Architecture Commons^™

125th And Amsterdam: Creating Spaces For Social Interaction, Joshua Payne

Architecture Theses

This Project is designed to address the negative aspects of gentrification in an urban context, specifically Harlem, NYC. This is relevant to the current situation in Harlem as 125th Street, its main corridor, is being revitalized and wealthy investors are buying property in the area. Through sitting, programming and integrated design, my goal is to relieve the tension between two drastically different socioeconomic neighborhoods as they are becoming one.

Lost Angeles: Los Angeles, California, Usa, Irena Gagulic

Architecture Theses

A social resource center and emergency crisis intervention shelter for unclaimed runaway youth attempting to reclaim their identity within society, and a memorial dedicated to the individuals who lie unclaimed or unidentified because they never received that opportunity.

A Catalyst For Urban Renewal: Reservoir Number Three Environmental History Museum, Brian R. Fontaine

Architecture Theses

This architectural thesis investigates how architecture can have an impact on urban renewal by strengthening communities with an architecture which promotes human interaction through spatial and programmatic interconnections, as well as promoting relationships between people, their history, and context.

Architecture As An Educational Tool: University Of Connecticut School Of Architecture, Nicholas Mundo

Architecture Theses

I propose a school of architecture focused on holistic approach to design, taking consideration for the various related fields to offer a positive learning environment. The building itself will serve as an educational tool, providing space for interactions to occur and for visitors to understand the inner workings of a school of architecture. The building should represent a progressive thought process and promote creativity and collaboration.

Hatfield Community Center: Hatfield, Massachusetts, Patrick Dominov

Architecture Theses

The goal of the project is to create a building that can be as active as possible throughout the day and evening. This can be done by finding a variety of users to occupy the building for different times of the day. In addition, creating multipurpose spaces will allow the building to stay smaller in size; a space in the building can take on multiple functions. Bringing in the entire community to this building is what will make the building successful. The building will be designed with the entire community in mind; young, middle-age, and elderly, not just a specific …

F.F.A: Forensic + Funerary Architecture, Michael P. Cafro

Architecture Theses

This thesis document proposes the notion of an architecture that incorporates a three part program which involves violent and natural death cases. With scientific and larger public gathering spaces proposed in the building’s program, the users are grouped in a common environment that deals the subject of death. The general public are a witness to the building’s architecture and have the ability to react and become aware of their surroundings and possibly allow for an appreciation toward life.

Design As A Tool For Architectural + Social Development: The Kalighat Women’S Resource Center, Lindsay Brugger

Architecture Theses

This project aims to serve, and ultimately enable, those who fall outside the realm of social recognition; specifically, women working in prostitution. The project will provide a place for these women to learn alternative skills, become educated, and rediscover themselves. This effort will be of particular importance to women aged 25-35. It is at this age when the women become less viable within their profession. Without a minimum number of clients the women are unable to pay their daily rent. Since very few have any sort of financial savings, many women end up either on the street, or becoming madams …

The 21st Century Civic Identity: Redefining The Small Town City Hall, Leellen M. Lewis

Architecture Theses

Identity is defined as the distinguishing character or personality of an individual. Throughout life, we as individuals, strive to create and uphold a sense of identity. Once our identity is established, we feel more comfortable with ourselves and our surroundings. However, at a larger scale, what happens when a community lacks a sense of identity? Small towns especially struggle with finding their identity and creating a suitable and exciting Civic infrastructure. Often there is a lack of involvement in the community. There is no drive for contributing to the majority, whether through community service, town council meetings, government, or community …

Buffalo Outer Harbor Quays, Ryan Decker

Architecture Theses

Buffalo, a once prominent American city hit by hard times, has the opportunity to rebuild. It has industrial resources and transport options. It has a booming education system and medical business. Its technology sector is rapidly expanding. The city has a chance right now to create new glory days. This project is about transforming a forgotten piece of land, a large swath of man-made waterfront that since the fall of Bethlehem Steel has been nothing more than equipment storage, on arguably the best portion of the city’s waterfront. Combining heavy industry, shipping, living, working, and waterfront recreation into one new …

Blending Architecture With Nature: The Old Man In The Mountain, Rick Hamme

Architecture Theses

The project is centered on the blending of tectonics, social context and nature in order to create a piece of architecture that becomes part of nature and part of the social fabric of the area. The site is located at the base of the Old Man in the mountain in Franconia notch, NH. It is nestled in a valley within the White Mountain National Forest. The Old Man fell off the cliff face in 2003 but for the purposes of the project I will assume that a proposed design for a replacement made of steel and glass will be built. …

A Spiritual Journey: Redefining The 21st Century Catholic Church, Kevin R. Correia

