MEMORIAL BENCHSCAPE

The fusion and collision between memory and its physical expression

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

J. TU Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

S.I. de Wit Landscape Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
M.J. van Dorst Urban Studies - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 2)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2023 JINGXUAN TU
Memory Identity Memorial Bench Benchscape Physicality
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Published Date

23-06-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

"As Countless Unconspicuous Elements Build an Urban Landscape, City Memories and Personal Memories Are Spontaneously Formed and Influenced."
The research investigates the potential for benches, a ubiquitous element of urban landscapes, to be reimagined as living memorials, thereby amplifying public awareness of urban identity and creating individual significance. Through immersive observation, the concept of "benchscapes" is introduced, encompassing both the perceived and conceived dimensions. The design of the conceived benchscape necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the urban public space, utilizing the proposed "Four-relation Model".
The study focuses on the city of Den Helder, which faces challenges regarding the erosion of its unique identity. Drawing inspiration from Avril Maddrell's "Third Emotional Space" concept, the design framework explores three distinct scales: benchscape as a whole system, benches as key players in benchscape, and bench as a living memorial in benchscape. Furthermore, by considering movement patterns and the specific requirements of different characters, the design seeks to achieve a delicate equilibrium between the perceived and conceived benchscapes, an aspect referred to as benchscape affordance.
Ultimately, the whole benchscape family design represents a deliberate response to the main research question, effectively demonstrating how memorial benchscapes can effectively frame diverse "Third Emotional Spaces" within partially defined memorial places. By harnessing the power of benchscapes, this approach enables the construction of a cohesive network of city memories while evoking or nurturing personal recollections.