MUDEC (Museum of Cultures) by David Chipperfield

In the layered fabric of Milan's architectural chronicles, the MUDEC (Museum of Cultures) designed by David Chipperfield stands as a poised testament to modern ingenuity seamlessly woven into the city's historic lineage.

A transformative endeavor undertaken by David Chipperfield in 2015, the MUDEC gracefully navigates the nuanced challenge of retrofitting dormant industrial skeletons into pulsating hubs of culture. The city's 1999 ambition of metamorphosing the erstwhile Ansaldo factory premises has found its vibrant epilogue in this museum - an institution envisioned to not just house exhibitions, but to also initiate dialogues, curate memories, and foster urban rejuvenation.

The architectural narrative of MUDEC is fascinating in its duality. On the one hand, it resonates with the introspective rhythm of Milan's iconic courtyards; on the other, it makes a deliberate departure, embracing its industrial ancestry. Enclosed within the embrace of historical edifices, the museum's ensemble of square blocks, donned in grey titanium zinc, pays homage to the area's industrial roots. This elemental robustness is juxtaposed with the ethereal shimmer of fritted mirrored glass, crafting a compelling visage of modernity paying respects to its storied precursor.

But it's in the heart of this architectural symphony that Chipperfield orchestrates his pièce de résistance – the central hall. An oasis of light and form, its fluidic design provides a luminous counterpoint to the regimented exterior. It's here that visitors find their compass, with galleries unfolding in a harmonious continuum around this luminous epicenter. And while the structural details – from the peristyle columns evoking cloistered archways to the Loos-inspired proportional gallery spaces – showcase Chipperfield's meticulous craftsmanship, it's the holistic experience of the MUDEC that truly captivates. It stands as a reminder that architecture, at its best, is not merely about constructing spaces, but about curating experiences and fostering cultural continuum.

Photo: Luis Urbano
Text: @zaxarov

→ https://thisispaper.com/mag/mudec-museum-of-cultures-david-chipperfield