Colopy, Andrew2019-05-162019-05-162019-052019-04-16May 2019Aguillard, Francis Drake. "Beyond the Self (Storage): Belongings in the 21st Century." (2019) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105437">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105437</a>.https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105437Does the architectural act of assembly prioritize the individual or the collective? Is there a way of aggregating architectural units such that they both support and express individuality and render a coherent collective? Drawing on political theory, this thesis provides possible solutions to end the stalemate between self and group expression vis-à-vis the (formerly) personal storage unit. The methodology embraces entropy and automation and leverages gravity-based 3D physics simulations. A larger than average square footage for each storage “unit” reconceptualizes the building as collective-based rather than subject-based. In considering the main tenets of the site’s zoning, the building acknowledges a particular collective’s will, but also pushes back, for example in its liberal interpretation of the setback rules. This push-and-pull suggests continual revision and debate, as does the execution of the program; collectively, democratically, it aspires to be continually in definition and redefinition.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.Stackingstoragecollectivegroup formzoningselfpoliticsurbanismThesis2019-05-16