Thesis (M.Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1982. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references. / by Sandra Airené Jones. / M.Arch.

The purpose of this thesis is twofold. First, to examine mixed-use development outside of the downtown core as a means to increase the housing stock of Vancouver by determining why this form of development is occurring and to assess the habitability of the housing provided in these projects. Secondly, the survey methodology utilized in the study was designed to obtain information in an exploratory manner, to both assist in the future design and management of mixed-use projects, and to provide the basis for speculating on the potential role for mixed-use projects in commercial districts outside of the Central Business District. Chapter One outlines the scope of the study. Four objectives are established for the thesis: to determine why mixed-use projects are being developed; to derive a profile of mixed-use building residents; to evaluate the level of housing satisfaction expressed by these residents; and, to discuss the implications for commercial districts if mixed-use development was to be encouraged. Two hypotheses are presented to explain why this form of development is occurring: first, there is likely an excess of commercially zoned land relative to market demand for space above the ground floor; and second, a mixed-use building possibly offers investment diversification by combining two different uses in a single building. As well, the study sought to test hypotheses regarding mixed-use residential rent levels, building security and the type of residents attracted to this form of housing. The second chapter traces the practice of land use separation from its initial emphasis on segregating non-compatible activities through to the recent reassessment of strictly separating uses with the widening acceptance of permitting and encouraging mixed-use. Based on a review of land development trends and planning policies implemented in Vancouver, the study finds that while the inducement of a floorspace bonus offered in certain areas of the downtown core has met with limited success, mixed-use development has occurred for some time in many of the commercial districts outside of the CBD. The survey-questionnaire methodology utilized in the study is described in Chapter Three. Of the 144 mixed-use projects built in the study area between January 1, 1974 and June 1, 1983, 50 were randomly selected for the two-stage sampling procedure. Questionnaires were first distributed to the developer/owners of the sample group. With the permission of those owner respondents participating in the survey, a second questionnaire was then delivered to the residential occupants. Both questionnaires were pre-tested through a pilot survey. The survey-questionnaire methodology was found to be difficult and time-consuming, but the only means available to obtain the data necessary to address the research objectives of the study. The results of the two survey-questionnaires are presented in Chapter Four. The study hypotheses are re-examined in light of the research findings discussed in Chapter Five. The results of the developer/owner survey are found to validate the two hypotheses suggested to explain the occurrence of mixed-use development outside of the downtown. Developer/owner respondents reported few problems in either developing or managing a mixed-use building and stressed the importance of careful design, quality construction, and good management practices in ensuring the success of these projects. The resident survey indicated that combining residential with commercial uses appears to provide a satisfactory housing environment. Athough the residents surveyed indentified several problems with living in a mixed-use building (noise, inadequate security, lack of parking), the overall level of satisfaction reported was high and corresponds closely with the findings of other medium density housing evaluation studies. The resident survey group was found to be similar demographically to an apartment comparison sub-population, though the sample group contained proportionately fewer residents in the elderly age cohorts. The study found little support for the assumption that mixed-use building rents would be discounted due to location and combination of uses. The hypothesis that combined uses would enhance building security due to mutual surveillance was likewise rejected. In the concluding chapter the implications of the research findings are discussed. Conclusions drawing upon the results of the two survey-questionnaires are presented to assist in future mixed-use project design and development. It is suggested that mixed-use, in addition to being a viable form of development as demonstrated through the developer/owner survey, may offer several public benefits: the more intensive use of scarce urban land; a broadened choice of housing; and, increased market support and added diversity in existing commercial districts. The need to critically examine these various arguments in favour of mixed-use is emphasized. Lastly, the role of the public sector vis-a-vis mixed-use development is discussed and the need for further research is identified. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

This project has produced the design for a multi-use building combining offices, retail, and housing on a site in a prominent central area of the United States Capital. / Master of Architecture

The roles of the individual elements and their constituent pieces that form the basis for the language of architecture were investigated. Walls, stairs, floors, beams, and other elements are the primary means necessary for the expression of ideas in architectural terms. To effectively use these elements, an understanding of their material properties and characteristics is essential. The role of the wall in architecture was especially important in this thesis. Walls have been considered primarily in response to their physical and material properties. Other elements were dealt with according to how they react with the wall. The project is a complex of multi-use buildings to be shared by the university and the town of Blacksburg and is located on the site of the current parking lot of the Continuing Education Center at the corner of College Avenue and Otey Street in Blacksburg. / Master of Architecture

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

published_or_final_version / Housing Management / Master / Master of Housing Management

