In the international invited competition of Gothenburg Museum of Art, JKMM collaborated with Strategisk Arkitektur. Their design proposal, named ‘Etos’, was selected among the top 6. The idea aims to create a timeless space that fosters a unique art experience, a destination with a distinct identity for encounters and reflections. The main goal is to establish the Gothenburg Museum of Art as a noteworthy representative among both national and international art institutions.

The design approach takes on an archaeological expression, extracting the essence of the museum through architectural means. By excavating the plinth of the annex building, the design creates archaic spatial conditions. Through the integration of old and new, a fundamental spatial expression is created. For furute generations, the old museum building keeps its character as a heritage landmark, and the new museum annex transforms the museum complex to a significant cultural destination. The museum enriches daily urban life through its robust architectural presence.

The proposal marks the transition between Götaplatsen’s urban square and Lorenberg’s villa town’s intimate character by shaping the museum’s natural form to align with its desired existence. Subtle adaptation of building masses into the site’s terrain takes into consideration the interplay of function and form. The annex honors the culturally signifacant context; traditions and history are kept alive by the development of the institution.