Environmental Design Commons^™

Unity In Design: Life As An Immigrant In The Built Environment, Julia Sainz

Interior Design Capstones

In the United States, Latinx immigrant communities often face social and systemic challenges that contribute to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and displacement. While the built environment plays a critical role in shaping emotional and social well-being, architectural and interior design practices frequently overlook the lived experiences and cultural identities of these populations. This study explores how culturally responsive and participatory design strategies can foster safety, access, and empowerment for Latinx immigrants. By examining the intersection of migration, identity, and the built environment, this project proposes design as a tool for community resilience, cultural expression, and holistic well-being.

Where Do We Go: Rethinking Public Libraries, Emma Jouppi

Interior Design Capstones

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors contributing to the decline in public library visits and to identify practical strategies for increasing community engagement with library spaces. Public libraries have long served as accessible, inclusive environments for learning, technology access, and social connection. However, recent years have shown a decline in visitation, raising important questions about public perception, awareness, and accessibility. This research seeks to better understand how these factors intersect and what can be done to strengthen the role of libraries as vital third spaces within their communities.

This study aims to bridge the gap between …

Spring 2026 Title Of Blueprints For The Mind: How The Design Of Public Built Environment Impacts The Mental Health Of Youth, Faith Holton

Interior Design Capstones

Blueprints for the Mind investigates how public built environments influence the mental health of youth, with attention to rising rates of anxiety, depression. Through a multidisciplinary approach bridging environmental psychology, public health, interior architecture, and usercentered design, this project identifies the environmental factors shaping young people’s emotional well-being. Findings reveal that sensory conditions such as lighting, acoustics, layout, materiality, and predictability directly affect youth comfort, focus, and emotional regulation. Field research with students (ages 13–15) and an expert interview with licensed social worker Carmen Ortega-Cline further demonstrate that overstimulating, crowded, or unclear environments heighten stress, while semi-private, naturally lit, and …

Through The Lens Of Zoology, Madalyn Haun

Interior Design Capstones

Current zoo and sanctuary models often fail to meet the complex psychological, behavioral, and spatial needs of endangered and rehabilitated wildlife, resulting in chronic stress and welfare compromises. Beyond the Cage presents a transformation approach to zoological design, shifting the paradigm from entertainment-based displays to a “welfare-first” philosophy. This book argues that effective captive care requires expansive, species-appropriate habitats that facilitate natural behaviors, rather than merely simulating natural aesthetics. Through the lens of modern zoology, this work explores the implementation of groundbreaking exhibit re-creation, focusing on habitat enlargement, precise climate change control, and innovative environmental enrichment. A central pillar of …

Designing Across Generations: Bridging The Gap Through Ecclesiastical Architecture, Aurora Thompson

Interior Design Capstones

The purpose of this capstone project is to develop an intergenerational worship environment that reinforces a sense of unity and harmony among the generations through intentional design strategies. This work addresses the widening generational gap within religious communities and responds to the growing departure of younger generations who often feel unseen or disconnected within traditional church settings. By integrating generational preferences into the architectural and experiential components of the worship space, the project seeks to create an environment where all age groups feel represented, valued, and spiritually engaged. Situated within the context of increasing religious disaffiliation, this project highlights the …

The Practice Of Inclusion: Indigenous Knowledge And Ethical Design, Kate E. Van Der Zalm

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Indigenous Knowledge is a cumulative body of practices and beliefs developed by Indigenous communities through generations of interaction with the natural environment. This knowledge offers valuable insights for caring for the land in sustainable and respectful ways but is not fully considered in modern planning and design practices. This research examines how Indigenous Knowledge is currently understood and used within landscape planning and design firms in British Columbia, Canada. Using a combination of existing research and interviews with design professionals and Indigenous participants, the study explores where Indigenous Knowledge is being applied, where challenges exist, and what opportunities remain for …

Forget-Me-Not: Facilitating Social Vibrancy In Spaces Designed For Alzheimer's Disease, Torilyn Mossner

