FROM MUSEUM TO VISITOR CENTRE
The initial task was to plan a small, cozy museum for an existing collection of historical fruit processing machinery. In the course of the project, the scenography company Aroma, specialised in 3D communication, developed the interactive visitor centre MOMÖ with the aim of becoming a tourist highlight of the Lake Constance region. In addition to the technical aspects of juice production, the museum has also given the wild bee and the people behind the entire production chain the space they deserve. Through this project evolution, the team around Adi Aicher was expanded. An essential part of the exhibition scenery was planned by Sektor4 (scenic lighting design) in close cooperation with vogtpartner (architectural lighting design).
THE SPACE
The new building is based on a design by architects Harder & Spreyermann from Zurich.
Located on the edge of the Möhl production site in Arbon, the architecture shows a contemporary interpretation of a simple and functional barn, as is often found in the surrounding area. Primarily used as storage space, daylight was excluded or reduced to a minimum wherever possible. A few windows were set in the new building and these were integrated into the architecture as a matter of course at scenically important locations. Essentially, a high room with a complex folded ceiling was created, which is divided by a usable gallery floor and supplemented with an enormous barrel cellar.
LIGHTING CONCEPT
Together with the Möhl family and the architect responsible for the realisation, Nicole Gamisch from Zurich, a lighting pattern was developed which underlines the independence of the architecture and enhances the experience quality of the museum. The well-known feeling of mysterious, deep darkness in a barn is the basis of the entire light concept. It enables the subtle guidance of the visitors. Well-placed “flaming up” light experiences strengthen the feeling of discovery and ensure the vitality of the respective exhibits and themes. The described “barn” effect is supported by the use of dark wooden walls and ceilings. As the use of the space includes various events such as tastings, concerts and workshops, a high degree of flexibility was required. The choice of basic lighting technology fell on ceiling-integrated conductor rails. In order to leave the ceiling in the dark, the spotlights are prevented from illuminating themselves with careful glare control.
This dualism was additionally reinforced with a colour temperature contrast. The architecture, mainly concrete structures, is illuminated at a neutral colour temperature (4000K). The exhibits, mostly made of copper and wood, are highlighted out of the darkness with warm light (2700K). The materials were thus emphasised more strongly and at the same time the epochal contrast was emphasised. Overlaps are intentional and the focus with increased light quantity follows the museum requirements. The strength of architectural lighting is based on its self-evident nature, which can be seen in its integration, spatial grid and emphasis on structural elements.
The lighting provides orientation, safety and supports the flow through the exhibits. Through an impressive staircase, the visitors reach the large barrel cellar in the basement, which normally can only be overlooked by the visitors as it is used industrially at the same time. In this illuminated work area there are 20,000 litres of must filled in wooden barrels in a constant, appropriately cooled room temperature for the ripening process. Despite the safety glass, a visitor balcony allows a glare-free view of the impressive, huge oak barrels. Since guided tours and tastings also take place here, a zone control system provides pleasant functional lighting with a simultaneous background scene.
THE TOWER
The “Mostturm” (must tower) interactively depicts the historical juice extraction process. At the foot of the tower, the visitor is given the task of producing must from apples and bottling it. To do this, the apple must first be ground or reduced in size by means of various equipment available for selection. The result is then pressed and filtered so that the valuable juice can finally be filled into bottles. In order to get the process going, the visitor can place the machines shown on black dice on the console (interactive, projected onto a wooden surface from above) in the right order and in the right place. If a cube is moved, the tower awakes from its twilight state, in which the exhibits are only dimly visible against the light. The selected device is now highlighted in the tower and is given three-dimensionality and materiality by the front lighting. The visitor is thus schematically shown the must process and the associated historical artefacts at the same time.
GUIDED TOUR
At the beginning and end of the MOMÖ, a bar and a juice shop provide the indispensable possibility of taking home any of the multitude of products related to apples. This area is overlooked by a chandelier structure designed for the location, with a village festival character and countless warm light points. The chandelier as a classical element has a central, creative and decorative function in addition to the functional aspect of illuminating the room: it is jewellery and eye catcher in equal measure and gives the room identity. It was developed especially for this project.
After operating hours, small evening events with live music and a bar are held in the entrance hall. For this purpose, the scenographers searched for images related to night markets. The 18-metre-long chandelier developed by Sektor4 is therefore reminiscent of garlands of lights stretched across the sales streets at night markets.
OUTSIDE
The forecourt is equipped with high masts with targeted spotlights of different optics with few islands of light. At the same time, a centrally planted apple tree is deliberately staged as the heart of MOMÖ, thus making the course of nature visible even in the evening hours. The shimmering metallic façade becomes visible in a blue shimmering light from the recessed light shafts in the floor, which refers to the always cooled, huge barrel cellar. Adjacent to the MOMÖ, an adventure garden has been created in which related themes such as ecology, bees and fruit growing become visible. In the evening hours, the outdoor gastronomic area invites you to social events starting from school events to whiskey tasting. Playfully arranged strings of lights take up the theme of the garden party and invite you to linger.
