52 DIGS.NET
| 3.24.23
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R E S T O R AT I O N | D AV I D C H I P P E R F I E L D A R C H I T E C T S
Returning Neue Nationalgalerie to better
form is a return to an appreciation of the
International Style, as well. A broader
consideration of the project might also
include notions of memory and the
meaning of built spaces. "Are there some
themes in this? Yes," Chipperfield told
The World Around. "Is there a theme of,
shouldn't we take care of our past a bit
more? Yes. Shouldn't we repair things
instead of replacing things? Shouldn't we
make sure we don't lose the value and
misunderstand the value of things? Yes."
Another interpretation, he admits: "Isn't it
valid for an architect to supress their ego
for a while and polish somebody else's?
Yeah, why not." It turned out beautifully for
this project.
davidchipperfield.com
explained to The World Around. "Therefore,
if we had really corrected his technical
mistake, we would have destroyed the
building." The question became how to
care for the building's most urgent needs
while protecting the heritage of Mies'
architecture. For Chipperfield, treat the
project "like Pompeii in ruin."
In other words, with a light touch. Remedy
the structural deficiencies. Dismantle and
reposition a stunning amount of natural
stone to their exact original location
during the renovation process. Avoid
unnecessary upgrades—color, material
or detail—that read more contemporary.
Make any additions to the building
subordinate to the existing design. All
was in service of the resolve to hold on
to the "ruin," while shoring up the beauty
that made it so.
