Thesis Prospectus by Kyle Hanover

URBAN REDEFINITION A COMPLETE SENSORIAL ATMOSPHERE KYLE HANOVER

FALL 2014

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THESIS ABSTRACT

Collective | The masses that fuel the city Master Planning | Caters to the collective; creates a disconnect with the self Blasé | To be unresponsive and insensitive to one’s surroundings Stimulation | To be mentally affected by phenomenological conditions Redefinition | To apply new knowledge to an area that is not working Sensorial | An atmosphere that engages all senses; the solution Impression | To make a lasting impact on the user

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Individual | To become self-aware and stimulated positively

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KEY TERMS:

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Urban master planning and design has severed its connection to the individual and places focus predominantly on the collective. This sociological issue in design has generated a human atmosphere that is over stimulated and lacks a deeper relationship to the architecture and design surrounding it. This thesis will explore the correlation between architecture and the senses to create an urban atmosphere that sustains the needs of the city yet brings emphasis to the individual. Very rarely is there a deeper connection to the user than the first layer of visual memory, and as sociologist, Georg Simmel, states in his essay “The Metropolis and Mental Life,” man has become unresponsive to the intense stimuli of the city. Since architecture is more often than not a permanent part of life, architecture, design and planning should engage the user on multiple levels of consciousness and become a complete sensorial experience. By analyzing and studying the work of thoughtful designers, like Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals (pictured opposite), I will begin to understand the correlation between built form and sensorial experiences. I will look to the art of collaging and other forms of medium to document my analysis of individual awareness in urban space and start developing conclusions. It is my intention to develop an atmosphere within the urban context that grounds the individual in place and creates a lasting impression.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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ThesiAbstract __________________________________ I Table Of Contents _____________________________ II Thesis Outline

Thesis Statement ___________________________________ 1 Projects Description ________________________________ 2

Research and Case Studies

Eyes Of The Skin ________________________________ 3-4 Mental Life and The Metropolis ___________________ 5-6 Thinking Architecture ________________________________ 7 Atmospheres _______________________________________ 8 Peter Zumthor _________________________________ 9-10 Alvaro Siza ___________________________________ 11-12 Steven Holl ____________________________________ 13-14 Paley Park _______________________________________ 15 Austrian Pavilion 2015 _____________________________ 16

Process and Methodology Site __________________________________________ 17-20 Methods ______________________________________ 21-26 Program ______________________________________ 27-28

Proposal and Planning Criteria of Evaluation _______________________________ 29 Objectives and Timeline _________________________ 29-30

Appendices ________________________________ 31-32 *The Ground Zero Memorial on the next page represents an atmosphere created to ground the individual in time and place within in urban context.

THESIS OUTLINE

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THESIS STATEMENT Urban master planning and design has severed its connection to the individual and places focus predominantly on the collective. This sociological issue in design has generated a human atmosphere that is over stimulated and lacks a deeper relationship to the architecture and design surrounding it. This thesis will explore the correlation between architecture and the senses to create an urban atmosphere that sustains the needs of the city yet brings emphasis to the individual.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

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Public space offers only a temporary relief from the conditions of the city with the collective being the main driver behind the design of public spaces. The individual becomes lost and there is a lack of self-awareness. The task of this project is not to redefine public space but instead apply the analysis of public space to redefining community living. Since architecture is more often than not a permanent part of life, architecture and design should engage the user on multiple levels of consciousness. This project will explore the importance of sensory experience in architecture laid out by architect, Juhani Pallasmaa. This exploration will lead to the creation of a community housing project that uses the senses as the backbone to stimulating self-awareness in an urban context.

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Master planning and design of the city places focus on the collective in order to sustain itself. Today, this has created a severe disconnect between the individual and their surroundings, more specifically the architecture and design surrounding them. The city creates a great deal of noise, congestion, areas of stress, etc. and as the city grows the stimuli it emits grows with it. This stimulus leaves many of the city dwellers with an unresponsive or insensitive attitude to their surroundings. In an article about urban stress, Mazda Adli, a Senior Physician in the field of psychiatry and psychotherapy, states that, “As urbanization of our world is inevitable, we urgently need to improve our understanding of the threatening – as well as the health protective – factors of urban living. Evidence is beginning to surface that indicates that the urban population shows a stronger brain response to stress, and stronger cognitive impairment under stress.” In order to balance out the stress and stimuli of the city master planners create public spaces dedicated for an escape. But are these spaces being pushed far enough? This project will analyze the Boston Innovation District in Boston, Ma to asses if it is an area that can benefit from public space that stimulates in a positive way.

