Immersion

Date
1999
Authors
Howard, Eliza
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract

This thesis evolved from the discovery of a specific building type called a mikvah, a Hebrew word, for which the primary translation is pool or gathering of water. Generally used for spiritual cleansing and purification, the mikvah is an immersion pool, that dates as far back as the Torah where the basis for its design and construction is first articulated. My interpretation and re-contextualization of the mikvah has spawned a building with an agenda and that differs from that of the traditional institution. Ultimately, my proposal attempts to reconsider this age old ritual and simultaneously incite thought about the potential for architecture to graft itself into an environment by engaging a context on a different set of terms; from this, a new level of meaning and relevance might emerge. A larger goal is to integrate the form, the experience, the function and the site to the point where the existence of one depends on the presence of the others.

Description
Advisor
Jimenez, Carlos
Degree
Master of Architecture
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Cultural anthropology, Architecture
Citation

Howard, Eliza. "Immersion." (1999) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/17272.

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