Game-space presents the development of a student game-hall on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. The architectural theory that guided the development asserts that an intelligent translation of a building's physical and conceptual needs into a matrix of well defined layers provides a strong foundation for the creation of a cultivated space. / Master of Architecture

Traditionally, interiors are associated with rooms as spaces inside buildings. Spaces for human habitation and interaction are found throughout the built environment and include urban space. Space is a product of social practices and Lefebvre (1991) argues that this process allows for ‘space’ to be transformed into ‘place’. The appropriation of space adds personal meaning to place that Lefebvre refers to as differential space. The study is based on the premise of Augé’s (1995) argument of place and non-place. Place allows for meaning and enrichment with the connotations of identity, history, urban relationships and social life within spatial dimensions and manifestations. Place and space are central to this investigation, as the study aims to determine the relation between spatial definition and place-making. Anthropological, economic, cultural, sociological, geographical, economic, ecological and political aspects that are influences, are accepted and acknowledged, but fall outside the scope of this study. This investigation focuses on the static, physical spatial dimension. A search into the criteria that can be applied to research, describe and define space and create place is conducted. The terminology that constitutes these criteria is identified according to the elements and modulation variables for architectural interiors. The study explores the possibility of developing a general set of criteria that could be collectively applied to all places for human habitation, regardless of the location. Human need for shelter is universal. Can the criteria to achieve this therefore also be collective? Furthermore, if generalities in spatial dimensions and manifestations do exist, can the term ‘interior’ be used collectively for both architectural and urban places? The existing situation of the Donkin Reserve in Central Hill, Port Elizabeth, is examined according to the criteria established in order to determine whether the space is adequately defined and meaningful to the community it serves. Recommendations are made according to the guidelines to improve the sense of place. The research consists of a literature study to establish a theoretical basis and is supplemented with precedent analyses to interpret and demonstrate theoretical concepts. The descriptive survey method as qualitative research methodology is used to collect data. / Dissertation (Master of Interior Architecture)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Architecture / unrestricted

The aim of thesis is to evaluate criticisms directed to high-rise buildings which have firstly used for residential purposes with modernism in terms of their hindering social contact, and to explain in what kind of spaces the residents of high-rise building sustain their social and environmental contacts. This form was aimed to be used as the building type of high-rise, low density urban form in CIAM meeting for decreasing health problems created by industrialization on individuals. In contrast, Team 10 criticized high-rise residential buildings by propounding disposal of street and not gathering people by using green areas. They propounded the urban element which is low-rise spreading in horizontal as the form of increment of social connection. In this study, principally diversified existence of social and environmental communication space are advocated in every urban environment depending on distinctive spatial organizations. Matrix study was made depending on height, density and coverage as three inputs of residential types, and the idea defended was tried to be proven. Communication spaces in high-rise residential buildings were analyzed in urban design and architecture scales. For this purpose, urban design scaled study was analyzed in the frame of territoriality which is related to the main topic of the thesis as residential area, and public and private space continuity types came into prominence. Architecture spaces constituting social and environmental contiguity spaces in high-rise residences were discussed in the frame of contemporary buildings and utopias. The explanation of diversified connection spaces in high-rise residential blocks will be hold.

This dissertation explores theory with regards to function in architecture. The objective would be to consider the role of any intervention, within its context, in the initial design stages before programmatic conclusions are made. It also investigates the importance of formalizing embedded site narrative as a primary function of any intervention. The final proposal creates a space with an unmistakable sense of place capable of hosting any event on the social calendar of the University, synonymous with student life and the memory thereof. True beauty does not only dwell in the aesthetic appeal of an edifice, but in the presentation of an embedded narrative, giving complex meaning to the whole and driving the creation to be a manifestation of this narrative. An intervention can be absorbed by its own internal programme or generate an urban space that becomes the custodian of the interior. Campus buildings often outlive their programmatic functions due to changing spatial demands and growth. It is therefore necessary for designers to lay emphasis on design strategies that provide interventions with the capacity to sustain their intended functions. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Architecture / unrestricted

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