VISUAL INFLUENCES ON LIMITATIONS OF SPACE: SPATIAL DEPTH
PERCEPTION VERSUS SPATIAL DEFINITION The distinction between the
way space is perceived and the way it is defined is a
significant determinant of the architectural experience. This
thesis analyzes various techniques for the manipulation of
spatial depth that have been historically based to create a rich
architectural experience. Illustrated through the design of a
train station on the Metro North Railroad, the architectural
experience of spatial depth can be extended or compressed
through the manipulation of three relationships between the
viewer and the object of focus: the relationships are a
stationary spectator viewing a stationary surface, a stationary
spectator viewing a fluctuating surface, and a mobile spectator
moving through stationary space. Representation in reflective
surfaces, visual fluctuation, and movement through space achieve
an ambiguity that alters the experience of spatial depth. In the
station, ultimately, space is not limited by