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Item 37+(2015-04-21) Trotty, William M; Schaum, Troy; Wittenberg, Gordon; Colman, ScottWalls are edges between two distinct entities; urban forms that attempt to express neutrality as infrastructure while firmly rejecting interaction between opposing constituencies. Walls are usually contiguous lines; establishing absolute boundaries and absolute limits. Belfast, Northern Ireland is no stranger to walls. Over 100 currently exist in the city as peace-keeping mechanisms separating Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods. These highly visible urban forms create parallel communities with parallel services; producing redundant infrastructures and multiplying territorial subjectivities. The City of Belfast wants all the Interface Walls removed by 2020, but the citizens want them to stay. Of the 100 walls, it is estimated that 37 will remain. As Belfast struggles to create a new marketable image for world of a city moving forward, the interface walls spread out across the city remain a marker of its conflicted past. But there may be hope for reclaiming the city, and in turn, pushing Belfast into a more transnational urban landscape. Unlike the Berlin Wall, the walls in Belfast are non-contiguous boundaries between communities; navigating the city means commuting around and through the walls on a daily basis. The Interface Walls in Belfast do not act as literal walls dividing the city, but as symbolic walls. And as a symbol, the meaning and function of the walls can change. 37+ proposes creating this shift in the symbolic nature of the Interface Walls in Belfast by introducing more walls; a network of 221 insertions in the walls that house schools, clinics, pubs, and parks. These new lengths of Interface Walls create a datum in the city that redefines the symbol of the Interface Wall as a divisive edge; exacerbating the multiplication of infrastructures and subjects to a positive effect through serial deployment of shape, materiality, and program. This new urban identity for Belfast acknowledges and rejects the contentious territoriality extant in the city, converting urban forms dedicated to separating communities into attractors for the city that negotiate contentious space.Item 66 ° N(2007) Hofstede, Nicholas Anton; Lee, Clover'66°N' is the design for a large-scale ecotourism hotel that takes advantage of dynamic and shifting environmental conditions of Greenland to visually and physically register the changes in the fragile arctic environment. Located on the Western coast of Greenland near one of the largest potential sources of direct sea-level rise, the Ilulissat Ice-Fjord, the design explores the intersection of two global trends: the effects of global climate change and the increase in popularity of ecotourism in the arctic. The techniques of building in an extreme and remote environment to provide infrastructure for ecotourist activities result in a permanent structure that is subjected to the continuously shifting site conditions of water and landscape. The relationship between rigid and responsive forms is used as an architectural register to these conditions that change the patterns and use of the hotel over time.Item A chronological analysis of utopias, urbanism and technology(1971) Bottorff, James Lynn; Mitchell, O. JackThis thesis is a comparative analysis of the chronological patterns of utopias, urbanism, and technology that have prevailed throughout European and American history. It analyzes a wide range of carefully selected utopian concepts, and compares them with the dominant urbanistic and technological events existing at similar points in time. The result of this investigation is a theory that utopian activity has responded to urbanistic and technological trends in a recurring sequence, and that this pattern continues up to the nineteenth century. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the recurring pattern becomes complex and less defined because of an increase in utopian concepts. Based on this theory, the thesis concludes that utopian activity has responded to the prevailing urbanistic trends and technological changes of society and-the appearance of utopian activity has signaled society of important changes.Item A Commons Lobby(2015-04-15) Biroscak, Samuel; Whiting, Sarah; Wittenberg, Gordon; Colman, ScottThe social context of mobile work has dissolved the physical dominance of the workstation. The city, once anchored and animated by the clockwork activity of the downtown office, today absorbs this mobile workforce within coffee shops, parks, and public spaces, blurring distinctions between spaces of leisure and spaces of production. As the most visible threshold between the office desk and the city street, the lobby is uniquely positioned to establish social forms of work as a generator of architectural form. By concretizing public/corporate blurring within a highly visible container in the city, A Commons Lobby leverages the social nature of the mobile workforce to reclaim the office as a hub of social activity and a laboratory for new types of work. Lobbies typically serve as a publically occupiable control point, welcoming visitors while restricting their activity, aiming to impress without inviting anyone to stay. It is a spatial type perpetually at odds with itself. The lobby’s potential to transform the office is no more evident than in San Francisco, where the exponential growth of the high-tech industry has led to an internalization (and economic stratification) of the social and commercial activity that once animated downtown streets. As a site, this thesis operates on a new San Francisco live/work district in need of a formal and programmatic counterpoint to the bland anonymity of the typical office. An increasingly mobile workforce places more, not less, importance on the context and urban implications of production. By opening up the lobby as an expanded threshold supporting social, commercial, and corporate program, a new workplace typology emerges to reestablish the office as an urban protagonist.Item A community and cultural center for Hilton Head Island : the thesis conclusion(1987) Gill, R. ScottNo abstractItem A community fine arts center(1951) Jones, Euine Fay, 1921-2004In recent decades the arts have been