Date of Award
Spring 6-1-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master in Interior Architecture
Department
Interior Architecture
First Advisor
Jehanzeb Shoaib
Second Advisor
Alvaro Gomez-Selles
Abstract
Countries like the UK and France, as shown in Statista's 2023 report, benefit from significant national cultural attractions and monuments that boost museum attendance by attracting tourists. The data suggests a positive correlation between museum attendance and the historical significance, as well as the suitability for tourism, of the institutions2. However, faced with rapid societal advancements, most museums' responses to these challenges have been varied and slow. Contemporary museums, as crucial conduits for the dissemination and exchange of artistic culture, continue to face persistent challenges of low engagement and levels of attention in many countries. Furthermore, a series of remarkably similar and uniform patterns can be observed across museums globally, ranging from spatial design to exhibition methods.
This thesis posits that contemporary museums throughout the world must adapt to these evolving dynamics by grounding themselves in an understanding of regional characteristics and contexts, including but not limited to local historical culture and the corresponding demographics of the community. The objective is to further adapt to and embrace the uniqueness of the context surrounding an institution, with the aim of spreading museums into the fabric of neighborhoods rather than drawing people towards a single institution. These new “museums” serve as a medium, bridging the gap between individuals and cultures.
Shenzhen, once a fishing village in the 1980s, transformed into a highly industrialized, economically vibrant and internationally renowned city within four decades, serves as the focal point of this study. This thesis focuses on developing a new form of museum within the urban villages
of Shenzhen, utilizing three common urban patterns found in this unique typology: linear alleys, traditional public spaces, and micro-plazas between buildings.
The exhibition content for this project will explore sound. Sounds collected from the city will be transformed into a sonic map, integrated into the urban environment. A unique journey through the city that reflects local culture will demonstrate a new form of experiential museum, perfectly calibrated to its surroundings. Through the exploration of the three patterns found in urban villages, visitors can experience various hierarchies of sound, both artificial and natural. Different from the traditional form of museums, this immersive approach seeks to redefine the museum experience by fostering a deeper connection between visitors and the city's sonic landscape. By intertwining the rich tapestry of local history, culture, and the evolving urban fabric, this innovative museum model strives to resonate with contemporary audiences, encouraging active participation and foster a renewed appreciation for the intricate layers of urban life.
Recommended Citation
Lin, Duoduo, "City Sonatas" (2024). Masters Theses. 1318.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1318
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