Digital Commons Network^™

Show Me What You Mean: The Case For Easy-To-Use 3d Visualizations Of The Built Environment, Noelyn Stephens, Juan Salamanca

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Visual communication, particularly realistic visualization, has been found to be effective for facilitating constructive discussion on issues related to the built environment. Here, we make the case that a browser-based, intuitively designed 3D visualization interface could widen access to such approaches increasing opportunities for co-creation. Using this type of easy-to-access tool could allow community members to own the process of creating a shared vision for their city.

Towards Empowering Cohousing Communities: Finding Balance With A Group Of Users-Clients Throughout The Architectural Process, Audrey Mertens, Louise Coniasse, Catherine Elsen

DRS Biennial Conference Series

This paper explores the evolving role of architects in cohousing projects in response to environmental, economic, and social challenges. This research incorporates insights from semi-structured interviews in three Belgian case studies. The foundations and values of cohousing communities are tackled, highlighting shifts in architects' roles and challenges in working with groups of user-clients. In these cohousing processes, we found that the representatives of these user-client groups may not always share the full breadth of their negotiations with architects. Architects seem to miss out on some of the nuances, and some participants found that this approach left their voices unheard. Amidst …

Using Living Labs To Engage Communities And Stakeholders In The Development And Knowledge Exchange Of Urban Health And Sanitation Solutions In The Global South, Emmanuel Tsekleves, Roger Pickup, Manoj Roy

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Engaging communities and stakeholders in developing user-centred urban health solutions, whilst linking the research to their own development, pose major challenges for design researchers working in the Global South. In a number of circular sanitation projects in a community school in Ghana, we co-designed and installed an anaerobic digester delivering electricity and sanitation improvements. To enhance impact we developed and pilot-tested a Living and physical Lab design approach. One project focussed on hand hygiene. We introduced students to ‘making the invisible visible’ by visualising microbes from their hands and assessing handwashing effects. Our findings suggest that visualisation of microbes not …

Designing From The Plants' Perspective. A Field Case Study In Urban Forest Of “La Goccia”, Francesco Vergani, Fabio Di Liberto

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Designing by engaging more-than-human agents such as plants is a complex chal-lenge, as they have long been regarded as "ontologically inferior" resources pri-marily serving human needs. Emerging studies in the field of Plant Neurobiology are now breaking down knowledge barriers, gathering extraordinary data that recognize plant actions and behaviors guided by a distinct form of intelligence. Considering this breakthrough findings, this paper describes a 10-day workshop involving 52 international design students from Politecnico di Milano University that focused on experiencing plants in a former industrial area within the city borders. Through the years, this area has gone from desolation to …

Preferable, Contextual And Sustainable… Climate Futures For Ecological Citizens., Robert Phillips, Sharon Baurley, Emily Boxall, Luke Gooding, Daniel Knox, Charlotte Nordmoen, Alec Shepley, Tom Simmons, Sarah West, Joanna Wright

DRS Biennial Conference Series

The responsibility for sustainable futures extends beyond individual disciplines, necessitating the adoption of diverse approaches across various fields. Water pollution is at epidemic levels, valuable materials go to landfill, ocean detritus grows, many people are disconnected from green space, and biodiversity is plummeting. We need new modes of climate futures, championing citizen agency. Societies require cross-collaborative, inclusive approaches to navigate climate future challenges. We seek to foresee ‘climate futures’ that signpost challenges, unpicking (appropriate) opportunities, benefits, and pitfalls. Through an Ecological Citizenship lens, the authors traverse situations, through preferable futures. It is an entry point for transition design, creating climate …

Historical Evolution Of Age-Friendly Transitions In The Yangfangdian Community In Beijing: A Multi-Level Perspective, Lijun Chen, Vladimír Kočí, Haipeng Tian

DRS Biennial Conference Series

The issue of transition and transformation of communities has a long history. Particularly in today's context of increasing aging trends, cities and communities are facing unprecedented multiple challenges that drive the transition to a more inclusive and sustainable future to enable community stakeholders to have a higher quality of life experience and to fulfil their visions for the future. This paper systemically reveals insights from the past of the ageing issue in the Yangfangdian community in Beijing through a multi- level perspective (MLP) framework created with local residents, a museum and design students to understand the historical foundations of the …

Asset Based Architectural Design With A Systemic Perspective In Vulnerable Community- Participatory Action Research In Iraq Bersive 2 Refugee Camp, Hei Chan, Peter Hasdell

