___Grand Egyptian Museum - Caïro Egypte
Openbare prijsvraag
i.s.m. Grosfeld van der Velde Architecten
selected as one of most distinctive projects
publication commissioned by the ministry of culture Egypt and the UIA
The architectural proposal for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is based on the combination of solving the complex circulation and spatial relations and the definition of a new cultural identity; in order to insert the ancient Egyptian culture and art in to the world. The idea of respecting these exceptional cultural elements and aspects of the site introduces an architectural concept which is based on the definition of clear geometrical forms sheathed with materials which are understood by their symbolic values - a public "in between" space is hereby defined - and giving shelter to the treasures of the old Egyptian culture.
concept of implantation
The body of the sarcophagus encloses the ancient treasures, the cover protecting them. In the presentation of the sarcophagus (through out the world) you always experience the same image: the solid body, the lifted cover and a new open space in between. This open space encourages the spectator to look inside and reveals a beautiful and thrilling panoramic view.
The project is situated in the articulation of two different urban structures: 1, the Gizeh pyramids surroundings, one of the greatest cultural sites in the world, and 2, opposite of the Gizeh pyramids,
the actual site of the GEM in between developed urban areas.
The relationship between the two different urban structure will be intensified by the new visual relationship of the existing Gizeh pyramids and the new GEM.
The Gizeh pyramids will actually be a part of the exhibits of the GEM. The GEM, the Gizeh pyramids and both urban structures will be visually connected to one new comprehensive urban structure.
concept of program
In the old Egyptian culture the representation of the world was divided in three cosmic regions: cosmos-earth-underworld.
| cosmos: | representation of dynamic static events realm of the cosmic gods |
| earth: | representation of the present time realm of the living |
| underworld: | static hidden world realm of the gods of the hereafter |
In analogy with the representation in ancient time and the sarcophagus, the Grand Egyptian Museum is divided in three physic regions: upper box- intermediate level-lower box.
| upper box: | embracing all offices, facilities and techniques representation of future-linked activities and accommodating the virtual communication facilities |
| intermediate: | public space linked to the public parks perception of the present time (view to the pyramids) |
| lower box: | embracing the museum collection representation of all the ancient treasures embedded in the Cairo sands. |
| Ontwerp: | 2002 |
| Programma: | 85000 m² |
