| Title |
A Chronological Typology of Museum Layouts |
| Abstract |
The spatial layout of today's museum shows and extraordinary diversity, which however can be seen mostly precedented by historical examples of the past. This study intends to outline a typological classification of museum layouts with historical context. The analysis identifies three chronological generations with different issues confronting. The first generation started with Boulee in the 18th century, who introduced a prototype consisting of central rotunda and surrounding galleries, which has been reproduced in many diffrent forms. The main issue of this generation was 'centrality' and opposition between 'continuity' and 'discontinuity' of exhibition spaces. The second generation was led by Corbusier, Wright and Mies, who initiated opposition on two issues; one between inclusion and exclusion of the centrality, the other between free and coercive circulation. The third generation of today repeats the same opposition on two issues of centrality and continuity, which produce four different types. These diverse types of today's musem manifest various cultural roles and implications of the museum furnished by society. |