Post-Scientific Museum of Geology
Formulation of New Realism through Ambiguous Object
Speculating Enlightenment and Romanticism
Central Park at 86th St. W., New York
Mario J. Romanach Fellowship, excellence in design
Published in Pressing Matter III
Ferda Kolatan
Concept, 2015
What distinguishes geology from other sciences is its embrace of ambiguity over precision. Geological phenomena are amorphous and boundless, contrasting sharply with the fixed forms and exact functions found in biology or mathematics. While depictions of fruits, human figures, or insects often convey uniformity due to their inherent specificity, representations of geological phenomena are marked by divergence. Geology, characterized by perpetual fluctuation, comprises a continuum of transformations — from pebbles to rock to Earth's crust — forming an intricate tapestry of repetition and tectonic interplay among seams, surfaces, and volumes.
The proposal for a post-scientific geology museum aims to elucidate, rather than replicate, the essence of geology through the rhythmic interplay of diverse surface and volume conditions. Departing from traditional museum exhibition norms, the design evokes geological phenomena by embedding their dynamic nature into the architecture. The exterior facade expresses scars and seams that connect surfaces with distinct conditions, defining the activities within. Inside, the museum transforms into a reimagined geological landscape — crevasses, chasms, prairies, and more — inspired by a meticulous study of the rock itself. This approach extracts geological information to inform both the structure and programmatic functions, creating an innovative fusion of art and science. Visitors are invited to explore a dynamic narrative of Earth's geological history, conveyed through architecture that embodies the ever-changing essence of the natural world.