A New Contract

The post-pandemic context has revealed an urgent need for a paradigmatic shift in architectural thinking—one that embraces flexibility and prioritizes spatial quality as a human right. As uncertainty pushed society into a more introverted mode of living, many large-scale spaces became vacant or repurposed for uses they were never intended to serve. This detachment from the built environment has exposed a critical flaw in rigid architectural planning. In response, my thesis proposes a new spatial contract: architecture that is human-centric, adaptable, and capable of evolving alongside its users. Just as people are often required to respond quickly to change, our built spaces should be equally agile. Through the creation of smaller, comfortable situations embedded within larger environments, this thesis seeks to empower users with freedom of use and interaction. I will explore this approach by selecting an abandoned or vacant site and reimagining it as a responsive, inclusive space designed to meet current and future needs.