Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1993. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 48-50). Also available via the Internet.

All buildings are a response to the environment, but some are more sensitive than others. Those structures designed as artistic statements are considered to be works of architecture. Buildings make statements with shapes and materials, but often the message is lost. The use of veneers and hidden steel structures makes perception compete with the truth. If a building’s appearance reflects its construction, then its system of values is more easily understood. The· shapes and materials that convey these values can be derived from many sources, but a building’s context can offer vital clues. The architectural elements in the vicinity of a site can inspire new forms of expression. This project examines a small urban district for the design of new building on a vacant lot. The design is based on the dominant features of the area's existing architecture. · The proposed building is a mixed—use facility that offers commercial and residential spaces. The site of the project is in downtown Roanoke, a city in southwest Virginia. / Master of Architecture

Every few square miles in the rural area of Taiwan, there is a tiny little building similar to this that houses the God of Earth and his wife. In most cases, an old tree will stand right beside the shrine like guarding the surrounding area. It is visited very often by the neighborhood residents not only for saluting the god but also for enjoying the sheltering of the tree. / Master of Architecture

Insecurity is mostly a myth; it does not exist in nature. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. -Helen Keller / Master of Architecture

A field investigation of the pollution existing in the Roanoke River within the Roanoke Metropolitan district was carried out from June, 1940 to May, 1941 by various departments of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute with the material aid of several other interested groups. Studies of the chemical and bacteriological conditions, and of the microscopic life existing in the stream were made by P. H. McGauhey and H. F. Eich, of the Department of Civil Engineering. The invertebrate and vertebrate life of the stream, as well as the toxicity of viscose wastes to fishes, was investigated by H. W. Jackson and Croswell Henderson, of the Department of Biology. Monthly mineral analyses of water were made by F. H. Fish and others of the Department of Chemistry, and data relative to certain industrial wastes were furnished by R. A. Fisher and Dudley Thompson, of the Department of Chemical Engineering. / Master of Science

This thesis explores the concept of design guidelines as they relate to the context of small community-based residential facilities for disabled children. Each of the major issues which are relevant to these types of facilities were looked at in some detail. These issues were therapeutic environments in general, small residential facilities, community-based facilities, and disabled children, as well as the concept of design guidelines and what types of information they contain. Soae existing architectural examples of these types of facilities are briefly discussed. Further exploration of the concept was gained through the use of a case study of an existing residential facility for emotionally disturbed children located in Roanoke, Virginia. Included is a discussion of the research methods used in the Post-Occupancy Evaluation of the existing facility. The result of these two sets of explorations was the creation of design guidelines for small community-based residential facilities for disabled children. Also included in this thesis is the resulting renovation of the interior spaces of the existing facility where the case study project was conducted. The renovation of the facility spaces was based upon the design guidelines as well as other site- and program- specific considerations. / Master of Architecture

As reality continues to shift from the made fact to the idea: We conclude that creativity is a state of mind; measured by what is made. It is only when extended beyond oneself that an idea can become real to more than one. We Extend thru our talents and skills. The significance of that made is its Presence measured in time / Master of Architecture

As man arrived, so he will leave: in solitude. In between, through necessity or desire, he associates with others. Yet he resides as he is, alone with his soul. Inseparable yet distinct. He can neglect the soul, allow it to become obscured through the noise of others. It will wither, but not die. He can nourish the soul; grant it all his attention and obscure the man. The man will wither and die. Man and soul can coexist and flourish through the association of mankind. Architecture should celebrate this coexistence. / Master of Architecture