2011

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    Transformable Space Based on Human Body Movement
    ( 2011-05) Fu, Yishan ; Anderson, Amy ; Architecture
    Due to the increase in urban population and the rising cost of providing housing, the size and quality of dwelling space in the city has become an issue. Asian cities like Hong Kong and Tokyo have already shrunk the normal living space to accommodate more units in a development. Taipei, Singapore, and Shanghai are also evolving toward the same solution. This dissertation argues that there are alternative ways to design and reshape our dwelling space to create an efficient space based on human body movement and at the same time retain spatial quality . Dance can be seen as creating extreme body movements compared to our daily movement, so the hypothesis of this dissertation is that if a space can accommodate dance movement, then most likely it will be a comfortable space for daily movement. The study begins with a historical research of space, including the concept of space, human use of space, and body movement in the space. Rudolf Laban’s theory of dance movement is one of the main ideas investigated and reinterpreted for the research and design dissertation. To understand the human daily movement, data gathering is key to the thesis. The subjects of study are from both dance body movement and daily body movement. A videotaping process is used to record these movements. During the data collecting process, both two dimensional and four dimensional methods are used. The first phase records the body movements and translates these into two dimensional images. These images are simulated into three dimensional representations. In the design phase, computer models are made with Rhinoceros, Maya, 3D Studio Max, and MotionBuilder to simulate the new space prototype and body movements based on the analyzed information to create more efficient spaces that also provide a better quality living environment. 1 For the purpose of this study, spatial quality is defined as visual experience, lighting quality, and ventilation quality. 2Four dimensional is a combination of three dimension and the time factor, can also be called 3D animation.
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    Sound Aesthetic: A Form of Narrative
    ( 2011-05) Garcia, Ardison ; Park, Hyoung-June ; Architecture
    This research presents an exploration into a novel design methodology that incorporates architecture, multimedia, and interactive digital technologies to create an immersive experience that encourages a spatial and sensorial discourse between user and their built environment. This immersive design method creates a continuous narrative that allows a multi-directional interaction between the two. This interaction creates a “sound” architectural aesthetic that changes the experience of space. The target of the interaction between user and space is the five human senses resulting in an immersive aesthetic. In order to illustrate this immersive aesthetic, five architectural prototypes were created using an assorted design workflow of parametric programming environment and interactive prototyping platform. This workflow is employed for the creation of five prototypes used for the simulation that has user interaction as an input and formal geometries as an output. These five prototypes target various human senses in order to enhance the immersive aesthetic. Each protoype is evaluated according to individual prototype’s ability to stimulate user’s senses. Finally, future research based on the outcomes of this research is suggested.
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    Community Self-Analysis and Temporary Intervention in Arts and Cultural Districts
    ( 2011-05) Gushi, Raquel Nozumi ; Clifford, Janine ; Architecture
    The collected data revealed opportunities for integrating shared cultural elements into housing design; it also informed the program and concept for the Doctorate Design Project while supporting the viability of culturally appropriate public housing design in the United States. The project illustrates that the process of understanding specific cultures can ultimately reveal universal strategies for improving the quality of life for residents from any culture.
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    Renovations That Reduce the Operating Costs of Single Family Homes in Hawaii
    ( 2011-05) Hayler, Christopher Wittich ; Miao, Pu ; Architecture
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    Architecture of Healing: A New Paradigm to Heal Body and Mind
    ( 2011-05) Imai, Nanako ; Leineweber, Spencer ; Architecture
    Humans are influenced by the conditions of their surroundings. The environment has a profound impact on people such that physiological condition and psychological state are affected in both conscious and unconscious ways. People in contemporary society spend much of their time within constructed buildings; however, the design of interior environments often fails to address the specific needs of a person’s body and mind. The aim of this research is to expand the boundaries of conventional spatial design and create a new paradigm of architecture in which interior environments heal both the physiological and psychological conditions of the occupants. The final product of this research will be an inpatient cardiac surgical recovery facility that expedites the recovery process and minimizes physical and psychological discomfort. The design of the facility will be developed based on scientific evidence on human-environment relationships and information from established concepts of healing.
