The River and Rowing Museum

The River and Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames is a fantastically complex building and was designed by David Chipperfield, who’s other work includes the Neues Museum, Berlin, and the Barcelona City of Justice.

This building attracted my attention firstly because of the mix of natural and modern materials: glass, concrete and wood. Chipperfield was inspired by the local boathouses and classic wooden barns, and he has maintained an element of their history. I greatly admire Chipperfield for choosing to do so.

Inside, the building is purely modern clad in concrete, yet it doesn’t feel clautrophobic or alien because Chipperfield has managed to make the museum feel spacious thanks to an open plan, spot lights and plenty of natural light. Through floor to ceiling windows the river and trees can be seen, and I love the contrast between the inside of the building and the surrounding area.