Graduate Thesis: Voidspace
Voidspace challenges the over-saturation of mental stimuli in the culture of 21st century Chicago. This investigation seeks to alleviate the mind through architectural space and a focus on the void. The void is not defined as nothingness; it consists of empty space that has the potential to provide intense experiences.
Voidspace utilizes the empty space of the abandoned hole of the failed Chicago Spire project in order to create an abstract, Minimalist expression of the leisure space typology. The site is redesigned as the “calm within the storm” of Chicago and acts as a foil to the nearby atmosphere of excess provided at Navy Pier.
This proximity of the site to Navy Pier introduces the development of a leisure node for Chicago in addition to the existing leisure node at the Museum Campus. The leisure provided at Voidspace prompts visitors to experience the non-event; the Minimal nature of the space acts as a blank canvas that allows one to pay attention to their own sensibilities.
Voidspace is influenced by the philosophies of Zen Buddhism and French artist Yves Klein, the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum, and the work of light and space artist James Turrell.
Voidspace utilizes the empty space of the abandoned hole of the failed Chicago Spire project in order to create an abstract, Minimalist expression of the leisure space typology. The site is redesigned as the “calm within the storm” of Chicago and acts as a foil to the nearby atmosphere of excess provided at Navy Pier.
This proximity of the site to Navy Pier introduces the development of a leisure node for Chicago in addition to the existing leisure node at the Museum Campus. The leisure provided at Voidspace prompts visitors to experience the non-event; the Minimal nature of the space acts as a blank canvas that allows one to pay attention to their own sensibilities.
Voidspace is influenced by the philosophies of Zen Buddhism and French artist Yves Klein, the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum, and the work of light and space artist James Turrell.
Exhibition: Voidspace
Exhibition of Voidspace at the Sullivan Galleries in Chicago, Illinois from June 9 through July 21, 2012.