Architecture Commons^™

How Much Do U.S. University Students Know, And Want To Know, About Sustainability And Green Building? The Findings Of A Survey, And Possible Implications For General Elective Curricula., Jeremy R. Farner

Purdue Polytechnic Masters Theses

Using the survey approach, this investigation examined the attitudes and interest of college students at two universities in different geographic locations within the United States.  Approximately 24,000 students from all disciplines and majors at Weber State University (WSU) in Utah, and 4,000 at Purdue University in Indiana, were invited to participate in a study to determine current knowledge, familiarity, and interest in topics within the sustainability and Green Building educational arena. The goal of this study was to determine what students already know, would like to know, and how much interest there would be in developing …

The Impacts Of Road Capacity Removal, Jason E. Billings

Master's Theses

The road infrastructure of North America is aging, and many governments are faced with a critical decision:  do we repair or remove freeways from our urban centers?  Freeway repair is exceptionally expensive, but removing a freeway is widely seen as a risky venture which may result in negative traffic effects.  Therefore, it is necessary to gain a clearer understanding of how removing road capacity effects traffic distribution.  Three freeway segments were ultimately selected for case study analysis: two in San Francisco and one in Milwaukee.  This analysis consisted of identifying changes in the traffic volumes and volume-capacity (V/C) ratios in …

Women's Specific Soccer Training Facility, Tockook Sabrina

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

My original intentions were to focus on healthy eating and designing a building that corresponds to the concept of cooking. Diving deeper into the concept I had come to discover the correspondence was not reaching the level that I desired. I knew that I enjoyed the concept of healthy nutrition, and exercise has been a constant theme in my life as well. This lead me to deal more stickily with nutrition and exercise.

Personally I have played soccer for 16 years of my life, and soccer was the first idea that came to my mind when thesis projects were first …

Harvester 1.0, Andrew Sorensen

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

One critical topic has always remained constant throughout the life of this thesis: efficient and multi-functioned urban land use.

It began with the questioning of golf courses and how much land they consumed for typically only a single, recreational function. After realizing the more direct and architectural programmatic relationships, the project shifted to the incorporation of farming into the urban environment while also linking it to today’s growing digital infrastructure needs. This thesis is a means of exploration through process and not necessarily an end result. The questions and potential that this project raises about the architectural relationships is what …

Intermodal | Multimodal, Adam J. Andrews

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

The intent is to confront waste on both a global and local level using architecture to engage and educate the public. Global waste, in this case, is defined as intermodal containers and local waste is defined as municipally collected solid waste. I intend to show through my designs that architecture need not be the source of yet more energy use and material waste. Instead, design can be the vehicle through which we begin to lessen our impact on Planet Earth by reusing the materials already at hand to create architecture and energy.

A waste to energy approach [both architectural and …

Vertical Void, Trumble Maura

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

As architects, we continue to add enclosed spaces to the market in every city on a nearly daily basis, yet millions of square feet of viable, designed space lie empty around the world. While the responsibility of the surplus of leasable square feet is most often assumed to be shouldered by the real estate market, as designers, we must as some point begin to ask ourselves if the blame for the continued ignorance of this issue of vacancy cannot be laid at our feet. Spatial needs change with the economy, technology, and social needs, but have they changed so much …

Place [For] The Children, Heather Hudson

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Due to changing social and economic trends, enrollment in child care has become customary for the large majority of children under the age of five in the U.S. Although the importance of the early years has slowly begun to gain more recognition, early childhood development and education is still not viewed as the imperative societal issue that it demands. As the widespread environment for raising children in the U.S. has gradually moved from the informal atmosphere of the home to the formal settings of a child care center, the impact of the built environment on children’s development has often been …

Dead End Urban Corridors: Reconnecting Urban Space, Molly Macklin

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

This proposal seeks to look at urban renewal through the analysis of main street thoroughfares that weave through the urban fabric connecting neighborhoods and people as vital life-lines within cities. How does history, culture, economics, and existing infrastructure feed these corridors? And what happens when this artery is blocked by development?

