Blending the Past with Contemporary
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CARTHAGE
#competition, #architecture, #re-use, #urbanplanning, #museumdesign, #historiczone, #romanempire
Information
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CARTHAGE
Medioterra – terram in medio | la tierra en medio | la terre au milieu
A land in the middle.
Carthage, a Mediterranean west African city (A Maghrebian Metropolis) that has existed across a wide spectrum of history.
The layers of the earth and what they contain are very rich. The same mythical plants can be found on the opposite side of the sea also thrives here, eucalyptus and pine trees...
The same myths and legends that can be found on the opposite side of the sea are also present here.
The stories of two princesses, Helen from Troy and Elyssa-Didion from Tyre, one fell in love with a brother and the other one ran away from her brother, show the strong connections between the people and stories of the Mediterranean.
Here before us lies the generosity of the Mediterranean, in tales of love and adventure, woven into the very fabric of its culture and history.
On the other hand, there is the unique mysticism and skills of the Northwest African geography. A culture that knows how to use the harsh sun and shadow well, doesn't hesitate to bring the clean Mediterranean air into their courtyards and houses. And the building habits of this culture that skillfully uses clay and brick.
Client
Republique Tunisienne Ministere des Affaires Culturelles
Location
Carthage, Tunisia
Size
17.500 sqm
Program
Urban Design, Museum & Library, Cultural Complex, Ancient Landscape
Status
International Competition
Collaborators
Lebriz ATAN KARAATLI
Sacit Arda KARAATLI
M. Cemil AKTAŞ (caps.office)
Pınar KESİM AKTAŞ (caps.office)
IVABOX
States of Carthage by caps.office
THE ORGANIZATION OF FLOWS TOWARDS THE ACROPOLE
By reconfiguring Byrsa Hill's square layout, visitors can access the acropolis through a pedestrian axis representing the city's historical layers as a timeline. This panoramic view offers a preliminary grasp of the city's history before touring the museum.
The museum experience is enhanced with modern museology. Afterward, visitors return to the eastern square. The flow design allows continuous acropolis views, mirroring historical perspectives from the city. Internal routes cover Roman and Punic Necropolis sites, concluding at the church square for a comprehensive experience.
Lighting distinguishes the Roman forum boundaries for better visibility. The setup aligns with historical views, offering insight into evolving urban landscapes. This approach deepens visitors' understanding of the area's cultural and historical significance across time.
In the heart of Carthage, a unique architectural concept emerges at the crossroads of two rich cultural heritages, where the Roman Empire's gridal urban system encounters the Maghrebi Acropolis. This urban area, defined by two pivotal axes, Decumanus Maximus and Cardo Maximus, centers around Byrsa Hill. The architectural vision comprises two key components: the preservation and rejuvenation of historical structures and the creation of a contemporary extension building.
Historical buildings within the precinct have been meticulously safeguarded to retain their cultural significance. Notably, the Seminary of the White Fathers building, serving as a museum since 1875, is proposed for reinforcement and adaptation to house both permanent and temporary exhibitions, along with administrative units. Other architectural adjustments, like removing the mezzanine floor and creating strategic openings, enhance the structure's function. Meanwhile, the Cathedral maintains its role as a place of worship and visitor attraction.
The design of the new extension building exemplifies a harmonious fusion of modern aesthetics with traditional construction methods. Striking a balance between history and contemporary narrative, this approach seeks to amplify the area's historical significance while seamlessly integrating the new structure. It reinstates symmetry, complements existing architecture with rhythmic arches, and provides a penetrable ground level, fostering a connection between visitors, the courtyard, and the archaeological site. Notably, the use of eucalyptus-lined alleys creates a unique ambiance, enhancing the overall visitor experience. This architectural concept revives Carthage's past while paving the way for a vibrant future, where history and modernity coexist in harmony.
Crafting with Tradition: Baked Brick Craftsmanship in the Maghreb
Urban and Landscape Integration Concept by caps.office
As modern cities undergo rapid population growth and expansion, preserving historical landmarks within their urban fabric becomes increasingly challenging. The case of ancient Carthage highlights this struggle to protect iconic sites like Byrsa Hill, cisterns, and the harbor amid a bustling modern city. Recognizing the importance of these remnants in understanding our history, a comprehensive approach is proposed to appreciate these ruins within their broader historical context.
