The Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade has been in existence since 1952. Now, a concept has emerged to build a new building that will provide a better presentation of the collected exhibits. The design of the new building was designed by architects from Zaha Hadid Architects in cooperation with the Serbian firm Bureau Cube Partners.
Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American engineer originally from Croatia, who became famous for designing devices for the generation and use of alternating current. He was the author of almost 300 patents, including the development of an electric motor, bicycle dynamo, radio or hydroelectric power plant.
Now the concept of two studios has won the competition to design the Nikola Tesla Museum. The new museum is to be built on the existing buildings of the former Vapa paper mill. The design thus combines industrial buildings that will be given a futuristic setting. The hall of the former 1924 factory was used as a warehouse for a courier company until 10 years ago. Subsequently, the building was placed under the protection of the conservation officer after it ceased operations.
The planned works are intended to preserve the industrial heritage of the 1920s structure and at the same time upgrade its interior space, creating one of the most important cultural facilities in Serbia. At the same time, the site is to be part of the urban fabric and be vibrant every day.
The museum’s design is based on Tesla’s research into magnetic fields and wireless energy transmission. Based on the concept of magnetic forces and interconnections, the design includes dynamic elliptical curves radiating out from an old factory chimney, acting as a visual dominant. Lightweight glass structures will be built around the chimney to mark the entrance to the facility.
The exhibition space will occupy three levels. The first floor will display historical artefacts, interactive exhibitions and presentations. Temporary exhibitions are planned for the remaining spaces. A highlight will be the Tesla transformer gallery, featuring a 12 million-volt transformer. This will be complemented by cafés, restaurants and a terrace overlooking the river.
Surrounding the complex will be Nikola Tesla Square, which will be Belgrade’s new public space. Its design is inspired by Tesla’s concepts of electromagnetic fields and consists of flowing paths, points of greenery and squares for relaxation.
design: Zaha Hadid Architects, Bureau Cube Partners
source: Zaha Hadid Architects
render: Norviska
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