This thesis investigates a problem common to many building types--the problem of accommodating audiences gathered for the purpose of viewing an event. It is not an attempt to design a specific facility to accommodate a particular type of event and audience but, instead, an attempt to define criteria applicable to a wide range of spectator seating problems and to establish methods of utilizing these criteria to generate solutions to specific design problems. By definition, a spectator is one who looks on or beholds, especially one witnessing an exhibition. Briefly stated, the problem consists of providing the best fit between the spectators and the spectacle being viewed. The author contends that all of the elements of this problem (spectator, spectacle, and any resultant fit) are easily quantified and hence subject to computer simulation and solution. The primary purpose of this thesis is to investigate the characteristics of spectators and spectacles, establish design criteria based on these investigations, and utilize these criteria to write a computer program capable of generating and evaluating solutions to spectator seating problems. The body of this thesis is divided into three parts. The first (Chapter II, The Spectator) analyzes some physiological characteristics. The second (Chapter III, The Spectacle) investigates the geometrical characteristics of spectacles and their effect on audience configuration. The third (Chapter IV, Computerized Seating Design) describes a computer program which generates and evaluates single-tier seating solutions for arena-type events. / M. Arch.

M.S.

In this paper the writer has endeavored to find the most economical design that will satisfy all conditions under which the building is to be erected. The most economical structure is one that will give the best service for the smallest cost. Of course it is not desired to erect the cheapest structure because, when considered over a long period of years it often proves the most costly. Besides the cost the quality and life of the structure will be considered. There are several factors that have been considered in designing this structure. Some of these are: (1) Use to which the building is to be put; (2) The period of years over which the building is to be used; (3) The climatic conditions; and (4) The ease with which material may be obtained and erected. In solving a problem of this type there must be many assumptions. Many of the assumed values are found to be incorrect, and when this happens a new value must be assumed and the calculations repeated. The problem is therefore solved many different times, each time with a new assumed value. In this way the most satisfactory and economical result is obtained. The overall sizes of the structure depends largely upon the space allowed for it in the Architectural design. Quite often the structural design is made more difficult by architectural features which most not be altered. In this problem the Architectural design was made by Professor C.H. Cowgill. This design was worked under the supervision of Professor C.H. Cowgill. Head of the department of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute. / M.S.

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 133-162).

The aim of the research is to develop a brief for the design of a proposed Centre for Indian Music in Durban. The relevance of such a centre would be established by analysing the history of music in India as compared to the Indian music evolution in South Africa. The effects of imperialism and colonisation had significant impact on the practice and learning of music in both countries. Such political institutions also had great influence on the spaces where music had been performed. Indian music is unique and differs quite significantlyly from Western muslc. A comparison of Indian music (movement through time) and the architecture of Indian music to Western music would provide valuable clues to the quality of space and movement through space In Indian architecture. The theory review analyses the integration of pragmatic functional requirements of the building program with the metaphysical and symbolic qualities of space that are characteristic of Indian traditional architecture. Such architecture would be analysed with reference to its relevance in the context of Durban. Any cultural place ought to transcend mere functional requirements and should be rich in symbolism and metaphor. Both natural and spatial archetypes add to the symbolic quality of space and place. Critical regionalism would hence be reviewed. Urban design theory would be essential as the Centre for Indian Music in Durban would be located adjacent to a rich cultural precinct on one end and totally vacant and abandoned sites on the other. The need for urban design and intervention would propose appropriate development of the vacant sites whilst Linkages to other cultural facilities would be established within the City's rich cultural landscape. Acoustic principles would be analysed in order to design effecient rooms and spaces to facilitate music performance and production. Precedent studies of similar buildings by renowned architects would be critically analysed against their symbolic and contextual relevance. Case studies of South African musIc facilities would provide useful design and technical data. The siting of the building would be borne out of a thorough analysis of various sites against a predetermined set of site selection criteria. The resultant formulation of a brief would be the outcome of the research undertaken. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.