Explorations of collective form--a design vocabulary using directional village forms as references

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of collective form, or that which is characterized by an unity made up of a diversity. The exploration articulates a vocabulary based on the analysis of a group of references; directional village forms, which are considered to be examples of collective form. In outlining this vocabulary, a discussion of values, intentions, and ways of analyzing form are seen as necessary task in establishing a basis for the study and comprises the first part of the thesis. Different perspectives on collective form are then outlined from which basic principles are drawn. These proposed principles reflect a series of form/use properties which establish an organization within which there is a range of options and a diversity of sizes, spaces and associations. To further understand these principles, a series of traditional directional villages are used as references to illustrate and define the physical form of such intentions. These places have been referred to as collective form by others (Maki, Van Eyck, Alexander, etc.) and are utilized as form and not cultural references. The last section of the thesis is a series of design studies for a site at World's End at Hingham, Massachusetts. The program is for a small research community and is intended only to facilitate the development of the collective form vocabulary.