Islamic Museum
Tripoli, Lybia
Restoration and restructuring of the islamic museum, Tripoli. Desiggn of new service volumes and project for relandscaping the garden. Interior design of exhibition space
Info
2008-2009: Project
2010: In progress
2010: In progress
Project and supervision of construction: IDxEA
Clients: Studio Italia Costruzioni LTD – O.D.A.C.
Structural project: Ing. Luigi Cocco – Ing. Enrico Priviero – In association with Ing. Natalia Vettori
Mechanical systems: Arch. Adriano Lagrecacolonna
Electrical systems: Sergio Rigato
Text
The building was constructed in the 19th century as the country home of a Turkish noble family and is still one of the best existing examples of a private villa from the Ottoman period. In the 1920s it was enlarged in order to become the official residence of Count Volpi of Misrata, who added a number of features typical of Venetian villas; only more recently was it turned into a museum.
The restyling project drawn up by IDxEA, involving a conservative restoration, structural expansion of the building and its reuse as the Islamic Museum of Tripoli, proceeded along two different directions: on one hand, the recognition and preservation of the immense value of the building itself, a remarkable example of a blend of architectural styles, starting with the original Ottoman core; on the other, the creation of a new arrangement for the museum collection that would revolutionize visitor enjoyment and equip the facility with state-of-the-art services aimed at a national and international clientele.
Hence the decision to create new spaces to house the ticket office and the cafeteria near the historic main building, which would be entirely devoted to the museum itself. For the latter, architectural intervention was designed to be delicate, minimalist and almost invisible. The aim was to emphasize the historical decorative and architectural features of the complex, treat the public to the sensorial experience of finding themselves inside an Ottoman villa and transform the museum itself into a work of art. The collection was organized thematically and the exhibits were enhanced with technologies allowing maximum interaction with the visitors.
Carrying out the conservative restoration required the assistance of numerous Italian craftsmen who worked onsite. At the same time, several Libyan architects were invited to Italy to learn specific techniques involved in the project. Lastly, the facility was equipped with state-of-the-art plumbing, electrical and heating systems, all perfectly integrated with the original structure.
The landscape design project for the large grounds surrounding the museum will complete Tripoli’s new museum and cultural centre.
The restyling project drawn up by IDxEA, involving a conservative restoration, structural expansion of the building and its reuse as the Islamic Museum of Tripoli, proceeded along two different directions: on one hand, the recognition and preservation of the immense value of the building itself, a remarkable example of a blend of architectural styles, starting with the original Ottoman core; on the other, the creation of a new arrangement for the museum collection that would revolutionize visitor enjoyment and equip the facility with state-of-the-art services aimed at a national and international clientele.
Hence the decision to create new spaces to house the ticket office and the cafeteria near the historic main building, which would be entirely devoted to the museum itself. For the latter, architectural intervention was designed to be delicate, minimalist and almost invisible. The aim was to emphasize the historical decorative and architectural features of the complex, treat the public to the sensorial experience of finding themselves inside an Ottoman villa and transform the museum itself into a work of art. The collection was organized thematically and the exhibits were enhanced with technologies allowing maximum interaction with the visitors.
Carrying out the conservative restoration required the assistance of numerous Italian craftsmen who worked onsite. At the same time, several Libyan architects were invited to Italy to learn specific techniques involved in the project. Lastly, the facility was equipped with state-of-the-art plumbing, electrical and heating systems, all perfectly integrated with the original structure.
The landscape design project for the large grounds surrounding the museum will complete Tripoli’s new museum and cultural centre.