Xtu architects: museum of civilizations

‘MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATIONS [ET DE L’UNITE REUNIONNAISE]’ BY XTU ARCHITECTS images © platform THE ‘MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATIONS [ET DE L’UNITE REUNIONNAISE]’ BY PARIS BASED FIRM XTU ARCHITECTS

LOCATED IN ST-PAUL, LA RÉUNION ISLAND, FRANCE IS MOVING FORWARD. sited on the coast of the indian ocean and within the arid african savanna, this center bridges traffic induced highways and

nearby molten lava. to combat the warm climate and dry conditions, a spiraling program arrangement and prevalent openings in the facade allow air to pass though all education, meeting, and

gallery spaces. the dynamic circulation paths unwind to reveal views of the nearby city along with unique interior lighting effects to visitors. site approach the exhibition corridors wrap

around a central garden and patio named the ‘grand kour’ which is planted with banians, also known as fig trees and other lush tropical vegetation. a combination of periodic misting and the

ocean breeze will cool down the interior spaces eliminating the need for air conditioning. maintaining a neutral presence in the landscape, the curtain wall is sheathed with vertical planks

of a warm wood and the roof maximizes solar energy with photovoltaic membranes. entrance to museum exposition area garden promenade courtyard garden lobby in atrium gathering space education

spaces exposition area auditorium video gallery interior illuminated at night surrounding plaza at night site plan site plan floor plan / level 0 section facade light study lighting plan

model image © XTU project info: name: museum of civilizations [et de l’unite reunionnaise] location: st-paul, la réunion island, france client: réunion governement designer/architect: XTU —

anouk legendre + nicolas desmazieres team: amelie busin, guillerme de sa, iliana genova, nicolas jomain, mathias lukacs, guillaume mazars, and joan tarragon expected year of completion:

september 2012 program: cultural total floor area: 15.600 m² shon total site area: 48.200 m² cost: 49 m € ttc lauren grieco I designboom jul 27, 2011