Design Museum unveils plans for £80m capital project
Museum to relocate to former Commonwealth Institute building
The Design Museum has revealed the architectural plans for its planned £80m relocation to the former Commonwealth Institute building in Kensington, London.
The 1960s Grade 2* listed building has lain dormant for the past decade. Plans for the major refurbishment include a minimalist interior conceived by influential British architect John Pawson.
OMA, an international architectural firm, has been commissioned to modify the exterior and develop the surrounding area as a residential site.
Pawson said: "There is particularly nice symbolism in the fact that in making this legacy for future generations, we are saving a work of iconic architecture. I hope the result will demonstrate that you don’t need to demolish old buildings to make wonderful new public space."
Click play to watch short film about the new Design Museum
The Design Museum intends to establish the building as a world class centre for design when it opens in 2014. The museum's new home features three times more display space than its current building in Shad Thames which it hopes will help double visitor numbers to 500,000.
The institution has secured 60% of its target £44.66m contribution towards the project through grants and philanthropic donations, including a first round grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Habitat founder Terence Conran donated £17.5m to the project, while the Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation has pledged to fund a library and learning resource within the museum.
Design Museum director Deyan Sudjic said: “We are very excited by all the work that John Pawson and the rest of the design team have done.
“They have put forward a brilliant strategy to bring the former Commonwealth Institute back to life, which will allow the public to see the essential qualities of this historic listed building.”
The 1960s Grade 2* listed building has lain dormant for the past decade. Plans for the major refurbishment include a minimalist interior conceived by influential British architect John Pawson.
OMA, an international architectural firm, has been commissioned to modify the exterior and develop the surrounding area as a residential site.
Pawson said: "There is particularly nice symbolism in the fact that in making this legacy for future generations, we are saving a work of iconic architecture. I hope the result will demonstrate that you don’t need to demolish old buildings to make wonderful new public space."
Click play to watch short film about the new Design Museum
The Design Museum intends to establish the building as a world class centre for design when it opens in 2014. The museum's new home features three times more display space than its current building in Shad Thames which it hopes will help double visitor numbers to 500,000.
The institution has secured 60% of its target £44.66m contribution towards the project through grants and philanthropic donations, including a first round grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Habitat founder Terence Conran donated £17.5m to the project, while the Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation has pledged to fund a library and learning resource within the museum.
Design Museum director Deyan Sudjic said: “We are very excited by all the work that John Pawson and the rest of the design team have done.
“They have put forward a brilliant strategy to bring the former Commonwealth Institute back to life, which will allow the public to see the essential qualities of this historic listed building.”