115

Mérida Visigothic Museum

The new Visigoth Museum constitutes a key piece in Merida’s “museum-landscape”. It occupies a privileged position at the edge of the complex, permitting a look back to contemplate the archaeological site. Historical strata and contemporary city coexist in Merida so the new Museum should assume how we build our present strata over existent layers from the past. The Museum is organized vertically over a light basement and glass covering for the archaeological remains. A light covering of faceted surfaces makes up an abstract topography over the remains and opens the interior to the visitors. A concrete plan takes off subtly from the ground, not touching the archaeological finding below, as a cantilever. Over this structure three split volumes respond both to archaeological reasons and to the program. The exhibition rooms are wrapped in perforated carbon steel as a light filter and covered by skylights.