Darwin Centre, second phase - The Darwin Centre nominated for the Mies van der Rohe award  - C.F. Møller. Photo: Torben Eskerod
24.11.2008

The Darwin Centre nominated for the Mies van der Rohe award

C. F. Møller Architects' extension to the Natural History Museum in London, the Darwin Centre, has been nominated for one of the world's most coveted architectural awards: the Mies van der Rohe prize 2009.
Darwin Centre, second phase - The Darwin Centre nominated for the Mies van der Rohe award  - C.F. Møller. Photo: Torben Eskerod
In 2007, C. F. Møller Architects was nominated for the prize for two residential developments in Copenhagen: Østerbrogade 105 and Nordlyset. "It is unusual to be nominated twice in a row, and we are very happy and proud to once again have a project nominated for the Mies van der Rohe prize," commented Anna Maria Indrio, a partner in C. F. Møller Architects. Of the building, Anna Maria Indrio says: "The Darwin Centre is shaped like an enormous silk cocoon, protected by a glass atrium. The cocoon encloses a fantastic treasure, namely evolution itself, and the size and shape of the cocoon reflect the enormous importance of the collection it holds. Such an expressive and iconic form should only be used if the relationship between the building and its interpretation is entirely self-evident, as it is here. The new building has completely altered the relationship of the Natural History Museum to its location; what was formerly an inwardly-directed building is now open towards its surroundings, and invites the public inside." About the Darwin Centre The new Darwin Centre houses the Natural History Museum's unique collection of 17 million insects and three million plants, as well as working laboratories for 220 scientists from all over the world. When phase two of the Darwin Centre opens to the public in September 2009, museum guests will be able to explore the inside of the cocoon-shaped building and watch the scientists working with the collections. C. F. Møller Architects won the commission to design the second phase of the Darwin Centre in an international competition in 2001. The building is the most important innovation for the Natural History Museum in London since it moved to South Kensington in 1881. The first phase of the Darwin Centre, containing the museum's zoological collection of 22 million animals preserved in alcohol, opened in September 2002. About the Mies van der Rohe prize The Mies van der Rohe prize was established in 1987, and is awarded every second year by the European Union and the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, Barcelona. The purpose of the prize is to recognise and reward architecture of high quality which, through innovation, provides a model for the work of other architects. In 2007, the prize went to MUSAC, the Contemporary Art Museum of Castilla and León, in León, Spain, designed by Emilio Tuñón and Luis Mansilla. The prize-winning design for 2009 will be decided in May.

 

www.miesbcn.com