THE SECRET APARTMENT

The Apartment of the Secret Garden (Appartamento del Giardino Segreto) in Mantova, Italy is a very specific place in the heart of Palazzo Te, part ot the cultural heritage of the city. The project aim was to preserve the building by minimising the impact on it and to reflect the character of the surrounding space. The task was to design a place for exhibitions (permanent and /or temporary) and other activities such as presentations and meetings. The concept consists of modules which could be combined in multiple configurations and sets in a creative way. The basic module is trapeze-like and allows different kinds of compositions when combined with other trapezes. This shape was inspired by the niches formed by the big windows (seen in top view).

 A set of modules highlights the main entrance and creates benches. The entrance system invites the visitors to explore the interior and discover the exhibitions taking place inside. Each room has a different character and name which is why the modules have a different arrangement each time. The two main axes are guiding the visitors through the exhibition and are structuring the space. The exterior axe is guiding the visitors to the “grotta” (cave) - a specific place, part of the secret apartment. The level of the pathway allows disabled people to visit the interior of the grotta and connects it to the rest of the apartment. Several modules are dispersed outside. They are aligned with the windows and equipped with frames highlighting the perception of depth that the statues behind them are creating. (project in a group of three)