Shun Sasaki

This thesis investigates the diachronic transformation of architectural elements, within the context of modernization's impact on societal norms, architecture, and individual identity. This transformation is emblematic of broader social, cultural, and psychological shifts, mirroring the suppression of anything conflicting with the doctrines of modernism and capitalism, under the guise of societal hygiene. This process, which reflects an obsession with cleanliness and uniformity, parallels the historical expansion in the recognition of mental disorders, from a mere two in the 1840s to nearly 300 by the 1990s, highlighting a societal trend towards homogenization and the suppression of individuality.

The thesis further explores how architectural trends have evolved from promoting individual expression to enforcing a collective identity, as seen in the transition to Program Blocks that foster theatricality in spaces. In contrast, stadiums remain as one of the few spaces that amplify human dreams and desires, resisting the theatricalization that pervades modern architectural programming. Through the lens of the New York City stoop, my research delves into how such architectural elements can serve as stages for social interaction and individual expression, standing as symbols of resistance against modernization's homogenizing forces.

By examining the nuanced interplay between different forms of activity—"Activity as the 'I'," "Activity as the 'You'," and "Activity as the 'He/She'"—in an increasingly virtual world, the thesis aims to unveil the enigmatic objects that arise from the architectural and societal shifts, thereby contributing to our understanding of how architectural transformations reflect and influence changes in society and individual identities.