Specifically, this thesis is focused on exploring a non-urban oriented, dead-end corridor typology that has been forced onto the urban main street resulting in an area that has become blighted, underutilized, and disconnected from the surrounding urban environment.

The main argument is aimed at critiquing overlaying typologies onto …

Agri-Remnant, Audrey Burns

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Along the lonely stretch of Highway 69 just west of the York and Seward county line close to Gresham, Nebraska, lies a site which has become of keen interest in my search. Two decrepit barns, placed irregularly on the site, have fallen victim to neglect. Most likely the owner of the land has erected newer steel structures to hold his equipment and is letting time be the only factor in the process of deconstruction to these barns.

Constructed entirely of lumber and fasteners, and constructed by the handiwork of the landowner, these barns are some of the few remaining salvageable …

Optimizing The Urban Landscape, Kristin S. Harbert

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

While road infrastructure is at the forefront of the thesis, patterns of Omaha’s road history were studied to get an understanding of the deeper issue. The research suggested that the problem with road infrastructure is largely based in the creation of arterial streets. Wid­ening roads and creating additional arterial streets initially reduces costs and reduces delays, however the perceived benefits are far less than the actual cost: more home-sprawl, more business-sprawl, more big-boxes, more strip malls, new construction, more cars. On the other hand, if the congestion can be managed rather than cre­ating arterial streets, the opposite occurs: initial increased …

Altruistic Infrastructure, Derik Eckhardt

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

The evolution and expansion of cities necessitates a concurrent proliferation of the modern tools of growth. These tools, or infrastructure, are currently programmed to perform one functional operation, when in reality their presence alone brings forth consequences in our urban fabric. That is, they mark, divide, and obstruct movements in the city while simultaneously creating peripheral spaces of marginality. Furthermore, in developing countries cities struggle to expand while providing adequate infrastructure. The provision of infrastructure has the opportunity to be an architectural contribution beyond the current model of idiosyncratic structures.

How do pieces of infrastructure adapt to provide more than …

Reactivate, Kelly Hiskey

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

[Question]

How can communities be incorporated onto the site of a closed military base?

[Signifcance]

The Government owns billions of square feet of unused property across the United States. In fact, the United States Government owns over 50% of the land in the Western half of the country.  Military facilities

occupy the largest area of federal land, aside from parks and forests.  Many of these military sites are being left to their own demise. In fact, 27% of the nation’s military installations have been closed by the Department of Defense, via the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative, leaving millions …

A Museum Of Self Archaeology: Exploring The Potential Of Narrative In Architecture, Jonathan Martin

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

The intent of this thesis project is to question the methods of translation between narrative text and architectural space and to examine new questions and creative directions of infusing text and story into architectural practice. It must be critical of the conditions of use where this type of method have been and can be used. Is it merely appropriate in the circumstances of culturally significant or memorialized buildings, or is there a broader use by which it can affect architecture? It must also be critical of how much influence and integration this method can have on architectural practice and the …

Sustainable Development, Matthew Gulsvig

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

The goal of this thesis is to research, design and document an architectural project that address the realities of the current and future social, environmental and economic issues of the United States. Specifically, the intent of this venture is to produce a project which can obtain two levels of self-sufficiency within a dense urban context. The first level of self-sufficiency would be obtained by not requiring the acquisition of energy from nonrenewable external sources. The second level of self-sufficiency would provide the permanent occupants the means to sustain the basic needs of life without requiring financial support from externals sources. …

Disaster Relief And Reuse, Beth R. Valenta

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

the human state in the aftermath of a crisis is at its most vulnerable.

the goal of disaster relief is to evaluate the needs of a community and options available for creating shelters for displaced persons in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

after a disaster, more than at any other time, people are concerned about their safety and security. architecture has the ability to provide a level of comfort through dwellings, which provide shelter,

privacy and security. once safety and stability are established, a healing process can begin.

architecture has two basic solutions for disaster relief. the first is …

Hydro[Lodge]Ic, Brittany Mcclure

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Over 70% of the world’s surface is covered with water, making it seem uninhabit-able. Or is it? From very early accounts in history man has been able to survive living on water for extended periods of time. Historically this time was a result of traveling, not necessarily a desire to live on the water. Even today, structures built for the aquatic environment fit more into the realm of tourism and leisure or a type of science / maritime study space, than a permanent dwelling. Living under or on water is certainly not a new idea. There are many science fiction …

