a place for creation: artisans' retreat

Abstract

t h r o u g h t h e a c t o f s e p a r a t i o n a r c h i t e c t u r e i s b o r n

This thesis is a study of separation, asking the question of whether the act of separation can elevate the composition of material, space, and light to awaken the mind, eye, and soul. The vehicle for this study is an artisans' retreat placed on the ridge line of Brush Mountain located in Blacksburg, Virginia. This project explores the idea of separation and the moments it creates at many scales: man to nature, maker to made, public to private, structure to skin, and detail to whole. This project consists of two lines. One houses the makers and one supports the place for the making, consisting of studio spaces for sculpting, painting, and creating ceramics. Lastly, this project contains two other structures for the public to partake in the celebration of the creations: an outdoor amphitheater and a gallery which displays current and past work of resident artists.