RESEARCH AND CASE STUDIES

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GEORG SIMMEL The Mental Life and The Metropolis is an essay written by sociologist, Georg Simmel, where he illustrates the conditions of the metropolitan life and the struggle to retain ones individuality. To him the metropolis is dominated by objectivity where interactions become short and unresponsive, lacking the personal involvement you would find in rural life. Simmel speaks about the stimuli of the city and how it creates a blase attitude amongst people. He defines this as grayness, alienation and indifference.1 However, Simmel also speaks about how the metropolis allows for liberation from the suffocating mentality of the rural life. He believes this allows one to more freely define themselves and find their self-identity. He asserts that social development can proceed in two different but corresponding directions. But it is keeping your sense of self that is so difficult in the city, “This results in the individual’s summoning the utmost in uniqueness and particularization, in order to preserve his most personal core. He has to exaggerate this personal element in order to remain audible even to himself.”1 Simmel’s essay inspired me to look at the city I live in differently and to reflect on my own life and where I came from and where I am now. This thesis will explore what I have analyzed from the essay and look for a solution to the unresponsive and disconnected sense of self within an urban context. This essay has led me to document the city through film to represent the blase attitude Simmel speaks of. The below image shows a macro image of the city with a still frame from one of the films overlayed on top. The still frame is discolored and distorted, symbolizing our indifference to our surroundings. The macro image becomes unfocused and lost and its vibrancy diluted.

MENTAL LIFE AND THE METROPOLIS

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1. Simmel, Georg. Metropolis and Mental Life. Chicago: Syllabus Division, U of Chicago, 1961. Print.

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There was a clear difference between city life and rural life in his essay, more importantly how one transitioned from rural life to urban life and how they were impacted. The idea is that a person starts from rural life, where everyone is in good relations and together. It is full of emotion and personalities respond to that. However, it is close knit and often suffocating, leading people to want to venture out. The person than transition to the city where he is met with liberation of the bonds from rural life. He looks onward in wonder. He gains a new sense of individuality. But eventually he transitions to the part of the metropolis where everything is indifferent, he becomes the blasĂŠ. His newly found individuality is severed by the strong stimuli of the city, slowly becoming a slave to time and money. In this part of the metropolis, he is hit with rational and intellect and his personality responds to that. Emotion is set aside and interactions become short and instrumental. In a city with millions he walks alone.

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The above image is a narrative through images that captures the ideas of the Metropolis laid out by Simmel, with my own understanding.

JUHANI PALLASMAA

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The Eyes of The Skin is written by architect Juhani Pallasmaa. With this book Pallasmaa intended to illustrate the importance of the sensory experience in architecture as a response to what Pallasmaa calls ‘ocularcentrism.’ He explains that ocularcentrism is the act of prioritizing visual stimuli to all other sensory stimuli. According to Pallasmaa architecture is often kept from being as complete as it is capable of. This is due to the sensory deprivation caused by ocularcentrism. “Modernist design at large has housed the intellect and the eye, but is has left the body and the other senses, as well as our memories, imagination and dreams, homeless.1

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Pallasmaa

Pallasmaa argues that buildings have turned into image products detached from existential depth and sincerity. He believes there is an over-emphasis on the intellectual and conceptual dimensions of architecture and that causes its physical and sensual essence to vanish. There is a loss of ‘touch’ in the architecture of today. The sense of touch allows for an emotional dialogue to be had with the architecture and the user. But with the problem of ocularcentrism, for most, the eye has become biased and looks at architecture as a “means of self-expression, and as an intellectual-artistic game detached from essential mental and societal connections.”1 The sense of touch, as well as others, have also become detached when the eye looks solely for aesthetic pleasure. Pallasmaa then starts to speak of the senses, mainly, hearing, smell, touch and taste, and acknowledges how each of them complete a space. He expresses the importance each sense has in the design process. For example, the sense of smell may be the most important when it comes to triggering memory, “a particular smell makes us unknowingly re-enter a space completely forgotten by the retinal memory; the nostrils awaken a forgotten image, and we are enticed to enter a vivid daydream.”1 One of the most intriguing sections of his book is where he talks about shadow and light. He states that our imaginations are stimulated by the dimly lit and shadows, more so than the bright lights of today. He talks about examples like mist and twilight and how they awaken the imagination by skewing visuals and creating ambiguous scenarios. There is a powerful sense of focus that is found in shadows, whereas, when everything is lit up, it is laid out for you. There is a

