Visceral realities: The reconstruction of historic space

Abstract

This paper examines unconventional interiors that “over imagine” the narrative of historic space. Reconstructions test not only historic accuracies but question spatial concerns and resulting atmosphere. The spaces to be interrogated are committed to providing a visceral experience whether or not they possess the rigors of taste, design, and scholarship. Examining spaces that reconstruct history is valid path to assessing the emotional quality of the interior and immersive historic constructs can be viewed as lessons for contemporary space making.