Architecture Commons^™

Reviving Humanity, Ana Gomez

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The surge in female incarceration rates in the United States has heightened concerns about the mental health challenges faced by women within correctional facilities. This thesis research explores the intersection of women’s incarceration, mental health, and sustainable architectural design aimed at improving outcomes for female inmates. Factors contributing to the increase in female incarceration rates, including changes in sentencing policies and socioeconomic disparities, are discussed. Research indicates a high prevalence of mental health disorders among female inmates, often linked to past trauma and exacerbated by the prison environment. Despite this, the prison system often fails to adequately address the mental …

Pathways To Possibilities : Montessori, Re-Imagined And Expanded - For Every Path In Life, Melanie Nin

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Pathways to Possibilities explores the importance of establishing a Montessori pre-k through 8th grade school for a large population of children, highlighting the unique challenges they face in accessing an education that meets their fundamental needs. The Montessori model can be expanded to serve more children by adapting its principles to a large school structure. Incorporating Montessori design principles and learning theories will create an inclusive, supporting environment that fosters self-directed learning, creativity, and social engagement. By scaling the Montessori model, this thesis aims to create a more accessible and innovative multi-sensory environment that supports the diverse learning needs of …

The Interlace: Creating Suburban Connections, Annikka Fairfield

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Many cities in the United States are designed based on suburban sprawl, which contributes to excessive automobile-dependency and unwelcoming streets for pedestrians, and metro Atlanta is no exception. Alpharetta, Georgia is a growing city with the potential to become a more walkable suburban city. Alpharetta can be invigorated along specific corridors at the human scale to increase both walkability and connectivity by focusing on pedestrian wellbeing. Research shows that Biophilia's various facets have the power to improve human wellbeing. Prospect, refuge, and presence of water were selected to guide the thesis design. Urban-scale precedents like the Beltline in Atlanta, Georgia …

Variant Minds: Designing For Neurodiversity In Office Spaces, Maya Schiltz

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

By recognizing and accommodating the natural diversity in human cognition, neurodiversity, Variant Minds proposes an inclusive office design strategy that supports both neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals alike.

Originally used in reference to Autism, the term “neurodiversity” now encompasses a broader range of conditions, including ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Alzheimer’s, depression, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and Tourette’s syndrome. With an estimated 1 in 5 of the global population being neurodivergent, designing for inclusivity is both a moral imperative and a strategic advantage. Neurodiverse individuals bring unique strengths to the workplace, such as innovative thinking, strong pattern recognition, and heightened attention to detail. Studies …

Modularity Resilience, Claudia R. Aker

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Every year, millions of people are displaced from their homes due to catastrophic flooding. According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), floods caused 9.8 million displacements in 2023 alone. Climate change is a primary factor driving the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and flooding worldwide.

This year, heavy rainfall has submerged villages and towns, destroyed homes and livelihoods, and imposed growing hardships on affected communities across regions such as Afghanistan, East Africa, Brazil, and the United States. These events have been intensified by a combination of storm surges, tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and record levels …

The Translucent Fortress: Improving The Design Of Rural Domestic Violence Shelters, Owen Baker Phillips

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Domestic violence is a nationwide social plague that effects millions of women each year and has increased in severity since Covid-19 (2020-2022). In the state of Georgia, 37.4% of women report experiencing some sort of physical violence by an intimate partner (NCADV, 2020). Severity and frequency of domestic violence increases drastically if the victim is living in a rural location. Qualitative studies conducted in Iowa, North Carolina, and Virginia all report that on average, women living in rural areas report 150% more domestic violence experiences at a higher severity than their urban counterparts and must travel on average 300% further …

Sustainable Roots: Utilizing Historic Technologies For Modern Housing, Abigail Yeagley

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Viewed through a post-humanist lens, this thesis explores the reconciliation of indigenous, historic, and contemporary climate technologies to design housing that exists in harmony with the environment. Addressing the dual crises of housing scarcity and climate change, the project challenges Western post-industrial approaches, embracing Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) as a sustainable alternative. This thesis uses the AIA Framework for Design Excellence as a foundational guide but simultaneously critiques its scope, seeking to adapt and extend its principles to better align with Posthumanist housing principles. The design responds to specific climate conditions, analyzed using the Koppen-Geiger model, to ensure resilience, community …

Chaos And Order: Translating War Into Spatial Design, Falak Alam

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Wars and occupations happened all over the world throughout history. As Eyal Weizman has demonstrated in “Hollow Land,” architecture actually partakes in wars and occupations (Weizman 11). Architecture facilitates the occupation’s goals of control and dispossession through spatial and formal means. Weizman breaks architecture’s effects on the political environment down into six main categories: anchor point settlements, vertical architecture, uniform design, the dynamic battlefield, the spatial arrangements of settlements, and threshold spaces. These strategies exemplify the way design has been used in an effort to instill fear and erase identities of cultures.

