Schindler's Ark Museum

Project idea

The adaptation project for the post-industrial area in Brněnec, Czech Republic, was developed in accordance with the conditions of the Schindler’s Ark Saving Competition. The project involves adapting the factory, the post-German garrison, and the office building for museum use as the first stage of creating a new city center.

Site analysis and historical research focused on uncovering the genius loci and Schindler’s history. The functional assumptions, form, construction, and technical description with graphic components were presented. Modern materials and technologies were applied to make the buildings environmentally friendly and nearly zero-energy.

The museum is planned in the four-story factory (usable area 4,805.5 m²) and the two-story garrison (usable area 469.1 m²), with a catering point in the office building (usable area 98.5 m²). The buildings are coated with white photocatalytic paint, giving them a model-like appearance while preserving the original room layouts and structural details.

The site development plan includes creating a new urban space on a plot of 41,659.70 m², which will become the heart of the city, with a walkway connecting the museum area to the rest of the city. The adaptation of buildings and the coherent public space, which fits into the broader spatial context, preserves the historical monument and integrates the local community, contributing to the city’s development.

Project description

IDEA...

Adapting the post-industrial buildings of Schindler’s former factory into a museum is a fascinating architectural and cultural challenge. It allows for the preservation of industrial heritage and its reinterpretation in the context of modern social needs. My main goals for transforming the post-industrial area of Brněnec include functionality and innovation to create an inspiring museum and a new city center.

Purpose of adaptation

The primary goal of adaptation is to transform the historic industrial building into a modern museum that will serve as an educational, cultural, and social space. The adaptation aims to preserve the structural and aesthetic values of the building while introducing new functions that will attract a wide range of visitors.

Design Assumptions

The adaptation project is based on several key assumptions:

Preservation of architectural heritage

An integral part of the project is preserving original architectural elements, such as the steel structure, brick walls, large windows, and other characteristic industrial details. This maintains the building’s historical identity while integrating new functions.

Functionality and flexibility

The museum space must be flexible to accommodate various exhibitions and events. The project envisions open, modular spaces that can be easily adapted to changing needs. Permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, workshop rooms, and interactive zones are integral parts of the project.

Interactivity and modern technologies

The museum should utilize the latest technologies to offer interactive experiences for visitors. The use of multimedia, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) will create engaging and educational exhibitions.

Educational and social spaces

In addition to traditional exhibition spaces, the museum will have educational rooms, workshop spaces, and areas for social gatherings and events. Cafes, museum shops, and rest areas will create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

New public spaces

The project also plans to create new public spaces around the post-industrial buildings that will serve the local community. Squares, parks, and promenades are planned to promote community integration and attract visitors. These spaces aim to give the area back to the people, creating a new city center that becomes the heart of the local community.

Space and functionality

The project aims to create spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Exhibition spaces will be designed to maximize the use of natural light and facilitate easy visitor movement. The main theme in the museum’s interior design will be hanging translucent fabrics, referencing the factory’s history and creating a dreamlike, mysterious atmosphere. Educational zones will be equipped with modern technologies, enabling interactive workshops and classes.

New public spaces will be designed with the comfort and needs of residents in mind. Open green areas with seating, playgrounds for children, and recreational zones will create a friendly and accessible place for everyone.

Film festival in the new center

Nearby Brněnec, in Brno, an annual film festival attracts cinema lovers from across the region. The newly designed center, along with the adapted post-industrial buildings, will be an ideal place to expand this festival. A new, modern building dedicated to cultural events is planned, completing the urban layout and creating a harmonious whole.

The film festival in the new center will feature film screenings, workshops, lectures, and meetings with filmmakers. Outdoor film screenings in the green spaces around the building will create a unique atmosphere and foster community integration. Open public spaces, designed for various events, will encourage meetings and shared experiences for residents and festival guests.

Aesthetics and identity of the place

The aesthetics of the adapted building will harmoniously combine industrial elements with modern design. The use of raw materials such as steel and concrete, combined with modern architectural details, will create a unique character. The project also considers integration with the surroundings, ensuring a harmonious connection with existing urban infrastructure and landscape.

Public spaces will be designed to reflect the historical character of the place while introducing modern urban landscape elements. Greenery, small architecture, and art installations will be key elements creating a new identity for the space.

