Transcending Borders

Abstract

Despite the popularity of border issues in today’s media, the spatial transformation, which borders create remain unrecognized. The Thesis discusses the relationship between architecture and borders. Borders are much more than a thin line that divides two nations, they are instrumental transitions between social and personal experiences that are essential in structuring psychological processes. We cross borders every day, whether it is psychologically or physically. The year 2020 has arrived. If 20/20 vision is the goal, then what should the year 2020 entail? Inclusivity? Peaceful opposition? Let us take one step back to look ten steps further into the future. Borders: enabling their transcendence, creates common ground where exclusive societies can cross borders as one. This is architecturally expressed as a museum on a historical site intersecting national and international borders. The thesis proves, through qualitative and historical research, that borders can transform design by creating spatial unity and community while maintaining a cultural identity, diversity, security, and a sense of place.