Department - Author 1

Architectural Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Architectural Engineering

Date

6-2017

Primary Advisor

Ed Saliklis, Ansgar Killing

Abstract/Summary

In designing a thin shell structure to cover the performance space on Tribuna Anti Imperialista Jose Marti, in Havana, Cuba, we developed a heavily symbolic concept and further abstracted it to reach our design. Basing the concept on the quote to the right by Obama about US and Cuba relations, we wanted our design to be representative of a hand that works to adjoin the plaza to the US Embassy which is directly west of the site. The “wrist” portion adds an asymmetric element, while the fingers provide a backdrop to the performers as well as a view through to the US Embassy and Cuban flag monument behind the space. The layering of two shell structures helps to abstract the hand like form, particularly in planview, and reinforces the symbolic aspect of the two countries coming together. Interest is also added via an oculus in the bottom structure that depending on the viewer’s angle, provides images of the sky, upper shell, or both simultaneously.

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