In-between echoes of extinction

Authors’ Comment

As we stand on the brink of a new era, it is imperative that we bridge the gap between our past and present.
Located in Astroni crater near Napoli, the museum becomes a manifestation of the intersection between architecture
and the natural world. The elongated design of the museum is optimized to house interactive exhibitions, making the
experience of visiting the museum both informative and engaging.
The timber elements of the structure blend seamlessly with the surrounding hills, creating a harmonious relationship
between architecture and context. The museum manifests itself as a wooden bridge-shaped structure that spans over
the crater, connecting the two peaks inside and providing visitors with a unique perspective on the history of extinction
and a full 360 degrees view of the natural beauty of the site. The goal of this project was to create a museum that
is in harmony with its environment, that respects the heritage of the site by minimising its physical impact and at the
same time offering visitors a complete new experience. Due to being suspended in the air, the museum occupies the
minimum amount of land, allowing the natural landscape to be the main focus and acting as a podium for the entire
spectacle of nature. This way, the visitors will have the opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the site while
learning about the history of extinction and ways to prevent the current one. The form expresses itself with high contrast,
as a completely foreign object, but a live one, with body, tissue and purpose. The museum turns and twists along the
North-South axis of the site for ideal lighting conditions and its skin opens to offer spectacular views or closes up the
space where it is needed for complex activities or exhibitions.
The Extinction Museum serves as a bridge between two eras, the time of dinosaurs and the present, allowing
visitors to explore the history of the last extinction and the current one. It is a deep study of the past while looking to
the future and providing visitors with a new perspective on the world around them. This project aims to transcend mere
functionality and become a cultural catalyst. It is not only a destination, but a physical manifestation of the ongoing
dialogue between the natural world and human civilization. It’s a reminder of the continuity of life and the evolution of
our understanding of the world.
Welcome to the Extinction museum, where the past and present collide in harmonious balance.