Architecture Commons^™

Returning To The Hand, Tatum Dodd

Masters Theses

Historical preservation is traditionally understood as the act of protecting objects and buildings from change, reinstating and stabilizing the past so they may endure into the future. When preservation seeks to freeze and resolve the past, it separates it from the reality of our multi-layered histories and the traces of labor, repair, and care unfolding across generations. Through a human-centered lens that allows one to touch, uncover, and redefine, we are able to relate to our built environments through an ethical practice of care, inviting new avenues of dialogue and engagement with our past.

Recording traces of the hand within …

Stinkin' Lincoln, Carrie Anderson

Masters Theses

Stinkin’ Lincoln is a study of the different modes of architectural preservation in the town of Lincoln, Maine, and how historical precedents of building reuse can inform new strategies for workforce housing as the town revitalizes its mill. After an explosion at the Lincoln Pulp and Paper Mill in 2015 left the town of Lincoln devoid of its signature scent and created millions in environmental damage and job loss, Lincoln is finally taking steps to reintroduce industry into the space of the mill with a new biofuels refinery. This influx of economy requires additional workforce housing, something the town is …

One: The Body, Architecture, And The Environment, Anna Crookston

Masters Theses

Perception alters action, and action alters reality. My work explores architecture as a means of reconnecting the body to the environment. Rather than acting as a barrier from the natural world, architecture becomes a frame through which the body can perceive its relationship to place. Raised in Eden, Utah, near the Wasatch Mountains and Pineview Reservoir, I developed an awareness of environmental stewardship through observing the neglect and rezoning of a local wildlife corridor by governing bodies. I view environmental crises not as isolated political problems, but as symptoms of a culture that sees itself as separate from nature. My …

Fragments Of The Grassland, Zihan Liu

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates Tibetan nomadic pastoralism in the Himalayan region, where habitation is inseparable from seasonal migration and environmental conditions. Focusing on Ganzi County in Sichuan Province, where nomadic and settled lifestyles coexist.

The research positions "documentation" as both method and design driver, provides a possibility that architecture can mediate cultural continuity and coexistence between Tibetan nomadic pastoralism and its surrounding culture. By transforming documentation methodology into a design methodology, the mobility of architecture has become into a spatial strategy. Through a mobile marketplace, the project enables ongoing exchange between nomadic and settled lifestyles and among diverse cultural groups, positioning …

Space And Place: Preservation Between The United States And Japan, Daniel J. Judy

Senior Honors Projects, 2020-current

This thesis explores how preservation can reconnect ecological responsibility with cultural continuity through material and spatial care. Architecture is placed as a mediator between environmental systems and cultural ethics, where existing structures are not treated as static relics but as active participants in transformation. Rather than responding to sustainability as a purely technical practice, preservation is framed as a deliberate process that allows space to evolve while maintaining its historical and environmental presence across both United States and Japan. Through ideas of restraint, transience, and a relationship with nature, this thesis examines how materiality shapes atmosphere over time. Drawing from …

Treatments Of Sustainable Preservation In Heritage Buildings: Reviews The Treatments That Can Improve The Preservation Of Heritage Buildings, Ula Faris Haider, Mustafa Kamil Kadhim

Iraqi Journal of Architecture and Planning

Heritage buildings result from human cultures and are a significant expression of civilization and cultural thought. It has become part of our lives, and informatics has become in all areas of life; it has a real place in human production and affects the present and future. From here, it was necessary to think about how to preserve the heritage buildings and their protectors in a way that suits the requirements of the present era and preserve them for future generations by introducing sustainable development and its fields to conservation operations. Minimal sustainable conservation operations are using modern technologies without compromising …

The Sustainable Preventive Preservation For Historical Building, Basim Hasan Al Majid, Harith Khlaif Abbood

Iraqi Journal of Architecture and Planning

Historical Buildings are result of human thoughts and culture, also Considered that nations have been always known and studied through their culture and civilization, it is reasonable to state that architecture is an important entrance to understand privacy of specific society that have been formed through an interaction among social, economic and other aspects. technology evolved much further than anytime Accordingly, It is clear how crucially important to think in a certain way to deal with those building, to protect, revive and work to improve its sustainability and convenience by using advanced techniques and technologies, also to measure how suitable …

What Bombs Cannot Occupy: Memory, Heritage, And War In Ukraine, Dalton D. Conden

The Penguin Review

Air-raid sirens have become part of the daily soundscape in Ukrainian cities. They interrupt meals, classes, conversations, and sleep. When they blare, people gather what they can and move quickly sometimes to shelters, sometimes to basements, sometimes nowhere at all. Families lock their doors without knowing whether they will ever turn the key again. Children carry backpacks filled with whatever seemed important in the moment: a photograph, a stuffed animal, a book pulled hastily from a shelf. Around them, buildings that once anchored everyday life—churches, museums, historic neighborhoods— have been damaged or destroyed.

