‘museum of civilizations [et de l’unite reunionnaise]’ by XTU architects images © platform
the ‘museum of civilizations [et de l’unite reunionnaise]’ by paris based firm XTU architects located in st-paul, la réunion island, france is moving forward. sited on the coast of the indian ocean and within the arid african savanna, this center bridges traffic induced highways and nearby molten lava. to combat the warm climate and dry conditions, a spiraling program arrangement and prevalent openings in the facade allow air to pass though all education, meeting, and gallery spaces. the dynamic circulation paths unwind to reveal views of the nearby city along with unique interior lighting effects to visitors.
site approach
the exhibition corridors wrap around a central garden and patio named the ‘grand kour’ which is planted with banians, also known as fig trees and other lush tropical vegetation. a combination of periodic misting and the ocean breeze will cool down the interior spaces eliminating the need for air conditioning. maintaining a neutral presence in the landscape, the curtain wall is sheathed with vertical planks of a warm wood and the roof maximizes solar energy with photovoltaic membranes.
entrance to museum
exposition area
garden promenade
courtyard garden
lobby in atrium
gathering space
education spaces
exposition area
auditorium
video gallery
interior illuminated at night
surrounding plaza at night
site plan
site plan
floor plan / level 0
section
facade light study
lighting plan
model image © XTU
project info:
name: museum of civilizations [et de l’unite reunionnaise] location: st-paul, la réunion island, france client: réunion governement designer/architect: XTU — anouk legendre + nicolas desmazieres team: amelie busin, guillerme de sa, iliana genova, nicolas jomain, mathias lukacs, guillaume mazars, and joan tarragon expected year of completion: september 2012 program: cultural total floor area: 15.600 m² shon total site area: 48.200 m² cost: 49 m € ttc