Weizman’s book, along with Lebbeus Woods’ writings and …

Spatial Autonomy: Exploring Industry 4.0/5.0 Trends On Architectural Design, Diana Salamaga

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The rise of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 presents significant opportunities for the architecture industry to incorporate advanced technologies into its design and construction processes. However, the full potential of these technologies in architectural design has yet to be fully explored. This thesis, ‘Spatial Autonomy: Exploring Industry 4.0 and 5.0 Trends in Architectural Design,’ aims to investigate the ability of buildings to function autonomously through the integration of smart technologies. This exploration focuses on how Industry 4.0 and 5.0 trends can optimize building performance, creating more comfortable and enjoyable experiences for users, while also enhancing efficiency and sustainability. It examines the …

Natural Reflection: Reducing The Environmental Impact Of Architecture Through Biomimetic Design, Keenan Doricent

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This project studies how typical building projects contribute to our environmental issues today and possible ways to reduce that contribution moving forward. In my literature review, I discuss the potential of biomimetic design as a possible solution for more environmentally considerate architecture techniques. Building operations and the construction process are two of the leading contributors to energy consumption and our growing ecological footprint as an industry. Everything from sourcing materials, to site preparation, and ultimately building occupation, factor into the effect of a structure’s life on the environment. The embodied and operational energy use of our expanding infrastructure continues to …

Architronics: Utilizing Virtual Reality In Architectural Pedagogy, Constantine Lambros

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This research is about integrating the recent advancements in VR technology as a way to ‘playtest’ and design in architectural pedagogy. To better gauge the interest in VR and prove the need for VR integration, surveys were conducted among students and faculty within KSU’s College of Architecture and Construction Management (CACM).

A ‘site analysis’ was then conducted within surrounding firms in the greater Atlanta area, leading to precedent studies of local firms that use VR in their practice. By utilizing the firms advancements, this shed new light into how VR could be implemented into architectural pedagogy, and why it hasn’t …

Rehabilitation Of The Street: Design Strategies To Increase Diversity In Downtown, Atlanta, Abigail Akridge

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Streets in Atlanta have become exclusionary to one or more functions, uses, and communities. Streets dominated by a single demographic or function contribute to urban decline. Such streets lack diversity in activities and uses, leading to increased crime, decreased engagement, and a dying urban fabric. Architects play a crucial role in reversing this trend by designing with a focus on streets’ implications and the needs of diverse communities. By prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in street design, architects can foster a thriving urban environment. The goal of my thesis is to propose an urban design process centered on the street section, …

Sculpting The Senses: Architecture For The Body In Place, Trammel Crowley

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

True architecture has the ability to engage the human body and its senses from a holistic standpoint. However, there is a growing presence of architecture that is created with a bias toward the visual sense, lacking sensuality, and leaving the other senses unstimulated. Negative emotions, like anxiety, experienced by individuals within a particular space can be attributed to various factors, including the sensorial qualities encountered and the memories associated with that space. Within the field of this study, there have been architects who have confronted the issues of contemporary architecture, neglecting the holistic experience of the body within space. An …

Rethinking Shelter: Designing A Home For Atlanta's Homeless Families And Youth, Maddi Dutton

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Homelessness is a devastating experience, and its impacts are suffered by Atlanta’s families and youth who find themselves without stable housing. Family homelessness often results in the separation of families, leading to unaccompanied youth living on the streets or in uncomfortable shelters. Existing shelters do not provide family accommodations. They offer basic services and mostly lack a sense of community and personalized private spaces that are essential for fostering a sense of dignity. As emphasized in House as a Mirror of Self by Clare Cooper Marcus, humans need a ‘home’ not just a dwelling. A physical space becomes a home …

The Revitalization Of Lalibela’S Heritage Site Through The Establishment Of A New Visitor Center, Endale Tesfay

