COLLOQUIUM, or the argument for a new school of architecture...

Author

Austin TurnerFollow

Date of Submission

Spring 5-9-2022

Degree Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Architecture

Department

Architecture

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Giovanni Loreto

Abstract

Colloquium, or an argument for the new school of Architecture... is an interrogation on the power of Architectural discourse and its impact on the built environment.

The research begins by analyzing the works and theories of four distinct architects: Peter Eisenman, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, and Bjarke Ingels. During my investigation, I ask myself, “What happened in their school environment that made them great,” or in other words, “What can a student, like me, do to be like these people?”

To answer this question, I found the best way to analyze this would be to look back on their own Architectural Thesis Projects. For Peter Eisenman, he prioritizes the syntax and evolution of space using program as a constantly evolving form generator, the argument between generic and specific form.

For Rem Koolhaas, he proves that, through government interference and policy change, the state can pose as a medium for innovation and inspiration in the built environment. For Zaha Hadid, she argues that, through the integration of a new type of architectural representation, art, with purpose, can generate powerful architecture. For Bjarke Ingels, however having no thesis, provides a strong statement, where his architecture follows an evolutionary principle in which each project builds upon each other through the integration of cutting-edge construction materials, sustainable elements, and community engagement.

Knowing that a thesis is carefully crafted through the guidance of advisors, other professors, fellow students, and professionals, I begin to wonder, “are there any particular ways that the built environment can enrich and enhance the discourse of students, professors, and even practitioners?”

To answer this question, I analyze the architecture buildings they attended and contrast them with the N building. I will be looking into the program of each building, defining what areas are designed for specific interactions, Colloquium Experiences, all while discovering what spaces are successful and what spaces are failures at producing such interactions.