This thesis proposes that architectural utopian ideas are the foundation for societal change. The communities that form from utopian ideas act as test sites for societal values on a microscale (Gondolf 1985). When communities work together on a utopian vision through dialogue, they avoid the pitfall of one person’s utopian vision being blanketed over the world (Schneekloth 1998). Utopian communities solve problems through experimentation that create different ways of living which act as visions that can provide hope (ibid). Ruth Levitas, author of The Concept of Utopia, defines utopia as “the expression of the desire for a better way of living” (Gizem Deniz Guneri 2019,155). In this thesis I articulate a framework for understanding utopian societies in sociological terms, as a place or idea created with clearly stated design principles. Utopian communities have clear boundaries and ideological principles that favor the wellbeing of the group above that of the individual (Gondolf 1985). Moreover, social mechanisms in the form of designed social conventions are the traits of successful utopian communities (ibid). The natural settings of utopian artists' retreats and craft schools contribute to creativity, community connection, and an increased appreciation for these natural settings. A comparison of four creative places, Black Mountain College (NC), Haystack Mountain School for Crafts (ME), Pilchuck Glass School (WA), and MacDowell (NH) are used to identify the positive characteristics of natural settings. Using these precedents and associated literature on utopian communities. I have collected a series of features that contribute to the ideal environmental, architectural, and organizational design practices of utopian communities. This thesis then employs a research through design methodology to illustrate and test these features through a single, prototypical project. The findings of this thesis include a list of opportunities and challenges presented by this project, which can be broadly applied to similar endeavors.

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The goal of this project is to reimagine learning spaces by combining education and architecture principles and a hint of imagination. This is done through designing a school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. for children aged 3-12. The design integrates Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio principles with behavioral and neuroscientific insights. Additionally, the imaginative essence of "Alice in Wonderland" brings a whimsical dimension, adding an enchanting layer to the architectural narrative. The design of the school considers how space impacts cognition and creativity, in addition to functional aspects. Highlighting the bond between architecture and neuroscience, the design emphasizes how the built environment shapes children's cognition and emotions. Sensory experiences, architectural elements, and nature integration shape the ambiance, significantly influencing children's cognitive development. Through a blend of educational philosophies, neuroscience findings, and the timeless allure of Wonderland, it aims to sculpt an environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and profound world connection in children. / Master of Architecture / The aim of this project is to rethink the design of learning spaces by merging educational and architectural principles with a touch of imagination. This involves designing a school in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. for children aged 3-12. The design incorporates ideas from early childhood education philosophies along with insights from behavioral science and neuroscience. To add a touch of whimsy, the project draws inspiration from Alice in Wonderland's story as an additional layer to the architectural story. The school's design considers how the physical space influences children's thinking and creativity while performing its practical functions. It underscores the close connection between architecture and brain science, emphasizing how the physical environment molds children's cognitive abilities and emotions. Sensory experiences, architectural elements, and the integration of natural elements shape the atmosphere, profoundly affecting children's cognitive development. By combining these diverse educational philosophies, neuroscience findings, and the timeless charm of the "Alice in Wonderland" story, the project strives to shape an environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the world for children.

This research proposes a new site analysis methodology in the form of an integrated framework. The framework separates the site analysis process into different models, incorporates each model, and considers the interaction between them. The most important models are the environmental models (climate, geology, hydrology, topography, and vegetation models), social-cultural models, economic models, and infrastructure models. Each model also contains several important factors. The study identifies and organizes environmental factors within the framework that influence site analysis and design. Based on the applicability of feng shui principles and their interpretations into measurable factors, this research compares and incorporates feng shui and contemporary environmental design theories, and summarizes essential environmental factors. The emphasis on environmental factors from these models may lead to a better understanding of the relationships between humankind and the natural environment. The proposed framework is implemented into a computer simulation program, titled SiteOne, to demonstrate the concepts and ideas, with an emphasis on environmental factors. This research uses the town of Reston in Fairfax County, Virginia, as the study area because of the availability of information. SiteOne analyzes a range of alternatives and then derives solutions from the suggested site conditions in the form of GIS maps. There are various modules that make up the prototype system: namely an analysis module, a database module, and a result generation module. SiteOne helps professionals collect a wide range of information and select corresponding criteria in the early stages of design. It also provides visual analysis based on selected criteria and models. Therefore, it can act as an educational knowledge component for professionals as well as the general public. / Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to describe the behaviors of the children and the parents, as well as the perceptions of the parents in pediatric office waiting room environments. / Master of Science

