Prague, realization
- GRAND PRIX ARCHITEKTŮ 2007, kategorie: Architektonický design a drobná architektura
Imperial Stables of the Prague Castle were converted into an exhibition space in 1991-92. Ten years later, in the framework of the Gallery’s evolving programme and the resulting loans of rare art works, superior climate control and stabilisation of the exhibition environment became imperative. The objective was to accommodate museum quality art works and artefacts and, at the same time, to fulfil insurance requirements for such valuables. The resulting brief was as follows:
- To make Gallery’s entrance more visible, to make adjustments to the entrance vestibule and the foyer of the Gallery.
- To secure a museum-quality climate control of ±2C in the exhibition space environment.
Project is realized in the context of the Historic Preservation Area of the Prague Castle, under the supervision of the Department of preservation of historic buildings of the Office of the President. Design proposal is reduced to minimal intervention of 5 transparent elements (five easy pieces) in the historic space of Imperial Stables. These elements enable clear reading of the space and detailing of the vaults they create.
A fully glazed wall divides the vestibule and access to toilets and wardrobe from the fully controlled climate of the exhibition space. Wall’s height was verified and consequently designed following an analysis of microclimatic model of air flows programmed together with functioning of the air-conditioning unit in the basement. Part of the design is also heating/cooling tubing installed in the floor. This combined system secures even and stable temperature of the room with accuracy of ±1 C even in extreme outdoors temperatures . Chips for stability control are placed at the height of 1,2 and 2m on the exhibition side. The security glass wall is designed as a fully glazed design of structural engineering and the bearing structure is an element of horizontal glass , at the height of 2.80m. A post of glass in shape of L has been designed for stability of opening doors and against shocks. Only connecting points are designed of stainless steel. Glass doors have glass handles in stainless steel bracket detailing with minimised door closures.
Piece 2. Glass wall handrail for staircase in foyer
Now part of the newly formed foyer (ticket sales). Leads to a basement with wardrobe, toilets and access to mechanical room with HVAC unit.
Piece 3. Glass entry door
The vestibule was redesigned, is fully ventilated as part of the HVAC system of climate stability of the interior of the Imperial Stables. Two stainless steel pylons near the door create an air curtain, underneath the sandstone flooring are ducts to provide air under the new seating – waiting area. Air intake is on the outside underneath a resloped sandstone floor in the passage to the Second Castle Courtyard.
Fully glazed door includes the transom, with a glass door handle. Connected to the electric security system, as well as Piece 3.
Helps to make the entry to the gallery visible, with application of the supergrafics for each exhibition. Plecnik’s “Eyes” have been re-installed as part of a lighting system.
Integral to the above interventions is a new exhibition space of superior standards for temporary exhibitions of rare artwork with museum-quality climate control in Prague.