Date of Award

Spring 5-30-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture

First Advisor

Michael Blier

Second Advisor

Tiago Campos

Abstract

The use of materials like clay, concrete and biomaterials have given a meaning and identity to the outcomes we produce through time. Materials absorb and release energy that passes through them. Transformation processes in materials can be revealed when they get in touch with a phenomenon like infiltration of water. Changing stages in materials and weathering, should not be considered as a negative condition but as a new opportunity to feel and perceive the same surface differently.

The illusion of permanence should be replaced by a more fluid idea that nothing lasts or keeps the same condition forever. Since all materials come from living resources, this work explores the use of clay as part of the geologic composition in New England; concrete that is the result of clay and other minerals exposed to high temperatures and finally, mycelium that is a fungus based material as an invitation to incorporate nature in a different way to stop producing pristine and timelessness objects but instead producing livable materials that transform themselves and are more adaptable to the external conditions. In the need of sustainable and local alternatives, this thesis is also an invitation for industries to consider the option of going back to rescue and explore the unique resources from each place.

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