In order to clarify my strategies in dealing with different layers of dark history, I was recommended by Vince to investigate the Canadian Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg designed by Antoine Predock and analyze his strategies in showcasing the human rights. The building exudes metaphor from the very beginning. The entry is called "Roots" which is symbolically the starting point of everything, the earth.
The first impression of visitors is entering to the darkness. The use of dark stone and narrow and sharp corners with slanted walls also adds to this feeling of surrounded by darkness.
The visit starts by descending into the earth going into the darkness and going up gradually. Arriving at the heart of the building carved form the earth, the Great Hall is a vast exhibition place for ceremonies and gatherings. Then the visit continues by ascending the ramps. Galleries which have a sequence are connected through several ramps. These ramps have created transitional points, like a pause or threshold before entering the next galley, allowing the visitor to absorb for a brief moment what they have seen. As you go up through the ramps which are called "the Journey", the space gets brighter, representing the life journey metaphorically.The use of unfinished and raw materials which are in contrast with the glass facade has contributed to the play of darkness and light.
And finally you would reach the last stop of the journey, the "Garden of Contemplation" where you can reflect and think about your journey.
The "Tower of Hope" is representing the highest goals and achievements in terms of respecting the human rights.
As you ascend the building up to the Tower of Hope, symbolic changes in material and form affirms hope for positive changes in humanity.
Like what the architect says, it does not matter that you know about the human rights metaphor or not, it is the human experience in the space that is important. He says: "take it on! you know..."
So coming back to designing a library, illustrating some moments of history related to the immigrants to Canada, metaphors and symbolic elements can be used in the building. Materials, darkness and lightness, the contrast between architectural elements....all these kinds of things can respond to the goal of remembrance with the notion of looking into the future.
More thoughts coming soon...
Excellent analysis and synopsis of this project! I think now that we have gone through several presidents and examples both at the desk review and public review stages, it is really important to find a way for you to showcase your design intentions in your building design. In particular, how does one deal with the layer of optimism and future production? It is fairly easy to deal with a stork connections, however what would you propose to do beyond using tropes of memory and narrative? There is a lot to learn from the presidents that have been provided in studio, however it would be interesting to hear what you believe is lacking in all of those projects that you would like to see in your work.
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