Architecture Commons^™

Out In Thin Air, Daiqing Zhang

Masters Theses

My work often takes form in experience-charged installations underscored by phenomenology. The whys and hows behind the work mostly remain unspoken, since I would rather my work speak for itself. This writing project offered me the opportunity to comb through and tell the stories and thoughts that informed the work.

I have built a collection of documentation about the experience of having a sensitivity to moments of wonder in everyday life. These archives recorded sensuous imprints in life composed of mundane phenomena. In the collection there are images/footage of a glimpse of light leaking through cloud crevices; a brush of …

Museum Of The Mechanical Eye: The Phenomenology Of Perception In Architecture, Isabela Sierra

Architecture Senior Theses

Since ancient tines, philosophers have tied knowledge to clear vision. Sight has been deemed the most important sense to mankind. Plato said vision was "humanity's greatest gift." It is human nature to make optical conclusions, to reify, to totalize, to control. What is seen is assumed to certain because of the uncontested and unexplored optical gray areas upheld by our rational and technological culture. We solidified our ocular-centric society by creating vision-generated understandings of knowledge, truth, and reality. Architecture, along with art and film, deals directly with human existence in space. Architecture is the construction of human perception.

The universe …

The Perception And Use Of Native Plants In The Landscape: Understanding The Practices Of Landscape Architects In The Southeast United States, Megan Wichlan

Theses and Dissertations

Landscape architects and designers have the ability to construct plantings in a landscape with native or non-native plants, or a combination of both plant types. The question at hand is, why choose one over the other? This study explores what might impact the plant choice decisions of practicing landscape architects in the southeast United States. A survey is utilized to understand how respondents make plant choice decisions and perceive native plants. Comparisons between previous studies are made focusing on their distribution methods, survey populations and major findings. The findings of this study are not conclusive due to a small response …

Whores, Sluts, And Bitches; The Perceived Limits Of Sexualisation And The Affects On Space, Chloe Jenny Bennie

Masters Theses

Perceived sexualisation changes depending on multiple factors, this thesis is looking specifically at how tools and accessories are used in conjunction with altering power dynamics within a carefully orchestrated space to change how a person wants to be looked upon.

Role Of Artificial Lighting In Emphasizing The Entrance Approaches, Maged Youssef

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Building's entrance is metaphorically a threshold between two realms, the first is an outdoor exposed to climatic change, hazards, and environmental factors, while the second is controlled, monitored, and determined to certain functions. It plays an important role in enriching users' experience. Moreover, it is the first impression a visitor takes to evaluate a whole building. Architecturally, the entrance is a very special part in the elevation, distinguished and emphasized by different design approaches. One of these approaches is using lighting. There is a direct connection between recognition of a space and light assimilation in it. From sunset to dawn, …

42nd Soundscaping: Sound As Media For Reshaping Urban Ecology, Chao Li

Masters Theses

This proposal aims to draw people’s attention to our surrounding acoustic environment and shift people’s awareness from “hearing” to “listening”. In urban areas, to enrich our living experiences, people choose to get rid of the noisy environments. I believe landscape architecture always has the power to connect human’s different senses with our environment. As the most dynamic and abstract phenomenon, sound has the potential to guide landscape spatial design and modify our ecological system. The investigation focuses on 42nd Street as a primary study area which is historically one of the most iconic streets in the midtown of Manhattan, connecting …

Dynamic Landscape: The Theatre Of Time Unfolding, Mo Kong

Masters Theses

Human’s particular perspective and scale couldn’t allow them to perceive the ever-changing quality of the landscape through their senses. As landscape architects, we lack tools to communicate and work with not only time but typically experiment with the representation of time in physical landscape images. To create a dynamic experience, what tools of representation allow landscape architects to respond to time? This thesis explores many different types of representational techniques in terms of videos and drawings and uses them in a series of experimentation back and forward to make the unfamiliar familiar. The goal of the thesis is to build …

The Augmented Drift, Kylie Miller

Masters in Architecture Program: Theses

This thesis aims to define and understand the role in which technology plays on human perception and its relationship to architecture. This is to critically analyze the changes and manipulations of the body within regards to new technological systems. These are analyzed under the frameworks of body perceptual systems and their levels of engagement. This then allows for experimentation of sensory manipulation to test the body’s responsive and reactionary techniques.

The design of this thesis explores the opportunities in crossing, amplifying, and re-contextualizing the body and senses within the regards of the technological impacts. This is implored through physical prosthetic …

Perception Of Spatial Impression Due To Varying Positions Of The Source On Stage, Sungbeen Cho

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Thesis, and Student Research

The listener’s surrounding environment affects the perception of sound. The environment includes physical factors such as space size, shape, and finish materials, and psychological factors such as individual difference of impression, and vision. Acoustic spatial impression can be defined as the concept of the type and size of space at which a listener arrives spontaneously when he/she is exposed to an appropriate sound field. This thesis analyzes how physical factors in enclosed spaces affect the acoustic spatial impression, and how sound sources at different positions on stage are perceived in different shapes of spaces.

