Geologic Atmospheres

This thesis positions atmospheres as integral to architecture due to its inherent sensorial experience. Material explorations of atmospheric generators deem materiality, reflection, and transparency as central to the creation of atmospheres in architecture. This thesis suggests that to design within a contemporary Anthropocene requires engaging with the geologic. Material questions of the geologic tie with theories of the neo-sublime, particularly in post-industrial landscapes. This thesis asks, how concepts of both the atmospheric and the geologic inform a design investigation in post-industrial landscapes? This is explored in three ways. First, through exploration of select theorists and architects work. Second, through a series of physical models studying aggregates, casting, and extraction. Finally, through the design of a remediation in Tar Island, Alberta. The thesis suggests that to engage with the atmospheric in design today entails engaging with its reciprocal condition, the geologic, and that using physical models enables engagement between the two.