How to design with the animal: Constructing posthumanist environments

Date
2009
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Abstract

Working with and designing with other, non-human, biological species is one of the deepest challenges facing architecture today and human development in general. Rather than to preserve, or cater to outside species "How to Design with the Animal" demonstrates that Architecture can actively participate in the life around it. By directing, responding and intervening in the sensorial (audible, olfactory, or haptic) ranges of individual species, architecture and infrastructure can become redefined as animal players in a much larger system. As a sensorial device architecture would become part attractor, part program container and part animal/architecture interface. Animals and ecosystems would then begin to influence the siting and design of individual buildings and they in turn would attract individual species while also being subject to larger migratory, or environmental patterns. And, more than providing a space for program, a new posthumanist architecture could offer the visitor with the experience of participating in a conversation with another animal.

Description
Degree
Master of Architecture
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Philosophy, Agriculture, Forestry, Wildlife, Architecture, Urban planning, Regional planning, Sociology, Arts
Citation

Dodington, Edward M.. "How to design with the animal: Constructing posthumanist environments." (2009) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/61887.

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