neglected. We are only now beginning to re-instate them, and give them the importance they deserve, the importance they have had in some of the past great ages of mankind. In the last 100 years especially, we have been so dazzled by the spectacular achievements of science, so absorbed in its complexity and ramifications, that we have slighted the arts, leaving them to the few people who had some special drive or talent. In education they have been treated too often as minor frills. Education has concentrated on the sciences, and on the practical-sounding subjects requiring only verbal literacy. Literacy in music and in the visual arts has been allowed to decay, to our very great loss. Too many of us don't know how to hear, how to see. Indeed, too many of us hardly know how to feel. We have over-emphasized the more abstract, rational processes of the mind, at the expense of the creative imagination, the insights and perceptions which the arts provide. We have developed the head and starved the heart. We see and admire all around us the achievements of science. But we are uneasily aware that science is a neutral force - it can destroy as well as build. Its vast potentialities depend upon the wisdom with which it is used; and wisdom is not the product of a mathematical formula. The arts provide both discipline and spontaneity: the discipline of hand and eye, the discipline of the emotions, the feeling for form and order; and the spontaneity of the imagination, of sensitive perception. No matter what the medium employed, whether it be paint, clay, the notes of music or a dramatic representation, the subject of the arts is man: his relationship to himself, to his fellows, to his times: in short, his meaning and purpose. These are the basic issues which concern all of us; and all of Us, however devoid of special talents, can learn from the great art of the past, and from the struggles of contemporary artists as they try to express their feelings about the human situation. Art employs a universal language. Through it, we can bridge the centuries, the oceans, the continents. The great ages of history are great, not because of the wealth or pomp or power they displayed, but because of the art and literature they behind, a rich heritage shared fy all the civilized world... A work of art speaks to us immediately, whether it was fashioned by an unknown African, a Greek of the time of Pericles, or a contemporary Russian composer. We recognize in it the expression of the universal human spirit, whose aspirations we share. Our own age is one of crisis, when the individual feels himself threatened by uncontrollable social forces. In large areas, the individual has been politically crushed and subordinated to an all-powerful state. He has become only a statistical unit, a pawn in power politics. It is significant that the totalitarian states cannot allow any freedom for the arts. Dictators are rightly afraid of artists, because they insist on dealing, not with a statistical unit, but with a whole man; not with pawns, but with human souls. The arts are a bastion of individual freedom; and a society which encourages the arts, and which exposes itself to the discipline, insight, and spontaneity they provide, is making an affirmative statement about the continuing value of the free human spirit. A flourishing community should become aware of, and contemporary with its art. The bright lights of literature, painting, sculpture, music and dance should be reflected to the community. The creative artist should have the opportunity of making known his work and helping to promote its value. To closely relate all of the arts is not a new proposal, but the ideas and ideals of a community fine arts center are worthy of consideration by the truly progressive community which is planning For its growth. Housing the arts in a carefully planned group of buildings would not only bring the various artists together, where they could not help but learn from one another, but it could become the heart-center and emotional inspiration of a community. The architect for such a project should strive to give the community a group of beautiful, distinctive, and efficient workshops where the arts could live and grow, and from which their civilizing influence would spread into the daily lives of the individual members of the community.Item A community theatre(1949) Stousland, Charles EugeneItem A comparative analysis of two contemporary positions : toward a design strategy(1983) Gendler, Steven Harris; Cannedy, William T.The intention of this thesis has evolved subtly, but significantly over the course of the semester. In its initial state, the thesis proposed to establish rule structures for neo-rationalism and post-modernism, and subsequently test the validity of each with a design problem. Because of discrepancies between architects within these positions it was felt that a proponent of each should be selected for analysis. At that point both the worthiness of defining a rule structure for an individual as well as the merit of delving into two discrete experiments was questioned. Currently, the thesis is designed to isolate the virtuous characteristics of neo-rationalism and post-modernism and posit a method by which these characteristics might be realized in a single design solution. In order to achieve this, a procedure will be undertaken that: 1) establishes history as the repository of architectural language; 2) demonstrates how this language is expressed through architectural types; 3) relates type to both the work of two proponents of the positions as well as the design problem at hand and ultimately; 4) describes a theoretical means by which to approach the imminent design phase. It should be emphasized that buildings are essential to this investigation because, as any word or product of culture, they are full of intention and meaning. It is hoped that this thesis presents a framework through which to discover a definable design technique that embraces both the poetic and functional essence of architecture.Item A comparative study of flexibility in selected housing systems(1971) Nara, Ricki Ryuichi; Krahl, Nat W.This study is an evaluation of housing construction systems seen in the light of progressive technology and changing human environment. In the past, repetitive use of