THE EYES OF THE SKIN

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a loss of intrigue. Pallasmaa also goes into how the window has become only a void in the wall, upon losing its deeper meaning, as a mediator between shadow and light. He quotes Luis Barragan who says, “We have lost our sense of intimate life, and have become forced to live public lives, essentially away from home.”1 Our culture today is all about being seen, a society of surveillance. There is a high level of illumination in our society, especially cities, and this leaves us with no space for privacy as we are almost certainly under surveillance at all times.

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1. Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. Chichester: Wiley-Academy, 2005. Print.

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“Every touching experience of architecture is multi-sensory; qualities of space, matter and scale are measured equally by the eye, ear, nose, skin, tongue, skeleton and muscle. Architecture strengthens the existential experience, one’s sense of being in the world, and this is essentially a strengthened experience of self.” - Juhani Pallasmaa

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Upon my analysis of this book I have become heavily interested in the combinations of shadow and light and how they might juxtapose each other in certain scenarios. I am also intrigued with the sense of touch and what feelings can be brought about. Pallasmaa inspires this thesis to explore all of the senses, however, in creating an atmosphere that brings about a heightend sense of self within the urban context that I set out to make.

THINKING ARCHITECTURE

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Thinking Architecture

Thinking Architecture, written by Peter Zumthor, is a book where Zumthor speaks about his approach to architecture. He expresses his desire for architecture and design to become something that “speaks to our feelings and possess an unmistakable presence and personality.”1 Zumthor speaks about buildings having a silence that he associates with attributes such as composure, presence, integrity, and with sensuousness. He says sense will emerge in architecture when the architect brings out specific meanings in certain materials that can only be perceived in the way he intends in the specific building. He also speaks about how when he is designing for a specific site or place and tries to capture its sensuous qualities, images of places that have once impressed him start to invade his process. He thinks of places that capture the qualities he is looking for but in different ways. To me, this book provides a very interesting approach to architecture, and it relates to my own approach as well. Many of the essays that make up this book made me ask questions and think about things in ways I have never thought of. His essay “between sunset and sunrise” was very intriguing to me as it discussed the transitional period between sunrise and sunset and vice versa. Zumthor expresses the lights we make in this period as having a beauty of their own when you strip them down and think of them as “intimate illuminated clearings that we carve out of the darkness.”1 He then asks how do we want to accomplish this, for how long, and what kind. This is something I will try to answer in my own thesis. 1. Zumthor, Peter, and Maureen Turner. Thinking Architecture. 2nd, Expanded ed. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2006.

ATMOSPHERES

Of all the nine chapters, two really stuck out to me, particularly because I haven’t yet thought about them. In the chapter surrounding objects, Zumthor expresses how the objects in our houses, offices, etc. create the soul of a space. It is important to look into the future of a space and to not only see how it will be used but to feel it. The things people carry around them; the interior details; they bring a lot of character to the architecture.

Atmospheres

1. Zumthor, Peter. Atmospheres: Architectural Environments, Surrounding Objects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2006.

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Atmospheres

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In the chapter between composure and seduction, Zumthor describes architecture being a temporal art in this chapter, like music, and believes it means that you must think about the way people move in a building. He uses the thermal baths as an example and says that it was important to introduce a sense of freedom of movement and that the mood had less to do with directing people than seducing them. It is the architects job to create an environment where people can let go and discover for themselves, not constantly being told where to go or what to experience.

