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HESIS BY KAH ARINE GREIM WIH HE ADVISEMEN OF MAX ZAHNISER JANUARY 2012 P RIVA E C OLLEC IONS 

K.greim 2012 Thesis Paper

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PRIVAECOLLECIONS

ACQUISIION

FILLING A VOID HROUGH

HESIS BY KAHARINE GREIM WIH HE ADVISEMEN OF MAX ZAHNISERJANUARY 2012

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TABLE OF CONENS

SELF IDENIFYING AND RANSFORMING NOSALGIA COMMUNICAION

SUBSEQUEN SYMPOMS

PROPOSING A CAUSE CLOSING HOUGHS

 

 

SECION ONE

SECION WO

INRODUCION

REFERENCES

SAEMEN OF INEN PROGRAM CLIEN ISSUES & AIUDES SIE ANALYSIS EXECUIVE SUMMARY APPENDIX A BOAR

APPENDIX B SIE PL

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  Private collections are one of the strongest subconscious expressioof communication and personal re-creation. Assembled with a rudimentary mo

tive and message, the collected objects are precious in the eye of the beholder. A

collection becomes external stack of the internal self, inadvertently manifesting

a tangible mass of emotion. Previous studies examine the relationship between

object and the collector as well as the underlying aspirations for accumulation.

research develops a perspective on private collecting by examining the need to

 possess, the supercial value obtained, and the unacknowledged drive behind i

Existing ndings support and further illustrate the various motivations for 

collecting but do not all go as far as to suggest a common root or single, univer

void. This research is interested in the possibility of a collective, impalpable absence which collectors are attempting to ll through acquisition.

“Collections are about objects, but more importantly, theyabout putting objects together to make them spea

 – Luna 2

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INTRODUCTION

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When an object is referred to as a posses-

sion, ownership over it is afrmed, and a more intimate

relationship between the object and the owner is made

known. Because of this acknowledgment, the object can

no longer be viewed as a mundane, utilitarian tool; a

greater sense of value within it has been established and

afrmed. More than ever before, society is consumed

by objects and the compulsion to claim them; a drive, ul-

timately, stemming from the notion that we are what we

have. According to Belk, the notion of self is comprised

of not only that which is seen as me, but also that which

is seen as mine; and the greater the control we exercise,

the more closely allied with self the object becomes(Belk, 1988, p.140).

Collections are not formed out of necessity for

survival but more so as an attempt to self medicate and

compensate. The overall consensus (see, e.g. Belk, 1988;

Ahuvia, 2005; Richins, 1994b; Tuan 1980) is that collec-

tions are the result of identity seeking and developing.

Through the acquisition of objects, there is an invest-

ment in the self taking place; and due to this, whether

intentionally or not, a compiled collection forms a

physical narrative. In an environment overwhelmed with

choices, each decision made helps to dene an individ-

ual, and these decisions of what and how much we need

to possess begin to represent the self – both to oneself 

and to others (Ahuvia, 2005, p. 172).

This research will investigate the psychological

reasons linked to collecting as well as the sense valuefound in it. Emphasis has been placed on the power of 

 possession and its ability to inuence and alter percep-

tions of the past, present, and future (see e.g., Belk 1988,

Benjamin 1982, Kiendl 2004). Consumers own objects

because of the value they provide (Richins, 1994a);

but at what point do the objects go beyond, becoming

invaluable to the individual? In his major work, Be-

ing and Nothingness, psychologist and philosopher

Jean-Paul Sarte suggests that when an object becomes

a possession, what were once self and not-self are

synthesized and having and being merge. Thus, accord-

ing to Sartre, possessions are all-important to knowing

who we are (Belk, 1988, p. 146). This research aims to

examine the relationship between traditional collecting

and the underlying absence. It is based on the premises

that by acknowledging and understanding our compul-

sion to collect; we may expose the root of our insatiable

desire. Collecting has the ability to bring only tem

happiness, because the self, its needs, and its desir

are continuously transforming. The craving to acq

will remain unquenchable until the fundamental is

identied and addressed.

Research Proposition

 

This research aims to reveal the rudiment

message collections tell. It is an effort to expose th

reasons for collecting so that we may understands

our desires and compulsions derive from. An explo

atory, surveying approach is adopted for this reseain an attempt to dismantle the multifaceted motiva

and theories for collecting suggested by authors su

Richard Belk, Anthony Kiendl, Marsha Richins, W

Muensterberger's and countless others.

Secondly, a more in-depth analysis of pro

tions explaining a universal inner void will be und

taken in search of a linkage to our collecting tende

This research will include Paul Martin, PhD and R

Louv; two notable authors in varying backgrounds

so also acknowledge a rudimentary absence in wh

society is attempting to coping with. In Popular Co

ing and the Everyday Self (1999), Martin proposes

contemporary collecting has grown as a result of a

spread, underlying social anxiety. Richard Louv, a

of Last Child in the Woods (2005) and The Nature

Principle (2011), coins the term natural-decit dis

and discusses how disconnect with natural has cauvoid within ourselves and our children linking it to

only psychological but physical health issues.

In conclusion, the purpose of this researc

an attempt to extend earlier argumentative and his

research on traditional collecting, the psyche of the

lector, and the depths of consumer xation by anal

cally linking these issues with a greater crisis in wh

collecting may merely be a symptom of.

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The Nature of  

Modern CollectingAs explained in the Introduction, more than ever before, society is consumed by objects and the compul-

sion to claim them; a drive ultimately, stemming from the notion that we are what we have. There is a vast spectrum

which collectors may fall under ranging from: materialists, commercial consumers, traditional collectors, and hoard-

ers. This needs to be noted because each of these labels represents an offshoot of consumerists, something individu-

als inherently are by nature. Each label falls along the same line, representing the different severities of consumer-

ists. Therefore, many attributes will overlap as well as uctuate between and within the realms of each. Commercial

consumers and materialists are more so concerned with status and ownership of what is more than necessary.

Through their wealth they are able to gain a supercial sense of self for egotistical or narcissistic purposes and

embedded within consumerism one will nd social, ethical, and political issues (Micheletti, 2003, IV). Commercial

consumerists and materialists do not tend to xate on the organization, cataloging, and care of one particular type of 

object like traditional collectors do. Alternatively, at the other end of the spectrum, one can nd hoarding; which has

come to be a recognized, psychological ailment. It can be derogatorily named the most severe form of consumer-ism but also can be positively seen as the best lead on the psychological understandings of traditional collecting;

and therefore, it cannot be disregarded entirely from this research. The diagram (Fig. 1) shown is a basic attempt at

understanding the nature of traditional collecting and will be built upon throughout this reading to help clarify the

complexity of it.

Fig. 2

we have and that it is the most basic and powerful

of consumer behavior (Belk, 1988, p. 139). Belk d

categorize collections under special cases but muc

the information throughout his writings is applicab

supportive to this research and theorizing on tradit

collecting; and therefore is noted throughout.

Another theorist that will be referenced fr

quently is Abraham Maslow and his Hierarchy of N

In the rst four components of his pyramid decit

are addressed and a hierarchy of human necessity

established. The fth component, titled self actual

tion, is independent of these decit needs and insteaddresses being needs. According to Maslow, self 

actualization is concerned with the internal dialogu

denition of one’s own place in the universe (Post

2009, p.352). The Hierarchy of Needs and its indiv

components are relevant to consumerism and its b

of traditional collecting; and therefore, will be furt

explored and entwined at signicant points throug

this thesis.

This thesis is concentrating on traditional collectors and

the methods of gathering for the sense of self fulllment,

pleasure, and/or enlightenment on a whole. Collecting

is an incredibly unique habit because of the personal

investment of time, wealth, and attention; and therefore,

it is recognized that having personal bias for or against

collecting is only natural. For this reason, readers need

to look beyond any emotional need to justify one’s own

behavior in order to allow for genuine consideration of 

these theories; otherwise, without this stripping away,

self-corruption of the thought process can be expected.

This thesis will attempt to look at collecting through

both lenses for a genuine research strategy because itwould be comforting to think collecting is altruistic in

nature and benecial for both the self and society on a

whole.

In some ways, this conversation on traditional

collecting is an attempt to understand impulse in its pur-

est form. As suggested by Kiendl in his book Obsession,

Compulsion, and Collection, to look at how we collect is

to look at how and why we select, accumulate, and order

things (2004, p.9). Within the rst section of this paper,

Layer One will address three hypothesized motivations

for collecting: self identifying and/or transforming,

nostalgia, and communication. Rather than argue any

of these motivations against one another, they need to

be viewed as an overlapping and interwoven system of 

layers and through an understanding of each, a greater

truth maybe revealed. Possible aws of each motiva-

tion will also be investigated within Layer Two, as wellas the possibility of the underlying void addressed in

the Section II of this thesis titled, The Core. Previous

research on collecting from the disciplines of museol-

ogy, psychoanalytical, consumer studies and others will

be incorporated throughout for a well rounded approach

in investigating traditional collecting.

