GKD and the Kunsthalle Mannheim Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art

A project two and a half years in the making, the Kunsthalle Mannheim museum of modern and contemporary art represents an example of civic commitment and architectural skill. Designing and constructing the museum brought about a unique challenge – creating an aesthetically modern space while honoring the city of Mannheim’s historic layout. Architects aimed to create a dialogue between museum visitors and urban onlookers – merging the inside and outside world. Without this, the building’s link to the city would seem distant. 

To achieve this connection, Gerkan Marg and Partners called upon GKD, a leading provider of woven stainless steel mesh fabric for industry and architecture. GKD began creating a woven work of art in the form of a sophisticated bronze stainless steel façade. The façade, measuring more than 4,600 square feet and consisting of 72 panels, unites the museum with the city of Mannheim. The design consists of two woven stainless steel wires and tubes of two different diameters – 3mm and 25mm – into four stainless steel wire groups. GKD’s sophisticated weaving technique allows the façade to withstand the elements, remaining steadfast during intense wind and snow. Beyond durability and functionality, the Mannheim project also represented an aesthetic challenge.

The façade needed to replicate a precise stipulated color tone chosen by the architects after a lengthy decision process. GKD’s extensive experience in coating metal fabrics proved up to this challenge as the finished fabric reflects the color of the sandstone used in neighboring buildings. This easily implements the museum into the historic city footprint. Kunsthalle Mannheim museum of modern and contemporary art was opened at the end of 2017 by Federal PresidenA project two and a half years in the making, the Kunsthalle Mannheim museum of modern and contemporary art represents an example of civic commitment and architectural skill. Designing and constructing the museum brought about a unique challenge – creating an aesthetically modern space while honoring the city of Mannheim’s historic layout. Architects aimed to create a dialogue between museum visitors and urban onlookers – merging the inside and outside world. Without this, the building’s link to the city would seem distant. 

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t Frank-Walter Steinmeier.