The Interplay between Spatial Layout and Visitor Paths in Modern Museum Architecture

Abstract

This study investigates the transformative potential of contemporary museum architecture, emphasizing the intricate relationship between management requirements and spatial design. Contemporary museum practice must adapt to diverse visitor preferences and secure operational funding beyond public sources by increasing ticket sales through personalized visitor pathways. This necessity has led to a growing trend of reconfiguring permanent collections via temporary exhibitions to enhance performance and revenue. The study aims to demonstrate the strategic utilization of material and technical opportunities within museum structures, underscoring the critical role of spatial organization in optimizing functional arrangements and enriching the visitor experience. Methodologies include integrating museum management needs into architectural design and employing revised spatial configurations to improve accessibility and connectivity. A case study of the City Museum of Belgrade’s central building illustrates these methodologies’ application, enhancing direct access to galleries and expanding potential walking routes. Detailed analysis reveals that redesigned museum layouts can significantly boost efficiency, performance, and visitor satisfaction, thereby supporting the overall sustainability of cultural institutions. This approach enables traditionally resistant public museums to adapt to modern challenges by developing services and programs that attract diverse audiences and enhance visitor experiences, ultimately contributing to their economic, environmental, social, and cultural sustainability.