Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat has won an international competition for the new entrance and extension of the Drents Museum in Assen, the Netherlands. The new wing of the museum comprises approximately 2.000 m2 and will be completed in 2011. The most important aspect of Erick van Egeraat’s design is the consistent integration of the museum into the fabric of the city. A balanced play of building, landscape and water, creates a new identity for the extended museum. The staggered, organic roof of the new wing connects existing gardens and parks in the city. Erick van Egeraat is thus creating a publicly accessible park. Openings in the roof allow light to penetrate into the exhibition spaces below. The new wing links the new entrance with existing parts of the museum and the city landscape.

Subterranean museum extension with rooftop-park

An existing coach-house will serve as the museum’s new main entrance. Lifted 1 meter above the ground, the existing structure rests on a glass plinth, revealing the building’s new function in an elegant manner. The historic façade is left untouched, therefore preserving the buildings civic appearance. During the day, the glass plinth allows light to enter the building. At night, interior lighting transforms the coach-house into a beacon for the city and its inhabitants. The design reinforces both the scenic character and the cultural-historic face of Assen’s city centre.

Go to website Drents Museum
Go to website Erik van Egeraat and associates

New museum entrance in elevated coach-house