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

ABSTRACT

Revitalizing the heritage site of the rock-hewn church of Lalibela is counted as revitalizing a city because the site is the biggest heritage site. It is found in the Amhara region of north Ethiopia, and the properties were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1978. Eleven churches were found at the site, and all of them were carved out of the living rock in the 12th century, not constructed traditionally. The churches are grouped into three and connected by a walking trail, tunnel, and trench. Groups of churches have interior and exterior spaces, and their floors, roofs, walls, …

Dynamic Dwellings: A Study In Transformative Spaces, Donovan Mitchell

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis research explores the transformative potential of kinetic architecture in the realm of residential living, focusing on the integration of adaptable interiors and dynamic facades through the use of kinetic elements. In a world with ever-shifting lifestyles and environmental changes, architecture's role in enhancing human experience is paramount. This study will argue that architecture should not remain static; instead, it should evolve, respond, and cater to the changing needs of users and environmental conditions. This research aims to propose solutions that fundamentally redefine the way we inhabit and interact with our built environments.

Decarbonized Design: Investigating Decarbonization Through The Design Of A Mass Timber Campus, Sophie Cronin

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The rise of carbon in our atmosphere is a leading cause of climate change, and one of the biggest threats to our planet. Though not the most toxic greenhouse gas, it is the most durable, therefore lingers much longer in our atmosphere. This leads to higher atmospheric temperatures, causing natural disasters such as melting ice caps, and rising sea levels which leads to displacement of people and loss of biodiversity. According to Architecture 2030 The global building industry emits 42% of the annual carbon emissions. I believe we need to take action as a part of the building industry to …

[Re]Mapping Resilience: Reimagining Urban Waterfronts In The Face Of Climate Change, Brandon Bernard

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

By the year 2100, southern-Florida is projected to experience a 1-2 meter rise in sea level, resulting in the lower portion of the state becoming almost completely submerged under a new watertable.[14] During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city of Miami developed rapidly and the community and economy inevitably became intertwined with the water and its ecology. Due to the growing population and economy, urban developments soared and led to low-lying areas being filled in, open space along waterways were claimed for commercial and residential buildings, and man-made islands such as the venetian islands were constructed. As a result, …

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 …

Closed For Storm: Open For Opportunity Revitalizing New Orleans At The Six Flags Site, Jackson Crow

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

New Orleans, a city known for its rich culture and historical significance, has faced its fair share of challenges, including natural disasters and economic struggles. One notable symbol of these struggles is the abandoned Six Flags theme park. This thesis proposal aims to explore the potential of revitalizing the old Six Flags site as a means to revive the city, while at the same time giving back to the community by enhancing its economic, cultural, and recreational offerings. The site will also double down as a safe center if another catastrophic hurricane hits the city.

The Space In-Between: Establishing Co-Housing Solutions For Post Foster Youth, Ashley Maloney

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The space in between addresses the issue of post-foster care youth aged 18 to 24, navigating the challenging transition to adulthood. Located in the Overtown District in Miami which is a region grappling with one of the highest rates of homeless foster youth in the nation, the research explores the unique challenges, experiences, and outcomes faced by these individuals as they age out of the system.

The lack of funding and support for aging-out youth poses many consequences, such as increasing their vulnerability to homelessness, unemployment, and incarceration compared to their peers. This thesis aims to shed light on this …

Networking: Plugging-In To The Suburbs, Joel Burnette

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Postwar planning has led to the disruption of sufficient urban design. Effects such as urban sprawl and the spread of low-density housing has created issues with residents having to heavily rely on commuting to cities by automobiles, creating a car-driven environment as opposed to one that is pedestrian-friendly, and also causing an increase in air pollution. The aim of my thesis is to establish a mixed-use community west of the North Springs MARTA Station as a solution to localizing services in order to counter these problems of separated zones and urban sprawl. Using precedents of past and present mixed-use developments, …

Tribal Restoration, Texas Totten

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

An architectural thesis should center around unresolved challenges within the field. Within our nation, numerous architecture-related issues persist, with many awaiting effective and lasting solutions. Some of these challenges are glaringly evident, drawing attention as eyesores, while others remain unnoticed, escaping the public's scrutiny. Paradoxically, the issues that often elude widespread attention are those most in need of urgent assistance. A prime illustration is the ongoing housing crisis afflicting Native American tribal lands. For years, these reservations have grappled with persistent poverty, with the lack of access to affordable housing emerging as a prominent and pressing concern. Unfortunately, these tribal …

Juxtapositions: Exploring A New High-Rise Topology, Jacob Powell

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The movement of people in urban areas creates a symphony of activity in public, private, commercial, leisure, work, and living spaces. However, high-rises often lack the public space found in more horizontal neighborhoods, with rows of nondescript doors leading to isolated floors. This thesis aims to challenge this narrative by bringing public space to high-rises, negotiating the boundary between public and private space, building internal and external connections, and uniting the city's horizontal movement with the high-rise's three-dimensional movement. By doing so, it seeks to create a sense of community within high-rises and enhance the urban experience for their residents.

