Architecture Commons^™

What Were School Officials Thinking: The Abandonment Of Historic Schools In Rhode Island, Carolyn Jane Reid

Historic Preservation Theses

This thesis, What were School Officials Thinking: The Abandonment of Historic Schools in Rhode Island, addresses the problem that historic schools are being abandoned in favor of new construction because based on the literature there is the perceived relationship between school facilities design and pedagogical outcomes, there are state and local policies that discourage the use of older or historic schools, and there is uninformed decision making. The purpose of this research was to determine the issues and policies that are most given as to why historic schools are abandoned in Rhode Island through a survey research methodology. This was …

Can We Teach Lean Construction Methods In Schools Of Architecture, Gary Graham

Fall 2012 Faculty Showcase

Traditionally, schools of architecture are not great laboratories to explore the collaborative processes and teamwork that are essential to integrated design and delivery practices as exemplified by Lean Construction. The pre-eminence of the “hero-architect” in the design studio is in direct conflict with methods that can reduce risk and improve the efficiency of the design and construction delivery process. Risk? Efficiency? Delivery Process?... not mention Cost Control, Schedule and Constructability, are foreign concepts to the predominant design studio culture.

Integrated practices and integrated project delivery are clearly “hot” topics in the design and construction industry today. They are a response …

Aesthetically Pleasing: Rehabilitating A Community, Joseph D’Oria

Architecture Theses

This thesis project calls for a drug rehabilitation facility in either Trenton or Hamilton, New Jersey with an attached community center. The new design will be a part of an existing building in efforts to revitalize a community and its architecture.

The Real, The Spectacle, And The In-Between: Architecture As A Stage For Reality, Chelsea Adelson

Architecture Theses

The goal of the project is to explore the space in between as a place of activity. The project will compare the spectacle and reality through a theater and public plaza near Chinatown and the theater district of Boston. The theater is accompanied by a small acting school that uses both an interior venue and the plaza as stages. The theater is focused on the awareness of reality through the spectacle of performance while the public plaza can “turn the artificiality of everyday situations into a theatrical situation” and bring life to the streets. Everyday life is put on display.

Community Reclamation: The Hybrid Building, Laura Maynard

Architecture Theses

Reclamation of a city involves reusing abandoned buildings in conjunction with new construction. These negative spaces of disuse generated by a changing infrastructure are often overlooked or destroyed. If they are instead viewed as positive spaces for reuse, a city’s infrastructure and its residents can adapt and grow.

Recognizing these newly positive spaces produces a chance to examine what social needs of the community are not being met. Pushing the modern concept of the hybrid building creates a unique opportunity; flexibility of use derived from flexibility of space. A community building can best serve the social needs of its residents …

A Return To Manning The Post: The Adaptive Reuse Of Publically Owned Fire Control Stations From The Second World War, Donald J. Sevigny

Historic Preservation Theses

This project examines the adaptive reuse potential of World War II-era fire control stations situated on public lands. The goal was to show the economic feasibility of reusing these derelict structures while simultaneously raising awareness of the scarce resources from our nation’s recent past. This has been done by conducting existing conditions assessments, forming scopes of work, attaining cost estimates, and creating cost analyses on three individual stations within two case studies in the northeastern United States. The cost analyses were based on Donovan Rypkema’s pro forma spreadsheet templates from the Feasibility Assessment Manual for Reusing Historic Buildings. Through this …

Union Wadding Artist Complex: Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Jennifer Turcotte

Architecture Theses

The decline of art education in our school systems is potentially robbing today’s youth of the opportunity for creative expres­sion. Without this outlet for personal expression, the student population stands to lose an educational experience that is no less important than academics, such as mathematics and sci­ence. The Union Wadding Artist Complex seeks to provide an environment for students in and around Pawtucket, Rhode Island to create and hone their artistic skills in a peer-driven and uninhibited setting. Art classrooms, designated for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional mediums, would foster a creative spirit that would only grow and prosper as the …

Interpreting The Standards: Design Professionals & Historicized Design, Alexandra D. Skerry

Historic Preservation Theses

Research Question: This thesis intends to discover how and why architects make design decisions for projects in historic districts. Subquestions are based on the methods of architects; differing opinions between preservation and architectural professionals; and the inconsistent interpretation of standards and guidelines.

