August Architalks: Ar. Devie Potestas on Museum Design Principles
CP Design and Architecture, a reputable Davao Architecture firm, is home to architects who specialize in landmark projects that propel socio-economic growth. With developments focused on cultural preservation, and community progress, CPDA brings to life outstanding designs and all these would not be without the skills and passion of our seasoned architects.
Today, Ar. Devie Potestas, one of the Project Architects at CPDA shares with us some valuable insights on museum design.
Ar. Potestas has been involved in three major museum projects ever since she started her career at CPDA. She has been hands on Malagos Garden Resort’s Chocolate Museum and Museo de Mariposa, and Davao Oriental’s Mt. Hamiguitan’s Natural Science Museum – “different themes, but always the same fun experience”, she remarked.
Embarking on her first project with the team, Mt. Hamiguitan Natural Science Museum, was a tough yet fulfilling learning curve she had to take. It was remarkable the project allowed her to interact with various professionals such as botanists, bat experts, and butterfly enthusiasts – an experience she never thought would be instrumental to her professional growth in the long run. A true and seasoned Davao Museum designer would understand that opening your eyes to different perspectives would make a striking impact to your work.The feeling may have been overwhelming but it was what made the finality worth it.
Not long after the project was turned over to the provincial government of Davao Oriental, Ar. Potestas was assigned to yet another challenging task.
The Malagos Chocolate Museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines, aims to give visitors a tree-to-bar experience. The stories of how a multi-awarded Chocolate comes to life through the collective efforts of farmers, food technologists, and chocolatiers – and how these will be presented to the public was Ar. Potestas’ first order of business. When Davao was finally declared as the country’s Cacao Capital, Devie was only beyond humbled to have been part of the design and construction of the Chocolate Museum.
“When designing a museum, there are factors you must consider”, Ar. Devie said.
Flow and Circulation
This factor is on the top list when talking about museum architecture and design. It is a must that the museum itself exudes or tells stories – not empty stories but ones that are also informative and are based on facts. Thus, inform and make people appreciate the information given.
Let people immerse themselves in the subject. Design holds the power to direct people what to do next, where to go next, and how their attention span will be maintained.
Coordination
The different projects taught Ar. Potestas that it is vital to coordinate well with stakeholders. Some may be too technical, some pushes for advocacy and passion, while others find it important to deal with cost-efficiency and resourcefulness. Do not rely on architectural concepts alone. These jargons would not be understood and appreciated by different professionals. It is always important to consider different people.
Immersing Oneself
All these factors and immersion is one to look out for. No matter how you master all the necessary factors, if you do not give yourself to your project, everything has a potential to shatter.
These points are what Ar. Potestas keeps in her mind. It keeps her grounded and it is good to have something that will.
CP Design and Architecture is a well-renowned architecture firm in Davao City specializing in the architectural design of ecotourism sites such as museums, heritage parks, and cultural centers. Contact us today for a free consultation.