Abstract:
This thesis has been my exploration into understanding the important role that architecture plays in the enrichment of the lives of people. This enrichment is reliant upon meanings derived from the traditions of each specific place. Each place is different and the people are different in each place. Therefore, I believe that the places we create should reflect the unique differences derived from each specific place's culture and history. The existing architecture of a place is the most the most visible indicator of the forces which shaped the place. It therefore seems senseless to produce architecture in Muncie, Indiana which seems the same as architecture in Chicago, or New York or, St. Joseph, Michigan. The richness of the architecture and the natural environment of the place where I grew up is very close to my heart. I hoped, in this project, not to compete with or overpower, but to respect and respond to the beauty and richness that exist there. I chose to express these ideas with architectural designs which would seem a part of the economic, agricultural and architectural traditions of the region. The resultant project is the design of a resort and winery at a site in southwestern lower Michigan five miles inland from the 1ake Michigan shoreline near the communities of New Buffalo, Michigan, Lakeside Michigan and Buchanan, Michigan.The program for this project is derived from vineyard and orchard agriculture combined with the resort and tourism economy which has existed for at least 100 years. The design responds to this correspondingly with vineyard, winery, and nine guest cottages. The project, if built, would bring into the region a place for the performing arts with the restaurant-playhouse building. A place for quality live entertainment has been absent from the area far too long. A complex of this type as an ongoing entity is, I feel, appropriate for the regional business climate.
