Thesis Proposal v2

Thesis

The automobile culture that has developed over the past century combined with environmental and socio-economic pressures has primed Americans for a shift toward existence minimum.

Theme

The existence minimum movement of the early 20th century remained almost soley in Europe. I propose that a re-examination and furthur development of the theories will make it applicable in the United States. The new existence minimum will encompass more than simply efficient living in the smallest space possible. It will be highlighted by a move toward making a smaller imprint environmentally and economically. This issue needs to be address not only on the organizational scale, but also on the urban scale (how can urbanists and city planners begin to think in a way that is less about sprawl and more about infill and effiecient use of already developed land) and on an architectural scale (based on developments in materials and methods that allows architecture to make a minimal impact on the environment). I will pursue three major urban ideas: urban infill, suburban infill, and “wireless” architecture. The effect of the automobile in this discussion cannot be ignored. The automobile has become an omnipresent element in American society and culture. But it should not simply be addressed as a problem to be ignored, but as an essential piece in American history and culture that would potentially lead to furthur advances in existence minimum theory and application. The urban ideas will be investigated primarily in theory, as the majority of the application of the work will be invested in organizational and architectural studies.

Vehicle

A series of small projects will be pursued to test the needs and limitations of this lifestyle as well as to establish potential cultural implications. Three types of buildings will be developed: residential (single family and bachelor living), retail (cafes, clothing stores, etc), and business. In addition to architecture based on site, a portion of the investigation will be dedicated to mobile architecture. I will pursue two types of investigation. The primary one will be a re-thinking of the traditional RV. The second will center on the manipulation and renovation of existing vehicles (cars, trucks, and SUVs).

Site

Sites will be chosen from various locations across American to get various data based on climate, culture, and traditional building types associated with the various areas. The urban sites will be from Boston, MA; Denver, CO; and New Orleans, LA. The suburban sites will be from Somerdale, NJ; Aurora, CO; and Metarie, LA.

Boston, Massachusetts:

Camridge boasts a population density of 24.6 people/acre. It is across the Charles River from Boston proper. Harvard Square in Cambridge is a lively mixed use area. It is adjacent to Harvard University and Harvard Yard. Because it is mixed use it is a prime candidate for continued infill. Winthrope Park is very close to the center of the area and is very close to the subway station and many restaurants (it is bounded by at least 3). But there is very little residential directly adjacent to the square. I have identified 3 sites for potential development. [will be marked on map in furture]