Technical System Documentation – Open Space Museum (OSM)
A. System Description – Open Space Museum (OSM)
The Open Space Museum (OSM) is a temporary, modular exhibition and research system designed for use in public space. It combines architectural structure, artistic content, and social use into an open, variably configurable overall system.
The OSM consists of:
- a modular load-bearing base structure,
- so-called Case Study Elements (CSE) as artistic and content-related modules,
- and Social Elements (SOE) enabling stay, encounter, and communication.
The system is designed to be assembled in different spatial configurations. Its modularity allows:
- various arrangements,
- different spatial densities,
- adaptation to changing sites and contexts.
The OSM is not conceived as a permanent building. It is a temporary structure whose configurations may vary and whose use is defined on a project-specific basis.
Fig. 1 – Open Space Museum: system overview
B. Use and Content
B1. Case Study Elements (CSE)
The Case Study Elements form the artistic and content-related components of the Open Space Museum. Each CSE follows a clearly defined function and mode of use.
The intended activities, types of use, and accessibility of all Case Study Elements are publicly documented at:
https://openspacemuseum.blogspot.com/p/case-study-elements.html
Active use of individual Case Study Elements is to be understood as artistically mediated interaction and not as sports-related, training-oriented, or performance-driven activity. Type, scope, and intensity of use are project-specifically described and limited.
B2. Social Elements
The Social Elements complement the Case Study Elements and serve the social use of the space, such as:
- stay,
- encounter,
- exchange,
- observation.
They are not primarily conceived as content modules but structure the space and influence the usage context of the Open Space Museum.
The function, use, and classification of the Social Elements are publicly documented at:
https://openspacemuseum.blogspot.com/p/social-elements.html
Depending on their execution, Social Elements may be load-bearing, non-load-bearing, or purely supplementary. Their use is calm and non-performance-oriented.
C. Geometry and System Logic
Fig. 2 – Base module (Cube)
The constructive logic of the Open Space Museum is based on a modular principle. The central element is a base module (Cube), from which further configurations can be derived.
The system logic includes:
- repetition of identical modules,
- standardized connection points,
- basic principles of bracing.
Fig. 3 – Module connection
The geometric clarity of the base module enables:
- vertical stacking,
- horizontal connections (e.g. bridges),
- open or enclosed spatial configurations.
Reference to 3D Models
The figures shown in this documentation are screenshots of the underlying 3D models of the Open Space Museum (OSM) and serve to support the visual understanding of the system logic.
The authoritative technical reference for the system geometry and modular logic are the original 3D models, which are provided separately in glTF format (glTF 2.0). These files contain the complete embedded geometry of the models and do not require separate binary files.
The 3D models represent the base module (Cube) and derived system configurations (stacking, connections, bridging) and form the basis for the qualitative analysis of geometry, modularity, and constructive relationships.
The images shown here do not constitute construction drawings, assembly instructions, or static or safety-related evidence, but are intended solely as a visual complement to the textual and model-based documentation.
Fig. 4 – Bracing principle (schematic)
Vertical and horizontal system elements
The system logic of the OSM is based on a functional differentiation between vertical and horizontal structural elements, which together define the spatial and constructive behavior of the system.
The vertical structures are designed as tower structures. They define the vertical extension of the system, serve as spatial reference points, and are connected to each other on upper levels.
The horizontal structures assume a connecting and stabilizing role within the overall system. They are predominantly located in the lower area of the structure and act as linking elements between the vertical towers.
Horizontal elements include in particular:
- Hammocks,
- Tables,
- and, in exceptional cases, the Space Art Tunnel.
Most horizontal connecting elements are conceived as Social Elements and serve calm social use. The Space Art Tunnel represents an exception, as it is a Case Study Element that also functions as a horizontal connector.
The system effect of the OSM results from the interaction of vertical towers and horizontal connecting elements, enabling different configurations and spatial arrangements.
D. System Configurations
Fig. 5 – System configuration: linear
Fig. 6 – System configuration: compact
Fig. 7 – System configuration: open
The system configurations describe representative assembly forms of the modular system. They illustrate typical combinations of modules and qualitative limits of combinability.
No claim is made to completeness of all possible configurations. The configurations shown serve to illustrate system logic and support the derivation of rules and limits.
E. Test and Derivation Models
Fig. 8 – Test model: stacked cubes*
Fig. 9 – Test model: bridge / cantilever configuration*
The test and derivation models serve the qualitative analysis of the system logic of the Open Space Museum.
They are used to:
- identify system-typical configurations,
- qualitatively recognize critical parameters,
- estimate possible limits of the system logic.
The test and derivation models are not construction, testing, or verification models. They do not replace static calculations, normative tests, or safety assessments.
Final clarification
This documentation describes the Open Space Museum system, its use, and its constructive logic using representative texts and models. It does not claim completeness and does not constitute a static or safety-related assessment.
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Access to 3D Models
The 3D models referenced in this documentation are made available for download as part of the technical system documentation.
The models are provided in glTF format (glTF 2.0) and represent the base module (Cube) as well as derived system configurations. They constitute the authoritative technical reference for geometry and modular logic.
The 3D models can be accessed and downloaded via the following link:
http://www.virtuale-switzerland.org/OpenSpaceMuseum/OSM_3D_Model_Packages/
The files are provided for documentation, review, and research purposes only. They do not constitute construction drawings, assembly instructions, or static or safety-related evidence.