Bernhard

Denkinger

Architect

Divided Heaven

Reformation and religious diversity between the Rhine and the Ruhr

Essen 2017

The exhibition units are conceived as a series of free-standing islands arranged diagonal and transversely to the main axis. They form an open, polycentric structure contrasting with the strict, symmetrical order of the existing building. We sought an interrelating and unifying gesture to find a common ground for the polycentric arrangement of the exhibition units, This common reference was introduced by means of a suspended roof covering the centre of the exhibition room as well as parts of its lateral aisles.

Sparkled with laser-cut stars, the gently curved roof may also be interpreted as a heaven arching beyond the various manifestations of faith, all of them referring to the same heaven. Back-lit panes made of semi-translucent acrylic glass mark the limits of the exhibition islands and connect the units visually.

Floor-plan: The exhibition elements form a loose and open arrangement of asymmetrical islands sharing a common space enclosed by the suspended roof.

Floor-plan: The exhibition elements form a loose and open arrangement of asymmetrical islands sharing a common space enclosed by the suspended roof.

Longitudinal Section: Two light installations are placed in the center of the room, they display objects explaining essentials of faith and worship. A suspended roof - slightly curved - vaults over the central area, providing shelter and protection. The air duct installation is no longer visible and an atmosphere of concentration and visual silence is created. At the end of the space the roof descends to the ground, marking the limits of the exhibition space. The virtual movement introduced into the space by the descending roof is reversed. Seen in a metaphorical way, a dark night sky touches the earth.

Longitudinal Section: Two light installations are placed in the center of the room, they display objects explaining essentials of faith and worship. A suspended roof - slightly curved - vaults over the central area, providing shelter and protection. The air duct installation is no longer visible and an atmosphere of concentration and visual silence is created. At the end of the space the roof descends to the ground, marking the limits of the exhibition space. The virtual movement introduced into the space by the descending roof is reversed. Seen in a metaphorical way, a dark night sky touches the earth.

Cross-section: Moving towards the ailes visitors proceed up to elevated platforms. This is reinforcing the impression of the objects presented in front of the side-walls.

Cross-section: Moving towards the ailes visitors proceed up to elevated platforms. This is reinforcing the impression of the objects presented in front of the side-walls.

Client:
Ruhr Museum

Director:
Heinrich Theodor Grütter

Curators:
Axel Helmsoth, Reinhild Stephan-Maaser, Magdalena Drexl

Exhibition architecture:
Bernhard Denkinger | Architekt

Photos:
Deimel + Wittmar, Essen