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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Thesis - PhD
Authors/Creators:	Dickson, PL
Keywords:	Benches, Seating (Furniture)
Copyright Holders:	The Author
Copyright Information:	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).
Additional Information:	Thesis (PhD)--University of Tasmania, 2007. Includes bibliographical references
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