College Thesis - Niue Cultural Center
Artist-In-Residence Living Quarters
I first learned of Niue when my mother discovered it was her destination as a Peace Corp small business advisor. In the back of my mind, thoughts of a these project percolated. Once my mother arrived in January of 1999, I learned more about the island through her emails. Further investigation revealed that it was facing a problem that many places around the world were facing. They wished to integrate the technologies of tomorrow into their daily lives without losing their cultural heritage.
During my visit, I gained an inkling of information about the lifestyle and culture on Niue. It was evident they wished to keep their island functioning rather than let it become an empty rock. This prompted me to research a possible thesis project on the island, combining my interests in history and technology with an architectural premise to demonstrate a possible solution to this problem.
My thesis identified the project client and user groups, designed a program for the activities taking place and designed a cultural center to meet these requirements. The project included survey results from Niueans living at home and abroad.
Spaces included a theater/amphitheater, education center, exhibit spaces and housing for the artist/educators-in-residence.
During my visit, I gained an inkling of information about the lifestyle and culture on Niue. It was evident they wished to keep their island functioning rather than let it become an empty rock. This prompted me to research a possible thesis project on the island, combining my interests in history and technology with an architectural premise to demonstrate a possible solution to this problem.
My thesis identified the project client and user groups, designed a program for the activities taking place and designed a cultural center to meet these requirements. The project included survey results from Niueans living at home and abroad.
Spaces included a theater/amphitheater, education center, exhibit spaces and housing for the artist/educators-in-residence.