A new centre for civic engagement in architecture

How connected are residents to the development of architecture in their respective
\ncommunities? This inquiry precipitates from the growing concern that the degree of
\nengagement between the greater public and the discipline of architecture is dismally
\nminute. At a local level, residents are left largely uninformed of the swift expansion
\nthat often radically alters their surroundings. Architecture centres attempt to address
\nthis divide by hosting a variety of programmes—such as lectures, exhibitions and
\nworkshops—that enable those not versed in architectural discourse to question and
\ncontest their built environment. Drawing from communication theory and the field of
\ngraphic design, this thesis explores the architecture centre as a locus of community
\nengagement and participative debate fueled by information made accessible through
\nrigorous visual communication strategies.
\nFrom an in-depth study of architecture centres, globally and nationally, emerges five
\ndistinct types of centres: the "institution", the "centre", the "hub", the "temporary" and
\nthe "digital". Case studies of each type reveal that reanalysis of the operative functions
\nof architecture centres is necessary to envision even further salient methods of engaging
\nthe public. This thesis argues that architecture can be made accessible by learning from
\nsystems of communication employed by contemporary communication agencies and
\ngraphic designers. Experimentation-through-making of print media such as zines and
\nposters assists in understanding how best to convey messages to the target audience.
\nThe thesis posits that an architecture centre sited in a community that is projected to
\nsee rapid, unprecedented growth will act as a proactive means of spurring a dialogue
\nbetween architects and residents to ensure all voices are being accounted for in their
\nprospective built environment. The design of an architecture centre further develops the
\nproposition that democratizing architectural ideas and planning processes can aid in
\nelevating the quality of future development in a community; and ultimately act as an
\nexample of a single centre that would compromise a much larger network of analogous
\ncentres working in tandem across Canada.

Récupéré en direct depuis OpenAlex et désinversé. Les résumés ne sont pas conservés dans cette base de données : les index inversés représentent 8,6 Go des 9,3 Go de texte de la base, et le serveur dispose de 13 Go libres.