The aim of the Neue Nationalgalerie refurbishment project is to repair all damaged features and correct serious safety deficits. Works include fire-prevention measures, renovation of the entire exterior, removal of the root cause of glass breakage, an overhaul of the concrete shell and the renewal of building technology. The building must also meet the requirements of a modern museum with regard to issues such as air conditioning, safety, lighting, storage functions and visitor services.
The upper layer is a large glass courtyard covering an area of 2600 square meters. The huge square flat roof is supported by eight cross-shaped columns, which are mainly used for special exhibitions. The lower layer can accommodate permanent collections and provide special exhibition and learning platforms for viewers and schools. In addition to exhibition space, museum buildings include libraries, shops and cafes.
In order to ensure the openness and unity of the curtain wall, all glass is produced by one Chinese company only- Tianjin NorthGlass. The glass curtain wall in the upper hall will use super-large structural glass, with a width of more than 3.5 meters. Such a wide toughened laminated glass is extremely rare in European architectural applications and super glass is more like a bridge between space and light.
Joachim Jagger, director of the Neue Nationalgalerie, said, “After years of renovation, the sun-filled glass halls and basement spaces are shining, and the new glass, the perfect painting of the steel roof and the freshness of the building as a whole are particularly impressive.”
The building has a clear and rational style with a minimalist but detailed structure. NorthGlass has the same way to make very simple glass with complex but subtle craft.