In Possessions and the Extended Self (1988),

Richard Belk explores the many ways in which our pos-

sessions are deeply intertwined with our sense of self; or

what he refers to as the extended self. He acknowledges

the ritualistic ways in which possessions are treated in

life and death; provides evidence that a diminished sense

of self is present with the loss of cherished possessions,

and addresses the functions of possessions in four stages

of human development. Through an ongoing case and

point method, Belk explores the notion that we are what

BELONGING AND LOVEINTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER

PHYSIOLOGICALFOOD, WATER, WARMTH, REST

SAFETYSECURITY AND SAFETY

ESTEEMPRESTIGE AND FEELING OF ACCOMPLIS

SELF ACTUALIZATIONACHIEVING ONE’S FULL POTENTIAL

DEFINING ONE’S PLACE IN THE UNIVER

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SECION I

LAYER ONE

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Fig. 4

Collections are not formed out of necessity for survival but more so speculated to be motivated by an

tempt to self identify and/or self transform. The rst major hypothesis addressed by many (see, e.g. Belk 1988

via 2005, Richins 1994, Tuan 1980) is that collections are the result of identity seeking and developing. Throug

acquisition of objects, there is an investment in the self taking place. Whether it is the result of a transformatio

identication motive can only ultimately be determined by the collector. The answer will reect the collectors

and understanding of the notion of self. It begs the question of whether a searching for the tr ue self is taking pl

whether the collector is attempting to transform and alter the true self. Without a doubt this is a complex quest

due to the more conceptual nature of the matter. The concept of self is one that individuals dene and deconstr

differently dependent upon their own person belief system. An explanation of the metaphor of the self and its ro

tic notion of a true or authentic self is offered by Aaron Ahuvia in Beyond the Extended Self:

 

“In this romantic view, each person has a true or authentic inner core self that was given to h

or her from an external source, be that genetics, socialization, or God. The individual must then discov

his true self, often referred to as ‘nding yourself,’ and if you live authentically in accordance with

his given nature (2005, p. 180).”

It is the belief of many that one cannot change who they truly are, so for those who share this outlook, a collect

could reect an individual attempting to move toward their authentic self.

SELF IDENIFYINGAND

 RANSFORMIN

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Alternatively, in an environment overwhelmed

with choices, others may argue that each decision made

helps dene an individual and these decisions of what

and how much we need to possess begins to represent

the self – both to oneself and to others (Ahuvia, 2005).

For those who believe an identity is something formed

throughout life, and not inherently given to us, identity

and the self is ever transforming. Our most prized pos-

sessions become the props in our personal narratives,

supporting our self-developed script of life and our jour-

ney of self transformation to who we want to be. This

view is more akin with the attitude of Phillip Cushman

(1990) who theorizes that:

“Humans do not have a basic, fun-

damental, pure human nature that is transhistorical and

transcultural. Humans are incomplete and therefore

unable to function adequately unless embedded in a

specic cultural matrix…Culture infuses individuals,

fundamentally shaping and forming them and how they

conceive of themselves and the world, how they see

others, how they engage in structures of mutual obliga-

tion, and how they make choices in the everyday world”

(601).

If this is the case, then, a collection would reect a

constantly developing denition of oneself. The con-

cern here would be that constant self transformation

and shaping could imply that the existence of distrust

of one’s personal taste is ever present. This would seem

likely due to a lack of fundamental grounding as well assense of security and stability existing within constant

change. However, distrust in oneself and similar attri-

butes such as believing in oneself would not be humanly

 possible, because according to Cushman’s theory, this

mind-set claims that an original authentic self never

existed. It ultimately implies, an inner true ‘spiritual’

core is nonexistent and humans are therefore are nothing

more that soulless, man-made and culturally manipu-

lated creatures, or more bluntly, robots programmed

retrospectively in our society (Cushman, 1990).

Regardless of these two opposing theories, the

hypotheses can be boiled down to the question of how

identities are pre designed and developed as well as

what people individually believe. Belk proposes that we

use our possessions to extend, expand, and strengthen

our sense of self (Ahuvia, 2005, p.171). Whether it is

for self identication or transformation, intentionally

or not, a compiled collection forms a physical narrative

of this process for others to witness and study. Com-

munication becomes a subsequent result of the initial

intent, demonstrating how collecting is multifaceted in

both motivation and outcome. This will be revisited

under the Communication portion of this paper. Further

research deciphering the difference between identify-

ing and transforming, as well as a true, authentic self or

the non existence of one, may be a point of interest at

a later date; however, for the purpose of this paper the

acknowledgment of the complexity of interpretation and

differing views is enough.

Whether identifying or transforming, Ahuvia

presents two major risks in attempting identity construc-

tion and transformation through acquisition: post-mod-

ern fragmented multiple selves and the empty self (2005,

p. 172). A constant attempt at controlling others action

and perception through personal possession will quickly

become an exhausting charade in an uncontrollable, con-

stantly evolving world. This is often seen in the fashion

industry where keeping up with the Jones’s requires end-

less investments, or more so, was misapprehended in the

controversial case of Albert C., his foundation, and will.

Ahuvia (2005) addresses how this exhausting effort can

result in the notion of fragmented multiple selves with

identity contradictions and a weak core sense of self.

Some, such as Firat and Venkatesh, prefer to see this as a

 positive and feel that it represents the “freedom from…

having to seek centered connections or an authentic self”(Ahuvia, 1995, p. 203). There is some truth that can be

found in this idea of freedom. Collectors can form and

create to their liking without dealing with the same level

of scrutiny subjected to public museums (Kiendl, 2004).

This was exemplied in t he collection, organization and

 presentation by Albert Barnes. However, it is the respon-

sibility of the viewer and interpreter to remember that

the collectors own values and beliefs are not purposely,

but unavoidably embedded within the collection.

The empty self identity theory described , by

Cushman (1990); occurs when the self is soothed and

made cohesive by becoming ‘lled’ up with the ac-

coutrements, values, and manners of gures and things

which the self idealizes (p.599). Cushman explains that

individuals experience a sense of emptiness “interi-

orly, as a lack of personal conviction and worth, and it

embodies the absences as a chronic, undifferentiated,

emotional hunger” (1990, p. 600). His writings argue

that, “cultural conceptualizations and congurations of 

self are formed by the economies and politics of their

respective eras“(1990, p.599). In his theory, the empty

self refers to post-World War II individuals who have

 been shaped by a terrain that experiences a signicant

absence of community, tradition, and shared meaning.

Although Cushman is writing in regards to post-World

War II consumerist and not strictly collectors, his theory

acknowledges the psychological effects of an underlying

absence and suggests that an attempt at compensation

for something lost is occurring.

In similar opinion, Ahuvia (2005) expresses

that a unied, coherent identity will be unlikely due to

nancial and lifestyle circumstances with competing

norms and symbolic systems (2005, p. 182), something

seen frequently within our own societal complexity.

Curator and author, Melanie Townsend, featured author 

of Conspicuous Consumption, within Obsession, Com-

pulsion, Collection (Kiendl, 2004), states, “the obvious

connection between compulsive collecting (owner-

ship) and colonialism is grounded in the signicant and

widespread economic shift ushered by the Industrial

Revolution, the rise of the middle class and the obses-

sive consumerist drive of capitalism that followed

(Townsend, 2004, p.18). The signicance of Cushman

and Townsend’s theories is that both are both alluding to

the proposed idea that an

underlying societal issue

is driving the desire to collect and consume.

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Fig. 5

Another widely argued motive for collecting is nostalgia. As explained by Belk, possessions are a

convenient means of storing the memories and feelings that attach our sense of past (Belk, 1988, p. 148). A

collection based on nostalgia symbolizes there is a desire to identity or directly link the self with a person, place

era of the past.

A tremendously current example, demonstrating the popularity of nostalgic collecting, could be witne

at Christie’s, December 2011, Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry Collection auction. Reality star, Kim Kardashian, mad

$65,000 purchase at the sale for a set of three gold and jade Lorraine Schwartz bangles once owned by the late

actress. Kardashian, who has already reached high levels of success and fame herself, she is quoted saying to T

in a March 2011 interview, “You are my idol. But I'm six husbands and some big jewels behind.” Kardashian

rationalized her purchase by explaining, "It's not just a piece of jewelry…She wore them constantly during the

nal years of her life and I believe they carry her spirit" (Hogan, 2011). Kardashian also posed as Cleopatra, a

 played by Taylor in the 1963 lm, on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Magazine in March 2011. After the releasin

the March issue, she wrote on her personal blog, “Elizabeth Taylor is one of my all time favorite Hollywood st

icons. She epitomizes Hollywood glamour and beauty…” In a video produced by Christie’s titled The Making

an Action, Rahul Kadakia, Head of the Jewelry Department, Christie’s Americas, is quoted speaking fondly of

collection:

“Every passion boarders on t

chaotic, but the collectors passio

boarders on the chaos of memories…

– Benjamin, 193

NOSALGIA

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“This is not just a jewelry auction.

 It is the auction of Elizabeth Taylor.

It is one of the most beautiful collections of jewelry…

and then there is the romance behind every piece…

There was so much pleasure in the way she received every

 jewel, …there is much emotion in each and every one

of them…jewelry was a way of life for her.”

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According to The Hollywood Reporter,

Elizabeth Taylor's entire jewelry collection brought

in a record-breaking $116 million dollars when it was

auctioned off by Christie's New York in December 2011.

Nostalgic purchases such as this, made by Kardashian

and others, as well as our own personal accumulation of 

possessions clearly provide a sense of past. In Kardashi-

an’s case the theory of self identifying and transform-

ing, as well as the possibility of an empty self become

 plausible grounds for acquisition. Quoted from Belk’s

Possession’s and the Extended Self:

It seems an inescapable fact of modern life thatwe learn, dene, and remind ourselves of whom we are

 by our processions… They allow us to dene who we

are, where we are going, where we have come from, and

perhaps where we are going (1988, p. 160).

It is important to note, however, that nostalgia tends to

 be an idealized form of earlier periods. Fred Davis, in

Yearning for Yesterday, de constructs and redenes our 

notion of the past it in an attempt to explain to our soci-

etal infatuation with it:

 

“Nostalgia (like long-term memory, like remi-

niscence, like daydreaming) is deeply implicated in our

sense of who we are, what we are about, and (though

possibly with much less inner clarity) whither we go. In

short, nostalgia is… a readily accessible psychological

lens…for the never ending work of constructing, main-

taining, and reconstructing our identities” (1979, p.31).

