Considering the history and the role
of the ACCEA/NPAK in introducing
contemporary art to the Armenian
community, appreciation to the efforts
paid to preserve this beacon of art
shall be noticeable in the design of the
new NPAK identity. The existing NPAK
building shall remain part of this identity
to represent the history of the building.
However, it has to depart from the
existing solid and heavy walls to a more
open and inviting facade that is revealing
to contemporary art.
The spaces offered by the new
expansion shall meet both the aesthetic and the structural needs of the 21stcentury
museum in terms of finishing materials, ceiling heights, and column spans. As those needs canât be achieved using the existing structure alone, the front side of the building will be replaced with a wide-span composite structure to host the new facilities and also to withstand the vertical extension.
The new addition will protrude to the boundary line on Buzand street to give more definition to the street space and create a perfect approach to the building from the north leading to a public plaza that can host public events and outdoor exhibits in conjunction with Vernissage market on the opposite side of the street.
The entrance will face the approach from the north to keep the consistency of the street facade in displaying the NPAK events and activities.
SPACE ARRANGEMENT
The theater space will be shifted to the rear side of the building to keep the front side open and to efficiently utilize the existing structure. The structural slab carrying the new theater space along with the rooftop of the northern protrusion into the neighboring building will be replaced with ribbed concrete slabs. This will allow the level below to gain the height suitable for exhibition functions. Also, a skylight will be added to the northern ward to feature this room in the exhibition.
FACADE DESIGN
The facade design employs curved glass panels to create flutes in response to the common architectural language evident in Yerevanâs public buildings. The reflections on the animated facade will generate stratified images of the city that interact with the people passing by the building. Clear glass is used in the lobby level to maximize the visibility from and into the building.
Translucent glass panels made of channeled glass are used in the upper floors to prevent glare for exhibition visitors, eliminate distractions to lecture and meeting participants and provide privacy to restaurant patrons. A re-cladding with lightweight concrete panels will be applied to the rear part of the building to improve the thermal and sound insulation of the theater space.
Gallery
Team
Fahed Baker
Mohamed Jomaa
Ola Al Shawa
Alaa Al Mzainy
