphases the design and reminds of the gleaming slide of the Clyde. It is also is a elegant, durable weather protection for the building thanks to rear-ventilated curtain walling. Titanium-zinc is only manufactured by Rheinzink in Northwest Germany. Here the finish "Pre-weathered Blue-Grey" has been used.
© Zaha Hadid Architects
Zaha Hadid says: “Through architecture, we can investigate future possibilities yet also explore the cultural foundations that have defined the city. The Riverside Museum is a fantastic and truly unique project where the exhibits and building come together at this prominent and historic location on the Clyde to enthuse and inspire all visitors. The design, combining geometric
complexity with structural ingenuity and material authenticity, continues Glasgow’s rich engineering traditions and will be a part of the city’s future as a centre of innovation."
Project: Glasgow Riverside Museum of Transport
Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
Client: Glasgow City Council
Construction: Buro Happold
Roof and Facades: RHEINZINK GmbH & Co. KG
Project Volume: 11.300 m2
Exhibition Area: 7.000 m2
Site Area: 22.400 m2
Footprint Area: 7.800m2
Duration: 2004-2011
Opening: 21 June 2011
Further Information:
Zaha Hadid Architects - www.zaha-hadid.com
RHEINZINK GmbH & Co. KG
- www.rheinzink.com
german version