Under this denition, collecting with initial nostalgic

reasoning, would eventually cycle back and fall under

the umbrella of identity seeking and transforming. Fur-

thermore, collecting with a reective mind-set allows the

collector to showcase that which they see as a success

or sense of pride. Regrettably, it allows for a personal

editing process of any negative truths and/or failures;

ultimately shifting the story line to be most benecial to

the collector’s intent and, in due course, manipulates the

perceptions of others through communication.

Ahuvia suggest that loved objects are a subset

of things that make up a consumers identity (2005,

p. 182). In Beyond the Extended Self it is stated that,

“Loved objects serve as indexical mementos to key

events or relationship in the life narrative, help resolve

identity conicts, and tend to be tightly embedded in a

rich symbolic network of associations” (Ahuvia, 2005,

p. 179). This thesis proposes that loved and nostalgic ob-

 jects can be cate gorized as one in t he same because the

objects which we tend to cherish most hold memories,

moments of pride, or symbolize some sort of signicant

linkage to a past person, place, or moment. Therefore,

more similarly than not, they are one in the same.

Ahuvia (2005) alludes to the idea that loved objects

subsequently ll the spaces of our aws, those pieces

of ourselves that we are not content with; and that they

help to relieve inner tension and conict resulting for a

conicted identity narrative. This article appreciates thisromantic notion that through love or nostalgic objects,

we can overlook and endeavor on despite our own

inner conicts due to the missing love and fulllment

being compensated elsewhere. Undoubtedly, humans

are adaptable, complex creatures with an instinct for

survival. Therefore, if compensation and other means of 

relief can be utilized, it will be taken. However, in the

end, it is only logical to assume and assert that loved and

nostalgic objects will never be enough; eventually the

inner issue will outlast and overgrow.

Self compensation and elevation for decit

relief also occurs through nostalgic collecting when the

collector nds the action to be pleasing and benecial

to the ego in the present as well as the future. Morality

is an unavoidable fate and in Western society it seems

anyone can be remembered if they have or had a collec-

tion worth living on. McCracken (1986) describes howindividuals and cultures, through idealized and nostalgic

visions of a misty past, use the past to maintain values

that never existed (Belk, 1988, p. 150). Collections are

the illustrations that go hand in hand with the collectors

self identity story. This commonly occurs when societies

give attention to idealized portions of the past and not

the whole truth of the era. Most recently it is seen in me-

dia’s idealized portrayal of the 1950’s through marketing

and entertainment.

If McCracken’s theory is applied to the col-

lector, it would suggest that collector has the capability

of manipulating and structuring, or at the very least

inltrate, a future value system which he or she will

no longer be physically apart of. This is another theory

that could be suspected of Albert C. Barnes which he

attempted through the creation of his foundation. The

collector’s legacy will live on through their personally

crafted, three dimensional obituaries or collection, a

collection that within only moments after fatality has

the potential to become a nostalgic portrait of the

collector for future generations. We witness this

occurring in innumerable ways regarding various

natures: iconic popular culture memorabilia

destinations such as Graceland, decorative ne art and

antiques house museums such as DuPont’s Winterthur,

as well as more disturbingly, in the perpetual notoriety

serial killing collectors such as Jeffery Dahmer. Thus,

these examples show varying extremes of severity, but

all exemplify the idea that the creation of acollection can involve creating, enhancing, and pre-

serving a sense of identity and collecting as a strategy

of living forever begins to happen.

In summary, as La Branch(1973) noted, we are our own histo-

rians (Belk, 1988, p.159). Whether a

nostalgic collection is formed as a link-age to the past or gateway to the fu-

ture, acknowledgement of an absence

in the context of nostalgia is unavoid-

able and a yearning for that which is

no longer present is undoubtedly oc-

curring. With this rationale, it seemslogical to dub nostalgic collections as

the most obvious attempt at compensa-

tion, as well as the most transparent in

revealing of an underlying void thatwill continuously

haunt.

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Fig. 7

The third hypothesized motivation for collecting is communication. According to Marsha Richins (19

the objects someone values become windows into their inner self (p. 522). In the case of communication, a coll

has shaped a physical message for viewers, whether it is of the collector’s values, emotions, or point of view o

a picture is being painted for the purpose of interpretation by others. As noted earlier, self transformation also f

under the umbrella of communication. This is due to the fact that it involves altering others perceptions of ones

Martin’s book, Popular Collecting and the Everyday Self (1999), purports that, “objects are a language, collect

a dialect of that language, and like any language, it can be used to make many meanings” (p.2). By using a coll

tion to symbolize who or what an individual wants to be perceived as, a collector is able to redene themselve

redirect future dialog and relations with others. The earlier example of Kardashian’s nostalgic purchase could

seen as an attempt to communicate through this method.

If a collection is meant to represent a message, it can also be argued, through an alternative lens, that c

lections can instead indicate a more condent sense of self in an individual. This contradicts the theory of the e

self, because it instead suggests that the collector has a strong, authentic self awareness and that they are choo

to project their values on others in society instead of conforming to what others perceive as valuable. This type

collector may appear to have a coherent identity narrative and instead of dealing with lack of personal convict

and worth, appear to have developed an over abundant amount of it. Similarly, it may suggest that the collector

has reached the point where they are able to focus on their being needs, addressed in Maslow’s Self Actualizat

component. According to Maslow, self actualization is an inner dialogue that occurs once there has been some

of establishment or satisfaction of the prior needs… once those needs have been met an individual can direct t

focus toward a true calling (Poston, 2009, p. 352).

“Collections are about objects, b

more importantly, they’re abo

 putting objects together to make the

speak.” – Luna 200

COMMUNICAION

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For an individual that claims they have found their true

self and subsequently have chosen to form a collection

to further physically represent and dene who they are,

the collection would be perceived as a method of shar-

ing, communicating and self portraying. It would not be

formed for the sake of knowing the inner self but instead

publicly boasting it. The catch here is that a collection,

intended to represents a self-actualizer, an individual

who focuses on what matters most in dening who they

are, could also become derogatorily reective of a ma-

terialist; therefore, opening a new realm of underlying

problem theories relevant to materialists.

Richins denes a materialist as, “a person who

is expected to place emphasis on items that are con-

sumed publicly rather than privately, material belong-

ings are more likely denote a material achievement, and

additionally, materialists tend to be less concerned with

interpersonal relationships” (Richins, 1994a, p.523).

Along with Dawson, (1990, 1992) she offers three

themes of Materialism: 1. Acquisition is fundamental to

the lives of materialists. 2 acquisition and possessions of 

goods are essential to the satisfaction and feeling of well

 being. And 3. Materialists employ possessions to indi-

cate success or status (Hunt, 1996, p.66). Belk (1995)

actually denes, “collecting as a form of materialistic

luxury consumption par excellence” (p. 479) where as

this thesis has chosen to view materialism and collect-

ing as siblings with alike attributes. Intriguing this can

 be exemplied through Richins and Dawson’s themes

which appear applicable to a collector as well. This thirdtheme is most interesting because self-actualizers could

use this same justication toward collecting to represent

their true self.

It seems oxymoronic to simultaneously carry

the titles of collector, self-actualizer, and materialist but

this demonstrates the complexity of the overlapping and

intertwining consumerist characteristics. As previously

mentioned, uctuation between the levels and severi-

ties of consumerism and Maslow’s pyramid occurs

continuously for humans. Within a week, day, or even

hour an individual can be a collector, materialist, and

self-actualizer; however, it is in the act of collecting one

cannot be self actualizing or vice versa. Furthermore, the

idea of permanence within any component, specically

self-actualization, is idealistic aspiration.

If a collector claims oneself to truly be a self-actualizer,

and by no means a materialist, whose sole purpose is on

bettering and expanding oneself, the idea of this thesis

calling out its falsehood can be seen as enormously of-

fensive; hence, why a collector may be so defensive of 

the theories explored throughout this research. Yet aws

in this alternative lens of altruistic collecting cannot help

 but to be suspected and it is difcult not to suppose that

a collector, denying the arguments made, is simply self 

 justifying and ra tionalizing themselv es out of acknowl-

edging an underlying issue. A overlay of Maslow’s pyra-

mid is offered as an attempt to exemplify how collecting

can supercially t the mold, and appear to fulll the being needs as well as the top two components of decit

needs of Maslow’s hierarchy, distracting a collector from

recognizing an internal decit.

Self actualization through defn

ones place in the univ

Success, status , expertise

knowledge through acquisi

 

Sense of purpose achieved thro

investments of time, wealth, dedicat

contemplation and endless care of

collec

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In any case, the impression implied that collecting for

means of communication is done by a collector in touch

with his authentic self is an overzealous attempt at

concealing a lack of condence. Collecting to present

a message about oneself, suggest a defensive lifestyle

or low self esteem. Objects do not help an individual

fulll their needs and they do not help elevate to higher 

levels of self awareness in Maslow’s sense. Concrete

objects do nothing for spiritual self understanding and

satisfying. The question asked by Fromm, “If I am what

I have and what I have is lost, who then am I?” (1976, p.

76), provokes the question of how a materialistic luxury

consumer or self actualizing collector would react to theloss of his most prized collection. How severe would his

grievances be, and would his true and authentic sense of 

self remain strongly intact without the physically visible

counterpart to it? By asking this question, a collector 

may become self enlightened to which level of needs

their decit lies in and more so what they are attempting

to compensate for.

