The project is as much a call to extend the cultural facilities of the St Eustorgio complex and add to its public face, as an opportunity to clarify the condition of the site: a gap between the perimeter of the Parco delle Basiliche and the busy Corso della Prota Ticinese, result of demolitions.
The proposal stacks three entities of 5,7 and 15m high respectively in a gradual passage from city life to solitary mysticism. The bottom layer creates two front facades in a new oblique street. With an inviting opening on the street side, this street frames a view of the park in strong perspective and connects the old & new parts of the museum. It hosts the most public programme of the museum, on two sides. Above it, the main gallery level has an excavated centre framing the sky. On top, a Treasury exhibits few selected pieces in a tall imposing hall with invisible source of daylight from above. Seen from the park, it positions the museum among the church cupolas & towers.
The juxtaposition of units is visible from below, giving hints of the gradual culmination of the museum: intense experiences mark visitors and passers-by.