Architecture Commons^™

Food For Function Pt. 4, Ryan Desilva

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis proposes to develop and apply sustainable energy strategies driven by the needs of yet commercial kitchens within the context of adaptive re-use of buildings. Spatializing systems within the framework of building envelopes will minimize energy usage, promote smarter holistic building design; but most importantly, teach culinary students sustainable strategies related to the growth, use and reuse of food as it pertains to the consumption and production of energy.

City School, Urban Re-Form: Sublimating Education Into Daily Civic Life, Alison Dobbertin

Architecture Senior Theses

The urban public school is in crisis. In the 21st century we have yet to reform the bounded and centralized school model: one of queues, rigid spatial/temporal organization, and restricted learning in a continuously supervised environment. The general failure of the public school system within the American city is compounded with the need for new skill sets that refocus educational priority upon ability to communicate, think critically and embody creativity – skills that are becoming crucial in the globalizing culture and economy. The urban public school awaits a critical re-formation that can architecturally and ideologically address these shortcomings.

The Zoological Paradox, Thorfun Chutchawanjumrut

Architecture Senior Theses

Through on-site field investigation, studies of animal behaviors,

and Jon Coe’s zoo enrichment principles, this thesis proposes

that zoo architec-ture should prioritize the needs of the animals

by incorporating behavioral and environmental enrichments

into its design. Enrichments refer to the pro- cess of providing the

appropriate behav-ioral and environmental stimuli that foster the

animals to exhibit their own natural behaviors.

Adapting Jon Coe’s strategies and Heini Hediger’s concept of

territory as precedents, “A Zoological Paradox” proposes the reimagining

of the zoo typology by integrating existing enrich-ment

methodologies, as well as allowing human visitors to interact and

engage in the process …

The Meat You Haven't Met, Pt. 3, Rebecca Soja

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis contends that architecture can be a tool for exposing the social, environmental, economic, and political problems caused by industrial beef production and excessive cultural consumption of beef in order to promote meaningful change. A narrative is established in which a fictitious beef corporation seeks the expertise of an architect to design a Transparency Tour as part of a green washing campaign. However, while the intent of the corporation is to mislead consumers to gain loyalty, the architect seizes the opportunity to infiltrate the system and expose realities that would have remained hidden. Subversive design interventions within three stops …

Modernization Of Death Spaces: Solution To The Problem Of Lacking Death Space In Hong Kong, Simon Tse

Architecture Senior Theses

Digital media opens up a new dynamic in maintaining and recalling memories. It requires digital ancestral halls to provide spaces for the data to be stored, and for people to commemorate deceased people in the digital age. Using existing pedestrian bridges, these halls will once again be placed in the very center of the community. This thesis proposes the fashioning of a new culture of remembrance of those who have passed away. People will be able to visit casually as a daily routine. The proposed digital death spaces merge the traditional idea of ancestral halls with digital information. The Infusion …

The Meat You Haven't Met, Pt. 6, Rebecca Soja

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis contends that architecture can be a tool for exposing the social, environmental, economic, and political problems caused by industrial beef production and excessive cultural consumption of beef in order to promote meaningful change. A narrative is established in which a fictitious beef corporation seeks the expertise of an architect to design a Transparency Tour as part of a green washing campaign. However, while the intent of the corporation is to mislead consumers to gain loyalty, the architect seizes the opportunity to infiltrate the system and expose realities that would have remained hidden. Subversive design interventions within three stops …

Food For Function, Ryan Desilva

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis proposes to develop and apply sustainable energy strategies driven by the needs of yet commercial kitchens within the context of adaptive re-use of buildings. Spatializing systems within the framework of building envelopes will minimize energy usage, promote smarter holistic building design; but most importantly, teach culinary students sustainable strategies related to the growth, use and reuse of food as it pertains to the consumption and production of energy.

Food For Function Pt. 2, Ryan Desilva

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis proposes to develop and apply sustainable energy strategies driven by the needs of yet commercial kitchens within the context of adaptive re-use of buildings. Spatializing systems within the framework of building envelopes will minimize energy usage, promote smarter holistic building design; but most importantly, teach culinary students sustainable strategies related to the growth, use and reuse of food as it pertains to the consumption and production of energy.

Food For Function Pt. 3, Ryan Desilva

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis proposes to develop and apply sustainable energy strategies driven by the needs of yet commercial kitchens within the context of adaptive re-use of buildings. Spatializing systems within the framework of building envelopes will minimize energy usage, promote smarter holistic building design; but most importantly, teach culinary students sustainable strategies related to the growth, use and reuse of food as it pertains to the consumption and production of energy.

Library Public-Ness: Bridging The Digital Divide, Chao Dou

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis contends that the bricks-and-mortar public library must continue to deliver on its core mission of providing free access to information for everybody. To achieve this aim, the 21st century public library must be ever more accessible, inviting, and flexible. This thesis proposes that the current public library in downtown does not properly serve the needs of the city's citizens. Accordingly, this thesis investigates the creation of a new public library for downtown Syracuse, and seeks to provide a means of bridging the digital divide, providing ready access to digital information for the many and the few.

