For architects and installers, the realization of museum facilities is a real challenge. In buildings of this type, functional solutions must simultaneously reflect the artistic and historical concept and emphasize the monumental nature of the building. On the one hand, it is crucial to maintain aesthetic qualities, and on the other hand, to properly present the collected works and exhibitions. How to reconcile these two worlds? We show you using the example of the Sibir Memorial Museum, where TRILUX lighting solutions create the character of the place.
The Sibir Memorial Museum was established in one of the pre-war military warehouses, directly adjacent to the railroad siding of the former Polesie Station. It was here, in 1940-1941 and in 1944, that the Soviets loaded residents into train cars. The original architectural elements were incorporated by the architect into the overall design and used, as symbolic points. An authentic Russian wagon from 1892, standing on the tracks, alludes to the historical deportations that took place just by rail." The two-axle vehicle is a so-called "tiepłuszka" - it stands today inside the Museum building, on the tracks stretching along the old siding. It serves as a symbolic gate through which all visitors to the exhibition pass, and at the same time brings to mind the memory of those dramatic moments.
When one embarks on designing a museum, a dilemma arises: should the architecture be a background for what is presented in the exhibitions, or should it speak to the emotions of the audience on its own? In this case, I decided to give the floor to architecture, which speaks the language of symbols," says Jan Kabac, a renowned architect from ARKON, who was responsible for the overall architectural concept of the project.
This approach is evident as soon as you approach the museum building, especially after dusk. The road leading to it, delineated by Trilux luminaires mounted low to the ground that illuminate only its very surface, becomes a symbol of another road - the one that prisoners sent to Siberia had to take.
Those walking along the road are given space to ponder the fate of those who took the road only one way, the architect explains.
Siberia Memorial Museum
© TRILUX POLSKA
On the other hand, the lighting installed at the walls of the museum's main, tallest section, which was made of concrete and stainless steel, brings out their austere character, but also alludes to the harshness of Siberia's climate. As explained by Michal Siemion, who was responsible for the lighting project on behalf of ZETO S.A. Information Technology Center of Bialystok.
Thanks to the use of Trilux projectors and LED post luminaires, we were able to emphasize the monumental character of the building, the architect explains.
Complementing the symbolism are the distinctive steel poles surrounding the museum. On the one hand, they allude to the forests of Siberia that sealed the prisoners off from the world they knew before. On the other, as the architect explains, they underscore the mass nature of the tragedy that befell the Siberians.
The poles are illuminated at night with ground-mounted luminaires, so that light falls on them from below. This gives a phenomenal effect emphasizing the symbolism of lives that were frozen in an instant," says the architect.
All our projects are realized out of passion for light, and this passion can be seen in the realization of the Siberia Memorial Museum. This project shows how important a role is played by light, which we don't pay attention to every day, and it is light that influences our emotions, the perception of a situation or a place. We are pleased to have become a partner in such an important project, and our luminaires have become part of a wonderful exhibition, where light creates the character of a place. Here emotions are painted with light. - Concludes Arkadiusz Lewenko, General Manager Central & Eastern Europe TRILUX
Sibir Memorial Museum
© TRILUX POLAND
The Sibir Memorial Museum, is a place where history full of human drama comes to life. The design by architect Jan Kabac, supported by Trilux lighting solutions, allows one to immerse oneself in this difficult piece of the Polish past and contemplate the suffering and struggle for survival.
