Architecture - Research Studio

Permanent URI for this collectionhdl:10365/32206

The Architectural Research Studio is a viable curricular offering in a professional, graduate, accredited curriculum in Architecture. It provides the benefits of boosting research productivity in a department, strengthening ties with architectural firms that have an alumni presence, providing career networking opportunities for graduate students, generating valuable intellectual property, fostering research careers, and adding to the knowledge base of the Architecture profession. The all-around benefits far outweigh the challenges that have to be overcome in offering this studio.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 61

Act for Children: A Study of How Architecture Can Foster Development During the Stages of Early Childhood
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Jarrett, Kelsey
What role does architecture play in fostering the stages of early childhood development? The first five years of a child's life are the most crucial years of their developmental process as they grow not only physically but also cognitively, socially and emotionally. Children are impressionable human beings drastically impacted by their surrounding environments. Through design, we can enhance the lives of the users through well informed environments that are not only healthy but safe, functional and beautiful. This paper seeks to investigate the stages of development and identify key prepared environments that facilitate learning in early child development. The results suggest that, in terms of the ideal environment for children, not one prepared environment takes precedent over the others. Scale, light, color, safety, security, spatial arrangement, and nature all play an integral role in the development of children. Designing for children is no simple task. As designers we have the responsibility and ethical duty to provide a comprehensive analysis on the needs of our clients. It is our role to ensuring a healthy and nurturing environment while providing a developmentally appropriate and stimulating environment to our nation's youngest generation.
Adaptive Architectural Value Engineering: Methods
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Meyer, Christopher D.
To develop an architectural design with an optimal solution, an understanding of the mechanics of design process becomes important. In 'Design by Optimization in architecture, Building, and Construction', architectural design is defined as a goal-directed activity in which decisions are made about the physical for of the building and their components in order to ensure their fitness for the intended purposes. Further, that design itself is comprised of three primary identifiable phases, problem analysis, design synthesis, and design evolution, which are performed in a cyclical process by conscious or unconscious sorting of design goals. (Greo, Radford, 1988) This process of design moves from generalizations about design defined in a broad terms, methods, and doctrines, and results in optimal design solutions. These solutions may or may not be the optimal answer to the design problems. The cyclical form of design becomes well suited for the introduction of value mapping and continual improvement practices. Architectural design is not often thought of in this manner, lacking proper evaluation of design changes and post occupancy analysis. Gero and Radford, 1988, refer to the a bias present in design practice in which a designer over rely on personal judgment in the decisions affecting the tradeoffs between design solutions without proper numerical or practical reasoning to meet client or social expectations at the cost of performance in the final product. Does form follow function, or function follow form? In a optimal method of design, the cyclical evolution of the solutions allows for both statements to be true. This allows a balancing of aesthetics to performance sought in an optimal solution to a design problem.
Algorithms for Calculating a Building’s Waste
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Olson, Drew
This paper examines the amount of waste or unutilized material a particular design will produce. This is being analyzed by the author through the investigation and use of multiple software systems. The ideal intent is the creation of such a program that will be able to inform the designer of the waste his or her particular design is going to be producing with a real time report. This product could then be implemented into BIM programs such as Revit by Autodesk or any other DXF file formatted software.
Architectural Settings Which Facilitate Transcultural Understanding
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Mack, Olivia
To understand how a space can promote trans-cultural understanding, it is imperative to understand transculturalism. It is defined as seeing one's self in the other (Cuccioletta, 2002). This means finding aspects of, or similar to, one's own culture in a different culture. Transculturalism is a tool for creating understanding, and therefore bridging cultural gaps. Transculturalism seeks to remove the us versus them attitude by eliminating the concept of the other. There is an important distinction to make between the ideas of transculturalism and multiculturalism. They are parallel ideas, encouraging the mixing of cultures, but in differing applications. Multiculturalism seeks to identify and celebrate the differences of cultures. Often, multicultural is commonly used to discuss diversity. A culture's unique identity creates unique individuals within the culture and forms stronger bonds between members.
Architectural Sign Language: Architecture as a Language Communicated Through Signs
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Danielson, Anna
American Sign Language (ASL) is not transparent; one cannot understand it until one learns it. It takes many years of study and interactions with people who use it daily to be able to properly learn the language. The same can be said about architecture and the communicated language of the built environment. Architecture, like ASL, uses non-verbal communication; it tells a story through specific elements and gestures. However, when one element or gesture is compromised, the others must still communicate the same story to offer everyone a unique experience. Communication is a vital part of design and our everyday lives as we interact with the built environment. How effective is architecture as a sign language when compared to American Sign Language used in deaf and heard-of-hearing communication?
