Last thursday, the kraaijvanger architects, krft and designer Ruud-Jan Kokke collective presented our vision for the new Museum Arnhem. The project consists of the renovation of the existing 19th century Gentlemen's Club and a 2300 m2 extension with new exhibition spaces.

Our vision was a reshuffling of the program, with all exhibition spaces in a new underground volume, on the edge of the landscape with a view on the Rijn river. This new part will be connected to the existing building, which will house all public services connected to the museum. This way, the museum gets best of both worlds: a lively characteristic monument that is reopened again, combined with exhibition spaces that are state of the art according to current standards.

To this, we want to add a new entrance to the complex on the south side, facing the urban cultural axis and its direct neighbour Artez - the art academy. This gives the museum a new face towards the river and the city, as a pedestal for the existing museum building.

Next to our team, the other competitors were Benthem Crouwel, Cruz y Ortiz / Laura Alvarez, Happel Cornelissen Verhoeven / DRDH en SeARCH. The results will be in the 27th of june.

Next to the jurt presentation, all competitors were invited for a public presentation as well. Not often the case, presenting back-to-back with other teams that have made the same journey was very satisfactory. We really appreciated this format and gave us the chance to informally evaluate the given assignment with the other teams. Great to see the many similarities, which proves its righteousness. Great to see the differences, which shows the many opportunities. And compliments to the city of Arnhem for the professional, yet open organisation of the selection.