Textile Testemonies

Project idea

The design concept for the museum in the former Schindler factory in Brünnlitz aims to reflect the multifaceted history of this site. The exhibition combines the historical events of World War II with the rich tradition of textile production under the management of the Löw-Beer family.

The central idea of the concept is to use textiles as both an exhibition element and an information carrier. This choice not only symbolizes the original use of the factory but also the complex intertwining of human fates associated with this place.

Project description

The spatial concept of the exhibition is deliberately designed to visualize the contrasts of history. By alternating between renovated warm rooms and deliberately unrenovated cold rooms, which reflect the original state of the building, the contrast between the events before, during, and after the Holocaust is highlighted through colorful and black-and-white areas.

At the heart of the exhibition is an impressive video installation (05) that intertwines and connects different time periods. On a first screen, the moving testimonies of survivors recounting their experiences in the concentration camp are shown. These narratives are visually supported on a second, staggered screen behind the first, displaying historical footage of the former concentration camp. This combination of personal testimonies and historical imagery adds depth to the narratives, allowing visitors to empathize more deeply with the stories being told.

While the survivors speak, openings in the floor offer a view of the ground floor. Through frosted glass, visitors can see the colorful textile exhibition, showcasing the works of Holocaust survivors Anni Albers and Otti Berger, as well as contemporary textile artists. This visual connection between the dark accounts of the past and the vibrant art of the present creates a striking contrast and underscores the importance of textile art as a medium of memory and expression.

The design is complemented by the repurposing of the "former Spinning Hall," which is specifically aimed at meeting the needs of the residents of Brünnlitz, not just museum visitors. This hall is intended to house a modern site for today's textile manufacturing in Brünnlitz. Here, local textile artists and craftsmen can produce and display their work. In addition to textile production, a community center is also planned. This space provides the residents of Brünnlitz with a venue for various activities and events, promoting social interaction and strengthening the community.

The community center is accessed through a spacious corridor, which also serves as an informal exhibition space for the textile manufactory for the community.

Technical information

The design incorporates a strategy to maintain the industrial character of the former Schindler factory by selectively leaving parts of the building partially unsanitized while renovating others.

Damages to the walls will be filled using glass bricks, preserving the original aesthetic while ensuring structural integrity and allowing natural light to permeate through the spaces. This approach not only honors the historical integrity of the site but also enhances the visual appeal and functionality of the renovated areas.

This technical specification ensures a harmonious blend of preservation and modernization, creating a unique and functional environment that respects the heritage of the Schindler factory.

Documentation

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