Of the many urban revitalization strategies currently being implemented, one in particular is gaining in popularity. The revitalizing tactic of establishing a satellite University campus within the heart of a mid-sized city suffering socially and economically is demonstrating a positive shift in terms of urban evolution. The relative newness of these ‘Town & Gown’ partnerships, however, is simultaneously creating a unique situation with respect to many common University facilities, such as the Student Residence. The establishment of a post-secondary facility in a mid-sized city centre forces defined University boundaries to dissolve into the existing city fabric, rendering the once-conspicuous campus edge non-existent. This has made decisions regarding an appropriate student residential typology exceedingly complicated. The many unexplored opportunities within a mid-sized city setting, for both ‘Town & Gown’ alike, demand a reconsideration of preconceived student residential roles, prior to the establishment of a residence within a downtown environment. Neither technically on- or off-campus, a student residence would require the characteristics from both in order to flourish in its unfamiliar mid-sized downtown environment. The question then becomes which characteristics would find the greatest success not only for a University and its students, but for the city as well. This thesis will examine how a student residence located in the heart of a mid-sized city can contribute successfully to the revitalization of its declining downtown, and will then propose a reconsidered approach to the design of a student residence, using the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture’s new home, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, as the siting for the final design proposal.

Of the many urban revitalization strategies currently being implemented, one in particular is gaining in popularity. The revitalizing tactic of establishing a satellite University campus within the heart of a mid-sized city suffering socially and economically is demonstrating a positive shift in terms of urban evolution. The relative newness of these ‘Town & Gown’ partnerships, however, is simultaneously creating a unique situation with respect to many common University facilities, such as the Student Residence. The establishment of a post-secondary facility in a mid-sized city centre forces defined University boundaries to dissolve into the existing city fabric, rendering the once-conspicuous campus edge non-existent. This has made decisions regarding an appropriate student residential typology exceedingly complicated. The many unexplored opportunities within a mid-sized city setting, for both ‘Town & Gown’ alike, demand a reconsideration of preconceived student residential roles, prior to the establishment of a residence within a downtown environment. Neither technically on- or off-campus, a student residence would require the characteristics from both in order to flourish in its unfamiliar mid-sized downtown environment. The question then becomes which characteristics would find the greatest success not only for a University and its students, but for the city as well. This thesis will examine how a student residence located in the heart of a mid-sized city can contribute successfully to the revitalization of its declining downtown, and will then propose a reconsidered approach to the design of a student residence, using the University of Waterloo’s School of Architecture’s new home, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, as the siting for the final design proposal.

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Based on the research of university Student centers and students’ daily activities within a campus, this Thesis focuses on how to strengthen the relationship between the student and the Student Center, by developing a methodology for a successful architecture that towards making the daily life of a student better. This approach will help overcome current disconnectbetween students’ daily activities and an environmentally integrated experience. The Thesis project focus will be the UMass Amherst’s Student Union. The existing Student Union has long been unable to meet the needs of today’s students, and its shortcomings have been felt throughout the campus, from a sense of alienation to the absence of places for activities and for actively connecting the campus with the environment. Methods: Studying two student centers through visiting and investigating. Studying campus life through observing and recording; Using Questionnaire to collect data; studyingthe interaction between campus and facilities. Using Ecotect and concerned software to build and analyze solar radiation, shading and wind.

