Conclusions of the symposium on models (deSingel, Antwerp, 3 June 2013)

On 11 June 2013 the CVAa organized a symposium on models. Their creation, use and conservation were central in the debates. The day started with an inspiring presentation by Oliver Elser (DAM Frankfurt) followed by several speakers tackling the problem from different angles (architect, exhibition curator, archivist, ...). Please find the program of the symposium here.

An overall conclusion of the symposium is that models are often the showpiece of architectural exhibitions. They are visual and tangible representations of the built environment and are, as such, strong as communicators. On the other hand, they can never entirely replace the building itself, so they can never be considered the only way to exhibit architecture. Meanwhile, apart from representations of buildings, the models are cultural objects in their own right, with their own history and cultural significance.

Lots of money and energy are spent on models, often without reflection on the durability of these efforts. Once the exhibition or presentation is over, the destiny of a model is often uncertain, more so since there is no cultural policy on model conservation in Flanders. Still, there is possible a life for the model after the exhibition.

A coordinated conservation policy on models is neede in Flanders. Special attention should be paid to the following issues:

• A better collaboration and communication between parties using models for exhibitions and archival institutions, conserving models. Since the provinces and local governments are taking steps to create heritage depots, they should be a partner in the debate on model conservation.
• The financial implications of a conservation policy. Examples abroad can lead the way.
• The necessity of raising public awareness on models, needed to justify a developed policy. Possibilities and pitfalls should be mapped.
• Collaboration with universities is required to further the study of models in Flanders. The research potential of models became evident during the symposium.
• Support for architectural offices. Conservation needs to start at the source. Guidelines for model preservation should be communicated to architects, thus ameliorating the condition of model collections before they enter an archive or museum collection.
• Development of best practices for conservation and restoration of models. The need for some sort of centralised expertise center was expressed regularly during the conference. Centralising expertise on models should start from a well-considered collaboration between archivists, architects, restorers and other parties.

Preliminary to such a policy, the CVAa thinks that a thorough prospection is needed in architectural offices and cultural institutions in Flanders. Only then, an acquisition policy can be formulated as a prerequisite for thorough study of the creation, history and cultural significance of models.