The ark is inspired by the idea of a vessel as an architectural point of departure for a museum. Common to many cultures, a vessel has numerous historical references, both sacred and secular. Like Noah’s Ark in Christianity, a vessel is a container of precious cargo, which nurtures and habours its contents from the turbulence of the outside.
From Sodra Vagen and beyond, the most notable and unique feature of the ark is the curved metallic roof. Its design recalls nautical imagery, like the upside down bottom of a ship. This nautical reference is explicit to the idea of a vessel as a museum and simultaneously, implicit to the context of Goteborg as a major seaport.
Site organization is based upon the placement of two delineated plates in response to site conditions, one formal and the other informal. The ‘formal’ plate, located along and parallel to Sodra Vagen, is defined by its homogeneous and uninterrupted ground plane. The main building, known as the ark, is situated on this ‘formal’ or urban plate. It is the public face of the museum, containing all the public functions.
Resting at the base of Liseberg hillside is the ‘informal’ plate. It is home to the secondary building, containing the private functions of the museum such as administration and services. As well, it is home to the outdoor courtyard, amphitheater and retention pool for both building and site runoffs.
Terraced into the Liseberg hillside is the sculpture garden and pathway connection to Liseberg Amusement Park and beyond. Also nestled into the hillside is the future museum expansion. Its location and geometry will only add to the strength of the outdoor courtyard.
The galleries are characterized by large open and flexible spaces, highly suitable to curatorial freedom and expression. The museum experience culminates on the upper level with the view of the impressive glue lam wood roof structure. This soaring and spirited space captures and defines the essence of the ark.