A Park of Process: A Morphogenetic Approach for Sensory Microclimates

Abstract

This thesis proposes a place for architectural experimentation and public experience; a place to spread ideas through an approach to making: “a park of process.” The morphogenetic model, which relies on material properties and performance, experimentation, and the processes of ‘making’, will be explored in this thesis. The process and intrinsic material properties preside over historical and symbolic imagery. This will be applied to achieve gradients of sensory microclimates and continuous variations of space and experience through actions of making. Wax and concrete are investigated for their phase-changing and energy-storing properties to develop sensory microclimates through casting. This process achieves structure by forming concrete with wax, resulting in a range of lighting determined by porosity and thickness of material, and gradients of thermal conditions. In conclusion this method of design offers an alternate approach to building architecture by reconsidering materials and their properties.