Illustrative landscape plan © LDA Design
Exhibition plan
Tesla Transformer
Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade
We led a multidisciplinary team in submitting proposals for an international design competition to create a new Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade.
Celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Serbia’s most famous scientist, engineer and innovator, our design transforms a derelict 100-year-old paper mill into an atmospheric visitor attraction located within the emerging neighbourhood of Belgrade Waterfront.
Nikola Tesla’s discoveries into the potential of electricity and radio signals led him to be regarded by some as a magician or even an alien being. This sense of theatre is incorporated into our design through atmospheric exhibitions of light and energy; from the new arrival square connecting the metro station, to the entrance portal with a ‘magnetic’ ground surface, and the immersive series of gallery spaces.
The museum accommodates a range of educational exhibitions and artefacts within spaces that flow around the central atrium—marked by its distinctive chimney, which serves as a wayfinding marker to the surrounding city. Sensitive architectural interventions to the façade and skyline reflect the internal programme, using dark metallic finishes that recall Tesla’s creations and juxtapose with the elegant white factory building.
Our submission was awarded third prize in a field of 46 entries. Thanks to our talented team and collaborators working between London and Belgrade:
- Architect and competition lead – Howells
- Exhibition design – Nissen Richards
- Landscape design – LDA
- MEP + sustainability – Atelier Ten
- Structure + Civil engineering – Whitby Wood Popovic
- Development consultant – Sillage.
Citation from the competition jury
“The author managed to create a dynamic and exciting visitor experience, that is not only educational, but also emotionally powerful.
“Through a carefully devised distribution of space, each element has its own role in telling Tesla's story, giving it a unique value compared to other competitors.
“This design is also characterized by an exceptional landscaping proposal, with clearly defined elements, such as paving symbolizing the magnetic field and circular lighting placed above the square, which creates a unique ambience.
“The design is extremely valuable because of its complexity, attention to detail and ability to merge historical significance with a modern approach to exhibition design.”
Written on 17.01.2025, by Will Poole
