Chimera

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Cal Poly Thesis Spring 2019

Advisor: Karen Lange

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My inquiry involves architecture as a way to tell a story. A physical manifestation of a human’s ability to learn - the process of experiences shaping ideas and the imagined. This thesis is a storytelling device, hoping to give a voice to Angelenos to share their own unique experiences, hopes, and dreams, which are often ignored by the “city of dreams.” Stories must be amplified in order to learn and thrive with each other. This multi-layered and reflective form creates a platform for visitors to be seen.

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Chimera is a museum where people are able to manifest, share, and experience the imagination. With technological advances people are able to project their thoughts and imagination onto screens. Their explorations through the museum informs the imagined projections further. Chimera hopes to build upon and create relationships with visitors by experiencing these projections. The imagination allows us to explore stories. Reality gives us a basis for these stories as people imagine from what they experience. The imagination manifests unique images from person to person therefore collaboration in this can diversify what is being imagined.

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Chimera rises from Grand Ave Lower and floats above the street. Entering the project through an existing underground tunnel, visitors begin to practice projecting their imagination. With a headpiece visitors are able to project their own imagination onto screens. These screen are in constant flux since visitors are always adding to these screens. These experiences inspire the visitors imagination as they explore the project.

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Chimera becomes a part of the city. Neighboring residents are able to view and see their own reflections in the museum. Reflective surfaces morph the imagined while also creating an illusion in which the visitor becomes a part of. Chimera in itself is a fantastical story as people manifest, share, and experiencethe imagined.