Evaluation

The expected life of the museum will be approaching 120 years. With this in mind, the humane, down to earth architecture of the museum will become part of the city's fabric as it grows and develops. Ecological concerns and the necessity to consider sustainability led to a design exploiting thermal mass, exposed finishes and a highly insulated building fabric to control the building temperature and reduce energy consumption.

Lincoln Museum has much more to offer than just an exhibition housing artefacts.  It provides a meeting place for visitors or locals, an alternative route through the city, performance areas or simply a quiet learning space.

One less satisfactory aspect is the southern wall of the museum that somewhat lets down the rest of the building. It is simply a plain brick wall that seems to be prepared for an extension of the site, although nothing is planned. There are also a few questions about the bronze windows that protrude from the walls; due to weathering some unexpected maintenance work may be needed.

Design review took place at a critical period in the design to provide an objective response to the design as it developed.  Intervention from CABE staff at appropriate moments ensured that there was sufficient focus on the building in its urban context.  All these are critical elements in a well-designed outcome.

The Museum building has been well received locally and also in the national press. The building has more than met the client's expectations and the design has been admired by design professionals, museum specialists and the public.  Visitors enjoy it and appreciate that it has been well integrated with the city and yet is modern and bright.   As other sites in the Flaxengate area are being developed, so the Museum shows every sign of being an important part of the regeneration of Lincoln.