museum's glazed facade offers panoramic views of mount elmo in italy

Plasma Studio Transforms former Cable Car Station into Museum

Design practice Plasma Studio has undertaken the conversion and revitalization of the former mountain station of the Sesto/Sexten cable car on Monte Elmo, Italy, resulting in the Messner Mountain Museum – MMM Roca. The project emphasizes the preservation of the existing technical structure, maintaining its industrial character while integrating new elements such as structural reinforcements and a panoramic glazed facade. The goal is to repurpose broken components whenever feasible, aligning with an upcycling concept to minimize waste. The museum‘s narrative unfolds as visitors traverse the route through the renovated cable car station, with a deliberate focus on showcasing views of the Dolomites. The MMM Roca not only serves as a cultural space but also embraces an environmentally conscious approach by repurposing materials and avoiding unnecessary demolition.

all images by Harald Wisthaler – courtesy of Messner Mountain Museum

MMM Roca integrates into the surrounding topography

In addition to preserving the technical features, the project aims to create a tranquil environment around the museum. The integration of the structure into the surrounding topography is prioritized, and smaller roof structures are replaced with a spacious landscape roof accessible to the public. The design seeks a balance between minimal intervention and essential modifications, ensuring the architectural language remains self-assured throughout the transformation process. For MMM Roca, the design team at Plasma Studio thoughtfully repurposes structural elements, while maintaining its architectural identity.

Plasma Studio revitalizes Monte Elmo cable car station giving rise to the Messner Mountain Museum

the design focuses on preserving the existing structure’s industrial character

the museum’s narrative unfolds along a route through the renovated station, showcasing Dolomite views

smaller roof structures make way for a spacious landscape roof, now accessible to the public

project info:

name: Messner Mountain Museum – MMM Roca
architect: Plasma Studio | @plasma_studio

location: Sexten, Italy

photography: Harald Wisthaler | @wisthaler_photography
renders: Atelier Crilo | @ateliercrilo

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom