Architecture Commons^™

New Visions For Religious Architecture: Religious Architecture Adaptation To Reflect Modern Spiritualism And Wellness, Gabrielle Deschenes

Architecture Theses and Projects

Religious Architecture is a typology that is found in all communities around the world, large or small. Despite the differences in architectural design due to religious views, these buildings have something in common: architectural impact. These buildings engage their communities by introducing eye-catching, and unique architectural features that separate them from their surrounding context. These qualities make them valuable pieces of architecture that bring vibrant historic value to their communities.

As designers, we must always be aware of current events and changing beliefs. For the past twenty years, people have been attending religious services less and less, and after the …

Reviving The Plan An Implementation Of Historic Concepts, Jared Mcgowan

Architecture Theses and Projects

For my thesis I would like to research historic concepts and ideas of plans, and how they could apply to residential housing layouts today. Through precedent ideas and example projects, I would be able to identify architectural moves made by famous architects of the past that would have real value today, but have since gone unused except in the projects in which they were created. Through projects examined in architectural history classes, to projects suggested by professors, I will research a wide range of styles and ideas to include in a modern project.

I will rely on historic typologies, centered …

Adaptive Reuse Of The Suburban Office Building, Olivia Mora

Architecture Theses and Projects

My thesis addresses the current issues of office vacancy and the housing shortage. Living in the Portland, Maine area my entire life, I’ve noticed a lot of gentrification happening in the city downtown, including my dad’s little neighborhood he grew up in. I want to create a space where people of all incomes levels have the opportunity to live in.

After a thorough GIS analysis, the ideal site was determined to be 300 Southborough Drive in South Portland. This is only 10-15 minutes from downtown Portland. When adapting a vacant, standalone suburban office building like this one, there are a …

Jiquilisco Bay Mangrove Restoration Center, Julio Romero

Architecture Theses and Projects

Due to advanced degradation of mangroves, local ecosystems and social structures suffer. Non-profit organizations, consisting of community volunteers and researchers from abroad, are on the forefront of these restoration practices. Protecting these forests prevents local families from starving and keeps their homes from flooding. Applying research-based thinking to create a lab and education space for better implementation of restoration policies on a site-by-site basis was crucial, and the result was a low-tech space with serious material considerations based on local construction and best practices based on improvements in relatively low-tech seismic and water impermeable technology. The result is a celebration …

Hawaiian Health: Community Health Through Design And Nature, Michael Welch

Architecture Theses and Projects

No abstract provided.

Amtrak Staples Mill Station: Strategic Vision Plan 2023, Daniel S. Longest

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This plan proposes the replacement of the current Amtrak Staples Mill Station with a new facility designed to incorporate civic art, multi-use development, and fast and easy train boarding. Drawing on successful examples like Union Station in D.C. and Main Street Station in Richmond, this plan encourages stakeholders to adopt a strategic vision for the station and its vicinity as an asset to the region. An independent commission with equal representation from state agency representatives and residents would enact these improvements through a public-private partnership, including a transit-oriented development scheme for adjacent land.

Trolley Line Trail Creative Placemaking Plan, Courtland Caldwell

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

The Trolley Line Trail is a planned multi-use trail along the historic Richmond-to-Ashland Trolley corridor. The purpose of this plan is to identify potential creative placemaking locations and installations to highlight the trolley's unique past and present. This plan sets forth a vision for creative placemaking by gathering community feedback, analyzing properties along the Trolley Line Trail, and making recommendations for placemaking and public art. Ultimately, the recommendations laid out in this plan aim to preserve and acknowledge the community's unique identity while creating a safe, accessible experience for all users.

A Review On Sustainable Disposal Of Plastic Waste By Integration In Construction Materials, Yara S. El-Metwally, Iman El-Mahallawi, Khaled M. Dewidar, Mostafa R. Refaat

Architectural Engineering

Over the last decades, plastic waste (PW) has increased exponentially and has become a serious threat to our planet, aquatic system and human health. Recycling or reusing PW in producing ecofriendly materials is an efficient solution to reduce plastic pollution and to minimize the depletion of raw materials as well. Previous studies have shown promising potentials of using PW in the construction sector, such as binder, aggregate, or substitute of cement and sand in concrete, brick or mortar. Laboratory results indicate that implementing plastic waste as aggregates in cement composites obtains higher thermal resistance and acoustical performance. However, a reduction …

The Impact Of Noise On Employees’ Performance, Satisfaction, Stress Level, And Concentration In Open-Plan Corporate Offices., Dalia M. Rasmi, Ahmed Khaled Ahmed, Esraa Torky

Architectural Engineering

Noise is defined as any sound that obstructs or interferes with a person's ability to accomplish their job duties, whether it be background noise or noise from a loud workplace. An open-plan office is a workspace that makes use of available space rather than isolating staff members in offices or cubicles. An essential factor that influences both well-being and focus with relation to functional performance is noise, especially in enclosed spaces. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of noise on employees in an open-plan workplace regarding focus, task performance, concentration, and interpersonal communication, by conducting research …

An Updated Analytical Method For Predicting The Bracing Behavior Of Z-Purlin Supported Standing Seam Diaphragm Systems, Michael W. Seek

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Roof systems utilizing Z-purlins as a secondary member supporting a standing seam panel system are used extensively by the metal building industry. The Z-purlins rely on the diaphragm action in the standing seam panel system to provide lateral support and transfer forces to anchorages. The behavior of the standing seam system is highly nonlinear making prediction of the interaction between the Z-purlin and the standing seam system difficult. To better understand the behavior of the interaction between the purlins and the panel system, a series of non-linear shell finite element models were developed based on the test results of simple …

How Can Visual Programing Be Used To Aid The Development Of A Structural Scheme Design Process Utilising Geometric Data Within An Architectural Revit Model?, Ed Carthy, Kieran Lakhera O'Shea

Reports

The early-stage structural scheme design of a building is a complex task requiring the collection of multiple information categories such as geometry, loading and materials. The collection and review of this information is traditionally conducted in a 2D environment. This is inefficient, time-consuming, and tedious. This paper provides a review of how structural engineers’ understanding and implementation of BIM has evolved significantly in recent years, validated by extant literature in areas such as BIM automation, visual programming, and structural optimisation in the structural engineering sector. Structural engineers are growing more aware that BIM provides a vast repository of data to …

Extending The Nno Ballistic Limit Equation To Foam-Filled Dual-Wall Systems, William P. Schonberg

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A key component in the quantitative assessment of the risk posed to spacecraft by the micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) environment is frequently referred to as a ballistic limit equation (BLE). A frequently used BLE for dual-wall configurations (which are commonly used on spacecraft to protect them against the MMOD environment) is the New Non-Optimum, or "NNO", BLE. In design applications where a BLE is needed for a new structural system that has not yet been tested, but resembles to a fair degree a dual-wall system, it is common practice to equivalence the materials, thicknesses, etc., of the new system …

Higher-Order Effects In Biaxial Flexure Of Gfrp I-Section Beams, Zia Razzaq, Faridoon Z. Razzaq

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A theoretical study of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) beams subjected to biaxial bending moments is presented with a focus on the influence of higher-order effects on maximum normal stresses. It is shown that the biaxial bending type of loading causes a dramatic increase in the maximum normal stress for a GFRP beam when induced torsional effects are included. The study demonstrates that the traditional first-order theory can grossly underestimate the maximum normal stress in a GFRP beam. Based on the numerical results presented using a higher-order theory which also accounts for induced warping normal stresses, the maximum normal stress …

Coating Compositions And Methods For Using The Same, Fateme Rezaei, Thomas P. Schuman, Glenn C. Morrison

Patents

Coating compositions and methods for using the same are disclosed. The coating compositions can include an aminosilica adsorbent. The coating compositions can adsorb CO2.

Urban Streets: Remaking Human-Based Places, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

Over the past few decades, due to the emerging compactness of cities considering the increase in population, and consequently the increasing demand for fast mobility, many streets have lost their human dimension. They have been transformed into fast roads, giving priority to vehicles, and reducing the rights of pedestrians. This transformation has affected streets in terms of planning, design, function, and scale. The paper argues that remaking cities’ urban streets as human-based places seeks to achieve a better balance between urbanism, people, nature, and culture, thereby improving their urban life in general. Through a literature review, this article chronologically investigates …

Urban Screens As A Tool For Placemaking, Mona Helmy

Architectural Engineering

Urban screens, as part of the lightscape of places, can play a fundamental role in placemaking. They have the flexibility to be positioned in various locations in spaces with various sizes, shapes, moods, and effects for functional or aesthetical reasons. They can be temporary or permanent, active, or interactive instruments for creating a dynamic, stimulating, and unique public realm atmosphere that engages people and encourages social interaction. This research aims to create a theoretical framework for urban screen typologies as tools for placemaking. It investigates, explores, analyzes, and discusses different approaches where urban screens are used as a main tool …

Techno-Economic Evaluation And Environmental Benefit Of Pv-Based Electric Vehicle Charging Station On University Campus, Rania Rushdy Moussa

Architectural Engineering

Smart utilities comprise an important aspect of modern smart cities. The aim of this work is to present a case study for implementing a solar- energy-based electric vehicle charging station (for the first time on a campus in Egypt) at the British University in Egypt. The total amount of energy needed for charging each electric vehicle (EV) was estimated to be 13.3—16.2 kWh. The EV is operated by 12 batteries. The station was designed to provide energy sufficient for charging up to two vehicles daily during summer. Thus, the station sizing was based on the provision of 16.2 KW and …

Knowledge Management As An Approach For Enhancing The Performance Of Construction Firms: An Analytical Study, Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman, Marwa Abdelhafez, Essam Mahrous

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

The Suitability Of Demand-Controlled Sensor Based Ventilation Systems In Retrofit Dwellings - A Longitudinal Study., Seamus Harrington, Mark Mulville

Conference papers

A fabric-first approach to dwelling retrofit results in increased airtightness, therefore there is an obligation to ensure that the upgrades do not lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) resulting from inadequate ventilation. The sensor-based demand-controlled ventilation (SBDCV) under review seeks to provide fresh air for breathing and to dilute and exhaust pollutants and odours. This system modulates the ventilation rate over time based on relative humidity levels and/or presence detection and considers that the level of ventilation provided is sufficient to control the concentration of all other indoor air pollutants, including those that are not a result of human …

A Stereotomic Struggle, Jim Roche

Articles

Stone in architecture has “territorial and political implications” as its use and designation impact the human rights of the indigenous population. The craft of stereotomy is not just bequeathed from the Crusaders or more recent imperial colonists but has a diverse blended history that is deeply ingrained in Palestinian built culture. Such theses inform the experimental work of Elial and Yusef Anastas, two brother architects who operate from Bethlehem what they term a counter hegemonic practice with the stated aim of “decolonising architecture”.

What Impact Is Occupancy Behavior Having On The Energy Performance Gap Of A Cohort Of A Rated Dwellings?, Karl Mcgarry

Other resources

The use of energy asset ratings in the construction industry has been criticized in literature and in practice due to its apparent inaccuracies when compared to measured energy usage. In the Irish context the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), the asset rating tool has been the topic of many research papers of late with authors citing that in almost all cases the model is underestimating the energy usage of A rated dwellings. This point is of major concern due to A rated Building Energy Rating (BER) certificates now being minimum compliance with the building regulations for new build dwellings. The …

Evaluating Biophilic Design Characteristics In Lincoln Public Schools, Sarah Burr

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A mixed qualitative-quantitative study was conducted in Lincoln, Nebraska to observe and evaluate the biophilic design characteristics in Lincoln Public Schools (LPS). There is a significant lack of nature in urban environments, especially in older buildings and schools, therefore incorporating natural elements in school buildings can promote the success of students and contribute to improved well-being. The research question this study aims to address is: How and to what degree are Lincoln Public Schools integrating biophilic design characteristics in their high school buildings? Four high schools were toured utilizing an evaluation form with 10 biophilic design characteristics and a 5-point …

Analytical And Numerical Behavior Of Double Composite Steel Bridges, Emad M. Hassan, Hussam Mahmoud

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Steel plate girders are considered a viable solution for the construction of medium- to long-span bridges. Despite their many advantages, various concerns have been raised regarding their maintenance due to the potential of fatigue crack initiation at welded details, accelerated corrosion in thin webs, and trapped debris around stiffeners. The use of rolled beams, on the other hand, can be very beneficial because they require much less maintenance. However, they are limited in size, which imposes constraints on their use to relatively short-span bridges due to deflection requirements. In this study, the behavior of the double composite superstructure system was …

Editorial: Ultra-High Performance Concrete: Computation And Simulation Methods, Xinpeng Wang, Yitong Ma, Dongshuai Hou, Hongyan Ma, Yue Zhang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Field Reconnaissance And Observations From The February 6, 2023, Turkey Earthquake Sequence, Gulen Ozkula, Robert K. Dowell, Tugce Baser, Jui Liang Lin, Ozgun A. Numanoglu, Okan Ilhan, C. Guney Olgun, Cheng Wei Huang, Tunc Deniz Uludag

