{"id":{"repo_id":"vt","oai_identifier":"oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/137551"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/vt/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/137551","repository":{"repo_id":"vt","name":"Virginia Tech","base_url":"https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"Unity Concert Hall: A Monument of Stillness, a Vessel for Harmony","abstract":"The United States has long symbolized democracy and sought to promote its ideals globally. However, recent years have revealed growing divisions and mistrust within American society, fueled by media narratives and governmental rhetoric. One key finding of this thesis is the lack of direct, empathetic communication among citizens, which contributes to polarization and erodes democratic values. This thesis proposes an architectural response to this cultural divide: a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, engage in dialogue, and foster mutual understanding—without intermediaries. Drawing inspiration from the Founding Fathers, who despite differing beliefs prioritized the nation's future, this project envisions a place rooted in shared respect and unity. The design centers on a site adjacent to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), strategically located near the National Mall—the symbolic heart of American democracy. The proposed building complements the mission of the USIP by focusing on domestic unity, inclusivity, and civic engagement. It is conceived as a public gathering place that celebrates America's pluralism and the peaceful coexistence of its people. Music serves as the unifying medium, offering a universal language that encourages openness and cultural exchange. The program integrates a concert hall and learning center, bringing global music traditions into one shared space. Architecturally, the design is based on the geometry of a cube—symbolizing equality, order, and clarity. A 220-foot glass cube rises beside the USIP, quietly contrasting its modern context. Where the USIP represents diplomacy and dialogue, the Unity concert hall embodies listening and reflection. One volume, one voice.","abstract_html":"The United States has long symbolized democracy and sought to promote its ideals globally. However, recent years have revealed growing divisions and mistrust within American society, fueled by media narratives and governmental rhetoric. One key finding of this thesis is the lack of direct, empathetic communication among citizens, which contributes to polarization and erodes democratic values. This thesis proposes an architectural response to this cultural divide: a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, engage in dialogue, and foster mutual understanding—without intermediaries. Drawing inspiration from the Founding Fathers, who despite differing beliefs prioritized the nation's future, this project envisions a place rooted in shared respect and unity. The design centers on a site adjacent to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), strategically located near the National Mall—the symbolic heart of American democracy. The proposed building complements the mission of the USIP by focusing on domestic unity, inclusivity, and civic engagement. It is conceived as a public gathering place that celebrates America's pluralism and the peaceful coexistence of its people. Music serves as the unifying medium, offering a universal language that encourages openness and cultural exchange. The program integrates a concert hall and learning center, bringing global music traditions into one shared space. Architecturally, the design is based on the geometry of a cube—symbolizing equality, order, and clarity. A 220-foot glass cube rises beside the USIP, quietly contrasting its modern context. Where the USIP represents diplomacy and dialogue, the Unity concert hall embodies listening and reflection. One volume, one voice.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Solhdoust, Mahmoud"],"institution":"Virginia Tech","degree_name":"Master of Architecture","degree_level":"masters","degree_discipline":"Architecture","degree_department":"Architecture","school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":["Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C."],"committee_members":["Archer, Scott Brandon","Keslacy, Elizabeth Marie-Freha"],"year":2025,"date_issued":"2025-08-20","date_published":"2025-08-20","updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:19:24Z","subjects":["Unity","Concert Hall","Music hall"],"languages":["en"],"rights":["In Copyright"],"rights_urls":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"identifier_entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier.other","label":"Dc Identifier Other","values":["vt_gsexam:44370"],"render_values":[{"text":"vt_gsexam:44370","href":null,"code":true}]}]},"links":{"outbound_url":"https://hdl.handle.net/10919/137551","outbound_label":"Handle","outbound_source":"dc:identifier.uri"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor.committeechair","label":"Committee Chair","values":["Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C."]},{"key":"dc:contributor.committeemember","label":"Committee Member","values":["Archer, Scott Brandon","Keslacy, Elizabeth Marie-Freha"]},{"key":"dc:contributor.department","label":"Department","values":["Architecture"]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Solhdoust, Mahmoud"]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date.accessioned","label":"Dc Date Accessioned","values":["2025-08-21T08:00:48Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.available","label":"Dc Date Available","values":["2025-08-21T08:00:48Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.issued","label":"Date","values":["2025-08-20"]},{"key":"dc:publisher","label":"Institution","values":["Virginia Tech"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["Thesis"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_discipline","label":"Discipline","values":["Architecture"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_level","label":"Degree Level","values":["masters"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_name","label":"Degree Name","values":["Master of Architecture"]},{"key":"thesis:institution_name","label":"Thesis Institution