The Armenian
Center for Contemporary
Experimental Art
Center for Contemporary
Experimental Art
Area 9800 sqm
Design Competition
Completed 2020
Design Competition
Completed 2020
Considering the history and the role of the ACCEA/NPAK in introducing contemporary art to the Armenian community, appreciation of the efforts paid to preserve this beacon of art shall be noticeable in the design of the new NPAK identity. The existing NPAK building shall remain part of this identity to represent the history of the building. However, it has to depart from the existing solid and heavy walls to a more open and inviting facade that is revealing to contemporary art.
The spaces offered by the new expansion shall meet both the aesthetic and the structural needs of the 21st-century museum in terms of finishing materials, ceiling heights, and column spans. As those needs can’t be achieved using the existing structure alone, the front side of the building will be replaced with a wide-span composite structure to host the new facilities and also to withstand the vertical extension. The new addition will protrude to the boundary line on Buzand street to give more definition to the street space and create a perfect approach to the building from the north leading to a public plaza that can host public events and outdoor exhibits in conjunction with Vernissage market on the opposite side of the street. The entrance will face the approach from the north to keep the consistency of the street facade in displaying the NPAK events and activities.
Space Arrangement
The theater space will be shifted to the rear side of the building to keep the front side open and to efficiently utilize the existing structure. The structural slab carrying the new theater space along with the rooftop of the northern protrusion into the neighboring building will be replaced with ribbed concrete slabs.
This will allow the level below to gain the height suitable for exhibition functions. Also, a skylight will be added to the northern ward to feature this room in the exhibition.
Facade Design
The facade design employs curved glass panels to create flutes in response to the common architectural language evident in Yerevan’s public buildings. The reflections on the animated facade will generate stratified images of the city that interact with the people passing by the building. Clear glass is used at the lobby level to maximize the visibility from and into the building. Translucent glass panels made of channeled glass are used on the upper floors to prevent glare for exhibition visitors, eliminate distractions to lecture and meeting participants and provide privacy to restaurant patrons. A re-cladding with lightweight concrete panels will be applied to the rear part of the building to improve the thermal and sound insulation of the theater space.
Sculpture Garden
The sculpture garden will fill the northern space between the NPAK building and its neighbor. The floor and walls of the garden will be covered with bright travertine stone to form a plain background for the sculptures in the garden. Perforated stone panels will be installed to block the view into the neighboring building and provide it with the necessary daylight and ventilation.
Gallery
Diagrams
