Exploring the potential of mat-building for the creation of universally designed environments

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2004
Eren, Yasemin
The goal of this study is to reread the strategies of formal organization in architecture, which are called أmat-buildingؤ and أmat-urbanismؤ, exploring their potential to contribute to the creation of universally designed built environments in the 21st century. The idea of mat-building was first delineated by Alison Smithson in 1974, in her article أHow to Recognize and Read Mat-Building,ؤ by means of its traditional and modern examples. The concept of universal design was first used in 1970̕s and reinterpreted by the American architect Ronald Mace in 1985. Since then, it has become a widely accepted design approach that is also known as ءinclusive design̕ and ءdesign for all̕. Mat-building can be considered as a viable design approach that can respond to the crucial need for equally accessible, adjustable and adaptable built environments for all people all over the world. The study aims not only to evaluate the exemplary mat like configurations in light of the universal design principles. It also tries to point to the new ways for developing creative ideas and design theories, and emphasizes the significance of implementing the universal design approach in contemporary architecture and urbanism.

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Citation Formats
Y. Eren, “Exploring the potential of mat-building for the creation of universally designed environments,” M.Arch. - Master of Architecture, Middle East Technical University, 2004.