Conclusions

Adapting a post-industrial building into a museum requires consideration of many architectural, functional, and aesthetic aspects. Transforming a historical space into a modern museum allows for the preservation of industrial heritage while creating an inspiring and functional place for the community. The design assumptions aim to create a space that is both educational and engaging for visitors. Additionally, creating new public spaces around the museum will contribute to community integration and establish a new city center, becoming a dynamic meeting place for recreation and culture. Introducing the film festival to the newly designed center will enrich the cultural offering and attract more visitors, creating a unique atmosphere and shared experiences for residents and guests.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CONCEPT OF FORM

Schindler’s Ark Museum, housed in three historic buildings—the former Schindler factory, the post-German garrison, and Schindler’s office building—is a unique example of architectural adaptation. Combining historical elements with modern ones, it creates a space for memory, education, and reflection that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally advanced.

Design concept and functional layout

The entire design concept and functional layout of Schindler’s Ark Museum suggest ephemerality, reminiscent of the fleeting nature of time and human life. The museum spaces not only educate and inform but also engage emotionally, creating unforgettable experiences. Modern technologies and interactive exhibits allow visitors to deeply immerse themselves in history, bridging the past and present.

Facades and finishes

The historic buildings are coated with white photocatalytic paint with a satin finish, giving them the appearance of a white model of the complex. This technique not only highlights their architectural qualities but also subtly reflects the surroundings, creating dynamic interaction with the space. All new architectural elements, marked in ultramarine, contrast with the white facades, introducing a contemporary accent and visual interest. The windows are glazed with white frosted glass, enhancing the model-like effect and introducing an element of mystery, suggesting that something extraordinary awaits inside.

Main entrance and glazing

The main entrance to the museum, covered and glazed with an ultramarine structure, serves as a clear and modern landmark. Glass bay windows have been added to the former factory building, contrasting with the white facades and serving as rest areas for visitors. Between the factory and the garrison, a glass walkway has been installed, with its glazing covered by opaque ultramarine panels. Visitors walking along the walkway cast shadows visible outside, creating an intriguing visual effect that adds depth and movement to the entire structure.

Garrison adaptation

The post-German garrison has been entirely stripped of internal walls, leaving only the external cladding. The interior has been transformed by installing a ramp that guides visitors through the final stage of the exhibition to the museum’s exit. Collapsed parts of the garrison roof have been overbuilt with a glazed structure covered by ultramarine panels equipped with thin-film photovoltaic cells on the eastern and southern sides. These cells not only provide energy but also introduce a modern, ecological aspect to the project.

Communication and service spaces

After exiting the museum through the garrison, visitors pass under an arcade that provides shelter in rainy weather, leading to a small catering point located in the former Schindler office building. This corridor also leads to a multifunctional factory hall, which can be used for various events, from exhibitions to conferences and cultural activities.

Museum interiors

The museum interiors are designed to evoke a sense of mystery and reflection on transience. The industrial spaces are divided by flowing layers of fabric, creating labyrinths and serving as a backdrop for images and multimedia presentations. The floors are made of resin with a smooth, satin finish, which slightly reflects the surroundings, enhancing the sense of spaciousness. The museum exhibition uses advanced multimedia technologies to provide a deep and engaging experience for visitors.

Integration of history and modernity

The use of white photocatalytic paint and ultramarine in modern architectural elements creates a dialogue between the past and the present. The white facades symbolize the “purity” of Schindler’s intentions in saving his workers, while the ultramarine introduces a contemporary touch, symbolizing renewal and hope. Frosted glass glazing adds mystery and encourages visitors to reflect on the site’s history.

Ecological solutions

The integration of thin-film photovoltaic cells in the overbuilt garrison structure and the glass walkway not only provides energy but also highlights the museum’s commitment to sustainable development. This modern technological solution exemplifies how architecture can combine aesthetics with functionality and ecology.

Educational and cultural spaces

The multifunctional factory hall and workshop rooms in the former Schindler office building are adapted for various educational and cultural activities. Workshops, lectures, and exhibitions organized there will promote active participation and engagement from the local community and visitors from other regions.

Conclusions

Schindler’s Ark Museum is a modern center of memory and education that harmoniously combines the past with the future and history with modernity. The project not only commemorates Holocaust survivors but also creates a space for reflection, education, and culture, engaging visitors both visually and emotionally. It is a place that reminds us of the ephemerality of human life and history while promoting values such as renewal, hope, and sustainable development. Schindler’s Ark Museum is an excellent example of how innovative architectural approaches can contribute to preserving and reinterpreting historical heritage in the context of contemporary social needs.

Technical information

Technological, Technical, Structural, and Installation Solutions in the Adaptation of Schindler’s Ark, Post-German Garrison, and Schindler’s Former Office Building in Brněnec, Czech Republic

Technological Solutions

Photocatalytic Paint:

• The historic buildings have been coated with white photocatalytic paint with a satin finish. This innovative material not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also actively breaks down pollutants, contributing to a cleaner environment. The paint requires less frequent cleaning and maintenance, preserving the model-like appearance of the buildings.

