Architecture and Memory at the Intersection of Transit, the Built Environment, and Placemaking in Tysons, VA

Abstract

"Palimpsest" noun: palimpsest; plural noun: palimpsests a manuscript or piece of writing material on which the original writing has been effaced to make room for later writing but of which traces remain. something reused or altered but still bearing visible traces of its earlier form. My thesis revolves around Tysons, VA. A census designated place located in Northern Virginia. Tysons, VA has a unique history of development, grounded in technology, infrastructure, commercial interests, and government among others. Tysons has operated as an extension of Washington, DC throughout its history, as well as a "downtown" for Fairfax County, VA. With four metro stations, plentiful office buildings, commercial real estate, and more, this area has the potential to be a unique urban/suburban conglomerate. Yet, it falls short of breaking out of its "Edge City" classification . I have come to the following critique: although Tysons boasts fascinating urban conditions, its current development structure falls short in facilitating public life for residents, commuters, visitors, passersby, etc. All aided by the overabundance of asphalt and concrete, incredibly robust traffic, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure. I will employ the following methods for my research and to communicate my findings. My methods build upon one another, to create a body of work that is interconnected. Information is collected through archival research of Tysons, VA development history, precedent studies of public versus private spaces, and materiality studies. Observations and analysis are communicated through visual aids such as collage, sketch, and cyanotype. In addition, I use audio/visual media to communicate the multi-sensory nature of the intervention and studies. This thesis introduces a new layer to the Tysons Urban fabric – one that is dedicated to the insertion of experiential community building, placemaking, equity, and opportunity. Through a truly public intervention, the thesis acknowledges the wonder of the urban palimpsest, and the beauty that can thus emerge in both the physical and ephemeral realm, through the intersecting layers of the built environment. Bibliography Oxford Dictionary. 2024. "Oxford Languages." Oxford Languages. Oxford University Press. 2024. https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/. Garreau, Joel. 1991. Edge City : Life on the New Frontier. Toronto ; New York: Doubleday.