Restoration Of Rogers Hall, Patsy Glenn

Documents

History and information on much needed repairs of Rogers Hall at UNA, 2006

Project Courtview Preservation Of Rogers Hall, Project Courtview University Of North Alabama

Documents

Brochure of events for Project Courtview-a fundraising campaign for renovations and preservation of Rogers Hall at UNA

Welcome Mat's Out, Susan C. Taylor

Documents

Open House for Rogers Hall, 1985

Hall Of Work, Michele Brown

Documents

Much needed renovations are about to begin on Rogers Hall at UNA

*Article from The TimesDaily

Who Gets Remembered? Structural Barriers In The National Register Of Historic Places, Yuha Jung, Lauren Smith Madden

Northwestern Journal of Law & Social Policy

This article examines the systemic barriers within the National Register of Historic Places, established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, that have contributed to the underrepresentation of marginalized communities in historic preservation. Despite the United States’ diverse cultural heritage, only an estimated 3% to 10% of sites listed on the National Register reflect histories associated with racial and ethnic minority groups. Through a qualitative analysis of legislative history, federal regulations, nomination processes, and governance structures, this study identifies how key criteria such as “significance” and “integrity” have reinforced exclusionary practices. These criteria consistently prioritize architectural and tangible heritage …

Mozambican Languages And Their Role In Indigenous Ecological Knowledge Preservation: The Case Of Medicinal Plants In Anyungwe Community, Crisófia Langa Da Câmara, Amani Lusekelo

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Since language is accredited for the preservation and transference of indigenous ecological knowledge (IEK) across generations, this paper presents the findings about the correlation between languages and indigenous knowledge system of the Anyungwe community. Specifically, the paper presents the outcome of the investigation of medicinal plants used by the Anyungwe in Tete Province in Mozambique. The data comes from the Marara area in the Cinyungwe speaking village in Tete Province. Images of medicinal plants were photographed in Tete Province by a research assistant, and their uses were explained by three elders living in Kachembe. Our findings illustrate that IEK studies …

Heritage Sites In Digital Age: New Pathways To Sustain Cultural Identity, Raneem Mohamed, Aya Said, Marwa Adel El Sayed

Architectural Engineering

Heritage sites are essential as they represent the natural and cultural heritage of the world, promoting identity and contributing to education. To ensure that future generations connect with their past, heritage preservation is essential for safeguarding societies' historical identity and traditions. However, with the current digital age where technology has a prominent role in modern society, its integration into preservation efforts has become crucial. By bridging the gap between tradition and innovation, a harmonious balance can be achieved, allowing technological advancements to thrive while ensuring the preservation of rich cultural identities. This research aims to investigate preservation techniques, with a …

Revitalizing Ahmedabad's Neighborhoods: Integrating Vastu Shastra-Mixed-Use Housing And Market, Jhanvi S. Patel

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

Founded in 1411, Ahmedabad is rich in cultural and architectural heritage, exemplified in its traditional pols densely packed neighborhoods fostering a sense of community, shared identity, and architectural ingenuity. Now part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, these pols are deteriorating, facing overcrowded streets, aging infrastructure, and substandard sanitation. Despite these issues, many residents remain due to strong family and cultural ties. This project explores the potential of using Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian construction science, to guide sustainable revitalization while preserving the city’s unique identity. It examines the integration of Vastu principles in improving waste management, ventilation, and sanitation …

Area Character Appraisal Red Top, Preservation Project

Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation - Research Reports

This Area Character Appraisal (ACA) has been prepared by four Clemson Master of Science in Historic Preservation students – Lorena Garrod, Hamzah Jule, Thompson Teasdale, and Belle Ziethen – under the direction of Erin Mehard and Lucas Hernandez of Weston & Sampson for the larger Gullah Geechee Heritage Preservation Project. Students received further guidance from Clemson professors Frank Ordia and Amalia Leifeste and from Red Top community representative Dr. Melody Dover, all of whom contributed to the findings of this report.