Architecture Theses

With an increasing Catholic population and diminishing vocations to the priesthood, Catholic parish communities are rethinking their church buildings, as they are forced to combine with other communities. The design of a Catholic Church and parish center that respects the tradition of the past and embraces the contemporary religious, architectural, and social needs is the vision for the 21st century Catholic Church. Catholic churches must respond to the Second Vatican Council’s amendment to have a greater participation of the laity in the liturgy. The design focuses on the procession, moments of use, and light that guide the spiritual journey throughout …

Homeless Rehabilitation Center At Lasalette Shrine In Attleboro, Ma, Reid Evan Ennis

Architecture Theses

Architecture has the power to help alleviate problems in society. However, it is not enough to simply design and build a structure and assume the problem will be solved. The people who use the building must be committed to solving the problem and must actively use the building to the full potential it was designed for. Homelessness is, without a doubt, one of the most important and obstinate social issues of our time. There are many continuing attempts to end homelessness which have been met with varying degrees of success. I feel it is critical to promote dignity and self-worth …

Valuing Historic Places: Traditional And Contemporary Approaches, Jeremy C. Wells

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

Decisions about which older buildings, structures, and places should be conserved are fundamental to the practice of architectural conservation. Conservation professionals use the interrelated concepts of integrity, authenticity, and historical value to determine which historic places are worthy of importance. Traditionally, these concepts are predicated on preserving the object rather than conserving the meaning and values associated with the object. In other works, the goal is to benefit the object and not the people who value the object. This method, which has roots in antiquated nineteenth-century Western scientific traditions, deprecates the importance of people, processes, and meanings in how places …

Pmr, Psychosocial Multicultural Rehabilitation: A Place Of Peace And Compassion For Child Soldiers Of Post War Trauma, Alyssa Keating

Architecture Theses

There are an estimated 300,000 child soldiers around the world. Many children are recruited forcibly; their abduction is a pernicious form of displacement that dramatically affects those stolen and the communities from which they were taken.

The architectural design focuses on the rehabilitation of boy soldiers, integrating many different cultures and beliefs away from the terrors of war, to find peace within themselves and living with caring people. The main focus of the design is to reflect the stages of post conflict trauma to assist the boys to regain a sense of worth and normality. This is done through the …

Sky-Field: A Vertical Farming Solution For Urban New York, Justin White

Architecture Theses

Farming has not changed significantly in thousands of years. We still go about blanketing the ground with acres and acres of crops far away from the people who eat it. “We now have to talk and bring the green movement into our food supply. We will find a place in NY to do this,” states Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President. The concept is to design a vertical farm tower which will feed thousands of local residents, allowing them cheaper, organic, disease-free crops. The supply structure of the agricultural industry needs a big change. It is no longer becoming economical due …

Accessible Architecture: Creating Possibilities For Adults With Cerebral Palsy, Caitlin M. Mayo

Architecture Theses

This project is an assisted residence and day facility for adult with cerebral palsy. It includes facilities for education, recreation, dining, community activities, administration and housing. The design was created with wheelchair bound in mind.

Tune In: Berklee College Of Music, Center For Music Technology, Boston, Massachusetts, Nicholas Proto

Architecture Theses

The design proposal is a center for music technology for the Berklee College of Music. The technology of music will blend with the technology of design to create a new, different place. The concept is to develop generative proposals that break the norms of “everyday life” through the creation of digital tools and processes. The ability to “disrupt someone’s lifestyle” is not done out of negative intentions, but to inspire one to break out and experience something new and exciting. Digital technologies enhance the process to provide key information in order to design and construct.

The Ocular Orientation Center: Using The Built Environment As A Means Of Wayfinding, Kara Lane Smolca

Architecture Theses

WAYFINDING encompasses all of the ways in which people orient themselves in a physical space and navigating from place to place. The idea that the built environment can provide a means to WAYFIND suggests that architecture must be more than an iconic image. It must be enhance all of the senses in order to lead the way for those needing direction. The OOC provides a place for the Blind and visually impaired to learn about eye care as well as interact with those experiencing the same difficulties and life changes. The center concentrates the shared experiences and places where socialization …

Re-Active Architecture: Exploring The Japanese Educational Experience, John J. Baker

Architecture Theses

This design seeks to transform the Japanese educational experience through the use of architecture. The aim is to provide an alternative school that breaks from the uniformity of the current system and provides an educational environment that places an emphasis on interaction, community, and learning. The school would serve as a junior high school combined with a small community library. The school would accommodate 250-300 children. Ultimately, this school could serve as a model for future educational buildings within the Japanese educational system.