Honors Theses

The objective of this capstone project is to create a foundation for vibrant community interactions and connections that support those living with Alzheimer’s disease, their loved ones, and the broader members of the community through interior design. This work is relevant because Alzheimer’s disease affects 1 in 9 people over the age of sixty-five worldwide. Without a cure, as people continue to age, there is going to be a constant need for development of care. Additionally, design should go a step further than healthy living and begin to prioritize creating a vibrant life and community integration for those living with …

The Density Dilemma: Reconciling Energy Efficiency And Social Well-Being In Compact Housing, Adeb Ebrahim

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

This study examines compact housing not only in terms of urban design. From a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach study on 120 residential units in Sana’a, we observed that there is a paradox where energy modular housing consumes 28% less energy, but social isolation increases 22%. However, this paradox is countered by the design of biophilic shared spaces (β = -0.34). This research establishes a case for more equitably accessible policies on density and proposes that high-density urban fabrics must have a “social connector” code. This study integrates Fainstein's (2020) concept of the 'just city' and contemporary housing innovations into the …

تقييم أثر تطوير محاور الحركة على المرونة الحضرية في المناطق ذات القيمة – حالة دراسية "مصر الجديدة", Maha Abdel Sattar

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

ملخص

برزت قضايا تجديد البنية الأساسية للتنقل الحضري في محافظة القاهرة كأحد محاور تحقيق استراتيجية التنمية لعام 2030، وهى استراتيجية حملت أهدافا قومية واعدة لتحسين وتقوية البنية الأساسية ورفع مستوى جودة الحياة الحضرية، حيث بدأت الحكومة في تنفيذ خطة تطوير شاملة في حي مصر الجديدة. تهدف إلى حل مشكلة الازدحام المروري وربط المحاور الرئيسية للقاهرة بشكل أفضل بالمدن الجديدة في الشرق. ومن أجل تحقيق هذا الهدف اتخذت الحكومة إجراءات تطوير تركز على توسيع الطرق وتوفير المزيد من المساحة لاستيعاب تدفق المرور وبناء الكباري العلوية.

يهدف هذا البحث إلى استكشاف العلاقة بين السمات والملامح التصميمية لشبكات الطرق في المناطق الحضرية، وبين …

From The Pit, Joshua C. Goering

School of Art, Art History, and Design: Theses and Student Creative Work

Clay retains histories; the memory of each action it experiences is depicted on its surface and in its form.  I am a potter focused on making objects that capture these moments. Pinching, scraping, trimming, throwing, and carving expose tooth and excavate form, revealing the qualities of the material and showing the marks of handwork. As a potter, I am interested in participating in a history of vessel making and understanding making through an interpretation of the historic object. The work acts as an archive, accumulating information about process, materials, and a greater context of elder objects. Integrating these vocabularies creates …

Edra 57: Bibliography, Tamara Karr

Bibliographies

edra 57: Embracing Regional Sustainability: Networks for People and Places

Mould Risk Prevention In Healthcare Facilities In Hot And Humid Climates Through Acmv Air Supply Parameter Optimisation: Development And Validation Of A Multi-Objective Optimisation Framework, Jiang Kaiyun

Student Works (2020-2029)

Air conditioning mechanical ventilation (ACMV) supply parameters—such as airflow rate, temperature, and humidity—significantly influence indoor thermal and hygrometric conditions, influencing airflow patterns and mould proliferation. In healthcare facilities, mould poses significant health risks, particularly for immunocompromised patients, contributing to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and infections. While ACMV systems are central to infection control and indoor air quality, conventional designs often fall short in hot and humid climates. Existing practices typically prioritise high air change rates (ACH) without sufficient dehumidification, underestimate humidity control, and assume spatial homogeneity, overlooking microclimates conducive to localised mould growth. To address these limitations, this research develops …

Vegclassify: A Hybrid Deep Learning–Ndvi Greenspace Classification Tool And Gui, Huaqing Wang, Yawen Zhang, Jiaojiao Fu

Browse all Datasets

VegClassify is a hybrid, high-resolution greenspace classification tool integrating a fine-tuned deep learning model with automated NDVI threshold optimization. The tool improves accuracy and reduces subjectivity in vegetation classification using NAIP imagery. This graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to extend and simplify the use of the previously established greenspace image classification tool. The GUI provides an accessible, user‑friendly environment for running the VegClassify workflow without requiring users to interact directly with Python scripts or command‑line tools. It supports loading NAIP or other high‑resolution imagery, running deep‑learning–assisted NDVI threshold optimization, visualizing classification outputs, and exporting vegetation masks.

