Hauser & Wirth has inaugurated its latest art center in the scenic location in the port of Mahon in Menorca. With a 2-year conservation project conceived and planned by Paris-based Argentinian Architect Luis Laplace in partnership with Oudolf, Hauser & Wirth has succeeded in transforming the 1500 square meters historical military hospital into a living space while ensuring the project's sustainability. The green landscape of the area has already been categorized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The art center has been opened with Mark Bradford's exhibition showcasing a lively collection of new paintings and sculptures. Read more about the project below at SURFACES REPORTER (SR):
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Surrounded by a landscaped garden designed by the Dutch Designer Piet Oudof, the Hauser & Wirth Menorca features a 16,000-square-foot art center. The gallery is speckled with works by famous artists including Eduardo Chillida, Louise Bourgeois, and Joan Miró. Further, it accommodates a gallery shop and a restaurant.
'Iwan, Marc, and I are honored and excited that mark Bradford's exhibition will inaugurate Hauser & Wirth Menorca,' stated Manuela Wirth.
"Our dream has been to place powerful contemporary art like his within this very special context. Isla del Rey is an extraordinary place of wild nature, beautiful light, and sea, with a fascinating history. Our vision to create a cultural hub for Menorca has been realized over a five-year journey, and the enthusiasm shown to us by the Menorcan community and our family of artists has encouraged us at every step of the way. we look forward to welcoming our first visitors this year when we can travel again," she further added.
Protection of the Natural Environment
The restoration project placed the utmost importance on saving the amazing and picturesque natural environment of its location. Luis Laplace designs the building that adopts the rain-water collection protocols, featuring a water plant to recycle and reuse water for ground irrigation. In addition to this, energy-efficient climate control has been fixed into the structure.
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Further, the project also incorporates the local architectural elements and flexibility. The firm ensured the use of windows and skylights so that the light flood in the spacious galleries while letting the guests enjoy the breath-taking views of the island and harbour.
Tiled Roof and Terrazzo Flooring
The Paris-based firm has also used traditional building materials such as tiled roofs and terrazzo flooring.
All these materials are made on-site with local stones. The architects refurbished the original wood beam and added wooden trusses to support the structure.
What Does It Comprise?
The Hauser & Wirth Menorca gallery encompasses eight galleries, a gallery shop, and a 'cantina' restaurant.
A Landscape Garden by the Influential Designer Piet Oudolf
An outdoor sculpture track encloses the project showcasing the works of Eduardo Chilled, Franz West, Louis Bourgeois, and others in order to complement the architecture.
These master art sculptures stand in discourse with Isla Del Rey's Wildlife and landscape garden designed by eminent designer Piet Oudolf.
The garden is systematically and charmingly designed alongside the gallery buildings, which is underscored with the focus on the constructions and species acclimatized to the Mediterranean climate.
Project Details
Project Name: Haurser & Wirth Menorca
Location: Illa Del Rei, Menorca, Spain
Designer: Luis Laplace
Landscape design: Piet Oudolf
Source: https://www.hauserwirth.com
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