Jenna Vertrees

The term boundary implies division, separation, limits to space, and references notions of spatial perception. When this term is associated with architecture, these components start to become dimensional, structural, and even experiential. Since a boundary can become such a dynamic feature in the built environment, how can it be used to our advantage? This is explored through the understanding of boundary between memorials and museums and specifically how it can be addressed by breaking the boundary between the two with the development of a new building type. This new structure investigates the unification between memory and the educational notion of the built environment to enhance the user's overall experience. Creating this new building type, where the powerful qualities of a museum share space with the memorial itself, establishes a new dynamic and educational relationship for the user. This thesis does not suggest that the aim of the research is to be a summary of memorial architecture or to develop a singular strategy to the understanding of memorials. Instead, the aim is to distinguish a set of issues demonstrated by the current boundary between memory and education and provide a framework which complements the relationship for future projects.