Architecture Commons^™

Corner Revolution: Beyond “Skynet”, Brightening Grey Space And Building Security, Caimin Shen

Masters Theses

The existence of surveillance areas restricts many bad behaviors, but why do we still feel vague anxiety and uneasiness when walking through street corners and promenades in a city protected by a network of cameras? As China has implemented grid management of cities through the establishment of the “Skynet”—— a system that uses facial recognition and surveillance cameras to strengthen public safety, the crime rate has dropped significantly. But public safety doesn’t just mean fewer criminal activities. Reducing people’s perceived insecurity and anxiety has become a new challenge in China today. “Corner Revolution” explores the transformative power of architectural design …

From One Nature To Another, Sarah Mann

Masters Theses

Lichen‭, ‬fungi‭, ‬and soil each represent a microcosm of nature‭. ‬They are all quintessential examples of complex symbiosis‭, ‬yet they are often treated as lifeless materials‭. ‬But what if we took a moment to connect with each one on a daily basis‭ - ‬would that impact the way we envision the future‭? ‬

For most of us‭, ‬our homes won’t be radically changing any time soon‭; ‬therefore‭, ‬From One Nature to‭ ‬Another‭ ‬invites us to bring these entities inside and‭ ‬reflect on their possibilities as collaborators‭. ‬Each piece was carefully researched and designed to‭ ‬provide the correct atmospheric …

Extractivism And The Defense Of Life And Territories: An Account Of Latin American Environmental Thought, Pedro Monque

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

We are living today through an environmental crisis of planetary proportions. Recent decades have seen the proliferation of distinct environmentalisms around the world. In Latin America, a unique environmental vocabulary is being born out of resistance to northern framings of the environmental crisis whose proposed solutions often deepen environmental injustice vis-à-vis the global south.In this dissertation, I provide an account of the key themes in this lively but undertheorized tradition that I call Latin American environmental thought.

The conceptual core of Latin American environmental thought, I argue, are the concepts of extractivism, the defense of life and territories, and alternatives. …

Effect Of Social Media On Shaping The Agenda Of The Communicator In The Jordanian Tv Channels, Amer Khaled Ahmad, Hamza Mohammad Nahar, Maram Mohammad Naji Manajreh

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

The study aimed to assess the extent to which communicators at Jordanian television channels use social media platforms as an information source, and the impact of these platforms on their news and information selection priorities. This was achieved using a survey tool distributed on an equal quota sample of (150) communicators from Jordanian television channels (Jordan TV, AlMamlaka TV, Roya TV). The study found that all the study subjects used social media platforms as a source of information, with the "X platform (formerly Twitter)" being the most used platform. The statement "understanding the audience's interests and preferences to produce tailored …

Proposing A Selective Sub-Tool To Activate The Role Of Parks In Achieving The Resilience Of Egyptian Cities, Mohamed E. Elattar

Architectural Engineering

The concept of a Resilient City is considered one of the most important contemporary trends in sustainable planning, due to the many risks that cities are exposed to. Parks can support underlying environmental functions and offer several social-ecological advantages when they are strategically located, constructed, and managed. Parks represent one of the most important components of the city and by achieving resilience for an important element in the city, this is reflected in supporting the urban resilience of the city as a whole. The research problem focuses on neglecting the role of parks in achieving the city’s urban resilience, and …

Authorizing Violence: Spatial Techniques Of Citizenship Politics In Northeast India, Samarth Vachhrajani

Masters of Environmental Design Theses

Authorizing Violence: Spatial Techniques of Citizenship Politics in Northeast India studies the spatial and legal instruments through which Hindu Nationalism and its political front, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), operates in Northeast India. I document the means through which authoritarian power has been introduced into a democratic structure of governance. Emphasizing the role of architecture and spatial knowledge, I attend to how the violence of disenfranchisement and dispossession is legitimized under the force of law.

For this, Chapter 1, entitled 'Legislating Containment,' turns to the legal instrument of citizenship and studies the Goalpara detention center and multi-purpose criminal …

Rebirth: Investigating Industrial Gentrification And Land Use Policy In Chicago's West Loop, Nick Mcgowan

Library Map Prize

The West Loop has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last forty years, having re-developed from an impoverished and declining industrial area to Chicago’s fastest-growing real estate market, the city’s technology center, and a model mixed-use neighborhood. Focusing on the displacement of the area’s industrial base from the late 1980s to the current day, this thesis investigates the changing relationship between the City of Chicago, real estate developers, and local businesses and stakeholders to contend that this ongoing re-development process is a form of gentrification often overlooked in urbanist literature and within the narrative of its own transformation. The West …