 

This paper proposes that collecting as com-

munication may be the strongest method for camouag-

ing an underlying void. When stripped of the collection

would the collector feel robbed of their sense of self? If 

so, then it is safe to assume that the individual invested

more into the objects as a security blanket then them-

selves, and at the loss of it they understandably feel they

have lost themselves. Goffman (1961), observed this

sentiment of loss in individuals occur within institutions

that inicted standardization, such as: mental hospitals,prisons, concentration camps, boarding schools, and

monasteries. This forcing of standardization became

what Snyder and Fromkin (1981) called “an intentional

elimination of uniqueness and traumatic lessening on

the individual’ sense of self“(Belk, 1988, p.142). Within

Belk’s (1988) concentration in the area of Loss of Pos-

sessions, Belk only speaks of grief, morning, anger, and

violation with the loss of our objects due to the paral-

lels of loss of self. However, it has been proclaimed by

some, that in circumstances where loss of possessions

occurs unexpectedly and uncontrollably that they nally

feel free. If this sense of freedom is experienced by a

collector in a case such as this, and a sense of peace is

obtained at the relinquishing of their collection, it could

be presume they have fact reached the level of self 

actualization. Belk (1988) recognizes that, “We may

speculate that the stronger the individual’s unextented or 

core self, the less the need to acquire, save, and care for 

a number of possessions forming a part of the extended

self” (p. 159). The collector may become at one with

their authentic self that through the stripping away;

and come to see the collection for what it truly is – an

external buffer and superuous material mass incapable

of ever representing the spiritual true self.

With this debate on earthy collections it must

be noted that this is what the religions of the world have

always proclaimed to be true. Christianity, Buddhism,

Taoism and so many others get directly to this point: that

nding yourself, or being in the state of self actualiza-tion, happens when a stripping away of worldly pos-

sessions occurs. Therefore, to clarify and conclude, for

this reason and all the others argued above, to claim to

be both a collector and self-actualizer simultaneously,

appears to be an implausible case.

A nal dimension of this Communication por -

tion is to address passive collecting. Passive collecting

occurs when alike gifts are bestowed by loved ones.

Because the gift-givers are individuals that we identify

fondly with, nostalgia tends to reign, and these objects

become keepsakes endlessly looked after. A passive col-

lector may have expressed a sudden liking and identied

momentarily with a readily accessible symbol or object;

and are now suffering from being evermore associated

with it by others, despite it being an authentic reection

of the individuals true self of not. As a result, mass accu-

mulation begins to occurs, driven by the good intentionof the giver and nostalgic reasoning of the recipient. The

combination of these actions results in a false identity

or perception being imposed upon the recipient, which

is more commonly seen as constructed stereotypes. Ad-

ditionally, the recipient, or passive collector, may begin

to suffer from esteem issues to do the continuous lack 

of control over their own self identity and image (Belk,

1988, p.150).

With this reasoning, it can be presumed that

self actualization and sense of freedom will occur for

a passive collector with the loss of their objects. It also

exposes a major aw in the notion that we are what we

have. As mentioned by Mason (1981), “Collecting has

 become a signicant activity in the consumer society as

it has become more widely available through the discre-

tionary time and money available to the general popula-

tion rather than just the elite” (Belk, 1988, p. 154). With

this wide opportunity to collect, we often see passive

collections formed from more common bric-a-brac than

ne art or ne decorative arts, for example tea pots,

ceramic or stuffed animals, snow globes, ect. To steer

of course for only a moment, it is interesting to mention

that Satre identies gift giving with a special form on

control, “a gift continues to be associated with the giver

so that the giver’s identity is extended to include the

recipient” (Belk, 1988, p. 150); whether you believe in

altruism or not, this is an unpleasant speculation for both

the gift giver and receiver.

In closing Layer One, within all motivations for

collecting, self identifying/transforming, nostalgia, and

communication, an underlying decit undeniably shines

through. Devil’s advocate has been attested for both

lenses on collecting and bias’s have been acknowledged

and, with effort, put aside; yet, the argument for a larger

issue is seemly victorious. Collectors that are communi-

cating, self identifying, or linking themselves to the past,

through material objects are only doctoring the symp-

toms of a greater societal problem to which they may

not be fully aware of… the underlying void.

Layer One concludes by supporting the notion that collecting

a symptom of this underlying issue and for that reason can be

dened as an effort to self medicate. At last, it can be conclud

that society is coping with a decit that needs to be addressed

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LAYER WO

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After discussing the nature of traditional collecting, one needs to ask whether it can ultimately be con

ered healthy or dysfunctional. Each individual’s initial answer may be different, dependent upon the objects be

collected, as well as the method and manner in which they are dealt with. However; if the compulsion to colle

stems from a universal root, which this thesis proposes, then the answer will ultimately be the same, despite ho

vastly different each case may be. As mentioned earlier, collecting is personal act; and therefore, it is understan

able that it could be difcult to see the dysfunction in such a self-fullling, pleasurable activity. Sigrid Dahle’s

featured in Kiendl’s Obsession, Compulsion, Collection (2004), titled Negative Space offers an excellent exam

how one can choose to see the initial good in the pastime but also brings to light the fundamental negativity.

“Naming and collecting are rst cousins…[Adam’s accessing of the creaturely kingdom] could be

generously interpreted as a desire to know and understand, as a celebration and honoring of the diverse life form

that make for a ri chly vibrant universe…also could be regarded as a template for imperial expansion and colon

acquisitiveness, a means of establishing dominance by seizing for oneself the ri ght to name another into and ou

existence.”

SYMPOM

“Hollow hands clasp ludicro

 possessions because they are links

the chain of life. If it breaks, they a

truly lost.” – Dichter 196

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Here Dahle uses Adam as the model but it

does not seem unreasonable to impose this same idea

upon the intellectual structure of early collectors, those

who created the encyclopedic cabinets of curiosity in

the age of Enlightenment as well as collectors who are

claiming scientic motivations today. Belk (1991) nds

that collecting, in the name of art or science, allows a

collector to legitimizes their need to acquire (1995, p.

480). Suddenly, we have a response to those who argue

that traditional collecting can occur purely for the sake

of knowledge and the benet of others. A payoff, in

some regard, will always exist in the discovery of new;

and therefore, in the case of the traditional collector, un-tainted creations are nonexistent. Townsend comments

on the ‘goodness’ of colonialism and argues that it can-

not be denied that it comes along with the exploitation

of people and cultures in order to enrich foreign shores

(Kiendl, 2004, p.19), or in the case of collections, the

exploitation of objects for self enrichment. It could be

argued that purity, in the sake of knowledge and benet-

ting others, occurs within museums but reviewing this

 possibility could require another thesis unto itself and

for that reason we will not delve into it. Nonetheless, it

seems we have once again encountered the question of 

altruism existing within collecting. Can it truly exist if 

an emotional reward is inherently present? Layer Two

proceeds to theorizes that there are three off-putting yet

emotionally rewarding traits that are inevitable within

collecting:

hierarchy, dominance, and compulsion.

Fig. 9

David McClelland, author of Personality

(1951), address’s the fact that free will is non-existent

in objects, allowing individuals to have power over

them. A collector unavoidably establishes dominance

and hierarchy over his collected objects. In a similar

view, Satre (1943) feels that a primary method in which

an object becomes part of self is through appropriating

or controlling an object for personal use (Belk, 1988,

 p.150). Dominance and control as a drive to collect is

also discussed by Treas and Brannen (1976) whom sug-

gest that the specialization of each collection allows the

collector an ability to gain control and uniqueness within

self-prescribed boundaries (Belk, 1988, p. 154).

It could be considered that hierarchy, domi-

nance, and control are instinctual to our human nature

and not inherently bad. However, when witnessed within

the constricting and methodical nature of collecting the

balance in severity is off kilter. Power is exclusive to

collector and a dictatorship over an alternative world

is made possible and acceptable through this collector/ 

collected relationship, in a world where it otherwise

would not be. In society, a primitive iniction of these

traits upon others is not appropriate, but upon collected

objects it can be overlooked. Of course, hierarchy ex-

ist within family, corporate, and government structure

but it is not, or should not be, paired so tightly with

control and dominance in the same manner that it is

over a collection. It needs to remain appropriateness

within the context of the social structure. Therefore, this

thesis speculates that the act of collecting is a failing totranscend our primal instincts as suggested in Maslow’s

pyramid; hence, collecting maybe not destructing our

sense of self but it is certainly not enlightening it. Sup-

pressing cannot lead to transcending.

Unavoidable repetition of this dominance

and power is experienced in collecting no matter how

simplistic the intent may have been. It exemplies

how the innocent appearance of collecting conceals an

underlying dysfunction unaddressed by the collector and

is acting as a band aid to a suffering wellbeing. Based on

interviews with 200 collectors, Collecting as a Luxury

Consumption assesses both the positives and negative

effects of collecting for the individual collector, the

collector’s household, and society (Belk, 1995, p. 477)

Belk’s abstract states that, “while extreme and dysfunc-

tional cases are encountered, collecting is more com-

monly found to be benecial, at least for the collec

(1995, p. 477). This thesis argues that while there a

different severities of collecting, as Belk suggest, t

derlying issue is fundamentally the same. There ca

 be some benecial and some dysfunctional cases.

are all ultimately dysfunctional, due to their prima

conceal and compensate purpose; they simply diff

severity. The ‘benets’ presented by Belk (1995) a

be taken at surface value given that he fails to pres

deeper questions as to why you may need them to

with.

Collections allow for a controlled environenabling the collector to nd a moment of stability

further development of the original motive. In the

for knowledge, domination and strategies of immo

lization are forced upon the collected objects (Kien

2004).Best said by Belk, “We may not be able to c

much of the world about us, but the collection, wh

of dolls, “depression glass,” or automobiles, allow

total control of a ‘little world.’ Furthermore, collec

ing legitimizes acquisitiveness” (1988, p. 154). M

describes collecting as a way to justify and make s

of the world (1999, p.2). This hypothesis is ultimat

the same as the one applied to Ahuvia’s (2005) com

ments on loved objects; they merely offer a false s

of security and allow the underlying void to be mo

tarily tuned out. Thro ugh this dominance, a securi

oneself is gained. This sense of security was categ

 by Belk’s (199) as one of the benets of collecting

thesis fails to the good in a false sense of security; individuals’ basic need for security and safety is b

achieved through objects and not the internal self i

be realized that when the materials seize to exist so

the security.

