BRIEF
Moving forward from the original brief, the use of the building has
changed from a photography studio to a museum. Through continued
research and development of concepts, a museum felt more
appropriate to continue with the adaptation of the Square Tower.
This building explores the ideas of being ‘Lost at Sea’ through
maritime navigation and how this has evolved over time.
Taking forward the ideals of an observatory and understanding the
significance of Portsmouth and its maritime history, a sculpture has
been developed to offer guidance towards significant characters
which have been lost at sea as well as in land.
Maritime history is an important tourist attraction within Portsmouth;
as one of Britain’s most significant naval bases, an extension of
the existing attractions will only encourage visitors to want to
discover more, especially with being within close proximity of the
Historic Dockyards. The accessibility of the Square Tower on the sea
front will intrigue those who pass by, wanting to know more about
Portsmouth’s maritime history. The addition of the observatory on
the roof of the tower will only captivate more people to explore the
changes. Part of the narrative of the exhibition will look into the
history of the Square Tower and its use-fullness to the navigation and
communication with passing ships.
Cultural Services and City Support Business Plan
2017 - 2020
Museum & Visitor Services
“Museums engage people and deliver unique benefits for the visitors
they serve... creating and celebrating local pride in Portsmouth and
strengthening the regeneration of the city and growth of the visitor
economy.”
The scheme can help engage new audiences as a special project and
its prime, accessible location.
Portsmouth and Southsea Seafront
“The role of culture as a catalyst for regeneration and economic
development – social, economic and physical – is particularly
important in Portsmouth, as the city seeks to regenerate areas such
as the seafront, Portsmouth’s signature waterfront.”
Although the museum itself would be accessible for free by the
public, donations would be encouraged to the trust as well as
supporting other charities such as RNLI. The cafe would also
generate an income to contribute to the maintenance of the museum.
As an attraction along the sea front, money would also be spent in
local shops, attracting investment into the local economy.
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