The Palestinian Feature Film "200 Meters" Addresses The Issue Of The Apartheid Wall, Samar Abd Al Karim Farahat

Middle East Journal of Communication Studies

This study aimed to explain the methods of processing the Palestinian feature film" 200 meters " to the issue of the apartheid wall, using sub-objectives highlighting political, social and psychological issues and topics in addition to the characters and cinematic elements, to identify the form of processing carried out by the film in an integrated manner. Given the nature of this study, which aimed to find out how the 200-meter film dealt with the issue of the apartheid wall, the researcher adopted the most appropriate approach to studying this type of phenomena, which is the analytical approach. The results of …

Chasing Wins To Chasing Memories Visitor Trends Playing Their Hand In The Casino Floor Through Informed Architectural And Interior Design Cues, Taylee Kelly

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

Integrated resorts throughout Las Vegas captivate audiences through its immersive architectural design and unique thematic branding. Beyond hotel accommodations, integrated resorts offer a variety of amenities for the enjoyment and convenience of visitors from dining, retail, entertainment and more. Among the heart of these resorts lies the alluring casino floor, filled with endless gaming options for visitors optimistic in the possibility of winning big.

Las Vegas’ identity as a gambling mecca has heralded slot machines and table games as the cynosure of casino floors, strategically placed and oriented by designers in aims of optimizing gaming revenue and increasing engagement among …

Hidden Portals An Architectural Intervention Of Casino Employee Entrances, Cesar Salazar

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

The current design of employee entrances across the Las Vegas Strip starkly contrasts the vibrant and inviting atmosphere experienced by visitors (Sheehan, 2004). This oversight undermines the potential for creating a hospitable and efficient work environment where every design decision contributes positively to the employees' experience. There is a critical need for a shift towards authentic utilitarian architecture in these spaces, where the primary goal should be to simultaneously enhance functionality, productivity, and employee well-being.

This book posits that a transformative architectural intervention of resort employee entrances, rooted in principles of architectural determinism, is a necessity to enhance employee morale …

Agri-Tecture Aesthetic Designs Addressing Food Resilience In Urban Environments, V. Kate Ferguson

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

Food resilience in urban centers is increasing at risk due to climate change, economic costs, diminishing resources and ultimately the evolution of human society. As our way of life changes we must also adapt in how we grow, harvest and transport food. Hydroponic farms and innovative urban agriculture have proven to yield more food production with fewer resources than traditional agriculture methods. Urban centers throughout the world have been more of food deserts and rely on importation of over 90% of food. Proven urban farming methods can be integrated into existing buildings, such as rooftops, walls, warehouses, or vertical structures, …

Meadows Micro-City Transforming The Retail Typology Of Meadows Mall Into A Mixed-Use Urban Micro-City, Horacio Botello

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

This research book has initiated a comprehensive analysis on optimal micro-city developments in Las Vegas based on two impending issues that when combined can provide lead to a potential solution. It begins with an overview of the doomed future of the great American mall that will eventually disappear. The research then transitions into the severe housing deficit in Las Vegas which paired with the drastic increase in housing costs has directly affected new potential home buyers. The thesis proposes to utilize soon to be vacant malls and their surrounding sites as prototypes for a micro-city development. Through the analysis of …

Redesigning Studentscapes The Future Of Outdoor Educational Spaces, Jamie Centeno

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

Currently, there is very little research in the field of architecture that touches upon mental health. While there were many articles that were written during this period discussing the correlation between architecture and mental health, most of them were not peer-reviewed studies and did not specify any mental illness, but were instead very broad and vague. In a recent investigation from 2020, researchers found that between 2008 and 2020, there were a total of 59 academic papers published discussing the relationship between architecture and at least 1 mental illness (Aljunaidy & Adi, 2020). The majority (66%) of articles focused on …

Suburban Sustainability Lessons From History And Environment, Innovations For Tomorrow, Joan Barlongo

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

This study explores the re-imagining of outdoor spaces in suburban homes within the context of Las Vegas, utilizing vernacular architecture principles and climate-responsive sustainable solutions to enhance residents’ quality of life. Las Vegas, situated in a desert climate, presents unique challenges in terms of sustainable living and outdoor comfort due to extreme temperatures and limited water resources.

