UK design firm Zaha Hadid Architects and Serbian studio Bureau Cube Partners have won an anonymous design competition for the new Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade.
The adaptive reuse project will renovate Belgrade’s historic Milan Vapa Paper Mill, built in 1924, into a cultural destination celebrating the inventor and engineer’s legacy.
Tesla shaped the modern world with his groundbreaking contributions to electrical engineering and technology.
His innovations include developing alternating current electricity, inventing the Tesla coil, early advancements in wireless communication, and concepts that paved the way for radio and radar technology.
Zaha Hadid Architects said in a press release: “Tesla’s work, spanning from the 1880s to the early 1900s, continues to influence and inspire developments in energy, communications and technology to this day.”
The 13,400-square-metre museum‘s design is inspired by Tesla’s research into magnetic fields and wireless energy transfer, said Zaha Hadid Architects.
“Informed by concepts of magnetic forces and interconnectivity, the design incorporates dynamic elliptical curves radiating from the old factory chimney, the site’s dominant feature,” the studio added.
The first-floor galleries will house historical artefacts, as well as interactive displays and immersive presentations, while temporary galleries will host exhibitions and events.
New museum for Serbia
One highlight in the museum will be a gallery featuring a 12-million-volt transformer. The venue will also include a café, multipurpose hall and rooftop restaurant.
Outside of the building, Nikola Tesla Square will be a new public space for the city. Inspired by Tesla’s concepts of electromagnetic fields, the square will provide flowing pathways, gardens and plazas.
Last year, Europa-Park opened its new Voltron Nevera roller coaster. During the ride, guests are immersed in Nikola Tesla’s electricity experiments.
The station building is even designed in the style of an old hydroelectric power plant used by Tesla for his research.
Images courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
