Architecture Commons^™

Escape: Striving For Well-Being Through Architecture, Moises Marquez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The escalating issue of physical inactivity among children in the United States, propelled by pervasive technology, demands urgent attention. Sedentary lifestyles, characterized by excessive screen time and poor diets, have become the societal norm. The impact extends beyond physical health, affecting cognitive development, social interaction, and nutrition. Prolonged screen time hinders cognitive functions and impedes social development, while unhealthy dietary choices lead to malnutrition, obesity, and chronic diseases.

In response, institutional agencies like the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have formulated guidelines to combat sedentary lifestyles, emphasizing the critical role of childhood and adolescence in …

The Greenway: Design Strategies For Detroit Revival, Alberto Zarco Amezquita

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Detroit, Michigan symbolizes the transformation that took place in cities across the American Rustbelt from major industrial centers to sparsely populated shrinking cities. Vacant lots now cover what once used to be a vibrant place of neighborhoods, factories, and schools. How do we intervene in such an urban context in order to stop the further decay of the city and bring back people, businesses and social life. The thesis focuses on the central part of downtown Detroit and proposes an urban design intervention centered around the concept of a greenway. I superimpose the analysis of the street network in the …

Safe Passage, Tenzin Senge

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

After the Cultural Revolution of 1959 in China which led to the occupation of Tibet, the people of Tibet suffered the loss of homes and were stripped away from their socio-cultural ethos. As displaced Tibetans, the next generations will grow up without a nation, their self-identity and live with uncertain future. To this day, thousands of Tibetans are fleeing into neighboring countries every year by crossing the treacherous (cold freezing) Himalayas mountains with great hardship, even the most experience hikers find this task challenging. Issues arise for these refugees trying to escape, and questions tend to pile up about the …

Dorm Reform: Enhancing Student Well-Being At Kennesaw State University Marietta Campus Through Innovative Design Strategies, Kayla Langston

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

In recent years, there has been a discernible deterioration in the mental well-being of college and university students, as evidenced by an increase in reported levels of anxiety, stress, and depression in these populations, as documented by the National College Health Assessment. This decline has been further exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has intensified feelings of isolation and disrupted traditional support systems. While conventional approaches to addressing these mental health challenges primarily involve counseling services, support groups, and student outreach initiatives, these strategies often overlook a fundamental aspect of students' overall well-being – the quality of their residential …

Re-Offense To Re-Integration, Re-Imagining The West County Detention Facility, Madison Frei

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

ABSTRACT

In the United States today, the incarceration experience has become entirely barbaric and inhumane. Basic needs are neglected, drug smuggling runs rampant, and the mental health crisis within the system is worse than ever before. The re-offense rate for formerly incarcerated people is one of the highest in the world. These issues stem from poor design choices meant to provide minimal social interaction between inmates, little to no privacy, and limited access to programmatic uses that contribute to the betterment of mental health. Building prisons better suited for rehabilitation instead of punishment will not only lower this statistic, but …

Modulating Recycled Plastic - A Sustainable Solution To Plastic Pollution Through Innovative Recycling, Galo Cruz

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Initially celebrated as a miracle material, modern society’s dependence on plastics has resulted in urgent environmental challenges. The consequences of this dependence are: widespread plastic pollution, an environment grappling with near-indestructible waste, and a health crisis fueled by malignant microplastics. In response to this urgent junction of environmental challenges, this research sets forth to further the transformative approach explored by Janel Sitt’s 2020 thesis and aims to answer the following questions:

1. Why does our dependence on single-use plastic jeopardize our environment, severely impacting food supplies, marine life, and overall quality of life?

2. As designers, are there opportunities for …

Tides Of Memory: Restoring The Soul Of The Shoreline, Ruth Llorente

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Guayaquil, with a population of approximately 3 million inhabitants, is the largest city in Ecuador and home to the most important port in the country, driving its commercial and industrial activity. Despite significant urban expansion in the last 40 years, urban planning has been lacking, leading to informal settlements and overcrowding. While the city government initiated projects to attract tourists and uplift residents, these efforts focused on central areas, leaving many in poverty and segregation.