By incorporating vernacular architectural elements and adopting climate-responsive strategies, this study aims to propose innovative approaches to outdoor space design that promote environmental sustainability, cultural identity, and improved well-being for suburban residents. Through an analysis of vernacular architecture, climate data, and sustainable design …

“Minimal-Impact” Las Vegas Spaceport, Joshua Bombala

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

The development of a Minimal-Impact spaceport stands as a pivotal stride in the pursuit of sustainable aerospace initiatives, bridging the gap between human progress and environmental care. This thesis seeks to explore the emotional impact of architecture on guests, drawing parallels from the world of aerospace to examine how the design of spaces, such as those in Las Vegas, significantly influences the emotions of visitors. By conceptualizing a Minimal-Impact spaceport that minimizes ecological footprint, optimizes resource efficiency using local resources, and seamlessly blends with its natural environment, this thesis contends that a spaceport should adhere to a new set standard …

Memoryscapes: A Study Of Memory And Experience In Architecture, Jacob Granger

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Thesis statement

Architecture and urban spaces are fundamental in shaping both personal and collective memories, serving as the physical manifestations of narratives that define and inform community identity and individual experiences. This thesis asserts that urban design and architectural features extend beyond their utilitarian functions to actively craft and influence these memories. By intertwining intentional design with memory, architecture not only reflects but also molds our understanding of communal identity and historical narratives. This perspective offers a unique exploration of the interplay between tangible structures and the intangible experiences they foster, illustrating how architecture does not merely mirror reality but …

Assessing The Psychological Benefits Of Biophilic Design In Therapeutic Counseling Spaces, Andrew Graf

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the intersection of biophilia and counseling, aiming to illustrate the potential benefits of integrating nature-based interventions into therapeutic practice. Biophilia, the innate human tendency to connect with nature, has garnered attention in various fields, yet its implications for counselors remain unexplored. This qualitative study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to investigate the lived experiences of counselors who have incorporated biophilic elements into their practice and the perceptions of clients who have engaged with these interventions.

Through semi-structured interviews with licensed counselors, themes emerged regarding the impact and use of biophilic interventions on the therapeutic process. Findings suggest …

From Pasture To Pavement: Urban Expansion And Its Environmental Consequences In Perth, Anastasia Charelishvili

Student Theses 2015-Present

This thesis addresses the pressing issue of ecological problems of urban sprawl and its intricate impacts on urban health, with a particular focus on vulnerable communities in Perth, Australia. Chapter 1 presents the city's historical background and emphasizes the depletion of ecosystem services, underscoring the need for environmental justice. It also introduces the causes and effects of the sprawl in Perth and draws upon a diverse range of environmental problems created by suburbia, such as air pollution, biodiversity loss, water pollution, and runoff. As these threats translate into urban health declines, such as respiratory problems and increased healthcare issues, Chapter …

The Question Of Design In The Context Of The First Australian Nations: Designing Reparations Through Decolonial Architecture, Eli Abamonte

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Forget about tourist postcards and picture-perfect landscapes. Australia's true heart beats in the ancient stories of the Indigenous communities that tell them, their vibrant cultural tapestry woven beneath the surface. My research dives into this tapestry, not as an Architect with blueprints imposing my own vision, but as a student with an open ear and collaborative spirit. Australia’s vastness holds countless stories, but my research led me deep into the heart of East Arnhem Land, where ancient legends whisper in the wind and the Yolngu people dwell. Anthropologists like Bruno Descola shattered my singular view of the world, revealing a …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald: Ways Of The Future, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

Magazine edition of the College Heights Herald for the period April 8 - May 5, 2024.

• Anderson, Alexandria. Letter from the Editor – Science, Technology & Business
• Anderson, Alexandria. Women in STEM Make Advances
• Novoselia, Mariia. Turnover on Fountain Square: Local Businesses Share Concerns & Success Stories
• SOKY Rentals Offers New Apartments
• Walk2Campus: Where Home Meets Community
• Bush, Camden. Can a Baseball Team Reduce Their Goals to a Math Problem?
• Hawkins, Kaylee. Student Business Owners Share Experiences – Gatara Townsend, Andrew Garrett, Brittiny Sadler
• Ivory, Larkin. Bikewalk BG, WKU CHHS Offer Chances for Healthy Lifestyle – Health & Human Services

間, Lele Dai

Theses and Dissertations

LeLe Dai makes contingent participatory public interventions using sensory materials such as sound, flickering light, and water. This paper examines their works through the lens of Chinese character Jian (間), meaning “gap/slit/incision,” to investigate the concept of “in-betweenness.”

