SUBTRACTIVE VOLUME: CULTURAL SPACE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION ON THE WATERFRONT

This dissertation examines the hypothesis that cultural buildings located on waterfronts can serve as mediating links between land and water, thereby encouraging meaningful social interaction spaces that enhance the spatial identity of the urban environment. The research investigates how architectural concepts such as excavated architecture, light and shadow, and porosity. After establishing a conceptual framework based on architectural theory, the study critically analyses historical, cultural, and contemporary waterfront interventions in order to create a social interaction space. These concepts are then developed into a conceptual design proposal for a cultural building that actively engages with the waterfront, demonstrating how architecture can enhance the lives of the people. Hence, this dissertation demonstrates that, when creating integrated transitional public environments effectively, the cultural arts centre building design can contribute to the revitalisation of the waterfront.