LoT and Prormin have collaborated on an entry for the international architecture competition of Liget-Budapest for the design of the new National Gallery and Ludwig Museum complex.A prominent landmark building for the city of Budapest, the museum building complex is conceptually conceived as a monolithic Park Pavilion whose design approach blends concepts of classical references with contemporary abstract forms and architectural notions. The architectural concept presents a seemingly simple volumetric exterior that reveals a rich and spatially complex interior, with a variation of spatial experiences based upon the programmatic conditions.
 
The museum’s geometry stems from the most simple, economic and ergonomic form, a box. The box is then bent and molded into an embracing form reminiscent of classical architecture’s semi-circular formations.
 
The overall volume of the building relates to the flow of public movement on the surrounding site and responds accordingly with a sensitive treatment of its different frontages while maintaining an overall monumental yet elegant aesthetic. The concave volume of the urban-facing elevation invites visitors and passers-by to approach and gather in the Urban Plaza. Grand volumetric openings evoke monumental gestures, and encourage the imagination to anticipate the spatial qualities of the interior.
The large arched outdoor entry plaza is positioned right on the historical axis and symbolically separates the two museum entities at the entry level.
 
The visitor’s gallery experience starts from the common arched entry area for both museums. This area becomes the heart of the museum complex where large groups can gather under one roof to prepare their visit inside, enjoy the framed views to the city and the park, use the museum outdoor recreational areas and experience the architectural quality of this unique space.

The areas adjacently located to the primary public access of vaulted cross-sections become inhabited by program that provides a key source of income to the museum and can be perceived as the most pleasant, open spaces in the building.

The building structure is designed to economically produce an impressive cantilever effect at the entry area and over the public spaces. It is a straightforward structural system using reinforced concrete, yet one that offers great spatial conditions to the interior.
The complex primarily makes use of simple natural materials, such as brick and stone for the walls and floors respectively, with an emphasis on the concept of authenticity in materiality, thus crafting a classically familiar and everlasting contemporary form complemented by a forward-looking design process.
 
 PROJECT INFORMATION

Project title and location
National Gallery and Ludwig Museum, Budapest, Hungary
Architect
LoT + Phormin
Architect Info
LoT
office for architecture
www.lot-arch.com

Prormin
Architecture and Visualization
www.phormin.com/
Project Team
LoT: Leonidas Trampoukis (Partner in charge), Eleni Petaloti
Phormin: Dimitris Kalemis – Armir Shapllo
Interior Design
LoT – Phormin
Renderings
Phormin
Commissioner
International Two stage competition – Liget Budapest
Total built area
49000 m²
Project Year
2014
Construction schedule
competition to be repeated by organizers
Status
Competition entry
 
 
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