standardized complements and rationalized functions without broad flexibility for variation in plan, for change, or for user participation in the construction process itself, has resulted in a sterile and monotonous physical environment. The dominant construction systems must be derived from practical consideration of user requirements, modular planning, structural system and subsystems. The objective of this thesis is to contribute a solution to conflicts between technological innovation and human needs through the comparative study of several contemporary construction systems in the United States and Japan. To accomplish this objective, this thesis selects particular housing systems, sets up criteria for evaluation, and evaluates the housing systems.Item A computer-aided Markovian model of the design process(1972) De Leon Fajardo, Augusto; Hendren, PhilipThis thesis is based on the hypothesis that design problems are conflicting situations of social systems which, as open systems, exist at a steady-state. The process by which these systems reach steady-states is described by Markov chains. Two basic characteristics of this process can be identified: the openness of social systems allows for the cancellation of design problems, and also the need for these systems to exist at a steady-state produces ever changing situations, hence ever changing design problems. The structure of design problems at that state consists of an arrangement of its components in such a way that some of them are more or less important than others. This can be analyzed by the proposed model in order to generate a description of the structure and a strategical decision sequence to solve the problem. The first part of this thesis discusses the above concepts as well as formulates the model and develops an algorithm for the associated computer program RESTOP, whereas the second part demonstrates the validity of the model with two case studies. This validation has some consequences in the field of environmental design, such as in teaching models, studies of the processes of upsurgence and cancellation of design problems, studies of particular problems in both their aspects of change and solution, and studies of management of design activity. Finally, some current developments in Diagraph Theory will soon permit further improvement of this model.Item A computer-aided spatial synthesis system for architectural desig(1984) Matsushita, Satoshi; Rowe, Peter G.; Bavinger, Bill A.; Todd, AndersonA system for computer-aided spatial synthesis for application to architectural design was developed. It receives information about the spaces to be arranged and proposes a geometrical form for their organization. The special feature of this system is the ability to deal with relationships between spaces and the surrounding environment in three dimensions. After data input, the number of floors in the ultimate organization is decided and every space is assigned to an appropriate floor. Planning of each floor is then undertaken in a sequential manner. Each space is allocated to minimize the relative circulation cost, which is calculated on the basis of both relative proximity and distance among spaces. Some example solutions are presented, ranging from a simple single-story building to a four-story complex.Item A concept of home for the modern urban stranger(1994) Brothers, David A.; Wittenberg, GordonThe issues of domesticity in the contemporary urban realm will be examined in the following manner. I will first investigate the implications of what it means for a 'table' and 'chair' to exist in a space both physically and psychologically. Issues of value and a sense of place as well as the concept of civilization given any cultural context all begin with space defining elements associated with human habitation. As my research challenges the preconceived notions that society makes about modern domestic life, I will build a series of full-scale domestic furnishings that will critically reference my philosophical inquiry about the nature of place. The built forms will symbolize society's condition of mobility as well as function as usable pieces of furniture that inculcate the user to an adaptable sense of home.Item A continuous system of community facilities for the redevelopment of blighted areas in the city(1967) Daly, Thomas Braden; Kennon, Paul A., Jr.By looking at blighted areas it becomes clear that the development of blight is part of the growth-change-decay cycle of the city. This is sometimes effected by the form of the city structure. The location and activities of blighted areas can be seen to have positive as well as the more evident negative values. An analysis of areas which have maintained continuous redevelopment reveals that diverse activities and foci have developed. Life as opposed to dullness is evident. Society, the political structure, economics and physical form are the major contributors to the development of blight in American cities. This thesis is con-cerned primarily with the physical form of the city as this form is related to the development of blight, and as this form can be changed to encourage the redevelopment of blighted areas. Objectives for inducing redevelopment can be formulated. There must be a desire for redevelopment by the people of the area. The public policy must encourage this desire and provide a framework for redevelopment. Foci and activities existing in the area must be reinforced and expanded to provide the life necessary to stimulate redevelopment. A mechanical transportation structure and a pedestrian communication structure must be a fundamental part of this redevelopment. This thesis suggests that a continuous system of community facilities can provide the focus of a physical framework which will stimulate redevelopment of blighted areas.Item A critical analysis of the tectonic concepts in the thought and work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe(1994) West, Christophe Charles; McKee, Elysabeth Yates-BurnsThis study is a critical reevaluation of the conceptual basis of Mies van der Rohe's use of tectonics. It concludes that Mies's tectonic concepts developed in four phases, and that each phase emphasized specific aspects of his Transcendental thought. It determines that each phase specifically embodied the