Arengario - Milano

2021 - Conpetition

CONCEPT
The Call for Proposals asks for an idea for the expansion of the Museo del Novecento, currently limited to Arengario 1, into Arengario 2, which would promote the continuity of the exhibition spaces with the aim of enhancing new exhibition proposals and extending the offer of integrated services.

The continuity of functions presupposes a path that allows the public to perceive a logical temporal progression. The comncept of the project intends to formally connect the two Arengari through a single CIRCULAR PATH that reorders all the exhibition spaces and integrated functions.

The Hanging Connection
In a space dominated by two buildings of unquestionable iconic value, the proposal to add a declared but limited sign of innovation aims to interpret the contaminations between different phases of history.

The architectural solution is a light and essential structure, which completes the north side of Piazza Duomo.

At the center of the suspended connection there is a room of about 8 x 8m covered by a barrel vault resting on the two vertical load-bearing partitions.
Carefully illuminated at night, it can characterize the future of the square with something bold but not in contrast with the surroundings.

The Underground Connection
It is located under the square and unites the vertical paths of the two Towers: stairs, elevators, helical ramp. In correspondence with the arch it presents an enlargement, with a square glass covering that illuminates a rest area.

The current and single entrance from Piazza Palazzo Reale and Via Marconi is confirmed. Here begins and ends the path for the public along the exhibition rooms that follow one another in chronological order with an ascending trend in A1 up to the room dedicated to Lucio Fontana and descending in A2.

The new exhibition halls in Arengario 2
They are located in correspondence with the 1st and 2nd architectural order of the building, characterized by high arched openings and a loggia overlooking Piazza Duomo.

In the 2nd order, the intermediate floor is eliminated and replaced by volumes suspended in the void hanging from new beams placed under the existing beams supporting the roof.

In the 1st order, the intermediate floor is partially eliminated and redesigned to allow the entire height of the order to be perceived.

The second tower becomes a showcase for art, always visible even from the square. A new way of presenting art to the public made possible by the formal characteristics of the building.

Public Spaces
The expansion of the Museum in A2 allows the completion of the provision of services for the public. The project distributes these functions at the base of the circular route in a position that also allows for independent use.

The Auditorium
It is preceded by the Foyer created in the portico that maintains the original function of a place of passage and lively public relations in continuity with Piazza Duomo.
Its volume allows the insertion of a Hall for 120 people versatile and adaptable to multiple activities: conferences, concerts, locations, screenings and parties.
The Hall is a "closed" volume inside the "open" volume of the portico, raised above the level of the square.
Its regular shape allows easy changes of use.
From the Hall there is direct access to the bar at coplanar level, as from the foyer at square level. The auditorium is connected to the Museum and the city.

Kunsthalle
The circular route ends with the bookshop and the underground connection that takes the visitor back to the entrance/exit of the Museum. It lends itself to being an additional exhibition space full of visual and sound suggestions in tune with the artistic experience just lived.