The underlying Python …

Model For Analyzing Floorplate Morphology That Optimizes Daylighting And Cost, Andrew G. Welch, Ermal Shpuza Phd

The Kennesaw Journal of Undergraduate Research

One key method to improve the energy efficiency of a building is to enhance daylight levels, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. Elevated daylight levels are also associated with increased productivity and well-being of building occupants. Daylight levels are inversely proportional to the building compactness, where shallow floorplates and elongated buildings are associated with higher daylight levels. However, creating buildings that have more natural light comes with a greater construction cost due to larger envelope areas as well as greater operating costs due to the energy loss through the exterior envelope area. This research identifies the basic design strategies …

Reimagining The Laguna Lake Driving Range, Audrey Bonifacio, Jessica Rice

City and Regional Planning

The Laguna Lake Municipal Golf Course is located in San Luis Obispo, California, and is operated by the city. Recently, the community, city staff, and the City Council have begun a conversation regarding the use of the golf course. To explore the different uses, this senior project presents four alternative developments for a selected area of the golf course. These four uses include enhancing the existing driving range, a sports facility, a children’s center, and a senior living community. To assess these alternatives, the project explores current urban planning theories, development trends, and case studies for each use. Through this …

Life Cycle Assessment And Cost Analysis Of Exterior, Electrical, And Appliance Systems In A Prefabricated Mass Timber Residential Unit, Ella Rohrbough

Construction Management

This study presents a detailed process-based life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of selected building systems within a prefabricated mass timber residential unit constructed through an interdisciplinary design build project at California Polytechnic State University. The research focuses specifically on exterior envelope systems electrical infrastructure and major appliances. Material quantities were derived from a comprehensive construction material takeoff and modeled in OpenLCA using the ecoinvent database. A cradle to site system boundary including modules A1 through A5 was applied to quantify embodied environmental impacts such as global warming potential acidification fossil fuel depletion and human toxicity. Results indicate …

Typeface: Machine-Viewing Gentrification On Storefront Imagery In Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Alexander Mcquilkin

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Gentrification—broadly, the replacement of a less powerful group by a more powerful one in an urban context—is oft-discussed in the popular press, but its definition is much-debated in the urban planning literature. Furthermore, academic treatments of displacement understandably focus on measurable yet fairly abstract indicators like changes in rent or income, whereas neighborhood change is often registered by residents on the ground using visual, but difficult-to-quantify markers like retail turnover. This project uses image recognition technology on a set of storefront photos to index the visual streetscape of a neighborhood, as well as to track changes to that portrait over …

Architecturally Be Kind: Exploring The Effect Of Prison Interiors On Autistic Inmates, Julie E. N. Irish, Gregory Galford

Interiority

How the interior environment affects autistic people has been studied in settings such as education and healthcare. However, significant work has not been done in evaluating the effect of prison interiors on autistic inmates who may be hypersensitive, especially to light and sound. The purpose of this study was to determine how autistic inmates cope in a noisy, crowded environment that is not designed for them and that they cannot control. This qualitative research used grounded theory to interview five autistic inmates at a medium-security state prison for men in the US to find out their lived experience in prison. …

Food Green Cities For Urban Sustainability (Book), Ambika P. Adhikari, Keshav Bhattarai, Drona Rasali, Sunil Babu Shrestha

Himalayan Research Papers Archive

The book delves into the essential role of urban agriculture, forestry, and sustainable practices in ensuring food security while addressing the challenges of climate change and urbanization. It highlights urban greening and sustainable land use as strategies to create livable cities and mitigate environmental degradation. Through its chapters, the book offers a rich compilation of research, practical solutions, and transferable strategies for application in other developing countries.