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

On February 6, 2023, a sequence of earthquakes hit Kahraman Maras, Turkey, with magnitudes of M w = 7.8 and 7.5, at 4:17 am and 1:24 pm local time, respectively. According to the records, the M w = 7.8 event was the biggest earthquake since the 1939 Erzincan earthquake of the same magnitude and second-strongest recorded after the 1668 North Anatolia Earthquake. However, it was the most devastating earthquake in the history of Turkey in terms of structural and geotechnical damage and fatalities caused by this. The objective of this article is to explore the aftermath of this major seismic …

Nucleotide Detection Mechanism And Comparison Based On Low-Dimensional Materials: A Review, M. Mustafa Azeem, Muhammad Shafa, Muhammad Aamir, Muhammad Zubair, Basma Souayeh, Mir Waqas Alam

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The recent pandemic has led to the fabrication of new nucleic acid sensors that can detect infinitesimal limits immediately and effectively. Therefore, various techniques have been demonstrated using low-dimensional materials that exhibit ultrahigh detection and accuracy. Numerous detection approaches have been reported, and new methods for impulse sensing are being explored. All ongoing research converges at one unique point, that is, an impetus: the enhanced limit of detection of sensors. There are several reviews on the detection of viruses and other proteins related to disease control point of care; however, to the best of our knowledge, none summarizes the various …

Measurement Of Volumetric Deformation, Strain Localization, And Shear Band Characterization During Triaxial Testing Using A Photogrammetry-Based Method, Sara Fayek, Xiong Zhang, Xiaolong Xia, Qingqing Fu, Jeffrey D. Cawlfield

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Triaxial Testing Has Been Routinely Used as a Standard Laboratory Test that Allows Correct Determination of Soil Characteristics. Previously the Volumetric Strain of the Triaxial Specimen Was Considered to Be Uniformly Distributed Along with the Specimen during the Isotropic and Deviatoric Loading. Although This Assumption Might Hold True under Isotropic Loading, the Effects of Restrained Ends and Disturbance during the Procedures of Specimen Installation and Testing Can Cause Nonuniform Strains throughout the Whole Specimen. This Paper Investigates the Effects of Specimen Preparation and Misalignment on the Strain Uniformity Along with the Soil Specimen during Triaxial Testing. a Series of Consolidated …

Efficient And Accurate Coded Target Decoding For 3d Reconstruction Of Soil Specimens In Triaxial Test, Xiaolong Xia, Xiong Zhang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Coded Targets Have Been Widely Used for Solving the Corresponding Problem in Photogrammetry for High-Accuracy Three-Dimensional Measurements. Accurate and Efficient Recognition and Identification of Coded Targets Are of Great Importance in Coded Target-Based Photogrammetry. in This Paper, an Efficient and Accurate Method for Coded Target Decoding Was Developed. in This Method, Blob Analysis Was Performed to Recognize the Coded Targets. Then, Image Processing, the RANSAC Algorithm, and the Interpolation Technique Were Applied Respectively to Decode the Coded Targets, Identify Falsely Identified Coded Targets, and Recover Missing Coded Targets. Interpolation Was Also Performed on the Membrane, Which Can Significantly Increase the …

Prediction Of Dynamic Mechanical Behaviors Of Coral Concrete Under Different Corrosive Environments And Its Enhancement Mechanism, Jingjie Wei, Boyuan Cheng, Lixiao Li, Wu Jian Long, Kamal Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The marine structures are usually exposed to dynamic loadings within short periods and chemical attacks, resulting in severe dynamical damage or failure to concrete structures. The study of the time-dependent changes in the dynamic mechanical behavior of coral concrete under different corrosive environments and low-frequency waves is limited. For the safety and reliable use of coral concrete in the marine environment, different corrosion environments (chloride ions, sulfate ions, and mixed chloride-sulfate ions) and low-frequency waves (0.5–2.0 Hz) were designed to evaluate the dynamic properties of concrete. A model considering the effect of corroded age is formulated to predict the damping …

Key Factors Affecting Labor Productivity In Offsite Construction Projects, Rayan H. Assaad, Islam H. El-Adaway, Makarand Hastak, Kim Lascola Needy

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Offsite construction has been shown to possess many advantages and benefits in dealing with the construction industry's challenges, which include poor labor productivity. Nevertheless, all previous productivity-related research studies have focused mainly on factors impacting labor productivity in traditional stick-built construction methods. This paper filled this knowledge gap by following a multistep interrelated research methodology. First, a research team of 19 construction professionals and academics developed and distributed an industry survey to (1) quantify the likelihood of occurrence and relative impact of risk factors that adversely impact labor productivity in offsite construction projects; (2) identify and prioritize key risk factors …