The Passion For The Goddess; A Comparative Study On The Reverence Of The Goddess In Contemporary America And Ancient Mesopotamia, Sierra Helm

Honors Senior Capstones and Theses

Through a comparative study of contemporary America and ancient Mesopotamia, the devotional practices directed towards the goddess Inanna in ancient Mesopotamia and towards celebrities in present-day America are analyzed. Celebrities have replaced Inanna in terms of representing exceptional figures exemplifying certain qualities--qualities of motherhood, fertility, sexual appeal, wisdom, intelligence, and even that of the warrior--once associated with the ancient goddess. The position of women within these cultures is an important aspect of the research. In ancient Mesopotamia, the position of women decreased over the millennia, from 4000 BCE to 1000 BCE, in which the people of Sumer, Akkadia, Assyria, and …

Slip Ramp Spacing Design For Truck Only Lanes Using Microscopic Simulation, Ghulam H. Bham, Manoj Vallati

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

For the Corridors of the Future project, slip ramps will provide access to trucks between the proposed truck-only lanes (TOLs) and general-purpose lanes (GPLs) for trucks to exit using at-grade interchanges. This paper proposes recommendations for slip ramp spacing between the TOLs and the general GPLs along Missouri rural interstate highways using a microscopic simulation model, VISSIM. Simulation of peak period traffic conditions indicated that heavy vehicle speeds were directly proportional to the lengths of the merge, diverge, and link sections. the proposed design recommendations for slip ramp spacing are based on the results of these section lengths. Central composite …

Travel Time Reliability Estimation: Use Of Median Travel Time As Measure Of Central Tendency, M. Arezoumandi, Ghulam H. Bham

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper proposes use of median travel time compared to mean travel time as the measure of central tendency to calculate Buffer Time Index (BTI), one of the most important measures of travel time reliability. This study examined gamma, exponential, largest extreme value, smallest extreme value, logistic, Weibull, lognormal and log-logistic distributions to determine the best fit to travel time data for two cases: 24 hours and peak hours for a highway with Variable Speed Limit (VSL) conditions. the goodness-of-fit tests indicated that the log-normal distribution best represented the travel time data for peak periods and log-logistic distribution better fitted …

Systematic Evaluation Of A Variable Speed Limit System In St. Louis Missouri, Khushboo Lall, Ghulam H. Bham

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents the systematic evaluation of Variable Speed Limit (VSL) system implemented on I-270 in St. Louis County. the system varies the speed limit in real time during periods of recurring and non-recurring congestion to prevent traffic from breaking down. the system was evaluated objectively and subjectively, and this paper describes the objective evaluation of the system. the objective evaluation was performed by comparing the traffic flow parameters during static speed limit (pre-VSL) with variable speed limit (post-VSL) by using five measures of performance: 1) speed, 2) volume, 3) occupancy, 4) travel time, and 5) congestion measures. Identification of …

An Exploratory Study Of Speed Limit Compliance In Missouri Work Zones, Mojtaba A. Mohammadi, Ghulam Bham, Hadi Khazraee

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study evaluated the speed compliance with the posted speed limit both quantitatively and qualitatively using objective and subjective data analysis. Free flow speed data for three work zones on I-44 in Missouri were used for the objective evaluation. Speeds analyzed for cars and trucks were distributed normally. Construction activity had a significant effect in reducing the speed of vehicles. Results indicate that the speeds of vehicles were statistically higher than the speed limit regardless of the construction activity, when the lane width was not reduced. the subjective evaluation investigated the drivers' perception of driving through the work zone by …

Project Summary: Preservation Plan For Warren, Ri, Community Partnerships Center, Roger Williams University

Preservation Project for Warren, Rhode Island

This document summarizes the project that created a historical preservation plan for the Town of Warren, RI by the students in Professor Arnold Robinson’s graduate-level course: Historical Preservation Planning.

