Updated Thesis Statement

“Architecture is essentially an extension of nature into the man-made realm, providing the ground for perception and the horizon to experience and understand the world.” - Juhani Pallasmaa

Modern-day society has relied too heavily on our visual sense, which results in environments void of qualities necessary to entice multi-sensory experiences. This thesis studies the dialogue between our bodily senses with space, while critically investigating the phenomenon of water as a vehicle to connect the body with architecture. It analyzes designs that innovate through the body and water, defining several modes of intervention: passive and active means, sequencing of spaces, and atmospheric qualities, for an application to an aquatic center in Downtown Silver Spring, MD. Experiential qualities are paramount to these investigations because moments sensitive to atmosphere has to be choreographed to invoke relevant and stimulating engagement.