Area Character Appraisal Hamlin Beach, Preservation Project

Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation - Research Reports

An Area Character Appraisal (ACA) is a tool in identifying key elements that define a community’s character with the goals of informing community members and future generations, community outreach, and perhaps most importantly guiding future development practices to preserve the character of the community. These documented elements include architectural character, typical lot sizes and coverage, building footprints, county zoning, and flood risk zones. This document can be used as a reference in future community planning for Charleston County, community representatives, and nonprofit organizations.

This ACA is part of a larger set of ACAs conducted under the supervision of Erin Mehard …

Area Character Appraisal Lincolnville, Preservation Project

Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation - Research Reports

The Gullah Geechee Heritage Preservation Project is a multi-jurisdictional collaboration to support the documentation, recognition, and preservation of historic Gullah Geechee African American Ancestral Communities and their significant historic and cultural sites. Clemson MSHP students along with the help of Dr. Pernessa Seele began research by collecting prior studies, historical maps, and photographs of Lincolnville. Students also obtained copies of prepared National Register nominations. They researched local archives, including the South Carolina Room at the Charleston County Public Library, Historic Charleston Foundation Archives, the South Carolina Historical Society, and the Charleston Library Society.

Balancing Sustainability With Preservation In Historic Italian Architecture, Maya A. Bruno

CISLA Senior Integrative Projects

This research examines the intersection of historic preservation and sustainability in Italian architecture, analyzing how architects and contractors adapt historic structures to modern energy efficiency standards while maintaining cultural integrity. Using three Italian case studies—Ex-STA.VE.CO in Bologna, Sant’Apollinare in Perugia, and Castelvecchio in Verona—the study explores common challenges in regulatory compliance, material constraints, energy efficiency, seismic resilience, and adaptive reuse. Each case illustrates how sustainability measures interact with Italy’s stringent conservation laws and how historic buildings, inherently designed for climate adaptability, can be innovatively retrofitted. The findings provide insights into reconciling preservation principles with sustainable interventions, offering policy recommendations for …

Navigating Preservation And Memorialization In Contested Spaces: A Case Study Of The Richmond Community Hospital And The Legacy Of Sarah Garland Boyd Jones, Rebecca M. Skatoff

Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects

This plan develops a strategic framework to address the complexity of navigating preservation and memorialization in contested spaces, using the Richmond Community Hospital as a case study. Rooted in the legacy of Sarah Garland Boyd Jones, the first African American woman certified to practice medicine in Virginia, this plan examines the intersection of racial equity, cultural heritage, and land-use planning. The Richmond Community Hospital case study raises broader questions about how African American cultural heritage sites are preserved to confront erasure, ensure an accurate historical record, and promote historical literacy for current and future generations. Conducted with reflective practice, this …

Barcelona As A Blueprint: Integrating Architectural And Urban Identity To Future Urbanism, Angela Uribe

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

Barcelona is one of the largest and most recognized European cities on Spain's Eastern coast. Throughout its history, it has developed a powerful sense of cultural identity through architecture, design, and urban planning. City identity in some modern architectural and urban developments is slowly disintegrating. This is problematic because these historical and cultural aspects help shape the urban and physical environments we live in today. The study focused on Barcelona’s specific planning strategies and design elements to conclude its underlying city identity, which was used as a point of reference for contemporary city development. The results showed that Barcelona’s Cerda …

Heritage Preservation In Egyptian Villages And Centers, Azza Elsakka Ahmed Abdalwahaab , Ebtehal Fady Shareef

Journal of Engineering Research

Heritage holds deep significance as a collective memory and a source of pride for any society. However, in today's world, it has evolved beyond its symbolic status and emerged as a crucial factor in human development across various dimensions. Preserving and restoring heritage has thus become an urgent issue that demands extensive cooperation between governments, international society, and community associations.

