One of the most challenging aspects of architectural practice is the design of residences. Because the solution appropriate for each situation differs with the composition, the cultural and ethnic background, and the living pattern of each family, the design of a home is never lacking in interest; because the family and its home are the basis of our civilization, residential architecture is of lasting significance. While within and about the home the individual comes under its influence, and his physical and emotional health are greatly affected. Physiologically he is affected by temperature, ventilation, humidity, and illumination; psychologically he is affected by crowding, clutter, noise, color, and spatial relationships. By deciding upon one design or another, the designer of homes, whether he is conscious of it or not, influences the future success and happiness of family life in the most intensive manner. Therefore, the architect has at his command a tremendous power of good or evil. Although definite progress in raising the standards of dwelling design has been made since World War II, there is still a great need for exploration in the field of house design, especially with regard to the technical and functional aspects of planning. The purpose of this thesis is to provide an opportunity for such general investigation and to apply the information thus gained to an actual, specific problem, the design of a residence for the author's parents. / Master of Science

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 1941. / A study of Ocean City, New Jersey. Bibliography: p. 140-144.

The purpose of this project is to evaluate the response of coastal community comprehensive plans to the threats posed by sea level rise. The communities evaluated are Chincoteague, VA, Ocean City, MD, and Rehoboth Beach, DE. The results of the evaluations illustrate to what extent these communities are prepared to deal with sea level rise and provide a basis for recommendations to improve plan quality. The level of community risk and the components of the individual comprehensive plans are evaluated using new models created for this project. Risk level is measured using computer disaster simulations, topographic and demographic data. The plan evaluation criteria include standard plan quality benchmarks and hazard mitigation and adaptation elements suggested by numerous agencies and resources. The plan evaluations range in quality from “poor” to “excellent”. These evaluations will be used to create policy strategies and recommendations for addressing the threat of sea level rise.