Feature Image : Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
Top : Interactive Timeline
Bottom : Storytelling at the Shrewsbury Flaxmill
Gripping storytelling
Incorporating various interpretation methods is vital , especially when trying to engage a diverse audience . Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging audiences and making them feel emotionally connected to the heritage and architecture they are experiencing . Mather & Co aims to tell stories through their design that allow visitors to understand the significance of a particular site , its heritage , and its cultural value – whilst also ensuring the stories are compelling , accessible for all , and resonate with the audience .
With modern technologies such as augmented and virtual reality , Mather & Co are able to reconstruct lost heritage such as buildings and artefacts , to re-enact past events and to represent past-times in compelling , multi-sensory , immersive experiences .
Mather & Co ’ s work at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings includes different types of interactivities in the space – some tactile , some sensory , and others digital . Digital interactivity helps us to bring to life ‘ long disappeared ’ history or fill in the blanks where the complex site has changed over time . A large 3D mill model with integrated AV , reveals what happened inside the building at different points in time along with a changing site plan at different periods in time .
An interactive touch table celebrates Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings ’ influence on the town – as a driver for other industry and infrastructure , and as a catalyst for the transformation of local neighbourhoods as workers flooded in to work at the mill .
Physical interactives are equally important in an exhibition : a giant spinning machine takes visitors through the process of spinning thread ; a table interactive describes the many uses of flax ; visitors can ‘ move the floor maltings rake ’ to reveal the maltings process and touch / smell malt .
Interpreting architecture and heritage in engaging ways requires creativity in storytelling , and the use of multimedia experiences . By using these strategies , we can help visitors to appreciate the value of architecture and heritage in a more compelling way , creating a deeper connection to our built environment and the stories it tells .
If you ’ d like to explore further how Mather & Co can help with your project , then please contact us at info @ matherandco . com or view our website at www . matherandco . com experienceuk . org 91