Sergio Alanis

Assignment #3
ARC 6931
Masters Project Preparation
Sedef Doganer

INITIAL STATEMENT B

This Masters Research Project will explore the contentious topic of ornament in
architecture. The thesis aims to investigate why ornament has come and gone, going
through multiple highs and lows throughout the history of architecture and design.
Historically, ornament has reflected the state of some countries and cities, proving to be
a sign of the times, not only in Architecture, but also in social and political discourse; a
true indicator of peoples mentality and views during different eras.
Previously, ornament was created exclusively by artists and craftsmen who had
the skill, tools, and knowledge to bring ideas into the material world. Moreover, such
ornaments were only made available to the wealthy individuals who could afford such
luxury. Nowadays, in the information age, its astoundingly simple for almost any
individual to create unique objects in minutes, as ornamental skill has been replaced by
technological savviness. Through affordable and accessible automated digital tools and
software, ornament has re-emerged from the ashes of Modernism to claim a relevant
spot in todays architectural discourse.
Can ornament as Architecture be the driving force behind the rehabilitation of
abandoned historic buildings? To answer this question, this thesis will investigate the
latest means and methods of digital fabrication, including CNC routing, laser cutting,
and 3-D printing, in order to explore how ornament can turn into architecture by
embedding function or structural capabilities into it; turning away from the old paradigm
of ornament as mere decoration.
This thesis argues that ornament as architecture, designed and created by digital
fabrication tools, can give new life and meaning to abandoned and neglected historic
buildings. This will be achieved by not using ornament as simple decoration or cover-up
of the existing fabric, but as an enhancer of function and structure of such buildings.
The project through which these ideas will be explored and tested will be the
rehabilitation of the historic Friedrich Building, located at 1617 E. Commerce St. in San
Antonio, Texas. This abandoned structure offers plenty of opportunities to explore the
power of ornament as architecture as a driving force to give new life to historic
buildings.

Sergio Alanis
Assignment #3
ARC 6931
Masters Project Preparation
Sedef Doganer



Friedrich Building, located at 1617 E. Commerce St. San Antonio, Texas.