Situated Architecture in the Digital Age: Adaptation of a Textile Mill in Holyoke, Massachusetts

SITUATED ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: ADAPTATION OF A TEXTILE MILL IN HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS MAY 2011 DORCAS A. BROOKS, B.A., BROWN UNIVERSITY M. ARCH., UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST Directed by: Joseph Krupczynski The City of Holyoke, Massachusetts is one of many aging, industrial cities striving to revitalize its economy based on the promise of increased digital connectivity and clean energy resources. But how do you renovate 19th century mills to meet the demands of the information age? This architectural study explores the potential impact of sensing technologies and information networks on the definition and function of buildings in the 21st century. It explores the changes that have taken place in industrial architecture since 1850 and argues for an architecture that supports local relationships and environmental awareness. The author explores the industrial history of Holyoke, appraises emerging uses of sensing technologies, and presents a thorough narrative of her site analysis and conceptual design of a digital fabrication and incubation center within an existing textile mill.