The open and the still : mourning in thought

Abstract

This project is an architectural study of the practice of mourning and the pursuit of the humble heart. Mourning, dream, the meditative man, and the human condition were studied and used to construct a philosophy from which tectonic design could begin. To substantiate the design, a graphic process was used to analyze the poetry of Jorge Luis Borges. From this analysis arose both verbal and architectural expressions that were further developed into the design of a cenotaph. This design was refined and presented in the form of drawings and physical models. The project brought to light questions concerning humanity's attempted conformation to ideal virtues and the definite ruinous nature of things made by men.