A cluster of buildings does not a campus make. Places of learning have long sought-out cohesive spaces that foster a sense of community and encourage an immersive life of academia. The suburban campus model, with a centric configuration, has been a successful model that has withstood the test of time. Urban campuses knitted into the urban fabric have also had success in fostering the same sense of community, but more so as part of the larger city, and using the urban context as a lab for teaching. But what makes the campuses we love successful? And how can we apply those principles to set up younger campuses for future success? This thesis tackles these questions, and attempts to understand what differentiates a mere collection of buildings from a true campus. Applied to the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center, these borrowed ideas can start to inform the design of a new campus that bridges the gap between traditional suburban campuses and organic urban campuses. Rather than providing a series of definitive answers, the thesis establishes a series of principles on how to create a cohesive design that doesn't compromise the true nature of an urban campus. The proposed design is but one of many possible solutions. As humans, we seem to have a desire to classify the world into categories. Oftentimes, however, the most beautiful things come from the tension of the unclassified. They come from the gray areas between typologies. The process of this thesis became inherently contradictory at times. It was developed in a way in which the particular conditions of the existing buildings on the site, and their character in the urban setting, were allowed to contaminate the clarity of the suburban campus typology, and as such, become in many ways an oxymoron. / Master of Architecture / This thesis examines urban campuses, and explores the design principles that make them successful. By comparing the layouts and designs of suburban campus models with those of school in urban conditions, one can begin to learn what ideas from either typology can be used to create a successful campus within an urban or semi-urban condition, like Old Town Alexandria. By using the Washington Alexandria Architecture Center as an example, the project develops a design proposal that would grow the current campus from a couple of buildings to a real successful urban campus, that has the potential to grow beyond its confined singular city block.

Upon my arrival at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC), I experienced significant challenges in finding suitable accommodation and integrating into the community. Recognizing that many fellow students face similar difficulties, I was inspired to leverage the historical and cultural essence of Old Town Alexandria to create a solution. My thesis explores the potential of adaptive reuse to develop a co-living environment specifically designed for students. This project aims to repurpose existing structures to address the scarcity of student housing while fostering a sense of community. Situated less than eight miles from Washington, DC, WAAC offers a unique professional learning environment for Architecture and Urban Design students, characterized by its interdisciplinary, international, and individual focus. By immersing students in the rich historical and cultural context of Old Town Alexandria, the project enhances their educational experience and well-being through exposure to professional and academic opportunities in both Alexandria and Washington, DC. This adaptive reuse initiative not only revives the essence of Old Town in students' daily lives but also demonstrates how historical preservation and modern functionality can coexist, creating a dynamic and supportive living environment that enriches the student journey. / Master of Architecture / Transitioning into new academic environments often presents significant challenges for students, particularly in securing suitable accommodation and integrating into the local community. This thesis investigates the feasibility and benefits of creating an adaptive reuse co-living program for students at Virginia Tech's Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC) in Old Town Alexandria, VA. The project aims to repurpose existing structures to address the scarcity of student housing while fostering a sense of belonging and community. By immersing students in the historical and cultural context of Old Town Alexandria, the adaptive reuse initiative enhances their educational experience and well-being. Students are exposed to the abundant professional and academic opportunities available in both Alexandria and Washington, DC, enriching their overall journey. This thesis highlights the potential of adaptive reuse to preserve historical fabric while meeting contemporary needs, creating a supportive and dynamic living environment for students. The project exemplifies how historical preservation and modern functionality can coexist, providing essential housing and fostering a deeper connection between students and the community. Through this integration, the adaptive reuse project revitalizes the essence of Old Town Alexandria in students' daily lives, contributing to a more enriching and holistic educational experience.

<i>Bacchus, Vulcan and Metis walk into a bar . . .</i> The following dialogues took place beginning in January of this year. In a series of investigations through drawing, physical constucts and research, the project began to take shape. With the help of Bacchus, Vulcan and Metis, the building was given a body of its own. Ideas of the way a building ages, as well as the way the parts of the building relate to the whole, are the basis of the thesis. The building is a sort of beast with two heads: the foundry, and the speak-easy [with cunning navigating the straits]. / Master of Architecture

This thesis is an intimate exploration. A personal journey between here and there: what I left behind, what I always kept close to me and all the new things that I learned and experience during the last four years. I just tried to put myself together as a person as well as an architect; taking from my personal experiences the inspiration and the tools to create a building. The building is orientated to American and foreign students coming to the metropolitan area of Washington DC to study at the Center and willing to take advantage of the opportunities of the city. The idea was to create a building for civic adaptation, to educate and inspire students not only in architecture but also in civic life and prepare them to be responsible citizens. The dormitory was inspired by the friendly spirit of the WAAC with the intention of supporting the Center in its varied goals and enhancing its academic perspectives. / Master of Architecture

Through parallelism with characteristics of magical realism, the building is materialized by deciphering the unseen images latent in ordinary life. WAAC radio station. Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. / Master of Architecture

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