Architecture Commons^™

Hot Swap, Brian J. Mccracken

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Project Abstract : The current home personal computer allows for the exchange of parts so the user can easily upgrade or repair components as the users needs change. Hot Swapping, is the process of exchanging, upgrade/downgrade components with in a computer while the system is fully operational. The idea of maintaining a complex computer system, while it is fully operational and certain components can be exchanged as needed, has direct applications to the construction of a modern home. Current stick-frame housing techniques for home construction do not easily allow for major changes, or updates to the system, without portions of …

Awareness Of Daylighting On Student Learning In An Educational Facility, Alana S. Pulay

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This study examines how awareness of the interior architecture of a building, specifically daylighing, affects students academic performance. Extensive research has proven that the use of daylighting in a classroom can significantly enhance students’ academic success. The problem statement and purpose of this study is to determine if student awareness of daylighting in their learning environment affects academic performance compared to students with no knowledge of daylighting. Research and surveys in existing and newly constructed high schools were conducted to verify the results of this study. These design ideas and concepts could influence the architecture and design industry to advocate …

Drivethru 2050, Thomas W. Weingarten Jr.

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This thesis explores the architectural ramifications brought about by increased integration of our changing personal vehicles and the emerging business model of locally incorporated drive-thru/online shopping.

Site 27th & Capital Parkway, Lincoln, NE

Goals Building Integrated Vehicular Shopping

Short Term Create an architectural system for retail development that is more conscious of the personal vehicle and associated vehicular land uses (i.e. parking)

Long Term Reduce the need for under-utilized parking “dead-space” at retail destination centers

Bleeding Edge, C. Brett Rottinghaus

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Memorial Stadium can be a better contributor to it’s environ’s. The stadium currently is the largest element on the University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s Campus; however, it is used the least. In the year 2009 it was used for 12 events most of which were Cornhusker football games. Other events include a Larry the Cable Guy comedy show and State High School tournament finals. The circulation around the stadium is dynamic in the sense that it has a high level of fluctuation in its traffic. The traffic is either High density or low. I call this being turned into a …

Future Bionic, Ryan J. Huber

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Future Bionic is a study into how biological processes can be reinterpreted and applied to revolutionize the idea of performance in buildings. The term bionic refers to the combining of a natural system and a mechanical system or technology [bionics]. Biomimicry refers to the copying or imitation of a natural systems processes [biomimicry]. Future Bionic is a hybrid of both concepts, in which I am looking at how principles of bionics and biomimicry can be used to design a built environment that begins to blur the edges between the natural and man-made world. Both bionics and biomimicry can be used …

Riparian Efformation, Laura C. Brodersen

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This thesis deals with two widespread issues facing contemporary society and the environment which it finds itself: 1. It is often assumed that what and where one calls home is straightforward, that our sense of home and identity are singularly rooted in a local place. Rather than being seen as an integral aspect of social life, mobility has been regarded as a special and temporary phenomenon classified under such headings as migration, refugee studies, and tourism. But increasingly, modern forms of dwelling, working, and playing involve circulating through a geographically extended network of social relations and a multiplicity of widely …

Aim - Austin Intermodal Transit Center, Nathan E. Bicak

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This project will propose a new intermodal/multimodal center for the city of Austin, Texas that will serve both transit needs as well as social functions. Through research and programming it will become evident what types of spaces are necessary to carry out the latter.

Austin is currently in the process of researching and engineering a mass transit system for its ever-growing transportation needs, specifically a light-rail system. In the late 1960s Austin’s population was roughly what Lincoln’s is today, about 250,000 people. The greater Austin area now totals more than two million people. Through the course of this growth, little …

Icontinuum, Andrew S. West

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Many old Olympic stadiums are “white elephants” because they are valuable and the owners cannot dispose of them, but the cost of upkeep is out of proportion. This was proven to be a problem in Beijing for the 2008 Summer Olympics: Beijing National Stadium costs $9 million to maintain annually and there was not a permanent tenant slated to use the facility. The stadium has seen only two major events since the Games concluded. This is a problem. This project proposes an Olympic stadium that is designed with a secondary purpose. London has already taken steps to improve the problem …

Hot Rod Theory, Ryan D. Henrickson

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This thesis investigation will focus on the cultivation of a new design theory as a third option focusing on the area amongst the existing strategies of Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse. Preemptively before the theory can be developed, an understanding of the term Hot Rod must be clearly understood to fully realize the merits it may hold for architecture. The link between Hot Rod and Architecture as a generative exploration, from which architecture can relate specifically, brings out their historical significance. Both of which have individually shared and lost within a subculture to mainstream cultural transition.

Understandably, with the usage …

Economy Obsolete, Ashley K. Byars

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

NAS Alameda_Economy Obsolete:

Obsolescence: a decline in the value of equipment or of a product brought about by an introduction of new technology or by changes in demand.

Obsolescence is a term of growing importance in the global economy today due to advancements in technology, changing economic conditions and evolving cultural and social desires. One does not have to search the city, the web, or even one’s immediate neighborhood very thoroughly before running across discarded cell phones, microwaves, and other common household goods. Once an object is outdated, it is replaced with its successor and abandoned. Personal consumer items are …

Connection Through Creation Of Place: A Multimodal Center For Downtown Omaha, Bradley R. Isham

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Proposals and advocates for the reestablishment of the Omaha Streetcar have been around since the program was first ended in 1955. Similarly, regional passengers through Omaha once experienced both the Union Station (Durham Western Heritage Museum) and the Burlington Station, both were praised for their architecture, ease and comfort of travel. Passenger rail today operates at only a fraction of what it used to. A strong opponent to the railroad has always been the automobile. The automobile with its freedom and speed of technology has quickly surpassed the train and has quickly surpassed the train and has taken full control …

Dwellevator, Jacob A. Slobodnik

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

dwellevator (dwel-uh-vey-ter) -noun 1. a rehabilitative response to homelessness 2. the rehabilitation of derelict grain elevators

rehabilitate (ree-hu-bil-i-teyt) -verb 1. to restore to a condition of good health, ability to work, or the like.

It is estimated that there are over 3 million homeless individuals in the United States at any given time. Today’s homeless are far different than those of the past. History would have it that many of the past homeless were vagabonds looking to escape the rigid constraints of society, in search of a life with no rules, no restrictions, and most importantly, no responsibilities. The majority …

Piece To The Puzzle: Sustainable Elements Fitting Together, Heather C. Nelson

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Sustainability, green, and eco-friendly are very popular topics right now. Those words and many like them are being used in almost every industry. But it’s not just a trend, it’s a necessary movement. Using green building elements as a starting point for design, just as site, typology, and clients’ request are used, is how a sustainable building is created. These elements must be adjusted for every site because local materials, climate and community all play a role.

Deep investigation of the projects context is important. There are many factors of the site to consider. Physical aspects while important are just …