Essay 2 "The Gallery"

Neue National Galerie

Much like Mies's overall work the Gallery is a blunt explanation of the relationship of architecture to its context, but maintaining a monumental quality. It possesses a simple form with hidden ideas of structural integrity that show themselves at certain turns and views. An original series of pillars drive this monumental piece to a steady position within the context of Berlin. Located in the Postdamer area where destinations such as the Sony Center are population attractors surrounded by retail, residential and opera house the Gallery acts as the face of the district truly engaging the street condition. The Neue Galerie engages the urban infrastructure of Berlin to bring to life the virtual aspect of the project and displaying even clearer the projects tangible elements.

Material

Concrete, steel, and glass are Van der Rohe’s signature materials throughout the majority of his projects and the National Gallery is no exception. They are utilized in their most simplistic form and still in their most complex form. Monumental size glass walls surround the project displaying the interior of the project as a welcoming to the public. Structurally steel columns and roofs wrap the other elements and impose an authoritative persona to the public. Concrete serves as the link between the street condition and the beginning of the project as slight slopes and elevations blend into the Berlin’s urban infrastructure. The size of these materials mimics the monumental qualities displayed by the design of the project in its size and conceptual interpretation.

Affect

The project presents an authoritative persona in comparison to its surroundings as it seems to be standing on a massive concrete podium. When engaging the street it’s raised a considerable 6ft off the ground capturing any pedestrian’s attention at an instant. Entering the building is somewhat mystical and deceiving since the north and south entries are gently sloped distracting the visitor from its raised platform. This is possible by extending the distant of the entry passage ways towards the entrance of the Gallery; almost seen as it’s a privilege to enter the monument therefore the context extends your pace to reach it.

Performance

This landmarks job is to demonstrate to the public its grand importance within the context of its district. It displays the culture and fine art of Berlin and it desires to draw the public inside with hypnotic strategies. As spoken before materiality is a huge factor when attempting to draw the public, as it permits a visual connection of the interior of the Gallery but still keeping the public outside through the surrounding curtain walls. This can be seen as a taunt by the building using humans uncontrollable curiosity as a strategy to activate the space of the Gallery.

Edge Condition

Street Condition

Steel Columns