Title on abstract: Building as a metaphor of a gateway

As the research part of my thesis work, I had the opportunity to be involved in the Manhattan Ferry Terminal design undertaken by the New York City firm Schwartz Architects. Being a gateway to Manhattan, the Whitehall Ferry Terminal's psychological impact consists of elements that invoke a notion of arrival in people. An analysis of historical gateway examples from Ancient to Modern times shows their similarity with the architectural symbols used in the design. Those macro symbols of the gate are the metaphors of Edge, Destination, Gathering, Information, Flow and Lights. The analysis of macro elements led to a discovery of the micro architectural factors used in the smaller scale of the Ferry Terminal design. The analysis has provided several conclusions:1. In the design process, the architect uses a knowledge-base to choose architecturalelements that will support the symbolic message of a structure built on a specific site. 2. The number of these elements is infinite and the architect uses his or her experienceto choose the most appropriate elements that will support the intended message.3. Both overall and detailed analyses in the design process are oriented to produce thedesired impression of gateway.4. Comparison of historical examples and elements used in Whitehall Ferry Terminal design shows that impressions created by architecture are constant throughout history and always executed using contemporary technology.Department of ArchitectureThesis (M. Arch.