Architect of memory
Mladen Petrov: What are the biggest challenges you face on this project in Warsaw?
Rainer Mahlamäki: This is a very demanding project because of the specific needs in museum construction - architects all over the world deal with the same problems. MHPJ is an international project with design studios from Poland, Finland and England cooperating together, which is another key issue. I am pleased to say that my experience with the local authorities has been very positive, which helps us to run the project smoothly. The money, naturally, is another very important issue for us. For the last two to three years we've been observing a steady increase of construction costs in Poland, while the cost calculations for this project were made before the prices went up. We are constantly readjusting. However, I hope City Hall and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage will understand this problematic situation and that fruitful co-operation will continue.
Knowing that Poland lacks modern museum buildings, were you worried about the authorities' reaction to this project?
Generally speaking, other than stress - which is natural when working on such a high-profile project - I wasn't worried. It probably has something to do with the fact that the local authorities have been a very loyal and supportive partner. We were given the freedom to decide the final look of the building and I see the gray clouds that gather over the project every now and then for financial reasons as a natural part of the process.
Did you find it difficult to prepare a project for Warsaw, a city known for its diverse, though not always harmonious, architecture?
The complexity of Warsaw's architecture could also be [seen as] a positive thing and, in the case of MHPJ, it only provided us with more options. For example, the buildings surrounding the museum - these socialist-style blocks - offered us a very nice frame for our building. The museum doesn't stand out, but it is still noticeable. I myself find the architectural diversification of Warsaw very interesting, with the Old Town neighboring a line of modern skyscrapers. As far as MHPJ is concerned, I believe we have a great location on the city map. We are going to deliver a modern and welcoming public building in the center of a vibrant city. Apart from attracting lots of visitors, I am sure that the museum will impact on the whole neighborhood in a very positive way.
Do you worry that museum buildings with modern designs will overshadow what is inside them?
I see the two upcoming museum buildings in Warsaw [MHPJ and the Museum of Modern Art] as facilities that will add a totally different layer to the city's landscape and its structure. They will bring a totally new experience for their visitors and, in a way, these new institutions will freshen up and enrich the spirit of the capital. That is why I don't think that Warsaw will be dealing with the problem of the museum buildings being more popular than the permanent expositions.
