Good Bones

Abstract

This project addresses the problems caused for the historic cemeteries of Galveston, Texas, by the effects of climate change. Instead of physically protecting the cemetery from high winds and flooding, this project argues that another important method of heritage conservation is to ensure the survival of the cemetery's historic and data in an archive. The proposed archive is designed in a what I call a "futurism revival" style, which was chosen for its positive associations with ideas of the future, technology, and exploration. The architecture of the 1960s is influential to this project for its volumetric compositions, specifically long boxes that terminate in semicircles. To interact with the street, the exhibition gallery and cafe are on the first floor. Around the back of the building is a drop-off point for archival materials. On the second floor, staff offices and a presentation space are accessible to the public. The top floor, the largest of the three, comprises library stacks and a reading room that faces the cemetery. This building is configured so that floodwaters will not damage the stacks and archival materials.