The seminar, Schätze des Modellbaus (Treasures of Model Making), is offered by Potsdam University of Applied Sciences for students of Architecture and Urban Design, Conservation and Restoration, Archives, Archival Science, and Library Science, and is organised in collaboration with the Kunstbibliothek (Art Library) – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin.
The seminar focuses on recording, researching and preserving architectural models in the Kunstbibliothek’s Architecture and Ornament Collection. The architectural models represent a fascinating treasure trove that, to date, has received little attention and is waiting to be discovered. The models are usually made of wood, as well as board, paper and synthetic materials. A mutually developed data collection approach documents the model’s condition and requires fundamental knowledge of restoration and art history. Architectural theory considerations and spatial philosophy discussions enhance the digital information about the models.
Of particular interest are details, directly or indirectly visible on the models, to be recorded and stored in the museum databases. The accumulated information aids preservation, research, study and networking. In examining and discussing the models, we compile basic data on each exhibit, take informational photographs, and identify links between them. Of significance are different time periods, production contexts and issues relevant to the collection. The objectives are to describe and record architectural models in museum databases and to classify the selected exhibits regarding their restoration, materials and art historical background.