AC5: Building Regulation Workshop: 2/11/2020

1. Visit a large complex building, housing a form of exhibition. For students in Edinburgh, we
suggest:-

National Museum of Scotland

National Galleries

Holyrood Palace

Museum of Modern Art (either building)

For students outwith Edinburgh, use a large and complex public building of some age. If you are
under lockdown condition or require to self isolate, use one of the virtual museum ‘tours’ now
available: not all aspects may be fully covered but most should.

2. Identify a particular exhibit or space you want to visit. ( e.g. rock and mineral gallery, the Skating
Minister): it’s ideal if this is on upper floors.

3. Examine critically the entrance and circulation route: steps, stairs, doors, barriers: consider
you’re in a wheelchair or have a sight or hearing impairment. How well have new measures fitted
into historic environment (lifts etc.)

4. Also consider interpretive materials available- maps, signage, touch friendly exhibits. How helpful
are these? Do they cater for all levels of understanding and ability; are displays presented in a
variety of ways to allow different contexts and abilities to interact? Consider sensory issues: noise,
reflections, light, quiet spaces, as well as physical access.

5.Next: once you have found your exhibit and carried out above assessment, consider how you
would get out of the building safely if the fire alarm went off: can you identify route and exits? IF
you were in a wheelchair? Can you see where compartment lines are: how has the need for open
circulation and fire safety been resolved? Are there sprinklers or other fire fighting/ containment
measures? How well have these been integrated into the historic fabric?

6. Journal Entry: think critically about your visit and about how successfully the building has been
adapted to suit modern regulations.