Auto Agora; More Than a Means of Transportation

Abstract

While many often draw metaphorical connections between the role of the car and its congestion within the urban environment, labeling the car as a nuisance is simple. On the flip-side however, cars do play an important role within our lives on a daily basis. Architecture primarily focuses on designing spaces for human activity, comfort and social complexes, but when considering the vehicle as an active participant within the built environment, then the car is overlooked. This thesis explores the ways in which car culture and architectural design can engage with each other. Common design elements and special qualities in fairgrounds, exhibitions, conventions, museums, parking garages/lots, car accessible lawns and gas stations are all design qualities that pioneer driven environments, emphasizing temporary and permanent structures. Front Royal, Virginia has been developing master plans since the site has undergone remediation in preparation for the day that Front Royal and the Avtex site can become one and not separated. Front Royal developed several documents hinting that the west side of the active railroad will be developed into a space for nature conservation and the east side of the railroad will become a business park full of parking spaces over the space of 117 acres. In this thesis, the eastern 117 acres is redesigned to host a series of car-centric programs that foster community engagement and car culture. The heart of the this fairground master plan is the car exposition complex - the centerpiece of the architectural thesis. Surrounding it are integrated programmatic programs including a gas station such as Buc-ees, car wash, hotel/hostel, food trucks, go-kart track, car restoration/service station, dog park, BMX and farmers market all throughout. When celebrating the car for more than a means of transportation, the 117 acres will be dedicated towards the car, but the Auto Agora will house cars either indoor or outdoor, long term car storage, exterior art installations that use new or old cars and open space that welcomes gatherings and social events of all sorts.