Moscow Polytechnic Museum by Leeser Architecture

Project: Moscow Polytechnic Museum
Designed by Leeser Architecture
Consultant: Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design
Location: Moscow, Russia
Website: www.leeser.com
Leeser Architecture's design for Moscow Polytechnic Museum takes the 2nd prize in the internationally run competition for the project proposal. For more images and architects description continue after the jump:

 

From the Architects:

Leeser Architecture was awarded second prize in the international competition for the reconstruction and renovation of Moscow's Polytechnic Museum. The 430,000 sq ft Museum was built in three stages from 1887 to 1907 and has since become an architectural and cultural landmark in Moscow. Leeser Architecture's design included covering the courtyards of the existing building with an additional 22,000 sq ft of exhibition space identified as 'the Cloud.' The Cloud, comprised of all glass, floats above the proposed active courtyard spaces, allowing for visitors to experience the feeling of walking on air . When occupying the Cloud visitors are granted unprecedented views over the city of Moscow establishing the Museum as a cultural destination.

The concept of the Cloud embeds itself in the project both formally and functionally. Leeser proposed that the program of the building takes on the dynamic, current, and evolving nature of clouds. The integration of innovative technologies, such as a digital archive brings the Museum's overwhelming collection into the 21st century, making the museum more accessible to a wider audience. Other main features include a robotic library and hydraulic theater, allowing for infinite flexibility of space configuration of the courtyard.