Monday, August 13, 2012

Scholarly Fun


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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8 comments :

  1. If I could travel I would go to this Museum!

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  2. Could you please describe what we're looking at in each photo?

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  3. Wow i love it what will be thought of next .

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  4. Loved it. A lot to take in! The ear, the negative figure, loved it. If in Rotterdam, I would go. Definitely
    In response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?

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  5. 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.
    In response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?

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  6. Access, space distribution and creative sense
    In response to IAnD's discussion thread Can you name 3 common elements that could elevate the basic principles of museum design?

    ReplyDelete
  7. The museum is fascinating .....the good points are .....Tax Ear suggestion area
    Something 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?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Interactive education interior

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