Date of Award

Spring 5-30-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master in Interior Architecture

Department

Interior Architecture

First Advisor

Liliane Wong

Second Advisor

Jeffrey Katz

Third Advisor

Rafael Luna

Abstract

This thesis harnesses the untapped potential of spaces that are easily overlooked within our urban landscapes. By highlighting the environmental elements within these spaces (wind, precipitation, temperature and light) the quality of everyday urban life is enriched.

Used to living in predefined built environments that shape our thinking, we often fail to perceive subtle aspects in our surroundings and lose sight of their value. Alley spaces are perceptual urban blind spots: blighted left over places due to minimal activity. Their sense as "other spaces" presents them as undefined afterthoughts of city planning. Due to ambiguity of their status, the alleyways can become more than loading zones, sites for waste deposit or vagrant activities.

This architectural intervention highlights the invisible moments in this constrained area, allowing for expanded perception beyond physical boundaries. The ever-changing natural phenomena that define the interiority of the alley are unveiled. With exterior elements that serve as walls and floors, each alley frames spatial experiences using the specific behavior of natural phenomena. This architectural intervention redefines the character of the alley as both individual space and collective space within a city, with each alleyway connecting to a network of other alleys to form a narrative of a city space.

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