Geology, Culture, and the Built Environment: An Interpretive Center for the Berkeley Pit

Abstract

Many people are drawn to the scene of dramatic geologic events; the Grand Canyon, Old Faithful. Hikers traverse the remains of geologic events, such as the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Occupying the surface of the earth, we live in the realm between the bowels of the earth and the limitless sky. As guests of this realm, we search the corners of the earth to learn more about the way it works. Our culture for centuries has been involved in this quest to know more.

How can architecture (and an architectural thesis) set up an experience of this cultural exploration? This thesis will attempt to create an architectural narrative for the visitor by framing views of landscape, creating architectural experiences of geologic conditions, and setting up an architectural metaphor for geologic processes. I am ultimately connecting the public to ideas of geology and the natural world through carefully considered, deliberate design moves.