BMW Museum
An exclusive gallery space for vintage BMW cars, designed in consideration of the local Chinese collector
The starting point for the museum was a passionate private Chinese collector, with a personal appreciation and fascination for the history and stories behind these classic cars. His wish, a suitable depository that also gives opportunity for others to get up close and personal with the design mastery of machine and aesthetic.
Crossboundaries was set with the bold challenge to create a back drop that encapsulated this excellence of the collectors pride possessions, that would submerge visitors into the exclusivity and power of automotive design.
Housing an extensive collection, the museum offers an immersive experience with diverse qualities within different zones, focused on display and intermittently scattered with monuments to gather, lounge, reflect and learn.
The transformation of this museum experience took place in the upper levels of an existing building .Reveled from behind sliding doors of the elevators a serene lofty white space greets you framed by a red gate, referencing the Chinese collector, guarding the collection beyond. Before passing through the gate, visitors are welcomed by a reception and lounge area.
The bold gate is formed from layers of red fabric imitating a Chinese gate on grand imperial scale, beyond it these layers scatter across the ceiling beyond in white, bringing a more intimate feel to the lower level space housing the cars.
The layers of fabric are evolved from the representation of speed and machine embellished on the white walls in sleeks stripes of glowing light and stainless steel that wash across the main exhibition area and information walls, with integrated screens for multimedia presentations around the perimeter the exhibit spaces.
The neutral palate continues across the floors completing the neutral backdrop for the few exclusive pieces on exhibit. Particular cars in this space are all elevated, ever so slightly, on platforms to create a barrier free buffer between on lookers and vehicle allowing onlookers to feel a closer more personal interaction with the cars.
The given space on this upper floor was compressed by its low ceilings, rather than lowering them like on the lower floor this time they needed to give the impression of being higher, to add to the experience of luxury through a more spacious environment. Unable to physically change the ceiling height of the existing structure stainless steel sheets act as mirrors creating an illusion of a greater volume above each of the platforms. It also offers an alternative perspective of the cars, as if seen from above for those curious about every detail of the car. Concluding the visit a movie theater, game room and merchandise display lead you to the elevators where the journey began.
