Assignment 3

Buildings in use - Boathouse 6

I approached Boathouse 6 as a visitor intrigued by the idea of a high tech interactive attraction designed and operating within a converted and refurbished scheduled ancient monument ( Grade II listed ). Would I see a sensitive conversion of use ? Entering as a ‘visitor’, how would the space seem in terms of effective use and visual interest and how would I be able to capture any of this in photographic terms?

Research told me that the conversion by  M.J.P. Architects retained  the open character of the interior of the building allowing uninterrupted views of its unique frame of long span cast iron beams with wrought iron ties. I found a large ground floor and 1^st floor space covered with a variety of interactive activity ‘stations’ designed to take visitors through the experience of life on a modern warship…

 

P929:F4.5 @1/6sec  18mm  ISO 800

I had an initial impression of open views and space,a great many original iron beams and modern architectural features such as a bridge and auditorium. I then started to have conflicting feelings of both space and clutter ( which came I think from walking round and 

viewing things through the many pillars old and new against  a backdrop of beams).

 

P927: F5.6 @ 1/40  18mm  ISO 800

I walked around for some time trying to work out how to take images that showed these features. Should I view this interior as a visitor or someone wanting to sell it to potential sponsors or corporate customers? Is there a difference ?

 

P928: F5  @ 1/125  31mm  ISO800

 

P930: F5.6 @ 1/25  18mm  ISO 100

 At the end of the day did I feel that the building succeeded in its purpose or function of being a interactive tourist experience? Yes, I think it works in that sense..space is well used although perhaps in some areas the sense of space and openness works less well as activity areas are not all well spaced ..