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    Learning Environments: Design Solutions for Elementary Schools
    ( 2011-05) Lei, Jenny Oi Wah ; Miao, Pu ; Architecture
    Children start to acquire physical, cognitive, and psychosocial skills during their attendance in elementary school, which ultimately influences their academic achievement. With a great amount of time spent in school, they quickly learn and are stimulated by the spaces designed for them. Knowledge and skills obtained during childhood affect their overall health and are eventually carried into adulthood. Historically, the evolution of learning environments was influenced by innovations of designers. The effects the spaces had on education and the well being of the children, however, was not considered in school designs until more recently. Although many parts of the world are beginning to incorporate new ideas to develop and enhance the skills of the children, studies have shown that designs which decrease productivity and progress can still be found in schools today. Because of this, there is a great need for change. The study of the history of schools will determine common design issues while analyzing new innovations will establish ideas that would enhance the necessary skills for children as well as support the changes of modern day schools. Information on how children develop and methods of teaching will be used as a guide in understanding what spaces are appropriate for development in the schools of today and the future. The information gathered from this research can be used as a starting point for designs of new schools. The purpose of this study is to create awareness of reoccurring issues in elementary school designs and to inspire creative thinking for new ideas that support and enhance the growth and development of children. The innovative ideas that have emerged should be seen as alternatives to traditional school designs and not as the only solution for new schools. Information acquired does not apply to all learning environments but instead should be altered, manipulated, and applied on a case by case basis.
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    War Shelters Inspired by Nature: Design Model for Contingency Troop Housing Based on Biomimetic Principles
    ( 2011-05) Lin, Shao Yu ; Noe, Joyce ; Architecture
    Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military are serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terrorism. Aside from the danger that soldiers have to face every day, they are challenged by the harsh desert climate conditions, which greatly affect their quality of life. The only means of thermal comfort there is largely governed by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that are powered by fossil fuels, one of the greatest contributors to global warming. Biomimicry, a new discipline that studies nature’s best biological ideas and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems, is the recommended approach to sustainable design. The purpose of this project is to develop a design model that offers comfort and protection for troop shelters based on biomimetic principles. The final design proposal is a synthesis of three important aspects of the research: the recognition of global warming challenges, the confinement of military standards, and the interpretation of nine biomimetic design principles extracted from the study of desert plants and animals. A detailed outline of the biomimetic design principles along with a clear understanding of the different phases of contingency construction formalized the initial context of the new war shelter. The final design example is a burrowed and bermed living space that is sheltered by a modular panelized roof and wall system. Through a combination of building and model simulation and a comprehensive comparative analysis that factors in every numerous variables of design, one can conclude that a low greenhouse gas emission design model for troop shelters that provides comfort and protection can be achieved by using biomimetic principles. The principle of burrowing in particular demonstrated the strongest improvement in both the thermal comfort and protection in a desert contingency environment. Meanwhile, the range and level of improvements in the comfort and protection need to be further supported by scientific and quantitative data. Biomimcry is a relatively new discipline and is open to many different interpretations. Unlike other design approaches, biomimicry is research and scientific driven, which means it is a less subjective and more valid approach to green design solutions. The design example provided is not the ultimate solution for the improvement of war shelters in a contingency environment. It merely serves as an experiment and exploration of the many possibilities that nature can offer to improve the comfort and protection housing in a desert environment throughout the world.Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military are serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terrorism. Aside from the danger that soldiers have to face every day, they are challenged by the harsh desert climate conditions, which greatly affect their quality of life. The only means of thermal comfort there is largely governed by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that are powered by fossil fuels, one of the greatest contributors to global warming. Biomimicry, a new discipline that studies nature’s best biological ideas and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems, is the recommended approach to sustainable design. The purpose of this project is to develop a design model that offers comfort and protection for troop shelters based on biomimetic principles. The final design proposal is a synthesis of three important aspects of the research: the recognition of global warming challenges, the confinement of military standards, and the interpretation of nine biomimetic design