Abstract:
When architecture is conceived or designed from within a vacuum, it is destined to fail.If an architect's ego controls a design, it will become a reflection of himself rather than an architecture for people. I believe that it is up to the architect to find an architecture out of the human and natural forces which exist within a given environment. This architecture should respond to these forces by utilizing them as latent opportunities. If a space evolves as a response to these forces, it has the ability to step beyond space and become "place". If properly utilized, these forces can enable a "place" to be perceived as a rich, powerful or provocative experience. When a space is intended for children, a new layer of decisions must be addressed. If these are also viewed as opportunities, the architecture can become even richer.My thesis involves the exploration of architectural manipulation of human and natural forces. The goal is to develop a design methodology for the creation of events utilizing these forces.My selection of a children's exploratorium* as a vehicle for testing this thesis was derived from an educational standpoint. The facility could actually become an educational tool - allowing children to learn in an environment created for play.