Library Public-Ness: Bridging The Digital Divide (Thesis Book), Chao Dou

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis contends that the bricks-and-mortar public library must continue to deliver on its core mission of providing free access to information for everybody. To achieve this aim, the 21st century public library must be ever more accessible, inviting, and flexible. This thesis proposes that the current public library in downtown does not properly serve the needs of the city's citizens. Accordingly, this thesis investigates the creation of a new public library for downtown Syracuse, and seeks to provide a means of bridging the digital divide, providing ready access to digital information for the many and the few.

Stimulating The Urban Domain In High-Rise Social Housing Developments Pt. 4, Heather Dela Cruz

Architecture Senior Theses

While architecture will not singularly solve the social problems that arose from the creation of these "towers in the park," it is this contention that through the combination of the benefits of both high-rise and low-rise structures it will be possible to provide residents with amenities that lead to new cultural and economic opportunities that will foster an interactive and diverse urban community.

Stimulating The Urban Domain In High-Rise Social Housing Developments Pt. 3, Heather Dela Cruz

Architecture Senior Theses

While architecture will not singularly solve the social problems that arose from the creation of these "towers in the park," it is this contention that through the combination of the benefits of both high-rise and low-rise structures it will be possible to provide residents with amenities that lead to new cultural and economic opportunities that will foster an interactive and diverse urban community.

Stimulating The Urban Domain In High-Rise Social Housing Developments Pt. 2, Heather Dela Cruz

Architecture Senior Theses

While architecture will not singularly solve the social problems that arose from the creation of these "towers in the park," it is this contention that through the combination of the benefits of both high-rise and low-rise structures it will be possible to provide residents with amenities that lead to new cultural and economic opportunities that will foster an interactive and diverse urban community.

Stimulating The Urban Domain In High-Rise Social Housing Developments, Heather Dela Cruz

Architecture Senior Theses

While architecture will not singularly solve the social problems that arose from the creation of these "towers in the park," it is this contention that through the combination of the benefits of both high-rise and low-rise structures it will be possible to provide residents with amenities that lead to new cultural and economic opportunities that will foster an interactive and diverse urban community.

Stimulating The Urban Domain In High-Rise Social Housing Developments Pt. 5, Heather Dela Cruz

Architecture Senior Theses

While architecture will not singularly solve the social problems that arose from the creation of these "towers in the park," it is this contention that through the combination of the benefits of both high-rise and low-rise structures it will be possible to provide residents with amenities that lead to new cultural and economic opportunities that will foster an interactive and diverse urban community.

Atrium, Hasan Hachem

Architecture Senior Theses

Architectural history has overlooked the significance of one of its oldest and most fundamental elements. Present at the origins of architecture and characteristically essential to almost any contemporary design (over two floors), the atrium consistently finds itself in the lapse of history’s judgment - perhaps due to its consistent presence. The atrium has ranged from the hole in primitive shelters for smoke management, to its introduction as a proper space in the Roman domus and finally manifesting itself at its most extravagant in Portman’s hotel designs. However, as the atrium acts as the auspice for all vertical openings in a …

Obsolete Architecture: Revitalization Along A Spectrum Of Utility, Garrett Goodridge

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis project focuses specifically on naval fortifications, which are a particularly unique example of obsolete architecture. Ironically, the naval fort is defined as being not only a military stronghold but also something that is insusceptible to outside influence. Today, most forts are considered defunct or abandoned and are recognized as historical artifacts, such as Fort Gorges and Fort Scammel located in Maine’s Portland Harbor. An artifact, by definition, is something that is deemed to by culturally relevant. As such, the artifact should be seen as something that continually contributes to contemporary culture and its surrounding context, both of which …

Living On The Edge: Landform Resilience, Lauren Festa

Architecture Senior Theses

The program of a resilience center on the site serves as a way to engage the community with the threat of rising sea levels through education and office facilities, as well as providing a location to double as an emergency evacuation center. The community of East Boston is particularly vulnerable due to its identity as a low income neighborhood. An MBTA ferry terminal supplements the emergency evacuation center, providing an added source of public transit. A square, and a recreation building along the city of Boston's Harborwalk creates an opportunity for the public to engage with the waterfront park.

Reimagining Obsolete Underground Infrastructure, Pt. 1, Alexa Hansford

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis aims to tackle the issues of obsolete infrastructure through the creation of a new network throughout the urban center. Networks of abandoned underground structures exist in urban locations everywhere, left untouched or forgotten when building anew was easier. These sometimes iconic structures are left with only small traces of their influence upon their context. Sites like these still have the ability to influence their surroundings on both an urban and a local scale. Due to the elevation of such spaces, they are inevitably at a greater risk for damage. Redesigning the network to accommodate and adapt to the …

Reimagining Obsolete Underground Infrastructure, Pt. 4, Alexa Hansford

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis aims to tackle the issues of obsolete infrastructure through the creation of a new network throughout the urban center. Networks of abandoned underground structures exist in urban locations everywhere, left untouched or forgotten when building anew was easier. These sometimes iconic structures are left with only small traces of their influence upon their context. Sites like these still have the ability to influence their surroundings on both an urban and a local scale. Due to the elevation of such spaces, they are inevitably at a greater risk for damage. Redesigning the network to accommodate and adapt to the …

