Abstract
Human beings have certain basic needs in order to survive: food, water, air, and shelter. A shelter is defined as an architectural structure under which humans can dwell in safety, away from the harsh elements found in nature. This modern definition only came to be as a result of thousands of years of human and architectural evolution.
In an era of rapidly advancing technology, climate change, and human exploration beyond Earth’s borders that will inevitably change or possibly erase the current definition of shelter, this thesis attempts the “impossible” task of archiving the historical evolution of the essential architectural elements required for shelter (walls, doors, columns, windows, roofs, and floors) from the dawn of mankind to the present day in order to preserve their function and memory for future generations to rediscover if they are ever forgotten.
In confronting the philosophical and theoretical dilemmas of representing the entirety of mankind’s architectural history as it relates to shelter, this project deliberately moves from speculative inquiry to concrete realization in the form of an organized, enduring, and chronologically-mapped structural framework situated in the Tenere Desert near Agadez, Niger. While acknowledging the complexity and potential discomfort of this ambitious goal, the thesis not only embodies an experimental approach to archiving, but also aims to actively contribute to the discourse on preserving human cultural heritage in an era where such theoretical considerations may soon demand physical responses.
Philosophy of Archiving
Archiving architectural elements involves more than storing physical objects; it embodies a deep philosophical quest to understand and preserve the narrative of human civilization. Jacques Derrida, in “Archive Fever,” illuminates this concept by suggesting that archives actively participate in shaping the narrative and interpretation of cultural and historical identities (Derrida, 1995). In this project, the architectural archive is envisioned not simply as a collection of static artifacts but as a dynamic entity that holds the potential to offer future societies profound insights into our era’s technological and cultural contexts. The process of selecting what architectural elements to preserve is influenced by a myriad of factors including historical significance, cultural values, and technological advancements. This selection process is inherently subjective, reflecting current societal values and the personal biases of those who curate the collection. Thus, the archive is not just a storage space but a curated reflection of humanity, shaped by the present yet intended to speak to the future.
Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that categorizes human needs into a five-level model, often depicted as a pyramid. At the base are the most fundamental needs for survival, such as food and water, followed by safety needs, which include security and protection. This model can be effectively applied to the concept of shelter, particularly when considering the evolution of human habitats from primitive shelters to modern housing.
In the context of early human civilization, shelter was primarily about addressing these basic and safety needs. Natural formations like caves provided the first humans with protection against environmental hazards and predators, directly supporting their physiological and safety requirements. As Maslow’s theory suggests, once these basic needs were met, humans could focus on higher-level needs such as social belonging and esteem, which are reflected in the more complex social structures of later architectural developments.
Shelter's Hierarchy of Needs
In the ambitious endeavor to archive the evolution of shelter, identifying essential architectural elements such as walls, roofs, floors, horizontal structures, columns, windows, and doors became a critical task. These elements were chosen not merely for their ubiquity in constructions throughout history but because they encapsulate the core functions and innovations of shelter. As articulated by Rem Koolhaas in his extensive work “Elements of Architecture,” these components are “the fundamentals that construct our environments” and are “eternally consistent and infinitely variable” (Koolhaas, 2014).
The process of identifying these elements for the archive involved a meticulous examination of architectural history, focusing on innovations that significantly advanced the functionality and conceptual understanding of shelter. This inquiry was guided by a theoretical framework that recognized the dual role of these elements in practical application and symbolic representation. By preserving these fundamental components, the archive aims to offer future generations not just a repository of architectural forms but a lens through which to view the challenges and solutions that shaped human habitats.
Site Context
The Tenere
The Tenere Desert, part of the larger Sahara in North Africa, is characterized by its vast expanses of sandy dunes and extreme aridity, which create an environment uniquely suited for preservation. The Arakao Crater, nestled within these extensive desert landscapes, provides an exceptional site for the archive. This specific location not only capitalizes on the natural dryness, which is beneficial for preserving materials sensitive to moisture, but also leverages the geographical features of the crater for added protection.
Agadez, Niger
Agadez is a town situated on the edge of the Tenere Desert in Niger, and it plays a crucial role as a logistical and resource hub for the archive. Historically a center of commerce and a crossroads of Saharan trade routes, Agadez offers vital infrastructure and accessibility to the otherwise completely remote site. Its proximity to the desert makes it an ideal staging ground for transporting materials and personnel necessary for the construction and maintenance of the archive.
The town’s historic architecture, characterized by its red mud-brick constructions arranged in a chaotic grid, and its fluctuating rooflines, also inspire the design of the archive’s framework. The archive's series of overlapping column and wall grids draw heavy inspiration from photos of Agadez.
YEAR 2524...
From high above, the archive emerges, its sprawling, structured framework contrasting starkly with the undisturbed sands of the Tenere.
Standing at the edge of the archive from the untouched expanse of the desert, scaffolding climbs upwards and exposed rebar hints at future expansion.
After ascending the scaffolding, on the catwalk there unfolds a panoramic view over the endless archive. The framework merges with distinct landmarks, arrayed like jewels across the structured expanse below.
Descending the elevator, space opens up to reveal a wigwam landmark from ~7000 BC. It stands prominently among a framework of diverse architectural elements from the same time period.
Meandering the archive leads to a section resplendent with the rich heritage of Ancient Greece, where towering Corinthian columns rise above intricate mosaic floors, detailing stories of a bygone era.
A roofed room maintains ideal temperature and humidity to preserve delicate architectural elements. Here the Guardians of the Archive work diligently to maintain, expand, and protect this sacred place.
The [Impossible] Archive
Bernal Heights Art Center
Gridshell Vertiport
FRAME
Shifting Scales
Alley Abode
REVEAL
Mission Bay Open Air School
Oakland Urban Institute
INTERSECTION
Patio and Retaining Wall
Design Artifacts