john pawson: design museum

‘design museum’ by john pawson, london, UK image © alex morris visualization

plans for london’s new ‘design museum‘ created by british architect john pawson and nearby residential community by dutch practice OMA were unveiled today. positioned within the former commonwealth institute building in kensington, the addition will triple the existing center’s space while showcasing a unique collection dedicated to architecture and industrial design. originally constructed in the 1960’s, the refurbishment will revive the dormant landmark’s status, creating a state of the art facility while expanding the education and public events program, doubling the amount of visitors to 500,000 per year.

The New Design Museum from Design Museum on Vimeo

entrance foyer image © alex morris visualization

opening in 2014, the world-class museum will celebrate british creativity with galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, education spaces and a library. the resource for designers and students will place the subject within the spotlight, merging work from local and international stages.

second floor showing the permanent exhibition image © alex morris visualization

‘the most exciting thing about the project is that, at the end of it all, london will have a world-class museum of design, with galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, education spaces and a library. there is particularly nice symbolism in the fact that in making this legacy for future generations, we are saving a work of iconic architecture. I hope the result will demonstrate that you don’t need to demolish old buildings to make wonderful new public space,’ stated john pawson.

second floor image © alex morris visualization

existing atrium within the commonwealth institute building image © luke hayes

existing commonwealth institute building image © luke hayes

exterior of the commonwealth institute building image © luke hayes