Staging Impermanence: Material Theatres

A central conceit of architecture is that buildings, once constructed, remain static. Architects go to considerable lengths to avoid accretions like mould or mildew, or detractions such as crumbling or decay. This thesis systematically explores stresses created in selected materials, their performance under various external catalysts, and any resulting emerging characteristics. Through a series of rigorous material experiments, the purpose of this thesis is to explore what can happen when building materials are not just allowed but encouraged to follow their inherent tectonic forces, and how the process of entropy might be integrated into the constructed and constructive form. The resulting project will involve the brief of a displaced theatre, which has to vacate for two years from its premises for purposes of renovation and upgrade. A temporary theatre will be designed to dissolve in material and structure over two years, becoming the setting of the various interim productions.