Bridging the Gap (Interior Major Project) | Page 16

THE GARDEN
MUSEUM.
Dow Jones Architects, 2017.
In 2015, Dow Jones Architects began to restore and reconstruct St. Marys church in London, going from
a ruin into a museum. The new Museum was fitted inside the church and churchyard, creating modern
spaces without touching the old walls or disturbing ancient burials. By following conservation guidelines,
Dow Jones Architects were able to create a unique free-standing structure, allowing visitors to the
church to not only view the museums artefacts, but also engage in the historic surrounding environment.
This precedent inspired me due to its similarities with the existing structure I planned to use, as well as
its drive to preserve the historic building that surrounded the concept within.
Figure 12.
Figure 14. Figure 15.
Figure 13.
The new structure has been built using a prefabricated timber technology, which stands up by
itself, so does not require digging foundations, or fixings into the old walls. It has also been
designed to let as much natural light in as is possible, creating an air of calm which continues
into the extension.
Figure 18.
Figure 16. Figure 17.
The relationship between the precision of the new and the patina of the old, combined with the colour and
texture of the planting, defines the character of the place. Developing the museum site brought many challenges
to the architects due to its significant archaeological site, with listed tombs, protected trees and protected views.
The scheme responds to these parameters whilst making the building an iconic presence in the city. Page | 15