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Protection of the visual environment begins with a comprehensive documentation and evaluation of existing conditions followed by the development of guidelines pertaining to future alterations. This thesis examines existing methods of visual assessment and the needs of the land planner for the purpose of understanding the necessary components of evaluating the visual environment effectively. The objective has been to develop a new method of visual documentation and evaluation that can be utilized by land planners for the visual assessment of road corridors. In order to achieve this objective, a visual assessment of a Significant road corridor in Blacksburg, Virginia has been conducted. Various necessary components have been included in the assessment and a relational database management program has been used in the storage of all collected data. As a result of this process, it was found that a new method, which borrows from past processes, addresses the needs of the land planner, and utilizes an interactive medium for storage of data, is successful in addressing the objective. The new method has been successful in including the necessary components such as qualitative evaluation with adaptive descriptive nomenclature and photographic documentation of the existing corridor. The database has many qualities which are meaningful to land planners. Relational database management programs have the capability of storing text as well as photographs. For land planners to view the various aspects of the corridor, a simple pressing of their computer mouse button moves the them from one aspect to another. / Master of Landscape Architecture

The role of the state in land use control was examined in general, and in relation to the land use context of Alaska. The study provides a brief overview of the history of land ownership and land control in Alaska as well as the particular difficulties attendant to the control and management of lands in Alaska. The types of land use control mechanisms and strategies available to Alaska, and their applicability to the Alaska context are examined through case studies of land use programs in Hawaii, Florida, Vermont and Oregon. Finally, the elements of Alaska's land use framework are identified in order to provide insight into the types of land use controls which might form the basis for a state land use control program for Alaska. The study concludes by offering a number of specific recommendations on the actions required to create a viable, comprehensive state land use program for Alaska. / M.S.

This dissertation examines the quality of hazard mitigation elements in a coastal, hazard prone state. I answer two questions. First, in a state with a strong mandate for hazard mitigation elements in comprehensive plans, does plan quality differ among county governments? Second, if such variation exists, what drives this variation? My research focuses primarily on Florida’s 35 coastal counties, which are all at risk for hurricane and flood hazards, and all fall under Florida’s mandate to have a comprehensive plan that includes a hazard mitigation element. Research methods included document review to rate the hazard mitigation elements of all 35 coastal county plans and subsequent analysis against demographic and hazard history factors. Following this, I conducted an electronic, nationwide survey of planning professionals and academics, informed by interviews of planning leaders in Florida counties. I found that hazard mitigation element quality varied widely among the 35 Florida coastal counties, but were close to a normal distribution. No plans were of exceptionally high quality. Overall, historical hazard effects did not correlate with hazard mitigation element quality, but some demographic variables that are associated with urban populations did. The variance in hazard mitigation element quality indicates that while state law may mandate, and even prescribe, hazard mitigation in local comprehensive plans, not all plans will result in equal, or even adequate, protection for people. Furthermore, the mixed correlations with demographic variables representing social and disaster vulnerability shows that, at least at the county level, vulnerability to hazards does not have a strong effect on hazard mitigation element quality. From a theory perspective, my research is significant because it compares assumptions about vulnerability based on hazard history and demographics to plan quality. The only vulnerability-related variables that appeared to correlate, and at that mildly so, with hazard mitigation element quality, were those typically representing more urban areas. In terms of the theory of Neo-Institutionalism and theories related to learning organizations, my research shows that planning departments appear to have set norms and rules of operating that preclude both significant public involvement and learning from prior hazard events.

The three professions of planning, architecture, and urban design, tend to work separately, but in fact, they are related. The disciplines are combined in this project to illustrate a comprehensive approach to land development. The project presented here integrates planning, architecture, and urban design, and provides a variety of housing types atypical in suburban development. It also illustrates several housing types on a specific site, utilizing the planning, zoning and subdivision regulations of the two jurisdictions. / Master of Architecture

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Blake M. Belanger / The main streets of the Rocky Mountain West are the social, economic, and cultural centers of their respective communities. Often, these main streets may deteriorate or become abandoned as a result of edge shopping malls and strip style economic development. Thus, a downtown or main street redevelopment effort by the community can help to ensure these economic centers remain. Yet, too often, the redevelopment efforts are oversimplified and fail to integrate the most current street development principles and design initiatives that can benefit not only the community but also the surrounding environment. I n the modern American city, almost half of all daily trips are less than three miles and a third are under one mile. (McCann 2010) “These are distances easily traversed by foot or bicycle, yet 65 percent of trips under one mile are made by automobile.” (McCann 2010) This mobility trend has led to the foundation of programs and organizations that try to promote non-motorized travel. Although these initiatives respond to the human/physical environment, they are far from comprehensive. Today, an integration of smart ecological ideals is essential. How can the revitalization efforts of Rocky Mountain communities be guided to ensure they consider not only the built environment; but also the natural environment? The face of the future main street will be multi-modal and ecologically responsible. Yet, there is presently no clear method of combining the two. A union of the multi-modal principles behind Complete Streets and the ecologically responsible ideals green infrastructure can provide a framework for a new and more inclusive redevelopment approach. The merging of modern ecological and street design principles can lead to a comprehensive Main Street redevelopment program and therefore successfully guide the revitalization efforts of small Rocky Mountain communities in a way that is responsive to future development needs as well as the cultural and ecological aspects of the region. Main Street Evolved will provide a set of tools to guide Colorado Rocky Mountain Main Street redevelopment efforts by providing strategies and implementation guidelines that focus on balancing multi-modal ideals and ecological stormwater management techniques within a small-town mountain context.