To enhance the appreciation of ancient ruins, a three-act tour concept is suggested. The tour would provide visitors with a holistic understanding, starting with a panoramic introduction to the site, followed by a walk through the ruins of Byrsa, and concluding with a visit to the museum. This approach aims to deepen the historical significance of the ruins and their connection to the ancient city.
To improve the visitor experience and reduce traffic congestion, it is recommended that visitors park in a designated public parking lot north of the site and use alternative transportation methods, such as buggies, coaches, or bicycles, to access the site. Byrsa Hill's redesign focuses on pedestrian flow and integrates the Decumanus Maximus and Cardo Maximus axes as crucial reference points. The UNESCO square harmonizes hard and soft landscape elements and incorporates urban stairs for rest and events. The tour's main axis begins at UNESCO square, guiding visitors through viewing terraces and offering QR codes and information texts to provide historical context. A date line on the ground traces the city's 3500-year history, and a green square in the museum courtyard serves as a gathering place for outdoor activities. Multiple routes are proposed for exploring the ruins, offering flexibility to visitors.
Delende est Carthage ! ( Carthage must be destroyed)
Asterix and the Laurel Wreath Book.18
medi.O.terra
The Medioterra Museum: A Symphony of Identity and Culture
As we delve into the realm of museum design, we find that the very essence of a museum transcends the confines of its physical structure. It extends into the realm of branding, where the museum's visual identity serves as a window into its soul. In this pursuit, we bring to fruition a concept that marries the rich cultural heritage of the Maghreb with the boundless vitality of the Mediterranean – a concept that is epitomized by the Medioterra museum logo.
The Mediterranean, with its historical significance as a cradle of civilizations, and the Maghreb, with its vibrant tapestry of cultures, come together in a symphony of architectural and artistic inspiration. Medioterra is not merely a museum; it is a testament to the confluence of histories, a celebration of the enduring connections between peoples, and a tribute to the profound beauty of coexistence.
The Medioterra Logo: A Work of Architectural Artistry
The Medioterra logo is not a mere symbol; it is an architectural masterpiece rendered in the language of design. It evokes the elegant fusion of the Mediterranean's azure expanse with the intricate motifs of the Maghreb. The logo's graceful curves and harmonious lines mirror the contours of architectural marvels, while its color palette pays homage to the vibrant landscapes of both regions. It stands as a beacon of unity, inviting visitors to embark on a visual journey through the intricate fabric of shared heritage and contemporary creativity.
In the grand tapestry of museum branding, Medioterra's logo emerges as a symbol of sophistication and cultural richness. It encapsulates the essence of the museum – a sanctuary where history, art, and culture intertwine, beckoning visitors to explore the depths of the Mediterranean's soul and the Maghreb's diverse spirit. In Medioterra, the logo is not just an emblem; it is an architectural expression of a timeless connection, a testament to the enduring legacy of civilizations, and an invitation to partake in the exquisite narrative of human history.
CARTHAGE
THE SCENOGRAPHIC CONCEPT
The scenographic concept of the exhibition aims to immerse visitors in a historical journey, beginning with an epic moment of arrival reminiscent of Tyrian princess Elyssa-Didion's experience when she first arrived in the Mediterranean. A large opening in the building's facade facing the port features an art object resembling a ship placed in an open area, surrounded by hanging sails, evoking the maritime journeys of the period. This ship installation serves as a monument to the promise of a new journey.
After this captivating entrance, the permanent exhibition unfolds within the Seminary of White Fathers building, providing a continuous and entangled narrative that spans different historical periods. The neutral white interior, featuring a sculptural spiral staircase leading to the first floor, allows the objects on display and their historical context to take center stage. The transition between historical periods is subtly marked by changes in the flooring materials, providing visitors with a seamless and immersive experience. Notably, a large window overlooking the Cathedral is incorporated into the exhibition, connecting the historical narrative with the external landscape.
The exhibition journey progresses through various historical periods, from the archaic and Roman periods to the Byzantine era, with each section carefully designed to create a sense of chronological flow. The scenographic approach emphasizes both continuity and transformation throughout history, ultimately concluding with the "Rediscovery" section, where visitors can choose to explore the landscape or continue their museum experience on the ground floor.
A Monument to the Promise of New Beginnings
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