Date of Submission
Spring 5-9-2023
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Sang Pil Lee
Abstract
Within current architecture, many buildings are seemingly just copies of an original design that hasn’t changed in the slightest in ages. It will be placed on a site and left there to fulfill its single purpose. When this purpose is done, the building will become vacant and will be an everlasting mark of how we don’t think ahead. I’ve come to know these buildings as “one and done” architecture. They are a contradiction to the concept of sustainability and lack any foresight for their future impact. This thesis is an approach to make a change to this previous way of building and set forth a more sustainable design. By developing an adaptable mixed-use module and core system, the building would be able to change and adapt to its occupants rather than being completely static. These changes would consist of different combinations of module pieces allowing for different heights and floor spaces. These different combinations would also help in molding the building to the landscape within the site. Modules could be added or removed at any time. The façade system would also be modular and would be dependent on local materiality and designs. This would help the building be more cohesive with its surroundings rather than sticking out like a sore thumb. The creation of the modules and core systems would be developed by defining set rules and limitations previously discovered through architectural precedents and limitations of technology. For the module, these rules will help to define the size of each individual module, the number of modules that should be used and differentiated between, and how they might be interconnected. For the core system, these rules will help to define the overall size of the core, how an occupant will be able to move throughout, and how the core will receive and connect to each module. With the limitation of technology, it will be important to determine the benefits of either building on site or building off site and delivering each piece. The key aspect is to increase sustainability by maximizing adaptability.