Projection: Architecture of Intimacy

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.