Multimedia and Interactive Exhibits:

• Advanced multimedia technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), have been integrated into the museum exhibits to create immersive and engaging visitor experiences. Interactive touchscreens and digital displays provide detailed historical information, creating an interactive educational environment that connects visitors with the past.

Photovoltaic Panels:

• Thin-film photovoltaic panels have been installed on the overbuilt roof structures and the glass walkway. These panels generate renewable energy, contributing to the museum’s sustainability efforts and reducing operational costs. The integration of solar energy systems aligns with modern ecological standards and supports the museum’s commitment to green energy.

Smart Building Technologies:

• The adaptation incorporates smart building technologies for energy management, security, and climate control. These systems allow for real-time monitoring and optimization of energy use, enhancing the building’s efficiency and reducing its environmental footprint.

Technical Solutions

Energy-Efficient Systems:

• The adaptation includes the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems to ensure optimal climate control while minimizing energy consumption. These systems use advanced sensors and controls to maintain stable indoor conditions, critical for the preservation of historical artifacts and the comfort of visitors.

Lighting:

• LED lighting solutions have been employed throughout the buildings to provide efficient and adjustable lighting. This includes both general illumination and spotlights to highlight specific exhibits and architectural features. The lighting design is flexible, allowing for different configurations depending on the exhibition requirements.

Soundproofing:

• Soundproofing materials have been used in walls, ceilings, and floors to enhance the acoustic environment within the museum. This ensures a pleasant experience for visitors and minimizes noise pollution, creating a serene atmosphere conducive to reflection and learning.

Insulation:

• High-performance insulation materials have been used to improve the thermal efficiency of the buildings. This not only enhances energy efficiency but also helps maintain a stable internal temperature, reducing the load on HVAC systems.

Structural Solutions

Structural Reinforcement:

• The historic buildings, including the former factory and garrison, have undergone structural reinforcement to ensure their stability and safety. This includes the use of modern reinforcement materials and techniques that preserve the original architectural integrity. The structural upgrades are designed to withstand contemporary building codes and standards while maintaining historical authenticity.

Glass Structures:

• Glass bay windows and a glass walkway have been added to the former factory building. These structures not only provide resting areas and connect different parts of the museum but also create visual depth and movement. The glass elements introduce natural light into the buildings, enhancing the visitor experience and reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Ramps and Accessibility:

• Ramps and elevators have been installed to ensure the buildings are accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities. This includes the ramp in the garrison leading visitors through the final stage of the exhibition to the museum exit. The design prioritizes universal accessibility, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the museum.

Installation Solutions

HVAC Systems:

• State-of-the-art HVAC systems have been installed to manage heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable and stable environment for both visitors and exhibits. These systems are equipped with advanced filters and humidity control to protect sensitive artifacts and provide a healthy indoor climate.

Plumbing and Sanitary Installations:

• Modern plumbing systems have been installed, including high-efficiency toilets, washrooms, and technical rooms. These installations are designed to meet the needs of high visitor traffic while being environmentally friendly. Water-saving fixtures and greywater recycling systems are integrated to minimize water usage.

Electrical Installations:

• The electrical system has been completely updated to meet modern standards. This includes the installation of energy-efficient lighting, emergency lighting systems, and power outlets throughout the museum. Advanced electrical systems also support the multimedia exhibits and interactive displays.

Fire Safety:

• Comprehensive fire safety systems, including smoke detectors, sprinklers, and fire extinguishers, have been integrated into the buildings to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. The fire safety plan includes clear evacuation routes and emergency lighting to guide visitors in case of an emergency.

Security Systems:

• Advanced security systems, including CCTV cameras, motion detectors, and access control, have been installed to protect the museum’s collections and ensure the safety of visitors. The security system is integrated with the building management system for real-time monitoring and response.

Summary

The adaptation of Schindler’s Ark, the post-German garrison, and Schindler’s former office building in Brněnec incorporates a range of advanced technological, technical, structural, and installation solutions. These solutions not only preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the buildings but also enhance their functionality and sustainability. The integration of modern technologies and sustainable practices ensures that the adapted buildings serve as a dynamic and engaging museum space, contributing to the cultural and educational landscape of the region.

By utilizing innovative materials and technologies, the adaptation project promotes energy efficiency, environmental responsibility, and historical preservation. The combination of these elements creates a museum that honors the past while embracing the future, providing a meaningful and memorable experience for all visitors.

Documentation

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