De-Fragmentation: Bridging Two Fragmented Communities Through Well Being In The West End Neighborhood, Mark Pinkney Jr

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The intention of this thesis is to create a “Bridge” between two communities that are dealing with Physical and Social fragmentation. To address the issue of fragmentation, the design’s program will introduce 3 Well Being Programs. Physical Well Being, Intellectual Well Being, and Well Being through Sense of Community.

The West End community presents two forms for fragmentation Physical and Social. The specifically strives to create engagement between the older community in the West End historic neighborhood and younger community of the Atlanta University Students.

The 3 Well Being programs include on the Intellectual side a Trade school. The Physical …

Dialectical Utopism In Architectural Praxis: A Critique And Vision For Spatial Revolution, Self Governance, And Social Transformation In Niger, Abdoulaye Idrissa

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

In January, amidst one of Niger's most turbulent periods of socioeconomic and political unrest, I departed from the chaos-laden streets that had become scenes of collapse and despair. As an architecture student, compelled by the urgency of the situation, I embarked on a journey to explore the transformative potential of architecture in the face of such crisis.

From the bustling streets filled with the disheartened faces of the unemployed to the frontline confrontations between government forces and disillusioned inhabitants, the disarray of law and order paints a stark picture of societal fragmentation. Yet, amidst this turmoil lies an opportunity for …

Liminality In Cultural Narratives: Reviving Abandoned Mall Spaces With Focus On Economic Efficiency And Social-Environmental Cohesion, Edwin Osmin

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis focuses on the problematic design trends of malls, particularly those that prioritize economic efficiency at the expense of social and environmental considerations. It highlights how many struggling or closed malls share similar design strategies, often focusing on retail anchor stores and circulation-centric layouts. These design choices have contributed to an unsuccessful typology over the years.

The thesis aims to address this issue by proposing a new approach to a case in Duluth, Georgia. It centers around the concept of liminality, referring to a transitional state characterized by continuity, obscurity, and sentimentality. By applying this concept, the thesis suggests …

[A]Rchitectural_[I]Ntelligence: A Visual Design Journey Through The Lens Of Ai, Cameron Fiveash

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in architecture has revolutionized design thinking, providing architects with powerful tools for exploration and creation. This thesis examines the transformative potential of AI engines, particularly MidJourney, in enhancing architectural design processes. MidJourney's advanced image analysis capabilities offer architects a unique opportunity to study architectural forms through AI, fostering a symbiotic relationship between human creativity and machine intelligence.

The research explores AI's evolving role in the creative process, emphasizing its ability to augment human ingenuity rather than replace it. Architects can leverage MidJourney's AI engine to explore diverse design possibilities and discover innovative solutions to …

Reviving The Lao Vernacular: Preserving Culture Through Floating Communities, Julianna Viengxay

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

The goal of this project is to strengthen a community through a series of cultural activities coexisting with nature with treehouses, houseboats, and a community center through ecotourism in Lao. There has always been floating communities on land, and water due to the heavy amount of rainfall, and monsoons from May to October. A strong focus on design elements such as material, form, and structure while preserving the local culture. Emphasizing the importance of the Lao vernacular with form, and how symbolism throughout in Lao architecture as expression.

Analyzing the indigenous way of local construction to understand the complexities of …

Alt-Sensory, Yevguenni Marseille

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

For blind pianists like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, or a deaf drummer such as Evelyn Glennie, how is it that they explore music? For a deaf and blind activist like Helen Keller, how could she have explored the world? The intent of this thesis is to discern and then integrate the spatial qualities that enhance communication and exploration for the sensory impaired into the public fabric. Simultaneously, the goal is to design a space that supplies to the needs of the sensory Impaired while incorporating the desirable features of the unimpaired. Typically, sensory impaired design, otherwise known as accessible …