In a contrasting conjecture to that of McC

land and Satre, Cskitszentmihalyi and Rochberg-H

(1981), theorize that the addictive nature of collect

does not come from the sense of power obtained in

but instead is the result of a cultivation process. It

cultivation process, the repetitive process of desiri

and acquiring, continuously seeking gratication f

longing, which consequently results in the addictio

Belk (1995) does acknowledge addiction as a poss

setback within collecting but chooses to see the pr

cess as a benet which “provides a collector a sen

purpose and meaning in life” (p. 486) Belk also ac

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knowledges that collections possibly provide a sense of 

mastery, expertise, and accomplishment that is lacking

elsewhere….a collector is a knowledgeable person with

an expertise, no matter how narrow or esoteric (Belk,

1995). Cskitszentmihalyi and Rochber-Halton provide

a more psychological explanation and suggest that we

invest psychic energy into our objects. This brings the

addiction to a new level of intimacy as it moves from

a physical action to mental investment. Their theory

rationalizes that we have directed our efforts, time, and

attention into them, increasing the objects personal

value, resulting in the objects being regarded as a part

of self because they have grown or emerged from theself (Belk, 1988, p. 144). The development of private

meaning for an object requires this repeated process

of purposeful interaction and contemplation, actions

underwent in an approach consistent with their personal

values (Richins, 1994a., p. 523).To conclude this t hesis

concurs with the statement, offered by Belk, in his con-

clusion of Collecting as Luxury Consumption:

 

“…Other than articulating socially valued traits and

consumption values, there is little difference

between spending money on a collection and spending

it on gambling or drugs. Each may be pursued with

equal diligence and produce comparable emotion highs”

(p. 487)

“Only when an object is

known passionately does it be-come subject rather than

object” – Belk, 1988 

In Collecting in Contemporary Practice (1998),

S.M. Pearce addresses the idea of addiction by referring

to it as the kiss of possession; she illustrates that there is

sweetness in the act of collecting which gives pleasure

but like a kiss it needs to be repeated in order to be

recaptured (Martin, 1999). Ahuvia (2005) also touches

on intimate relationship between the collector and the

collected by stating, “they were [the collected objects],

as cliché would have it, labors of love…pleasure could

 be bought but love was made” (p. 182). Here, are two

enchanting examples of how one is distracted by the

idealistic notions of collecting. These metaphors of love

and supercial romance attempt to sidetrack the pivot

quest of this thesis; which is to discover the true reasons

for collecting.

Within his book, Martin explores other works

by Pearce within Popular Collecting and the Everyday

Self, and states that Pearce list no fewer than sixteen

motivations for collecting which can ultimately be

repackaged into three basic codings: fetishes, souvenirs

and systematics. These three basic codings are a differ-

ent approach to identifying the three true motivations

proposed by the thesis: identity seeking and identifying,

nostalgia and communication. Yet, they are more similar 

in nature then different and should be considered compa-rable, cousin’s theories. Martin identies Pearce method

and uses aesthetics as a leveling device to which to enter

the collectors psyche versus that of Muensterberger who

attempted to prove and reinforce preconceived condem-

nations for it (1999, p.8). Pearce, Danet, and Kiatriel

(1994, p. 36) dene ve metaphors for collecting: col-

lecting as hunting, collecting as therapy, collecting as

passion and desire, as a disease, and as a supernatural

experience (Martin, 1999, p. 9). As done previously, an

overlay of Maslow’s pyramid is offered as an attempt

to exemplify how the metaphors for collecting can also

supercially t the mold of Maslow’s hierarchy, distract-

ing a collector from recognizing an internal decit.

SELF ACTUALIZATION1. COLLECTING AS A

SUPERNATURAL “SPIRITUAL” EXPERIENCE

  5. COLLECTING AS A DISEA

OR DYSFUNCTION...IN AN ATTEMPT AT SELF COMPENSATIO

F

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“The foundation of our economy is

based on collecting, and much of our culture is based on consumption –

where more is always better and 

seldom ever enough.”

- Townsend, 2004

As mentioned earlier, a more extremist explanation is

offered by psychoanalyst W. Muensterberger, author of 

Collecting: An Unruly Passion: Psychological Perspec-

tive. He is known for “following the classic Freudianline that collecting in adults (at least beyond a certain

point) is an analy retentive characteristic and reaction to

childhood trauma, an ego defense mechanism” (Martin,

1999, p. 7). In Why the Collect: Collectors Reveal their

Motivations, Formanek (1991) explains that early contri-

 butions to motivations for collecting derive from Freud’s

 biological drive model (1963) (Pearce, 1994, p. 327).

Martin does point out that conforming to this Freudian

theory is largely outdated, however, in Toward a New

Understanding of Collecting, Kiendl (2004) can also be

found associating extreme collecting or exceeding the

‘normal boundaries’ with bordering on the pathological

as well, except for in the case of our cultural containers:

the library, museum, or archive (Kiendl, 2004, p.14). In

another swift side note, it must be acknowledged that, to

metaphorically diagnose mass collecting as a reection

of a dysfunction, except within our cultural containers,

raises an eyebrow of suspicion. It seems illogical to ar-

gue collecting on a private, traditional scale is a sign of 

an underlying issue but society doing it collectively and

publicly at a large scale is not. It could be alternativelyargued that society’s universal need for acquisition is

an even louder collective cry for help. Nonetheless,

Muensterberger’s theory framework is described by Pete

Bears (1995), in his review of Collecting: An Unruly

Passion: Psychological Perspective:

“to develop his themes, he

rst discusses the essential elements of collecting as a

human activity, exploring its complex functions, such as

a reaction to uncertainties and traumas experienced dur-

ing childhood, an impoverished form of companionship,

a competitive hunting instinct, a pleasurable respite from

everyday life, the continuance of a family tradition, or

conrmation of a superhuman power expressed through”

(p.3).

Stated by Kevin Melchionne, “cultural theorist

often say that collecting is dominated by neurotic, fetish-

istic, compulsive, or obsessional desires” (1996, p.1).

Clearly, this is the attitude of Muensterberger's as well

as Pearce to a degree, which is undoubtedly an intrigu-

ing yet extreme theory. Melchionne quotes Muenster -

 berger’s claim that, “the acquisitive bent of the collector 

is derivative of the “grasping and clinging” of the infant

(Muensterberger, 1995, p.18-19). Ultimately, Muenster -

 berger's’ book and theories received mixed reviews due

to his intensely p assionate Freudian viewpoint, but gen-

eral consensus appears to be that his theories made for

an engaging and dramatic interpretation of the collector.

Although, Muensterberger’s approach is

extreme, it does hint at another very possible purpose

for collecting, our primal hunter and gatherer instinct.

Formanek (1991) notes the commonality between hunt-

ing and collecting and discusses how the collection like

 prey becomes a trophy— a symbol of one’s aggression

and prowess (Pearce, 1994, p. 329). It could be theorized

that individuals collect, or gather, in an attempt t o ll

at decit and the most fundamental level suggested in

Maslow’s pyramid, our physiological needs. Under this

category, Maslow’s describes our basic need for food,

water, warmth and rest. In today’s Western society food

and water is, for the most part, more readily accessible

than ever before. Our environment and landscape on the

other hand has changed drastically from era to era as

pointed out earlier by Cushman and Townsend. Could

traditional collecting be a downward-reaching attemptto ll to ll a current physiological void within our 

most basic self? This theory will be further investigated

within The Core portion of this paper.

Returning back to the ideas proposed by

Pearce, Cskitszentmihalyi and Rochber-Halton, on ad-

diction and cultivation, it is reasonable to believe that af-

ter such a personal investment, a strong attachment and

sense of pride is only natural. However, such a personal

investment can be unhealthy when it becomes emotion-

ally consuming, causing separation or strain on human

relationships and becomes prioritized over other more

 purposeful activities. In Money and Madness, Goldberg

and Lewis 1978, imply that, “Many collectors who are

inhibited and uncomfortable with social interaction,

surround themselves with favored objects upon which

they project humanlike qualities. They practically talk 

to these objects; they nd comfort in being with th

and regard them as friends.” This is a point made e

that collections can distract an individual from soc

anxieties and belonging and need decits; likewise

can create these create these issues by straining alr

existing relationships. In case as extreme as this, o

most denitely categorize collecting as a dysfunct

disabling an individual from much needed emotion

growth and support and enabling them to hid behin

objects.

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Fig. 11

Before concluding Layer Two, a contemporary example of hierarchy, dominance, and compulsion intr

cally existing through traditional collecting should be offered. This thesis will proffer a close-to-home collecti

currently wound tightly in controversy, The Barnes Collection and Foundation. The Barnes Collection is the m

tting example because it was never created to be a museum, despite that becoming its current fate as of May

In 1925, the Barnes Foundation opened its doors as an educational institution. Taken from the foundation’s we

it is explained that the Barnes Foundation was established for the purpose of "promote[ing] the advancement o

education and the appreciation of the ne arts." Unfortunately, the power which Albert Barnes attained throug

erarchy, dominance, and compulsion of controlling his collections was something he could not fathom surrendeven after death; and ultimately, it has sabotaged the good will and intentions of his gathering for future genera

All that he had strived to avoid is now becoming the collections reality due to cynicism in others and an unwill

ness to relinquish these attributes even after his death. In an attempt to live forever and impose personal ideal

upon future generations, Barnes obsession with living on and maintaining control suffocated his initial intent f

the greater good of art education by creating a static versus advancing establishment. In the opinion of Philant

Magazine’s author James Panero:

“The precision of the Barnes collection—the arrangement of art on the walls—made the co

lection great. The over-precision of Barnes’ indenture—the many stipulations meant to keep that precise arran

ment intact—rendered the foundation brittle. Barnes was accustomed to enjoying total control over his founda

Perhaps he could not imagine it entrusted to the hands of others. In any event, the indenture was over-engineere

lacking operational exibility and strong board succession mechanisms that might have allowed it to survive i

the far future” (2011).

