INHOTIM ”Inhotim is a unique site that offers a broad ensemble of art works, displayed outdoors as well as in both temporary and permanent galleries, all located inside a Botanical Garden of extraordinary beauty. The landscaping was originally inspired by famed architect and landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994), and rare plant species are distributed in an esthetically pleasing manner throughout an estate which also sports five lakes and a preserved forest area.
Instituto Inhotim, decreed a Civil Society Organization of Public Interest, offers, in addition to these areas of artistic enjoyment and entertainment - which make it stand out among similar institutions - develops environmental research work, educational actions and an important program of social inclusion and citizenship for the local population.” (www.inhotim.org.br)
LOCATION The building was built next to the main entrance near the reception and one of the existing ponds.
PROGRAM The limited space available and the desire to mimic the building in the existing landscape suggested the design of an horizontal pavilion, in just one level above the lake, slightly sunken in relation to the surrounds. The roof acts as a bridge linking different parts of the museum and configuring an elevated square with a grand reflecting pool, where different botanical species are explored. It is a place for gathering and contemplation, promoting tight integration between architecture and landscaping.
The main entrance to the building happens through a square that turns into a broad amphitheater leading the public to a reception area. From the reception area, one can access directly the library, the studios, the auditorium and the coffee shop. The roof is also an option for accessing the museum through its elevated square. The building potencializes the relationship between architecture and landscape, floating over the lake, creating a beautiful garden on its roof, promoting open air circulation spaces, it integrates art and nature.
SHAPE AND CONSTRUCTION The roof is composed by three concrete ribbed slabs casted in loco, modulated at 80cm, which provides organization and rationalization of the used materials. The program organization itself has solved the technical need of expansion joints between slabs, making independent slabs for the library, the studios and the auditorium. The only volume that rises above the elevated square is the technical area above the auditorium stage, also built in concrete ribbed slab.
The floor design has more freedom. The level difference between the access square (726.80) and reception area (723.00) led to the design of an outdoor amphitheater, facing the building.