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The city of Nairobi, Kenya, is plagued by the aching problem of multitudes of stagnant churches cramping the metropolis amidst a few mega churches. This research aims to identify the factors of revitalization in selected churches that have succeeded in bringing about a turnaround in this urban context and to propose a model feasible for revitalizing stagnant churches in the city. The researcher wants to go beyond acknowledging the urban church growth problem of stagnation by seeking to understand the perceptions of numerical growth amongst church leaders and the members of six selected churches that have undergone a turnaround in Nairobi. These churches are: African Inland Church; All Nations Gospel Church; Deliverance Church; Gospel Revival Centre Church; Pentecostal Assemblies of God; and Uthiru Pentecostal Church. Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods, questionnaires were administered to 600 randomly selected church members from six selected churches, while face-to-face interviews were conducted with 100 pastors and church leaders. The analysis of both research instruments led to the discovery of perceptions of what constitutes the factors of stagnation and revitalization at the different stages of each congregation. In order to develop a proposed model of revitalization for the metropolis, eight critical elements of revitalization common to all the churches were identified and analysed as normative turnaround elements. Two groups of supplementary factors of revitalization were noted in addition: common factors that address converts’ entry points and membership expectations, and non-common issues that may not be applicable universally, but nevertheless play significant roles in church growth, depending on the context and strategy that a local congregation opts for. The research contributes to the understanding of urban mission work and church growth within the context of a growing African metropolis like Nairobi. A few urban mega churches colour the perception of missiologists and church historians on the plight of sprawling stagnant congregations on the African continent. The implication that this holds for urban missio Dei is the wholesale marketing and misapplication of the strategies used by big churches to small congregations, leading to an increased decline in membership and eventual retardation of the salvation of the city. Furthermore, the city church perceives spiritual growth to be subsumed in the pursuit of numerical growth, and that God is where the ‘church’ is, leading to a gulf between growth and grace in the urban mission work of Nairobi. Churches stagnate not because of a lack of external inducement to growth (the existence of which is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to church growth), but the absence of internal growth dynamics. This originates with a weak and non-credible pastor that has lost vision and passion for sacrificial ministry to a congregation that is adrift in the church boat of socio-political wrangling and misplaced kingdom priorities. The church begins to grow when it starts to act out its calling as salt and light in the world. Again, churches grow inside out and the turnaround experience is a product of strong pastoral leadership that is surrounded by a balanced mix of well mobilized and enabled members serving in all units of church ministries. When set in motion, such a revitalization process will propel the urban church to both quantitative and qualitative growth that would prepare it in readiness for its place in the New Jerusalem where “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues” will gather with the shout of the final hallelujah “to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” that “was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise” (Rev. 5:12, 13). / Thesis (Ph.D. (Missiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The city of Nairobi, Kenya, is plagued by the aching problem of multitudes of stagnant churches cramping the metropolis amidst a few mega churches. This research aims to identify the factors of revitalization in selected churches that have succeeded in bringing about a turnaround in this urban context and to propose a model feasible for revitalizing stagnant churches in the city. The researcher wants to go beyond acknowledging the urban church growth problem of stagnation by seeking to understand the perceptions of numerical growth amongst church leaders and the members of six selected churches that have undergone a turnaround in Nairobi. These churches are: African Inland Church; All Nations Gospel Church; Deliverance Church; Gospel Revival Centre Church; Pentecostal Assemblies of God; and Uthiru Pentecostal Church. Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods, questionnaires were administered to 600 randomly selected church members from six selected churches, while face-to-face interviews were conducted with 100 pastors and church leaders. The analysis of both research instruments led to the discovery of perceptions of what constitutes the factors of stagnation and revitalization at the different stages of each congregation. In order to develop a proposed model of revitalization for the metropolis, eight critical elements of revitalization common to all the churches were identified and analysed as normative turnaround elements. Two groups of supplementary factors of revitalization were noted in addition: common factors that address converts’ entry points and membership expectations, and non-common issues that may not be applicable universally, but nevertheless play significant roles in church growth, depending on the context and strategy that a local congregation opts for. The research contributes to the understanding of urban mission work and church growth within the context of a growing African metropolis like Nairobi. A few urban mega churches colour the perception of missiologists and church historians on the plight of sprawling stagnant congregations on the African continent. The implication that this holds for urban missio Dei is the wholesale marketing and misapplication of the strategies used by big churches to small congregations, leading to an increased decline in membership and eventual retardation of the salvation of the city. Furthermore, the city church perceives spiritual growth to be subsumed in the pursuit of numerical growth, and that God is where the ‘church’ is, leading to a gulf between growth and grace in the urban mission work of Nairobi. Churches stagnate not because of a lack of external inducement to growth (the existence of which is neither a necessary nor a sufficient condition to church growth), but the absence of internal growth dynamics. This originates with a weak and non-credible pastor that has lost vision and passion for sacrificial ministry to a congregation that is adrift in the church boat of socio-political wrangling and misplaced kingdom priorities. The church begins to grow when it starts to act out its calling as salt and light in the world. Again, churches grow inside out and the turnaround experience is a product of strong pastoral leadership that is surrounded by a balanced mix of well mobilized and enabled members serving in all units of church ministries. When set in motion, such a revitalization process will propel the urban church to both quantitative and qualitative growth that would prepare it in readiness for its place in the New Jerusalem where “all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues” will gather with the shout of the final hallelujah “to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” that “was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise” (Rev. 5:12, 13). / Thesis (Ph.D. (Missiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Decaying urban spaces are common in post-industrial New England. When manufacturing activities withdrew from New England they left holes in the urban fabric. Physical absence of these former economic drivers is easy to note in empty mill buildings, warehouses, and storefronts. Farther reaching impacts of this exodus are less apparent. Jobs went with manufacturing. Raw materials needed to be harvested and made available to manufacturers; the finished products needed to be distributed, sold, and moved; supporting businesses provided for these needs. Many other groups supported manufacturing; some through the management of the companies, some catered to workers’ needs, or the needs of workers’ children and families. This network of groups and individuals connected to industry made up vibrant communities in the heyday of manufacturing in New England. When manufacturing left many of the groups providing support functions collapsed. Many people moved away, or if they stayed they were left unemployed or underemployed. Whole communities were damaged when manufacturing left New England. Many have not yet fully recovered. The goal of this thesis is to propose a path toward the revitalization and repair of the urban fabric of depressed post-industrial communities in New England. Many post-industrial New England communities have lost their identity. These places have empty buildings, empty lots, and their main streets, former “downtowns,” are quiet. There is little to recommend these areas as a place to be. These depressed and decaying places need revitalization. They are no longer centers of manufacturing or industry; they need a new identity, one that reflects what they are now and what they would like to become in the future. Revitalization should be grounded in a study of the unique place it addresses. There are communities and inhabitants present in even the most depressed places. These groups need to be recognized and their needs identified before revitalization can be undertaken. Revitalization should be inclusive. Residents should feel encouraged to stay in, and be proud of, their community. Revitalization should be sustainable; socially, ecologically and economically. If revitalization of a depressed area calls for attracting more residents and businesses, those targeted to inhabit the revitalized space should fit into the existing community, not displace it. This thesis proposes a revitalization of a depressed post-industrial area of Millers Falls, Massachusetts in the vicinity of East Main and Bridge Streets. This revitalization proposal will be carried out within a framework of study of place, inclusivity, and holistic sustainability.

