Architecture Commons^™

The Public Sky-Spacer, Piotr Jankowski

Architecture Thesis Prep

We have reached an era where architecture has to prepare for the alarming changes affecting our modern society. Predicted urbanization will lead to cities becoming denser and taller to facilitate the needs of housing and workspace for the growing world population. High costs of rent and scarcity of real state land in city centers will force developers to build skyscrapers. Taking into account the impact of larger populations, skyscrapers will have to offer more efficient spaces and follow strict environmental regulations while contributing to the production of energy and necessary resources. Focus on human comfort and sustainability will play an …

Food Function Form, Travis J. Telemaque

Architecture Thesis Prep

This study suggests that solar design strategies can influence a more sustainable approach to food production, focusing on New York City to determine a potential site in which an urban farm can be integrated. Specific case studies are presented to determine whether urban agriculture can be developed in an economical and sustainable manner. Additionally, Several factors were analyzed including solar exposure, renewable resources, site accessibility, and development potential. This prototype urban farm will expose people to three categories of food production; controlled environment agriculture, productive vegetated facades, and rooftop agriculture.

Integrating food production into dense urban areas can reconnect us …

As Above, So Below: Tapping Into The Latent Energy Of Abandoned Underground Infrastructure, Alexandra N. Ramirez

Architecture Thesis Prep

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Abandoned underground infrastructure is an example of an untapped surplus in energy that an architect has the opportunity to reappropriate. Tunnels in particular, can be used as systems to heat or cool a network of buildings above ground to create more sustainable urban environments. In addition to greater energy efficiency, the system could also have beneficial social implications within segregated cities by providing fluid connections between divided neighborhoods.

This thesis will establish a framework for repurposing underground infrastructures. The strategy operates under an umbrella of sustainability and urban improvement which are two concepts applicable to sites far beyond the …