Name","values":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"]}]},{"id":"subjects_keywords","label":"Subjects and Keywords","entries":[{"key":"dc:subject","label":"Dc Subject","values":["Unity","Concert Hall","Music hall"]}]},{"id":"language_rights","label":"Language and Rights","entries":[{"key":"dc:language.iso","label":"Language (ISO)","values":["en"]},{"key":"dc:rights","label":"Dc Rights","values":["In Copyright"]},{"key":"dc:rights.uri","label":"Rights URI","values":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"]}]},{"id":"identifiers","label":"Identifiers","entries":[{"key":"dc:identifier.other","label":"Dc Identifier Other","values":["vt_gsexam:44370"]},{"key":"dc:identifier.uri","label":"Identifier URI","values":["https://hdl.handle.net/10919/137551"]}]},{"id":"additional","label":"Additional Metadata","entries":[{"key":"dc:description.abstract","label":"Abstract","values":["The United States has long symbolized democracy and sought to promote its ideals globally. However, recent years have revealed growing divisions and mistrust within American society, fueled by media narratives and governmental rhetoric. One key finding of this thesis is the lack of direct, empathetic communication among citizens, which contributes to polarization and erodes democratic values. This thesis proposes an architectural response to this cultural divide: a space where people from diverse backgrounds can come together, engage in dialogue, and foster mutual understanding—without intermediaries. Drawing inspiration from the Founding Fathers, who despite differing beliefs prioritized the nation's future, this project envisions a place rooted in shared respect and unity. The design centers on a site adjacent to the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), strategically located near the National Mall—the symbolic heart of American democracy. The proposed building complements the mission of the USIP by focusing on domestic unity, inclusivity, and civic engagement. It is conceived as a public gathering place that celebrates America's pluralism and the peaceful coexistence of its people. Music serves as the unifying medium, offering a universal language that encourages openness and cultural exchange. The program integrates a concert hall and learning center, bringing global music traditions into one shared space. Architecturally, the design is based on the geometry of a cube—symbolizing equality, order, and clarity. A 220-foot glass cube rises beside the USIP, quietly contrasting its modern context. Where the USIP represents diplomacy and dialogue, the Unity concert hall embodies listening and reflection. One volume, one voice."]},{"key":"dc:description.abstractgeneral","label":"General Abstract","values":["This thesis explores how architecture can promote peace and unity in Washington, D.C., through the design of a new public concert hall. The city is filled with monuments and government buildings that symbolize national power and international diplomacy, but few spaces are dedicated to everyday people coming together around shared values. The proposed Unity Concert Hall is located beside the United States Institute of Peace and aims to complement its mission by offering a public space centered on music, openness, and cultural connection. The building is shaped as a simple cube at its core—a symbol of equality—and wrapped in transparent glass to allow people to see and experience what's happening inside. Its design respects the historic green space planned for this area and reconnects the Kennedy Center and the National Mall through open, walkable pathways. By combining architecture, sound, and public access, the project imagines a new kind of civic space—one that brings people together not for protest or politics, but for shared experiences that inspire understanding, creativity, and unity."]},{"key":"dc:description.degree","label":"Dc Description Degree","values":["Master of Architecture"]},{"key":"dc:format.medium","label":"Dc Format Medium","values":["ETD"]},{"key":"dc:title","label":"Title","values":["Unity Concert Hall: A Monument of Stillness, a Vessel for Harmony"]}]}],"canonical_facts":{"dc:contributor.committeechair":["Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C."],"dc:contributor.committeemember":["Archer, Scott Brandon","Keslacy, Elizabeth Marie-Freha"],"dc:contributor.department":["Architecture"],"dc:creator":["Solhdoust, Mahmoud"],"dc:date.accessioned":["2025-08-21T08:00:48Z"],"dc:date.available":["2025-08-21T08:00:48Z"],"dc:date.issued":["2025-08-20"],"dc:description.abstract":["The United States has long symbolized democracy and sought to promote its ideals globally. 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It is conceived as a public gathering place that celebrates America's pluralism and the peaceful coexistence of its people. Music serves as the unifying medium, offering a universal language that encourages openness and cultural exchange. The program integrates a concert hall and learning center, bringing global music traditions into one shared space. Architecturally, the design is based on the geometry of a cube—symbolizing equality, order, and clarity. A 220-foot glass cube rises beside the USIP, quietly contrasting its modern context. Where the USIP represents diplomacy and dialogue, the Unity concert hall embodies listening and reflection. One volume, one voice."],"dc:description.abstractgeneral":["This thesis explores how architecture can promote peace and unity in Washington, D.C., through the design of a new public concert hall. The city is filled with monuments and government buildings that symbolize national power and international diplomacy, but few spaces are dedicated to everyday people coming together around shared values. The proposed Unity Concert Hall is located beside the United States Institute of Peace and aims to complement its mission by offering a public space centered on music, openness, and cultural connection. The building is shaped as a simple cube at its core—a symbol of equality—and wrapped in transparent glass to allow people to see and experience what's happening inside. Its design respects the historic green space planned for this area and reconnects the Kennedy Center and the National Mall through open, walkable pathways. 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