Architecture Theses and Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/2743

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Access to the City: Physical, Economic, Social, Inclusion
(2019) ramos, Adan Jose; Kelly, Brian P; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
ABSTRACT Urban Renewal Highways built following the National Highway Act of 1956 perpetuate a culture of inequity and segregation by acting as socio economic dividers in many postindustrial American cities of the Great Migration. In the Post-Great Recession Real Estate Boom communities disconnected by these highways have received little to no investment, while communities in desirable locations have faced displacement. Southwest Baltimore, Maryland embodies the former. Separated from the heart of Baltimore by Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard the neighborhood has made modest strides in recovering from urban exodus and institutional racism involved in home loans, red lining, and block busting following World War II. As cities revitalize, now is a critical point in history to improve connectivity across Urban Renewal infrastructure and provide access to improved quality of life in communities like Southwest Baltimore, while maintaining affordability and existing culture. To maintain these physical dividers in place is an endorsement of divisive urbanism and subsequent inequitable culture.
Achieving Independence: Housing for individuals on the Autism Spectrum
(2017) Tsouvalos, Marcus; Hurtt, Steven; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Living independently is one of the major milestones which represents one’s passage to adulthood. Many people may take this step for granted and assume it is an inevitable part of life, but for many adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder this is not the case. 80% of adults with ASD live with their parents where they will continue to rely on their care. This situation has many challenges, but a detrimental one for the individual with ASD is fewer opportunities to form relationships outside of the family (find source). Living independently in a supported housing development can provide this population the opportunity for more social interaction while receiving supports needed for everyday living. This thesis will investigate the option of creating highly specialized spaces geared toward offering individuals with ASD more independent living within their community.
Adaptable Housing: A Sustainable Architectural Solution to Informal Settlements in the Caribbean
(2020) Reid , Shanek; Bell, Matthew; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
This thesis explores design challenges and conceptual solutions as they relate to residential building forms within urban slum environments- specifically those found in the Caribbean region. It examines the roles of the house, form, and culture surrounding the place and people of Jamaica; using a comparative analysis of historical and current housing models to inform anew, this thesis proposes an economically and socially sustainable redevelopment plan for the house and the block in Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica. This culminating graduate project raises questions about the potential to formally design for informality, about the role of the architect in the community, and about the preservation of cultural identities made evident through the tangibility of the built environment. Above all else, this thesis advocates for the socio-economic growth of individuals and communities residing below the poverty rate, using architectural design and urban planning as a catalyst for advancement.
Adapting An Image: transforming urban built heritage to [re]claim and [re]present an inherited cultural image
(2012) Pinnock, Georgina; Ambrose, Michael; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Perpetuated throughout the Caribbean diaspora as street parades and decadent festivities, Caribbean Carnival is an established social ritual that permits revelers to masquerade in extravagant costumes that simultaneously project an assumed character and protect the individual's identity. The wide variety of costumes predominately featured provide such a rich collection of forms and ideas suitable for the architectural exploration of contrasts - the revealed vs. the concealed, the old vs. new - that this thesis poses the question: can the analysis and application of the essential characteristics of Caribbean Carnival costume design be a reasonable approach for the architectural integration of a new cultural program into an established urban fabric? By providing infrastructure for Caribbean nationals active in their shared culture and facilitating continued connections with the wider community, this proposal seeks to innovatively transform a parcel of Washington, DC's built heritage to reclaim and represent an inherited Caribbean identity.
Adaptive Play: A Place of Healing & Learning
(2017) Coronado, Paula Fuenzalida; Tilghman, James; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
For many years the disabled community has been secluded from our every day surroundings due to severe impairments and lack of adaptable environments. This is an issue that has fortunately begun to see progress in the early education systems taking place throughout the United States. In more recent years we have seen an increased involvement of school systems providing inclusion programs at the beginning stages of children’s development. Unfortunately architecture has not fully embraced this issue in order to provide spaces that are mindful of this diversely unique population of children. This thesis will explore architecture as a means to provide a space for children of all disabilities, and without, to interact and learn from one another at an early age in order to create an environment of inclusion within communities.
