Designer unveils story behind the Oman Across Ages Museum’s creation
Published: 06:09 PM,Sep 07,2024 | EDITED : 10:09 PM,Sep 07,2024
A dialogue session titled The Journey of Designing Oman Museum Through Time was held in Nizwa.
NIZWA: A dialogue session titled The Journey of Designing Oman Museum Through Time, saw renowned designer Steve Woodland unveil the hidden story behind the Oman Across Ages Museum’s creation last week.
During the session, Woodland detailed the design process, explaining the symbolic meaning behind the lines, colours, and shapes that reflect Oman’s terrain and cultural heritage. The museum’s design mirrors the formations of Oman's mountains, particularly the Al Hajar Mountains, which feature prominently in the Sultanate’s landscape.
'The museum’s managers wanted the building to embody the different stages of Oman’s Renaissance while drawing inspiration from Omani culture in a modern and distinctive style,' Woodland shared. 'The shape of the Omani mountains, especially Al Hajar, influenced the design, rising from the ground to represent stability and resilience.'
Transforming Oman’s rich history and rugged landscapes into a singular architectural masterpiece proved to be a challenge. However, Woodland envisioned a structure where every line and curve carried a meaning. He emphasised that the museum was intended to be more than just a building —it was to be a testament to Oman’s heritage and the unrefined beauty of its landscape.
The exterior of the museum features sloping geometric lines, with all walls, including the glass, angled to reflect the shape of the Al Hajar Mountains. Designed to endure, the building was constructed with environmental considerations in mind. Its low eastern side shields the interior from direct sunlight, while windows on the west allow natural light to fill the space. The sloping walls minimize direct sunlight, reducing energy consumption for lighting and cooling.
'The design also draws inspiration from the cooling mechanisms of ancient Omani castles,' Woodland noted. 'Stones sourced from nearby governorates were used in the construction, and smaller pieces were thoughtfully scattered around the garden and outdoor spaces, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.'
After years of meticulous planning and profound contemplation, the Oman Across Ages Museum rose from the ground like a majestic mountain. Its precise angles, sloping walls, and even the scattered stones pay tribute to Oman’s strength and history.
The museum is more than just a building—it is a story that reflects Oman’s past while looking toward its future. Just like the enduring mountains that inspired its design, the Oman Across Ages Museum will stand steadfast through time, preserving and recounting its story for generations to come.
During the session, Woodland detailed the design process, explaining the symbolic meaning behind the lines, colours, and shapes that reflect Oman’s terrain and cultural heritage. The museum’s design mirrors the formations of Oman's mountains, particularly the Al Hajar Mountains, which feature prominently in the Sultanate’s landscape.
'The museum’s managers wanted the building to embody the different stages of Oman’s Renaissance while drawing inspiration from Omani culture in a modern and distinctive style,' Woodland shared. 'The shape of the Omani mountains, especially Al Hajar, influenced the design, rising from the ground to represent stability and resilience.'
Transforming Oman’s rich history and rugged landscapes into a singular architectural masterpiece proved to be a challenge. However, Woodland envisioned a structure where every line and curve carried a meaning. He emphasised that the museum was intended to be more than just a building —it was to be a testament to Oman’s heritage and the unrefined beauty of its landscape.
The exterior of the museum features sloping geometric lines, with all walls, including the glass, angled to reflect the shape of the Al Hajar Mountains. Designed to endure, the building was constructed with environmental considerations in mind. Its low eastern side shields the interior from direct sunlight, while windows on the west allow natural light to fill the space. The sloping walls minimize direct sunlight, reducing energy consumption for lighting and cooling.
'The design also draws inspiration from the cooling mechanisms of ancient Omani castles,' Woodland noted. 'Stones sourced from nearby governorates were used in the construction, and smaller pieces were thoughtfully scattered around the garden and outdoor spaces, blending seamlessly with the surroundings.'
After years of meticulous planning and profound contemplation, the Oman Across Ages Museum rose from the ground like a majestic mountain. Its precise angles, sloping walls, and even the scattered stones pay tribute to Oman’s strength and history.
The museum is more than just a building—it is a story that reflects Oman’s past while looking toward its future. Just like the enduring mountains that inspired its design, the Oman Across Ages Museum will stand steadfast through time, preserving and recounting its story for generations to come.