REDEFINING FUNCTIONS AND SPACES IN A DESIGN OF A MUSEUM

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Author

Presented To

Department of Environmental Design

ABSTRACT
Traditionally, most museum have been designed as exhibition of artifact and learning environments that primarily focused on creating functional spaces that met basic educational needs. With the advent of the digital age however, approach to museum design is now based on the ways users access and make use of the museum environment, this has considerable design implications on the planning and design of museums, the building structure, space needs of users, social interaction and incorporation of recreational and commercial activities in the museum environment, all these factors were believed to boost patronage and encouraging learning and recreational activities in the public museum environment. The qualitative research method was employed to carry out this thesis; Primary research method (case study) in order to assess and evaluate the current status of the public museum and the second method was questionnaire survey. The questionnaires are prepared on the basis of evaluating the views and attitudes of the respondents to the museum. The research findings show that the design of exhibition of artifact and recreational spaces in the museum is based on new approaches to museum design that juxtapose commercial, recreational exhibition and museum activities to define space in the new museum design. The study is indirectly adding new utility functions in public museum to bridge the gap and allow for continual use and rich Architecture of the museum as a piece of cultural and heritage of the community. This design proposal aiming to provide a conducive environment for lifelong learning, bringing members of the community together through the exchange of ideas, and the inclusion of outdoor spaces for recreational activities. All these changes are underscored by the necessity for a transition of the museum from just exhibition of artifact to providing an effective learning, commercial and recreational environment for museum users in the digital age.