ADAPTIVE RE-USE OF THE SUBURBAN OFFICE PARK: RECLAIMING THE OBSOLESCENCE
(2017) Leahy, Meghan Catherine; Kelly, Brian; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
On a nationwide scale, the office market is experiencing high office vacancy rates. There are three main contributors for this repositioning in the office market. A trend within the commercial real estate office market is the urbanization of offices buildings and is creating vacancies in suburban office properties. The focus of office building design has always placed a high importance on the individual from the office cubicle, the single-tenant users within the building, and the single use on the site. Lastly the buildings inefficiency in terms of building systems, energy usage, and the standard building facade strategies. The suburban office market is experiencing even higher office vacancy than the urban office market. Montgomery County, MD has an oversaturation of office parks as a direct result of suburban sprawl and antiquated zoning choices. This reinforces the isolation that is the office park typology. This thesis will explore how to take the disconnected building typology of the suburban office park, and re-integrate it into the surrounding fabric. The transformation will include office space that emphasizes a collaborative work environment, housing that accommodates a diversity of incomes, street level retail, and amenity spaces, and active green spaces that encourage neighborhood interaction.
Adaptive Reuse in Martinsburg: The Interwoven School of Crafts
(2008-06-17) McIntyre, Kristina; Kelly, Brian; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
This thesis explores critical regionalism and sustainable design through the adaptive reuse of the former Interwoven Stocking Company mill in Martinsburg, West Virginia. New programming establishes the manufacturing complex as the Interwoven School of Crafts, a learning institution dedicated to the production of functional, handcrafted arts and thereby also to the continuance of local culture. Regionalistic ideas are further explored through the development of a visitor center and gallery building that showcases the work of the artists. Nestled within the historic complex, this contemporary building is the interface between spaces, materials, and time periods. By building a contemporary structure the character of the existing buildings is enhanced by the contrast rather than trivialized by imitation or replication. By designing with sustainable principles and building craft in mind the newer components will contribute to both the character and the long lifespan of what is already on site.
Adaptive Reuse in Post-Industrial Detroit: Testing the Viability of the Engine Works
(2008-08-29) Green, Jessica; Eisenbach, Ronit; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
The decline of heavy industry and manufacturing in today's major cities has created a serious dilemma. These industrial areas which once brought success and vitality to our cities now exist only as derelict reminders of the past. Through adaptive reuse this thesis reinterprets the industrial landscape as a resource for future growth. An example of post-industrial Detroit, the abandoned Dry Dock Engine Works facility no longer is the vital center of activity it once was. Using this isolated building on the Detroit Waterfront as the site of operations, this thesis seeks to establish a link between past and future, combining multiple new land uses (museum, market, ferry terminal, business incubator) and existing site elements (building, river, rail/trail) to generate a ripple effect of social energy. The interaction between these diverse elements not only creates a new "reason for being" for the Engine Works, but a reason for growth in a shrinking city.
THE ADAPTIVE REUSE OF GLENN DALE HOSPITAL
(2013) Gross, Jennie; Cronrath, David; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Sanatoriums and asylums across the country are being left to decay despite their architectural and historical significance. Adaptive reuse is not considered an option for many of these former institutions because of the grandiose size of the buildings, the large grounds, and stigmas about the building's former populations. Glenn Dale Hospital is no exception to these challenges, however the site offers the unique possibility to house a senior population in a therapeutic garden setting on the outskirts of a busy metropolis. A feasible adaptive reuse plan for Glenn Dale Hospital would preserve its history while also potentially providing a blueprint for the future reuse of other institutional campuses.
Adaptive Reuse of the Seaholm Power Plant: Uniting Historic Preservation and Sustainable Practices
(2011) Meltzer, Emily Dana; Rockcastle, Garth; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Current historic preservation regulations and sustainability systems rarely overlap for a common goal. Historic properties have many inherently sustainable qualities, none of which are capitalized upon by either regulatory body. As sustainability becomes more essential in our modern world, these two industries must come together. This thesis will study how these two may unite to utilize best practices in reusing historic structures. After studying current sustainability and historic preservation frameworks, a set of values that, when present, formulate holistic sustainability, were created. These values, broken in to economic, environmental and cultural benefits come together for an innovative and education design. Based on these values, a new Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standard for Historic Properties was created, including a new Social Justice category. These theories were then tested in an adaptive reuse design project for the historic Seaholm Power Plant in Austin, TX.
