Tracing the Wild Beam: An Investigation of the Process Approach in Use at Prickly Mountain, Vermont

• Main Author: Greer, Kelsie
• Other Authors: Narath, Albert
• Language: en_US
• Published: University of Oregon 2014
• Subjects: David Sellers; Prickly Mountain; Process; Wild Beam Theory
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1794/17914

This thesis attempts to shed light on the process approach developed at Prickly Mountain, Vermont by investigating the influence of Yale professors Robert Engman and Chris Argyris. As a sculptor, Professor Engman influenced the way in which Prickly Mountain builders interacted with their materials, allowing space for discovery. On the other hand, professor Argyris from the Industrial Administration program inspired Prickly Mountain builders to consider the element of human behavior in interacting with their structures. Argyris' teaching also inspired critical engagement with the practice of architectural education. Together, Engman and Argyris present a more in depth picture of the design process at Prickly Mountain and thus help to provide an academic footing for this otherwise eccentric practice.