Rather than building an addition to the Museum of Natural History in Geneva, we propose to transform the current building by integrating the new archives as a floating vessel on top. The building underneath is stripped to its essential structure, creating an open plan as an unconstrained place of encounter. The existing auditorium is moved to the top and makes room for a large “public diorama” that is visible from afar, acting as a mediator between inside and outside. The transparent top floor displays the various activities taking place within the museum, while making the view over Lake Geneva accessible to the public.

Museum of Natural History Extension. Geneva, Switzerland. 2017. Open Competition