We're delighted to share that our entry for the new Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade has won third prize in an international design competition. The multidisciplinary team led by Howells was driven by a shared vision to transform a derelict 100-year-old paper mill into an atmospheric visitor attraction at Belgrade Waterfront. Whitby Wood Popovic provided structural and civil engineering services alongside other specialist engineers and content designers to bring Howell’s architectural vision to life. Our works included a structural assessment of the existing building to inform which elements would be retained, refurbished or replaced. We played a key role in developing the concept design of the structural framing for several new building components and a potential construction sequence for the proposed refurbishment and new build works. Drawing on our local knowledge, we could provide cultural and historical insights that enriched our team discussions and design process. WWP director Sasa Popovic said, 'This collaboration with Howell’s team has again proved to be an engaging and rewarding experience. It highlights the synergy between engineering and architecture to achieve a quality design we can be proud of.' architect and competition lead Howells structure and civil engineering Whitby Wood Popovic exhibition design Nissen Richards Studio landscape architect LDA Design MEP and sustainability Atelier Ten development consultant Sillage Business Solutions #engineers #structuralengineering #civilengineering #collaboration #conceptdesign #refurbishment #competition #NikolaTesla #WhitbyWoodPopovic #Belgrade #museumdesign #cultural #arts #museum #waterfront #BelgradeWaterfront #urbanrenewal
Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade Howells led a multidisciplinary team in submitting proposals for an international design competition to create a new Nikola Tesla Museum in #Belgrade - celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Serbia’s most famous scientist, engineer and innovator. Our design transforms a derelict 100-year-old paper mill into an atmospheric visitor attraction, located within the emerging neighbourhood of #BelgradeWaterfront. #NikolaTesla's discoveries into the potential of electricity and radio signals led him to be regarded by some as a magician or even an alien being. This sense of theatre is incorporated into our design through atmospheric exhibitions of light and energy; from the new arrival square connecting the metro station, to the entrance portal with a ‘magnetic’ ground surface, and the immersive series of gallery spaces. The museum accommodates a range of educational exhibitions and artefacts within spaces that flow around the central atrium – marked by its distinctive chimney, which serves as a wayfinding marker to the surrounding city. Sensitive #architectural interventions to the façade and skyline reflect the internal programme, using dark metallic finishes that recall Tesla’s creations and juxtapose with the elegant white factory building. Citation from the competition jury: "The author managed to create a dynamic and exciting visitor experience, that is not only educational, but also emotionally powerful. "Through a carefully devised distribution of space, each element has its own role in telling Tesla's story, giving it a unique value compared to other competitors. "This design is also characterized by an exceptional landscaping proposal, with clearly defined elements, such as paving symbolizing the magnetic field and circular lighting placed above the square, which creates a unique ambience. "The design is extremely valuable because of its complexity, attention to detail and ability to merge historical significance with a modern approach to exhibition design." Our submission was awarded third prize in a field of 46 entries. Thanks to our talented team and collaborators working between London and Belgrade: Architect and competition lead – Howells Exhibition design - Nissen Richards Studio Landscape Architect – LDA Design MEP + sustainability – Atelier Ten Structure + Civil engineering – Whitby Wood Popovic Development consultant – Sillage