Door of Return Museum symbolizes a synthesis of environmental building systems (EBS) and extends Senegal's cultural fingerprint along the Atlantic shoreline. Benefits of EBS technologies include ecologic imperatives, coexistence with nature, and transcultural synergies to name a few. Architecturally speaking EBS is the purposeful integration of environmental systems in a harmonious manner that maximizes passive energy solutions to the fullest extent possible. When doing so problems exist both environmental and contextual yet resolutions can be rewarding to the client, community, and most important the end-user. Overcoming problematic challenges maintains sensitivity towards nature, cultural history and vernacular typology. Design methodology mitigates natural systems such as thermal heat transfer, daylight control, natural ventilation and thermal lag prior to incorporating mechanical systems. The paramount result is a contemporary museum that educates via its collection and economized performance systems. / Master of Architecture

Humankind has lived on earth for a geologically brief time. Our species has proven a remarkable ability to adapt to our environment through the development and use of tools and technology. Little evidence suggests when our need to tame nature took hold in our collective cultural consciousness, yet throughout western history, human needs and activities have been perceived as separate from the natural world. We stand at the beginning of a new millennium, aware of the cycles which govern the flows of life on our planet, yet far from understanding the specifics of how they work. This building, an Institute for Urban Agriculture, seeks to challenge that notion of separation. The design expresses architecturally the ways in which the technological systems and organic systems work together to sustain the mission of the Institute. Through every aspect of the building design, the perceived separation of those systems is woven together to express an holistic view of the building as a fully integrated system. Human intervention is a necessary part of a healthy urban ecosystem, and positive relationships with the natural world contribute to the qualities of human health. Inspired by careful observation and experience of the surrounding urban landscape, this design recognizes those interactions and builds upon their social, ecological and economic values. Architecture becomes the medium for communicating transformed ideas about our relationships with the natural world to the building inhabitants and to the public at large. / Master of Architecture

<p>The literature on the topic of suburbia is vast. Most studies however, have been written from the point of view of suburban outsiders. Very few scholars have asked suburbanites what they think about the neighbourhoods in which they live. This gap is significant because of our growing awareness of various problems associated with the suburbs, notably those connected to the environment and human health. Focusing on Hamilton, Ontario, this thesis addresses this gap, looking at what suburbanites think about the suburbs in general, as well as their own neighbourhoods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 residents of single-family, detached dwellings in three neighbourhoods in Hamilton that on most criteria would be considered suburban. Most notably, it was found that suburban residents have difficulty conceptualizing suburbia when asked to define it abstractly, but have less difficulty completing this same task when asked to consider a real-world example instead. As well, it appears that most suburban residents have heard very few positive comments about the suburbs from outside sources. Other findings relate to where suburban residents consider the suburbs to be located in Hamilton, what they think about the negative complaints that have been directed at the suburbs by critics, and what advantages and disadvantages they associate with living in a suburban neighbourhood. These results may have important implications for future research on how suburbanites perceive the suburbs, and for policies aimed at reshaping the suburbs to reduce social, environmental, and economic costs of the suburban lifestyle.</p> / Master of Arts (MA)

Green building, as an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient product, has emerged in recent decades. Along with the growing interest in green building design and operating practices, a number of green building certification standards and rating systems have been developed by different organizations worldwide. Those rating systems allow government regulators, building professionals, and consumers to embrace green building with confidence. Many recent studies find that LEED and Energy Star certified commercial buildings gain significant rental and sales price premiums and have higher occupancy rates. However, little research has been conducted to measure the market value of certified multi-family residential buildings, for instance, green condominiums. This study investigates the price effects of LEED certification on condominium real estate assets in a local housing market, in this case Portland, Oregon. The overall dataset is developed by combining information from Metro's Regional Land Information System (RLIS) and LEED certifications by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). A hedonic pricing model is employed to measure the effects of certification levels on sales prices. The model results indicate that, compared to non-certified condominiums in Portland, green certified properties have a 5.8 percent sales price premium on average. The result of this study confirms that LEED condominiums exhibit higher sales prices controlling for location- and property-specific factors.