DRS Biennial Conference Series

Vulnerable communities often lack of basic housing and facilities. However, with more understanding, they not only face housing problem but also with social, economic, environmental, political issues and so on. Traditional building approach often focuses on material needs while the underlying causes could be neglected. In fact, vulnerability is often more in the intangibles: relationships with self, others and environment. With this regard, how could designers develop efficient systemic design strategies responding to the complexity of social systems and empower vulnerable groups to recognize themselves as interrelated actors in community development? Asset based design approach under the community capital framework …

Blended Teaching In Higher Education Textbook, Breanna Slaugh

Instructional Psychology and Technology Graduate Student Projects

No abstract provided.

From Australia To Nebraska: Researching Social Value, Marilyn R. Schlake, Cheryl A. Burkhart-Kriesel, Jean Ann Fischer, Michelle Krehbiel, Randy Saner

Cornhusker Economics

Globally, there is a growing body of research on social capital through the lens of social value, or how the social connections translate into actions with tangible outcomes impacting livelihoods and well-being. In the United States, social value is a relatively new perspective that will add to the social capital discussion.

A Critical Book Review Of The Work Edited By Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021). Advancing The Global Agenda For Human Rights, Vulnerable Populations, And Environmental Sustainability: Adult Education As Strategic Partner., Sharon V. Gardiner-Taylor

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

ABSTRACT

This critical book review is an overview of the work edited by Alfred, M. V., Robinson, Petra, A., & Roumell, E.A. (Eds.) (2021), Advancing the global agenda for human rights, vulnerable populations, and environmental sustainability: Adult education as strategic partner. This review introduces each author, discusses the content, and concisely evaluates the work. Alfred, Robinson, and Roumell use a global perspective to explore how adult education influences considerations for marginalized persons with low literacy levels. Further, they write that people should focus on learning, not capital gain, but also contend that one does not have to operate at the …

Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura Similis) Use Of Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) Burrows In Buckingham, Florida, Josie Rivero, Andrew M. Durso

Florida Field Naturalist

No abstract provided.

What Does Water Want?, Julia Woznicki

Masters Theses

This thesis begins with an exploration of our relationship with water at multiple scales, from microscopic study of desert moss to macroscopic research of freshwater resources. It evolves to embody a methodology of holistic, bioregional design that interweaves systems of ecology, economy, material landscape, and reconsideration of temporality in our built environment. This project also explores how that methodology may adapt between the Global North and the Global South.

No new plastic has been used in the process of this thesis. Material innovation using hemp hurd guides the exploration of how biomimetic principles can be achieved not only through form …

Small Islands Commons: Retrieving Territory, Identity And Rights In The Bahamas, Fangzhou Zhao

Masters Theses

The Earth’s surface area comprises 71% ocean and 29% land. This vast disparity has led to the conceptualization of the Earth as a collection of interconnected islands, a perspective that challenges traditional views which often portray islands as isolated, marginal, or primitive. These narratives have been further complicated by the effects of climate change, which positions islands as vulnerable and in need of attention.

This research seeks to explore new socio-cultural contracts with territories to achieve bio-socio-spatial justice. It aims to maintain sustainable and equitable relationships between governments and local communities, focusing on addressing historical inequalities. By examining landscape-based strategies …

Equivision Habitat: The Collective Dreamworks, Shixuan Zhou

Masters Theses

近年来，武汉这座充满活力的城市在经济快速增长的同时，也经历了重大的社会变革。城市的天际线不断扩大，新的商业和住宅区正在迅速涌现，吸引了更多的中产阶级家庭。作为武汉的长期居民和观察者，我看到了这种向中产阶级社会转变的诱惑力，但我也敏锐地意识到随之而来的社会成本。武汉向中产阶级社会的转变不仅体现在消费水平的提高和生活方式的转变上，更重要的是，体现在城市空间和社区角色的重新配置上。曾经为低收入居民提供住房的旧社区正在被改造成高端公寓和商业空间。虽然这种转变改善了城市的整体形象，但也导致了原住民的流离失所。这种深刻的变化凸显了中产阶级化的双刃剑性质。在这种背景下，我开始关注那些被这一进程边缘化的人的声音和需求。老年居民失去了熟悉的社区环境，年轻人尽管渴望加入新兴的中产阶级，但仍在为高昂的生活成本而苦苦挣扎。这种日益加剧的社会分层，让我深刻反思了城市更新的公平性和可持续性。本文提出了一种基于集体所有权和通过社区土地信托进行管理的社区模式。这种模式将土地所有权从个人转移到社区集体，确保开发活动优先考虑社区的长期福利，而不是短期的商业收益。其目的不仅是提供经济适用房，还旨在培养一个具有共同愿景的社区，探索在城市发展的同时维持社会多样性和包容性的方法。