First, existing spatial impression parameters, IACC …

Secret Place: Generated From Place And Non-Place, Zeyue Zhang

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

My thesis explores the nature of place today. Looking for the living condition in future, there are about more than 70% of the world's population that will be urban by 2050. I look to explore a place (in a dense urban area) for city people can get a respite from the daily chaos and feel, experience, and discover "a sense of calm". This I define as the "Secret Place". The Secret Place also comes from the study of "Place" and "Non-Place", which is basically distinguished by one question: if the quality of the space could resonate with or has to …

Constructed Reality: A Study In Spatial Perception Through Virtual Reality, Jose P. Rodriguez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Architecture often begins explorations that lead into various modes of end products. These modes of production and representation could often embed traces that shape the outcome of the design. In his book, “Architectural Representation and The Perspective Hinge.”, Alberto Perez Gomez says that “Architects do not produce Buildings but instead produce images of buildings.” These representational images are an expression of an idea or design. Historically, representation began in static two-dimensions. By bridging into digital environments, these representations become more dynamic. As computing power increases and software broadens, the use of virtual reality environments and immersion simulations are becoming more …

Axon-Orama: A New System Of Architectural Representation, Fei Wang

Architecture Senior Theses

A codified architectural representation, the axonometric drawing is objective, yet an audience's reception of a building is perspectival and constructed through a spatial narrative over time. In response to this paradox, Axon-orama is proposed as a new representational technique - a set of variational drawings with pliable arrangement and hybrid expression - explored through the use of the British board game, Myriorama. The work blurs the boundary between objective and subjective representation and perception, offering a new system of architectural inquiry.

An Architecture Of Dimensions 2d»3d»4d»Et Cetera, Pt. 2, Tiffany Montañez

Architecture Senior Theses

As humans, we see, view, and understand spaces and the representation of space via images. It is natural for humans to have a preconceived notion of existing conditions based on expectation, mental record, and previous experience. This thesis explores the dimensional potential in architecture of the mis-representation of space through illusory, mischievous and precocious means. This is an architecture that questions one’s perspective, perception and placement.

This intentional and productive miscommunication of architecture happens through the creation of the drawing and model simultaneously with strategic but not comprehensive alignments to create an expected image in the mind of the viewer …

Blind Spot, Andrea Macias-Yanez

Architecture Senior Theses

Negotiating between the physical and software means mediating perception, therefore physical space is defined by endo-perception and software space by exo-perception. This project investigates the temporary singularity of a frozen moment. Through means of motion Blind Spot will reveal unalienable, hidden software algorithms, stripping off what is not comprehensible and feed back the output back into the process of creating architectural speculation.

An Architecture Of Dimensions 2d»3d»4d»Et Cetera, Pt. 1, Tiffany Montañez

Architecture Senior Theses

As humans, we see, view, and understand spaces and the representation of space via images. It is natural for humans to have a preconceived notion of existing conditions based on expectation, mental record, and previous experience. This thesis explores the dimensional potential in architecture of the mis-representation of space through illusory, mischievous and precocious means. This is an architecture that questions one’s perspective, perception and placement.

This intentional and productive miscommunication of architecture happens through the creation of the drawing and model simultaneously with strategic but not comprehensive alignments to create an expected image in the mind of the viewer …

An Architecture Of Dimensions 2d»3d»4d»Et Cetera, Pt. 3, Tiffany Montañez

Architecture Senior Theses

As humans, we see, view, and understand spaces and the representation of space via images. It is natural for humans to have a preconceived notion of existing conditions based on expectation, mental record, and previous experience. This thesis explores the dimensional potential in architecture of the mis-representation of space through illusory, mischievous and precocious means. This is an architecture that questions one’s perspective, perception and placement.

This intentional and productive miscommunication of architecture happens through the creation of the drawing and model simultaneously with strategic but not comprehensive alignments to create an expected image in the mind of the viewer …

Blind Spot, Andrea Macias-Yañez

Architecture Thesis Prep

Negotiating between the physical and software means mediating perception, therefore physical space is defined by endo-perception and software space by exo-perception.

An Architecture Of Dimensions: 2d, 3d, 4d, Etc., Tiffany Montanez

Architecture Thesis Prep

A funhouse, a building equipped with trick mirrors, shifting floors, and other devices designed to scare or amuse people as they walk through is the program of choice. Funhouses are designed for the perception of the user. They provide an amusing architecture, as well as an architecture driven by position, form, and most importantly, experience.

Perception, Megan Rand

Architecture Thesis Prep

In today’s age of technology, online media allows wider access

to architectural photos and information. Through images provided

by architectural firms, magazines, amateur photographers, official

websites, and social media, one can experience a building to

an extent, without ever visiting that physical place. This greatly

impacts the discipline of architecture, as the general public is

able to view, interpret, and criticize works without the consent

or the input of the architect. Before the rise of social media,

architects had great control over what information and images

were released for a project, controlling the perception of the

general public.

