Competition: Stadtgeschichtsmuseum Schwerin
Status: Competition entry, open one-phase realization competition
Location: Schwerin, Germany
Site: Historic city centre, Schlachtermarkt
Typology: Museum
Area: 1,000 m²
GFA: 4,800 m²
Year: 2025
Organizer: Landeshauptstadt Schwerin / Dezernat III - Wirtschaft, Bauen und Umwelt / Fachdienst Stadtentwicklung und Wirtschaft / Fachgruppe Stadterneuerung
Collaboration: vn-a I visual network art architecture, Berlin / Tim Mitto Architekt, Hamburg
Authors: Huong Vu, Dung Nguyen, Tim Mitto
Team: Duong Le, Vu Do, Hiep Nguyen, Kiet Nguyen, Quyen Chu
Credit: © vn-a | Tim Mitto Architekt
The design interprets the historic urban structure of the Schlachtermarkt through a contemporary architectural language. Its restrained cubic volume responds to the scale and grain of the surrounding historic townscape, defining the edge of the square without competing with its spatial dominance. An open, barrier-free passage connects the street and square, while existing pedestrian routes are continued through the site. The courtyard forms a semi-public space linking the existing and new structures.
The new building completes the historic fabric into a coherent ensemble with an inner courtyard. Its clear volume and orientation integrate with the surrounding context, while a vertical circulation element developed from the courtyard provides an additional spatial focus. Column-free floor plans allow flexible exhibition spaces, with visitor, educational and administrative functions clearly organized. The roof is activated as an additional usable outdoor space.
The intervention respects the listed historic structure while making its character visible. Historic elements, particularly the timber framing facing the sculpture garden, are preserved and integrated into the new composition. The interfaces between old and new are deliberately articulated to express both continuity and distinction. Durable materials, precise detailing and reversible additions support the long-term preservation of the historic fabric and meet heritage conservation requirements.