MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
Minji Jasmin Kim—AIA Medal for Academic Excellence
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Minji Jasmin Kim—AIA Medal for Academic Excellence
About the Award
AIA Medal for Academic Excellence:
For a graduate who displays excellence throughout their academic career.
A Framework for Memory: Designing between Objective Realities and Subjective Experiences
Traces of memories exist everywhere—from the individual mind to the recollections of shared thoughts visible in the built environment. The everyday spaces we inhabit are defined not only by their formal structures but through the experiences which unfold within them. Architecture lives beyond the three-dimensional form to embody a complex constellation of senses, experiences, and memories. Thus, memory shapes our understanding of space to form architectural narratives.
Oftentimes, design is focused on efficiency, productivity, and operations; creating homogeneous environments which limit the potential for exchanges between mind, body, and space. Typical site analysis and design processes all too often neglect the presence of memory in the built environment.
In contrast, this thesis proposes the ‘framework for memory’ as a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. By linking memory to place, the framework embraces intersubjectivity in the design process.
Can the extraction of memories be fruitful in how we think about drawings and design? What if the architectural design process can further incorporate memory? To an extent, all design is composed of memories as they are influenced by a designer’s perspective and the viewer’s interpretation. However, can design evolve if we tap into our subconscious more and memory takes a more active role in guiding the design of new environments and spaces?
Investigations in design research suggest a design process that is informed by the memories of a site. ‘The framework for memory’ is a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. The process brings up a range of possibilities which lend themselves to many interpretations and outcomes. Inevitably, working with ephemeral qualities such as memory presents its own set of challenges. The thesis acknowledges that spaces cannot be fully and solely designed with memory, but the work presented begins to see the opportunities for exploration in design through memories. By incorporating memories into our designs, we can create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and enriching.
AIA Medal for Academic Excellence:
For a graduate who displays excellence throughout their academic career.
A Framework for Memory: Designing between Objective Realities and Subjective Experiences
Traces of memories exist everywhere—from the individual mind to the recollections of shared thoughts visible in the built environment. The everyday spaces we inhabit are defined not only by their formal structures but through the experiences which unfold within them. Architecture lives beyond the three-dimensional form to embody a complex constellation of senses, experiences, and memories. Thus, memory shapes our understanding of space to form architectural narratives.
Oftentimes, design is focused on efficiency, productivity, and operations; creating homogeneous environments which limit the potential for exchanges between mind, body, and space. Typical site analysis and design processes all too often neglect the presence of memory in the built environment.
In contrast, this thesis proposes the ‘framework for memory’ as a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. By linking memory to place, the framework embraces intersubjectivity in the design process.
Can the extraction of memories be fruitful in how we think about drawings and design? What if the architectural design process can further incorporate memory? To an extent, all design is composed of memories as they are influenced by a designer’s perspective and the viewer’s interpretation. However, can design evolve if we tap into our subconscious more and memory takes a more active role in guiding the design of new environments and spaces?
Investigations in design research suggest a design process that is informed by the memories of a site. ‘The framework for memory’ is a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. The process brings up a range of possibilities which lend themselves to many interpretations and outcomes. Inevitably, working with ephemeral qualities such as memory presents its own set of challenges. The thesis acknowledges that spaces cannot be fully and solely designed with memory, but the work presented begins to see the opportunities for exploration in design through memories. By incorporating memories into our designs, we can create spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and enriching.
