A surreal gesture: an aviary in the historic district of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Abstract

Architecture that can find a relationship with the unconscious and use the metaphysical dimension in Its expression. Through passage and sequence of space, architecture can hold a dialogue on a level of pure surrealism as it leads the user through a circuitous route of rational and subconscious realms.

Surrealism is the search for reality in a sea of subconscious ideas. Sir Andre Breton, who published the "First Surrealist Manifesto" in 1924, coined the term in the beginning of the 20th Century. Other theoreticians such as Sigmund Freud and Friedrich Hegel recognized this movement as "seeking a synthesis of dreams into a concrete manifestation of reality." The inspiration to Surrealists came from avoiding a direct presentation of what is real. Rather it became an emphasis on the invention and creativity of uncovering a poetic aspect of life through a kaleidoscope of multidimensional images and the hallucinatory power of the irrational or every other source of metaphysical energy.

Architecture in Its very nature can provoke a relationship with the unconscious and use the metaphysical dimension in its expression. It can create a dialogue between man and nature; real and surreal.

An aviary as a vehicle can begin to make evident the relationship for this perception through passage and sequence of space. The birds' world becomes tangible to the visitor through observation and journey.

The facility is an aviary for several species of regional birds located within the Historic District of Albuquerque, New Mexico among similar facilities (Including the Albuquerque Aquarium, Botanical Gardens, and the Natural History Museum.)

The aviary shall be an extension to the existing Rio Grande Zoological Park and is focused in two primary areas: a learning environment for people of all ages and the use of natural landscapes and vegetation to provide a suitable environment for the birds, The uses of iow maintenance materials, and the progression of path are all considerations.

Description

Keywords

Albuquerque (N.M.), Aviaries -- Design

Citation