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Atmospheres is a poetics of architecture written by Peter Zumthor where he reasons what quality of architecture means to him and he describes it with one word, atmosphere. “This singular density and mood, this feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty...under whose spell I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way.”1 This book explains in nine chapters, his own observations and what he has on mind when creating the atmospheres of the projects he designs. Zumthor explains how images of spaces and buildings that affect him are just as important as music or books that inspire him. He also explains how the composition of materials, handling of proportions, or the effect of light has such an impact on the atmosphere and creates different poetics of architecture.1

PETER ZUMTHOR

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The Therme Vals is a hotel and spa complex designed by architect Peter Zumthor. It is located in Vals, Switzerland and completed in 1996. Zumthor intended for this project to be an enriching experience for the user, a complete sensual atmosphere. It begins with the exterior. Designed in a manner that makes it seem like it is growing out of the mountainside in which it was placed, the Therme Vals is connected to the landscape surrounding it. The image above shows how the form of the building frames the landscape in certain areas creating what looks like a beautiful scenic painting, and figure two shows the embedding of the building. Already one can have a deeper connection to the building just by seeing the exterior. The senses truly awaken upon entering the building, where you are demanded to experience the building through texture, light, humidity, resonance, etc. The spaces created are meant to embrace the human body harmonically. The purpose was to place focus on the ritual of bathing and really extract its essence through

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THERME VALS “Good architecture should receive the human visitor, should enable him to experience it and live in it, but should not constantly talk at him” – Peter Zumthor

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multi-sensory spaces. Zumthor was precise in every aspect of this project and has created a place that is seemingly dynamic through its dichotomy of the still and the kinetic.2

This thesis will explore how architecture is not dictated solely by the physical form, but through the use of light, sounds, temperature, and other phenomenological experiences.

1. “Building Study: Thermal Baths, Vals, Switzerland by Peter Zumthor.” Architects’ Journal. 23 Nov. 2014. http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/building-study-thermal-baths-vals-switzerland-by-peterzumthor/8636380.article 2. “The Therme Vals / Peter Zumthor” 11 Feb 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 23 Nov 2014. http://www.archdaily.com/?p=13358

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It is also his use of open and enclosed space that makes this project so inspiring. Each space provides you with a different feeling and the linear elements make for a restorative experience. Even the layout of circulation offers a deeper connection with the user. The organization of the spaces allow the user to explore, feel, and hear their way around. And the users perception is always controlled by the organization, either framing or denying views.

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Zumthor and his Therme Vals has always been an inspiring project to me. It is my intention to use the same kind of thoughtful design and apply it to my own project. Light and shadow will be an element that my thesis will explore very heavily, and Zumthors use of light and shadow is precise and almost ethereal. The way it shines down at different moments brings about a mysterious aspect, And how it plays off the textured walls and reflects and refracts creates a space that is luminous, serene, and ultimately grounds one in time and place.

ALVARO SIZA

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11 The Mimesis Museum houses a book publishers private art collection and is located in Paju Book City and designed by celebrated architect, Alvaro Siza. Siza is known for his study of the phenomenological and the forms he creates that represent his studies. The Mimesis Museum is not shy of a phenomenological atmosphere, as the inspiration behind the project was a sketch of a cat.1

“With that sketch, the idea for the building was there, drawn in one movement, one gesture.” - Carlos Castanheira

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The Mimesis Museum is a concrete flowing form that wraps around a central courtyard. The walls are almost windowless and natural light pours down into the space from rafted ceilings, creating an atmosphere that is ambiguous and elegant. The idea is to see without being seen. Siza made the form of the building continuous so as when you look at the buidling from the exterior you see one building. However, as you journey through the spaces and levels you see the building is ever changing.1 The use of natural and artificial light is essential in creating the atmosphere of the project. The white washed walls and ceiling allow for the unique shapes to become really prominent when the light is indirectly shining through. The design is thoughtful, precise, and carefully considered. This thesis can learn from many aspects of the Mimesis Museum. The use of using indirect light to illuminate space will be essential to my thesis and creating an atmosphere that is sensorial. It would also be wise to look at the way Siza uses form and contrasting form which can be seen in the pictures on the following page. The shapes of the ceiling play off of the curved walls and vice versa creating a harmonic relationship as the lights illuminates the spaces inbetween. 1. “Mimesis Museum - Álvaro Siza.” Arcspace. Arcspace, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. http://www.arcspace. com/features/alvaro-siza/mimesis-museum/ 2. “Mimesis Museum / Alvaro Siza + Castanheira & Bastai Arquitectos Associados + Jun Sung Kim” 23 Sep 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed 28 Nov 2014. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=78936 3. Murphy, Douglas. “Mimesis Museum by Alvaro Siza.” Icon. Icon Magazine, Mar. 2011. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. http://www.iconeye.com/architecture/news/item/9185-mimesis-museum-by-alvaro-siza

