Dwelling(s) in Place(s)

Abstract

Dwelling is not simply the act of living in a space, it combines this act with experiences that ground the user in place and make them aware of themselves and the world around them. When designing a house, this concept prioritizes contextual responses in regards to the topography, climate, tectonics, and culture of the place. This comes in the form of physical tools for design, as well as abstracted concepts. Martin Heidegger and Kenneth Frampton help explain these physical concepts, while Peter Zumthor suggests more intangible atmospheres that evoke emotion. These ideas suggest that buildings, including houses, should say somethig different depending on their context. While overall orientation, placement, and form are important, the real experiences are created at the human scale. This manifests in specific moments within the home that engage the user's senses and bring awareness to their place in the world. This concept is explored by designing two houses, with the same program, in two different regions of Virginia.