Isla Trinitaria, a major informal settlement, suffers from high density and poor living conditions, attracting migrants seeking better prospects. Although the city eventually provided basic …

Interdisciplinary Couture: A Translation From Fashion To Architecture, Michael Toache

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Haute Couture or ‘high dressmaking’ is a term used for fashion designers to implement one-of-a-kind designs custom fit for an exclusive collection. Within the realm of design, there lies a relationship between fashion and architecture. Humans formed the earliest iterations of spatial boundaries by implementing weaving techniques made with plant fibers and posts. We created fences before we clothed ourselves. Weaving these boundaries or textile walls was instituted in some of the earliest forms of architecture still used today. The process of design that drives the creation of the spaces we inhabit today is created by the same beginnings as …

The Art Of Experience: Changing Architectural Designs Through The Perception Of Light, Brett Hembree

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

We are constantly surrounded by and inhabiting the built environment. Architecture can affect someone’s mood in the most subtle of ways. The spaces we inhabit have an impact whether you are aware of it or not. Peter Zumthor said, "Architecture is a service, a process, a way of building and leaving the world a little better for our presence." The question becomes, "How can we use lighting in architectural designs to create impactful experiences for those in the space?" My thesis explores how we design spaces and what strategies can be implemented to influence the viewers’ perception. We are shaped …

Nomad Unit, Thiago Degrossi

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis explores the transformative potential of van conversions into sustainable living spaces through the integration of spatial operations, efficient design, and renewable technologies. By examining various case studies and employing design experiments, the research investigates how space optimization, energy efficiency, and minimalist design can contribute to a lifestyle that is both eco-conscious and adaptable. The study focuses on the design and build process of converting a Ford Transit into a full-time, livable space of 100 square feet that incorporates advanced movement mechanisms, such as telescopic furniture and pivot-rotation elements, to maximize the utility of every inch. The van conversion …

Queer Underground: A Spatial Re-Imagination Of Underground Atlanta, James T. Lawrence

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

In the 1980s, stumbling upon the Imperial Lodge of Elks by night would have immersed one in an atmosphere characterized by expression, love, and cultural vibrancy. This locale, nestled within the ballroom culture of Harlem, NYC, has since evolved into a celebrated bastion of queer culture, serving as both a historical touchstone and a wellspring of inspiration for contemporary pop culture and the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing parallels between the architectural and functional dynamics of this bygone era and present-day queer spaces reveals intriguing insights. In downtown Atlanta, the once-thriving Underground Atlanta district grapples with the challenge of maintaining its relevance …

Port City Revitalization: Reconnecting The City Of Charleston To Its Historic Waterfront, Riley Ransom

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

From fortified settlements to bustling epicenters of production and commerce, port cities have pioneered the course of urban sprawl throughout history. Yet, as port specialization advances and new infrastructure emerges, the once vibrant historic port sites are left neglected. The disconnect is reflected in three dynamic relationships between the city and the port, the city and the water, and the land and the water. The city has grown away from the port, the port infrastructure has been regionalized, and as a result the two have become separate entities. In this process the city is now isolated from the water as …

Crux: Urban Ecology And Cultural Essence, Maria Del Valle

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The CRUX, stands for islands grappling with the aftermath of hurricanes. Its transformative vision is set against the backdrop of a city scarred by abandoned homes, tainted water sources, agricultural decay, and a crippled electrical grid. CRUX aspires to breathe new life into this urban landscape, envisioning a self-sustaining city dedicated to nurturing community ties for the resilient people of Yabucoa. The testament to the restoration is not just physical structures, but the research studies the very spirit of the community. By delving into the realms of art, farming, Afro-Carribbean culture, and food, the project seeks to create a vibrant …

Square One Station: Atlanta's New Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal, Mariya Georgieva

