Blog 8: Respond to Robin Byron’s discussion of Historical Sites.
What are some of the important considerations for interior practitioners when designing for an historic site?
Robin Byron spoke about the idea of retaining features of the old building when renovating to try maintain a memory of how it looked pre-renovation. She referred to the case of the Jean Batten building where old window fittings had been retained on one floor and a new ceiling had been created which permits a view through to the old ceiling. She also pointed out the stainless steel floor disks that were used to mark the outline of the old building. These features allow the interested observer to have some understanding of the elements of the original building.
She also said that it is always best if the usage of the new building is the same as the old building. Robin used the example of Hotel De Bretts to illustrate this concept. It is important to be honest about what is modern rather than trying to mimic the old and to be respectful in scale, materials and colours. She showed us a light fitting that was partly constructed from elements that were present in the original building. This object created a link to the past building in terms of materials, style and colour and showed the value of recycling.
In the case of the Auckland Art Gallery Robin showed how an interaction can be created between the old and new building. Glass has been used around the exterior edges of the new extension so that it doesn’t break the view of the old façade.
In the case where the project involves preservation of a residence Robin said that it might be best to be very light handed in the renovation, to retain the original atmosphere and even signs of deterioration in the building. She showed us the example of water stains in the ceiling of the Frank Sargeson house and said that the decision had been taken not to repair them as this could have undermined the atmosphere of the house.
Finally Robin said that it was important to be alert to educational possibilities, for instance leaving some signs of the fabric of the building visible as in the case of the Treaty House in Waitangi, to show how it was constructed.
Recall an historic site/home that you have visited. What can you remember about the displays and the possibilities for interaction for the audience?
At Hampton Court in London there are a wide range of activities for visitors. The experience of visiting an historic building is brought alive with sights, smells and physical activities.
Hampton Court
Image Source: http://www.evanevanstours.co.uk/hampton-court.htm
On selected days, real Tudor style food is cooked in the Tudor kitchen by “history chefs” in Tudor costume. The menu includes such strange dishes as buknade – a recipe for kid with sage, hyssop, mace and cloves.
Tudor Kitchen
Image: www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/stories/thetudorkitchens
In the main hall, on selected days actors and actresses in costume invite you to join the dances in the style of Tudor England.
Dancing in the Great Hall
Image: http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/henryVIIIsgreathall
There is also the opportunity to get lost in the maze.
Image: http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/maze
They also have a family ghost trail, jesters wandering around, velvet cloaks available for visitors (to ensure that they are properly dressed!), lectures and courses.
Works Cited
Historic Places Trust website
http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/henryVIIIsgreathall
Web 1st November
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