Browsing by Author "Breest, Matthew Alan"

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The Excluded Middle
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 2009) Breest, Matthew Alan; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: John Brittingham; David Fortin (co-chair)
I have had the privilege to grow up in a place of rare beauty. As far back as I can remember I have made this observation, including the observation of its continual destruction in the name of capital gain. There are few if any places in the country so rich in every aspect yet so neglected. Alaska has been a golden goose to oil companies that in return have destroyed unique ecosystems and redistributed entire cultures. As these practices can only be expected to continue I do see an opportunity for the preparation of the future. Currently south central Alaska, specifically the Anchorage-Matanuska Borough is faced with a energy crisis. South central's known gas reserves, which residents rely upon to heat their homes and generate more than 90% of their electricity will be exhausted within a decade. Simultaneously this same region is being recognized as one the the most productive regions for diverse renewable energy in the world. With a global demand for this research and a practical application to place I see an opportunity to create a model that addresses necessary exploration while additionally contributing to the communities observation and use of place. The excluded middle is found within the dichotomies and dualisms that define this area. Due to a depreciation of observations a narrowed perspective has resulted, thus producing a status quo that approves of system where mediocracy flourishes between competing opposites. Whether this middle is site specific or found within the discourse of broader conflicts it will be used as a generator to create a cohesive fabric between oppositions. An architectural solution will inform a dialogue between social, contextual and site specific dichotomies. This discussion will use the retrieval and distribution of information to enrich the observations and perceptions found between existing dualisms.