03
Moments
in Space
Master Thesis · Trauma & Architecture
Year
2021–2022
Location
Beirut & Cologne
Type
MA Thesis Research
Status
Master Thesis Project
Institution
TH Köln — KISD
Tools
AutoCAD · Adobe Ae · Ai · Ps
"Moments in Space" is a research project and embodied exploration of different moments that decipher how we understand post-traumatic space in places of conflict. This thesis argues that all spaces are traumatic spaces — but we experience them in different conditions and times. Through architectural representation, urban mapping and spatial design, it acknowledges the hidden manifestations of trauma in the built environment and their implications on our spatial experience.
The production of post-traumatic spaces is affected by five key factors: space, people, time, trauma, and memory. Space is experienced in a continuous loop of three moments — the moment of forgotten trauma, the moment of trauma, and the moment of remembered trauma.
This cycle is mapped, diagrammed, and spatially explored through multiple modes of architectural representation — from urban cartography to collage, from 3D modelling to audio-visual installation.
The traumatic events of Beirut are drawn through architectural sections and plans — translating urban violence, displacement, and destruction into spatial language. Each drawing maps a different layer of the city's trauma onto the built fabric.
The Beirut Port explosion of 2020 is used as a primary case study. Designing space requires a well-rounded overview of all sides of the surrounding — urban space and architecture can be simultaneously viewed from all angles. The overlay of images in 2D and 3D format gives the space a moment of clarity and truth.
The explosion is represented from top, side and perspective view — this collage captures the exact moment trauma occurred and shows the frozen image of the explosion on a rendered view of the city. Multiple overlapping maps of Beirut layer damage, public spaces, religious zones and displacement to build a composite "map of traumas".
A visual representation of trauma during its actual moment — reconstructing the Beirut Port explosion through architectural overlay and collage.
An audio-visual exploration of daily moments alongside traumatic events — experienced as equals in the mind of someone living with trauma.
The thesis culminated in a physical exhibition at TH Köln — a spatial installation of research materials, drawings, maps, and audio-visual works. Visitors moved through the exhibition as an embodied experience of the research itself, encountering the cycle of forgotten trauma, moment of trauma, and remembered trauma.
The installation included two video works: "The Exact Moments Replayed" — a visual representation of trauma during its actual moment — and "Minutes of Traumatic Thinking" — an audio-visual exploration showcasing daily moments alongside striking traumatic events as equals in the mind of someone suffering from trauma.
The full thesis document is available to read below. Use the fullscreen button to expand the viewer, or download a copy for offline reading.