Adaptive Reuse: An Architectural Solution to Poverty and Homelessness
(2007-05-21) Carlisle, Erin; Williams, Isaac; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
All cities are forced to deal with homelessness and poverty; often they rely on temporary shelters and welfare programs as the only solutions. These do not assist the impoverished in establishing themselves in the community, and ignore the fact that many lack the necessary education, job skills, and life skills to establish independence. This thesis examines a way to provide vocational education to break the poverty cycle by providing disadvantaged citizens access to education, training, and work. The abandoned Hostess factory on 7th and S Street NW in Washington DC, and its adjacent vacant land presents an appropriate site for study. Adaptively re-using this factory as a vocational school can rejuvenate the local neighborhood while helping to change the lives of the impoverished. The vocational school is designed as a community school that offers services for poor and homeless adults as well as the continuing education programs for the local community.
Advanced Training for the Advancing Soldier
(2009) Sanz, Robert; Kelly, Brian; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
The United States is and will likely continue to be in a constant state of military engagement. Our soldiers are deployed to the most dangerous war zones in the world, and they selflessly perform their duties. Despite a dramatic decrease in battlefield deaths, the number of wounded soldiers remains very high. Many soldiers that would have died in previous wars are now saved as a result of our improved war theater medical interventions, but many are left scarred physically, emotionally, and socially. This is especially true for amputees who face a unique challenge in reengaging in civilian life. Based on the writings on the topic of Social Capital, this thesis proposes a facility that works toward reintegrating amputees into civilian life with the their typical physical rehabilitation activities. The facility will provide opportunities for the effects social capital to sustain the morale and progress of patients both physically and mentally.
AEROTROPOLIS: AN AIRPORT AS A DRIVER OF ECONOMIC AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT.
(2020) Ohakawa, Tochi Chimaobi; Tilghman, James W; Kelly, Brian P; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
In previous centuries, major transportation infrastructure has fostered economic and urban development in places where they were established. This was seen with seaports in the 18th century, Railways in the 19th century, and highways in the 20th century. An emergence of a similar pattern is being witnessed this century as airports have evolved from being just transportation hubs, to drivers of business location and commercial development within and outside its boundaries. Traditionally airports have been located in the outskirts of cities where real estate is cheap and is close enough not to be a tedious commute, but far enough from urban centers to mitigate noise pollution. However, the paradigm has shifted and the “Aerotropolis” urban format has emerged. An Aerotropolis is a type of city where an airport is its central node, and its land use, road network, and economy are planned around this airport. Today, speed and accessibility are the new benchmark and airports are a nexus to a global stream of commerce and trade. Does this make it an ideal incentive for new urban development?
Affirming Identity: Communities Cultivating Heritage
(2021) Inoa, Jazmin; Simon, Madlen; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
In the continuing battle to dismantle systemic racism critically evaluating the condition of the built environment proves especially necessary. The history of urban renewal and gentrification within Washington D.C. exists as an ever-present danger to the black and brown communities who live there. The Anacostia Neighborhood proves a culturally rich and underserved community that should be celebrated and supported by its built environment. This thesis seeks to unpack the layers of history and heritage within Barry Farm and present an alternative. Affirming Identity proposes creating a community anchor that utilizes equitable design practices to catalyze community engagement and activity in stagnant zones while celebrating and affirming the Identity of Anacostia.
Affordable Housing: A Case for Mexico City
(2010) Santos Cortes, Claudia Elisa; Kelly, Brian P; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Mexico City is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with a 2000km2 and 22 million people. Due to its globalized economy and dynamic growth, the city offers better life opportunities, encouraging massive migrations from rural areas to the city. Hence, the need for more housing. A rapid result for housing demands has generated the growth of squatter areas as well as massive social housing complexes at the peripheries of the city. The city needs a reinterpretation of affordable housing typologies that address the housing demands of the underprivileged and impede the expansion of the city by utilizing the existing infrastructure into the central area. This thesis will focus on designing an affordable housing project that would relocate low income people in order to provide them appropriate services and infrastructure, thus integrating them to the city life through community spaces utilizing a language of design that reflect the construction techniques of the Mexican culture.
