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Reconstruction of the
Sergei Parajanov Museum

Location: Kentron District, Yerevan, Armenia
Type: Public/Museum
Client: Sergei Parajanov Museum
Appointment: 2023
Area: 315 sqm
Height: 13-16 m
Stories: 3
Materials: Basalt, copper, brass, textured glass
Status: Sketch

Situated on the edge of Hrazdan Gorge in Yerevan, Armenia, the Sergei Parajanov Museum is in the midst of a significant architectural transformation, ushering in a new era for its storied legacy. The museum, with its original two-story configuration from the 1980s, is undergoing a transformative evolution as it embraces a non-traditional design approach with the introduction of a groundbreaking third floor. The addition of an extra floor not only maintains the architectural integrity of the existing structure but also enhances its design cohesion by aligning with established solutions.

The new floor introduces two distinctive copper structures with elegantly curved edges, featuring oriental-shaped windows. The scarcity of windows in these structures is also a result of functional necessity, driven by the presence of a cinema hall and a museum fund within the space. A centrally positioned, narrow basalt stone element stands between the copper structures. Serving as a connection between the copper elements, this basalt corridor, beneath a captivating glass ceiling, descends to a viewing platform, offering a breathtaking panorama of Mount Ararat. The intriguing interplay of volumes within creates a captivating indoor atmosphere, simultaneously defining the overall volume and the entrance of the newly envisioned cinema hall.

On the periphery of the basalt structure, a sphere, echoing the Color of Pomegranates, rests as if atop a pedestal. This symbolic element serves to represent Armenian heritage within the realm of Parajanov's artistic expression. This sphere acts as a visual beacon, visible both from the exterior of the building and within the corridor, drawing visitors into a sensory exploration reflecting the essence of Parajanov's masterpieces.

The combination of textured materials and cultural motifs from the region shapes the expanded Sergei Parajanov Museum. This architectural creation stands as a testament to magnificence and distinctive design, fulfilling both the economic and functional needs of the museum simultaneously. It mirrors the essence and individuality of Parajanov, resonating with the spirit found in both the artist himself and his pictorial creations.

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