Historic Preservation Plan For The Town Of Warren, Rhode Island, Community Partnerships Center, Roger Williams University

Preservation Project for Warren, Rhode Island

During the graduate-level course of the 2011 Spring Semester, the RWU Historic Preservation Planning class worked to create a Historical and Cultural Resources Plan for the Town of Warren, RI. The town is in the midst of updating its Comprehensive Community Plan and had looked to the RWU Preservation Planning Workshop course for leadership and innovation in the area of historic preservation planning. At the end of the fifteen week program, the students formulated an integrated preservation plan for the community by working together with the Project Advisory Committee composed of town leaders. The plan will provide the Town of …

Mangrove Housing: Ecosystem As A Housing Typology For Culebra, Pr, Jose Manuel Marti

Architecture Senior Theses

"This thesis will address ways in which design can provide safe shelter for the local residents of Culebra. It promotes an architecture that provides safe shelter during hurricanes, which creates an awareness of the danger and effects this natural force has."

Faculty Perceptions About Attributes And Barriers Impacting The Diffusion Of Online Education In Two Saudi Universities, Mohammed Mfarij Alhawiti

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recognizing that faculty are an essential part of the success of any distance education program, this study sought to examine faculty perceptions of attributes and barriers impacting diffusion of online education at two Saudi universities: Taif University and Tabuk University. More specifically, the study intended to (a) give an overview of faculty members’ current stage in the innovation-decision process in regards to online education, (b) examine faculty perceptions about attributes (motivating factors) and barriers (inhibiting factors) impacting diffusion of online education, (c) investigate the relationship between faculty members’ selected personal characteristics (including age, years of teaching, DE experience, gender, academic …

Inform Form Perform, Nathaniel Holland

Architecture Masters of Science Program: Theses

Architecture as a profession has always concerned itself with finding beauty in built forms. In the digital age beauty is changing; information controls our lives and true beauty is found in the way we interpret it. Architects have developed and employed parametric design strategies to both interpret this information and increase their production. Though these strategies have improved architectural design, they are not being used to their full extent in the design process. I propose taking the use of computers in aiding architectural design one step further; site information and program data should INFORM the project, driving the creation of …

The Impact Of Training On Music Therapists’ Songwriting Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, And Behavior, Tracy G. Richardson

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Songwriting has been used as an effective intervention for persons with a wide range of therapeutic needs. However, a literature search revealed that songwriting is underrepresented in the music therapy research literature, indicating that music therapists may perceive they do not have the abilities to effectively use songwriting interventions in therapy sessions. The purposes of this study were: (a) to investigate the impact of a songwriting training session on the songwriting knowledge, self-efficacy, and behavior of music therapists; (b) to evaluate the songwriting training program; and (c) to explore the impact of the training on perceived barriers and clinical practice. …

Days With Dignity: A New Adult Day Services Typology To Support Wellness And Rehabilitation, Heather Bachman

All Theses

Adult Day Services (ADS) facilities have been shown to enable aging in place through the cost-efficient delivery of senior health-related services. However, the most common ADS typologies often work in opposition to the goals of care delivery. The primary intention of this proposal is to envision an Adult Day Services program that is holistically focused on senior wellness and rehabilitation, and which is articulated and reinforced through facility design. A new programmatic and facility typology is proposed and evaluated against a set of design guidelines based on research findings and best practices found in a literature review. In addition, this …

Helping Small Towns With Big Plans, Aaron C. Ledford

Planning Masters Professional Reports - Archive

Small rural towns in Texas are under increasing pressure from state and federal entities to develop a master plan in order to procure funding. Unfortunately, many small towns lack the financial capital or the technical proficiency to create such a plan. By sampling plans of select small towns and analyzing plan elements against the criteria set by experts in their respective fields, assembled in a rubric created for this report, a template will be created utilizing the most effective implementation methods. This template will enable small town administrators to (1) understand the elements of a plan, (2) prioritize elements of …

Develop Energy Dashboard For Real-Time Campus Energy Use Monitoring, Hsui-Lin Winkler, Charlene Hoegler, William Batina

Cornerstone 3 Reports : Interdisciplinary Informatics

No abstract provided.