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STEVEN HOLL The Chapel of St. Ignatius is a Jesuit chapel for Seattle University and was designed by Steven Holl Architects. Steven Holl’s architecture has a philosophical depth to it and is currently one of the leading architects whose focus is on the phenomenology of architecture. A “gathering of the lights” was the main concept behind the Chapel of St. Ignatius, as well as corresponding to St. Ignatius vision of spiritual life. The chapel is made up of varied interior lights and shadows, which in St. Ignatius vision, he called them consolations and desolations. Holl also refers to this project as “seven bottles of light in a stone box.” There are a number of irregular volumes that aim to capture different qualities of light. These qualities of light depend on the program in which they emerge. For example, the south facing volume corresponds to the procession which is a fundamental part of mass while the north facing volume corresponds to the community.1

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CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS

Holl’s material expression also have phenomenological qualities to it. The way the different material textures and light effects play off of each other creates a distinct spatial character. The walls have a rough texture that doesn’t allow light to pass so easily over them. Instead the material expressions capture the light on the surface of their rivets while shadows form in between as seen in the bottom left picture.2 The Chapel of St. Ignatius is a place where one can truly become self aware as the architecture causes them to reflect and focus on the emerging and vanishing lights. This thesis can look to the different qualities of light created by different volumes as ways to create a spatial dialogue through out the project. I will also think of how material textures can have an impact on the experience one has. A smooth surface is very different than a surface that actually captures light and creates shadows in contrast. The way the chapel pulsates as clouds pass by and colored light emerges is a fascinating concept and something that can be combined in my own thesis.

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1. “Chapel of St. Ignatius.” Steven Holl. Steven Holl, n.d. Web. 28 Nov. 2014. <http://www.stevenholl.com/ project-detail.php?id=40 2. “AD Classics: Chapel of St. Ignatius / Steven Holl Architects” 01 Mar 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed 28 Nov 2014. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=115855

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Archdaily

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The volumes and lights, though having different meanings, all come together inside the chapel and unify. The chapel really pulses with life as the light is always changing through out the day. At night time those on the university campus can see the different colored lights reaching out and expanding across the campus. A truly phenomenal experience. There is also a certain phenomenological experience when looking at the different colored lights. If you were to look at a blue square and then look to a white wall you would see a yellow square. It is an ever changing atmosphere of light and phenomena, so precise and detailed. Even the building envelope expresses the creation of phenomena. The envelope is a tilt-up method of construction, composed of 21 interlocking concrete panels. These concrete panels, once resolved, form the windows.1

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PALEY PARK

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Paley Park is a small vest pocket park located in midtown Manhattan, New York City. It is surrounded by high-rises and has been a celebrated park welcoming an escape from the city conditions. The park is a break in the urban fabric of the street and is placed directly on the street so that people stop, look in, and enter. The park was designed by Zion and Breene Associates as well as William Paley, the person who paid for it. The park features a waterfall that provides a node within a node, a dramatic focal point and often the driving force for why people enter. While the park is heavily used, with people constantly walking through and stopping to ponder it, the waterfall creates a white noise that drowns out the noises of the city. It creates a restful atmosphere within the urban context, allowing one to feel “alone” even when surrounded by others. The trees also filter the sun into the park creating an ambient glow.1 This thesis can push the concept of this pocket park further and think about different focal points that make someone stop and engage. The water feature is successful in engaging the senses and blocking out the noise and in combination with the use of natural light and artificial light makes one feel rested and relaxed. This thesis can incorporate combinations of different design features that play off of each other and create intimate relationships with the urban context and the individual.