 

The subsequent analysis is an attempt to exemplify that despite the greater good a collection contribu

both the collector and public, it is the fundamentally the materialized spew of an individual coping with under

issues, no matter how alluring, intellectual, or pleasurable the collected outcome appears to be.

"Living with and studying good paintin

offers greater interest, variety asatisfaction than any other pleasu

known to man." – Barnes, Albert

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Upon opening, Barnes orchestrated the entire

entity, the collection, the building, and its site, to be an

educational institution. This denition allowed Barnes to

keep his collection under rigid attendance and viewing

restriction while simultaneously keeping the label of 

the ‘Barnes’s Museum’ from originating. As an educa-

tional institution, Barnes was able to justify keeping his

collections tightly tucked away from the general public.

Purposely provoking his adversaries, the doors would

occasionally open to the middle class workers and strug-

gling artist; however, entrance was endlessly denied for

any visits requested by the powerful socialites, jour -

nalists and critics of the art world in Philadelphia and

elsewhere (Collin, 1994, 450). It is important to note

that it was this group who negatively reviewed his ex-

hibit in 1923 at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts,

and deeply bruised Barnes ego as a novice in art history

and collecting. In an interesting twist of fate, Barnes, a

self-made success, from the Philadelphia neighborhood

of Kensington; found himself in a position desired by

the wealthiest, most powerful families of Philadelphia,

sole owner of a collection worthy of rivaling the great

museums of the world.

Barnes unforgiving attitude and ruthless rejec-

tion of his adversaries could be regarded as the rst dis-

play of hierarchy and dominance. As told in the journal

article Public Collection Private Collector, the Barnes

Collection could be described an iron-curtained collec-

tion; and it was not until ten years after Barnes’s death

that the public won limited weekend access to view the

paintings (Collin, 1994, 450).

In the summer 2011 article, titled Outsmart-

ing Albert Barnes, Panero describes the Lower Merion

building designed for the Barnes by Paul-Phillippe Cret

and quotes the Saturday Evening Post’s reference to it

as, “a walled-in little universe.” This wording is ironi-

cally similar to that of Belk’s who claimed collections

allow us total control of a ‘little world’ (1988, p. 154).

The cataloguing and arranging of paintings done by Al-

bert was a system all his own, he did not separate works

by artist, date, or style but instead by the appearance of 

color and shape. Sole ownership of the works allowed

him the supremacy and freedom to control the display

and design to his liking as well as to direct the dialogue

and viewing methods in which others saw his collected

works:

Nothing in the collection was left

to chance. Every work of art connected to the next.

“Barnes’ interest was in the living nature of artworks,”

writes the critic Lance Esplund. “He set up dialogues

among works of various periods and diverse styles to

emphasize similarities where most museums emphasize

the distinctions. Barnes understood that the ancient

Greeks, Titian, Rubens, Renoir, and Matisse, far from

disconnected, are links in the chain” (Panero, 2011).

Best put by Panero (2011), “in creating his

collection, Barnes outsmarted the world. In crafting his

foundation, Barnes outsmarted himself.” Had the subse-

quent symptoms of hierarchy, dominance, and compul-

sion not been so tightly latched to his habit, the Barnes

Collection may have been able to live on as Albert

saw t. Yet, his intensity and determination led to his

legacy’s destruction as well as his reputation’s slander.

In an attempt to predict and control an uncontainable

future, a world that has changed more drastically than

Albert Barnes could have ever possibly envisioned,

Barnes failed his own mission. He made powerful and

relentless enemies in life that would conquer him and his

visions only in death.

To conclude Layer Two, and Section I entirely,

a nal point that needs to be made clear is that the great

collections of the world such as Barnes are of immea-

surable worth to the civilizations of the past, present,

and future. Despite the turmoil, internal decits, and

unknowingly selsh motivations that they may have

arisen from, collections are to be considered an invalu-

able gift to others at the great expense of the collector.

As understood by Collins (1994), by moving [focus] to

the collection, we can dispense with motive and move

from biography to cultural history.

With that said, by no mean does this thesis

argue the signicance of collections; it is merely meant

to provoke the collector to look deeper into oneself and

ask why they have created them. With the cases and

theories surveyed, the proposed motivations of self iden-

tifying and transforming, nostalgia, and communication

for traditional collecting seem more than logical. And

through them, the more severe symptoms of  dominance,

hierarchy, and compulsion are exposed and dissected,

ultimately supporting the greater case of an underlying

societal issue.

F

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SECION II

HE CORE

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INVESIGAING HE VOID

PROPOSING A CAU“There is a tactile thrill, embroidered

imagination. This imagination requir

certain literacy…an accumulation of referenc

dreams, and stories unleashed by contact w

the object. In this sense, the object is jus

trigger to the real collectio

which is totally interna

 – Kraus, 20

Physically and metaphorically, a collection allows an individual to constantly ll a void; as well as re

inner anxiety and tension (Muensterberger, 1994, p.253). A collector will always nd justication in acquiring

missing a piece of their collection. It allows for a triumphal moment of inner calmness, a symbolic step toward

completion or restoration. However, as previously stated throughout Section I, it is only eeting. A greater issu

renew the urge to acquire and once again the collector will need his x. Until the greater issue is resolved, the

is continuous.

Ultimately, the objects we collect are the victims of our subconscious. The need to identify, transform

municate and reminisce drives the action that is “collecting” and in the process creates an external stack of the i

nal self, inadvertently manifesting as a tangible mass of emotion. It needs to be recognized that it is not the phy

collection we are holding so dearly; it is the physical, symbolic representation of our inner self released from th

depths of our unexplored core. Because of this phenomenon, almost too complex to mentally grasp, we physic

cling to it.

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As discussed by Cushman, broad historical forces such

as industrialization, urbanization, and secularism have

shaped the modern era and inuenced the psychology of 

our time (Cushman, 1990, p.600).This thesis agrees with

this notion that a struggle is taking place in order to deal

with the growing alienation and fragmentation today.

This is described by Paul Martin, author of Popular Col-

lecting and the Everyday Self:

“Much of the writing on collecting

attributes its instigation to serendipity. I argue that in the

contemporary sense, social anxieties contribute to its

manifestation. I propose that contemporary

popular collecting can be read as a covert signal. Itcomes very often from those who have traditionally

felt themselves to be an integral part of society, but who

have been increasingly disfranchised or alienated from

it” (1999, p.9)

He theorizes that, “collecting, it is proffered, acts as a

means by which self-assurance and social equilibrium

are reinforced when socioeconomic forces threaten to

destabilize them” (Martin, 1999, p.1). He does acknowl-

edge that it could also be perceived controversially as

“an expression of renewed condence in society and as

a sign of afuence (Martin, 1999, p.1). However, this

was an idea explored earlier in this thesis after analyz-

ing a lens which opposed the empty self theory, and was

cycled back to the larger hypothesis of an underlying

issue.

If scholars of multiple backgrounds detect a

decit within our society then an investigation on what

it could be needs to take place. Many have acknowl -

edged the absence (see, e.g. Cushman (1990), Townsend

(2004), Martin (1999) but Richard Louv, author of Last

Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature

Decit Disorder (2005) and The Nature Principal: Hu-

man Restoration and the End of Nature-Decit Disorder 

(2011) pinpoints a natural decit disorder theory and

analyzes exactly what he feels this absence is, within his

two books. He denes natural decit disorder as:

“By its broadest interpretation…it

is an atrophied awareness, a diminished ability to nd

meaning in the life that surrounds us, whatever forms

it takes. This shrinkage of our lives has a direct impact

on our physical, mental and social health. However, not

only can natural-decit disorder be reversed, but our 

lives can be vastly enriched through our relationship”

(2011, p.1).

Louv explains and demonstrates how the restorative

powers of the natural world can boost mental acuity and

creativity, promote health and wellness, and strengthen

human bonds. Within The Nature Principle, Louv of-

fers new visions of the future, in which our lives are as

immersed in nature as they are technology; The Nature

Principle is "about the power of living in nature—not

with it, but in it" (Louv, 2011).

This thesis has continuously asked the question

why as we traveled down the rabbit hole, that has

been a journey in understanding collecting; yet, in the

end we arrived at a hollow core. This absence within our

core only leaves us wondering further

what is truly missing?

And undoubtedly, within our journey clues have been

found. Cushman (1990), Townsend (2004), Martin

(1999) all hint to them without connecting the nal

dots. Their references to the Industrial Revolution and

urbanization, within their theories on collecting, are the

pivotal links that this thesis was searching for. Within

the Research Strategy, it is stated, a more in-depth analy-

sis of propositions explaining a universal inner void will

be undertaken in search of a linkage to our collecting

tendencies…. Industrialization, endless expansion andurbanization have become this missing connection, now

bridging the theories on collecting to the human discon-

nect with nature.