Developing Design Principles For Multimodal Connection: A Case Study Of The Commerce Bridge Corridor In Dallas, Texas, Panisa Thanpaisarnsamut

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses

Downtown Dallas has undergone substantial growth, yet major streets and bridge corridors continue to prioritize vehicular movement, resulting in fragmented and uncomfortable pedestrian environments. This condition is especially evident along the Commerce Bridge corridor, where narrow sidewalks, high traffic volumes, and unclear crossings limit safe and accessible movement between Downtown and West Dallas. Although several parks and public spaces lie in close proximity, the lack of continuous and legible routes prevents these areas from functioning as a connected system.

This thesis investigates how the Commerce Bridge corridor can be transformed into a multimodal connection that supports movement, safety, and user …

Protecting Wetlands In The State Of Texas: Assessing Gaps In Regulations, Knowledge, And Professional Roles And Responsibilities, Grace A. Moy

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses

Wetlands rank among earth's most productive ecosystems, providing crucial ecological services such as hydrological regulation, water purification, and habitat support (US EPA, 2015). In Texas, however, rapid urbanization, inconsistent policy enforcement, and the absence of statewide protection frameworks of hastened wetland degradation (Brody & Kang, 2011). Without a robust state regulatory framework (Environmental Law Institute [ELI], 2020), these ecosystems face increasing threats from development and hydrological disturbances.

This thesis aims to identify regulatory and knowledge deficiencies that influence Texas’ current wetland protection status and to offer targeted professional recommendations for landscape architecture professionals to address these shortcomings in future public …

Equitable Siting Of Green Stormwater Infrastructure In Urban Areas For Flood Resilience In Vulnerable Communities, Elnaz Chitsazzadeh

Planning Dissertations

Cities face increasing pressure from rapid urbanization, aging gray infrastructure, intensifying rainfall, and uneven flood protection. In this context, green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) and other nature-based solutions are increasingly promoted as tools for climate adaptation, flood resilience, and environmental justice. Yet a central planning challenge remains: how to identify where GSI should be prioritized when flood-related physical burden, weak environmental protection, social vulnerability, and lower recovery capacity overlap. This dissertation addresses that challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, by examining how equitable GSI siting can support flood resilience in vulnerable urban neighborhoods.

Framed by urban resilience and environmental justice, the study …

Spatial Clustering And Determinants Of Dengue Incidence Among The Young Population Of Northern Thailand During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sopida Supotina, Kasama Pooseesod, Tassanee Silawan, Nattapong Puttanapong, Sayambhu Saita

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

Dengue infection remains a significant public health concern in Thailand, particularly among young populations. The emergence of COVID-19 introduced additional complexity to disease surveillance and control efforts. This study aimed to determine the spatial clustering and determinants of dengue incidence among individuals under 25 years of age in Northern Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ecological analysis was conducted across 103 districts in eight northern provinces. District-level dengue incidence rates of individuals under 25 years of age for 2021 were calculated and analyzed using global Moran’s I and local indicators of spatial association (LISA) to detect spatial clustering. Bivariate LISA was …

Localized Ks Assessment For Bioretention In Thailand : Improving Swmm Accuracy, Chulalux Wanitchayapaisit, Damrongsak Rinchumphu, Prattakorn Sittisom, Thidarat Kridakorn Na Ayutthaya, Chana Sinsabvarodom, Oleg Gorbunov, Sitthikorn Sitthikankun

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

Urbanization in Thailand has significantly reduced natural infiltration surfaces, intensified stormwater runoff, and increased the demand for effective urban drainage solutions. Bioretention systems, guided by water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles, offer a promising approach for enhancing infiltration and mitigating urban flooding. However, the effectiveness of bioretention depends critically on the accurate estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), a key input parameter in hydrological models such as the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Despite international guidelines, local Ks values for tropical soils and vegetation remain scarce, limiting model reliability. This study aims to determine its suitability as a filter media layer …

Doikayt And The Ethics Of Belonging: Lessons In Place-Making From The Jewish Labor Bund, Zoë L. Jacobs

Scripps Senior Theses

This thesis traces the evolution of doikayt—the Bundist principle of hereness—from its origins in the Jewish Labor Bund to contemporary applications in North America. Rooted in a refusal of both assimilation and nationalist escape, doikayt emphasizes cultivating safety, solidarity, and belonging through collective responsibility rather than territorial claims.