Age in Place: Design for Dignity
(2024) Perkins, Abigail Corinne; Bennett, Ralph; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
The senior population in the United States is rapidly growing. As a result, there is a growing need for more affordable housing options for seniors. Assisted living centers can be a wonderful community for seniors to live in when they can no longer maintain their homes or if they need additional care. These apartments provide excellent opportunities for socialization, exercise, and travel. However, a variety of factors including cost, availability of specific care facility, and a desire for independence can cause a senior to not receive the help that they need in a timely manner. For seniors with additional care needs, such as a form of dementia, the need for flexible care is paramount. Current care options often lead to seniors with dementia having to move to facilities that are not designed for residents with dementia and hire additional care aids. The lifetime cost of dementia is a huge burden to the patient and their family. Affordable senior housing is needed for seniors who cannot afford memory care and choose to live in assisted living facilities in order to improve a senior’s quality of life. The thesis will explore how we can use findings of environmental psychology to improve the design of assisted living facilities for seniors dealing with rapid memory loss from dementia.
American Dream 3.0: Flexible Urban Housing for Changing Lifestyles
(2011) Yu, Joanna Geehee; Bennet, Ralph; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Housing will always be an issue as population continues to grow at a rapid pace. It is projected that the demand for housing in the US will be driven up drastically after the recession. However, even if the population in the US stayed constant, the changing dynamics of culture, lifestyle, communities and technology is causing the existing housing stock created by a conservative industry to become obsolete in meeting the needs of the people. This thesis will explore the tectonics, spaces, and social interaction of architecture that can adapt to support diverse lifestyles of households over time. Design strategies of buildings will be investigated to inform how a home can be made to allow variety, flexibility, and adaptability with consideration towards sustainability with small interventions over time. The project will examine how homes can be programmed for lifecycle living with consideration towards how communities can be created within the household and in the neighborhood.
Anacostia's Nature Discovery Center on Kingman Island
(2008-08-13) Ho, Florence; Gardner, Amy; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
This thesis proposes to use built form to bridge the increasing divide between youth and the natural world. Through tectonics, it demonstrates that architecture functions as a physical and metaphorical gateway for urbanites to be re-introduced to nature. The renewed relationship with local bio-diversity will enrich the lives of users, and foster environmental stewardship. Kingman Island is located in eastern Washington D.C.. It's overgrown and undeveloped condition has potential to serve the dense urban neighborhoods in its proximity. The site is accessible to local communities by Metro, bus, as well as automobile. It benefits from neighboring assets such as the National Arboretum and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The proposed nature learning center is the focal point of the development, serving as the connection between local neighborhoods and Kingman Island through urban, architectural and landscape design.
ANFA NYC: A Neuroethical Architecture
(2015) Petrocelli, Luke Stephen; Rockcastle, Garth C; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
Our environments have a direct effect on our wellbeing. Science is starting to focus on the human brain and tell us why this is the case. This thesis concerns the integration of the neurosciences with architectural design. It is the stance of this thesis that architects have the responsibility to address the cognitive effects of the environments which they design in an effort to combat the so-called ‘diseases of civilization’. The chosen site, South Point Park on Roosevelt Island in New York City, is proposed to be developed as a NeuroArchitecture research incubator, providing interested groups a place to study the consilience of neuroscience and architecture. Research will be applied through four venues: The chosen site and landscape, a NeuroArchitecture Incubator, Blackwell Tower, and the ruin of a mid-19th Century Smallpox Hospital.
Annapolis City Dock: A Sensory Exploration
(2012) Gomez, Marisa; Noonan, Peter; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
This thesis reclaims the neglected waterfront of Annapolis City Dock by reconnecting to unique sensory experiences shaped by wind, water, and craft. A more engaging relationship between land and water is created by sculpting the city's edge and designing a maritime museum and boat building workshop. Sculptural elements of the building produce energy while mapping the movement of wind, and ideas from sailing inspire adaptable building elements which can be tuned to different wind conditions. The site and the building are designed to gracefully accept flooding through landscaping and wet flood proofing strategies. Physical making and the history of craft are reintroduced to a stagnant waterfront while the process of boat making inspires a tectonic expression of frame and skin. These ideas of wind, water, and craft create tactile experiences of place, which are woven into the built environment to reinforce Annapolis' identity as a sailing city.