The Making of Identity

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The Making of Identity

Stamatin, Eric

URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10429/2563

Date: 2024-05-02

Abstract:

This Thesis research, ‘The Making of Identity,’ delves into integrating fashion and architecture within contemporary urban design. The investigation emphasizes the pivotal role in shaping community identity and fostering engagement within the urban fabric. The expressive and evolutionary potential of fashion and architecture underscores their significance as cultural beacons that draw from literature, human experience, and other famous designers, like Issey Miyake and Le Corbusier. This study addresses several key questions, including the applicability of making fashion elements like patterns, sewing, printing, fastening, and weaving to architectural design, the influence of cultural identity on urban spaces, and the potential of architectural interventions in fostering a sense of place. A ‘contextual and phenomenological framework’ in this context refers to a research approach that considers the study area’s social, cultural, and historical context, as well as the lived experiences and perceptions of the people in that area. This framework is utilized to achieve the research objectives, integrating qualitative techniques such as diagramming, collaging, and modeling with quantitative methods like surveys and interviews. The research comprehensively explores the intricate relationship between cultural values, architectural design, and fashion elements through these approaches. The findings suggest that incorporating fashionmaking methods into architectural interventions significantly contributes to community identity and engagement within urban spaces. Moreover, the study highlights the potential of fashion-inspired architectural design to reflect cultural identity and promote place-based interaction, most notably through the active involvement and education of community members on the making methods for their own application. The intentions of this study provide valuable insights into the intersection of fashion and architecture and act as a guide for urban designers and architects in crafting culturally responsive environments that enrich the urban experience. A perception explored to educate the people of a place of the intricate relationship between fashion making, urban space, and cultural identity.

Description:

In contemporary urban design, the synthesis of fashion and architecture is a compelling approach to shaping a community’s identity. For instance, the use of traditional textile patterns in the facade of a building or the incorporation of fashion-inspired elements in the layout of a public space. This thesis explores the intersection of these disciplines, delving into how translating fashion qualities into architectural interventions can reflect cultural identity and foster social engagement. Rooted in the contextual intersubjective phenomenological framework, this research aims to uncover how traditional and contemporary fashion design methods can enhance architectural design and contribute to the cultural tapestry of urban spaces. Fashion and architecture, often perceived as distinct domains, share the potential to express identity through design. Acknowledging urban spaces as dynamic entities capable of offering both permanent amenities, such as buildings and parks, and temporary amenities, like pop-up shops and event spaces, this research centers on the belief that cultures within a community are fundamental influences on architectural and fashion choices. The key assumptions underpinning this investigation include the applicability of fashion elements to architecture and the integral role of cultural identity in both realms. These assumptions were guided by personal experiences and visions of fashion and architecture design. The primary intent of this research is to inform urban communities by bridging the gap between fashion and architecture. The research questions guide an exploration of cultural identity through fashion lenses, the potential of architectural interventions in fostering a sense of place, and the inspiration drawn from multiple cultures in urban space design. This thesis proposes that fashion design methods and elements can be effectively applied to architectural design, providing a unique avenue for expressing cultural identity in urban spaces. By examining the relationships between cultural identity and making, this research asserts that thoughtful architectural interventions inspired by fashion qualities can contribute significantly to a community’s identity. Grounded in the foundational concepts of culture, place, community, and identity, this research strategically integrates a multifaceted approach by employing a spectrum of framing constructs to meticulously investigate the evolutionary trajectory of cultural values within the realm of artifact creation. The exploration of these constructs serves as a methodological compass, guiding the study through the intricate layers of how cultural nuances influence the formation of artifacts, a vital aspect in the intersection of fashion and architectural interventions. The research methodology, characterized by its methodical inclusivity, incorporates qualitative techniques such as diagramming, which involves creating visual representations of concepts and relationships, collaging, which entails assembling different materials to create a new whole, and modeling, which is the process of creating a physical or digital representation of an object or system. These qualitative approaches act as intricate lenses, allowing a nuanced examination of the dynamic interrelationships between cultural underpinnings and the craftsmanship involved in artifact creation. These qualitative methods’ visual and tactile aspects contribute depth and richness to understanding how cultural values manifest in tangible forms. In parallel, the research adopts a quantitative stance, employing surveys and interviews to capture a comprehensive spectrum of insights. Surveys act as canvases to gather diverse perspectives within the community, while interviews with key stakeholders, including local artists and designers, provide an in-depth exploration of the symbiotic relationship between cultural values and architectural interventions. This mixed-methods strategy aims to create a cohesive narrative that captures the intricate dance between culture, architectural design, and the meaningful creation of artifacts within the tapestry of urban spaces. The study aspires to offer a holistic and nuanced comprehension of the multifaceted connections inherent in synthesizing fashion, architecture, and cultural identity into urban space. The thesis asserts the interplay between fashion and architecture in shaping cultural identity, acknowledging challenges related to the subjective nature of aesthetics, which refers to the personal and often emotional responses individuals have to design, and the necessity for a nuanced understanding of cultural values in architectural interventions. Balancing these elements is crucial to avoid oversimplification. The thesis critiques offer valuable insights for refinement, addressing various aspects. This research conscientiously recognizes the inherent limitations of interpreting aesthetics and cultural values. A significant consideration is the study’s specific focus on Suceava and Detroit, which, while providing valuable insights into the interplay between fashion, architecture, and cultural identity in these particular contexts, may constrain the generalizability of findings to broader cultural settings. The uniqueness of each cultural milieu implies that the dynamics observed in Suceava and Detroit may not be universally applicable or representative of other cultural contexts. Furthermore, the dynamic nature of urban spaces introduces a level of unpredictability that may impact the effectiveness of architectural interventions. In conclusion, this thesis embarks on a transformative journey, exploring the intricate relationship between fashion and architecture and how their integration informs micro-urban design. By examining various design methods and their intersection, valuable insights have emerged, offering new pathways for reshaping design approaches by leveraging the combined potential of fashion and architecture. This study underscores the importance of understanding the shared values between these realms and the diverse design methods employed, highlighting the dynamic interplay between creativity, aesthetics, form, and function. Throughout this journey, profound reflections have occurred, emphasizing the exploration of ‘unique expressions, ‘which can refer to various design elements and techniques responsive to different methods. This approach has uncovered new opportunities for users and sparked conversations on the pivotal role of identity-making in shaping cultural landscapes. Moreover, the significance of fashion and architecture extends beyond specific cities, encompassing the entire world and forming an intrinsic connection between material culture and cultural identity. This research, with its profound impact on shaping visual and experiential landscapes, underscores the global significance of our work, valuing the contributions of urban designers, architects, and fashion designers worldwide. Furthermore, this study offers tangible insights and actionable strategies for urban designers, architects, and fashion designers to craft more inclusive, sustainable, and culturally resonant environments. By recognizing the synergies between fashion and architecture, we can empower these professionals to enhance residents’ lived experiences and foster a stronger sense of community and belonging. As we conclude, it is essential to underscore the relevance and global reach of the findings, calling for further exploration of underexplored facets of the topic and urgent issues such as sustainability and inclusivity in urban design. Embracing an interdisciplinary perspective and harnessing the creative potential of both realms of design can pave the way toward a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for our cities.

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