My thesis deals with town and country planning as a tool for environmental protection. It is necessary to take into consideration the environment impacts by procurement and issuing the planning documents and to make available tools to protect the environment in this process. The second chapter defines the term town and country planning and describes its objectives and tasks. I described the history of legislation and focused on the principles of the current legislation. The last part of this chapter considers with the powers in town and country planning activities. The third chapter contains the characteristics of individual tools of town and country planning and process of procurement and issuing of these documents. It includes the planning materials, the spatial development policy as a statewide conception, spatial development principles issued on regional level, local plan as a basic instrument determining conception of municipality development and protection of its values and the regulatory plan. I also described individual kinds of planning permissions and planning provisions. The fourth chapter deals with the review of these documents. Fifth, sixth and sevenths chapter I rate as the main part of my thesis. It considers with the connections between the town and country planning process and the...

Master of Science / Department of Horticulture, Forestry & Recreation Resources / Greg Davis / Urban environmental pollution continues to be exacerbated by a number of factors relating to human population growth including sewage discharged directly into the urban rivers designed with concrete-sealed riverfronts. This has left a number of rivers with deteriorated water quality. Where a riverfront could be the highlight and magnet of the city, it may instead become a stain and waste place. In 1969 American landscape planner McHarg proposed the landscape planning theory, “Design with Nature." His primary argument was that natural processes provide self-regulatory functions that need to be reflected in our plans and designs. Ecological design aims include restoring or promoting natural processes and automatic (bio-physical, regenerative, and adaptive) stabilizers. A wide range of scientific knowledge is available to help guide the designer, but designers usually have limited time to complete their designs. Unfortunately, much of this information is diffusely dispersed in research literature and not easily collected and synthesized by the design community. The purpose of this review is to help provide a synthesis of current thought and to help establish the basis for principles that can aid the designer, offering easy-to-understand design guidelines related to the use of aquatic plants in ecological redevelopment along urban riverfronts. This report focuses on using aquatic plants as the main material to help solve two key problems along riverfront developments: water pollution and flooding. As such this report can serve as a guide for the designer helping them to select aquatic plants using an ecological design approach for the redevelopment of urban riverfronts. It also addresses the essential need to adapt designs based on local site problems and requirements. Since this report provides a review and a basis for where to start in designing with aquatic plants in ecological redevelopment of urban waterfronts, it should not be considered as an exclusive source for the designer but rather a complement to local guidelines and information to derive design solutions.

Master of Regional and Community Planning / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Huston Gibson / This document is a Master’s Project for a proposal of a sustainable community amenity to be implemented in Union, Nebraska. The idea that I have considered best fit for Union is the concept of a multi-functional structure that will have many uses, such as office space for city government, a community center, a visitor center, public restrooms, and indoor and outdoor recreational space. There may also be space that can be utilized for a small commercial function, such as a coffee shop, bakery, or convenience store. Right now, Union only has a handful of businesses, most of which only operate part-time. There is nowhere currently where a person can purchase a drink, a meal, groceries, or even use a restroom. Although Union lacks those amenities, Union is home to two historic finds: an old Union Pacific Railroad caboose car and a single-room jail cell. Without a proper place to showcase Union’s unique character or a place for people to stop in the town, Union may take a turn downhill economically and socially. Many sites in the town are deteriorating and are in definite need of rehabilitation. The implementation of the proposed structure will improve the quality of life for the community as well as benefit passersby by providing an attraction. The social equity of the community is an important concern and providing a space where the community can thrive within Union is an integral factor for sustainability in the town. By also targeting the people driving through Union, the town can benefit economically by getting these visitors to stop and spend money in the town. Environmentally, Union can be improved by addressing the aging properties along their main street. Many parcels along Main Street are potential brownfield sites and could be revitalized through cleanup funding opportunities. Within this document I will be identifying potential sites and funding opportunities and focusing on composing a feasible course of action for implementing the multi-functional structure. Research has been done through many methods including literature reviews, case studies, site visits, and through a community survey process. Funding for my research is provided by the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) program through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because of the potential brownfield interests in Union. Working with Union, Nebraska constitutes a valid planning situation because it is in need of essential planning practices that can boost the social, economic and environmental equity of the town. With only about 230 residents, Union has only one governmental official, the city clerk. The city clerk must wear many hats in order to keep Union running smoothly. Having help with planning recommendations will greatly benefit the town and take some weight off of the city clerk’s work load. By focusing my efforts on creating a concept for a multi-functional building, I could produce the optimum outcome in the most efficient manner. The final goal of my work is to not only graduate with a Master’s Degree in Regional and Community Planning through the College of Architecture, Planning and Design at Kansas State University, but also to impact the town of Union, Nebraska in a positive and lasting way. I am truly pleased to be able to produce something that could improve the quality of life in a realistic way for a real community. If I can use this project to make any positive influence in a community, then I have succeeded.