Reconstruction Of The Neglected: Bringing Life Back To The Old Powerhouse, Zoe A. Macmillan

Architectural Engineering

The Powerhouse is the oldest extant structure on Cal Poly campus and is currently abandoned. Built in 1910, it was in use as a power supply for Cal Poly Campus until the 1940s. Then, the School of Architecture and Environmental Design was granted permission to use it for class purposes. From 1967-1990 it was used as studio, guest lecture, and office space. In 1990 it was deemed structurally unstable and was left empty, slated for demolition. In 1993, a student lead movement placed it on the National Register of Historic Structures. Since then, it has been in a state neglect, …

Witnessing Timelessness: Revitalizing Heritage Tourism In The Ruins Of Saudi Arabia, Reem Habis

Masters Theses

Well-known historic sites in Saudi Arabia, such as Historic Jeddah, are designated as heritage, meaning they are protected from deterioration over time. However, in the Aseer region, there are over 4500 unprotected modest sites that provide an integral sense of identity and authenticity to the culture of not just this region, but the entire Kingdom. The absence of preservation guidelines has left these sites vulnerable to indiscriminate developments attempting revitalization. Undesignated heritage sites must be safeguarded and rehabilitated rather than neglected and left at risk of further decay, especially with the encroachment of tourism.

To preserve the sites’ authenticity and …

Cover, Uncover: The Changing Face Of Architecture On Locust Street, Cora Trout

MFA in Illustration & Visual Culture

Locust Street was once a vibrant banking and commercial district in downtown St. Louis. Today, it is an untidy collection of new, old, dilapidated, semi-intact, restored, and vacant buildings punctuated by crumbling parking lots and garages threatening imminent collapse. To understand why, we must reassemble Locust Street. As St. Louis watched its wealthy, white population flock to the suburbs at mid-century, the revitalization of the decaying urban center became one of the city’s primary preoccupations. Beginning in the early 1950s, a calculated and conscious physical transformation of the central business district began, lasting through the 1960s. This essay, which integrates …

Nowhere To Grow: Rationale Behind The Expansion Of The College Of Charleston Campus, 1960-2024, Gabriella Marie Rowsam

All Theses

There is constant pressure for a higher education institution to expand and modernize to continue to attract potential students, but for those located in dense historic cities their campus expansion is often impeded by the surrounding built environment. This statement proves true when examining the case study of the College of Charleston, which is situated in the compact historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. This thesis explores the multitude of influential factors that have impacted the growth of the College of Charleston’s campus from 1960 to 2024. These factors include a growing student population, political dynamics, administrative vision, financial considerations, …

An Analysis Of The Demolition Of Seismically Damaged Historic Structures After The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, California, Claire Ann Cox

All Theses

The Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989 was an event that greatly impacted the lives of those living in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The 6.9M_w earthquake severely damaged buildings and infrastructure, inevitably leading to the demolition of some of these structures. Older buildings constructed before modern seismic codes were most vulnerable to damage. Yet, age is the same reason many of these buildings were considered historic and valuable in their communities. In the wake of Loma Prieta, an alarming trend of the demolition of historic buildings arose.

This thesis analyzes the demolition of historic structures due to damage …

Racing The Tides: Three Virginia Islands Threatened By Climate Change And The Challenge Of Preserving Their Stories, Sean M. Restivo

History Honors Projects

Among the tidal marshes of Virginia’s York River, there are three relatively obscure groups of uninhabited islands, all with fascinating stories, and all rapidly disappearing: the Goodwin Islands, the Catlett Islands, and Poropotank Island. These islands have been almost entirely overlooked by existing historical and archaeological research, and they are all imminently threatened by climate change-induced sea level rise and erosion. In the summer of 2023, I embarked on an interdisciplinary research project to study cultural heritage sites scattered across the islands. Drawing on my experience of studying these islands, as well as other related case studies, I demonstrate that …

Reconstruction Of The Neglected: Cal Poly’S Old Powerhouse, Sophie Meier, Morgan Cuthbert, Luke Zamlich

Architectural Engineering

Cal Poly’s Old Powerhouse (BLDG 76) is the only remaining building from the original Polytechnic school left on campus. It was built in 1910 and placed on the national registry in 1993. The Powerhouse used to do exactly what its name implies, provide power to campus. After it retired from its purpose, it was used for many other use cases, particularly as a space for the College of Architecture and Environmental design. Through its time, it was used as a classroom space, pottery/creative space, a workshop, and even once contained a fishpond. The building was then abandoned in 1990, a …