Thesis title: The Ephemeral as the Essence of Town: The sense of creating the image of contemporary space while emphasizing the importance of the temporary
Abstract
Sustainability is a keyword used not less in the last few years. Anyways the word itself has many meanings, for this research its value is the initiation of the investigation. New structures and ideas on how to build and structure space have been considered in the past decades and our times as well. All this in an attempt to meet new demands and answer evolving needs of society, given that to be the need for a better existence. Existence overall in this regard status and aesthetics aswell.
These imposition of continuous newly presented demands in society and the fast response of architects has brought the main question to this investigation. How are permanent structures impacting space and what is happening to the buildings after new demands are set. So, the main axis to this thesis is arguing the power that ephemeral architecture has in space and its suitable forms of existence yet nonexistence. In this investigation it is intended to find out if ephemeral structures are actually a great source of creating space and image yet due to their timeframe their timely transformation compounds it with sustainability. In contemporary architecture we don't need to search anyway for permanence to build a monument, also the maximum of ephemeral expression expressed by a building mainly made of steam, can be a monument.
Contemporary times require fast and smart solutions to emerge. Therefore, having more spaces everyday which already provide identity, cautious and well thought interventions should take place. However, no situation should leave contemporary needs unmet, therefore relevant interventions should be taken accordingly. Works of Mehrotra, Jacobs, Lynch, Barragan, and so on are brought into this investigation to have a deeper understanding on how we perceive architecture and yet how does it work as a symbol for space either being permanent or ephemeral. These perspectives will only enrich what this research implies, a broad and fuzzy concept for the ephemeral in essence.
However, traces of all these are found on the works that have been conducted in the contemporary times, more specifically, the work which have been conceptualized through the idea of the ephemeral. Works that intend to allow the surrounding and the building to cooperate without suppression, yet, through their existence impose association with its volume.
In this research other works besides architecture will be discussed which will define the punctual identity of space. Certain works most certainly impact the overall image of these spaces, furthermore, the ephemeral essence is what leaves room for an alternation. Urban identity is alternated and new atmospheres are provided, which once more are of ephemeral essence.