It was during the times of the industrial revolu-

tion that our world most rapidly changed physically,

economically, socially, and culturally. In speaking about

all of these changes and our world, post the age of 

industrialization, the documentary titled The 11th Hour 

states, the evidence is now clear, industrial civilization

has caused in reputable damage (Connors, 2008). The

idealistic dream of endless growth has led to endless

consumption within today’s society, distracting, dis-

connecting, and off balancing humanity with our most

basic but necessary ecosystem, the natural world. Guest

speaker, Betsy Taylor, founder for Center of the New

“We are psychically numb, we numb our senses fr

morning to night… so nobody sees the beauty and if we h

lost the feeling, of this beauty of the world, then we are lo

ing for substitutes. Eric Hoffer said you can never get enough

what you didn’t really want, meaning we rush around, per

nently needy but the loss is that we didn’t really know what

have lost. What we have lost is the beauty of the world; and

make up for it by attempting to conquer the world, or own

world,or possess the world” - Hillman, 2

American Dream points out,

“While everything is growing bigger…we have

less of the things we really care about” (Connors, 2008) .

Psychologist, James Hillman describes the situation as

he sees it:

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CLOSING HOUGHS

This thesis has been an endeavor to guide and

enlighten a new perspective on collecting by analyzing

and examining our impulse to collect, layer by layer. As

a result of continuously asking why, we have concluded

within the hollow core and taken a stab at understanding

that which has been found to be missing. However, this

thesis does not wish to stop there; one cannot point out

all the aws and misunderstandings of an individual and

their happy habit without offering some sort of optimis-

tic solution. These closing thoughts wish to do just that.

One answer is proposed by philosopher Karl

Marx. Marx suggests that doing and working is centralto our sense of self, sense of existence, and sense of 

worth. In Capital: A Critique of Political Economy, he

proposes that the problem with having is that it produces

a false path to happiness through commodity fetishism

(Belk, 1988, p. 146). Commodity fetishism is the root

of the provoking and pervasive ongoing expectation

that happiness lies in the next acquisition. This paper 

has illustrated that the problem with collecting is that it

 produces a false path to the fulllment of needs. Instead

of giving into our impulses and urges, Marx suggests

real happiness is achieved through doing meaningful,

rewarding work. In some ways, traditional collecting

touches on this aspect. Because time is invested and

care is taken for a collection, a sense of worth and value

begins to develop symbolically in the self as well as the

objects; this investment of energy into the loved object

helps make it existentially meaningful (Ahuvia, 2005,

 p. 182). However, as acknowledged repeatedly ulti-

mately one cannot rely on material goods to resolve their

complex psychological needs, but it may be possible

that through meaningful, rewarding work one may gain

esteem and a sense of belonging and love by doing good

works for the benet of self but more importantly, oth-ers.

An alternative option is offered by Erich

Fromm, who again is a theorist who disapproves in self 

identifying through acquiring. Fromm speculates that the

we are what we have mentality pessimistically promotes

the idea that time, experiences, and life itself are items

to be acquired and retained (Belk, 1988, p. 146.) It sug-

gest that collecting may begin as something private and

manageable but manifest and poisons ones outlook on

“Understand that things are thieves of time.” - Nathan Gardels,

editor of New Perspectives Quarterly

“The future will belong to the nature-smart-those indivi

als, families, businesses and political leaders who develo

deeper understanding of the transformative power of

natural world, and who balance the virtual with the real. T

more high-tech we become, the more nature we nee

- Louv, 20

life. The compulsion to collect has the potential to be en-

tirely consuming. With this trepidation in mind, Fromm

recommends a life focused on of sharing, giving, and

sacricing; though which one can realize their identity

without the threat of ever losing it.

And lastly, there are the thoughts of Richard

Louv, who believes that the thrival and survival of man-

kind as we know it will require a transformative frame-

work for a relationship and reunion of humanity and the

rest of nature. Louv communicates that the enhancement

of human capabilities through the power of nature have

yet to be fully realized and only once we start to study it

will we become a more healthy, holistic self and world.

Within the message of The Nature Principle, Louvpredicts:

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REFERENCESAhuvia, A. (2005). Beyond the extended sel: Loved objects and consumers’ identity narratives.

 Journal o Consumer Research, 32(1), pp. 171-184.

Belk, R. W. (1984). Tree scales to measure constructs related to materialism: Reliability, validity, and relationshmeasures o happiness. Advances in Consumer Research, 11, 291-297.

Belk, R. W. (1988). Possessions and the Extended Sel.  Journal o Consumer Research, 15(2), pp. 139-168.

Belk, R. W. (1995). Collecting as Luxury Consumption: Eects on individuals and households. Journal o Econo

Psychology, 16(3), 477-490.

Benjamin, W., & Arendt, H. (1968). Illuminations (1st ed.). New York: Harcourt, Brace & World.

Brears, P. (1995). Beyond bricolage: Muensterberger "Collecting, an unruly passion: Psychological perspectives"(book review)

Chen, Y. (2009). Possession and access: Consumer desires and value perceptions regarding contemporary artcollection and exhibit visits. Journal o Consumer Research, 35(6), pp. 925-940.

Te Making o an Action . Christie's Inc. (Director). (2011).[Video/DVD]

Collin, R. H. (1994). Public collections and private collectors. American Quarterly, 46(3), pp. 448-461.

Te 11th Hour . Conners, N., Petersen, L. C., Castleberry, C., Gerber, B., DiCaprio, L., Warner Home Video (FirmAppian Way (Firm) (Directors). (2008).[Video/DVD] United States: Warner Home Video.

Csikszentmihalyi, M., & Rochberg-Halton, E. (1981). Te meaning o things: Domestic symbols and the sel . NewYork: Cambridge University Press.

Cushman, P. (1990). Why the sel is empty. Te American Psychologist , 45(5), 599.

Davis, F. (1979). Yearning or Yesterday: A sociology o nostalgia. New York: Free Press.

Demo, D. H. (1992). Te sel-concept over time: Research issues and directions. Annual Review o Sociology, 18pp. 303-326.

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IMAGESFig 1.

Charles Wilson Peale. (American Painter, Naturalist). Sel Portrait o the Artist in HisMuseum [Oil on Canvas].1822. Pennsylvania Academy o the Fine Arts.

Mauriès, P. (2002). Cabinets o Curiosities. London; New York: Tames & Hudson.

Fig 2 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 10.

Hand sketches and thoughts by author, Kate Greim. Maslow’s Hierachy o Needs imagertadapted rom pyramid image provided by 

Poston, B. C. (2009). An exercise in personal exploration: Maslow’sHierarchy o Needs. Association o Surgical echnologist 

Fig 4.

Angelo Pinto. (Photographer). Albert C. Barnes (detail). [Photography] 1946. TeBarnes Foundation Archives. Retrieved December 8, 2011, rom:

URL http://tolucantimes.ino/section/entertainment/the-art-o-the-steal/

Fig 5.

Te Elizabeth aylor Jewelry Action. [Screen Shot]. Dec. 2011. Te Making o an Action. rom Christie’s Inc. (Director). (2011).[Video/DVD]

Fig 6.

Te Elizabeth aylor Jewelry Action. [Screen Shot]. Dec. 2011. Te Making o an Action. rom Christie’s Inc. (Director). (2011).[Video/DVD]

Fig 7.

Te Elizabeth aylor Jewelry Action. [Screen Shot]. Dec. 2011. Te Making o an

 Action. rom Christie’s Inc. (Director). (2011).[Video/DVD]

Fig 11.

Albert C. Barnes. [Photography] Te Barnes Foundation Archives. Retrieved Dec8, 2011, rom:

URL http://tolucantimes.ino/section/entertainment/the-art-o-the-steal/

Fig 12.

Albert C. Barnes. [Photography] Te Barnes Foundation Archives. Retrieved Dec8, 2011, rom:

URL http://tolucantimes.ino/section/entertainment/the-art-o-the-steal/

Section Imagery 

Onion Sketch [Digital Imagery]. Retrieved Janurary 3, 2011, rom:URL http://sethares.engr.wisc.edu/telebreak.html

Paired with hand sketch o revealed layers by author, Kate Greim.

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STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

It is the design intent that through the reintroduction and balance o the natural environment with todtechnology we will holistically restore the absence ourselves and better our world. My design project will be a m

promoting this mind-set.

“Te uture will belong to the nature-smart-those individuals, amilies, businesses and poleaders who develop a deeper understanding o the transormative power o the natural world

who balance the virtual with the real. Te more high-tech we become, the more nature we n-Richard Louv, author o Last Child in the Woods and Te Nature Pri

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PROGRAMSPACE SQUARE FOOAGE1S FLOOR

HOSESS AREA 60BAR 220 (ES. SEAING FOR 8)

BAR SEAING 1038SERVICE SAION 30GUES FACILIIES 375 (UNISEX)INDOOR ELEVAOR/SAIR 1038

BACK OF HOUSERECEIVING AREA 450 (EXISING GARAGE)SM. KICHEN WIH SORAGEPREP AREA AND SERVICE WINDOW 600

OAL SQ.2 W/ C. CU OU FOR 3881SYSEMS VIEWING

SECOND LEVELDECOMPRESSION ENRY 426

DINING AREA 1050 (ES. SEAING FOR 50SERVICE SAION 30INDOOR ELEVAOR/SAIR 1038

BACK OF HOUSEKICHEN 1337

OAL SQ.2 WIH CENER CU OU FOR 3881SYSEMS VIEWING

BASEMENADDIIONAL SORAGE FOR KICHENEQUIPMEN AND AGRICULURE SYSEMS 3881

RAINWAER COLLECION & CLEANSING SYSEMS

BIOREMEDIAION/PERMACULURE SYSEMSALL LOCAED WIHIN BUILDING CORE 11643

OAL SQUARE FOOAGE ESIMAE 23,286

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CLIENTTe proposed client is the Garces Management Group, lead by Ecuadorian American che, restaurant o

and Iron Che Jose Garces. Garces currently owns seven restaurants in Philadelphia, and oresees this project to his eighth.