This project attempts to break down categorization and systems of thought based on opposing qualities. Instead, disparate elements are considered to work together to increase their individual properties by creating a new property - a condition comprised of the individual elments yet also surpassing them. The word "hybrid" is appropriated to describe the nature of this investigation - the renovation of a turn-of-the-century warehouse building into a multi-use building. The project attempts to describe how a building that contains a range of disparate programmatic elements can go beyond each element's exclusivity to produce a condition in which the resultant is greater than the sum of the individual parts. The project looks at breaking down specific delimitors of adjacent programmatic elements and promotes cross-fertilization between them with the intended result of blurring the seams that separate one from the other. The intent is to investigate, through a series of minimal moves dictated by the conditions of the site and program, whether a condition of richer and more varied experience can be achieved and, as a result, provide a start for defining a condition of architectural hybridity. Due to the size of the building that is investigated, this project focuses on two areas of the building, the insertion of a courtyard and the insertion of a fissure, or crack. The point of these investigations is to provide a tactical solution for the specificities of this particular site while at the same time implying a larger, global strategy that not only infers the remainder of this building but includes similar building types in other locations.

This project attempts to break down categorization and systems of thought based on opposing qualities. Instead, disparate elements are considered to work together to increase their individual properties by creating a new property - a condition comprised of the individual elments yet also surpassing them. The word "hybrid" is appropriated to describe the nature of this investigation - the renovation of a turn-of-the-century warehouse building into a multi-use building. The project attempts to describe how a building that contains a range of disparate programmatic elements can go beyond each element's exclusivity to produce a condition in which the resultant is greater than the sum of the individual parts. The project looks at breaking down specific delimitors of adjacent programmatic elements and promotes cross-fertilization between them with the intended result of blurring the seams that separate one from the other. The intent is to investigate, through a series of minimal moves dictated by the conditions of the site and program, whether a condition of richer and more varied experience can be achieved and, as a result, provide a start for defining a condition of architectural hybridity. Due to the size of the building that is investigated, this project focuses on two areas of the building, the insertion of a courtyard and the insertion of a fissure, or crack. The point of these investigations is to provide a tactical solution for the specificities of this particular site while at the same time implying a larger, global strategy that not only infers the remainder of this building but includes similar building types in other locations. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of / Graduate

The Eisenhower Avenue Valley site is unique in the Washington Area for its highrise development potential. It offers access to the Metro line, the beltway and Old Town Alexandria. Its zoning diversity will accommodate light Industrial, commercial and residential construction. The question of whether or not to build a tower in proximity to the temple is an architectural and a political question. The assumption of this project is that the Eisenhower Avenue Valley will have high rise development. This design has recognized the significance of the Eisenhower Avenue Valley site and its zoning. It identifies the specific aspects of the site, such as the proximity of the Metro Line, the beltway, Old Town and the Potomac River. Within this context, the project defines the user of the metro by finding an architectural meaning within the planning issues discussed above. As the grid-lock of the beltway grows and becomes more congested, the Metro Line will flourish. The Metro line, when used to its greatest potential, will soon replace the street grid and city block as an urban organizational element. A city's character is drawn from this urban element. This project responds to this element by defining the individual within such a context. Retail commercial and residential space exist with respect to the Metro Line, not in competition with, or in ignorance of it. A perpendicular axis emerges from the Metro Line. Ordered around this axis are residential, commercial and retail spaces that exploit their specific site advantages. The accomplishment of this project has been in understanding and developing an architectural solution to these planning Issues and questions for the individual who will live, work and shop in this environment. I would like to acknowledge the help of several individuals. Ed Rahame's carpentry expertise and· advice helped me through the oral defense of my thesis. Tim Mount's photographic ability and patience were greatly appreciated. Don Casey provided intimate knowledge of the Eisenhower Avenue Valley and the public policy applied to it. This came from his years in public service as a City Councilman. / Master of Architecture

The central business district (C.B.D.) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "the Golden Triangle", has been for nearly sixty years with very little provision for housing. The area is topographically compact, approximately one half square mile, bounded by rivers on two of the sides and a bluff on the third side. It is the hub of the public transportation system, the convergence of the area watershed and the perceived focal point oft the region. In recent years the cultural center has also spread to the C.B.D., and there have been major rehabilitation, building and capital improvement projects. These conditions make for an environment enticing for both living and conducting business. Living Downtown: a Multiuse Complex for the Pittsburgh C.B.D. is a project that combines housing, offices, shops, parking, services and public and private open spaces. This is accomplished by considering factors such as zoning guidelines, demands for density, site conditions, egress, daylighting and sightlines. The design is inspired by Pittsburgh's vernacular hillside dwellings and the dynamics of the natural and built fabric of the site. Where a lone man may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken. - Eccelsiates 4:12 / Master of Architecture