The design for the New Museum of Semana Santa in Zamora by MATOS-CASTILLO arquitectos responds to the history and memory of the Zamoranos with respect while introducing a spatially dynamic and modern building that generates impact and regenerates the city.
The geometric complexity of the building derives from the geometric complexity of the site itself, which comes as a result of the historic fabric and successive acquisition of plots for the museum. This complexity exists alongside a clear design order and succession of spaces and experience.
A North-South axis defines the main circulation and arrangement of exhibition spaces. In fact, the axis direction is slightly deviated from the actual geographical axis to consolidate the connection between the museum and the Church of Santa Maria la Nueva, from which its main construction axis is assumed.
From the basis of the axis, the Museum develops as a succession of shapes, spatial types and characters that vary in size according to the conditions of the site, but also bearing in mind functional requirements of the museum and pieces on display. The discourse of the exhibition develops in a continuous flow throughout two floors. The inherent logic behind the design and its progression of spaces means that despite being spatially rich and complex, the building is intuitive and easy to navigate.
The materiality likewise is in sync with the building’s surrounding fabric. The exterior is constructed with local stone, to integrate the new volume and provide calm continuity with the city.
Inside, powerful tinted and textured concrete walls enhance the spatiality. The walls rise to the sky, with natural light falling via skylights and open courts, minimizing the need for artificial light and creating dramatic effects.
