Marbella Vasquez Farach

The Orange Fenced House in front of the Mango Tree

This thesis proposes a definition of ‘home’ as a set of psychological needs rather than mere programmatic satisfaction, needs that go beyond shelter and functionality. Exploring the concept of home through three key categories: Self, Connection and Transition. These categories provide a framework for understanding the psychological aspects of a home which both shape and mirror cultural values, social dynamics, and individual identities. By manipulating the material, social, and ephemeral attributes of the home, this approach seeks to liberate living spaces from singular functions or emotions, engendering ever-changing environments that explore the infinite diversity within our living spaces.

Central to this thesis is the argument that architecture has the potential to challenge conventional spatial paradigms, inspiring new perspectives on the built environment. The deliberate dissolution of boundaries between interior and exterior spaces reimagines homes as simultaneously familiar and strange, private and expansive, bridging the internal sanctuary with the external world while providing security and enclosure.

The 'Self' category revolves around concepts of intimacy, introspection, and reflexive engagement, nurturing feelings of security and comfort, thereby enabling individuals to forge profound senses of belonging. Conversely, 'Connection' embodies expansiveness and liberation, bridging the communal home experience with the broader external realm. Lastly, 'Transition' facilitates dynamic interactions between elements, fostering a sense of movement and continuity within the home.

Ultimately, this endeavor strives to cultivate an enriched understanding of 'home' rooted in our collective human experience, acknowledging both universal threads and diverse cultural narratives that together shape our perceptions of belonging.

Model Overview

Model Elevation 01

Model Elevation 02

Model Detail 01

Model Detail 02