Spatial evaluation of the museum experience in converted heritage: the case of the National Bardo Museum in Tunisia

Abstract

This paper addresses the evaluation of the conversion of the Bardo museum in Tunisia. Indeed, buildings converted into exhibition spaces rarely adapt perfectly to their new functions. Following this perspective, we propose to answer two major questions: How can we objectively evaluate the conversion of the Bardo museum, which was originally built as a seat of power and residence purposes and converted into an exhibition space? What criteria can be used to evaluate it while respecting international charters?

Through the spatial analysis carried out on the subject, our approach allowed us to highlight the spatial properties of the museum using the Depthmap simulation based on Spatial Syntax, a questionnaire, and the observation technique of Wayfinding. We have developed an objective analysis tool to evaluate the reliability of the conversion and the challenge of transforming a traditional and historical space through its architecture into a space that will fulfil a new 'function'. Hence, we deduced through this method that this conversion is a partial success.