Military History Museum, Dresden, Germany

Located in the northern part of Dresden, a spectacular museum development is taking shape – an eye-catching structure from the renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind. His concept, split between the old and the new, was the eventual winner of the architectural design competition: the former Saxonian arsenal building restored to its original state and supplemented by an integrated, modern new structure. A bold, almost 100-metre long wedge construction made of reinforced concrete complete with a 30-metre high steel and glass wedge tip forms an architectural incision through the spatial arrangement of the old building. In addition, the support-free extension provides a wonderful panoramic view of the historical centre of Dresden.

The architectural concrete walls are inclined in different directions, a design very characteristic of star architect Libeskind. The absence of perpendicular walls and right angles imparts a special kind of spatial perception for visitors but also represent an especially difficult challenge for the actual realization. For the construction progress and, in particular, the formwork concept, two further factors played an important role: the tight space conditions due to the integration in the existing structure as well as the fact that load transfer at any time during construction were not were allowed to affect the structural fabric of the old building in any way. In October 2008, the museum celebrated its topping out after only a two-year construction period – a masterly performance of all those involved when one considers the complexity of this building project.

From 2010 onwards, the museum will feature a chronological and thematic gateway to German military history on 19, 000 square metres of exhibition space. It has not been designed as classical display of weaponry but instead presents the manifestations of governmental as well as social implementation of violence. In addition, historical and current topics will be featured in the form of special exhibitions and events. The interaction of exhibition design and architecture provides the museum with its own character.

Contractor:
Hentschke Bau GmbH, Bautzen

Contact:
PERI Redaktion
Tel.: +49 (0)7309.950-1180
Fax: +49 (0)7309.951-1180
redaktion@peri.de
www.peri.de