Results: The researcher was able to analyze each informant and position them on a self-defined design spectrum. A visual representation of this spectrum can be found in Appendix D.

Practical Implications: The results of this study show a conflict that prevents Standard 9 from both allowing the progression of contemporary architectural theory in historic areas, and requiring a …

Layered Transparency: The Performance Of Exposure, The Exposure Of Performance, Colin Gadoury

Architecture Theses

The thesis seeks to explore relationships between people based on their proximity and condition of viewing to an event. As evidenced in the images to the left, the inspiration for such a thesis draws on ideas of privacy, voyeurism, retail and most importantly performance.

Each element of inspiration presents elements of intrigue to the proposed theater. As one walks the streets of Times Square in New York City, you cannot help but let yourself be enveloped by the marketing of hundreds of retailers - each drawing the customer in with exploitation of their products through the transparent medium of glass. …

Museum Studies: Exhibit Designs, Nicole Duperre, Brendan Quirk, Margaret Zecher, Traci Costa, Cindy Nanton, Kathleen Wilson, Loren White, Derek Dandurand, Zachary Tatti, Christopher Usler, Arnold Robinson

American Studies

To remain functional museum professionals must remember that museums are businesses like every other enterprise, striving to exchange a good or a service on terms previously bargained for. As such, museums too must understand that branding is the golden rule for success in business. In order to brand itself the museum must echo one unified vision and voice, and that message ought to be made tangible. Museum labels are the heart of each item on display, and must resonate all that the museum hopes to convey about its enterprise.

Maggie Meets Gloria, Christian Hollendonner, Julia Libby, Sarah Volkman, Lexie Whipple, Gary Graham, Arnold Robinson

Architecture and Urban Design

Two overlapping vesica shapes are apparent in the building composition—one creating the building enclosure, the other forming an enclosing fence to a garden space adjacent the building. This overlapping of two vesica shapes is metaphorically representative of the metaphase of cell subdivision where two cells emerge from one. The second vesica shape begins within the heart of the building enclosure and emerges to create an enclosing wall to the first of the surrounding ‘garden’ spaces.

Blithewold Mansion: A Vision For The Visitors Center, Matthew Bird, Jacob Cutillo, Lindsay Dansereau, Kristine Delino, Kyle Gammel, Anthony Izzo, Shawn Johnson, Christopher Kunkle, Julia Libby, Stephen Mattscheck, Edward Napierkowski, Michelle Needham, Jocelyn Neves, Brendan Roche, Robin Sharp, Gary Graham, Arnold Robinson

Architecture and Urban Design

The Visitor Center is one of the most important programmatic elements of the estate. The building tends to get overlooked due to its small size and unclear signage. It currently houses a ticket booth, an information center and a gift shop, but there isn’t much space leftover for employees, guests or expansion.

Adams Memorial Library Children's Room, Cameron Chafee, Leaha Bovine, Karin Hirose, Shawn Johnson, James Meiklejohn, Rebecca Sargent, Robert Miklos, Sam Batchelor, Kelly Ard, Lindsey Guastafeste, Jake Wheeler, Arnold Robinson

Architecture and Urban Design

The library spaces that were deemed most successful by the education students were those completed by the Robin Hood Foundation, which frequently rehabilitates underutilized spaces in inner-city schools to insert interactive, colorful and children-friendly library and learning spaces. Some shared suggestions to ensure such children- friendly accessibility were low bookshelves with book covers facing outwards, engaging and lively color schemes and comfortable furnishings.