Beyond The Object: The Phenomenon Of Memory In Architecture, Greg Bencivengo

Architecture Thesis Prep

"The goal is not to replace our understanding of collective memory, but through fostering an awareness of self and one’s relationship to the past and site, to distinguish memory as an entity distinct from representation and objectification."

The District: Sight/Sire Lines // The War Of Tourisms: Back To The Panopticon, Charles Michael Frederick Proffit

Architecture Senior Theses

"Because of the shortcoming of visual and non-visual technologies, it is necessary to return to the Panopticon in order to engage any conversation of vision and control. It is the contention of this thesis that the sinister interpretations of the architectural community fall short of the authors intentions and that it is possible to consider vision as being used simultaneously by different agencies. This simultaneous vision can create visual encounters that lead to unforeseen hybridizations, turning Granada into a laboratory of hybrid cultures, tourist and citizen, nomadic and sedentary."

Movement Architecture: An Investigation Into The Manipulation Of Movement Through Form And Space, Rachel Hampton

Architecture Theses

This project will investigate the effect of movement on one’s perception of space and their surroundings. Means by which movement can be altered, manipulated and designed in order to alter perceptions will be explored. These means will focus on architectural organizational strategies such as nesting, layering and revealing certain types and speeds of movements. These organizations will occur at various scales, but the main exploration will occur at the program and site level, and their associated movements. The differing motions of the project and urban site will be forced into architectural interactions and relationships with one another. This investigation will …

Reformulating Urban Landscapes: Figure-Ground Maps, Cesar Torres Bustamante

Landscape Architecture

A type of map traditionally used in the analysis of urban form is figure‐ground, a drawing that traditionally depicts the buildings as figures against a visually contrasting ground. It finds certain antecedents in Gestalt psychology, as both drawings rely on the perceptible difference between figure and ground. However an unwanted extrapolation from Gestalt is the imposition of hierarchies, indispensable for visual segregation of figure and ground, but detrimental for the potential of figure‐ground as mapping. Mapping is a creative and cognitive activity, ruled by processes of selection and schematization. The potential of the figure‐ground map to reveal new relationships and …

Urban Engagement: Social Interaction Through Urban Spectacle, Philip Gleason

Architecture Thesis Prep

"Cinematic devices are utilized in film to distort and alter perception, layer events and situation, and manipulate the understanding of time. The translation of such ideas through architecture will lead to the development of a Cinema Center that will function as an extension of film into habitable space. The Cinema Center is intended to be a multi media experience capable of interrupting ones sense of time and place while altering emotion, and perception of the urban environment, much like ones reaction to film. The Cinema Center has the potential to energize the newly developed Boston Greenway by creating new connections …

Filmed Architecture: The Nature Of Vision, Theodore C. Grothe

Architecture Thesis Prep

"By researching the methods, technologies, theories, and criticism of motion film, one can begin to gain an understanding of these phenomena. Tha language of film becomes apparent, and can then be used in architectural discourse.

How can these methods and techniques begin to translate into the discipline of architecture? What can the discipline gain from them In what capacity can we begin to augment their affects on our perception of architecture, form, reality, and space?"

Sentiment In Traditional Thai Architecture, Jayanin Chitranukroh, Vorasun Buranakarn

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

Traditional Thai Architecture was initially created from Thai behavior onthe basis of beliefs. Each feature, for instance, had differentdecorated styles; nevertheless, they had the same main function such as Spacescreated by separated time zoning, split step floors, being made of naturalmaterial and prefabricated building elements. This article aims to analyze thespiritual aspect of Traditional Thai Architecture by the Systems Method. Theresults imply that knowledge of Thai ancestry was forged from the formerenvironment; furthermore, the appearance appealed to all six common humancontact points of eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and mind. Consequently, thebuildings and the surroundings were plentiful in their display …

Intertwined Boundaries, Naomi Susman

Architecture Thesis Prep

"This thesis will explore ways in which a narrative experience influenced by tradition and cultural exchange serves to stimulate and depict one's understanding of the collaborative product of technique, design, and social movement."

Intertwined Boundaries, Naomi Susman

Architecture Thesis Prep

"This thesis will explore ways in which a narrative experience influenced by tradition and cultural exchange serves to stimulate and depict one's understanding of the collaborative product of technique, design, and social movement."

The Specific Engagement: A Didactic Center In Collaboration With The Adjacent Children's Museum, Aaron Bancroft

Architecture Thesis Prep

"Architecture transcends the act of 'making space' when it can engage the visitor through the realization of the what had yet to be perceived. This didactic realization can be accomplished through a series of specific moments which relate directly to the entirety of the complete experience. The sequence can be so intense or emotional that the visitor recognizes that they are meant to interact with the architecture through the varying levels of engagement and understanding."

Methods Of Perception, Caleb Mitchell

Architecture Thesis Prep

"Architecture can teach an observer about itself both physically and metaphysically; this can be managed though interactive processes which demand haptic experiences.

(Methodoloy:) To investigate the capacities of mechanistic or interactive devices to reveal meaning (physical and metaphysical); and to eventually develop at full (or large) scale an artifact capable of operating through functional and meaningful interactions with a user."