Artistic transformation
As visitors to the Paris Louvre know, viewing even a fraction of its works is a daunting task (particularly post Da Vinci Code). So diverting some works would presumably be both a success and a necessity. But what happens to the town chosen to house them?
As the Louvre is arranged as distinct departments, it was decided that a satellite gallery should offer a new way to curate and experience art - juxtaposing core loaned works from all periods and cultures. The new Louvre in the town of Lens, north of Paris, will be capable of receiving around 600 major works and 500,000 visitors annually.
The new museum funded largely by the regional government will cover 28,000m2 on two levels, with spaces for the mostly temporary exhibitions, a multi-purpose theatre and conservation spaces. A tall, dominating structure on the elevated site would appear too imposing over the small-city skyline, so the Tokyo architecture practice SANAA took a softly, softly approach with the building's silhouette.
In an echo of its Parisian sister, visitors will be able to view the museum's reserves and other spaces not usually on show. The central, public entrance foyer is a spacious glass square resting on delicate pillars, its translucence allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscaped grounds. This will offer both a cultural experience for its projected 500,000 yearly visitors and enhanced public spaces for this former mining town's 326,700 inhabitants.
The way a single building can transform a small city has been called 'the Guggenheim effect'.
In the 1990s, with the decline of its heavy industry, the Basque city of Bilbao embarked on a revolution - a metamorphosis from a grimy, blue-collar city of 370,000 into a cultural hub, of which Frank Gehry's Guggenheim is undoubtedly the keystone. In its inaugural eight months, it attracted 700,000 visitors, exceeding even optimistic forecasts. The lithe, piscine silhouette has since featured in TV commercials, music events and couture catwalks.
In addition to the Guggenheim, Norman Foster's metro, Santiago Calatrava's bridge and CĂ©sar Pelli's Palace of Congresses surrounds are also within walking distance. The Guggenheim's architecture would be enough of a draw card, even if the gallery were empty - its iconic shape dominating the view from many parts of town.
At this stage of development, it is interesting to imagine how the town of Lens may also be reborn with its impending marriage of art and architecture.
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