As part of our daily routines, we continually move from one space to another. The existing conditions of the spaces we move through often impact the way we experience architecture. Whether we transition between spaces by walking, cycling, running, driving a car, or riding the train, we face many challenges on a daily basis. As it is crucial that designers understand how one single person or a group of people are able to move efficiently through the various spaces, my thesis research aimed at to exploring the following question:

How can architecture enrich the experience of moving from one space to another, and bring people together into a shared space in a meaningful way?

In response to the above question, I would like to research the ways in which mobility, in both vertical and horizontal dimensions, can create a positive and meaningful impact when bringing people together in a commercial-cultural type space. Therefore, my focus within this topic will be an exploration of how architecture may enrich this human experience, which should begin from the moment people arrive at the site, as this is a major space component of my project. Proceeding the moment we enter the first space of a building, and subsequently the different spaces within the building, and finally exiting the site.

To accomplish the above aim, I have chosen to design a performing arts facility in which the main space will be an opera house in a metropolitan setting. Since the District of Columbia already has two such venues, I landed on the idea of providing the City of Alexandria with one of its very own. I propose The Alexandria Performing Arts Center, located on a waterfront site, that will include an opera house with a capacity of 1,400. The site is located at the Robinson Terminal North between Oronoco and Pendleton Street.