The challenge

A children's museum based in Milan, inspired by the work of Bruno Munari, wanted to create a unique threshold for its museum entrance and lobby space. While a children's museum, the rotunda is also used as an event space throughout the year. Requiring a design that was not only interactive for children but flexible enough to be moved during events.

The insight

Inspired by Munari's world with folding shapes, the space is designed with modular furniture, that can be easily stored, while paying homage to Munari's methodology and creating childlike wonder and curiosity inside the space.

the outcome

The creation of an entrance and lobby brings Munri's ideas to life in an architectural sense through the use of form, scale, and light creating an interactive and playful space that engages children and adults alike, while being easily folded away and out of sight when required.

Folding shapes that incite creativity

Enter the Museo dei Bambini di Milano located inside the Rotonda della Besana in Milan. Through Bruno Munari's exploration of shape, the creation of the museum entrance invites childlike wonder and awe through form, scale, and light preparing visitors to enter an imaginative world. 

Exploring the entrance

Towering structures greet visitors at the front of the Rotonda, while shapes can fold, move, and stack. Glimpses of light invite visitors to enter from the street and create a portal to enter the playful world of Bruno Munari.

Color & Light

An entrance inspired by the artworks of James Turrell. The spatial elements of the entrance work to prepare visitors for the experience inside the museum.

Flat Packing

The simple structure of the entrance respects the facade of the building and flat packs for easy storage.

TURNING SHAPES INSIDE OUT

The creation of "experience" boxes using light and color, invite children to explore three-dimensional shapes and help them understand the world around them.