Historical Analysis
HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
in-ter-pre-ta-tion (in tur’pre ta’shen) n.[i]
1. the act or result of interpreting; explanation, meaning, translation, exposition, etc.
2. the expression of a person’s conception of a work of art, subject, etc. through acting, playing, writing, criticizing, etc.
Precedent examples of interpretive architecture (an architecture that functions to direct or contain an experience, it also may convey knowledge or awareness of something) are few and far between. I have been able to find some examples of contemporary interpretive centers or studies for experience-based, hands-on learning centers. But, the majority of the historical paradigms I was able to find in my research are based on the typology of a nature center. The ideas for phenomenological interpretation in this thesis project is less a product of static exhibits, but rather to provide a canvas or container in which the viewer can observe or experience the natural landscape directly. It is the landscape which becomes the exhibit and the architecture that brings it into focus.
In my research of interpretive architecture, and more specifically, the design and planning of an interpretive center, I have found several guidelines published by the National Park Service that set forth a protocol for comprehensive interpretive planning. The guidelines are rather rigid and written in a form commensurate with the bureaucratic nature of a governmental agency. While the guidelines lack the qualitative description of what interpretive architecture means in this project, they do describe the goals that are important to interpretive architecture, and that provide a pragmatic framework with which to develop the project.
The following statements are excerpts from the “Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide,” published by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Fall 2000: www.nps.gov/hfc/pdf/ip/cip-guidlines.pdf
Interpretive planning is a strategic process which achieves objectives for interpretation and education by facilitating meaningful connections between visitors and park resources.
Interpretation is about choices; interpretive planning is a goal-driven process that determines the appropriate means to achieve desired visitor experiences. The planning strategy provides opportunities for audiences to form their own intellectual and emotional connections with meanings inherent in the park’s resources.[ii]
Visitor experience is everything that visitors do, sense and learn; it includes knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and values; it is affected by experience prior to the visit and affects behavior after the visit. Interpretive planning determines appropriate interpretive services, facilities, programs, and media to communicate in the most effective way the park’s purpose, significance, compelling stories, themes and values, while protecting and preserving park resources.[iii]
Interpretive planning defines desirable and diverse experiences, recommends ways to facilitate those experiences, and assures they are accessible. The outcome is effectiveness in communicating the park’s story in a larger context, ideas, meanings and in values associated with the resources themselves, and achieving the balance between resource protection and visitor use and enjoyment.[iv]
Interpretive planning seeks to answer many questions:
Why is this area set aside and made accessible to the public?
What are the likely and desired visitor experiences?
What will visitors want to do, learn, experience, discover, etc.?
What are the current conditions affecting visitor experience and interpretation – what are the essential stories and experiences to make available to visitors? What are the significant relationships between resources and visitors?[v]
Images from website: www.aldrichpears.com/planstud6.html
[i] Webster’s New World College Dictionary. New York: Simon & Schuster Macmillan, 1997.
[ii]Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide. National Park Service. Dept. of the Interior, Fall 2000. pg. 3
[iii]Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide. National Park Service. Dept. of the Interior, Fall 2000. pg. 6
[iv]Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide. National Park Service. Dept. of the Interior, Fall 2000. pg. 6
[v]Planning For Interpretation and Visitor Experience. Div. of Interpretive Planning, Harpers Ferry Center. Harpers Ferry: 1998
in-ter-pre-ta-tion (in tur’pre ta’shen) n.[i]
1. the act or result of interpreting; explanation, meaning, translation, exposition, etc.
2. the expression of a person’s conception of a work of art, subject, etc. through acting, playing, writing, criticizing, etc.
Precedent examples of interpretive architecture (an architecture that functions to direct or contain an experience, it also may convey knowledge or awareness of something) are few and far between. I have been able to find some examples of contemporary interpretive centers or studies for experience-based, hands-on learning centers. But, the majority of the historical paradigms I was able to find in my research are based on the typology of a nature center. The ideas for phenomenological interpretation in this thesis project is less a product of static exhibits, but rather to provide a canvas or container in which the viewer can observe or experience the natural landscape directly. It is the landscape which becomes the exhibit and the architecture that brings it into focus.
In my research of interpretive architecture, and more specifically, the design and planning of an interpretive center, I have found several guidelines published by the National Park Service that set forth a protocol for comprehensive interpretive planning. The guidelines are rather rigid and written in a form commensurate with the bureaucratic nature of a governmental agency. While the guidelines lack the qualitative description of what interpretive architecture means in this project, they do describe the goals that are important to interpretive architecture, and that provide a pragmatic framework with which to develop the project.
The following statements are excerpts from the “Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide,” published by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Fall 2000: www.nps.gov/hfc/pdf/ip/cip-guidlines.pdf
Interpretive planning is a strategic process which achieves objectives for interpretation and education by facilitating meaningful connections between visitors and park resources.
Interpretation is about choices; interpretive planning is a goal-driven process that determines the appropriate means to achieve desired visitor experiences. The planning strategy provides opportunities for audiences to form their own intellectual and emotional connections with meanings inherent in the park’s resources.[ii]
Visitor experience is everything that visitors do, sense and learn; it includes knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and values; it is affected by experience prior to the visit and affects behavior after the visit. Interpretive planning determines appropriate interpretive services, facilities, programs, and media to communicate in the most effective way the park’s purpose, significance, compelling stories, themes and values, while protecting and preserving park resources.[iii]
Interpretive planning defines desirable and diverse experiences, recommends ways to facilitate those experiences, and assures they are accessible. The outcome is effectiveness in communicating the park’s story in a larger context, ideas, meanings and in values associated with the resources themselves, and achieving the balance between resource protection and visitor use and enjoyment.[iv]
Interpretive planning seeks to answer many questions:
Why is this area set aside and made accessible to the public?
What are the likely and desired visitor experiences?
What will visitors want to do, learn, experience, discover, etc.?
What are the current conditions affecting visitor experience and interpretation – what are the essential stories and experiences to make available to visitors? What are the significant relationships between resources and visitors?[v]
Images from website: www.aldrichpears.com/planstud6.html
[i] Webster’s New World College Dictionary. New York: Simon & Schuster Macmillan, 1997.
[ii]Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide. National Park Service. Dept. of the Interior, Fall 2000. pg. 3
[iii]Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide. National Park Service. Dept. of the Interior, Fall 2000. pg. 6
[iv]Comprehensive Interpretive Planning Guide. National Park Service. Dept. of the Interior, Fall 2000. pg. 6
[v]Planning For Interpretation and Visitor Experience. Div. of Interpretive Planning, Harpers Ferry Center. Harpers Ferry: 1998
posted by Joe Monico, AIA, LEED AP @ 6:02 PM
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