This thesis consists of a personal exploration of the concepts of
"identification" and "alienation" as they relate to one's relationship to
the physical world. :Identification" as defined by Christian Norberg Schultz
refers to the quality of the relationship between human
beings and their environments. (p.21) "Alienation" on the other hand
refers to a manner of existence where identification does not take
place, and implies an unnatural separation between ones psychic and
physical experiences (p.168)
The argument is made that the experiences inherent in identification
are fundamental to the quality of life and that the increasing sense of
alienation within "modem society" has left many people feeling lost.
This suggests that it is becoming increasingly more important that
we find a means to redefine the concept of identification so that it
has the capacity to meet our need today.
The second half of the thesis is devoted to a series of design
explorations. In creating the sculptures and landscapes illustrated I
sought an increased conscious understanding of my processes of
identification. It is my hope that the documentation of my
experiences will serve as a tools for the reader, not to predict what
their experiences would or should be, but rather as a guide to a
better understanding of the possibilities that can exist within the
relationship between all human beings and their environments.
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