Redesigning The Warren Animal Shelter, Bandar Alotaibi, Nicholas Baldasarre, Sean Barrett, Jacqueline Brauer, Perry Cry, Erin D'Allesandro, Joseph D'Oria, Jason Doughty, Alison Fredericks, Samantha Howard, Anthony Izzo, Matthem Jesi, Jozef Karpiel, Daniel L'Esperance, Robin Sharp, Emily Sperini, Gary Graham, Frederick Gould, Arnold Robinson

Architecture and Urban Design

The new shelter should incorporate improved natural lighting and ventilation, adequate space for laundry facilities and more space for the animals' living and bathing needs. The design should consider how to prevent dogs from barking and disturbing one another while in the kennels. Increased storage is necessary for the animal shelter to contain the food and living amenities for the incoming animals.

Pomham Rocks Lighthouse: Reuse And Rehabilitation Feasibility Report, Arnold Robinson, Caitlin Merritt, Nina Caruso, Derek Danderand

Historic Preservation

The lighthouse has withstood the passing of time, including the harsh coastal weather elements. Pomham Rocks’ significance was obtained through its historic function, architectural style and keeper history. Pomham Rocks Lighthouse was listed in 1976 on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pomham Rocks Light Station consists of nearly half an acre situated atop of a promontory, approximately 800 feet off the mainland of East Providence at the upper reaches of Narragansett Bay in what is called the Providence River.

Matthewson St. United Methodist Church: Rehabilitation Feasiblity Report, Catherine Varnas, Jonathan Hopkins, Dylan Peacock, Joshua Lentz, Arnold Robinson

Historic Preservation

The first-story floor plan was altered significantly during the 1951 renovations, and the entry vestibule is adorned with Neo-Gothic panelling. The chapel on the first floor is handsomely finished. The two-story sanctuary space has a semi-circular configuration with pews radiating from the altar, a balcony and substantial crown moulding.

Longley Building: Reuse And Rehabilitation Feasibility Report, Elizabeth Deblock, Alexander Leblanc, Carolyn Reid, Kathleen Wilson, Arnold Robinson, Philip Marshal, Robert Dermody

Historic Preservation

The southern, eastern, and northern façades (the principal façades) have a great amount of decorative masonry including granite, slate coursing, brownstone coursing, and brick veneer (Photo 2). All of these materials are in good condition, except for the brownstone, which is deteriorating in areas that are connected to a wrought iron balustrade. The surface of the brownstone is face-beded, and the corrosion of the iron in contact with the stone has caused oxide jacking. All of the masonry has environmental staining.

Washington Park Main Street Plan, Benjamin Bergenholtz, Derek Dandurand, Valerie Fram, Tracy Jonsson, Kimberly Lindner, Carolyn Reid, D.J. Sevigny, Alexandra Skerry, Timothy Guimond, Brooke Kourafas, Elise Murphy, Matt Berry, Erik Butler, Kayla Nerone, Arnold Robinson, Jeremy Wells, Julie Coon, Joel Cooper

Historic Preservation

There is an immense variety of privately owned businesses. They will be stakeholders because their businesses are located there, but they will also be assets in themselves in drawing people to the area. There is basically everything anyone could possible want or need in this area. There are two gas stations, a Family Dollar, a liquor store, a few sit down restaurants, numerous places where one can get a quick bite to eat, a frame shop, a clothing store, a pawn shop, a store with fresh produce (which is hard to find in urban areas), a store that sells sports …

Liberty Street School: Reuse And Rehabilitation Feasibility Report, Eric Deitz, Matt Spears, Nedith Wikina, Arnold Robinson

Historic Preservation

It is recommended that the iron fire escapes on the east and west elevations be removed because they do not meet current fire codes as a proper means of egress from the building. The metal railings should also be removed and replaced with railings that meet current building code with a proper height.