<p>As the world population continues to grow past seven billion people and global challenges continue to persist including resource availability, biodiversity loss, climate change and human well-being, a new science is required that can address the integrated nature of these challenges and the multiple scales on which they are manifest. Sustainability science has emerged to fill this role. In the fifteen years since it was first called for in the pages of Science, it has rapidly matured, however its place in the history of science and the way it is practiced today must be continually evaluated. In Part I, two chapters address this theoretical and practical grounding. Part II transitions to the applied practice of sustainability science in addressing the urban heat island (UHI) challenge wherein the climate of urban areas are warmer than their surrounding rural environs. The UHI has become increasingly important within the study of earth sciences given the increased focus on climate change and as the balance of humans now live in urban areas. </p><p>In Chapter 2 a novel contribution to the historical context of sustainability is argued. Sustainability as a concept characterizing the relationship between humans and nature emerged in the mid to late 20th century as a response to findings used to also characterize the Anthropocene. Emerging from the human-nature relationships that came before it, evidence is provided that suggests Sustainability was enabled by technology and a reorientation of world-view and is unique in its global boundary, systematic approach and ambition for both well being and the continued availability of resources and Earth system function. Sustainability is further an ambition that has wide appeal, making it one of the first normative concepts of the Anthropocene. </p><p>Despite its widespread emergence and adoption, sustainability science continues to suffer from definitional ambiguity within the academe. In Chapter 3, a review of efforts to provide direction and structure to the science reveals a continuum of approaches anchored at either end by differing visions of how the science interfaces with practice (solutions). At one end, basic science of societally defined problems informs decisions about possible solutions and their application. At the other end, applied research directly affects the options available to decision makers. While clear from the literature, survey data further suggests that the dichotomy does not appear to be as apparent in the minds of practitioners. </p><p>In Chapter 4, the UHI is first addressed at the synoptic, mesoscale. Urban climate is the most immediate manifestation of the warming global climate for the majority of people on earth. Nearly half of those people live in small to medium sized cities, an understudied scale in urban climate research. Widespread characterization would be useful to decision makers in planning and design. Using a multi-method approach, the mesoscale UHI in the study region is characterized and the secular trend over the last sixty years evaluated. Under isolated ideal conditions the findings indicate a UHI of 5.3 ± 0.97 °C to be present in the study area, the magnitude of which is growing over time. </p><p>Although urban heat islands (UHI) are well studied, there remain no panaceas for local scale mitigation and adaptation methods, therefore continued attention to characterization of the phenomenon in urban centers of different scales around the globe is required. In Chapter 5, a local scale analysis of the canopy layer and surface UHI in a medium sized city in North Carolina, USA is conducted using multiple methods including stationary urban sensors, mobile transects and remote sensing. Focusing on the ideal conditions for UHI development during an anticyclonic summer heat event, the study observes a range of UHI intensity depending on the method of observation: 8.7 °C from the stationary urban sensors; 6.9 °C from mobile transects; and, 2.2 °C from remote sensing. Additional attention is paid to the diurnal dynamics of the UHI and its correlation with vegetation indices, dewpoint and albedo. Evapotranspiration is shown to drive dynamics in the study region.</p><p>Finally, recognizing that a bridge must be established between the physical science community studying the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, and the planning community and decision makers implementing urban form and development policies, Chapter 6 evaluates multiple urban form characterization methods. Methods evaluated include local climate zones (LCZ), national land cover database (NCLD) classes and urban cluster analysis (UCA) to determine their utility in describing the distribution of the UHI based on three standard observation types 1) fixed urban temperature sensors, 2) mobile transects and, 3) remote sensing. Bivariate, regression and ANOVA tests are used to conduct the analyses. Findings indicate that the NLCD classes are best correlated to the UHI intensity and distribution in the study area. Further, while the UCA method is not useful directly, the variables included in the method are predictive based on regression analysis so the potential for better model design exists. Land cover variables including albedo, impervious surface fraction and pervious surface fraction are found to dominate the distribution of the UHI in the study area regardless of observation method. </p><p>Chapter 7 provides a summary of findings, and offers a brief analysis of their implications for both the scientific discourse generally, and the study area specifically. In general, the work undertaken does not achieve the full ambition of sustainability science, additional work is required to translate findings to practice and more fully evaluate adoption. The implications for planning and development in the local region are addressed in the context of a major light-rail infrastructure project including several systems level considerations like human health and development. Finally, several avenues for future work are outlined. Within the theoretical development of sustainability science, these pathways include more robust evaluations of the theoretical and actual practice. Within the UHI context, these include development of an integrated urban form characterization model, application of study methodology in other geographic areas and at different scales, and use of novel experimental methods including distributed sensor networks and citizen science.</p> / Dissertation