Download - The Realm of the In Between - Spring 2011

architecture and the realm of the in between

lisa meyer



lisa meyer


architectural thesis by: lisa meyer

advisor: jim bassett

virginia polytechnic institute and state university

blacksburg, va

2010-2011


“...there is no quality in this world that is not what it is merely by contrast. Nothing exists in itself. If you flatter yourself that you are all over comfortable, and have been so a long time, then you cannot be said to be comfortable anymore. But if...the tip of your nose or the crown of your head be slightly chilled, why then, indeed, in the general consciousness you feel most delightfully and unmistakably warm. For this reason a sleeping apartment should never be furnished with a fire...For the height of this sort of deliciousness is to have nothing but the blanket between you and your snugness and the cold of the outer air. Then there you lie like the one warm spark in the heart of an arctic crystal.” -from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick

lisa meyer

table of contents

part 1

thesis explanation

studies of in between

in between time occasions

in between spaces places

part 2

project description

site information between 133 and 153 college avenue reconciling elements of in between light as guide displaces and directs water as cleanser destroys and makes new

earth as focuser deafens and opens

a journey through the in between realm results from human engagement with elements

acknowledgements


lisa meyer

In the context of apparent opposites, architecture reveals the mediating in between space, providing the ability to enjoy both extremes simultaneously.

thesis explanation

This is an exploration of opposites, of journeying, and of discovery.


studies of in between

lisa meyer

The in between is a realm which reveals and mediates twin phenomena. Twin phenomena are conflicting polarities which are necessary for each other, because, when viewed alone, each becomes an abstract absolute.

One cannot speak of a part unless in relationship to a whole, or simplicity without an understanding of complexity. To establish an in between is to mediate apparent opposites in a place where they can interact.


in between time

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Linear time (chronos) is timekeeping in terms of an order of moments and events. Chronos time can be measured by how fast, how frequent, or how old something is.

occasions

In between time (kairos) refers to the right or opportune moment, something divine or metaphysical. An inbetween moment is an undetermined period of time in which something crucial or special happens.


in between time

lisa meyer

A kairos moment is often a turning point-a passing instant when an opening appears which must be driven through with force if success is to be achieved. It cannot be measured, and requires proactivity to achieve success which could potentially alter one’s destiny.

When one gets lost in kairos time, the present moment they are engrossed in can span an indefinite period of chronos time.

occasions


in between spaces

lisa meyer

An in between place is defined as something found by exploration rather than a preset destination.

It allows for losing oneself in time by not being attentive to the ordinary things of daily life dictated bychronological time.

An in between place breathes in and out.

It can provide for both prospect and refuge, entering and exiting, collectivism and individualism.

places


COLLEGE AVE.

DRAPER RD.

JACKSON ST.

N. MAIN ST.

in between spaces

lisa meyer

The following in between place studies are all on a site in Blacksburg, Virginia. The back doors of several downtown restaurants enter onto this site.

It is also used as a place for businesses to leave trash and recycling, receive delieveries, and for employees to park their cars. There are currently four alleyway points of entry onto this site.

places


in between spaces

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places


in between spaces

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places


in between spaces

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places


in between spaces

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places


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project description

The proposal is a chapel which allows one to enter into and experience the realm of the in between. It will enable one to distance themselves from the normal things of daily life, and enjoy permeability between private and community reflection places.

Three elements construct the building which, when engaged with human interaction, create a personal journey. These elements are: light (as a guide), water (as a cleanser), and earth (as a focuser).


site information

lisa meyer

The building site for the project is in Blacksburg, Virginia at the northwestern corner of the original sixteen blocks of downtown and just east of the Virginia Tech campus.

It is a building in an urban setting on a block which mainly consists of restaurants and an old theater.

between 133 and 153 college avenue


site information

lisa meyer

The back of the building runs into a narrow alleyway. This alleyway is on the site originally used to start understanding in between places.

This place, being a forgotten and neglected corner in the town, became important in that it would rarely, if ever, be a destination for someone. It would most likely only be noticed by a wanderer or an explorer.



site information

lisa meyer



light as guide

lisa meyer

Natural light shines through the roof to create a setting to experience the in between realm. Light is a mediating guide in that it displaces one from their previous place as it directs them further on their journey.

As one passes through the building towards the core (chapel), the amount of natural light increases. In this way, one will move closer to light as they progress on their journey through the spaces.

displaces and directs


light as guide

lisa meyer



light as guide

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light as guide

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Light enters the chapel through the open roof where it hits the crystals that are suspended from the top of the walls down to the floor. This allows the light to dance on the surrounding translucent walls.



earth as focuser

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People experience earth through private reflection spaces. They allow one to inhabit the walls that form the pathways through the building.

These spaces provide human scale reflection places to be in before reaching the chapel at the core, deafening one to the chaotic things of daily life and opening them to the journey before them.

deafens and opens


earth as focuser

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deafens and opens


earth as focuser

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deafens and opens


water as cleanser

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destroys and makes new

Water creates the in between realm both through rain and pools. Water is a cleanser in that it destroys something while also making new.


water as cleanser

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The pools are on the bottom floor of the building and are a reflection of the walls above them.



water as cleanser

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Rain can fall through the walls where it is collected in and drained through the pools below. It also falls through the center of the chapel.



water as cleanser

lisa meyer

When rain falls through the walls that have personal reflection spaces, one can experience the comfort and serenity of a private shelter while being immediately next to the falling water.



water as cleanser

lisa meyer

When rain falls into the center of the chapel, people can interact with both the elements of light and water together, either visually, from the sides, or physically, underneath the roof opening.



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A Journey through the In Between Realm


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a journey through the in between realm


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a special thanks to:

my advisor, jimfor encouraging me, asking difficult questions, and teaching me to make places real

my sister, bethfor driving across the country with me

my brother, mark and my parents, annette and rickfor supporting me

all of my friendsfor reassuring me and energizing me

acknowledgements


lisa meyer