Urban FABRICation: The Architectural Heightening of the Urban Tactile Sensibility A Fiber Arts Fabrication & Exhibition Center in Dublin, Ireland

Author

Elizabeth Fallon

Degree Type

Honors Capstone Project

Date of Submission

Spring 5-1-2010

Capstone Advisor

Terrence Goode

Honors Reader

Susan Henderson

Capstone Major

Architecture

Capstone College

Architecture

Audio/Visual Component

no

Capstone Prize Winner

no

Won Capstone Funding

yes

Honors Categories

Creative

Subject Categories

Architectural Technology | Historic Preservation and Conservation | Interior Architecture | Other Architecture | Urban, Community and Regional Planning

Abstract

The discipline of fiber arts has been in existence since the beginning of civilization to produce both functional equipment as well as aesthetically driven art pieces. The craft, at times highly specialized, often produces elements at the scale of the human body, due to the personal level by which fiber artifacts are produced. The making of artifacts and implementation of fiber art strategies have simultaneous cultural, environmental, formal, and gender-related relationships and implications. The design, construction and experience of buildings and inhabitable space at all scales can benefit from these relationships.

It is the contention of this thesis to merge the complex web of relationships, benefits and implications of fiber arts into the discourse and practice of architecture. This symbiotic combination is intended to emphasize the importance of a heightened tactile sensibility in experiencing space. This contention intends to encourage a palpable design language to bridge varying scales of space and form. The study of fiber arts theories and methods of production in conjunction with architectural and urban design strategies will provide a framework in which to design an architectural manifestation of these ideas.

The proposal for this project is a fiber arts fabrication and exhibition center situated in the Docklands of Dublin, Ireland. The program will provide specialized resources for fiber artists to both experiment with materials and produce fiber artifacts. It will also provide formal exhibition spaces for these pieces and those produced elsewhere. In addition, this specialized, semi-private program will negotiate the project’s relationship to the public and urban realm by providing an outdoor sculpture park with the ability to adapt to various public needs, including market and event space. By integrating a specialized program type within a predominantly residential neighborhood (in the process of being redeveloped), a unique community type can be established and maintained within the urban realm.

Recommended Citation

Fallon, Elizabeth, "Urban FABRICation: The Architectural Heightening of the Urban Tactile Sensibility A Fiber Arts Fabrication & Exhibition Center in Dublin, Ireland" (2010). Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All. 316.
https://surface.syr.edu/honors_capstone/316

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