The Many World Manifold

Date
2014-04-23
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Abstract

This thesis produces an architecture that relates to the way in which digital technologies have changed our lives over the past twenty years. My interest lies specifically in the digital media devices that allow us to occupy multiple “worlds” simultaneously. Beyond multi-tasking, these technologies produce a phenomenon I call “multi-placing”; a mode of existence that has become a dominant characteristic of the developed world. In an effort to produce similar effects the architecture of my thesis is characterized by a broad horizontal space populated by discrete architectural worlds that interface with the horizontal planes of the floor and the ceiling. With little visual disruption the horizontal expanse connects all worlds together into a single manifold. These worlds introduce specificity into the horizontal vacuum while preserving the equalizing effects of the universal space. Located in Houston, Texas, this project connects the vertically striated worlds of the city’s downtown (the office tower, city street, and the underground tunnel system) by the addition of a single manifold at street level. Rather than creating public space with urban voids, this project inserts itself into a proliferated highrise typology. The horizontal space interfaces with each of the city’s worlds simultaneously and allows for “multi-placing“ events to occur within the architectural field.

Description
Degree
Master of Architecture
Type
Thesis
Keywords
Houston, Architecture, Worlds, Simultaneous, Mies van der Rohe, Tunnels, Downtown
Citation

Brisendine, Sam. "The Many World Manifold." (2014) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/76351.

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