The word ‘museum’ first came into Latin from Greek ‘mousa’ as ‘a temple or shrine of the Muses’ and only then acquired its meaning as ‘a library’ or ‘study’. And just as the Muses were the ones to inspire the creation of museums, the contemporary versions of their buildings are able to amuse and inspire you in equal measure.
National Museum of Qatar by Les Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Les Ateliers architecture studio founded by Jean Nouvel has recently presented to the world their new masterfully designed construction. This time it is the National Museum of Qatar which appeared to “testify to the physical, human and economic geography of the Qatari history”, as Jean Nouvel put it.
National Museum of Qatar by Les Ateliers Jean Nouvel Photo: Iwan Baan
The architects claim that their major task was to reconcile objectives which are irreconcilable: show what is hidden, reveal what disappears, freeze the ephemeral, emphasize some clandestine elements, and divulge a story that has not yet been fully told. The National Museum of Qatar epitomizes unprecedented velocity of developments that Qatar has been witnessing. This building has a character and delicately coalesce the two crucial elements of the city – the desert and the sea.
National Museum of Qatar by Les Ateliers Jean Nouvel
The authors did not only manage to craftily play with steel, glass and concrete whilst constructing the museum, they also instilled these beige flower-like petals to complement the traditional design which adorns Muslim mosques and marvellous sultan gardens.
Regional Museum of Iquique by Studio Libeskind
Studio Libeskind has announced its plans on constructing a museum in Chilian city of Iquique which would appear to tell the story of the encompassed area. Daniel Libeskind and his partner Nina established Studio Daniel Libeskind in Berlin, Germany, in 1989 after winning the competition to design the Jewish Museum in Berlin. In February 2003, Studio Daniel Libeskind moved its headquarters from Berlin to New York City when Daniel Libeskind was selected as the master planner for the World Trade Center redevelopment.
Regional Museum of Iquique by Studio Libeskind
The Earth-toned museum construction will be completed with the use of local concrete and timber thus referencing the natural richness and picturesque views of the city’s environment.