THE HEAR & NOW
Delight
‘Museum Community’ |
Artefact 9.14 Right | Sensory spaces to trigger emotion
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The next stage in museum evolution ‘Museum Community’, prioritises contextual awareness. A neighbourhood scale, hands on preservation process will amplify the representation of the informal.
Sound is powerful, it is the last sense to fade. The V&A experimented with giving objects a voice to speak with visitors. It resulted in an enriched educational experience; see 6.5 & 6.6.
Museums don’t yet utilise the opportunity to enliven artefacts which are non musical. I have begun to change this, see artefact 4.8.
To ingrain cultural presence I will trigger memories and emotion using an exhibition of the everyday. Two spaces in particular will help do this. A ‘Realm of Self Expression and ‘Sensory Exhibition.’
Sensory Exhibition |
Artefact 9.15 Above | Acoustic trials to celebrate individual voices amidst Cairo’s sound scape
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Tension between context and content arises again. The museum needs to respect the beauty of Cairo’s haphazard sound scape whilst also giving individual items within the ecosystem space to tell their stories. Completely isolating the two would be detrimental as they are intrinsically interlinked.
Form and materiality will navigate the challenge of providing a series of stimulating sensory exhibits. Acoustics need to be manipulated so visitor experiences don’t disturb each other but combine to deliver the essence of the informal.
An Immersive Experience |
Artefact 9.16 Right | Balancing audio-visual stimulation
Creating a Sensory Street |
Artefact 9.17 Left | Presentation trial for an eclectic mix of relatable content in a contextually considerate controlled manner.
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Proximity to natural materials has benefits and emulates the local urban grain from which the everyday artefacts will be procured. However, a range of chaotic and calm environments might benefit the presentation of all objects.
Realm of Self Expression |
Artefact 9.18 Right | Manipulating acoustics with moving panels
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Taking Note aspires to make an accurate record of the informal. This manifesto and a digital archive have commenced the movement. The Realm of Self Expression will allow visitors to contribute to the representation of the everyday. Like a diary for the district.
Modern design predominantly dampens sound using fixed systems. I want to amplify and manipulate sound. Further research into material properties and form is required to create a space with adaptable acoustics.
Initial trials used sliding panels with different acoustic reflectances. Scaled up they can give users control over their environment and spark joy, see artefact 4.11.
Making an Acoustic Patchwork |
Artefact 9.19 Right | Finding delight and purpose in site remains
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The Realm of Self Expression could be made from materials found on site. Stone, plastic, boarding, corrugated metal, glass and rubble could be reused as they have varying acoustic properties. Celebrating the ruins of the site resonates with the building’s concept and agenda.
Tailored Spaces |
Artefact 9.20 Left | Lighting and views tailored to users
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The museum content at Taking Note celebrates and supports existing culture and will tell a story of the district’s culture. It’s architecture will do the same for its users. Materiality will reflect internal activity and help provide the thermal conditions required. Lighting and views will also be designed to create a caring ecosystem.
+ Conservation and archive facilities will have natural and artificial lighting. Views to greenspace will be engineered so staff can benefit from biophilia.
+ Vernacular systems, such as the Mashrabiya, will be used to shade and ventilate community spaces. This will provide a sense of place, make the institution more approachable and create a comfortable ambiance.
+ Exhibitions spaces will direct focus towards the objects to emphasise atmosphere and trigger an emotive experience. Small openings will block distraction.