French studio Malka Architecture has revealed plans to renovate the interior of the French embassy in Vienna and top it with a collection of nature-informed art nouveau-style "light cannons".
The embassy occupies two art nouveau-structures from the early 20th century in Vienna's city centre. Malka Architecture plans to renovate the interior of both government buildings and add a vertical extension to one of them.
Studio Malka Architecture will renovate the interior of the embassy building
The extension will consist of a cluster of alcoves, which will be added to the smaller of the two buildings that make up the embassy.
The studio calls these "circular light cannons," as they will bring light into the interior, and says they are an ancient invention. "Created in ancient Egypt, this system enables to collect, amplify, and diffuse natural light in the whole building, while creating natural ventilation," it stated.
The design of the extensions takes its cues from 20th-century art nouveau architecture, as well as historical references from surrounding buildings.
The design of the roof extension is informed by nearby buildings and art nouveau styles
"The architectural heightening of one of the buildings was logically thought in the spirit of art nouveau, materializing the union between France and Austria, both very active in this movement," said the studio.
"In this 21st-century art nouveau project, rhythms and curved shapes inspired...