DOMunder subterranean museum beneath utrecht by JDdV architecten

DOMunder subterranean museum beneath utrecht by JDdV architecten
image © oliver schuh | palladium photodesign
all images courtesy of JDdV architecten

dom square in utrecht is a location filled with over 20 centuries of archeological artifacts built and destroyed by various natural and human forces. on june 2, dutch studio JDdV architecten opened the subterranean DOMunder museum located between the ancient tower and cathedral. accessible only by a staircase covered by robust interlocking corten bars that completely fold into the ground, the procession through the cyclical underground path provides many opportunities to discover the square’s history through the carefully preserved ruins.

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image © oliver schuh | palladium photodesign

the site had already been partially started in 1949 by archeologist van giffen, which provided a strong basis for the completion of the project. extensive research was carried out to create a detailed 3d model of the site in order to find the most logical flow of traffic without compromising the structural or aesthetic qualities of the ruins. reaching a depth of 4.7 meters and a total surface area of 350 m2, staggered steel walls and multimedia panels inform visitors of the various points of interest, accessible by a sinuous concrete pathway supported upon steel piers to minimize the impact on the fragile excavation.

image © oliver schuh | palladium photodesign

the trajectory through the experience is also designed such that artifacts are exposed from precise spots- that is to say that although it can be considered one open space, specific archeological pieces and injected structure are strategically placed to preserve the element of surprise.

the structure along the path tells a story of what was once existing from the ruins
image © oliver schuh | palladium photodesign