MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2004, Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning: Architecture (Master of)

Industry, formerly defining the identity of Pittsburgh, has mostly moved away from the city. The resultant post-industrial landscape is littered with abandoned industrial buildings. These buildings facing disuse or demolition are the urban artifacts that once contributed to the sense of place. The loss of these artifacts has negative effects not only on the particular place but also on the broader urban environment. The reuse of these buildings is important to make them a valued piece of architecture once again. Place is immersed in layers of history. The destruction of the post-industrial landscape separates and tears those layers of history. While maintaining a connection to the industrial past is important, it is necessary not to overlook all the layers of pre- and post-industrial history. These are elements of the place. The conversion of unused industrial buildings can start to maintain the sense of place. The fuller sense of place may be realized in an architecture of palimpsest. Metaphorically, the term palimpsest refers to the ability of architecture to contain many partial “texts” thru time layered over each other. The richness of the architecture takes advantage of this and is derived from the layers that define place. The aspects used to create this architectural palimpsest are the validity of fragments, the existing architectural character, and the design of new interventions. Design exploration will take place through the Armstrong Cork Building in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. This striking hundred year-old cork factory has been abandoned for twenty-five years. The project derives its program not only from the needs of the area as well as from the layers of history.

Committee: David Saile (Advisor) Subjects: Architecture