bjarke ingels group plans vast indoor maze for the national building museum

bjarke ingels group plans vast indoor maze for the national building museum
rendering courtesy BIG-bjarke ingels group / national building museum

bjarke ingels group has unveiled plans for a ‘BIG maze’ to be constructed at the national building museum in washington DC. constructed from baltic birch plywood, the 18-foot tall structure comprises a series of twists and turns, allowing guests to explore the vast labyrinth. referencing european hedge mazes from the 17th and 18th centuries, the 345 square meter design will be situated in the west court of the institution’s historic great hall.

from the outside, the complex routes are hidden behind 5 and a half meter walls, which slowly descend as they reach the center point. consequently, at the heart of the scheme a 360 degree panorama is presented to visitors, finally revealing their escape route. the maze is also seen from above via the hall’s second and third floor balconies, offering unexpected and revealing views of the labyrinth below.

at the heart of the scheme a 360 degree panorama is presented to visitors, finally revealing their escape route
rendering courtesy BIG-bjarke ingels group / national building museum

‘the concept is simple: as you travel deeper into a maze, your path typically becomes more convoluted. what if we invert this scenario and create a maze that brings clarity and visual understanding upon reaching the heart of the labyrinth?’, commented bjarke ingels.

‘this distinctive maze offers our visitors a chance to physically interact with the work of a cutting-edge, international design firm,’ said chase w. rynd, executive director of the national building museum. ‘it will be a great framework for exploring the exhibition later in the fall.’

the project, the museum’s first large scale installation for 26 years, forms a preview for an upcoming exhibition which will explore the architectural design process through the work of the international danish firm. titled amBIGuity, screenings start at the national building museum in october 2014. the ‘BIG maze’ opens at the national building museum from july 4th to september 1, 2014.

the 345 square meter design will be situated in the west court of the institution’s historic great hall
rendering courtesy BIG-bjarke ingels group / national building museum