Mother Earth's Museum for Children, Boulder Colorado : harmounious design, an identity with setting

Abstract

Natural phenomenons are conceived of the Earth and appropriate to their setting. Architecture designed harmoniously with its setting belong. to the Earth and, through this association, appropriately contributes to the environment. Harmonious design is the concept of this thesis. By definition, harmony implies a fitting, an orderly and pleasant joining by complement. In this sense, harmonious design refers to a conceptual relationship between architectural elements: the structural systems, the building materials, the circulation, the spacial values, and the experiential aspects of the setting. The concept that architecture has the ability to enhance the character of the site by its contribution, elevates the responsibility of the design. This thesis is in response to architecture which apparently lacks any sensitivity to its site and is perceived as alien, without responsibility to the environment. The analyzing of architecture which enriches its setting, from simple vernacular structures to prestigious contemporary building develops an understanding of harmony through the deSIgn process. The architectural project of my thesis is a children's museum on ecology for Boulder, Colorado at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The museum is a nature center to inform and address issues of ecology for small children and their families. The approach of harmonious design in conceiving an architectural presence in this natural setting reinforces the museum's concept of respect for the environment.