zaha hadid to design messner mountain museum, plan de corona
image © zaha hadid architects

 

 

 

zaha hadid has been named the designer of the sixth and final messner mountain museum (MMM) at plan de corones. in the collaboration with extreme mountaineer reinhold messner, arguably one of the greatest climbers in history, the proposed hadid design will literally become part of mount kronplatz, a world heritage site in the very diverse region of south tyrol. while the revered climber hails from the distinct laden, italian and german-speaking region, the museum enjoys 240 degree views of a landscape comprised of the zillertal alps and the dolomites as well as the impressive marmolada glacier. 

zaha hadid to design the final messner mountain museum
a sinuously wrapped volume will be embedded in the heart of a mountain 
image © zaha hadid architects
courtesy messner mountain museum

 

 

 

a composition of fluid lines and periscopic volumes will be embedded into the heart of the mountain and a program revolving around the poetic and scientific dimensions of rock. the collection will showcase objects, images and tools from messner’s adventuresome and exceptional life. systems of cascading staircases will characterize interiors and create dynamic volumes of circulation throughout three levels of temporary exhibitions, themed presentations and a small auditorium.

zaha hadid to design the final messner mountain museum
exhibition galleries
image © zaha hadid architects / courtesy messner mountain museum

 

 

 

glazed apertures are oriented such that the museum interiors will be mostly sunlit while still inviting the presence of the rocky and bucolic surroundings. the total immersion of the built form into the mountain allows the museum to maintain an almost constant internal temperature. formally, the building seeks to both abstract and express the power of the natural tectonic system it is a part of. construction is set to begin this summer and inauguration is projected for summer 2014. 

zaha hadid to design the final messner mountain museum
a rendered section shows the harmonious relationship of the building within its mountainous site
image © zaha hadid architects/ courtesy messner mountain museum