Monumental presence in architecture: An IMAX theater for Salt Lake City, Utah

THESIS STATEMENT: Monumental (presence in) Architecture is derived from and is an expression of the emotional effects on ones psyche. SUMMARY: Webster's Dictionary defines monumental as an object in memory of a person or act. Memorable is defined as worth remembering. Ones memory act upon events, sometimes traumatic, and the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Emotions are the result of the senses. Therefore, I am dealing with monumentality in architecture; not the monstrous types of build rather the emotional effects on the participants of the facility. I am not concerned if someone remembers the details in the walls but how they remember how they feel when they are in my facility. However, the details can remind the users of the senses they have just experienced. CONTEXTUAL STATEMENT: Salt Lake City is the capital city of Utah, located in the northern part of the state, near the Great Salt Lake. Salt Lake City is nestled in the basin of Ancient Lake Bonneville near the mountains of the Wasatch Range. The city is the trade center for a wide region and also has a variety of manufacturing industries. The international headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is located in the city. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of its history is the incredible evolution of this community. What started, as the Mormon quest for their Holy Grail has become one of the nations leaders in computer software. FACILITY STATEMENT: The focus of this project will be an IMAX Theater with a historic museum depicting the vast evolution of Salt Lake City. This IMAX facility will create a stir of emotions; the 3-D and or Dome Theater will excite the senses of sight and sound. The cafe / restaurant will satisfy ones sense of smell and taste. Lastly, the historic museum will tie together all of the senses including touch, while educating each guest on this monumental evolution taking place.