Hypogeans: Space that Matters

The anthropological relationship between humans and nature defines a fundamental basis for the creation of architecture. The necessity to build in the wilderness resulted in a beautiful symbiosis which characterized the origin of architecture at the beginning of civilization. Although nature may be understood now as the antithesis of the built environment, any creation of space requires a clear understanding of the natural surroundings and the enhancement of the possibilities which arise from that fruitful conversation. The wild offers a place of mystery where darkness, shadows and sounds define the field to leave reason behind in favor of our senses. The narrative of western civilization since ancient times has generally called for the necessity to clear the forest and domesticate the wild as a foundational act to define progress. Nevertheless, there is an urgency to look back to nature with respect to heal the scars of industrialization.

The work compiled here tries to work with space in its pure form, and to explore its ultimate expressive possibilities by interacting in close proximity and intimacy with a strong natural environment. In addition to the cold tectonics of construction, prevalence is given to the poetics of pure form, twilight, mass and even the immaterial relationships which magically define a place and provide richness beyond pragmatic functionality. The work compiled in this volume was produced as a result of the Architecture Graduate Studio Hypogeans, which took place at Roger Williams University.