Architecture: An Instrument of Time

Architecture can become a catalyst for comprehending the phenomenon of time. Although many dimensions of time exist, the focus here is on the understanding of time related to a person in a space, an amplification of time related to the universe such as sun and moon cycles, and a recognition of time as it manifests itself in an aging process. The instrument for comprehending these three dimensions of time is an observation tower in the Virginia mountains. In The Eyes of the Skin, Juhani Pallasmaa argues that this awareness is an important part of an "art of reconciliation between ourselves and the world." When the awareness arises that time infinite, but life is finite, each passing moment becomes more important. With respect to time and architecture, Paul Ricouer suggest in his book Time and Narrative that architecture acts as a "bridge, a metaphysical link allowing us a way to comprehend time." Hence, architecture is an instrument of time.

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

2025

Author dc:creator

• Medina, Gabriela Elise

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Schnoedt, Heinrich

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Jones, James R.
• Washco, Kristin Nicole

• Time
• Architecture and Time
• An Instrument of Time

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

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

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:43952

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/135395