New Urban Living: High-Rise Vertical Farming In A Mixed Use Building, Boston, Ma, Zachary Silvia

Architecture Theses

The focus of the project is the combination of vertical farming and living in a structure that provides for itself and the surrounding community. Essentially, the result is communal living through vertical farming. To raise awareness and invite surrounding neighbors and workers into the process, the first four floors are dedicated to social interaction and a display of the systems at use. Along the path from a public market, to a café, and finally to a gathering space, visitors walk along a ramp/display of the aquaponic system.

Nature And Architecture: A Holistic Response, Jarrod Martin

Architecture Theses

The general functions of the project will be a natural healing center and research facility for natural medicine. As medical practice and theory begin to shift in the understanding on natural treatment, modern medicine facilities are becoming more environmentally friendly. Hospitals are pursuing sustainable practices as well as seeking LEED certification in the United States. Although LEED is not a necessity for this project, the natural healing center will focus on holistic care as the primary medical treatment option for patients while engaging the project in sustainable design.

Lam: Laughing My Architecture Of, Elizabeth Straub

Architecture Theses

Architecture gives the perfect opportunity to join people together with humor and laughter. Through creating a space for a community of comedians to work together, this project will not only bring joy to those who come to see the acts, but also create a sense of community and home for the comedians who work and perform there.

This architecture should not only fill the needs for the program elements, but also bring a sense of wonderment and creativity to inspire those who are there. Though the building does not need to be a pun or a joke in itself, it …

Boston_Sound_Center, Michael Frase

Architecture Theses

This thesis questions the connection between what we hear and what we see with regards to spatial conception. The purpose is to discover the importance of sound in spatial representation and to understand the implications of sound based design.

Environmental Architecture: Environmental Discovery Center On The Woonasquatucket River, Nathan Bonaiuto

Architecture Theses

The Woonasquatucket River Environmental Discovery Center (WREDC) is a place where students of the environment can enjoy a natural space within their own community. It provides a much needed connection to a site which, for far too long has been off limits to the community. As a potential learning environment for young students, the WREDC becomes a platform for a sustainable lifestyle. In this place we learn about the past, connect it to the present, and allow for change in the future.

This thesis is about making these connections of past and future through the current constructs of the Social, …

Framing Emotive And Perspective Space : The Sundance Center For The Exhibition And Study Of Film, Joshua Stiling

Architecture Theses

A “Bauhaus” of academic programs including film studies, neurology, and psychology, use a museum and exhibition venue for the Sundance Film Festival in order to study the effects of visual recognition on the way we perceive and how it affects emotion, framing architectural perspective using film making techniques.

Finding Common Ground Part I: Understanding Growth Centers In Rhode Island, Edgar Adams, Brian Boisvert

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

Abstract: A successful Growth Management strategy must seek to find "Common Ground" between the needs of growing communities and the natural environment that supports them, between the past and the future and between the desires for social and environmental justice. In short, they seek a more sustainable way forward. 2011 marks the five-year anniversary of the introduction of Rhode Island's Land Use 2025 State Guide Plan. With this plan, Rhode Island adopted a hybrid solution to address the needs of the unique range of Urban, Suburban and Rural communities within its borders. Urban and suburban communities were accommodated within a …

Topological Theory In Bioconstructivism, John Shannon Hendrix

Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation Faculty Publications

In the essay “Landscapes of Change: Boccioni’s Stati d’animo as a General Theory of Models,” in Assemblage 19, 1992, Sanford Kwinter proposed a number of theoretical models which could be applied to computer-generated forms in Bioconstructivism. These included topological theory, epigenesis, the epigenetic landscape, morphogenesis, catastrophe and catastrophe theory. Topological theory entails transformational events or deformations in nature which introduce discontinuities into the evolution of a system. Epigenesis entails the generation of smooth landscapes, in waves or the surface of the earth, for example, formed by complex underlying topological interactions. The epigenetic landscape is the smooth forms of relief which …