Progressiveness is defined as gradual betterment; especially: the progressive, or continually improving, development of humankind. Humans have a subconscious desire for progressiveness; this is best exhibited in the modern attachment to the automobile. The fast-paced development of the automobile fuels progressiveness, while the customizability, adaptability, and controllability of the automobile bestows upon its driver an experience that keeps them wanting more. This thesis investigates the relationship between automobiles and the built environment and explores how architecture can take cues from high-performance automobiles with respect to the experience of high technology, the sensation of speed and independence of the user. How can the built environment be more like a high-performance automobile?
Through general design theory, the exploration of high-performance automobile components, and the exploration (and critique) of non-traditional architectural constructions, connections between the built environment and the automobile industry begin to point to potential design responses. Through experimentation and observation, a better understanding of appropriate demographic and geographic applications can be reached. In this thesis, the ultimate goal is to design an architectural response that improves the human way of life and can by applied to other programs and contexts. By designing architecture more like a high-performance automobile, the built environment can become the best, most efficient version of itself. It will simultaneously create a more interactive and enticing experience for the user, ultimately improving the human quality of life and encouraging progressiveness.