A Search for Truth: Investigating the Connection Between Man, Architecture and the Universe

The study of architecture is a search for the truth, conceived from a desire to understand the nature of life. Through the process of investigation, discoveries bring us closer to this understanding. Universal truths discovered within the discipline of architecture teach of the universal truths of life itself. Architecture is eternally bound to the universe. It exists as a physical reality, ultimately defined by a specific moment and position within the infinite continuum of time and space. Yet, what creates this inseparable connection between architecture and the universe? Man. Architecture exists as an offering to man. It serves as a stage on which the life of man unfolds; it is the backdrop of the human drama. It is the interaction between man and the physical environment that defines this connection between architecture and the universe. The instant that the hand of man touches the surface of a brick wall, a moment is created, eternally linking the wall to the universe. Thus, a constant dialogue exists between man and architecture. The nature of this dialogue must be explored, as it offers man the opportunity to understand his relationship with architecture on all scales (individual, community, universe). In order for this dialogue to be understood, the relationships which exist within architecture itself must be examined. These relationships exist on many scales, ranging from the connection between the column and the beam, to the relationship between a building and its city. These relationships dictate architecture's meaning. By being sensitive and perceptive of the nature of these relationships, we become closer to understanding the nature of life. Explorations of architecture allow us to question the nature of life. The search for the connection between architecture and the human condition allows us to understand the eternal connection between architecture and the universe. The search allows us to find the truth.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Architecture

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Architecture

Department dc:contributor.department

Architecture

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1999

Author dc:creator

• Sullivan, John Austin

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Wheeler, Joseph H.
• Frascari, Marco

• dialogue
• Light
• progression
• transition
• elements
• place
• boundary
• city
• Architecture
• abstraction
• truth
• enclosure
• body
• connection
• patina
• Memory
• orientation
• plan

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-12052004-172409

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/35967