Architecture Theses and Dissertations
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/2743
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Item A Stream Runs Through It: Reconnecting Watershed and Landscape at the University of Maryland(2008) Bauer, Deborah Anne; Francescato, Guido; Bennett, Ralph; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)ABSTRACT Title of thesis: A STREAM RUNS THROUGH IT: RECONNECTING WATERSHED AND LANDSCAPE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND Deborah Anne Bauer, Master of Architecture 2008 Thesis directed by: Professor Guido Francescato, Fall 2006--Fall 2007 Professor Ralph Bennett, AIA, Spring 2008 School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation This thesis investigates roles that the built environment can play in restoring the urban watershed and reconnecting a community with the landscape sheltering that watershed. The site for this investigation is Campus Creek, a stream that traverses the width of the University of Maryland, College Park campus. Until now the creek has been utilized primarily to drain storm water from adjacent paved surfaces, resulting in an eroding streambed rendered all but invisible by chain link fence, trash and dense undergrowth. The revival of the stream and adjacent ecosystems will be accompanied by the introduction of structures that employ sustainable strategies artfully, reframe the landscape, and encourage exploration while protecting sensitive resources. Three undergraduate environmental science programs will share the building and monitor the restoration of the creek. The section of Campus Creek west of the Campus Recreation Center, and adjacent areas, comprises the thesis site.Item A Sensual Retreat From an Urban Landscape(2009) Cheung, Jason; Kim, Julie Ju-Youn; Architecture; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)The visual sense has been given predominance in many parts of experience in the Western culture. The commodity of visual images has resulted in architecture being critiqued primarily in the form of printed and digital media, designed with only one sense in mind. However, architecture is inescapably sensual by nature and building cannot be reduced as objects to depict abstract architectural ideas. The intent of this thesis explores the sensual experiences of space through a series of choreographed moments. The qualitative aspects of light, sound, materiality, and water are studied and cued within these moments to enrich our bodily dialogue with space. This sequence will occur in Downtown Silver Spring, MD where a proposed civic park and spa will induce a multi-sensorial experience while integrating architecture to its urban landscape.Item 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.Item 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.