Abstract:
The movement-centred experience features of architecture were examined in this thesis. This research- and methodologically-driven thesis investigated movement in connection to architectural characteristics, scales, and spatial factors, and how these could influence human behaviours through movement experiences. Architect, Bernard Tschumi, stated how, “Architecture is not only about what it looks like but also what happens within it.” It was understood that architecture created a physical environment for people to embrace through their lives, but it is much more than just the built environment. This thesis was also part of a socio-cultural development and representation of how humans interact with architecture through their perspectives and experiences.
The framework concepts of the thesis investigate the many movement-performer views, such as the explorer, spectator, and contributor, who engage with architectural elements and factors to decide how the space should be designed for movement. The identification of these elements served by the thesis taxonomy were used as a tool to evaluate other projects. The research methodologies of power, control, and freedom have been incorporated into the study of how movement could be represented in built environments such as transitory space. The fundamental concepts of movement, how architecture inspires us on how to move through space, freedom, and control are critical components in determining how one may move across architectural space surfaces. Control is acknowledged to begin with the designer via the discovery of these key concepts by testing methodologies, precedent studies, and implementation plans and tactics.
This thesis highlights the need of viewing transitory places as social spaces and moving more slowly to connect with the design of the environment. With this recommended design, transitory areas become places to dwell. Architectural design is about generating an experience, and that experience must be included into effectively developed built environments.
Description:
The general focus of the thesis investigation understood movement in architecture through the lens of social aspects of human experience in transitory spaces. The position this thesis has taken is that there is a lack of identity in these spaces and they are highly controlled. These transitory spaces have high movement and limited interaction or sense of freedom. The focus was to propose an intervention where a contribution of choice and enhancement of the human experience could be implemented into these spaces.
The framing concepts that have been derived from literature and precedent studies include researching studies where an experiment or framework has been proposed to test ideologies promoting social engagement, movement, and human experiences in architecture. The Social Interaction Project was a research project that opened the conversation about the uncomfortableness in transitory spaces, and the lack of social connections. The goal was to intervene in these scenarios while considering multiple locations, inclusivity, and neutral social connectivity. Another study called, “Liminality, space and the importance of ‘transitory dwelling places’ at work”, explored the social aspect of identity, work culture, and well-being. Conducting interviews and illustrating the narratives through the photography of privacy, comfortable corners, and social spaces in the workplace took precedence in this thesis investigation. “The experience of movement in the built form and space: A framework for movement evaluation in architecture” Mosleh Ahmadi’s research study created a taxonomy to identify the architectural factors and elements that promote the type of movement in the built environment for different subjects groups such as the explorer and spectator. Futurist artists have influenced how movement could be captured in 2-dimensional form such as in art and photography for documentation.
The action of circulation is how this thesis was driven, and how individuals move, however, the concept of power in freedom and control of the action of movement began to look at the question of what influences movement. This thesis draws attention to the issue of power in architecture spaces that are programatically defined or managed. An example of a transitory space influenced by power through design and program is a museum, library, or institutional structure. Control of movement in architecture could be defined as the representation of the power of one group over another, of the design.
The questions that have been investigated in this thesis research include: What are the opportunities for interventions for the freedom of movement in transitory spaces through observations of social aspects? The goal of this investigation was to identify where there is a lack of freedom, and if there is a need for self-expression or identity in this place. This leads to another question of whether or not there is a certain level of control that is needed in a transitory space, and if too much freedom would contribute to a larger issue. In this thesis, movement has investigated the scale of the individual, at the scale of the building, and the significance of their experiences shape how successful the design of architecture is for their well-being.
The central argument and position that this thesis has taken in relation to the issue of power and control for movement in architecture are that there is a lack of freedom of identity, agency, and self-expression in transitory spaces. The position that this thesis has advocated for is the enhancement and consideration of the human experience when in the built environment, specifically in transitory spaces. The knowledge advancement on what spatial factors may contribute to movement in transitory spaces, and if they correlate to the freedom or control of movement in those spaces, will define what strategies are crucial for designing around movement in the built environment.
The overall methodology that was used to provide evidence sustaining the thesis includes uncovering the key architectural elements around daily travels that assist or enhance movements between home and school. The thesis highlighted specific identifiers to understand movement by uncovering those key architectural elements. Movement in a transitory space such as a train station and a restaurant were diagrams to later be reflected that from the limitations within transitory spaces, there were possibilities for social engagement interventions.
After these studies and exercises were conducted, the position that emerged has been explained through the various studies which stands that there is a need for more social interventions in transitory spaces to provide a sense of comfort and well-being in these spaces.
A critique of the thesis approach could be that there needs to be control and power in these places for the most efficient form of movement in transient places where there isn’t a need for social engagement or enhancement in the human experience. The opposing views may include movement efficiency concerns or program adjacencies. The strategies as a whole are plausible and achievable in an educational environment. However, the tactics integrated throughout each design strategy could potentially apply to other transitory spaces, more specifically, other educational social corridors. Based on the need of the environment and the response from community engagement. There could be multiple variations of these strategies, specific to the site it is integrated into.
The aspects of the critique of the position of the thesis and argument that are acceptable include functionalities of the program and efficient routes of movement related to building code laws, fire egress, and specific requirements on the building type. The limitations of this study in the research and design aspects include how broad of a topic it is, and all of the avenues that could be explored under the topic of movement in architecture. The limitation of time to explore and research this topic could be a challenge. The design intervention for this topic really does not have a limit as it could be any form of suggestion to promote movement, however, the endless opportunities could be a challenge in making any sort of design decisions.
The key findings in this study included uncovering what it means to control a space, and how much freedom is achievable in architecture for comfort and well-being. The relevancy and value of movement in architecture to the discipline of architecture and design are that it is highly controlled and lacks self-expression and identity, especially in transitory spaces that humans occupy or dwell in on a daily basis. The value is designing transitory spaces with a tangible guide for creating movement and self-expression. This thesis topic emphasizes that people should think of transitory spaces as social spaces and consider moving in a more lingering manner to engage with the design within the environment. Transitory spaces become a space for lingering with this suggested design. Architectural design is about creating an experience and it is necessary to incorporate that experience into thoughtfully designed spaces.