Evolution: A Museum of Entomology for Roosevelt Island

Abstract

Buildings have identities. Like people, they have an essence that people can appreciate whether or not they can consciously evaluate that impression. Buildings can have personality and character. They can be amiable, reserved, even abrasive; we can enjoy or detest being in them. How does design imbue this character?

Sometimes a building's identity is so sympathetic towards a program that the original use is apparent even after a change of use. Is this solely the result of conscious alteration, or can the original architect assist this constancy by so thoroughly infusing character into the design that, short of demolition, a semblance of identity will always be retained?

Buildings have identities which can be enhanced or repressed through renovation. But can a building inform? Can a building be a devise for spreading information?

What essential characteristics are necessary for identification? Would a building, possessing the characteristics of another object, be identifiable as that thing? Can a building be an insect?