The Cosmic Blueprint: Redefining Our Cosmic Place Through the Ethnocosmological Exploratorium

Abstract

"The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff." Carl Sagan, "Cosmos" Within the depths of our being, an astonishing revelation lies dormant. The pulsating life force embodied in the hemoglobin residing within our red blood cells, emerged from the searing heart of an unfathomably massive star. This celestial colossus met its cataclysmic fate over eight billion years ago. This proves that our very existence is intricately woven in the fabric of the cosmos, resonating with the profound cosmic narrative that envelopes us. We carry within us the timeless legacy of our ancient stellar ancestors, seamlessly fused with the celestial essence of the universe. We are, at our core, composed of ethereal stardust-a mesmerizing testament to our profound and intimate connection with the vastness of the cosmos itself. Ethnocosmology is the reflection of the relationship of man with the cosmos; a part of a well-ordered whole. With the advent of Post-Industrialist intellectual thought, this relationship relegated itself to the background as humanity's focus shifted to the more 'pressing' matters of material presence on Earth, resulting in humanity's estrangement from the cosmic womb. Cosmological estrangement has led to humanity distancing itself from the questions of its origins and its eventual end; where have we come from and where must we return to? The thesis seeks to incentivize these questions by resituating humanity back into the cosmos, by the creation of an 'exploratorium' - a novel typology encouraging exploration over passive learning - that exposes the user to cosmological connections. It utilizes contemporary scientific knowledge and religious thought (Islamic cosmology- particularly the Kalam cosmological argument) as tools to substantiate the exploration. It seeks to generate a landscape that actively and virtually explores cosmological theories and the metaphysics of this universe in an attempt to enlighten the user. The space allows exploration into all that is lost in the global anthropocene; a human's innate connection to himself, nature, and the cosmos. By providing an immersive experience that encourages introspection and exploration, it seeks to expand the individual's perspective beyond the limitations of individual ego by placing him in a larger cosmic narrative. Through the interaction of the spatial landscape with celestial phenomena, the thesis aims to realign perceptions back with the macrocosm of the cosmos, a system where one reconciles material knowledge with the metaphysics of belief. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of public interest in cosmology and its relevance to Pakistan, the thesis employs a triangulated research methodology, combining primary and secondary interviews with questionnaires. Additionally, the author conducts detailed precedent studies of ancient hierophanies in archeoastronomy to explore how these narratives can be reimagined and incorporated into contemporary discourse. The aim is to create an architectural space that seamlessly integrates physical and virtual experiences, inviting users to engage with cosmological narratives that foster intellectual and spiritual enlightenment. Utilizing the latest technologies, the space will serve as a platform for immersive exploration of cosmic storytelling, facilitating a deeper connection between humanity and the cosmos. The thesis ultimately aims to construct a new paradigm through narrative architecture, creating an epistemology that focuses on a holistic evolution of human thought.