A371_2015AbstractKitchenPaul
Abstract
As Kenneth Frampton clearly notes in his writings, the architecture of 'universal design' reflects a
willful lack of acknowledgement of cultural and geographic context.
From travel to two regions of the world during field studies through the College of Architecture and
Planning (CAP), I have developed a framework for use in the United States context to design for
current issues and problems in a way that can yield a more place-based architecture. Travel to Europe
and South America has exposed me to how designers have successfully maintained a sense of place
in architecture through the use of local materials and skilled labor of the region. New design needs to
recognize the successes of such past examples, while considering the needs of the present. As
designers become more aware of the environmental impact their designs can have, it is necessary to
move into a period of design that is sensitive to the environmental issues as well as cultural needs.
Outlined in this paper are designs that have been essential to my understanding of architecture,
people who have helped me understand regional architecture, and information on environmental
factors that need to be considered when designing for the twenty-first century.
Honors College
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306