Cultural Center Architecture Thesis

[Etienne Levic]

This thesis contends that by re-conceptalizing the spatial, programmatic, and sociopolitical forces that for the basis of the orphanage typology, an architectural framework can be constructed that can instigate and facilitate new conditions of programmatic overlap between the 'urban cultural' and the 'private/secure residential'; fundamentally altering the outdated assumptions of the orphanage type in favor of a contemporary response embeds the orphanage in the city and the city in the orphanage."

The last quarter of my thesis was virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. Although it was disappointing to not get to showcase our thesis projects at the annual Chumash show in person, the virtual format pushed me to expand my rendering skills and to publish a website about my thesis which you can visit here!

Most college students pour their heart into their thesis project for a whole year, but it only lives on in their portfolio. I wanted to have a greater impact with my thesis. Because my project is partnered with Journeyman International and has real clients in Zimbabwe, when I finished my design, I handed it back to them. My design has two major benefits to the non-profits. First, the renderings and plans will help them secure funding for the project. Second, the design will serve as a starting point for the local architect once the project is ready to be built. I produced a design book and preliminary construction documents for the project. The local architect might change my design a lot or only a little, but it provides a strong and well-researched place for them to start. I am so excited to see where this project goes and hope to be able to visit it in Zimbabwe someday!

Hi, I'm Hannah! I got my Bachelor of Architecture at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where my thesis project was a humanitarian agricultural training center in Zimbabwe with Journeyman International. In my free time, I like watercoloring, photography, and camping!

The self-storage center for a near future presents collectors with many options for storage and display, both physical and digital, accommodating a wide range of storage formats under one roof. Public exhibition of personal possessions achieves an institutional character for the self-storage center, in which objects gain an architectural importance. Constant curation of objects resists hoarder culture, instead asking what belongs in storage when the previously dark and hidden becomes bright and showcased. As the new self-storage center takes on museological presentation and develops a distinct form, it acts as a monument to collections of the tangible and intangible within its urban context. However, this specific architecture does not subordinate its contents; rather, it provides a framework into which objects, people, and memories breathe life.

The research I have conducted with the support of the Irving Innovation Fellowship is, in a way, a continuation of my graduate thesis but with a few key modifications. While my thesis project was more of a speculative proposal envisioning a new architectural typology, my current fellowship research is an investigation of the typological forms needed to realize these alternative storage systems. In the typology I have developed, future self-storage centers would provide users with different storage types that accommodate a range of storage needs, types of access, and object display options. Each of the proposed storage formats responds to a different existing problem observed in contemporary self-storage centers. From this, I have aimed to develop a formal design process optimized for each storage system type. In my proposed storage format, the objects which people normal store out of site now gain an architectural importance, since their possessions are put on display as if in a museum. This provides a framework wherein objects, people, and memories are all on display, breathing life into what are otherwise the dark and hidden spaces of private storage.

In order to carry out my project, I have utilized the latest technologies that enable reciprocal 3-dimensional formal information exchange between the physical objects to be stored and digital modeling environments that allow me to experiment and test a variety of display solutions. This is primarily achieved through the use of 3d scanning techniques that digitize the real objects to be stored, and then implements versatile 3d-printing techniques to explore strategies for the fabrication, materiality, and further representation of my proposed typology. In order to further develop the unique architectural forms needed for this new form of self-storage center, the physical behavior of the objects is simulated through digital operations that include piling, stacking, draping, and packing, each of which is driven by software-based physics engines, thus allowing me to simulate these real-life scenarios. This consistent feedback between the operations of digitalization, simulation, and materialization processes will ultimately culminate in the development of prototypical architectural objects. My hope is that this research will result in a fabrication approach that can be scaled for implementation within architectural practice itself.

Coming up with the precise definition of a cultural center is next to impossible. Their varied use in communities across the globe has resulted in multiple interpretations, each one unique with its own set of characteristics.

A cultural center plays a vital role in retaining values and beliefs for the community. The integration of architectural features, forms, materials, and artwork help imbibe the past as an active part of the future. Moreover, a fundamental feeling of oneness is established, creating a brotherhood that caters to the community.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Kallithea, south of Athens, Greece is an ideal example of a structure looking to connect with the roots of its land. The cultural center is located on top of an artificial hill on the south side of the site.

Multidisciplinary spaces are conceptually open-ended as they look to cater to multiple functions. Whether the space is a closed room or an open plaza, they have a massive footprint with minimal obstructions.

The Prelude of the Shed is an extension of a cultural center that can be constructed wherever with relative ease. It has a single large floor plan with movable components. This gives people the ability to create makeshift spaces that cater specifically to the event, performance, or exhibition taking place at the time.

The Sanyang Brewery function is now a flexible space mainly used for exhibitions with an adjoining cafeteria for visitors. The simple change of function allows a redundant building to once again, shine brightly.

Nature is a timeless part of any culture and demands the respect and attention of architects that choose to build on it. Aside from determining the energy efficiency of a building, the integration of nature into a structure connects people to the land.

The Mi Casita Pre-School and Cultural Centre in Brooklyn, New York contribute to society by educating toddlers. This broad perception of society is an interesting take on cultural centers in the heart of an urban landscape.

Designing a public cultural center usually has deep-seated reasoning behind it. Cultural centers and their concepts are always at the forefront of designs. However, the funding and reasoning behind the timely construction always revolve around a particular motive.

Muslim Cultural Center in Langfang, China caters to the Muslim enclave in the Da Chang district. Islamic architecture and its potent style highlight an almost poetic structure that leaves a lasting impression.

Manipulating the human psychology with architecture, especially through sound, light, texture, etc.I think that the studies on the architectural marvels of ancient India, Greece, Rome, etc. could help me on this.

That could be really interesting. I just went to the James Turrell exhibit at LACMA a few weeks ago, and that was really inspiring. Im also reading that book Corrections and Collections which is sort of depressing so far but good. Who knows where your research will take you but it seems like a good topic with lots of possibilities.

@Sreya, now that you mention architecture and crime, you should look into this community housing project called Pruitt-Igoe in St.Louis.

It deals with how psychology plays an important role in the crime rate of a neighborhood and also how low cost housing can prove to become a social hazard if not handled thoughtfully.

The Pruitt-Igoe project was designed by a prominent architect back in the day and the entire project was demolished in just twenty years.

It's something that makes you want to stop and think about how it might have been back then. There's a documentary about the project. You should try watching it. It's sensational.

^ the so-called "end of modernism"

So we are talking about phenomenology here...

I always appreciate when students do projects on experience that are based in practical application. I am very skeptical of the atmospheric and installation based 'architecture' projects I've seen in recent years.

Anyway, your topic is something you should really like or must be inclined to it. You will read a lot of stuff about your topic so I think your preference of the subject comes first. Balance how your interests can contribute to the Architectural society by doing a more specific study on an unexplored area of interest. I believe it's better that we ought to explore areas which doesn't have a lot of published studies yet> : )

A Public Architecture with non conventional Markets, can have a Library, Parks, Showcases, OAT's, concert places. But a major backing is missing here. Please help me in compiling some functions and give me some ideas on such a revitalization.

hey man, I'm doing my thesis on the exact same topic and i just found this thread. Did you end up doing this project? If yes, it would be great if you could send across some case study examples and the site you found!

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