principles extracted from the study of desert plants and animals. A detailed outline of the biomimetic design principles along with a clear understanding of the different phases of contingency construction formalized the initial context of the new war shelter. The final design example is a burrowed and bermed living space that is sheltered by a modular panelized roof and wall system. Through a combination of building and model simulation and a comprehensive comparative analysis that factors in every numerous variables of design, one can conclude that a low greenhouse gas emission design model for troop shelters that provides comfort and protection can be achieved by using biomimetic principles. The principle of burrowing in particular demonstrated the strongest improvement in both the thermal comfort and protection in a desert contingency environment. Meanwhile, the range and level of improvements in the comfort and protection need to be further supported by scientific and quantitative data. Biomimcry is a relatively new discipline and is open to many different interpretations. Unlike other design approaches, biomimicry is research and scientific driven, which means it is a less subjective and more valid approach to green design solutions. The design example provided is not the ultimate solution for the improvement of war shelters in a contingency environment. It merely serves as an experiment and exploration of the many possibilities that nature can offer to improve the comfort and protection housing in a desert environment throughout the world.Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military are serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terrorism. Aside from the danger that soldiers have to face every day, they are challenged by the harsh desert climate conditions, which greatly affect their quality of life. The only means of thermal comfort there is largely governed by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that are powered by fossil fuels, one of the greatest contributors to global warming. Biomimicry, a new discipline that studies nature’s best biological ideas and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems, is the recommended approach to sustainable design. The purpose of this project is to develop a design model that offers comfort and protection for troop shelters based on biomimetic principles. The final design proposal is a synthesis of three important aspects of the research: the recognition of global warming challenges, the confinement of military standards, and the interpretation of nine biomimetic design principles extracted from the study of desert plants and animals. A detailed outline of the biomimetic design principles along with a clear understanding of the different phases of contingency construction formalized the initial context of the new war shelter. The final design example is a burrowed and bermed living space that is sheltered by a modular panelized roof and wall system. Through a combination of building and model simulation and a comprehensive comparative analysis that factors in every numerous variables of design, one can conclude that a low greenhouse gas emission design model for troop shelters that provides comfort and protection can be achieved by using biomimetic principles. The principle of burrowing in particular demonstrated the strongest improvement in both the thermal comfort and protection in a desert contingency environment. Meanwhile, the range and level of improvements in the comfort and protection need to be further supported by scientific and quantitative data. Biomimcry is a relatively new discipline and is open to many different interpretations. Unlike other design approaches, biomimicry is research and scientific driven, which means it is a less subjective and more valid approach to green design solutions. The design example provided is not the ultimate solution for the improvement of war shelters in a contingency environment. It merely serves as an experiment and exploration of the many possibilities that nature can offer to improve the comfort and protection housing in a desert environment throughout the world.Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military are serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terrorism. Aside from the danger that soldiers have to face every day, they are challenged by the harsh desert climate conditions, which greatly affect their quality of life. The only means of thermal comfort there is largely governed by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that are powered by fossil fuels, one of the greatest contributors to global warming. Biomimicry, a new discipline that studies nature’s best biological ideas and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems, is the recommended approach to sustainable design. The purpose of this project is to develop a design model that offers comfort and protection for troop shelters based on biomimetic principles. The final design proposal is a synthesis of three important aspects of the research: the recognition of global warming challenges, the confinement of military standards, and the interpretation of nine biomimetic design principles extracted from the study of desert plants and animals. A detailed outline of the biomimetic design principles along with a clear understanding of the different phases of contingency construction formalized the initial context of the new war shelter. The final design example is a burrowed and bermed living space that is sheltered by a modular panelized roof and wall system. Through a combination of building and model simulation and a comprehensive comparative analysis that factors in every numerous variables of design, one can conclude that a low greenhouse gas emission design model for troop shelters that provides comfort and protection can be achieved by using biomimetic principles. The principle of burrowing in particular demonstrated the strongest improvement in both the thermal comfort and protection in a desert contingency environment. Meanwhile, the range and level of improvements in the comfort and protection need to be further supported by scientific and quantitative data. Biomimcry is a relatively new discipline and is open to many different interpretations. Unlike other design approaches, biomimicry is research and scientific driven, which means it is a less subjective and more valid approach to green design solutions. The design example provided is not the ultimate solution for the improvement of war shelters in a contingency environment. It merely serves as an experiment and exploration of the many possibilities that nature can offer to improve the comfort and protection housing in a desert environment throughout the world.Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military are serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terrorism. Aside from the danger that soldiers have to face every day, they are challenged by the harsh desert climate conditions, which greatly affect their quality of life. The only means of thermal comfort there is largely governed by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that are powered by fossil fuels, one of the greatest contributors to global warming. Biomimicry, a new discipline that studies nature’s best biological ideas and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems, is the recommended approach to sustainable design. The purpose of this project is to develop a design model that offers comfort and protection for troop shelters based on biomimetic principles. The final design proposal is a synthesis of three important aspects of the research: the recognition of global warming challenges, the confinement of military standards, and the interpretation of nine biomimetic design principles extracted from the study of desert plants and animals. A detailed outline of the biomimetic design principles along with a clear understanding of the different phases of contingency construction formalized the initial context of the new war shelter. The final design example is a burrowed and bermed living space that is sheltered by a modular panelized roof and wall system. Through a combination of building and model simulation and a comprehensive comparative analysis that factors in every numerous variables of design, one can conclude that a low greenhouse gas emission design model for troop shelters that provides comfort and protection can be achieved by using biomimetic principles. The principle of burrowing in particular demonstrated the strongest improvement in both the thermal comfort and protection in a desert contingency environment. Meanwhile, the range and level of improvements in the comfort and protection need to be further supported by scientific and quantitative data. Biomimcry is a relatively new discipline and is open to many different interpretations. Unlike other design approaches, biomimicry is research and scientific driven, which means it is a less subjective and more valid approach to green design solutions. The design example provided is not the ultimate solution for the improvement of war shelters in a contingency environment. It merely serves as an experiment and exploration of the many possibilities that nature can offer to improve the comfort and protection housing in a desert environment throughout the world.Hundreds of thousands of U.S. military are serving in the Middle East in support of the War on Terrorism. Aside from the danger that soldiers have to face every day, they are challenged by the harsh desert climate conditions, which greatly affect their quality of life. The only means of thermal comfort there is largely governed by Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that are powered by fossil fuels, one of the greatest contributors to global warming. Biomimicry, a new discipline that studies nature’s best biological ideas and then imitates these forms, processes, systems, and strategies to solve human problems, is the recommended approach to sustainable design. The purpose of this project is to develop a design model that offers comfort and protection for troop shelters based on biomimetic principles. The final design proposal is a synthesis of three important aspects of the research: the recognition of global warming challenges, the confinement of military standards, and the interpretation of nine biomimetic design principles extracted from the study of desert plants and animals. A detailed outline of the biomimetic design principles along with a clear understanding of the different phases of contingency construction formalized the initial context of the new war shelter. The final design example is a burrowed and bermed living space that is sheltered by a modular panelized roof and wall system. Through a combination of building and model simulation and a comprehensive comparative analysis that factors in every numerous variables of design, one can conclude that a low greenhouse gas emission design model for troop shelters that provides comfort and protection can be achieved by using biomimetic principles. The principle of burrowing in particular demonstrated the strongest improvement in both the thermal comfort and protection in a desert contingency environment. Meanwhile, the range and level of improvements in the comfort and protection need to be further supported by scientific and quantitative data. Biomimcry is a relatively new discipline and is open to many different interpretations. Unlike other design approaches, biomimicry is research and scientific driven, which means it is a less subjective and more valid approach to green design solutions. The design example provided is not the ultimate solution for the improvement of war shelters in a contingency environment. It merely serves as an experiment and exploration of the many possibilities that nature can offer to improve the comfort and protection housing in a desert environment throughout the world.
