Architecture Commons^™

Reconnecting With Nature: Developing Urban Spaces In The Age Of Climate Change, Steffen Lehmann

Architecture Faculty Research

Climate change is occurring around us and impacting on our daily lives, meaning that we have to deal with our cities in a different way. There is also increasing awareness of the need for daily contact with green spaces and the natural environment in order to live a happy, productive and meaningful life. This reflective essay tells the narrative of how urbanisation has been disconnecting humans from nature. Non-sustainable, non-resilient patterns of urbanisation, along with the neglect of inner-city areas, have resulted in fragmentation and urban decline, led to a loss of biodiversity, and caused the deterioration of ecosystems and …

Urban Farming In Inner-City Multi-Storey Car-Parking Structures: Adaptive Reuse Potential, Monika Szopińska-Mularz, Steffen Lehmann

Architecture Faculty Research

The future direction of transport and new global concepts of low-carbon mobility are likely to increase the number of obsolete inner-city multi-storey car-parking structures. The adaptive reuse of these garages is challenged through the continuity of urban change and the need for new mixed-use typologies. The development of technologically advanced farming in these structures could become an innovative strategy that as an interim solution justifies renovation versus demolition and new construction. The paper presents findings from the first stage of the multiple-site case study research on car-parking structures strategically selected in 3 UK cities (Portsmouth, Bristol and Brighton). In order …

Temporary Appropriation Of Public Space As An Emergence Assemblage For The Future Urban Landscape: The Case Of Mexico City, Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez, Alessandro Melis, Steffen Lehmann

Architecture Faculty Research

Temporary appropriation (TA) is a re-emerging concept which occurs in the urban social landscape as a multidimensional phenomenon. Intended as multi-disciplinary and multi-scalar research, the present paper explores the way in which temporary appropriation could be interpreted as an assemblage product of other assemblages within the urban landscape. It, therefore, seeks to unravel and to re-think the nature of temporary appropriation through interconnected theoretical frameworks such as assemblage theory. Derived from the seminal work of Deleuze and Guattari (1989) and developed further by Manuel DeLanda (2016), assemblage theory focuses on the relations produced by the components of a whole rather …

Toughness, Tenacity And Maximum Initial Strength Of Rubber Modified Asphalt Binders, Kazem Jadidi, Mehdi Khalili, Moses Karakouzian, Serji Amirkhanian

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

The toughness and tenacity test method, which was developed in the 1980s, is popular for evaluating a polymermodified binder. Several states like Nevada require performing this test to evaluate non-modified binder samples, as well as other types of modified binders. In this regard, a toughness and tenacity test was performed on rubber-modified samples produced from virgin binder PG58-28, PG64-16 and AC-20. In order to take the rubber size, type and content into account, two rubber sizes, mesh #20 and #40, two rubber types, ambient and cryogenic, and three rubber contents, 10%, 15%, and 20% were produced and tested. The results …

Human Thermal Comfort In Transition Space, Asawari Anil Pawar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

ABSTRACT

HUMAN THERMAL COMFORT IN TRANSITION SPACES

Objective: To evaluate and identify the relationship between personal factors and the climatic conditions that influence the human thermal comfort in transition spaces and suggest solutions for adaptation of the built environment, that would encourage active and healthy living in the tourist as well as local community.

Background:

By 2050, there is a prediction that two-thirds of the world population will be living in urban areas, which would add more than 2.5 billion people living in cities (Melnikov et al., 2017). Since Las Vegas is one of the fastest growing cities in Nevada, …

Book Review: The Strip. Las Vegas And The Architecture Of The American Dream., Marta Soligo

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Book Review: The Strip. Las Vegas and the Architecture of the American Dream

Coir Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Jose De La Serna, Moses Karakouzian

AANAPISI Poster Presentations

This poster exhibits the testing and research done on general Portland Cement Concrete with the addition of coir (coconut) fibers as reinforcement. Using the fundamental constituents of cement (water, cement, fine and coarse aggregate) and processed coir fiber, concrete specimens were batched to test for compressive and flexural strengths (per appropriate ASTM standards). Cylindrical and rectangular beam specimens were subjected to loadings until failure occurred. The capacity and modes of failures of the specimens were observed. It was determined that:

• The addition of processed coir fibers decreases the overall strength of general Portland Cement Concrete. • The tested concrete’s …

Designed Environment For Healthy Aging, Attila Lawrence

Architecture Faculty Research

A growing number of aging adults want to remain in multi generational communities rather than relocating to retirement communities, or having to resort to an institutional setting. To productively function in an environment where all generations interact and live well together, however, one’s ability to manage diminishing cognitive and physical conditions precipitated by the aging process is a major factor that bears on everyone’s quality of life. Because the designed environment frequently plays a significant role in the occurrence of neurodegenerative disorders that involve biological changes, it is self-evident that design strategies intended to support the management of these symptoms …

Integrated Stadium Design, Nolberto Fu

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

Several stadiums today surround themselves with hundreds of acres of parking. The Los Angeles Dodger Stadium for example, takes up over 17 million sq ft (400 acres) of parking space. That is roughly the size of Grand Central Station. This inefficient use of space creates a disconnect between the stadium and the city. In an attempt to avoid this disconnect from the city, the stadium must: Activate the stadiums street front and surrounding context, provide multiple programmatic functions for daily interactions and blur the lines between stadium and community.

