Collapsing Narratives
Tulane University Bachelor of Architecture Thesis, 2022
(Final Thesis Document)
The 21st century urban plaza reflects the
complex web of global interconnectedness and diversity characterizing our
current era. The project reimagines the urban plaza not just as a space, but as
a vibrant, multifaceted platform for cultural, social, and economic exchanges.
It challenges conventional, technocratic perceptions of urban spaces by
positioning the plaza as a critical venue for community interaction,
innovation, and a canvas for socio-economic narratives.
In today's information-driven society, plazas serve as pivotal nodes, weaving together local and global networks to enhance urban life. These spaces evolve beyond their traditional roles to become transparent hubs for the exchange of knowledge and resources. They incorporate essential infrastructure, fostering a sense of transparency and public engagement. The project underscores the historical evolution of plazas—from centers of power and commerce to venues for demonstrations and social gatherings—into integral components that connect and shape the urban landscape at multiple levels.
Taking Paris as a case study, the project delineates various types of plazas—circulation, monument, and event—each playing a unique role in facilitating movement, commemorating historical and cultural values, and hosting communal activities. This analysis highlights the plaza's significance in urban organization and narrative, seamlessly integrating historical depth with contemporary urban needs.
Furthermore, the project delves into Paris's unique juxtaposition of its vibrant surface life with a complex underground infrastructure. It posits this contrast as an opportunity to rethink urban connectivity and space, proposing innovative ways for the surface and underground to coalesce, thereby redefining urban spaces as more integrated and dynamic.
Initial attempts at conceptualizing a contemporary plaza revealed gaps between vision and execution, leading to spaces that felt incomplete. Reflections on these challenges and the role of a thesis project, the design strategy shifted. Embracing the complexity of urban narratives, the thesis proposes a dynamic methodology rather than a singular project, focused on activities, stories, and scales. This evolved thesis presents a rich tapestry of urban life, viewed through collages that illustrate the layered narratives and multifunctional essence of plazas, positioning them as vital elements in the urban fabric. Through "Collapsing Narratives," the plaza is re-envisioned as a dynamic entity, encapsulating the essence and energy of urban life in the 21st century.
In today's information-driven society, plazas serve as pivotal nodes, weaving together local and global networks to enhance urban life. These spaces evolve beyond their traditional roles to become transparent hubs for the exchange of knowledge and resources. They incorporate essential infrastructure, fostering a sense of transparency and public engagement. The project underscores the historical evolution of plazas—from centers of power and commerce to venues for demonstrations and social gatherings—into integral components that connect and shape the urban landscape at multiple levels.
Taking Paris as a case study, the project delineates various types of plazas—circulation, monument, and event—each playing a unique role in facilitating movement, commemorating historical and cultural values, and hosting communal activities. This analysis highlights the plaza's significance in urban organization and narrative, seamlessly integrating historical depth with contemporary urban needs.
Furthermore, the project delves into Paris's unique juxtaposition of its vibrant surface life with a complex underground infrastructure. It posits this contrast as an opportunity to rethink urban connectivity and space, proposing innovative ways for the surface and underground to coalesce, thereby redefining urban spaces as more integrated and dynamic.
Initial attempts at conceptualizing a contemporary plaza revealed gaps between vision and execution, leading to spaces that felt incomplete. Reflections on these challenges and the role of a thesis project, the design strategy shifted. Embracing the complexity of urban narratives, the thesis proposes a dynamic methodology rather than a singular project, focused on activities, stories, and scales. This evolved thesis presents a rich tapestry of urban life, viewed through collages that illustrate the layered narratives and multifunctional essence of plazas, positioning them as vital elements in the urban fabric. Through "Collapsing Narratives," the plaza is re-envisioned as a dynamic entity, encapsulating the essence and energy of urban life in the 21st century.