Zentrum Paul Klee

Zentrum Paul Klee

The complex nature of the shapes and articulations of the body of work of German-Swiss artist Paul Klee is reflected in the architecture of the Zentrum. The museum is part and parcel of the rolling hills and blends in with the natural landscape of the countryside outside of Bern. The architecture of the Zentrum was conceived as a gentle wave contouring the land. The curvature of the structure creats three artificial hills containing the exhibition space, a concert hall, a conference centre and a centre for the study, research and promotion of Klee’s works, as well as an interactive museum for children.

Project data

Design

1999-2001

Construction

2002-2005

Site area

83.000 m2

Total floor area

16.000 m2

Permanent exhibition

1.650 m2

Temporary exhibition

800 m2

Green area

60.000 m2

Height

16,32 m

Floors

North pavilion : 5 floors

Central and South pavilion: 2 floors

Auditorium

300 seats

Credits

Client

Maurice E. and Martha Müller Foundation

Architect

Renzo Piano Building Workshop architects, in collaboration with arb Architekten (Bern)

Consultants

Ove Arup & Partners, B+S Ingenieure AG (structure); Ove Arup & Partners, Luco AG, Enerconom AG, Bering AG (services); Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG (façade engineering); A.Walz (geometry studies); Ludwig & Weiler (special structural elements); Grolimund+Partner AG (bauphysik); Müller-BBM (acoustics); Institut de sécurité (fire prevention); Hügli AG (security); M.Volkart (food service); Schweizerische Hochschule für Landwirtschaft, F.Vogel (landscaping); Coande (signage).