20.6.2017.
The new Design Museum in London opened in late 2016 on Kensington High Street. It was moved to the west end of London from an old site on the south side which was near the Tower Bridge.
Once upon a time, in the late 1980s, there was a banana warehouse that was renovated and adapted to museum space. The facility became small and insufficient for its needs, so in 2008 a new site was found, which had been in operation for about ten years.
It is a former Commonwealth Institute that has been expanded and reconstructed to provide 10,000m2.
For the museum, this meant three times as much space as in the previous home. The new building includes two galleries, permanent exhibits, a restaurant overlooking Holland Park, an amphitheater, a library, an archive, the Swarovski Center and many other amenities.
Works from various fields of design, such as architecture, fashion, industrial and product design are exhibited, and much is being done to promote innovative design.
This structure is conceived with the idea of having a vital function in the sphere of teaching, while at the same time being a place for socialising where people are be able to relax, sit, eat and drink something.
In addition to the museum function, the idea is to be a place to go out and relax. Combining culture and camaraderie in London has already come to life through the Somerset House, Serpentine Gallery, Tate and many other places where people can gather on weekends and evenings.
The Design Museum is a temple of design not only by idea but also by its appearance. The project was worked by architect John Pawson in charge of the interior of the building, Allies and Morrison in charge of the facade, then OMA and the engineering firm Arup.
A spacious, clean, welcoming and very warm friendly environment that reminds me personally (due to its spaciousness and height) of old forums where people met, stayed, talked or enjoyed themselves.
Wood, marble, Italian terrazzo floors, oak and lighting in special recesses reflect minimalism but also comfort and informality.
Sir Terence Conran, one of the founders of the first Design Museum, and a large donor to the new museum when it moved to the new facility, was shaken to tears and stated that he would like to live there.
Another confirmation of the success of this project is the European Museum of the Year, the Leading Culture Destinations Award, which is considered a museum Oscar and is awarded on the basis of quality educational programs, permanent exhibitions and temporary exhibitions.
The turning point for the Design Museum is the millionth visitor and Ferrari exhibition seen by over 100,000 people.
All in all, what else to say and add to the fact that culture in the world is definitely turning towards the common man, is not a long-time elitist idea, it is teasing and making a place in everyday life and trying to connect in a simple way necessary and beautiful.
The museum can enrich people's lives with interesting content and make in this case that design, which is an inevitable part of all of us, is absolutely accessible to everyone.
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