A PRISM TO VIEW ART & LIFE

Using the metaphor of a Prism, the form of MOMA Warsaw comments on the inherent nature of viewing ‘Art’. It is through the eyes of the viewers that we see ‘Art’ – which is essentially the physical manifestation of what the eyes of the artist’s sees. In turn, the museum, being a setting for the display of art, becomes a prismatic medium, to view art. In MOMA Warsaw, the artwork and the viewer are continuously placed in a ‘life’ environment (with constant reference to the Park and the Municipal City Square), giving palpable sense to a ‘real’ and ‘virtual’ relationship between art and life. Art (when strict climatic control is not a must) is no longer placed in a static environment, but its meaning and value varies according to the light of the day, the mood and the events happening around it.

A PUBLIC ANTE ROOM TO THE MUNICIPAL CITY SQUARE

The MOMA Warsaw is lifted off the ground to create a seamless connection between the Municipal City Square and the Park. A covered plaza is created by the museum, which serves as a public ante room to the square. Appropriately, this is also where one finds the entrance to the museum.

BRINGING NATURE TO THE MUSEUM, ART TO THE PARK

The prismatic, reflective quality of the museum envelope, reflects the greenery of park right to the under belly of the museum. Visually, the park is brought to the very entrance of the museum, and vice versa, the activities of the museum plaza can be discerned from the park.
In addition, courtyards through the museum bring daylight to the plaza, allows the various layers of the museum with its greenery to be appreciated by the people at the plaza. It is also proposed that art installation be placed in the park, accentuating the theme to bring art to the people. Lighting and landscape can further enhance the strong connectivity of the park to the museum and the square.

MUSEUM BEING AN ICON OF LIFESTYLE

Rather than having an ‘ivory tower’ image, the museum is designed to become an icon of the lifestyle of the people of Warsaw. Going to the museum is celebrated as a lifestyle choice that comes to mind as easily as planning a date. It should be lively and highly visible to the public all times of the day and night. The galleries are surrounded by an interstitial space encased by a prismatic envelope that allows artwork to be displayed and seen by all – from the park, the city square – virtually anywhere within the line of sight. It is a museum that never sleeps. One can imagine, the plaza becoming a lively and eventful place and the museum is popular for its relevance to the lifestyle landscape of Warsaw.