Boston Modern: Spirit Of Reinvention, Christine Madrid French, Elaine B. Stiles

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, with the Boston Preservation Alliance, Boston Landmarks Commission, Boston Society of Architects, Common Boston, DOCOMOMO US/New England, Historic New England, and Preservation Massachusetts hosted the 2-day Boston Modern Module on June 29 and June 30, 2010. The Module included production of a full-color booklet highlighting significant modern and recent past resources in and around the city of Boston.

50 Years Reconsidered, Elaine B. Stiles

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Urban [Boxscape], Brad W. Bolte

Architecture Theses

Urban [BOXSCAPE] is a method of developing upon the existing Big Box Landscape in order to synthesize commercial, environmental, and social components of civic life into an integrated solution. This urban concept is demonstrated through a design vision for a Big Box Center in Seekonk, Massachusetts. However, the guidelines and options used in this exercise are meant to exceed this site’s immediate relevance and provide a model approach for similar sites across the nation.

Community Infrastructure: A Transformation Of The New Orleans Industrial Canal, Nicholas Thornton

Architecture Theses

The city of New Orleans is in need of a symbol of stability and hope. The design proposal is for a New Orleans Water Treatment Facility that focuses on purification, reclamation and desalination processes. The facility will create a pure water supply that will be distributed into public circulation as well as be made readily available during natural disasters. A public works building such as this is important to the growth of the ever rebuilding city. In 2005, New Orleans was hit by Hurricane Katrina causing flooding and destruction to a great majority of the city. Once the hurricane subsided …

Rising Architecture, Erica M. Wiggin

Architecture Theses

Many cities have experienced shrinkage in their city centers, leaving behind abandoned lots and buildings throughout the city streets. The historic city of Providence was split after the construction of I-95, leaving the west side of the city separated and in some cases abandoned from downtown. Creating a couple living communities that work together to live sustainably by producing necessities such as electricity, clean water, food and medicine will be contributing to the quality of the city as well as improving their lives by learning, developing and teaching new means of living to the rest of the community in their …

Creating Community: Mixed Use Development In New Bedford, Ma, Matthew J.B. Cate

Architecture Theses

In creating a new type of community for New Bedford, MA, there was an awareness of both the existing community, context, and people, while realizing a need for change. The design uses the concept of adapting the existing density into two modes. First, merging the existing residential fabric and merging it with a public program including both commercial and retail development. Second, focusing that new typology into a smaller more refi ned space, while creating new public areas for communal enjoyment and development. Creating such an idea of living takes the existing unused exterior spaces allotted to the typical housing …

Adaptive Housing: Transformation And Growth In The Urban Environment, Kevin Mowatt

Architecture Theses

The proposal for an adaptive housing project and its chosen location arose from two obstacles that all modern cities and the world as a whole, face. The urban environment is revered for its cultural amalgam of people and wide range of demographics; however with this density and diversity comes a shortage of one type or another of commodious housing. Additionally and consequentially, the city must expand and build new buildings, leaving older, unsuitable building vacant. An adaptive architecture would allow families to grow and demographics to shift within the established community, all the while reinvigorating that second obstacle the city …

Redefining The Rural Experience: Change For The People Of The Appalachian Mountains, Magoffin County Crafts, Social, And Health Services Center Gifford, Kentucky, Katelyn Chapin

Architecture Theses

As an introductory attempt to develop improvements within economically challenged Magoffin County, Kentucky, and explore the relationship of program to an individual’s life, craft, social, and health initiatives would be introduced to the residents. A community would evolve where locals could receive education, have access to daycare, purchase food at discount prices, engage in indigenous craft making, and visit professional doctors in the health clinic and urgent care center. Done in order to facilitate individual advancement and community growth, this design will support social integration by allowing people to share the resources needed to end the problem of generational and …

Contradiction And Duality Within The City: The House Of Arts And Culture, Andrei Sdrula

Architecture Theses

This project aims to apply the concepts of contradiction and duality as described in the manifesto to reinvigorate and reconnect a portion of the city Bucharest: the capital of Romania. This city has a long history of architectural achievements and disasters, and this intervention gets to the heart of that legacy when it confronts the House of Parliament: a massive megalomaniacal building constructed under the Ceausescu regime in the 1980s. The project addresses the parliament, sector, city, country, and people with first: a master plan, and then a civic building within that master plan that is located in front of …

Los Angeles Modern: City Of Tomorrow, Christine Madrid French, Elaine B. Stiles

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) and the Los Angeles Conservancy (LAC) hosted the two-day inaugural Modern Module in Los Angeles on September 30 and October 1, 2009. This full-color booklet highlights Modern and recent past resources in greater Los Angeles Area.

Mind The Gap Ii: Notes On The In-Between, Edgar Adams

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

This is an extension of research that looks at Transit Oriented Development as a means of examining the role of transit infrastructure and the public realm within the marginalized urban sites of the urban "in-between".