Jimenez, CarlosFinley, Dawn2024-05-212024-05-212024-052024-04-18May 2024DeBartolo, Samuel. Waypoint: Along the Bayou (Experiential Response to Social Isolation). (2024). Masters thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/116065https://hdl.handle.net/1911/116065My thesis is a response to recent distressing health statistics of the world's social culture. The architecture aims to demonstrate the need for an integral waypoint along the bayou. Proposing a place of sanctuary for locals and visitors to seek solace, reflection, and connection within an episodic experience of material, light, and water. A non-profit foundation has been working to encourage increased community connection throughout Houston during the last decade has recently been given land for the establishment of a center for their mission. A federal grant, in addition to other private funding has allowed this non-profit foundation to propose a new type for the city. Situated in the margin of the buffalo bayou, nestled on the south side of Allen Parkway, in a concave curve of the street rests a sanctuary for the social connection of Houston's public. Beginning as a contemplation of phenomenal qualities and space through light experiences and material encounters, this work has evolved into a responsive dissection into the nature of the social structures of the city and our culture’s view on togetherness. Distressing health statistics of the world's social engagement has prompted rapid response from political organizations across the world. Mainstream market responses to social spaces are no longer sufficient hubs of our cities. It seems the world’s investment in suburbs, highways, digital landscapes, and practices of escapism have led to a generation of socially divided individuals. The response is to invest in enduring accessible public infrastructure projects to shape our world for the better. This project, emerging from an understanding of the profound effects of our built environment on social health, transcends the traditional concept of public space. It is not merely a sanctuary but a holistic experience that interweaves nature, reflection, community, accessibility, and resilience into the fabric of Houston's urban landscape. Nature - A connection to nature is vital to the flourishing of human activity. Our built environment must facilitate connections between the phenomena of nature and human experience, both in solitude and community. Situated along the verdant bayou this project operates as a waypoint along an experience with nature. The architecture extends towards the local environment in a purposeful embrace. Experiences of material and light phenomena become invaluable in this context. Sited within an existing flood plain, the grounds operate as a retention basin with the architecture appearing to float above, this offers a platform by which to view and experience the flood waters. When unflooded, the grounds are open to gatherings, picnics, and incidental social encounters. Reflection - the nature of the project straddles a balance between encouraging socialization of persons while also reinforcing the need for solitude. The work offers alcoves, nooks, and edges by which to exist by oneself. Even the large gathering spaces are often contrasted by a necessary private space by which to reflect and find balance. The work is designed to offer rest. This can be accomplished for some through social interaction, but accomplished by others through peaceful solitude or even quiet people-watching. The work harnesses an intentional pluralistic response to the varied nature of people’s social dispositions. The alignment of window openings lends itself to the wonder of watching the narratives of others' lives unfold in beautiful harmonies. This reflective nature is also embodied in the works’ responsiveness to light which reflects on the subtly moving waters and dances on the ceiling above. Community - At its very core this work is designed to operate as a social platform. The way this is primarily encouraged is through gathering spaces which accommodate a variety of possible meetings – exhibitions, gatherings, performances, and events – that can be conducted in outdoor amphitheater-like spaces oriented to the north or south, or indoor volumes of a few different proportions and sensibilities. Even beyond formal gatherings, the episodic and rhythmic nature of the architecture lends itself to the informal gathering of small groups of people throughout the project. Edges and corners abound as the favored spaces for small gatherings. Accessibility - Freedom of movement is an essential element of this work. This is due to the nature of the project existing within a transitional sector of the city. The bayou is designed to be a fluid transitional experience of architecture. Persons of all physical abilities are able to process in and through the volumes of space as if continuing their experiences from the bayou. A tunnel marks the way passing under Allen Parkway and into the heart of the waypoint. At the terminus of the tunnel there is a space for people to hydrate as they continue their journey. Ramps glide in and out of the primary circulation paths ensuring a varied experience with each visit. Resilience - A resilient architecture is necessary in the extreme conditions of the floodplain. Many of the surrounding bayou facilities are board-form cast-in-place concrete. The social infrastructure of this climate-site relationship necessitates a timeless material. Sandblasted concrete offers a softness in texture, a specific experience when light grazes its surface, and a resilience to the intense conditions of the local environment. In conclusion, the waypoint emerging from the heart of Houston's Buffalo Bayou and Allen Parkway stands as a testament to the city's commitment to nurturing social interaction and personal reflection within its community. This initiative, supported by both public and private entities, reflects a larger global trend towards recognizing the value of social infrastructure in urban planning. The waypoint in Houston, with its focus on natural harmony, reflective spaces, social interaction, seamless accessibility, and steadfast design, sets a precedent for future developments. It embodies a vision where architecture and nature coalesce to create spaces that not only meet our physical needs but also nourish our social and emotional well-being. As this sanctuary takes its place along the Buffalo Bayou, it promises to be a beacon of social cohesion, a place where the community can gather to celebrate, reflect, and connect, thus enriching the social tapestry of Houston for generations to come.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Social IsolationPhenomenologyThesis2024-05-21