THEME

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The aesthetic theme of this architecture is focused on the concepts of cubes and distorted geometric shapes. The space would attempt to minimize or remove all organic shapes with a thematic aim to represent ‘generation gaps visually’.

 

1. Philosophical, Scientific Context:

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Plato theorized that the universe was made of five types of matter and suggested that Earth was made up of cubes. The following ancient theory has currently been proven to be true regarding scientific research. Studies figured that the average shape of rocks on Earth is a cube, aligning with Plato's early hypothesis. 

 

​Theory of Forms:
What humanity perceives in the real world is merely an imperfect copy of perfect, abstract counterparts of its actual forms. An example of the theory is what we call a “perfect circle”. In a mathematical context, every single circle seen in one’s lifetime is never perfect, but there is an illusion to the concept of a “perfect circle” whenever one is asked to imagine it. Ultimately, forms in the real world are ever-changing and are rather dependent on opinion or perception rather than actual knowledge.

 

2. Religious Context:

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In Freemasonry, the core principles revolve around integrity, friendship, respect, and service. These values form the foundation of the organization and guide members in their interactions and conduct within the group. The principles of Freemasonry emphasize ethical behavior, strong relationships, mutual respect, and serving the community/humanity.

The form of a masonic lodge is a symbolic cube. The cube is symbolic in Freemasonry rituals, representing the shaping, testing, and spiritual development of individuals towards becoming “living stones” in the heavenly temple. 

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“The perfect cube represents the personality that has had all the unevenness, roughness, and inequality polished away by experience. Such a stone is ready to become a block in the Everlasting House not built by hands but eternal in the heavens.” — Manly P. Hall

 

​In the religious context above, the perfect cube is described or implied to be a certain object of perfection, but also an educative tool for guidance for one to “connect with something larger (McDown).

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Application

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Plato’s statement implies the world is in continuous fluctuation, constantly changing according to views and opinions. In an akin approach, each generation, unknowingly, contributes to this limitless variation within reality. In a sense, the cube is the simplest form of matter, as well as the most divergent.

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The theme intends to promote a sense of inclusion, the fact that many perceive society in a diverse manner. Reality is interpreted by one’s unique perspective, one entirely different from one from another generation or age. It is important to understand this in a general fashion, as acknowledging such ideas can ultimately lead to understanding and communication between all generations. This concept aims to enforce a feeling of embracing not only the inevitable reach of modern society but also the inclusion of the elderly within changed societal norms.