Marianna Moskal

Embracing Anti-Monumentality: New Building for Flemish Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp

This year's Interiors Buildings Cities graduation studio focused on reimagining the contemporary art museum typology through the lens of M HKA in Antwerp. The process of designing a new museum building, guided by principles of anti-monumentality and a dedication to public engagement, led to a site-specific intervention revolving around the excavation of the former Zuiderdokken area. This intervention not only influenced the architectural expression but also resonated with M HKA's anti-institutional identity.

The act of excavation serves to shape the architectural character of the museum and the park's topography, as the excavated soil is repurposed for rammed-earth construction. The concept of excavation extends beyond the physical act of digging; it also encompasses the exploration of negative spaces and interstitial areas within the design. These spaces are intentionally integrated to create opportunities for art encounters, social interaction and various levels of public engagement throughout the museum experience.

More information

• Master thesis 'Embracing Anti-Monumentality: New Building for Flemish Museum of Contemporary Art in Antwerp'