This thesis delves into the transformative potential of office buildings, which have traditionally functioned as private, employee-centric spaces. It confronts the challenge of reviving inactive urban areas by advocating for the reconfiguration of certain segments of these buildings into accessible public spaces. The research proposes an in-between typology, redefining office buildings into the community fabric while preserving essential privacy and security for business operations. By employing architectural strategies that enhance welcoming atmospheres, and helps bring in the street energy into the building. It advocates for the creation of vibrant, interactive zones where individuals can gather, socialize, and celebrate cultural and day-to-day events, facilitating access to the interesting parts of the building. This approach not only promises to elevate public engagement but also aid potential economic benefits for businesses by transforming underutilized spaces into active community hubs. / Master of Architecture / This thesis investigates how we can transform office buildings from private, employee-only areas into active parts of the city that welcome everyone. How parts of these buildings could be opened up to the public to help breathe new life into areas of the city that are otherwise quiet and underused.
Redesigning of office buildings so that they not only serve their traditional business purposes but also become integrated parts of the urban community. This doesn't mean compromising the privacy and security necessary for business operations, instead, it's about finding a balance where both can coexist. The thesis suggests architectural designs that make these buildings feel open and inviting. For instance, incorporating elements that draw in the lively vibe from the street outside can make entering the building a more appealing experience.
The goal is to create spaces within these office buildings where people can come together not just for work but also to socialize, participate in cultural events, or simply enjoy their day. This could mean designing certain floors or areas that are open to the public, with cafes, exhibition spaces, or areas for performances that attract both office workers and the general public.
Making these changes could significantly enhance public interaction in these spaces, turning them into vibrant community hubs rather than just workplaces. This can increase foot traffic, which not only adds to the building's vibrancy but can also provide economic benefits. Shops, cafes, and cultural venues within these buildings could see higher customer volumes, and the businesses housed there may enjoy greater visibility and engagement from the community.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/119245 |
| Date | 03 June 2024 |
| Creators | Mistry, Nupur Shailesh |
| Contributors | Architecture, Ishida, Aki, Zhou, Yaoyi, Jones, James R. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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