Architecture Deviated by the Rules of Mosh Pit

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Through human interaction and situational experiences, individuals develop codes of behavior within a group. Despite the apparent chaos and violence of a Mosh Pit, there are a set of unwritten rules that have been created to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual. Through this reticent yet concrete concern for others, a foundation for a community is constructed. Supported by the individual’s conscious decision to self enforce these rules, the Pit becomes a secure site for unrestricted self-expression and escape from everyday life. How can the rules and actions of a Punk show inspire the deviation of architecture?

The Mosh Pit is a symbol of authenticity for the Punk culture; it is a site protected from vulnerability where an individual feels safe enough to be him or herself. Unlike Punk clothing styles, Punk albums, and Punk graphics, the Mosh Pit is the only artifact that is unable to be commercialized and mass-produced by corporate America. The creation of a Mosh Pit is reliant on the proximity of bodies and the space provided for interaction, as well as the dynamics of the Punk show. The energy of the performing band becomes a catalyst for physical interaction between space and bodies.

The dances performed in a Mosh Pit appear chaotic and violent as a representation of rebellion against the mainstream culture. However, it is understood and trusted that the violence is never toward another individual; the violence is in relation to his or herself or to society in a larger sense. It is only used as a representational performance to transcend the personal ego, or more serious social problems. Not only is the Mosh Pit a place of emotional release, it also provides the freedom to be yourself. Participating in a show, especially by performing in a Mosh Pit, provides the energy to deal with more serious problems and tasks, or the boredom produced by mundane every day life.

Programmatically, the goal of this thesis is to reconnect the City Hall with the community while reflecting the politics of a Mosh Pit in its design. The site is located at City Hall Plaza in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston City Hall Plaza, in conjunction with the City Hall, represents one of the largest power zones directly connected to the community of Boston. It is a place of authority -- the ultimate “Big Brother” -- and is responsible for creating many of the rules an individual must live by. It is supposed to represent a major connection to the community, yet the connection presented today is extremely weak. A City Hall is an ideal program because it is the city’s ultimate “Big Brother”. Government, control, and the enforcement of power are main concepts Punk culture rebels against, and City Hall embodies each of these aspects.

This thesis is not an analysis or critique of the sounds generated from the Punk culture. It is also not a “how-to-design” the perfect rock venue, or about analyzing the success of Punk culture. This project solely focuses on the concepts and rules learned from the participation in a Mosh pit.
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