Building on this foundation, the exploration situates hereness within a settler-colonial context, where ethical dwelling is complicated by Indigenous dispossession. Drawing on Alexis Shotwell alongside Indigenous thinkers Vanessa Watts and Kyle Whyte, I examine how inhabiting place requires confronting historical injustices and ongoing relational responsibilities. Chapter 3 analyzes Linke Fligl (2016–2022) as …

Madison, Wisconsin As A Climate Haven: Infrastructure, Environmental Justice, And Community Voice, Sophia N. Heffner

Scripps Senior Theses

As climate change accelerates internal migration within the United States, the concept of “climate havens” has emerged as a way to identify communities that may become receiving zones for displaced populations. Madison, Wisconsin has increasingly been positioned within academic, policy, and media discourse as a potential climate haven due to its geographic advantages, strong public infrastructure, and proactive climate policy environment. This paper evaluates Madison’s readiness for this role through an equity-centered, participatory planning lens. Drawing on planning documents, climate data, municipal policies, and interdisciplinary scholarship, it argues that Madison’s long-term success as a sustainable and inclusive climate haven depends …

From Tradition To Adaptation : Spatial Transformation Of Kyoto Machiya, Waricha Wongphyat

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

This study investigates the spatial adaptations of everyday Japanese dwellings in Kyoto, known as machiya. Employing Hall’s proxemics theory, it analyzes five heritage-conscious machiya through field surveys and comparative case analyses. The research focuses on the transformation of the earthen floor space, or tōriniwa, its relationship with the raised floor space, and the resultant spatial systems in regenerated machiya.  Findings reveal that traditional machiya are structured by a clear dichotomy between the raised floor/served space and the earthen floor/service space, reinforced by level changes, materials, spatial boundaries, and socio-cultural practices. This is complemented by a subtle spatial gradient from public …

Does One Size Fit All? Well-Being Environmental Assessment Criteria In Low- And Middle-Income Aging Communities In Thailand, Sujitra Jiravanichkul, Sarin Pinich, Atch Sreshthaputra, Trirat Jarutach

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

The effectiveness of well-being environment assessment criteria for aging communities in diverse contexts, particularly in developing countries, remains underexplored. This study aimed to fill this gap by employing Thailand Well-Being Environment and Age-Friendly Communities criteria to assess the living environment of 15 low- and middle-income aging communities in Thailand and determine their well-being status. The results of the overall quantitative assessment showed an average score of 60.78/100. Findings indicated high scores in categories such as healthy food environment, community open space, community asset, and street lighting, indicating a strong foundation for the well-being of low- and middle-income communities. Medium-scoring categories …

The First Home : A Pedagogical Exploration Of Architecture’S Mythical Origins, Witinan Watanasap, Chittawadi Chitrabongs

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

This research article proposes the idea of the "First Home" as a pedagogical model for architectural design studios in Thailand. The objective is to foster a more humanistic approach to the foundation of architecture education by integrating histories and theories of architecture, architectural representation, and architectural design studio courses. The "First Home" investigates the mythical origins of architecture—the cave, post-and-lintel structure, and tent—as well as the roles of language and art, framed as the processes of “remembering” and “forgetting.” The literature review for this study is based on architectural texts and diagrams focusing on spatial composition, written by architects who …

Inclusive Education In Thailand : Exploring Gaps And Opportunities Across Urban And Rural Contexts Through Topic Modeling Analysis And Systematic Review, Chanisa Tantixalerm, Piyawan Visessuvanapoom, Chanakida Thummanond, Siripreeya Chaiboonma, Sayamol Charoenratana, Ruttiya Bhula-Or, Kanessha Sirisak

NAKHARA (Journal of Environmental Design and Planning)

This study addressed knowledge gaps in Thai inclusive education research and proposed strategies for improvement, with three key objectives: (1) synthesize and compare research on inclusive education across urban and rural universities; (2) analyze the topic trends in international inclusive education research; and (3) propose strategic guidelines for promoting inclusive education in Thailand. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study was conducted in two phases. Phase one involved a systematic review of Thai university theses, guided by the framework and PRISMA 2020 protocol, alongside topic modeling analysis of global studies (2020–2024). Phase two utilized focus group discussions with 13 experts to …