Architecture Commons^™

The Deerfield Street Initiative (Greenfield, Ma), Sarah Crowley, Grace Mccab, Toriellen Swistak, Alec Wade, August Williams-Eynon

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Studio and Student Research and Creative Activity

The goal of the Master of Regional Planning Studio is to develop a student’s techniques for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing spatial and non-spatial data and then presenting that collective data in a manner (i.e., report, video, presentation, and charettes) that is understandable to academics, professionals, and the public. Planning Studio allows students to integrate knowledge from coursework and research, and apply such knowledge to resolving representative planning problems. At UMASS Amherst, these problems are found in neighborhood, rural, urban, and/or regional settings.

For the fall 2018 Planning Studio, the Town of Greenfieldtasked the Masters of Regional Planning Studio to prepare …

Imagine Community, Imagine Home (Chicopee, Ma), Christian Appia, Francesca Cigliano, Jenna Davis, Greg Labombard, Kristen Whitmore, Simeng Zhang

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Studio and Student Research and Creative Activity

The goal of the Master of Regional Planning Studio is to develop a student’s techniques for collecting, analyzing, and synthesizing spatial and non-spatial data and then presenting that collective data in a manner (i.e., report, video, presentation, and charettes) that is understandable to academics, professionals, and the public. Planning Studio allows students to integrate knowledge from coursework and research, and apply such knowledge to resolving representative planning problems. At UMASS Amherst, these problems are found in neighborhood, rural, urban, and/or regional settings.

For the fall 2018 Planning Studio, Chicopee tasked the Masters of Regional Planning Studio to prepare a Housing …

Resilient Architecture: Adaptive Community Living In Coastal Locations, Erica Shannon

Masters Theses

How can architects design for coastal inundation caused by climate change, what are the methods and strategies currently being implemented as a response to coastal inundation, and how can these strategies influence the design approach for a self-sustaining community that can survive and thrive in a low-lying coastal area?

Climate change is caused by an expenditure of planet-harming resources being improperly or inefficiently utilized and consumed. This can lead to a rise of global sea level and an increased severity of storm surges.

Resilience is defined as the ability to overcome challenges and difficulties. Coastal resilience is the ability for …

Architectural Synergy: A Facility For Lifelong Learning In Academia And Practice, Ryan Rendano

Masters Theses

Historically, a disconnect has existed between the education and practice of architecture. Architectural education has long prided itself on the value of creative problem-solving, research, and the fine arts. In contrast, the practice of architecture has evolved to emphasize technical knowledge, specialization, communication, business, and collaboration. This disconnect has led education to miss opportunities to teach students business skills and knowledge required for the workplace, and allowed practice to lose sight of the importance of artistry and research. Architecture educators, students, and practitioners each have a unique set of knowledge and skills to offer the other, and a corresponding set …

Envisioning Resilience & Revitalization In The Apremont Triangle Neighborhood, Andrew Capelluti, Allison Gramolini, Maggie Kraus, Sara Lawler, Mimi Lo, Kate O'Connor, Doug Serrill, Alysha Thompson, Diance Tian

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Studio and Student Research and Creative Activity

ENVISIONING RESILIENCE AND REVITALIZATION IN THE APREMONT TRIANGLE NEIGHBORHOOD

This urban design studio partnered with the City of Springfield to investigate the complexity of issues facing the Apremont Triangle neighborhood within the metro district and develop a range of conceptual designs. The studio focused on developing ideas that improve the livability of the neighborhoods, walkability of streets, and improve the environmental and economic health of the neighborhood. Resiliency in this context means that the neighborhood strives for a social and physical balance.

The Studio began by conducting an inventory and analysis of cultural, economic, and ecological factors that influence the …

Envisioning The South End Of Tomorrow: Live, Work And Recreate In A Transforming Neighborhood, Chris Alpay, Leanne Blue, Jon Bronenkant, Hao Fang, Anthony Gemma, Rachel Guilfoil, Silke Henstebeck, Barbara Lampson, Andrew Libby, Kyle Nevarro, Karina Ramos, Stephen Roach, Genevieve Shepard, Jasmine Su

Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Studio and Student Research and Creative Activity

ENVISIONING THE SOUTH END OF TOMORROW – Live, Work and Recreate in a Transforming Neighborhood

Background and Challenges

Downtown Springfield is currently undergoing a substantial change of the physical urban fabric. The most visible examples are the construction of the MGM Casino Resort and the renovated Union Station into a multimodal transportation hub. The MGM Casino Resort is the first one in the country that is integrated in a core downtown area. It is obvious that downtown and its adjacent districts will change substantially. How can different uses next to each other coexist productively or can negative influences be being …