Boundary : an exploration of architecture's power to mark a boundary

Authors

Ramon A. Arbesu, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Major/Program

Architecture

First Advisor's Name

Gray Read

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Marta Canaves

Third Advisor's Name

Marilys Nepomechie

Date of Defense

4-10-2002

Abstract

Cities are no longer recognizing their boundaries beyond their legal or political implications. This thesis explored the architecture of a boundary in the design of a structure that visually and symbolically marked the current Miami-Dade County development limit along Krome Avenue. This limit ultimately separates the city from the endangered Everglades ecosystem. Through the examination of ancient boundaries such as Medieval and Renaissance Military fortifications, as well as contemporary interventions such as Steven Holl's "Edge of the City Projects", an architectural vocabulary was developed considering the Double Wall, Bastion, Rampart, and Gate principles. However, rather than considering these principles to defend the city from outside forces, the focus of this exploration is their inversion in order to contain the city by strengthening its periphery visually and symbolically. From this exploration, it was concluded that a successful boundary or limit should be visible and significant. Furthermore, it should serve as an informative and reflective landmark.

Identifier

FI14032333

Recommended Citation

Arbesu, Ramon A., "Boundary : an exploration of architecture's power to mark a boundary" (2002). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1345.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1345