2005 Master of Architecture
Kevin Fennell

As a line of research, I am interested in contemporary relationships of landscape architecture and architecture. Contemporary material practices in architecture and contemporary ecological trajectories in landscape urbanism are discovering new ways of integrating with one another and are beginning to invent new methods and techniques for design in modern cities.

As a 2005 SOM Foundation Traveling Fellowship in Architecture, I would like to consider the potential of new, symbiotic techniques of landscape architecture and architecture in the city as informed by current ecological influences, population pressures, economic, political and cultural climates. The precedent studies for the relationship of the garden and architecture are abundant, though it is my interest to investigate specific cases most heavily in Turkey, but also in other neighboring areas in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The ancient history in Turkey combined with current pressures and desires for modernization (and the identity as a crossroad between Europe and Asia) lends itself to identifying Turkey as a territory for such research.

Traditionally, in islamic architecture the prayer hall and garden were regarded as a continuous whole. I intend to research the interior/exterior ambiguity and environmental effect in order to consider the implications and potential today within the context of new ecological technologies, architectural practices and urban needs. The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, for example, with 173 acres of gardens is fertile ground for researching these relationships.

Cappadocia offers another scale by which to consider the relationship of landscape and architecture. The underground sanctuaries and elaborate subterranean networks influence systems of resources regionally, such as water, superficial vegetation and wildlife habitat. Such an example encourages an imagination about integrated land-use practices and resource management with architecture and landscape architecture.

Finally, the fineness and intricacy found within islamic architecture offers a scale that is re-introducing itself into material practice in architecture today. With this fellowship, I begin an investigation into the potential of similar intricacy within landscape material practice that is perhaps today only marginally developed at this scale.

Final Analysis

My original intentions were ambitious and varied. I had the good fortune to experience firsthand the intricacy of Islamic art and architecture. The techniques and mathematical origins of the detail and the conceptual framework of the mosque have parallels in contemporary architectural practice, which has become more evident in my first year of professional experience. The intricacy and fineness found in the ornamentation and patterning has continued to influence my own work this past year. The relationship of architecture to the garden, or landscape architecture, evident in the mosque, has also influenced my own investigations. The implications of modernization in Turkey have been more elusive and require much more research and attention to particular geopolitical contexts. I consider this aspect of my proposal unfulfilled.

Similarly, the long term effects and “city building” impact of the Olympic games in Athens remain to be determined, though the immediate impact of the architectural monuments created are clear. The park is a new museum and civic landmark of contemporary architectural techniques in an ancient city that is itself a museum to the origins of architectural ideals and traditions.

The experiences afforded by the travel made possible by the SOM Foundation fellowship will continue to inform my own research and investigations and have not in any way come to any conclusion. These experiences have informed and encouraged “sketching” that has accompanied the last year of professional experience. These studies will lead to additional travel and research in the future.

Once again, thank you for the recognition, opportunity and privilege.