Episodic memory (EM) -- the capacity to recall past experiences situated in time and context -- is a critical component of intelligent behavior. Although several cognitive architectures (CAs) have incorporated mechanisms inspired by episodic memory, implementations vary widely in structure, mechanisms, and integration with other cognitive functions. While prior work has reviewed episodic memory across a range of architectures in a high-level manner, detailed, structured comparisons among specific systems remain lacking. This study presents a focused comparative analysis of modeling episodic memory in two contrasting cognitive architectures: Soar, a symbolic, rule-based, general-purpose system, and Xapagy, a system designed specifically for narrative reasoning, relying on direct, unprocessed recordings of autobiographical events. By analyzing the representations, structures, and mechanisms of episodic memory in these two systems, this study highlights important design trade-offs and distinct assumptions about the role of episodic memory in cognition and its modeling approaches in CAs.

This thesis looks into the architectural experience of waiting, in order to understand the fundamental, architectural problems of waiting space. It consists of two processes - research and design - that intertwine with and responds to each other. The research is an analysis of waiting through philosophy and architectural projects. The design project in the end responds to the theoretical concerns explored in the research part, while actively provoking new ideas of space in transitioning areas, by employing, transfiguring and assembling different modes of waiting spaces from case studies to a specific site.