Food, Culture, Architecture, Lighting, Jeannie Kim

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

In this study, I benefit from food as an interpretation of culture. Food is the most inspirational element of culture due to the emotional connections, a sense of belonging and ethic pride found in food. Food is important for our nutrition, but also has important cultural and symbolic meanings that make it more than what is on our plates. My childhood memories of traveling are mostly associated with the dining experience. Food is the most familiar way to interpret culture because it is highly associated with memories and experiences.

Design Guidelines And Strategies For Thermal Solar Management Of Fenestration In The Desert Climate, David Mccredo

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

This research evaluates the effects of varying thermal properties of windows in

residential energy use for the moderate altitude and 36'N latitude climate of southern

Nevada, which has a distinct cooling season. A selection of windows across different

shading conditions and total window areas were studied using BEopt energy simulation.

Findings demonstrate that for the specific climate, latitude, and altitude of Las Vegas,

Nevada, the most expensive “high performance” windows are not always the best

option in terms of total site energy use, and can be outperformed by properly shaded

less advanced windows. Under certain conditions, shading was found to …

Assessing The Potential For A Backfire Effect On Citizen Perceptions: A Test Of Hot Spot Policing In Las Vegas, Steven Andrew Pace

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objects: In this dissertation, I explore whether the use of motorized police saturation patrol in high crime neighborhoods negatively impacts citizen perceptions of police activity, opinions about the police, and perceived safety level. This research focuses on evaluating

whether or not any backfire effects were attributed to the use of the hot spot policing tactic. Methods: I report on survey data from the Smart Policing Initiative (SPI), which entailed face-to face interviews in 12 hot spot neighborhoods (n=1,005) (6 paired locations) as part of an evaluation from the SPI on the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Mobile Crime Saturation Team. …

Cohousing Design Strategies For Active Aging, Marisela Thompson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Objective:

Evaluate and identify approaches to the physical design, with emphasis on the interior design, of a cohousing model can be adapted to support the physical, cognitive and social health aspects of active aging.

Background:

Housing models evolve with the needs of society. Today, the societal practice of living in traditional nuclear-family based housing is challenged by the lack of financial resources(Blanchard 2017) and the need to care for an aging population. This project attempts to identify a housing model that promotes multigenerational co-housing as a means to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the elder population.

One factor …

The Strip Reimagined: Accommodating Esports In Everything From Ballrooms To Guestrooms, Edrick Ferreras

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

From lobby to guestroom, esports has the potential to provide visitors with an authentic gaming experience through flexible design, connectivity, and community. It has the capability to go beyond just the ballroom of the resort and impact all aspects of design.

Integrated Aesthetic Aquaponic Systems Into Las Vegas Resorts, Bryce Shintaku

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

Las Vegas' resort properties are constantly looking for innovative ways to generate revenue and increase guest experience for their property. With a steady increase in annual visitors, there will be a subsequent growth in food consumption. Las Vegas casino properties currently obtain a majority of their food from other states and countries. The purpose of this research is to illustrate how Las Vegas casinos can utilize a sustainable on-site agricultural practice for more than just food production.

From Envelope T Skin Exploration Of The Facade As A Synthetic Organic Material, Eduardo Gonzalez

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

Building facades comprise a large area of unexplored potential. Facades present large surface footprints in the archetype of the high-rise and tower buildings; which, if properly designed, can benefit from the direct contact to the sun, light, wind, and water to solve multiple energy and environmental issues at different levels.

The Appendix, Nasko Balaktchiev

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

This is the story of a building. The goal of this paper is to inspire citizens to take greater action in their built environment to help determine its form being demolished. The conclusion about Las Vegas identity is up to the reader to decide if it's valid or not.

Man Vs Car: The Ultimate Clash Designing A Safer Walking Experience For Las Vegas Pedestrians, Jenn Wong

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

The car has become a common weapon of choice for terrorists and others hoping to do harm to unsuspecting pedestrians. There is a pressing need for the development of effective, preventive design strategies to stop vehicular attacks before they cause pedestrian fatalities. Vehicular violence has broader consequences beyond the pedestrians directly involved in specific incidents. The fear created by vehicular attacks undermines public trust and unity, resulting in harm that is less obvious than the immediate casualties, but is just as damaging. Is it possible to design the fear away? Do street safety devices enhance pedestrians feelings of safety?

