Abstract:
This thesis unravels ties between the individual and
architecture. Offering an architectural demonstration of and
for the body. The primary goal is to challenge the conventional
relationship of architecture as a form of housing for the body,
exploring the possibility of the body's dynamism in respect
to movement, transformation, and reaction, informing an
intimate architecture of the individual and highlighting the
importance of a personalised architectural condition.
The boundary between the individual and architecture is
explored through the idea of intimacy. Intimacy becomes
the goal of a relationship that is intrinsic to the body.
Through intimacy this provides security and comfort for the
individual. The individual is projected upon architecture to
create an intimate environment.
The research is grounded by three main themes: Firstly
'proximity', the degree to which the interface between
the body and architecture can become intrinsically tied.
Secondly 'speed', the movement of the body in relation
to architecture as a static form. And lastly 'duration', the
flexibility and adaptability of possible architectural solutions.
Each of these themes is developed in the research chapters
and explored from both a written and visual narrative. The
'Chair' is adopted as a familiar object which allows for
discussion and development of ideas. The chair becomes
a means of developing the argument, and demonstrating
these ideas through imagery and text.
A train carriage is the apparatus which will be used as a
vehicle for the design exploration. A train carriage has been
identified as being a transitory zone for the individual, and
therefore, employed as the point of departure for further
design experiments, tying the three themes of proximity,
speed, and duration together. The train carriage acts as
a conceit; a way of describing and demonstrating ideas
through extended metaphors. The design is revealed
through diagrams of components used within the housing
of the individual, then further presented with varying scenes
exploring the dynamic possibilities of an architectural
interpretation.
This research informs and demonstrates a design initiative
which emphasises the poetic form of individuals and their
bodies within the architectural discipline. Bringing to
light the importance and possibility of the fluctuations
of the body, in constant movement and evolution to the
discipline of architecture. Allowing for intimacy of the body
to be defined in unison with architecture, a growing spatial
relationship with the individual.
