herzog & de meuron establish kolkata museum of modern art

herzog & de meuron establish kolkata museum of modern art
all images courtesy of kolkata museum of modern art

construction has started at herzog & de meuron‘s first project in india, a new cultural center which will further establish kolkata as a city of the arts. the proposed ‘kolkata museum of modern art‘ (KMOMA) seeks to highlight the important role that museums play in society, supporting creatives, students and scholars. the 50,000 square meter project is divided, with the first zone containing gallery space, educational amenities and a theater, and the second forming a ‘culture-city’ offering dining and event facilities, artist studio and residences and various retail outlets. the museum will house both indian and international pieces of art, dating from the late 18th century to the present day.

KMOMA seeks to highlight the important role that art and museums can play in society

the design comprises a collection of stacked rectilinear blocks which communicate the program’s diversity. at each entrance to the site courtyards and external streets are formed between the building’s volumes, guiding visitors towards a plaza in the center of the scheme. recognizing the importance of public space in india, a staircase encircling the project connects additional social areas. inspired by temple architecture, the façade of the building references traditional indian filigrees which allow light to gently infiltrate the interior.

an external staircase connects the museum and its numerous public spaces

the new museum incorporates passive environmental systems to control the building’s climate throughout the hot summers and kolkata’s monsoon season. the uniquely cast stone volumes are positioned to allow for direct sunlight, or to shade external areas of the design.

the layout of the design guides visitors towards a plaza in the center of the scheme

integral to the project, the area surrounding the building has been landscaped in order to connect the proposal within its environmental context. guests arriving at the museum will approach the structure through lush green plantation. a water basin in the central plaza, which retreats during the drier months, will swell during the monsoon season, reflecting the region’s seasonal variation.

the stone volumes have been positioned to allow for direct sunlight, or to shade external areas of the design