Underneath the Hyperbolic Paraboloid
The Design Museum's copper-covered, hyperbolic paraboloid roof from the inside.
With its swooping lines, the Commonwealth Institute's roof was intended to represent optimism and progress. The unique form of a saddle-shaped, double paraboloid curve was inspired by the work of Spanish-born engineer Félix Candela. One of the reasons this shape was chosen was because it required only two internal columns, allowing virtually unbroken views across the exhibition galleries.
Many of the techniques used to build the roof had not previously been attempted in Britain. The architects originally wanted the whole roof to be made from poured concrete, in the same way as the central shell. However, structural tests revealed that this would not provide enough strength. As a result, James Sutherland, of the structural engineer firm AJ and JD Harris (later Sutherland Harris), had to redesign the roof while construction was underway. His innovative solution was to use pre-cast concrete beams, which had the added benefit of creating the roof's distinctive radiating pattern.
[Design Museum]
Following a long search for larger premises to expand its activities, in 2008 the Design Museum selected the former 1960s building in Kensington High Street, West London, as its new home. This unique landmark from the 1960s, a Grade II* listed building that had stood vacant for over a decade, will be transformed by a design team led by John Pawson who will make the building fit for a 21st century museum, whilst at the same time retaining its unique spatial quality. The Design Museum worked with John Pawson on the interior fit out of its building. OMA were responsible for the overall master plan and in conjunction with Allies and Morrison for the refurbishment of the exterior of the museum.
[Design Museum]
Underneath the Hyperbolic Paraboloid
The Design Museum's copper-covered, hyperbolic paraboloid roof from the inside.
With its swooping lines, the Commonwealth Institute's roof was intended to represent optimism and progress. The unique form of a saddle-shaped, double paraboloid curve was inspired by the work of Spanish-born engineer Félix Candela. One of the reasons this shape was chosen was because it required only two internal columns, allowing virtually unbroken views across the exhibition galleries.
Many of the techniques used to build the roof had not previously been attempted in Britain. The architects originally wanted the whole roof to be made from poured concrete, in the same way as the central shell. However, structural tests revealed that this would not provide enough strength. As a result, James Sutherland, of the structural engineer firm AJ and JD Harris (later Sutherland Harris), had to redesign the roof while construction was underway. His innovative solution was to use pre-cast concrete beams, which had the added benefit of creating the roof's distinctive radiating pattern.
[Design Museum]
Following a long search for larger premises to expand its activities, in 2008 the Design Museum selected the former 1960s building in Kensington High Street, West London, as its new home. This unique landmark from the 1960s, a Grade II* listed building that had stood vacant for over a decade, will be transformed by a design team led by John Pawson who will make the building fit for a 21st century museum, whilst at the same time retaining its unique spatial quality. The Design Museum worked with John Pawson on the interior fit out of its building. OMA were responsible for the overall master plan and in conjunction with Allies and Morrison for the refurbishment of the exterior of the museum.
[Design Museum]