This thesis is an exploration of creating an essence in architecture through a sense of ambition and harmony. The ambition for a design to have an architectural presence and establish a clear identity, while achieving a harmony of numerous aspects of the project in order to simplify the inherent complexities of architecture and allow the ambitious identity to be clearly present.
The investigation begins with the analysis of ruins as the result of a natural process that strips down a building of secondary components and leaves the exposed soul of the architecture. As a specific example, the thesis explores the Roman ruins, how they exude their cultural history and often how they express the initial architectural intent and identity. The ambition of Rome is carried to the harmony of Florence and finally to the embodiment of harmonious ambition in Michelangelo.
His work constantly achieved an ambition in creating a new identity with each masterpiece while always attaining a beautiful moment of harmony. The thesis explores not just the wonders of Michelangelo's life, but his inspirations and mastery of ancient traditions as well as his influence on the world after him. At the conclusion of the exploration, I propose a place of learning that both honors Michelangelo and his resonance throughout history and creates a new harmonious ambition. / Master of Architecture / It seems that most thesis explorations begin with a thesis question and work with an intent to find an answer in its conclusion. However, I intended to take this opportunity to refine a question about architecture that I can spend the rest of my career working towards an answer. To quote one of my mentors, Paul Emmons, “Architecture is the eternal question; Building is a temporary answer.”
To determine the question, I look back to why I pursued architecture. It was not to merely construct shelter, but rather because I found that architecture can tell a story, evoke emotion, improve functions, and a great deal more. It seemed like architecture is a living entity and it was my aim to refine a question in pursuit of capturing this living essence.
The exploration begins with studies from precedents that I found achieved this mysterious architectural essence. One common aspect of more successful projects, and I find similar to some of the most successful people, is that they have the desire and ambition to express a boldness in defining their unique character. This boldness is only apparent through the clarity and harmony in their design, examined further through architectural ruins. With this architectural ambition and harmony in mind, the thesis studies a revolutionary genius whose life and work embodied the essence I am after: Michelangelo Buonnaroti.
This thesis outlines my journey through lessons from the great Michelangelo towards achieving my own Harmonious Ambition.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/74440 |
| Date | 26 January 2017 |
| Creators | Hathaway, Michael Jason Daniel |
| Contributors | Architecture, Breitschmid, Markus, Emmons, Paul F., Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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