BMC Municipal commissioner Sitaram Kunte said that they are delighted that Dr. Bhau Daji Lad museum will now have a world class addition by the winning team. "It was a tough decision and we have been at it since a long time. However with each presentation that we saw, the choice of selection was getting tougher. But at the end there was a consensus on the decision taken," said Kunte. 

The winning design was distinctive for its sculptural and calligraphic qualities. It proposes a simple volume which is enlivened by deep subtracting cuts, creating dramatic effects of light and shade. Its central feature is a reflecting pool in the new courtyard between the old and new building. 

The winning architects said that they tried bringing a direct connection between the existing and the new building. "We are excited in proceeding towards the next step after winning this competition. Our design has deep shading cuts in order to allow natural light. We have even focused upon the space in between the buildings," said one of the architects. 

Tasneem Mehta, trustee and director of the museum called it as culmination of a 10 year long dream. "We want to create a gallery space which is able to deal with precious objects among other things. There will also be research space, besides a 200 seater auditorium. We have been impressed by the hard work of all the eight teams that were shortlisted. This new building will change the cultural conservation in Mumbai and wider museum world. The scheme integrates sustainability into the design and is ambitious to set new standards of environmental performance and energy conservation," said Mehta. 

Design Pics Courtesy/Steven Holl
Design Pics Courtesy/Steven Holl © Steven Holl

One of the oldest museums in the country is all set to get a new building. In three months time, work on a building which will come up towards the north of exising Bhau Daji Lad museum at Byculla zoo premises will begin. Design for the same has been finalised and a New York-based firm has been roped in for the Rs 275 crore-project expected to be completed in three and half years.

The new building, expected to be a blend of art and contemporary style of architecture, will house a museum, exhibition hall, interpretation centre, art gallery, library, conference hall and also a cafe. A permanent gallery to showcase Mumbai, milestones in its development and its cultural fabric is also on the anvil.

To be constructed on public private partnership (PPP) model, design for the building was selected after seeking expression of interest globally, in a first such initiative for a public structure in the city.

Civic chief Sitaram Kunte, co-chairman trustee of the museum, declared Steven Holl Architects as the winner out of the total 104 expression of interest received. Steven Holl Architects which will work along with city-based Opolis Architects. They have projects like Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in Helsinki, the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art in Denmark and Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas to their credit.