Germans win battle for war museum

All change...plans are in place around the museum.

A German company has won the battle to transform the area around the Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays.

A total of 50 designers from across the world competed for the multi-million-pound contract.

But Berlin-based firm Topotek 1 were given the nod after visitors to the museum were canvassed for their views on the final designs.

The museum is now looking to source funding for the project, estimated at around £4.4m.
A spokesman for Topotek 1 said: “We wish to confront the global scale of war represented by the building with the local scale where battles are fought.

“War does not only re-configure lines on a world map, but changes everyday landscapes.
“We have selected four themes that represent the British landscape — stone, fields, water and forest. This system provides a soft, horizontal and continuous base for the museum.

“Subtle shifts in elevation and angle accommodate a variety of programmes in a relatively small area.

“The landscape forms a collage of dignified spaces for reflection, gathering and play which complements the gravity of the museum’s content.”

The final design will include:

A new quayside walkway with 24-hour access across the water frontage.

A landscaped garden built over the car-park to give elevated views of the museum.

A children’s play area including sensory and kinetic elements.

Spaces for future exhibits.

A water sculpture as a focus for contemplation and reflection.

Museum director Jim Forrester said: “This is an excellent scheme which will enhance the whole Quays experience.”