11-11-11: Deconstructivism and Memory

On Memorial Day 11-11-11 a new museum dedicated to the memory of the Great War will be inaugurated in the Meaux region of France. It has been design by Christophe Lab. A dramatic choice - the overtly modern Atelier Lab.

It is a museum of history and of society. It is next to the 21 metre high American Memorial, designed by Frederick William MacMonnies in 1932.

It mas made possible by the acquisition of the private collection of Jean-Pierre Verney. Exhibitions, multimedia displays, reconstructions of a French trench and no-man’s land. It is already attracting crowds - even before it has opened.

This is how I described the competition for the museum to my clients in March 2008:

First World War Museum in Meaux: new-build museum for important international collection including uniforms, daily life of troops, posters, newspapers, postcards. It should show the war in its global and human contexts. The museum is to be at the arpent Videron in Meaux and is to be of exemplary architectural and environmental standard. 6 700 m2. site 60 000 m2 with 15 000 m2 site area to be redeveloped, and which will include the new multisports centre, hotel and activities areas. 13 790 000 EUR. 3 to 4 firms to be selected, receiving 70 000 EUR.

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