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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/120926 |
| Date | 13 August 2024 |
| Creators | Mathur, Arushi |
| Contributors | Architecture, Piedmont-Palladino, Susan C., Kelsch, Paul J., Emmons, Paul F. |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
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