Abstract:
This thesis places architecture within in the context of seasonal change in the natural environment. It critiques the current relationship between people and nature, arguing that architecture tends to separate rather than connect people with the richness of the natural environment. This issue is significant because of the impact the separation has on the sustainability of regional ecosystems as well as human experience of built environments and human wellbeing. I propose that architectural patterns and design strategies for seasonally transforming space (structure and experience) and occupant responses (adaptive opportunities) connect people with natural phenomena, which is a necessary part of connecting people to their regional ecosystems. This thesis examines and critiques several existing visitors centers throughout Oregon using a process of visual analysis, represented in two taxonomies: “Space: Structure and Experience” and “Response: Adaptive Opportunities.”
Description:
38 pages. A thesis presented to the Department of Architecture and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Architecture, Spring 2017