Concealed behind the display wall is the scholars’ archive of precious original artefacts and documents. In contrast to the brightly lit exhibition space and active display wall, the archive is a serene space of reflection. The archive drawer-wall of this rich cavernous space derives its pattern from the traditional textile loom techniques of the Aztecs. The back of the display wall is divided into seven coves which serve as areas of quiet research. The archive is lit from above through the surface of the reflecting pool by seven light-wells representing the seven founding tribes of the Aztecs, creating a contemplative chamber characterised by a rippling soft light in which to study the treasures of the museum. Our strategy for the Metropolitan Infographics Center drew its inspiration not only from the day-to-day activity and experiential qualities of the architecture of the site, but also by culturally historic, geographic and contextual research. The design physically ties the different levels of the site, allowing the plaza to not only become a gathering place for the community, but also
a gateway to the ruins below. The Infographics Centre becomes a permanent piece of public infrastructure as well as drawing temporal connections through spatial relationships to recast the cultural perceptions of the plaza, and to form a distinctive urban centre in which to commemorate the past and celebrate the dreams of Mexico City’s collective future. Contemporary museum and archive projects favour the design of a showpiece building which dominates its surroundings, bringing prominence to its context not by its collection, but by its architectural mastery. Though such projects do bring prominence to the cities in which they are situated, this approach might not be appropriate to every site. The Infographics Centre project offers an alternative approach to the issues of contemporary museum design by addressing the urban design agenda as a primary motivation. Privileging the urban context can impact not only the touristic qualities of the urban surrounding, but also its daily life. ~
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On Site review 20: archives and museums
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