SITE: Brescia and Rodengo Saiano (Brescia, Italy)
CUSTOMER: Kleihues + Schuwerk Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH
SERVICES: Site investigation on structures, analysis of structural behaviour, preliminary, final anD detailed structural design (Architectural design: Klaihues+Schuwerk) (2004-2008)
AMOUNT OF WORKS: € 24 millions for total construction, of which € 8,4 millions for structural works
The “Eugenio Battisti” Museum of Industry and Work (MusIL) is the first museum in Italy dedicated to industrialization as represented through a wide variety of materials which are conceptually organized as a single unit, but structured into different exhibition centers. For the main building rough reinforced concrete was chosen as the principal material, thus it has to be aligned with the project and, at the same time, carry on with what already existed. Only few other materials are placed alongside the concrete: unframed glass for external divisions and wood in library and auditorium to emphasize those concrete features. Besides the renovation of the structure, a few works (characterization of the existing part and strengthening design) were planned: creating a mezzanine floor in the library, with a structure made of steel in its simplest industrial form; laying highly resistant cement and resin cast flooring of an industrial type; recovering the brick wall facing, which closes off the library at the east end, filling in the holes with salvaged bricks. The “City of Machines” in Rodengo Saiano, a town just a few kilometers from Brescia, represents a strategic point of the MusIL system: it is well-equipped with a large storehouse and a restoration laboratory that the whole system can use. There are also areas dedicated to exhibitions and cultural entertainment.
GALLERY (Click image to enlarge)
