Documentation of Workshop 1 (April 2008)
Research Theme 1: Mapping Change and Decay
Members:
Chris Hall; Eric May; Laura McAtackney; (Caitlin DeSilvey); (Other Invitees: Rob Inkpen, University of Portsmouth; Elizabeth Masterton, independent artist)
Synopsis of Group's Discussions:
Interdisciplinary approaches to researching heritage are now being developed with increasing frequency. One area of potential enquiry is an interdisciplinary approach to the study of decay that explores not only the scientific dimensions of material decay (how, why, rates of change) but also the aesthetic and sensual perception of decay, and its effect on the heritage experience. Understanding change and decay is a major concern to heritage professionals as heritage, by its very nature, often focuses on maintaining a place, site or object at a certain point in its biography. Molecular breakdown, bio-deterioration, and other processes alter the physical fabric of all heritage sites, and scientists work to record these processes and (when possible) advise on strategies to arrest or slow them. There has been less study on the sensory and visual impact of apparent abandonment and decay on visitor experience, and its ability to create and change the ambience and atmosphere of heritage sites. The impact of decay on sites of the recent past is particularly poignant when considering the public desire to maintain those places that have material connections to recent and catastrophic conflict.
The importance of understanding and assessing decay is apparent at Bletchley Park, as there is a substantial building stock that relates to past incarnations of the site, and many of the buildings that constitute Bletchley Park were intended to have a finite life, and were built with function rather than longevity in mind (buildings as ‘skin’ for the machines). This situation is mirrored at other World War II sites throughout the country, many of which were abandoned in the immediate post-war period or reused with minor structural changes before falling into disuse at a later time. Bletchley Park stands as an exceptional example of World War II remains, with an intimate connection to the embryonic development of the Computer Age. Whilst the significance of the site cannot be doubted, the deterioration and decay of the existing buildings is a growing concern. The research group is interested in developing new interdisciplinary methodologies for recording and understanding processes of deterioration and alteration.
Research Questions/Activities (for Workshop 2—July 6-7):
- Seasonal impacts of decay: how do seasonal variations impact on the rate and extent of decay and the visitor experience?
- Mapping decay: how can GIS be used to record and assess existing states of decay, at various scales (from site to building)
- Archaeological ecology— what biological and chemical agents are catalyzing decay processes? Is possible to do both a quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological and chemical deterioration?
- Materials performance—how are BP’s different materials responding to environmental factors? Plasterboard? Concrete? Brick? Asbestos siding?
- Cultural response—how do people at the site respond to the perception of decay on the site (staff, general public, children)? As evidence of neglect? With aesthetic appreciation?
- Mapping emotional response to change—what effect does decay have on BP’s experiential landscapes (bring in an artist?)
