This practicum project explores the design of an interpretive nature retreat located at Pineridge Hollow on the outskirts of Birds Hill Provincial Park, Manitoba. As the tourism industry is continuously expanding in the twenty-first century, the negative environmental and cultural impacts are also growing exponentially. Hospitality typologies including hotels are becoming less and less site-specific. Therefore, the nature retreat proposed here is a response to these growing problems, by acting as a catalyst to achieve sustainability between the toured and the tourist. The retreat provides tourists with an experience that is uniquely Manitoban. This particular hotel is a solution that is specific to Manitoba, but the same concept can be applied to similar hospitality typologies throughout the world. / October 2015

published_or_final_version / Architecture / Master / Master of Architecture

Precipitation (P) and precipitable water (W) are important components of the hydrological cycles in the earth system, and their seasonal cycles are closely related to monsoon circulations over monsoon regions. Through theoretical analyses and extensive analysis of data from in-situ measurements, satellite remote sensing, and regional reanalysis, significant progress has been made (via four peer-reviewed publications) in four areas related to P, W, and monsoon onset and retreat. First, based on the normalized W index, a novel unified method is proposed to determine global monsoon onset and retreat dates. The results are consistent with those obtained from different local criteria. Second, theoretical and data analyses demonstrate that, because of the large annual range of temperature, W can increase from winter to summer anywhere except in the tropics, including both monsoon and nonmonsoon regions. Third, while the seasonal variation of P is, in general, caused by complex processes (e.g., atmospheric circulations), thermodynamic derivations and data analysis demonstrate that the variation of P from winter to summer can be easily understood from the comparative strength between the change of water vapor and the change of temperature. In monsoon regions, the change of water vapor from winter to summer is much greater than the change of temperature, so P has an in-phase relation with W. While in some of the nonmonsoon regions, where winter is the rainy season, the change of temperature is much greater than the change of water vapor, leading to an out-of-phase relation between P and W, and, relative to summer, the coldness of the winter air is much more significant than its dryness. Finally, the satisfactory performance of the globally unified monsoon index can be understood by comparing the seasonal cycles of P and W. The significant positive correlations between P and W at seasonal and synoptic scales imply that W has the ability to indicate both the means and the interannual variations of the monsoon onset and retreat. Since large increase of W from winter to summer can occur in both monsoon and nonmonsoon regions, the global monsoon regions cannot be obtained from the seasonal change of W.

Thesis (M.Arch.)--University of Detroit Mercy, 2005. / "2 May 2005".

This project explores how a retreat ministry grounded in Theological Action Research (TAR) may help ameliorate the harmful effects of negative religious experiences among transgender persons. As a method of practical theology, TAR is interactive and participatory; in this study, TAR fostered agency and ownership among retreat participants. The study identifies larger implications of employing TAR to inform the practice of ministry, particularly among marginalized communities. Data and feedback from retreatants indicate that a retreat created through TAR and drawing upon spiritual autobiography, is a helpful model and method for ministry with transgender and gender non-conforming people seeking spiritual companionship

The project entails the creation of a captivating complex, comprising a community house and a Retreat center. Located in the peaceful outskirts of Ösmo, with stunning views of Västra Styran, this architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends functionality, aesthetic appeal, and a profound connection to nature. The Retreat center, an integral part of the project, offers a sanctuary of tranquility and rejuvenation for adults registered in Nynäshamn Municipality. It provides an escape from the demands of everyday life, inviting individuals to embark on a serene and revitalizing retreat experience complete with overnight accommodations. Thoughtfully designed to complement the surrounding natural landscape, the Retreat center features 23 units, each equipped with private bathrooms. This fusion of comfort and nature allows guests to unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings. At the core of the complex lies the community house, serving as a vibrant hub for learning, social interaction, and engagement. Designed as a multifunctional space, it caters to various activities and facilitates connections among visitors. The community house offers a wide range of amenities, including a knowledge-filled library, activity rooms to foster creativity, workshops to encourage skill-building, and flexible spaces to accommodate different needs. Additionally, a spacious dining hall provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for shared meals and meaningful conversations. The architectural concept extends beyond the conventional boundaries of a retreat or community center. During the summer months, the building opens its doors to businesses in search of a unique venue for their activities or scout groups seeking an unforgettable camping experience. This versatility enhances the project's sustainability while promoting broader community involvement and collaboration. A central objective of this architectural endeavor is to cultivate an environment that fosters holistic well-being, a sense of togetherness, and community development. Through thoughtfully curated workshops and engaging events, visitors have the opportunity to actively engage with and learn from local communities. By participating in these experiences, guests not only gain valuable insights into the region's cultural heritage but also contribute to its preservation. This project aspires to create a space where health, connection, and societal progress intertwine harmoniously, leaving a lasting positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.