The diploma thesis deals with the construction of a new community centre and reconstruction of an existing church and a parish in Ostrava-Kunčičky. The aim of the thesis is to revitalize the area of the potential centre of happenings in Kunčičky and to respond appropriately to the context and character of the place. The design works with objects equally and creates a solid image of the spiritual and community centre. The building complex helps to activate the site itself and its surroundings and brings a new impulse to community life in the area. Community centre and interventions in the existing buildings efficiently and adequately use the parcel. The design strives to use the potential of the place and works with hidden links to the surroundings. The resulting solution is characterized by its multilayer nature. Partial fragments help to create a complex unit with a number of new outdoor areas of different character, scale and utilization. Two-storey compact structure of the community centre includes social and leisure time facilities. The chosen technology of the building is in accordance with the specific social structure in the area and the operational and economy aspect alongside. The main goal in the reconstruction of the church buildings and parish is to build up on their values, uplift qualities and to purify them from inappropriate elements.

The City of Springfield, Massachusetts is one of the largest cities in western Massachusetts, and was established on the Connecticut River for trading and as a fur-collecting post. In 18th and early 19th century, it experienced an industrial boom and became a regional financial center. Springfield became a major railroad center and grew to become the regional center for banking, finance, and courts. However, in mid-19th century Springfield suffered due to the flooding of the Connecticut River and the disinvestment in industry. These resulted in an urban sprawl as people started moving away from heart of the city. Now, once again, the city is trying to revitalize its downtown and neighboring areas to attract people by improving different types of social and cultural amenities. In this thesis, the author studies the relation of the city with its natural asset ‘The Connecticut Riverfront’ which can be a great place to attract people towards the heart of the city. The author has also researched the various reasons causing this natural asset to be underutilized for several years. In addition, the author also explores the possibilities of connecting the Springfield downtown to the riverfront, providing safe and undisturbed access mainly to pedestrians, physically challenged people, and bike riders. Research shows that the existing transportation paths are the major barriers discouraging people from reaching the riverfront. In order to overcome this problem, a design solution is proposed including a safe, pedestrian-friendly link from the downtown area to the riverfront mitigating all the transportation paths such as highway, high speed traffic roads, and railway tracks. The proposed link will give encouragement to local artist and will also aim to boost local businesses by providing sites for museums, exhibitions, art galleries, food courts, and retail shops. This structure will not only improve the accessibility but it will also provide public open spaces where people can gather for various activities and can also enjoy the scenic view of the riverfront. In Addition, local people can also enjoy the water viewing restaurant and bar overlooking Connecticut River. Lastly, this connecting link lays the foundation for further development of the riverfront area due to increased accessibility to this asset.