Retail Revolution: E-Commerce Effects On Retail & Hospitality Architecture, Kylie Kircher

Hospitality Design Graduate Student Capstones

As many economic markets change with the innovation of technology, Physical spaces are transforming to adjust to people's wants and needs. The purpose of this research is to provide insight and solutions to e-commerce effects on retail and hospitality architecture. This book contains an exploratory study on the evolution of retail spaces by considering historical information, analyzing and assessing case studies, and identifying the gaps and opportunities in the shifting world of retail design.

Vertex: A Compendium Of Research And Design, Alberto De Salvatierra, Alfredo Fernandez-Gonzalez, Samantha Solano, Josh Vermillion, Attila Lawrence, Dak Kopec, Phillip Zawarus, Glenn Nowak, Eric Weber, Rafael Armendariz, Nancy J. Uscher

VERTEX Annual Publication

From the foreword: Vertex was organized to showcase some of the UNLV School of Architecture’s most prominent areas of strength. Our multidisciplinary design foundation program is the initial building block that instills in students an ethos of systematic inquiry through making. Appropriately structured processes of experimentation and production using a variety of tools and media help students develop significant spatial understandings through the sequential act of drawing and making. The spatial understandings developed in the design foundation, supplemented by a culture of inquiry through making that is cultivated in our design studios, prepare our students to creatively engage in a …

Interior Architecture’S Use Of Rotating Teams, Dak Kopec

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

The inclusion of health conditions within the process of environmental modification for design students requires concurrent learning outcomes related to research, brainstorming, and ideation that can only be achieved through team projects.

The Unlv Student Parking Crisis, Jason Kyle De Lara, Joshua Ramos, Amanuel Ketebo, Michael Murphy

Math 365 Class Projects

It is often a struggle for students to find parking on the UNLV campus. Some have related it to finding a needle in a haystack. The number of students attending UNLV has steadily increased overtime. It is possible in the future there may be more students trying to find parking then there are parking stalls. If students are paying for parking permits it is expected that they have a place to park.

Estimating Population Growth Of Las Vegas, Ryan Desacola, Jacob Valadez, Ryan S. Tan

Math 365 Class Projects

An issue we have identified is Las Vegas' population growth. To those that live in Las Vegas, many know that Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States of America; due to its rampant growth, projecting future population growth is of utmost importance in order to prepare public utilities, housing developments, and other such services for the inevitable incrase. Consequently, for our project, we are attempting to extrapolate upon existing population growth trends (identified by censuses of years past) and utilize the method of least squares to turn out extrapolation into a mathematical prediction.

Unlv Solar Decathlon 2017: Team Charter And Mission Statement, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Solar Decathlon Team.

Sinatra Living: Competition Materials

This document has the Mission Statement for Team Las Vegas, as well as the goals (Team Charter) for the Solar Decathlon 2017 project.

Las Vegas: Water Jury Feedback, Solar Decathlon Jury

Sinatra Living: Competition Materials

A document containing the evaluation and feedback of the Team Las Vegas project house (Sinatra Living) by the Water Jury. The Water Jury is responsible for determining the winners of the Water category for the 2017 Solar Decathlon.

Synapse: Association Of Energy Engineers Presentation, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Solar Decathlon Team.

Sinatra Living: Marketing and Promotion

This document is a slide presentation, as presented to the Association of Energy Engineers, to gain support for Team Las Vegas's project. Uses project name "Synapse".

Sinatra Living: Project Abstract And Primary Team Members, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Solar Decathlon Team.

Sinatra Living: Competition Materials

This document is the final project abstract for Team Las Vegas.

Sinatra Living: Team Las Vegas Proposal (Full Packet), University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Solar Decathlon Team.

Sinatra Living: Competition Materials

This packet is the final proposal for the Team Las Vegas project, containing a number of project overview documents.

Synapse: Construction Education Committee Presentation, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Solar Decathlon Team.

Sinatra Living: Marketing and Promotion

This document is a slide presentation, as presented on May 5, 2016 to the Construction Education Committee, to gain support for Team Las Vegas's project. Uses project name "Synapse".

Lou Ruvo Cleveland Clinic Team Las Vegas Solar Decathlon 2017 Panel Presentation, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Solar Decathlon Team.

Sinatra Living: Marketing and Promotion

This document is a slide presentation, as presented on Febraury 4, 2016 to the Lou Ruvo Cleveland Clinic, to gain support for Team Las Vegas's project.