Semiprecious fire

In the town of Zory, Poland, a museum has been created along the major road that extends to the country’s borders. Its primary function is to promote the area – what has been coined the “Bilbao effect”. This modest structure of 640 metres square has arisen at the edge of town.

The name of the city – ?ory means “fire”,”burnt”, “flames”. In XII century, when ?ory was founded, forest was burnt in order to create free space for the new city. This unusual building, the Museum of Fire, resembles a flame creeping along the ground.

The pavilion comprises three fractured walls joined with glazed sections, forming a sculpture-like composition. It has been developed on an embankment, making it highly visible from all directions. Architects Barbara and Oskar Grabczewski have broken, folded, bent and cut its body in such a manner that it represents the natural behaviour of fire.

The associations with fire are enhanced by the copper façade which triggers an impression of burning fire when shimmering in the sunlight. Not only does the copper lend a warm hue but, having been polished, it shines brightly and reflects the surroundings.

If the copper were left exposed to the elements it would oxidise and then patinate, eliminating the ‘fire’ effect of the copper.  The exterior has a car like varnish applied preventing this patina of the semiprecious metal.

Story by Nic-Kaiko Follow him on Instagram kaiko_design

Photographs: Tomasz Zakrzewski