Creative Connections: Building Empathy To Foster Ecoliteracy Through Art Education, Jocelyn Salim

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the potential positive impact of fostering empathy and understanding for the natural world through art education. Through action research, this study examines various teaching approaches, such as incorporating scientific knowledge, employing literature to discuss ecological themes, and engaging in participatory storytelling activities to cultivate empathy among elementary school children. The objective of this thesis is to explore empathy as a potential pathway to encourage children to foster connections with the natural world and develop compassionate traits, attitudes, and behaviors towards nature as they grow. The findings of this study reveal that children exhibit high levels of enthusiasm …

Sacrifice Zones, Jonathan Rosenbloom

Nevada Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Military Climate Emissions, Nadia B. Ahmad

Nevada Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Witnessing Timelessness: Revitalizing Heritage Tourism In The Ruins Of Saudi Arabia, Reem Habis

Masters Theses

Well-known historic sites in Saudi Arabia, such as Historic Jeddah, are designated as heritage, meaning they are protected from deterioration over time. However, in the Aseer region, there are over 4500 unprotected modest sites that provide an integral sense of identity and authenticity to the culture of not just this region, but the entire Kingdom. The absence of preservation guidelines has left these sites vulnerable to indiscriminate developments attempting revitalization. Undesignated heritage sites must be safeguarded and rehabilitated rather than neglected and left at risk of further decay, especially with the encroachment of tourism.

To preserve the sites’ authenticity and …

The Mysterious Case Of The Attacks Against The Halifax Public Gardens: The Enclosure Of "Common" Property , Public Access To Nature, And Sustainability In The City, Dr. Sara Gwendolyn Ross

Villanova Environmental Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Towards An Ecodramatherapy: Drama Therapy For Climate Grief & Climate Activism, Emilie Slotine

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

As governments and social organizations fail to sufficiently address the rapidly warming climate, psychological responses such as grief, anxiety, anger, guilt and shame increase, with young people disproportionately affected. This capstone thesis reviewed current literature on climate-change related mental health issues, considered the lack of literature within the field of drama therapy, and engaged in preliminary ecodramatherapeutic work through textual analysis. Seven plays about climate change were coded using qualitative data analysis for shared themes of therapeutic relevance. Emergent themes included The Paradoxical Power/Powerlessness of Humanity, Lost Connection to Nature or Spirit or Culture, Art as Activism and Intergenerational Responsibility. …

An Inventory Of Tidal Marsh Restoration Opportunities In Humboldt Bay And Their Impact On Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Nicholas Rowlands

Master's Projects and Capstones

Blue carbon ecosystems like tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrass are efficient carbon sinks that release minimal methane under saline conditions. However, coastal wetlands globally are under threat, and on the U.S. West Coast some 85% of historic tidal wetlands have been lost. As such, there is increasing interest in their restoration as a necessary climate mitigation strategy. This GIS analysis identifies potential tidal marsh restoration sites in Humboldt Bay, California, and estimates the post-restoration greenhouse gas benefits. An elevation-based model of Humboldt Bay’s full estuary extent developed by West Coast researchers was combined with data from the California Aquatic Resources …

Land Use Intensification And Bio-Resource Utilisation In The South Pacific Islands, David Lopez Cornelio

International Journal of Islands Research

The long and gradual colonisation of the Pacific islands created settlements of cohesive social networks that fused or were displaced by western ways of life, trade and governance through the centuries. In this paper, a historical review of the processes of island discovery, plants domestication, and of land use practices are discussed alongside the main socioeconomic drivers of land cover change. The native trees of the South Pacific constitute an invaluable resource for sustainable development; they were used and domesticated for thousands of years but logging, commercial agriculture, mining, the introduction of exotic species and urban expansion are threatening them …

An Examination Of The Ways In Which Transdisciplinary Research Could Be Used To Incentivize Local Communities To Combat The Illegal Wildlife Trade, Jessica Rios

