Human Museum II – Mario Irarrázabal

Architect: Sebastián Irarrázabal
Place: without mention

Contest, sponsored by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, for the design of a museum that will host the work of Chilean artist and sculptor, Mario Irarrázabal.

The proposal is based on the valorisation of and respect for the natural condition of the hill, preserving both its vegetation and its complex topography untouched.

In this way, the aim is that the museum would lightly rest on the terrain and that, at the same time, it would benefit from the open spaces already available, thus generating a large “sculptures square” as an anteroom for it, and a scenic viewpoint towards the city and the surrounding hills.

Said square is contained amidst the volumes sheltering sculptures and facilities. Adapting its geometries, proportions and structure; minding the preservation of the sclerophyll forest and the mountain-range relief that frame the sculptor’s work.

The protection of local flora is achieved by preserving consolidated species and selectively clearing the terrain so to promote the recovery of this delicate ecosystem. Furthermore, endemic vegetation is boosted by incorporating other species native to this eco-zone.

Moreover, the preservation of native flora is further aided by creating irrigation canals along the outline of the eroded pathways, so to facilitate the redirection of water towards the trees, as a means of natural irrigation. It has been suggested to assess the viability of a drip irrigation system to assist the growth of vegetation.