Craighdarroch Castle Visitor Centre
MUSEUM VISITOR CENTRE
Victoria, BC
This project exemplifies all the complexities of process inherent in balancing serviceability and character defining elements of place. The Visitor Centre introduces and set the stage for the interpretive experience of the Castle proper. It hosts the administrative and volunteer support spaces, as well as archival storage, while also providing meaningful learning and temporary interpretive space, a revenue generating gift shop and cafe, and ticketing, docent pairing and related visitor amenities including washrooms and storage lockers.
The project achieves all of these program functions within an existing heritage structure, while proposing a modest addition that also serves as an accessibility ramp to the adjacent Castle experience. The architectural solution to support the Society's aspiration is practical, respectful and appropriate to the physical and historical context.