CANTONAL MUSEUM OF 
FINE ARTS IN LAUSANNE 

Strict geometry in Lausanne’s north railway station area

In conjunction with MCBA, the Barozzi/Veiga Spanish architect duo have created the first of three museum buildings, located in the north railway station area of Lausanne. The ‘Musée de l’Elysée’ museum of photography, the Museum of Contemporary Design and Applied Arts (‘Musée de design et d'arts appliqués contemporains’, MUDAC), as well as MCBA will revive the previously unused zone as an interconnected whole. MCBA was built as the first of the three. This monolith of exposed concrete and linear geometry stands out as the biggest building in the area with its pragmatic shape. The vertical slats on its northern side provide an optimal supply of natural lighting, at the same time preventing the sunlight from damaging the exhibits.

Quiet spaciousness in the exhibition rooms

In contrast to the extensive lobby with a concrete and agglomerate stone floor, the exhibition rooms taking up both of the upper floors of the building have a warm oak parquet by Bauwerk. The designers sought a calmer and light-coloured floor that would not clash with the architecture. In an exhibition room where optimum climate conditions must be maintained to protect the art, genuine wood flooring plays a supporting role.

Ultimately, the choice fell on Bauwerk’s Silverline Edition. It impresses not only with its natural light-coloured look and the effect of space it creates, but also with its durability. The Silente technology that Bauwerk uses in this parquet improves the walking experience and creates a pleasantly relaxing atmosphere that invites you to linger a bit longer in these rooms.