ENTERPRISING ARCHITECTURE: Institutionalization of the Scientific Aesthetic A National Space R&D Facility

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the ability architecture to incubate, nurture, and advocate the actuality of a program and reiterate its importance by grounding it in a tangible form. It seeks to take the form and structure of a design and morph it into the program via interactive technologies so as to materialize a reflection of a contemporary narration, while simultaneously speaking of the futuristic aspirations it is impregnated with; allowing it to project the associated technological ideals yet reflect the contemporary context and remain sensitive to it. In an attempt for the final outcome to become categorized as a national landmark, the goal is finding the balance of creating an impactful building without being imposing. With Architecture's enterprising ability, the question is to find a path forward that is feasible given the myriad of constraints related to budget, resources and time by ideating a pragmatic approach so as to enlighten scientists and the general mass towards a new understanding of scientific activities and their need in the current time. If the architecture surrounding the idea of science and research becomes more interactive and welcoming rather than alienating, the idea of the program itself becomes warm, interactive, and inclusive. This idea stems from the need to reform the image around the field of science and inculcate a more dynamic and responsive environment. In the context of Pakistan, the scientific community lacks a necessary aesthetic, inclusiveness, and a singular representation. Thus, the proposal is for integrated space research facility as an interactive scientific research and learning environment, which encompasses an all-inclusive space that allows cultural interactions with the scientific community. It is envisioned to serve as a platform for interaction amongst students, professionals, and explorers alike. Thus, rendering it a nerve center that propitiates issues beyond the mere need of research scientists and makes the concept of space science easier to comprehend by exposing scientific technology in a lucid manner; concurrently it aims to pioneer an idiosyncratic precedence for this unexplored typology. The creation of a nerve center as a representative of an institution is achieved by way of integrating essentially analogous programs; such that scientific environments are designed as the most efficient, stimulating, and dynamically communicative spaces for scientists. Resultantly, they attract and engage the best possible scientists for the longest possible time, fulfilling a fundamental requirement and acting not only as an incubator to nurture research but also inviting more interest towards this meter, by promoting and enhancing its identity, standing as an advocate of the program.