Cultural memories through the decorative tradition

The current trend in architectural practice is historical preservation: a migration of society turning back to the inner city to preserve historical structures. One of the main attractions of these buildings for modern society is their extensive utilization of architectural ornament, perhaps because it is a fundamental element missing in contemporary design. This trend demonstrates society's need for environments which are sympathetic to the aesthetic needs of thebuilding's user; environments that are psychologically stimulating, due to their many levels of interpretation; and environments that create an atmosphere which stirs emotions and enhances one's personal identity. These factors are several of many which were "overlooked" during the Modern movement of architecture. The need for a more humanisitic approach to current design is necessary, and the study and utilization of ornament is the key to achieving this need. My thesis examines the history of stylized ornamentation, and its relationship to the organizational systems that define architecture, and translates these findings into patterns of detailing for my own designs. These results have been applied at an urban, residential scale in a townhouse, cul-de-sac project for the Lockerbie area of downtown Indianapolis.College of Architecture and PlanningThesis (B. Arch.