Weishaupt Forum, Schwendi, 1989-1993. Exterior. Architect: Richard Meier
A commission from an enlightened industrialist to complete his factory's social and cultural agenda resulted in a harmonious building through what the architect has termed, reciprocol transparencies, reflecting its regard upon itself and to its immediate natural surroundings. This fuel engineering manufacturer, whose facilities are located on the outskirts of a village in Upper Swabia, requested a program of training center, dining facilities, meeting rooms and exhibit space for his impressive 20th century art collection, combined with his company's award-winning industrial designs, which he wished to make available to the building creates a signature point of entry to the complex, and is bordered by the front of the existing factory to the west, with a stream and hedge on its oblique, east side. A two-storey covered passage acts as a spine for the campus and for the new in white, heat-insulated, aluminum panels with frequent transparency and multiple points of access, the two-part forum gracefully enfolds a pristine carpet of green lawn at its center, views to which trainees, museum visitors and cafeteria diners are drawn. An extraordinary degree of attention to detail results in the perfect alignment of design intention, proportion and materials. Beyond highest standards of quality in design and construction, this new addition to a factory complex enhances its occupants' experience of architecture: it reveals time, encourages social interaction, facilitates learning and presents fine art in most liberating conditions.
Size: 4371px × 6615px
Location: Germany
Photo credit: © Marcus Bleyl / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1989-1993, architecture, art, buildings, contemporary, cultural, exterior, exteriors, forum, galleries, gallery, germany, meier, modern, museum, museums, panels, pure, richard, schwendi, weishaupt, white
