By
Teresa Simon
Photography:
Tjep: Yannic Alidarso and
Martynika Bielawska; courtesy Tjep
The newly redesigned Dutch Tax and Customs Museum in
Rotterdam combines aesthetics with an element of intrigue – the perfect recipe for
an engrossing history lesson.
There
are several analogous theories in design; yet what may work for one, may not
work for another; which endorses the fact that subjectivity in design extends
across all quarters and within the same quarter too. Museum design for instance
has certain fixed principles of design. Yet barring these set criteria that
underline common ground, each of these heirloom sanctums turn out to be a treat
to the eye and the soul.
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Chronicling
the history of the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of taxes, the Dutch Tax and Customs Museum in
Rotterdam has recently seen a complete makeover. Their double mansion house
location showcases the novel concept of ‘tax paying and its history’ via a
series of static displays and an interactive interface, treating the visitor to
a series of interesting and absorbing activities that also aid knowledge
dissemination.
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Starting from the
‘Tax Ear’, where one can express one’s feelings and suggestions about
everything concerning taxes, the museum tour proceeds to a pride-of-place
centre-piece - a clockwork model representing the Dutch tax system,
and includes the 'Douane Doe' room, an especially designed mock Customs’ area for
kids to experience and learn about Customs procedures.
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| Douane Doe |
Taking
a cue from the ever-errant tax structure of a country, the display cases are
designed to varying widths and heights, creating an element of variety and intrigue.
The design team from Tjep Studio, who have redesigned the facility have an
equally fascinating philosophy to share – “We wish upon an extraordinary
approach to ordinary life, where our star words are ‘Think’ and ‘Amaze’ and our
gems are ‘Elegance’, ‘Technology’ and ‘Poetry’!”
Well
stated.
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If I could travel I would go to this Museum!
ReplyDeleteCould you please describe what we're looking at in each photo?
ReplyDeleteWow i love it what will be thought of next .
ReplyDeleteLoved it. A lot to take in! The ear, the negative figure, loved it. If in Rotterdam, I would go. Definitely
ReplyDeleteIn response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?
Wow, a hugely inspiring space. The elements which really work for me are 'invitation' - creating spaces which draw the visitor in; 'conversation' - creating installations which stimulate questions and curiosity and the most difficult to define 'disruption/disorientation' - the ability to present something familiar in a unique way in order to invite new forms of interpretation.
ReplyDeleteIn response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?
Access, space distribution and creative sense
ReplyDeleteIn response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?
The museum is fascinating .....the good points are .....Tax Ear suggestion area
ReplyDeleteSomething very catchy .....the Douane Doe' room, an especially designed area for kids to experience and learn about Tax procedures......the colour scheme ....and more
But think that museum can be in story line ....... to give the feeling of old to new ...showing Reforms ..... Why and how the changes were made..... Who was responsible for such changes....bad or good ....... And a review room ...can high lite the meuseum
In response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?
Interactive education interior
ReplyDelete