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The Atlanta Journal Constitution Building and its block is located in arguably the most historically significant area to Atlanta: The Gulch. Being so close to the original Zero Milepost location, this is where the City of Atlanta was founded. The Gulch started out as the center of downtown’s business district, but has since steadily declined in popularity, initially triggered by people moving out to suburban homes

Even after multiple attempts to revive the area, it proved unsuccessful. This is best illustrated by the fact that the city lost money on the property even during big events like the 1996 Olympics …

Deluge [ Proof ]: A Design Resilience Study, Nia A. Mcgann

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change, pose a significant and escalating threat to coastal communities worldwide. Projections indicate that by 2050, sea levels may rise by an estimated 1 to 2 feet, potentially affecting not only coastal but also inland communities. The ramifications of rising sea levels encompass heightened risks of flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. These impacts have multifaceted consequences, ranging from evident transportation disruptions and damage to underground and ground-level structures to more subtle yet equally critical effects on infrastructure, ecosystems, potable water reservoirs, community displacement, and economic activities.

In response to this pressing challenge, a …

Eluding Caricature, Rafael Hernandez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Caricature, defined as exaggeration by means of often ludicrous distortion of parts or characteristics, has taken over the outskirts of cities across the country of Mexico. A landscape once characterized by intelligible urban form, architectural diversity, and walkability has been exchanged for walled in developments so poorly designed Levittown appears bespoke in comparison. But why Caricature? Simply, new residential developments value the erosion of public space, contiguous grids, and manufactured reliance on the automobile that is supported with a myriad of ill understood urban design elements inspired by American suburban design. With exaggerated features such as cul de sacs, gated …

Reimagining Fire Tower Typology: Enhancing Safety And Creating A Sense Of Place, Chloe Bango

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This architectural exploration studies the transformative evolution of fire watch towers, shifting from their traditional role as fire safety devices to become inviting destinations for hikers and visitors. This paradigm shift not only embraces the functional aspect of fire prevention but also capitalizes on the inherent potential for these structures to serve as unique, inhabitable spaces within the natural landscape. The design philosophy integrates state-of-the-art wildfire detection systems seamlessly into the architectural fabric, establishing a symbiotic relationship between safety and recreation. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, such as advanced sensors, satellite imagery, and real-time data analytics, enhances the tower’s primary …

Multisensory Realm: Architecture For The Visually Impaired, Jennifer Perez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 2.2 billion people who have a near or distance vision impairment. Vision has historically been considered the most important of the senses; therefore, when this sense becomes obstructed, an individual’s lifestyle can be harshly impacted. Because their vision becomes obstructed, visually impaired individuals run into various daily life challenges such as having difficulty navigating around independently, stigma in society, leisure, accessibility, and isolation. This can be due to the issue that the built environment has tended to neglect building for all senses. For this reason, an architectural goal has been to …

Submerged Sanctuary, An Nguyen

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Ho Chi Minh City shines as one of Vietnam’s swiftly expanding urban centers. However, this rapid growth has brought challenges. Many areas in the city have reached maximum capacity, leaving no room for additional housing. Moreover, inadequate regulations, particularly concerning natural disasters such as floods, have left the city vulnerable, particularly for those living along the riverbanks. The project aims to uplift the riverfront community, promoting economic development and enhancing living standards. To achieve this, I plan to improve infrastructure and introduce communal spaces. My strategy involves harnessing the river’s potential as a central feature, integrating programs and architectural designs …

Between Art And Architecture: Curating Space For Creatives, Mahari Kitt

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Art is an inherent human right, woven into the fabric of society since ancient times. Its profound impact on individuals and communities, as a source of reflection, inspiration, and joy, is undeniable. From serving as a medium for political expression to encouraging introspection and reflecting emotions, art stands as a cultural cornerstone. Yet, its significance extends beyond mere existence; it is deeply intertwined with the environments in which it is presented and experienced.

Growing up in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, there was a noticeable absence of spaces for artists to thrive, which negatively affected the growth of artistic talent in the …