Date of Award
Spring 5-30-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Department
Architecture
First Advisor
Rachely Rotem
Second Advisor
Ijlal Muzaffar
Third Advisor
Jacqueline Shaw
Abstract
Vacant buildings are never truly vacant. They might not be used as originally planned but there are still signs of life inside them. Even in a state of ruination, nature takes over or undocumented humans use them as temporary shelter. Instead of going the route of completely redesigning, I would like to embrace the qualities created from the transition periods in between to categorize and articulate the thesis, the focus will be on industrial buildings. My interest is directed on revitalizing buildings. My interest is originally designed for human occupation or appreciation, but rather for machines. Part of the research aims to revisit those buildings that were used as highly optimized models for production. My interest lays in the vacant state since optimization is not the main purpose anymore.
The original use of an industrial building shows the most enhanced version, since the structural stability and large open spaces indicate the use of heavy machinery. The history and current non-use of vacant buildings are crucial factors when re-imaging their future. By acknowledging the weight of its history, my proposal suggests other priorities such as connecting to nature and the environment. My thesis look into the polemics of an existing abandoned building to design a combination of anthropocentric and post-human architecture.
By learning about all stages that a building has been through, the quality of emptiness can give us clues that might not be apparent, initially. The explorations of the visual clues, sounds, smells, and surfaces can be key drivers for conceptualizing the future of the building. Those qualities of the space aspire to not only give a new meaning to the building, but also improve it to fit people’s current needs.
Recommended Citation
Bibidakis, Marina, "Vacancy never vacant" (2020). Masters Theses. 433.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/433
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