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Stasis and dynamism : bench seating inspired by liminal space

thesis
posted on 2023-05-26, 21:14 authored by Dickson, PL
The bench seats that comprise this PhD submission were designed in response to the linear aesthetic of architectural spaces common to large public transit areas. The research project set out to demonstrate that bench seating can incorporate the tensions inherent to liminal space. As features of transit, dynamism and stasis were explored by referencing airports as examples of liminal spaces. The poetics of flight are integral to the project. The bench seating designs evoke the emotion and tension of liminal areas by dramatising the perspectival nature of these zones. These features are expressed in the design elements that suggest a balance between opposing forces: scale, cantilevers and illusory twists capture the state of being in-between. The project was pursued through exploring three concepts: liminality, SuperModernity and Hyper-Modernity, and the spatial engagement of the flaneur. These were investigated through Victor Turner's (1920-1983) ideas of liminality and liminoid spaces; Marc Auge's (1935-) theories on non-place; and the poetry of Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867), with particular reference to the fleineur in the modern city. These concepts are drawn out contextually in the exegesis through references to writers, designers, architects and artists who reflect the same desire to articulate a forward-looking positivity and a rejection of Post-Modern pastiche, including Antoine St. Exupery (1900-1944), Marc Newson (1963-), Eero Saarinen (1910-1961) and James Turrell (1943-). The outcome of the research was a body of three works: Variable Couplings, One, Another and (a fleeting) Encounter. These benches have the potential to enhance architectural space and user experience through their bold and engaging dialogue with interior architecture and the broader physical landscape. The main elements employed to achieve this are relationships between scale, aesthetics and positioning.

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Copyright 2007 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s). Thesis (PhD)--University of Tasmania, 2007. Includes bibliographical references

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