dialectical arguments of his writings during that phase. The sequence of these tectonic concepts reflects Mies's development from a representational to an ontological understanding of tectonics, and reveals his return to representational tectonics at the end of his life.Item A critical application of traditional urban patterns and housing typologies in a desert urban town: the case of Majes City, Peru(1985) Torres Soto, Miguel A.; Underhill, Michael; Waldman, Peter; Wittenberg, GordonThis thesis deals with a critical application of urban patterns and housing typologies through an urban design study for a new town in a desert region.The effects of an arid climate on urban life and the functional organization of a new town are examined together with the impact of cultural traditions of city building. Majes City is to be a component of the Majes Irrigational Project planned for the coastal desert of Peru. The climatic conditions and the geographic situation of the site are seen to be major factors in defining criteria for the spatial configuration of this town. Peruvian urban traditions and urban traditions common in other desert regions in terms of urban patterns are also studied in order to define further criteria for the design proposal. In addition, the design is based on a grid-block system which is an urban pattern with specific housing types in developing Peruvian cities. Hence, the design seeks to simultaneously respond to several contextual issues including: the site, the climate, people's culture and needs, Peruvian urban traditions and modern attempts to improve the urban environment.Item A dynamic figure ground(1994) Guga, Jeff M.; Pope, AlbertThe question this thesis explores is what could the relationship be between subject, the participant, and object, architectural form, other than fixed. This question arises from a consideration of the relative value of the perceptual field within aesthetic events. Alternative methods of interpreting the figure-ground relationship can cause a break in the definition of observer and object as static entities. Twentieth century painting and sculpture have challenged the conception of a stable figure-ground relationship in favor of a dynamic view. Increasingly within this view the subject has been called upon to become a part of the composition, through the involvement of perception as an integral part of the aesthetic event and/or by the subject becoming part of the event. Underlying this question is the notion that when the cognitive is actively engaged with the physical, the possibility exists of creating an autonomy for subject and object. Autonomy is coincident with a freedom, an enablement, based not solely on an emotional connection through metaphor but one based on the virtual.Item A Fourth Ward Overview(Rice Design Alliance, 1984) Kaliski, JohnItem A Framed Construct(2020-04-21) Miyajima, Shinji; Schaum, Troy; Finley, DawnThis thesis explores a new technique for design through perspective which produces a phenomenon that reorders our perception of the familiar effects of lightness, heaviness, flatness, and depth within the same framework. The methodology allows representation to become a design tool through which one’s understanding gets incessantly updated, escaping from a static framework of conventional construction techniques. Located in a dense urban environment of Chicago, where the synthesis between technical inventions and aesthetics has been exhibited in the modern history of architecture, the thesis demonstrates the technique and representation of its resulting effects with an office tower to challenge its typified organization and composition under functional constraints.Item A growth/change strategy for planning space science laboratory facilities(1968) Robinson, James Y; Sobel, RobertThe purpose of this thesis is to establish a growth/change principle and demonstrate its application for space science laboratory facilities. Laboratories by nature need to be flexible. They need the capability to grow and change as experimental requirements dictate. To achieve this capability, a system based on a growth principle is needed. The method of achieving this objective was: To determine a growth principle by exploring general methods of growth. To determine the functional areas of the laboratory environment by analyzing existing laboratories in various fields of research and by inventory of the specific resources of the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston. To determine the proportions of the functional areas to each other. This required the use of a computer and the development of a computer program capable of determining these proportions. To determine the limits of variation for each proportional relationship by analysis of the proportions provided by the computer. Finally, to test this growth principle and its determinants by applying them in a demonstration of a design for a space science laboratory system.Item A house of the city, Tarragona, Spain(1989) Delclos, Luis (b. 1926); Waldman, Peter; Pope, Albert; Cannady, William T.Tarragona is a city with a 2 year urban history, building up successive urban settlements literally on top of previous ruins. Its history reveals a city in section. It is proposed that the extreme sectional and chronological structure of this city might be “housed” as the construction site of both an archaeological excavation and the fabrication of urban models. One is therefore factual while the other is representational. The city already has a variety of "Houses" of History scattered from citadel to port as a consequence of previous discoveries/interventions into what was thought to be the anonymous fabric of the city that revealed the existence of a variety of urban fragments. The site for this project was chosen for its proximity to the new Cultural Center and because it is the only anonymous site available on the previously unexcavated 19th century Rambla. There are two organizational methods to be explored in this project, both sectional in character. One is to reveal the archaeological stratas (layers) through the .sectional excavation of the ground and the other is the fabrication of a tower to reveal the documentation of the evidence through urban models culminating in an observation platform to study the contemporary city.