FIU Undergraduate Research Journal

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is currently one of the most critical conservation concerns, given its direct impact on biodiversity loss, endangering local ecosystems, and adding pressure to all species at a point when they face dangers like deforestation and mass extinctions. This industry also significantly impacts local communities, many of which are compelled to engage in it as a result of their precarious socioeconomic conditions. While effective countermeasures to this global issue have been identified, successful implementation of these countermeasures require diverse disciplines and collaborators. This paper argues that a transdisciplinary approach that converges knowledge and skills from social …

Women's Wings In Rebel Groups, Heidi Marie Stallman

Dissertations - ALL

The proceeding dissertation is a collection of three articles exploring the phenomenon of women’s wings in rebel groups. The articles ask different questions and utilize diverse methodological tools. The three abstracts are below. Paper 1 exposes the patterns of women’s wings in rebel groups through a large-N analysis of 372 rebel groups existing between 1946 and 2015. Scholarship in rebel governance has begun to identify trends of how women organize and participate in rebel groups. Patterns of women’s participation in conflict vary widely in scope, purpose, and form between, within, and after conflict. This paper focuses on patterns of women’s …

A Comprehensive Business Plan And Sustainability Model For A Student-Led Pro-Bono Clinic Enriching Students And Community Well-Being, Kelsey T. Days

Occupational Therapy Capstone Projects

Student-led pro-bono clinics are often established to address the growing concerns of access to healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. Additionally, student-led pro-bono clinics are initiated to guide student learning and prepare students for future clinical experiences. However, many pro-bono clinics face issues with sustainability and funding, which could impact service delivery. It is important to establish a solid foundation during the development phase of a pro-bono clinic. This includes development of a comprehensive business plan and sustainability model to ensure the longevity of the clinic and a method of verifying success towards goals and objectives. Despite issues affecting sustainability, …

Spending Money In The Neighborhood? Trinity College, The Hartford Economy, And The Spending Habits Of College Students, Jack Godin

Senior Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Lds Women And The Teton Dam Disaster Of 1976, Emily Willis

The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing

June 5, 1976, started like any other spring day in southeastern Idaho. After the cold winter, most of the residents of the numerous farming towns that lie throughout the Upper Snake River Valley found the beautiful Saturday ideal for farm work, gardening, or spring cleaning. About twenty miles northeast of Rexburg, the largest town in the area, the Teton Dam neared completion. A Bureau of Reclamation project, the dam promised to stop the annual flooding that so often decimated portions of farmers' fields along the Teton River. Around 11 o'clock that morning, however, came a terrifying report: the Teton Dam …

Shakespeare’S Economies Of Hospitality: Broken Comedies, Bad Hosts, And Troublesome Guests, John Henry Sauls

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Examining four Shakespeare plays for moments of hospitality and inhospitality, the question must be asked, “Is hosting and guesting necessary to maintain strong community?” In this exploration, hospitality is examined in four of Shakespeare’s plays, tracing its effects on the communities within those plays, showing that without hospitable performance, community falters and may eventually break apart. Such exploration of what goes well and not so well with hospitality offers a wealth of insight into cultural studies. Specific characters from these four plays are crucial to this study, as they provide concrete examples of human interactions gone awry and then …

From Counterspaces To Community:A Qualitative Case Study Analysis Of Black Community Making At A Pwi, Charles Watkins

Dissertations

This qualitative case study examined how Black college students build and maintain a sense of community at a predominantly white institution (PWI). Informed by relational sociological methodology and the conceptual framework of Black placemaking, this study foregrounded the nuanced process of community building, focusing on the interplay between Black students and the spaces—physical and digital—they cocreate collectively. This study particularly emphasized the significance of the Black Student Union (BSU) as a foundational Black student organization at PWIs. The following lines of inquiry guided this study: (a) How do Black undergraduate students at a PWI define the Black community? (b) What …

The Role Of Nonprofit Organizations In The Context Of Increased Living Costs In Ontario, Hashem Al-Dimashki

Major Papers

This research highlights the crucial role of non-profit organization in supporting the well-being of local communities in Ontario, particularly amidst increased cost of living. The increased cost of living has led to a higher CPI, negatively impacting the quality of life for many Ontarians and Canadians. While the vulnerable population become increasingly uncertain about the future, the role of non-profit organizations becomes prominent as effective community leaders. This research will illustrate how non-profit organizations address the most significant challenges the vulnerable population face today in terms of their quality of life, which are: housing insecurity, food insecurity, and transportation. The …