Considering it’s a museum of the human body, the design of the roof as an ergonomic garden – "a dynamic landscape of vegetal and mineral surfaces that allow the park’s visitors to explore and express their bodies in various ways" – seems particularly fitting.
Montpellier’s medical school dates back to the 10th century and the museum will explore the human body from an artistic, scientific and societal approach through cultural activities, interactive exhibitions, performances and workshops.
The 7 800 square metre construction will consist of eight major spaces on one level. It will be part of the newly developed area Parc Marianne, bookending the Charpak Park and the Montpellier city hall.
The jury, headed by the city’s mayor Hélène Mandroux, chose Bjarke Ingels Architects (BIG) over five other shortlisted international teams to design the complex.
BIG recently completed the Danish National Maritime Museum.
Construction is scheduled to start in 2016 and the building will open 2018.
