An Architurecture of Absence, A study on silence in architecture

This thesis documents an inquiry into the architecture of contemplative spaces and the process and evolution of the design of such a place. Man has often sought a place of solitude, a shelter, where the diversities diminish and differences become insignificant. In the recent decades many non-denominational temples and chapels, such as the MIT peace chapel, were built around the world by seekers of unity in diversity. This study explores the design of such a place and inquires into how the subtle architectural aspects contribute to the quality of solitude and tranquility of that place. These aspects are further explored in the design of a rotunda which becomes the heart of the thesis.

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

2015

Author dc:creator

• George, Robin

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Galloway, William U.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Schnoedt, Heinrich
• Thompson, Steven R.

• contemplation
• absence
• Silence
• rotunda
• non-denominational
• Peace

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

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

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:4611

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/51249