Affect Of Space: Nature Connectedness, Christian Lee

Architecture Senior Theses

This research will be mainly focused in promoting connectedness with nature through control of light. The “house” will be used as a connector in restoring the relationship. It is because the “house” is not just a shelter, but something more. It is the place where people, consciously and unconsciously, engages with one’s inner mind. It is not only “a machine for living in”, but also a connector linking between the inner world and nature. It is full of sensual quality which could mentally affect dwellers. However, the consequences of modernization are driving people’s focus away from material object of aesthetic …

Efficacy Of Perspective: The Production Of Transitoriness In 21st Century Public Space, Kenny Kim

Architecture Senior Theses

This thesis considers the specific relationship between representation of cities and its capacity to promote and construct cities. In the last century, there has been a shift of theorizing in the position of the human eye to organize the new systems of the contemporary city. It has moved away from using these tools to imagine and polemically argue for or against the city.

Re-Forming Prison: Better Mental Health Through Progressive Penitentiary Design, Emily Lodato

Architecture Senior Theses

Prisons are intended to both punish and inform their inhabitants. Complicating this task are the 21.7% of inmates who have serious mental health issues. Most contemporary experts claim that addressing mental health challenges in a progressive manner in prison will promote better results in terms of reduced recidivism through improved therapeutic techniques that foster an enhanced level of general humane-ness in the day to day management of penitentiaries. This thesis can be used as a methodology for rethinking community development and the promotion of mental health through architecture.

Energy Modeling And Implementation Of Complex Building Systems, Pt. 3, Kurt Rogler

Architecture Senior Theses

Complex/dynamic systems and technologies are gaining traction in architecture, but accurate analysis and simulation of conflicting dynamic systems within a building model has yet to be achieved. Most ideas of analysis and simulation revolve around a set process: model one instance of a building (i.e. without changing parameters) and analyze in a separate program. The use of a parametric base for analysis/simulation plugins, as well as an easily manipulatable and responsive model would not only further the accuracy of testing the effects of multiple dynamic systems, but become a new tool that merges model, behavior, analysis and simulation to strive …

Energy Modeling And Implementation Of Complex Building Systems, Pt. 2, Kurt Rogler

Architecture Senior Theses

Complex/dynamic systems and technologies are gaining traction in architecture, but accurate analysis and simulation of conflicting dynamic systems within a building model has yet to be achieved. Most ideas of analysis and simulation revolve around a set process: model one instance of a building (i.e. without changing parameters) and analyze in a separate program. The use of a parametric base for analysis/simulation plugins, as well as an easily manipulatable and responsive model would not only further the accuracy of testing the effects of multiple dynamic systems, but become a new tool that merges model, behavior, analysis and simulation to strive …

Blind Spot, Andrea Macias-Yanez

Architecture Senior Theses

Negotiating between the physical and software means mediating perception, therefore physical space is defined by endo-perception and software space by exo-perception. This project investigates the temporary singularity of a frozen moment. Through means of motion Blind Spot will reveal unalienable, hidden software algorithms, stripping off what is not comprehensible and feed back the output back into the process of creating architectural speculation.

An Architecture Of Dimensions 2d»3d»4d»Et Cetera, Pt. 2, Tiffany Montañez

Architecture Senior Theses

As humans, we see, view, and understand spaces and the representation of space via images. It is natural for humans to have a preconceived notion of existing conditions based on expectation, mental record, and previous experience. This thesis explores the dimensional potential in architecture of the mis-representation of space through illusory, mischievous and precocious means. This is an architecture that questions one’s perspective, perception and placement.

This intentional and productive miscommunication of architecture happens through the creation of the drawing and model simultaneously with strategic but not comprehensive alignments to create an expected image in the mind of the viewer …

The Spatial Implications Of Creative Collaboration Spaces, Omal-Hoda Kassim

Architecture Senior Theses

Architecturally influenced, specialized spaces for storytelling disciplines will create a place of collective learning that promotes social interaction and creative cross pollination. Multifunctional spaces that use architecture to target the social dimension may become a vehicle for testing this contention. The vehicle would be a ‘storytelling incubator space’ that will specialize in film/animation/comics and other storytelling medium, thus resulting in a multi-use space that’s purpose is to create a place of collective learning. Using architecture as a motivator, the space would have highly specific workstations with spatial elements that would directly influence workflow and collaboration between students/people.

Thick Matters: De-Optimizing Infrastructural Redundancies, Pt. 2, Marco Ravini

Architecture Senior Theses

Closed system design methodologies have produced infrastructures that anticipate only a single lifetime use. This approach has burdened many urban areas with defective infrastructures in need of perpetual modification and repair. Rather than continue to over-engineer these vital frameworks to resist the inevitable failure of individual components, the next generation of public infrastructure needs to exceed its

technical specifications and seek ways to create spatial reciprocity among systems. This thesis calls for a renewed understanding of redundancy in order to strategically infuse infrastructure with public agency and diverse utility. Such an approach has the potential to yield greater systemic outputs …