Zaha Hadid Architects Reimagines Old Belgrade Factory for Nikola Tesla Museum

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As a passionate admirer, I’m thrilled to share the news that my dream team – Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners – has triumphed in the competition for designing the new Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Serbia! The project will transform the historic Milan Vapa Paper Mill with breathtaking architectural elements, peaking at the magnificent central atrium. I can hardly wait to see this marvelous creation come to life!

At a distance, an innovative method for adaptive reuse harmoniously combines modern additions, predominantly glass and metal, with the traditional brick and concrete style of the structure. The classic rectangular sections of the building gracefully transition into the circular skylight roof, swirling around and encompassing the original chimney in a spiraling motion.

Located where tradition meets modernity, the museum’s aesthetic is perfectly suited to honor the Serbian-American inventor, Nikola Tesla. One of the greatest engineers of the 20th century and a key associate of Thomas Edison, Tesla played a crucial role in shaping the alternating current electric supply systems – significantly advancing the latter stages of the Industrial Revolution. Similarly to the design’s visual style, Tesla’s inventions mark a transitional phase between pre-industrial and post-industrial eras.

Prominently displayed both at the entryway and throughout the structure, rounded arches accentuate the three-story height of the light-filled atrium, underscoring the dome-like glass roof. The ground level hosts displays featuring historical artifacts, interactive exhibits, and a rotating selection of temporary exhibitions. A standout feature is undoubtedly the Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery, where you’ll find a 12-million-volt transformer on display.

As a captivated admirer, I’m thrilled about the design of the museum exterior, which boasts an expansive public area encompassing pathways, gardens, and plazas. These elements are meticulously crafted to symbolize the revolutionary ideas of Tesla. This outdoor haven will offer connections to the extended Belgrade waterfront and local public transportation systems, making it a truly accessible and integrated part of the city landscape.

See the gallery above for detailed renderings of the forthcoming project.

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2025-01-09 23:25