The Development Of A Convenient And Consistent Methodology For Flight Proficiency To Certify Multi-Rotor Uas Pilots For State Departments Of Transportation, Colin Dees

All Dissertations

To fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to pass a knowledge test. There is no requirement at the state or federal level for drone operators to demonstrate the ability to operate a UAS. The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) has created an exam for public and private entities to assess basic UAS flight proficiency. It is the only nationally recognized flight proficiency protocol. NIST does not provide a scoring recommendation and leaves it to the user to determine the minimum criteria to pass. There is …

Breaking The Spatial Justice Emergency Cycle: The Role Of Foresight Planning, Fabio Capra-Ribeiro

Faculty Publications

This paper examines the critical need to integrate prospective planning into territorial development processes for achieving spatial justice and sustainable urban futures. It highlights the limitations of a reactive approach to urban governance, particularly prevalent in Latin America, where weak institutions and unstable political systems often hinder long-term perspectives. The research emphasizes the importance of strategic foresight as a complementary tool to traditional planning practices. Territorial foresight facilitates the exploration of complex future scenarios, fostering collaborative learning and a shared vision among stakeholders. The study proposes a shift towards a proactive, foresight-driven approach that can help break the vicious cycle …

Spatial Justice: Deductions, Demonstrations, And Derivations, Fabio Capra-Ribeiro

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Towards Sustainable Development: Civic Architecture As Material Banks, Kathleen O'Gara

Masters in Architecture Program: Theses

This thesis posed the question, “How can buildings be designed to be disassembled and reused to reduce construction and demolition waste and reduce our unsustainable reliance on raw materials?” Designing for disassembly and reuse has the potential to dramatically increase the life of building materials, thus decreasing construction and demolition waste relating to architecture. When designing with deconstruction and reuse in mind, designers must consider the next life of these materials. The thesis was further narrowed to push the adaptability of these materials by designing a structural kit of parts. The structure system is often seen as a stable and …

Reclaiming Tremé: A Design Research Thesis, Tori Dunston

Masters in Architecture Program: Theses

Reclaiming Tremé explores the potential for design to support the well-being of the oldest African American neighborhood divided by urban highway projects in the US. This comprehensive thesis that seeks to improve the well-being the neighborhood using precedents, historical context, and the quantifiable architectural goals of WELL v2, to present a design solution for Tremé. Through understanding the current communities needs and having historical context of the area, the design strategy focuses on creating a vibrant cultural core that enhances the community's well-being. By integrating new structures and amenities, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing physical and social infrastructure, the project …

Quantifying Hurricane Effects On Housing: Evaluating Damage, Loss, And Shelter Demands Using Historical And Simulated Storm Tracks, Adish Deep Shakya

All Theses

This research introduces an advanced framework which employs parametric wind field models for peak wind speeds, and building fragility curves, loss functions, and demographic data to estimate for estimating housing damage and loss. The uninhabitable units immediate displaced households, short-term and long-term shelter need households are determined. with a particular focus on those eligible for FEMA assistance. The framework's validity is reinforced by a high correlation in the analysis of recent hurricane events between estimated numbers of displaced households and actual FEMA aid recipients, where FEMA aids about 20-60% of the predicted long-term displaced households. A novel application of the …

The Catalyst For Preservation: Assessing The Impact Of Historic Tax Credit Leverage On Surrounding Property Values In The State Of South Carolina, John Sutton

All Theses

The historic rehabilitation tax credit, in its many forms, is the single greatest driver of historic preservation investment in the United States. Despite this, very little research has been done regarding the secondary effects of historic tax credit leverage. The goal of this thesis is to assess the impact that substantial historic tax credit projects have had on the value of the properties that surround them in the state of South Carolina. Property tax assessment records were solicited from three different county governments within South Carolina to analyze the change in the assessed value induced by the introduction of tax …

Assessing Equitable Distribution Of The Urban Tree Canopy At The Neighborhood Scale In Greenville, South Carolina., April Riehm

All Theses

We are living in an era that necessitates adaptation and resilience. The Earth is warming. Our climate has changed (EPA, 2016). Our planet is also rapidly urbanizing. It is predicted that 68% of people will live in cities by 2050. The City of Greenville is a rapidly growing city in South Carolina that has been losing its tree canopy to development(City of Greenville, 2023). The Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) is a community asset that provides many quality-of-life benefits including improved air quality, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, mental and physical well-being, increased mobility and access, aesthetics, a reduction in energy costs, …

Public Horticulture: Process And Design Of The Lincoln Botanical Garden, Brad Kindler

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Beginning in 2012, the local non-profit, The Lincoln Botanical Garden, began organizing the conceptual design and creation of a glass conservatory within a botanical garden in Lincoln, Nebraska. These proposed urban enhancements seek to fill a gap in garden amenities in the city by providing year-round access to public horticulture programming and education.

This project, Public Horticulture: Process and Design of the Lincoln Botanical Garden, documents these efforts and makes design recommendations for a themed Glacial Erratic Garden that could be constructed within the botanical garden.

Advisors: Ellen Paparozzi and Sam Wortman