Mitos is a proposition for a meditation center in Alberga in Eskilstuna municipality, Sweden. The meditation center offers room for temporary as well as longer stay for visiting guests enjoying the centers dance halls, yoga and meditation studios and saunas. Study spaces and the restaurant on the main entrance floor welcomes the slope buildings most public section. The meditation center also includes group therapy, light room therapy as well as an x-ray room for scientific research in the buildings fourth floor office space.  The slope placement and step-like descent of the building with recycled pale bricks adorned with sedum roofs aims to blend in with the landscape, yet make a powerful contrast by it's tempel reminiscence and squared Symmetry. The building gets its latin name Mitos from being seemingly divided into two equal parts by a 6 meter wide "stramp" (a stair with a diagonally crossing ramp), referencing the cell division phases. The stramp connects with entrances into the step-like building lower part. / Mitos är ett meditationscenter, wellnessretreat och delvis rehabiliteringscenter beläget i sluttningen av en kulle på en avsides väg som leder upp från Alberga Centrum och söderut påväg mot Stora Sundby slott (se situationsplan). Suterrängen har agerat inspiration till idén om en byggnad som i trappliknande avsatser stegvis faller nedför landskapet. Meditationscentrets plats är vidare i hänsyn av siktlinjer då utsikten med siluetten av slottet i förgrunden av Hjälmaren på motsatt sida, utgör en närmast idyllisk landskapskuliss. Valet av material i form av återbrukat tegel och sedumtak är med viss vinkning åt slottets stapplade bleka tegelbandsdetaljer. Sammantaget ämnar byggnaden smälta ihop med landskapet snarare än kontrastera det, även om dess tempelllika och monolitiska anspråk av utrymme oifrånkomligt sticker ut from naturens organiska former.  Sedumtaken är försedda med takbrunnar för dagvattenhantering och fasaderna med hålrumsbrickor. Det första taken vid entrén är belagt med platta solceller som komplement till bergvärme. De två likartade byggnaderna separeras av en trappa med en ramp som löper diagonalt mellan varje avsats med dörrar intill byggnaden via trappan. Trappan fyller en sammanbindande funktion i syfte att främja rörelsen genom landskapet. Samtidigt agerar den som en slags separerande faktor apropå byggnadens namn Mitos, celldelningsprocessen.

Regional and local changes in the climate have been driving rapid glacial retreat in many glaciers since the Little Ice Age. This retreat provides a unique opportunity to study succession across the chronosequences of glacier forelands. Patterns of plant colonization and succession on terrain exposed by retreating glaciers give insight into factors influencing alpine ecosystem change and recovery. Understanding these patterns and processes is important for conserving alpine landscapes and flora as glaciers disappear. This study sought to investigate how various biotic and abiotic factors influence plant successional patterns in the dynamic alpine environment of Sperry Glacier, a Little Ice Age, mid-latitude cirque glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana. Through field data collection, additional Geographic Information System (GIS) derived variables, and subsequent geostatistical analysis, I specifically assessed: (1.) vegetative trends (percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, species evenness, composition, and species turnover) over a 170-year chronosequence, and (2.) vegetative trends over field and GIS-derived site conditions (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, flow accumulation, and solar irradiance). Sixty-one plots (each 8 square meters) were placed throughout the glacier foreland using a random sample stratified by terrain date. Percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness were calculated for each plot. All sampled vegetation was identified with taxonomic resolution down to species whenever possible. I assessed vegetative trends across terrain age ranges using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests. I used two models, generalized linear models (GLMs) and Classification and Regression Trees (CARTs), to assess field and GIS-derived biophysical correlates (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, terrain variables, and solar irradiance with vegetative trends), followed by Kruskal-Wallis tests, Dunn's tests, and scatterplots. Species richness and vegetation cover were greater on older terrain. Plant composition changed over terrain age, with Penstemon ellipticus favoring older terrain and Boechera lemmonii favoring moderately aged terrain. Moderate drainage and concave plots, which were important in the GLMs, explained increased species richness and Shannon's diversity across different site conditions. The CARTs were able to predict species richness, vegetation cover, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness with surface fragment sized from gravel to cobble, topographic position index, and flow accumulation. These findings show that both temporal and biophysical site conditions influence successional trends across the foreland, though different vegetation measures are most influenced differently. / Master of Science / Regional and local changes in the climate have been driving rapid glacial retreat in many glaciers since the Little Ice Age. This retreat provides a unique opportunity to study succession across glacier foreland terrain that has been uncovered for different lengths of time. Patterns of plant colonization and succession on terrain exposed by retreating glaciers give insight into factors influencing alpine ecosystem change and recovery. Understanding these patterns and processes is important for conserving alpine landscapes and flora as glaciers disappear. This study sought to investigate how various biotic and abiotic factors influence plant successional patterns in the dynamic alpine environment of Sperry Glacier, a Little Ice Age, mid-latitude glacier in Glacier National Park, Montana. Through field data collection, additional Geographic Information System (GIS) derived variables, and subsequent geostatistical analysis, I specifically assessed: (1.) vegetative trends (percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, species evenness, composition, and species turnover) over terrain uncovered between zero and 170-year, and (2.) vegetative trends over field and GIS-derived site conditions (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, flow accumulation, and solar irradiance). Sixty-one plots (each 8 square meters) were randomly placed within each terrain age range throughout the glacier foreland. Percent cover, species richness, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness were calculated for each plot. Shannon's diversity is a measurement of a community's diversity and uses both species richness and evenness to calculate diversity. All sampled vegetation was identified with taxonomic resolution down to species whenever possible. I assessed vegetative trends across terrain age using several statistical comparison tests. I used two types of statistical models to assess field and GIS-derived biophysical correlates (e.g., surface fragmentation, concavity, terrain variables, and solar irradiance with vegetative trends), followed by comparison tests and scatterplots. Species richness and vegetation cover were greater on older terrain. Plant composition changed over terrain age, with the species Penstemon ellipticus (rocky ledge penstemon) favoring older terrain and Boechera lemmonii (Lemmon's rockcress) favoring moderately aged terrain. Moderate drainage and concave plots explained increased species richness and Shannon's diversity across different site conditions. Species richness, vegetation cover, Shannon's diversity, and species evenness could be predicted with surface fragments sized from gravel to cobble, topographic position index, and flow accumulation. These findings show that both temporal and biophysical site conditions influence successional trends across the foreland, though different vegetation measures are most influenced differently.

No description available.

My thesis looks to define a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature. The critical intersection of the realm of land and the realm of building is what has most influenced my design process. This place where building meets nature needs to be both meaningful and balanced. The investigation involves how to respect the current condition and compliment it with an architecture serving as connection for the human experience. / Master of Architecture