foster + partners: musée de la romanitée in narbonne

‘musée de la romanitée’ by foster + partners, narbonne, france all images © foster + partners

this winning proposal by london-based foster + partners and designer adrien gardere has been selected from shortlisted entries for an international competition to design the ‘musée de la romanitée’ in narbonne of southern france. roman artifacts found in the port city will be showcased, featuring ancient relics from the area’s archeological sites and legacy of buildings.

the collection of 1,000 stone funerary blocks which have been excavated nearby will be stored within a flexible cubbyhole bookcase that spans the length of the building. the wall doubles as a barrier between the gallery and the adjacent private restoration spaces, offering visitors selective views as the archaeologists and researchers work. the mosaic of windows and shelves may be interchanged creating a tool for observational learning. the internal program also includes permanent and temporary exhibitions, multimedia education center, library, administrative offices and storage facilities.

exterior

the single storey structure and encompassing concrete roof protects from thermal gain while clerestory windows and light wells introduce dramatic down-lighting. the canopy extends to shelter an outdoor plaza surrounding the museum. merging french gardens and roman courtyards, the landscaping forms a connection between the water of the canal du midi and visitors. an amphitheater hosts displays and events, marking the center as a landmark and entry point to the city.

‘we have been inspired by the setting, by narbonne’s climate and by the city’s fascinating collection of roman artifacts. the gardens will strengthen the connection with the canal and surroundings, and at their heart will be a simple, energy efficient museum building. all of the internal and even some external walls can be rearranged – its flexibility mirrors the live excavation site, a shelter to accommodate the exploration within.’ – spencer de grey, senior partner, head of design at foster + partners

building within the landscape