Beyond The White Cube

Abstract

This thesis explores the design and conceptualization of a contemporary installation art museum in Berlin, aiming to redefine the traditional white cube experience and contribute to a healthier society. The ‘white cube’ model as we know it today has been around since the late 19th century. With its neutral, flexible and decontextualized spaces it takes away all distractions from the art. However this ‘white cube’ model and passive experience has become outdated and fails to engage visitors in a more meaningful way. It is exactly this engagement and interaction with the art and other visitors what makes the museum potentially such an important building in our future society. Especially in this digital age where people are becoming more alone and isolated it is important to have places where they can come together and connect with each other. That is why the primary objective of this project is to create spaces that foster meaningful interaction and connections, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more cohesive society. This building, focusing on social health, together with eight other buildings will form a broader strategy to improve Berlins health by integrating a health beneficiary space in to the buildings design.