"Through Thick and Thin" - these project by Maneh Tahmasian (Woodbury M.Arch '21). Advisted by Ryan Tyler Martinez. Image courtesy of Maneh Tahmasian

Continuing with Archinect's ongoing Thesis Review series, connecting with recent graduates allows us to amplify student voices as they share their experiences and final thesis projects. For this iteration of Archinect's 2021 Thesis Review, we connected with M.Arch student Maneh Tahmasian. A recent graduate of Woodbury School of Architecture, Tahmasian's thesis project "Through Thick and Thin" propels architecture's cultural and historical implications by highlighting the importance of recognizing "the old" to inform "the new" in Armenia.

She explains, "'Through thick and thin' is looking at the spatial aspect of the dome as a historical and cultural element of Armenian architecture. It does not describe the dome as it is, or have been understood, but as it could be reconstituting the matter into something: more powerful." Together we discuss the architectural and cultural themes found in her thesis. She unpacks the importance of heritage and how it can be used to challenge architecture. We also dive into her thoughts on the industry post-graduation and her thoughts on workplace preparedness.

Archinect's Spotlight on 2021 Thesis Projects: Archinect's commitment to highlighting student work doesn't stop at simply sharing student work. Our editorial team focuses on connecting with students and asking questions to learn their process, architectural perspectives, and their take on the industry as young designers. 2020 has been a challenging year for all architecture graduates; to support the class of 2021, we've launched our summer series iteration of Archinect's Thesis Review to highlight the work of thesis students during this unique time of remote learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to follow our 2021 thesis tag to stay up to date as we release new project highlights.

The goal of this thesis is to create a unique and impactful experience of discovering the old from the new for everyone who visits the site. It is a new architecture used as a tool to reconstitute, protect and expose the history within the city.

Please provide a brief summary of your thesis/final project.

On September 27, 2020, in the middle of a pandemic, Azerbaijan’s military launched an unprovoked attack on Artsakh and Armenia. Armenia, a nation of barely 3 million, was fighting a war to protect their ancestral land of Artsakh against Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Syrian and Pakistani mercenaries. With the notion of destroying and rebuilding, “Through thick and thin” is looking at the spatial aspect of the dome as a historical and cultural element of Armenian architecture. It does not describe the dome as it is, or have been understood, but as it could be reconstituting the matter into something: more; powerful. 

This project focuses explicitly on dimensions like a hybrid, compromising, distorted, expressive, emotional, complex, and political. The site for this thesis is in the town of Shushi, the Republic of Artsakh, now under the control of Azerbaijan. The cathedral was bombed during the Nagorno-Karabakh War and has become a place of conflict and destruction. The goal of this thesis is to create a unique and impactful experience of discovering the old from the new for everyone who visits the site. It is a new architecture used as a tool to reconstitute, protect and expose the history within the city.

How does your thesis fit within OR challenge the discipline of architecture?

Many believe that architecture is where walls, windows and doors come from, but architecture is like any art. Whether it's painting or a piece of music or a film should be able to tell you a story. "Through thick and thin" wasn't about building and abstracting a set of walls, but I wanted to tell a complex narrative about an experience. We use the ambiguity of the dome, a historical and cultural element of Armenian architecture, as a tool to miss-read or translate something we all recognize and know, such as domes and sections, into facade details and facade elements. On the other hand, the boulders and pathways are designed to inspire emotional, complex, political, and distorted thoughts. The main goal is to create a structure that tells a story to the current and future generations, entering the design and thinking about what the history of this civilization has looked like through decades and centuries.  

"Through thick and thin" wasn't about building and abstracting a set of walls, but I wanted to tell a complex narrative about an experience. We use the ambiguity of the dome, a historical and cultural element of Armenian architecture, as a tool to miss-read or translate something we all recognize and know, such as domes and sections, into facade details and facade elements.

Did your thesis change during the pandemic? What difficulties did you face? How did your thesis advisors help you during this time?

I came up with the "through thick and thin" design with the drive to protect and save. 

I started my thesis by exploring Armenian architecture. I couldn't get away from who I am, where I grew up and what happened to my ancestors during the Armenian Genocide 106 years ago. As I was home and had enough time to read and learn more about my ancestral history, the culture of heritage, and the importance of its preservation, a war broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia/Artsakh. I was at a loss for words about how this is happening in the 21st century, especially during a global pandemic. All the borders were closed and there were no ways to support and protect Armenia. The war was not only threatening to the people but also the monumental historic architecture.

At that time, I came up with the "through thick and thin" design with the drive to protect and save. Armenians have experienced collective loss within every generation for over a century. Beginning with horror stories inherited by genocide survivors of 1915, to memories of the fallen brothers and sisters from the Artsakh war in 1994, and now, the reality of the displaced and martyred of the current Artsakh war. Throughout this emotional rollercoaster, I was very fortunate and honored to work with a very understanding and talented adviser, Ryan Tyler Martinez, who not only enthusiastically supported my passion for Armenian history and architecture and encouraged me to develop and improve my ideas but also helped me raise awareness. 

What do you think the current state of "Thesis" is within architecture and how can it be improved?

I truly believe that architecture is defined differently within the architectural community. After years of learning the fundamentals of architecture, the final Thesis is the opportunity to showcase personal beliefs and views and how they can be implemented in an architectural design. It is the most significant opportunity to define an individual position about the discipline of architecture as new graduates stepping into the professional world. An improvement for me would be the possibility of seeing the best thesis ideas come to life.

I started my thesis by exploring Armenian architecture. I couldn't get away from who I am, where I grew up and what happened to my ancestors during the Armenian Genocide 106 years ago.

What are your next steps academically? Professionally?

Working and learning from professionals during my education at Woodbury University put me in a position to tackle new challenges. I have given some thought to pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Since the master's program has triggered a more intense curiosity in me, I believe a Ph.D. will enhance my research skills and deepen my knowledge of architectural history and methodologies. Besides continuing my education, Professionally, my next step is licensure. I am currently working on a couple of architectural competitions and looking for a firm that will fit my personality best. I am eager and ready to learn and expand my knowledge, showcasing my strengths and being a part of a great team and community.

As a recent graduate experiencing the direct effects of the pandemic, how do you feel about the architecture industry right now?

Just like any other industry, architecture was affected by the pandemic. We see a huge shift in a lot of the hands-on and physical work that is now completed online or digitally. I think that this has both a positive and negative effect. Due to the limitations the pandemic set for us, we were forced to finally discover and use many technological tools that expand the possibilities of time saving or working remotely in larger groups. On the other hand, we noticed a drop in construction, funding, and generally the physical aspect of the architectural chain. I believe that this is only a temporary slow down in the industry and once we are back up and running, as usual, we will still be using a lot of these tools as their outcomes are very efficient and productive.

What has helped prepare you for the workforce?

I was very fortunate to complete my M.Arch program at Woodbury University. I have made great connections with such incredible and professional people and had a chance to be a part of the teaching and researching committee during my education. Additionally, the extensive use of the different 3D modeling software, due to the lockdowns, has prepared and provided me with a strong backbone that will be crucial in my career.