1. “Paley Park - Great Public Spaces.” Project for Public Spaces. Project for Public Spaces, Web. 27 Nov. 2014. <http://www.pps.org/great_public_spaces/one?public_place_id=69

AUSTRIAN PAVILION 2015

The forest is able to produce 62.5 kg of fresh oxygen per hour, which is enough for 1,800 people. It also promotes an increase of photosynthesis. The design seeks to promote an interface between indoor and outdoor spaces as well as the increase of green spaces in urban environments.1 This thought process can help my thesis in my respects, especially when it comes to providing a sensorial journey. 1. “Austrian Pavilion.” Designboom. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://www.designboom. com/architecture/austrian-pavilion-expo-2015-milano-breathe-09-01-2014/.

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The pavilion is a 560 square-foot sensory forest surrounded by an elevated building. The idea is to promote clean air quality and provide visitors with a sensory experience through a lushly vegetated landscape. The pavilion includes sound clouds, smell stations and mist stations to further enhance the journey of senses. The surrounding building will provide program for events and exhibitions.

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The Austrian Pavilion is a proposal for the Expo Milano 2015. The Expo is an exhibition that focuses on “feeding the planet, energy for life.” It is a participatory process that embodies concepts of sustainability, technology, thematics, etc. The pavilion is designed by Klaus K. Loenhart of the landscape and urbanism studio, Terrain.1

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PROCESS AND METHODOLOGY

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SITE The innovation district is an initiative to transform the South Boston waterfront into an urban environment that cultivates innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. The district is similar to that of San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silicon Valley. It was started by former Mayor Thomas M. Menino. It is the largest underdeveloped land in Boston but has potential for growth and opportunity. Its location is ideal for most projects as it is in close proximity to major transit systems as well as downtown Boston. The district is growing rapidly in the few short years the initiative began in 2010, creating over 200 new companies. But whether it is growing for the better is a question that remains to be answered.

The above diagram maps out the parameters of where this thesis can potentially take place. This is the main gateway into the innovation district and thus should become a landmark for the area. So why this site? As previously mentioned the Innovation District has great potential for growth, but in its current state there lacks a human touch or atmosphere to the area. The district contains humongous parking lots and high-rise buildings that feel isolated in nature. There are industrial sized parcels of land and the problem is how do you create a human neighborhood within them? Many of the towers going in do not support a positive pedestrian life and do not support each other in a contextual way. They are isolated, and stand alone and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t create much lively public space.

BOSTON INNOVATION DISTRICT

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secondary tr 2

main transit

ansit axis

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The above diagram shows the main industrial sized parcels that have been created and are what this thesis will be working with. They are numbered by the most important, 1-9, with 1 being the most important. The first parcel is the most important because it is the gateway into the project and sets the tone. The other parcels are rated based on their location and relationship to the surrounding context. The main transit axis and secondary axis are also represented in this diagram. They will be crucial in rearranging and setting up the new parcels this thesis will create. The secondary axis will be going through the project so it needs to be re-designed.

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PARCEL DIAGRAM

SITE

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GREEN SCAPE DIAGRAM The above diagram shows the green scape areas in the site and surrounding areas. There is currently a lack of green scape and vegetation in the site and the areas provided are not quite effective. There is a lack of human activation in them and some of the spaces feel as if they are not accessible. There needs to be a proper use of vegetation that activates the site and engages the proposed project as well as the urban context. Many of the current houses, businesses, etc. could benefit from more green scape as it will make the site more pedestrian friendly. It should also start to engage the harbor for it would generate a very sensual atmosphere, the combination of land and water.

BOSTON INNOVATION DISTRICT

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1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;About.â&#x20AC;? Innovation District. Innovation District, Web. 04 Dec. 2014. http://www.innovationdistrict.org/ about-2/

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The pictures on this page show the Innovation District in its current nature. There is a lack of human activation, and of course settings change when the construction equipment is gone, but as mentioned the buildings going in are not bringing positive outcomes to the site. The parking lots are just eye sores and the green scape, the little that there is, is not properly activated and provides no real experience to the surroundings. These picture really show how they stand alone, and that there needs to a redefinition of the area. That is where this thesis comes into play. The objective is to take this site and create an atmosphere that grounds the individual in place and creates a lasting impression. It is to bring about a human touch to the area through the engagement of the senses. These industrial sized parcel need to become connected and cultivate the area with spaces that positively impact the individual and the whole.