In addition to his successul restaurant ventures, Che Garces is the owner o Luna Farm, a 40-acre oaso sustainable agriculture located just outside o Philadelphia. Serving as both a country retreat or the che and amily and a source o produce or his restaurants, the arm is home to an herb garden, a oraging trail stocked windigenous edibles, a variety o ruits and vegetables, and even nuts and mushrooms. Te arm allows him to geto basics—amily, arm, ood

  “Te resh air, the natural beauty, the quiet return to nature, Philly is busy and urban. Being

remove ourselves rom that, to disconnect and restore and reresh—it’s priceless. Tis is a d

- Garces, Philadelphia Magazine, Oc

His new restaurant will be an eort at giving this same, back to basics, hiatus to his customers, while never leaviCenter City East.

Te project will promote and educate on urban agriculture through a visual explanation and experiencwith permaculture, the same method o arming he uses at Luna Farms to grow produce or his restaurants. Tirestaurant will attempt do as much as possible o it on location. It like his other locations will also continue partship with Buck County Freedom Fuel, where they recycle waste vegetable (ryer) oil into biodiesel- a biodegrad

alternative to diesel uel that can be used in diesel engines and or home heating oil. Currently, Garces is using tuel to maintain Luna Farms equipment.

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SITE ANALYSIS

Te proposed site is located at 2nd & Dock Street, within Society Hill section o Philadelphia. Dock St. one o the ew curving, non grid-like streets in Philadelphia because it was originally a large stream. Te mouth,piped underground, was the original landing spot o William Penn in 1682. Tis street was an area busy withmerchants, seamen, and travelers in the 1700s, and then home to the ood processing and distribution companithe 20th century beore they were moved arther south. Garces restaurants are strategically placed along a distinline in Center City moving West to East along Walnut, Chestnut, and Market Streets. Tis proposed location wowith that strategy. Te two story building is roughly 23,250 sq. 2 (including the basement). It has an existing loadock on the east side. Currently the second oor is being used as a restaurant while the rst oor is occupied bymanagement ofce and has other available open store ronts.

Map o PhiladelphOriginal Strea

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EXECUTIVE SUMMAR

ABSRAC Understanding Our Impulse to Collect 

  Tis research develops a perspective on private collecting by examining the need to possess, the super value obtained, and the unacknowledged drive behind it. It ultimately suggests that sel identiying, nostalgia, acommunication are the driving orces behind collecting and it is this ethos that begins to explain our material mIt is not the collected objects that we nd ourselves so attached to; a collection allows us to have an external staco our inner selves. Collectors may be attempting to physically ulll their spiritual needs, which is ultimately acounterproductive quest. Te purpose o this research is to extend earlier argumentative and historical researchtraditional collecting, the psyche o the collector, and the depths o consumer xation by analytically linking thissues with a greater, collective crisis in which collecting may merely be a symptom o.

RESEARCH SUMMARY

o understand the complexity as to why we collect, this thesis looks at the question like a metaphoricaonion. It also uses Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy o Needs as a template throughout to examine what needscollecting ullls . Within Layer One, the three most hypothesized motivations or collecting are addressed: selidentiying and/or transorming, nostalgia, and communication. Within these motivations one theory in particustood out: the theory o the empty sel. It was the rst to allude to an underlying societal issue as the motivationdriving the desire to collect and consume. Tis thesis proposed that collectors attempting to communicate, selidentiying, or link themselves to the past, through material objects are only doctoring the symptoms o a greate

societal problem, the underlying void , and or that reason collecting can be dened as an eort to sel medicate.

Although it may seem like a harmless and pleasurable method o coping, subsequent symptoms inhereoccur in the process which suggest otherwise. Tese symptoms are the enorcement and display o hierarchy,dominance, and control. All which are instinctual to our human nature and not inherently bad. However, whenwitnessed within the constricting and methodical nature o collecting and treatment o objects, the balance inseverity is clearly o kilter. It is speculated that the collecting is a ailing to transcend our primal instincts; henccollecting maybe not sel destructive but it is certainly not sel enlightening. Suppressing cannot lead totranscending.

Ultimately this thesis does not argue the signicance o collections; it is merely meant to provoke thecollector to look deeper into onesel and ask why they have created them. In our world today we have more o everything; yet we have less o that which we truly care about. It is my design intent that through the reintroducand balance of the natural environment with today’s technology we will holistically restore the absence ourselveand better our world. My design project will be a model promoting this mind-set.

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CLIEN PROFILE

Te client proposed is the Garces Management Group, lead by Ecuadorian American che, restaurant owner,and Iron Che Jose Garces. Garces currently owns seven restaurants in Philadelphia as well as Luna Farm, a 40-acreoasis o sustainable agriculture located just outside o Philadelphia, in Bucks County. Serving as both a country retreat or the che and his amily and a source o produce or his restaurants, the arm allows him to get back tobasics—amily, arm, ood. Tis new restaurant will give this same, back to basics, hiatus to his customers, whilenever leaving Center City Eas t. It will promote and educate on urban agriculture through a visual explanation andexperience with permaculture, attempting to grow as much as possible on location. It like his other locations will alsocontinue partnership with Buck County Freedom Fuel, where they recycle waste vegetable (ryer) oil into biodiesel.

PROGRAM

SIE ANALYSIS

 

Te proposed site is located at 2nd & Dock Street, within Society Hill section o Philadelphia. Dock St. isone o the ew curving, non grid-like streets in Philadelphia because it was originally a large stream. Te mouth, nowpiped underground, was the original landing spot o William Penn in 1682. Tis street was an area busy withmerchants, seamen, and travelers in the 1700s, and then home to the ood processing and distribution companies inthe 20th century beore they were moved arther south. Garces restaurants are strategically placed along a distinctline in Center City moving West to East along Walnut, Chestnut, and Market Streets. Tis proposed location workswith that strategy. Te two story building is roughly 23,250 sq. 2 (including the basement). It has an existing loadingdock on the east side. Currently the second oor is being used as a restaurant while the rst oor is occupied by themanagement ofce and has other available open store ronts.

1S FLOOR SPACE SQUARE FOOAGE

HOSESS AREA 60BAR 220BAR SEAING 1038SERVICE SAION 30GUES FACILIIES 375ELEVAOR/SAIR 1038

BACK OF HOUSERECEIVING AREA 450SM. KICHEN WIH SORAGE/PREP AREA AND SERVICE WINDOW 600

OAL SQ.2 W/ C. CU OU FOR 3881SYSEMS VIEWING

SECOND LEVEL SQUARE FOOAGE

DECOMPRESSION ENRY 426DINING AREA 1050SERVICE SAION 30INDOO R ELEVAOR/SAIR 1038BACK OF HOUSEKICHEN 1337

OAL SQ.2 W/ C. CU OU FOR 3881SYSEMS VIEWING

BASEMENSORAGE FOR KICHEN EQUIPMEN 3881

AND AGRICULURE SYSEMS

RAINWAER COLLECION & CLEANSING SYSEMS/ BIOREMEDIAION/PERMACULURE SYSEMSALL LOCAED WIHIN BUILDING CORE 11643

OAL SQUARE FOOAGE ESIMAE 23,286

ISSUES & AIUDES

Te design approach taken or this project needs to be ocused on the idea o GENERAION.

GENERAING A SENIMEN OF SILLNESS : More so than ever beore, society is consumed by objects andcompulsion to claim them. We are so xated on rapidly attending to our needs that we oen ail to remember pause, reect, and mentally process our actions. My research has made me more aware o this disconnect andmisunderstanding within ourselves. Generating an environment which promotes this type o reection and recnection is essential because without the opportunity to decelerate, nding a place o balance within ourselves isunlikely.

GENERAING LIFE: Te building selected or this project sits on the site o one o Philadelphia’s oldest orgottstreams. Trough day-lighting that which we have neglected and orgotten environmentally we will begin to

physically reintroduce nature back into our lives. My research observed that this detachment has lead to theacquisition o weak substitutions and a waning o sense o serenity within individuals. Trough the cultivation generation o new lie in our environment, a holistic approach to nurturing a healthier being can be provided.

GENERAING A HYBRID FRAMEWORK: Trough cradle to cradle design considerations a sustainable modbe generated that is considerate o lie in the past, present and uture. Te awareness, utilization and usion o omost powerul assets, nature and technology, will promote a high standard o living, thinking, and experiencing

PRESENAION REQUIREMENS

Visual Concept Board & Design StatementRevit Floor and Ceiling Plans (3)Full Building Sections (2)Rendering: Exterior Renovations, Decompression Area, Restaurant and Bar areas. (4)  All renderings should 

incorporate views o the vertical urban agriculture and permaculture systems interacting with these spa

Detail o Vertical Wall and Permaculture Systems (2)Finishes and Furnishings: Dining area, Bar, and Waiting Areas, possibly exterior renovation materials.

Work Plan 

Concept Images and Adjacencies with 3 Dimensional Consideratio ns Week o Feb. 13thRevit Base Plans and Sections Week o Feb. 20thSpace Planning Design Development Week o Feb. 27thWalk through Jury: Design Development Week o March 5thRening Space Planning and Design Considerations Week o March 12thFinalize Space Planning and Begin Sections Development Week o March 19thBegin Perspective Rendering Finishes and Furnishings Gathering Week o March 26thWalk through Jury: Final Design Review Week o April 2ndContinue Perspective Rendering Development and Section Rendering Week o April 9th

Advisor Meeting Week o April 16thAdvisor Meeting Week o April 23rd

Walk through Jury: Presentation Focus Week o April 30thFinalize any last minute revisions, Advisor Meeting Week o May 7thSubmit Final Tesis Presentation Turs. May 17thPrepare Oral Presentation Friday, May 18thFinal Tesis Presentation Saturday, May 19th