The Hilti Art Foundation intends to make its impressive collection more accessible to the public. The desire to exploit synergies with the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in Vaduz gave rise to the desire for direct proximity. Together with the traditional shop Huber Uhren Schmuck, the neighbouring plot of land the possibility of a joint project for arts and crafts. The new building stands freely in the dense Vaduz town centre structure and in a compositional relationship to the art museum. The legibility of the urban structure will be strengthened, and the permeability of the structure will continue to be guaranteed. With an alternating distribution of uses over five floors and their completely independent development, the specific functional and organizational requirements could be optimally met. Access to the Hilti Art Foundation is via the foyer of the art museum, as well as an underground connection to the watch and jewellery shop directly via the ground floor. The arrangement and typology of the rooms achieve a conscious autonomy between the development and the exhibition of the Hilti Art Foundation. The monumental, light-flooded staircase connects and separates at the same time. Due to their geometry, shape and material properties, the exhibition rooms become ideal spaces for the presentation of art, and the stairwell becomes an architectural experience. The façade design reflects the idea of the stratification of the uses by alternating window and wall bands to the outside. The relationship between the Kunstmuseum and the new building in terms of façade construction and material gives an indication of the connection in terms of content, with the contrasting colouring suggesting self-confident independence and respectful coexistence.
[Source: Morger Partner Architects] (http://www.morgerpartner.ch/documents/download/1785/133_PRQ_Hilti_A3_d.pdf)
[Photos: Valentin Jeck] (http://www.jeck.ch)