METHOD

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LIGHT STUDIES The diagrams shown below explore various forms of light and how they can manipulate spaces and can invoke different atmospheres. The idea is to use light as a focal point that works to shape space and ground individuals within that space or ultimately the place. The combination of light has an ambiguous nature and can create atmospheres of wonder and question. These diagrams help this thesis understand the importance of light in the project. It will be necessary to pay particular attention to the way light is used in certain spaces in accordance to the programmatic function of the space.

22 LIGHT STUDIES

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The two diagrams below show light in combination with material. The material chosen was a light wood, chosen for its warm glow it receives when it interacts with light. The relationship of light and material is important to this thesis, and should be thoughtfully implemented. Certain atmospheres can be created based on this relationship. Both diagrams give off a warm, safe feeling. The combination of walls, light, and material really frame what is beyond in the first diagram. In the second diagram the light starts to create a way finding system and the material is used to light up the space with a nice ambiance.

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METHOD

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SPATIAL ATMOSPHERE These diagrams start to explore spatial atmospheres within the site. Basic architectural forms were drawn and then placed into Photoshop were images of the site were superimposed. The idea is to create a unique atmosphere in an area that lacks a human touch. The beginning thought of a sensory forest is applied in both diagrams; passing through the architectural forms. The next step would be to push these diagrams further and apply material studies as well as programmatic functions.

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METHOD

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SENSUAL QUALITIES This diagram looks at the sensual qualities that this thesis will explore. Drawn with charcoal, and material overlays applied, this diagram creates a setting where the sun is shining down as the person is bathing. This emphasizes the steam created from the shower, high-lighting it. The wood material also glows as the light hits it adding to the warm atmosphere. It would be beneficial for this thesis to make everyday activities a heightened experience.

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This diagram looks at the sensual qualities that this thesis will explore. Drawn with charcoal, and material overlays and site overlays applied, this diagram generates a sensual atmosphere in a pool house that is connected to the harbor. Light pours down and reacts with the heated pool and high-lights the steam. The wood texture also gives off a nice glow. This diagram starts to look into adding atmosphere to program.

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SENSUAL QUALITIES

PROGRAM

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COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECT The ideal project for this thesis would be a community housing project. Since architecture should have a lasting impression on the users and create an atmosphere that makes one feel self aware, this thesis would benefit from it being something that is more permanent. A community housing project would allow a multitude of varying spaces to be created that embrace the individual, but also maintain the needs of the urban context. The site in its current status is cold and lacks a properly activated human atmosphere. A new community development that engages the context, the harbor, vegetation, and the users, will bring a warmer touch to the area. Community housing promotes interaction amongst the residents of the community as well as the surrounding context. This thesis will also promote that interaction through its different program, but will redefine it in a way that emphasizes the individual experience and self-awareness. The spaces in the development will use material and design to generate an atmosphere that is sensual and awakening.

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The below images are examples of urban housing and the qualities they have that start to capture what this thesis is about and will try to accomplish.

inhabitat.com

28 The other program to be included is:

2 bedroom apartments Family sized apartments Building connectors Sensory gardens/forest connector

Arch Daily

Art galleries/outdoor galleries Shopping centers

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1 bedroom apartments

Restaurants/bars Designboom

Party hall

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Recreation center Observation decks Public courtyards Esplanade Pool house

Alex Hogrefe

Arch Daily

PROPOSAL AND PLANNING

CRITERIA OF EVALUATION

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This thesis should be judged on: The success of creating an atmosphere of self awareness and sensorial experience The effectiveness of the project in the chosen site Whether the drawings communicate the atmosphere The conceptual models The chosen precedents shown at the final The ability of the film to capture the atmosphere of the site as well as the project.

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The program that was chosen to be developed and presented at the final

When: January 1-Middle -Completing site analysis.

