We imagine a linear park that intertwines culture, recreation, sports, art, and landscape.
We propose the expansion of the MNBA as a beacon of Neuquén’s culture—a space where the local landscape becomes the protagonist and connector for the various cultural and recreational activities taking place there. We envision a contemporary, flexible, and adaptable space that allows for different appropriations over time. The idea is to build upon the pre-existing, proposing a project that enhances those pre-existing spaces to shape the future.
Located at the main access, the project includes the expansion of the National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA), one of the most prominent cultural references in the province. The architectural intervention occurs within the same lot as the existing building, connecting a series of volumes through a perimeter gallery. This connecting element not only links the new spaces but also creates a direct, continuous relationship between the interior space and the urban-landscaped environment, enhancing the museum’s interaction with the city.
Implantation
The intervention becomes an urban landmark on the eastern corner of the block, providing an access platform to Neuquén’s Central Park. The design integrates the project with Tierra del Fuego and Bartolomé Mitre streets. It prioritizes the connection between the existing structure and the new building through a perimeter gallery that links strategic programs.
Form and Geometry
The new expansion follows the same formal matrix as the existing museum designed by Mario Roberto Álvarez, a choice that allows the new intervention to be part of the existing building’s evolutionary logic. The adoption of a single, rigorous modulation that governs all the dimensions of the project not only ensures the correct size for each element but also reflects the intention to conceive the expansion as an open device for dialogue rather than as an autonomous object.
System of Fills and Voids
In alignment with the spatial structure of the existing MNBA, characterized by the alternation of fills, voids, volumes, and open spaces, the new intervention continues the pattern of solid programmatic spaces and open interstitial spaces that serve as courtyards. Thus, the museum’s circulation is marked by continuous movement through a pavilion that adds depth to the space and connects the various programs of the proposal.
Potential and Flexibility of the New Building
The proposed building can be used as an exhibition hall, a space for special activities—such as conferences, workshops, and events—or, thanks to the direct access from the urban garden, it can operate independently even when the museum is closed.
Program
The proposal is divided into five functional areas:
Hall: Includes entry, reception, and storage areas. It serves as a connector between the MNBA and the Auditorium. It is closely linked to Central Park through visual connections with the surrounding landscape, the bike lane, and the train tracks.
MNBA: The existing architecture by Mario Roberto Álvarez is preserved in its splendor, restoring its regular morphology.
Auditorium: The existing auditorium is preserved in its original state, with a proposed antechamber that matches the seating capacity.
Gallery: A perimeter space that integrates the programs and also functions as a promenade and space for contemplation. It houses exhibition spaces, a café, and a space for local entrepreneurs.
Auditorium and Convention Room: A flexible 500m² room is proposed, with its primary objective being the flexibility of the space for cultural, artistic, and social activities. The room also includes an upper level with a mezzanine and a technical control area.
Landscape
The landscaping proposal surrounding the building fosters a closer relationship with the native landscape, creating sequential micro-landscapes with recreational equipment. These spaces combine with more flexible cultural activities, such as learning areas, gathering spots, relaxation areas, and spaces for contemplation.
The landscape transforms into a flexible, winding perimeter walk that unites and links cultural/recreational programs throughout the entire proposal.
Central Park
The park is conceived as the city’s main green support, linked to the native landscape of Neuquén Province. In this context, the existing ecology is respected and strengthened through the incorporation of native tree species to increase the site’s biodiversity. This environmental buffer structures, connects, and organizes the various cultural, environmental, and sports programs of the park, inviting visitors into an immersive experience of a regional native forest integrated into the urban fabric.
Moreover, the proposal becomes a natural transition element between the city center and its periphery, creating a green space that reduces visual and auditory pollution, transforming the area into a tranquil place where people lose track of time and reconnect with the natural world and the identity of the location.
To structure the park, we recognize the existing layout in the eastern sector, proposing its strategic extension to connect cultural and sports buildings with recreational, gastronomic, and artistic areas.
Finally, to ensure the park’s sustainability, strategies are implemented to minimize its environmental impact, including the use of permeable materials, low-maintenance native vegetation, and water reuse. This ensures that the park can be implemented and maintained with minimal effort over time, contributing to the reduction of urban heat islands and promoting a circular economy and ecology.
