SPACE October 2026 (No. 707)
©Audemars Piguet
interview Daniel Sundlin Partner, BIG × Kim Bokyoung
Kim Bokyoung (Kim): Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet is a new museum built on a site that already held two historical structures—the original workshop in use since 1875, and the building that served as a museum from 1992 to 2019. We heard that many massing studies were carried out to arrive at a design that balances tradition and innovation. What led you to the solution you ultimately chose?
Daniel Sundlin (Sundlin): The original brief asked for a five-storey extension to the original workshop, which meant thst the client wanted a full-sized building next to the historical landmark. We quickly departed from this idea, since it would significantly block views and the workshop’s existing relationship with the surrounding landscape. Early on in the design process, we investigated low profile designs that were situated within the landscape behind the building. We were excited about the idea of ‘a gem to discover’, rather than a shiny new sibling that screams for attention—the same way an elegant watch complements a person without stealing their thunder.
