Sketchin’Up Awareness

In digital history last term we were introduced to a program called Google SketchUp. Basically software which allows you to create and modify 3D models, the program's motto "SketchUp is 3D for everyone" certainly proves true. Not only is it a completely free program to download (in its basic form), but the tools are relatively intuitive. Within a few minutes of hesitant exploration, I was able to create some pretty cool models. Though I've already found a number of appropraite uses for the program, it is in a project for Public History that I believe I've reached my SketchUp potential.

The major project for the Public History class this year is the creation of teaching modules using SMART Board technology. These modules will be used in the interpretive centre at Eldon House and our class has been divided into three categories; Eldon House - an introduction, World Travels of the Harris Family, and Rebels and Redcoats. Without getting into all the details associated with the project - mostly because it's not even close to being completed - a portion of the introduction module will include an examination of the various architectural changes at the home over the nineteenth century. Needless to say, I have found another excellent opportunity to put my SketchUp skills to use, I have built Eldon House.

From a model of the property's first home, a log cabin (the foundation of which remains under the present library), right up to the Eldon House's present appearance, SketchUp has allowed me to combine two of my favourite things; history and architecture. Since the teaching modules we're creating will be used primarily with students from grades one to eight, perhaps these models can cause a moment's consideration of the physical home itself in a new generation. Though I still believe (as I argued in my last post) that computer models will always be a poor replacement for authentic historic homes, maybe they can help to reach a new audience. Just as genres of history which I previously ignored managed to hold my attention at the War Museum due to their innovative display methods, I hope that by utilizing interactive SMART Board technology in conjunction with a program like Google's SketchUp an appreciation and awareness can be created for London's architectural heritage.

Obsolete Architecture

One of my Christmas gifts this year was the book ‘How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They’re Built’ by Stewart Brand. Based on the belief that buildings need to be examined not only in terms of space but also time, Brand suggests that buildings have the ability to adapt to changing circumstances when appropriately reshaped by their occupants. Though I’ve only started reading what promises to be a very fascinating book, a paragraph in the opening chapter caught my attention.

Brand states that: “Almost no buildings adapt well. They’re designed not to adapt; also budgeted and financed not to, constructed not to, administered not to, maintained not to, regulated and taxed not to, even remodeled not to...”

The idea of un-adaptable houses reminded me of the much discussed phenomenon of technological obsolescence (A blog entry by Patrick Mueller further discusses how Brand's work, although not dealing directly with software or hardware, holds many interesting lessons for those interested in technological design). Much in the same way that 12 inch floppy disks and the original Nintendo entertainment system (NES) have become outdated, so too have dumbwaiters, servants' quarters, and carriage houses. It is perhaps in terms of technology that I can finally explain to a certain classmate how I feel about historic buildings.

Just as computer emulators fail to capture the full experience of an original Nintendo game, so too does a digital model of a historic home. Even the best emulators never require one to blow on a game cartridge, a behaviour familiar to all those who grew up with the original NES. In a similar vein, there is something in the home itself; the smell, the texture of the building materials, the lighting, and perhaps something even more intangible, that can never be fully replicated. Though it would be extremely reassuring to be able protect my favourite homes on a memory stick, it just wouldn't be the same...that and the memory stick would need to be upgraded constantly to remain viable.

Images From:
1 - Patrick Mueller's blog. "How Buildings Learn." http://pmuellr.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-buildings-learn.html
2 - Ontario Architecture. "Second Empire." http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/Second.htm
3 - Businessweek. "Nintendo Entertainment System." http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/10/game_consoles/source/4.htm