SITE ANALYSIS RESEARCH When: December 1-31 -Finishing the research of the thesis

FORM When: Middle of January February 28 -Understanding the form of the project

OBJECTIVES AND TIMELINE

OBJECTIVES

Site Analysis -This time period will be dedicated to complete analysis of site -Film documentation -Picture documentation -Series of diagrams -Begin site model

Form -This time period will be dedicated to understanding the form of the project -Use urban context as well as concept to shape the project -Exterior and interior drawings -Renderings -Perspectives -Conceptual diagrams

Detail -This time period will be dedicated to detailing the project -Refine interior and exterior spaces -Get specific -Detail drawings -Spatial relationships -Urban relationships -Model making

-Detailing the project

DETAIL FINAL When: April 1 -20 -Producing final presention work

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When: Middle of February - March 31

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Final -This time period will be dedicated to the final presentation -Complete all drawings -Complete models -Complete film -Make presentation boards

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Research -This time period will be dedicated to completing the research. -6-8 page paper -Continue reading books

APPENDICES

APPENDICES Primary Sources

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Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. Chichester: Wiley-Academy 2005.

This book by Pallasmaa helped define the strategy in which this thesis will tackle the problem noted. The way Pallasmaa talks about the senses helped me understand how crucial it is in the design process. It is important to create architecture that generates a deeper relationship to the user. This book was helpful to layout what senses this thesis will work with and how to start going about it. For example, shadow and light will be heavily considered in this thesis and its interplay with the imagination.

Simmel, Georg. Metropolis and Mental Life. Chicago: Syllabus Division, University of Chicago, 1961. This essay written by Simmel is important to developing the problem in this thesis. His understanding of the sociological issues of the city still very much apply to the current day. There is a blase attitude in the urban environment and people are over stimulated. The constant barrage of construction, noise, new development, etc; at some point we all shut it out. However, this leads us to not appreciate our surroundings. Simmel’s writing is helpful in understanding how important it is to maintain a sense of self in the city and that architecture can be the answer.

Zumthor, Peter. Atmospheres: Architectural Environments, Surrounding Objects. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2006. This book written by Zumthor strengthened my opinion that architecture needs to ground the user in the space and develop a feeling of presence. The nine chapters he broke the book into were all really interesting to read and very helpful to opening the thought process to new possibilities. They all laid out qualities of architecture that everyone should think about, like what we carry gives the space soul or that movement should be an act of seduction not direction.

Zumthor, Peter, and Maureen Turner. Thinking Architecture. 2nd, Expanded ed. Basel: Birkhäuser, 2006. This book written by Zumthor is helpful in strengthening the approach to the problem. Architecture should capture certain sensuous qualities through its spaces and that it is often necessary to look to past experiences. Feelings you felt in other places are helpful in creating the spaces you want others to experience and feel. Architecture is an intimate setting that touches us everyday.

32 Secondary Sources

This article provides an excellent example of a sensory garden applied in an urban context. It is a thoughtful design that really focuses on human engagement and senses as well as health benefits.

Berger, Alan S. The City: Urban Communities and Their Problems. Dubuque, Iowa: Brown, 1978.

This source strays from the individual and instead talks about the community and their problems in the urban context. It is important to understand the whole spectrum and not just the issue your thesis is looking at.

Bullivant, Lucy. Masterplanning Futures. London: Routledge, 2012. This book is useful in providing different precedents of master planning. It talks about ways of achieving a good master plan and will be helpful when the thesis enters the design stage.

This source was an interesting read. The main chapter of focus was “Walking In The City.” It talked about everyday life having value in the larger aspect of things. The walker moves through the city in a way that is never fully determined. This source helps me understand the importance of generating an atmosphere that allows the user to explore on their own without being totally directed.

Koolhaas, Rem. Delirious New York: A Retroactive Manifesto for Manhattan. New ed. New York: Monacelli Press, 1994. This book was an interesting read. It talks about the city’s buildings not being architectural master pieces but instead are tools for reinventing city life. This is a topic that is important in this thesis as the site chosen needs to be reinvented for generating a user friendly atmosphere.

The Urban Condition: Space, Community, and Self in the Contemporary Metropolis. Rotterdam: 010 Publishers, 1999. This book helps solidify the problem this thesis lays out about the sociological issues in the city. This source provides examples of other sociologists and their views, like Walter Benjamin and his analysis of the urban experience.

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Certeau, Michel De., and Steven Rendall. The Practice of Everyday Life. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1984.

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“Austrian Pavilion.” Designboom. Accessed November 24, 2014. http://www.designboom.com/ architecture/austrian-pavilion-expo-2015-milano-breathe-09-01-2014/.