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    Re-Designing the Apartment-High-Rise through a Child's Perspective
    ( 2011-05) Lum, Shirley Wai Mun ; Anderson, Amy ; Architecture
    “Children learn by being active participants with their environment” –Piaget Children perceive space very differently than adults. Their progression in physical and cognitive development limits them from experiencing space as an adult would. With this understanding it is an interesting fact, that many of our buildings are designed by adults without the understanding of a child’s perception of space. Sometimes the adult’s misperception limits children from being active participants with their environment. According to the United Nations Center for Human Settlements (UN-HABITAT), “it has been estimated that by the year 2025 the world’s largest cities would need to accommodate four billion people. In which, an average of one-third of this estimated population will consist of children under the age of 18 years and in result the majority of these city residents (at least 45-50 percent) will be children.” 1 With such a high ratio of children in the overall future population of cities, much more effort must be made to create children-friendly apartment buildings. The purpose of this doctorate project is to research and propose several spatial ideas to address the spatial and social limitations of children in our developing world, specifically with high-rise apartments. Spatial limitation theories, derived from Psychologist Jean Paiget’s child development cognitive and physical observations, are defined and incorporated into the proposed spatial designs of this doctorate project in order to encourage a child’s social participation within the apartment building as they develop through their childhood. Social spaces within the apartment building are the focus of this project. Assuming that a child learns by being an active participant with the environment and that a child’s perception of space grows concurrently with age, personal spatial interpretations are paired with Psychologist Jean Piaget’s child development stages. Initially, to better understand how a child perceives space, the apartment building space is broken down into three spatial focuses: 1. The apartment unit, 2. The apartment floor, and 3. The apartment building as a whole. 1 UNCHS, An Urbanizing world: Global Report on Human settlements 1996, Oxford: Oxford University Presspotential peer socialization. With this assumption, the goal of the design is to encourage a child’s development of peer relationships within the proximity of the apartment floor by integrating a range of diverse social spaces.
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    Wearable Architecture: Fashion to the Rescue
    ( 2011-05) Marinas, Cherri ; Anderson, Amy ; Architecture
    This dissertation, titled “Wearable Architecture: Fashion to the Rescue,” studies fashion and architecture in order to assess if the emerging urban nomad fashion trend can inform a new direction in temporary disaster relief for the families of Hawai‘i. The intention is to discover whether the clothes and accessories worn by survivors of natural disasters in bicoastal cities can provide shelter and relief to survivors between the event and the supply of government issued temporary housing. The methodologies used to prove the need for a wearable disaster relief kit are organized into three parts. The first topic researched is natural disasters. Analysis and observation of natural disasters support and demonstrate the need for a kit in times of a natural disaster. This section covers the various needs and problems of a disaster victim and thus reveals what design features should be incorporated into the proposed prototype. The second topic researched is minimalist shelters, which include indigenous shelters, low-income housing, and homeless shelters. This study is crucial as it explores the world of people who live with only the most basic and simple items that are necessary for survival. The resulting information is aimed at defining the basic essentials of everyday survival and how these necessities can be incorporated into a wearable disaster relief kit. The third topic researched is current related technologies. While the first two parts focus on the needs of people following a natural disaster as well as on a day-to-day basis, this part focuses on the tools and inventions that people have created to help address those needs. The information gathered concentrates on portable architecture, wearable architecture, survival kit tools, and materials. With this information, ideas for the prototype arise as the potential and constraints of each invention are examined, thus paving the way for design features that can be incorporated into the proposed prototype. Based on the information gathered, the design parameters were created and this list served as a guide for the wearable disaster relief kit prototype. By establishing the limitations and structure of the design, it paved the way for the design of The Compleat Retreat. The Compleat Retreat is an all-in-one shelter, jacket, floatation device and emergency kit.
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    Modern Kyo Machiya: Livable Architecture for Kyoto
    ( 2011-05) Miyake, Yuhei ; Leineweber, Spencer ; Architecture
    The World Monument Fund listed KyoMachiya, the traditional merchant houses of Kyoto, as endangered sites in 2009. Modern, high-rise buildings of commercial and residential use have rapidly replaced the KyoMachiya. These replacements have resulted in the loss of urban identity, livability, and the traditional social network in the region. In 2007, the prefectural government of Kyoto issued a new urban policy with the intent to reverse such losses. Today, all new residential developments are required to incorporate traditional design elements of KyoMachiya in their design. However, the urban policy does not fully address the true characteristics of KyoMachiya, and the incorporation of the traditional design appears only on the façade and in the gabled roof forms of apartment buildings. Unlike KyoMachiya, apartment buildings are set apart from the streets by walls, security doors, and a lack of commercial activity on the street level floor. As a result, such apartment buildings are often unwelcome as they damage the integrity of the remaining KyoMachiya structures and result in a further loss of the urban identity of Kyoto. However, with the ongoing depopulation of the central city, housing boards also desire multifamily residences whose occupants can continue traditional activities. This project includes design guidelines for multifamily residences that may solve conflicts between developers and housing boards.