Architecture and identity : redefining the taxi industry

Abstract

Unlawful, renegade and detached, these are some of the metaphors that can be said to be the summation of the taxi industry. Albeit the taxi system predominantly operates as the chief transport mode, and economic enabler for its users, it still maintains a predominantly degenerate perception. The focus of this thesis is to emphasize how through re-appropriation and re-defining of the formative and descriptive elements of the taxi industry, one can begin to articulate a logical and befitting identity for the taxi industry. The methodology utilized is based on the principals of identity formulation, and programmatically expressive architecture. The intention of which, is to devise a methodology in which architecture can be used to restructure existing systems in a manner, which enables them to obtain a compelling logic. In so doing, the premise is to illustrate how through the use of design, architecture can be molded into a contrivance for formulate identity. The theoretical point of departure of this thesis is to explore the concept of architecture as the catalytic instrument in the creation, or identification of identity. Taking into consideration the degenerate image that the taxi industry has today, and its pragmatic relevance to society, the thesis aims to formulate programmatic and spatial qualities that begin to elevate the perception of the taxi industry. The design intention, aims to explore the measures in which architecture can be used to begin to redefine the taxi industry, through the uses of spatial articulation that represents the marriage between the public, and the taxi industry in a formal, informal and passive manner.