Architecture Theses and Dissertations

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Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
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    Re-envisioning K Street
    (2012) Gellman, Eric Christopher; Bell, Matthew; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    The gross underutilization of civic infrastructure in Washington, D.C. has developed into an issue that stretches beyond statistical analysis, and speaks directly to the contemporary ideals that are eroding the city. Infrastructure spending has been focused primarily along the K Street corridor in the form of metro stations, bus routes and the proposed trolley car service, which was a measure that was passed by the city in order to alleviate mounting pressure on the underground metro rail system. In order to rectify this mounting concern, the problem has been identified as a lack of mixed uses only the K Street Corridor, which could easily be resolved by the integration of residential units alongside office, retail and hospitality space. Fostering an environmental that supports a live-work-place attitude will be a step in the right direction in transforming D.C. into a desirable place to live for economies of all scales.
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    An Urban Mausoleum
    (2012) Black, Ian James; Cronrath, David; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    This thesis explores the placement of a mausoleum into an urban environment. Ideally, one is encouraged to reflect on their temporal nature. A benefit of this contemplation is to be able to live a good life to the fullest extent possible. Not only does contemporary US culture not do this, but it continually distances itself further from supporting any type of reflection on death. An absence of critical reflection is detrimental to the human experience. It is the goal of this thesis to demonstrate that the built environment can rectify this situation and sponsor a solution.
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    Embassy of Cuba in Washington, DC: Image, Site, Program
    (2008-08-11) Fishman, Ian C; Williams, Isaac; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    This thesis postulates the design of an official Embassy of Cuba in Washington, DC, following the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries. An embassy serves as its state's proxy image and public interface within the host country. The research and analysis in this thesis explores how the image, program, and site of an embassy can be used as instruments of policy to promote the representing nation's political and social agenda. The program of the Embassy of Cuba is modeled after existing embassies. Many such buildings succeed in generating social capital by encouraging public activity within and around their sites as well as fostering both local and global connections. In addition to accommodating the administrative functions of diplomacy, great embassies encourage cultural exchange. A major goal of this thesis is to adapt the embassy program to a uniquely Cuban arrangement and use of space.
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    Design Principles for Transitional Housing
    (2007-12-19) Braman, Suzanne M; Bennett, Ralph; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    The Washington, DC Office of Victim Services has determined a need for transitional housing and support services for battered woman and their children for the first two years after they leave their residence. It is my assertion that for a family in transition a secure environment can be placed within proximity to their original place of residence. Residing in the neighborhood will empower the individual through the strength of her existing connections to the community while building a new support network. My thesis seeks to discover how architecture can empower abused women to independence, building self esteem and stronger family units. Design principles were derived from research of the both the impact of domestic violence on women and historic examples of affordable housing. The design solution focused on three primary design principles: Security, Community and Individuality, a design integrating a two year program of support services within a courtyard building.
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    Bridging Anacostia
    (2007-05-21) Powell, Corey J; Wortham, Brooke D; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    Countless cities face issues of disconnection. Washington, DC's Anacostia neighborhood remains physically, socially, and economically separated from the city at-large, while failing to take advantage of its proximity to an under utilized waterfront. This thesis explores ideas about "bridging", not only physically but also metaphorically and socially. Interstate 295, as a physical and perceptual barrier, has had the most negative impact on this area. This thesis proposes to create connections between Anacostia, the waterfront, and greater Washington, DC by engaging land use into and beneath the highway thereby creating thresholds between Anacostia, the waterfront, and greater Washington, DC. Furthermore, this thesis sites the Frederick Douglass neighborhood and heritage center which not only bridges the highway, but also creates a physical link between historic Anacostia and the waterfront.
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    Reconnecting to the Waterfront: A Maritime Aquarium for Southwest, Washington, DC
    (2006-05-19) Ramos, Stephen Anthony; Eisenbach, Ronit; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    This thesis re-links Washingtonians to the Potomac River waterfront, once an essential amenity for the city. Citizens of the original working-class community of Southwest, Washington, DC were drawn by the availability of maritime jobs due to its close proximity to the Washington Channel. In the 1950's, a campaign of Urban Renewal was enacted, which ultimately resulted in the gentrification of the indigenous community, altered street patterns and the removal of historic building fabric. One of the major fallacies of the development was the irresponsible development along the waterfront, which severed and limited the connection between the neighborhood and the Washington Channel. This thesis encourages the exploration of and interaction with Washington's historic maritime culture and the exclusive ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The tools for working this connection are the Washington D.C. Maritime Aquarium and a new waterfront promenade. The Maritime Aquarium which adds a major public educational venue to the city's downtown area will feature aquatic exhibits on the Chesapeake Bay watershed and interpretive exhibits on the history of Washington's maritime culture. Reclaiming and activating the lethargic waterfront, the new promenade allows visitors the opportunity to engage the water and participate in a variety of recreational activities. Ultimately this thesis educates and increases our awareness of our relationship with the natural world, while simultaneously improving the aesthetics of the existing waterfront and city.
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    Engaging a Community: A Recreation Center for Burrville-Lincoln Heights, D.C.
    (2005-05-23) weems, traci kiku; Ambrose, Michael; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
    How can architecture foster relationships and create community among people who have been largely ignored by the design profession? How can architecture provide an alternative for neighborhoods dealing with violence, crime, poverty, drug dealing, and low attainment of education? The goal of this thesis is to create a recreation center that addresses the specific needs of the neighborhoods of Burrville and Lincoln Heights, located in North East, D.C., in order to provide a safe place for personal and interpersonal growth. The larger context of the site includes Watts Branch Park and Creek, which run North West and connect with the Anacostia River and park system. This location provides an opportunity to engage the landscape and highlight it as a strength of the neighborhoods. There is also the potential to make a larger connection between the neighborhoods and the city.
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    Regenerative Place-Making at Benning Road Metro Station: Architecture as a Determinant of Identity in the 21st Century
    (2004-05-20) Way, Michael A.; Bowden, Gary; Sachs, Stephen F; Architecture
    Where "placelessness" occurs, inhabitants' potential for finding an existential foothold is compromised. Residents' identities are existentially dispossessed. The effect of such dispossession generates a spectrum of unfavorable behavior patterns, ranging from apathetic malaise to criminal activity. "Regenerative Place-Making" will explore design in a viable but overlooked urban environment. Located near a Metro Station at East Capitol Street and Benning Road, the site is the geographic center of Eastern Washington and is a potential gateway intersection for the district. The urban design will investigate exterior space issues, mixture of uses, and transit-oriented development as stimulus for surrounding neighborhoods. The architectural design will address creation of a landmark, to set character and programmatically anchor the intervention. Character will be rationalized by mnemonic and tectonic aesthetics. Approached holistically, "Regenerative Place-Making" can revitalize neighborhoods, individual identities, and community pride, all of which can reduce crime and raise the median quality of life.