Architecture for the Third Place: How design Can Promote Third-Place Activities in an Indoor, Urban, Midwestern Context
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Marsh, Rachel
This research began with the goal of designing an ideal indoor public space for Fargo, North Dakota's frigid winters. To understand the best design for the proposed public space, a broader question is posed: How can architecture encourage third-place activities in an indoor, urban, Midwestern environment? The third-place concept was first proposed by Ray Oldenburg's text The Great Good Place (1989) and is the foundation of this research. Oldenburg defines the term 'Third Place' as an informal space which supports relationships among community members. The research begins with compiling case studies of spaces which host third-place activities and identifying re-occurring patterns of user behavior and architectural design. The research cumulates with six key third-place activities, and how specific architectural elements can encourage these activities.
The Beauty of the Past
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Miller, Joe
An attraction to the past is a natural interest in people, we are always interested I where we came from in the hopes to see where we are going. Along with this interest of the past there is a similar interest to the ruins from the past. Th ese ruins take various forms, Technology, Nature, Architecture, artifacts, the similarity these all have with each other is their ability to tell a story about the past. In a few of these instances there is even more life in the ruin than there was in the living thing, a dead tree is an appropriate example of this.
Border Catalog: Integrated Sense of Border
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Johnson, Helen
Despite the popularity of border issues in today's media, the spatial organization which borders create remain unrecognized. This paper discusses the relationship between architecture and borders through a catalog which organizes borders into three categories; social, personal and a combination of the two types of borders. Looking at a border through the lenses of a designer offers a variety of perspectives into the different ways in which individuals and societies cross borders. From this perspective, they are no longer looked at as a physical line, but as tool, which humans created to bring order to chaos within the mind and the physical world.
Building on Water: Studying the Effects of Buoyancy on Architectural Forms
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Nagel, Mitchell
Our planet is 71% water and 29% land. That land is filling up quick and is going to look a lot smaller for the coming generations. With an ever-growing world population, that is already at almost 7.5 Billion people, we are looking at a future with scarce resources and overpopulation, but maybe we aren't making the most of what we have available. With rising sea levels creeping up on our shores, why not build offshore? This research project will investigate the practicality of building on the water. The main challenge with this question of practicality is how do we make architecture float? Using simulation and case study research to solve this challenge, this study will theoretically propose that building off the coast, on the ocean, can be done and is a viable option for the future of an ever-developing world.
Chromolume: A Study of How Colored Lights Inform Natural Healing Practices Through Architecture
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Garcia, Sydney
The built environments we occupy regularly have a strong and lasting impact on our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. This leads to the question of: What role can architecture play in facilitating healing environments through the building design? This design project narrows in on a specific alternative medicinal method called chromotherapy, or color therapy, and shows how it can be applied in the design world. To further advance the research, a psychological research experiment was conducted on human subjects to record the correlation between colored environments and biophysical senses. The biophysical senses that were stimulated in the experiment were further analyzed in a correlational research study to determine which colors mitigate which illness. The results will then be implemented in architecture to create healing spaces through design.
Collaboration in Higher Education: Behavior Observation Informing Space Arrangement
(North Dakota State University, 2013) Dunham, Matthew Robert
What role does architecture and interior spatial arrangements play in facilitating spontaneous or arranged collaboration in higher education? This project involves identifying the architectural characteristics of spaces that facilitate collaboration in higher education, including deriving the spatial organization and circulation patterns that facilitate collaboration, and the simulation of collaborative environments. With today's use of integrated technology limiting face-to-face collaboration, a study was conducted to map conditions that stimulate collaboration in on-campus buildings. Behavioral observation was conducted at four strategic academic buildings on the North Dakota State University campus, each representing a unique case study in collaboration. Perceptions of how students, staff, and guests use different academic spaces were studied by tracking and monitoring multiple criteria. Results from the local study support current literature suggesting that students demand more collaboration within the classroom and on campus than the need or use of technology; supporting higher education's demand for technology integration may be wrongly allocated, as students today seek less technology and more face time while on campus. Research was commissioned to better inform a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building being built on the NDSU campus, in the anticipation that this would be a high performance building and promote collaboration.
Constructs of Operable Architecture: Climate Optimization by Volumetric Adjustment
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Hillukka, Daniel
This research focuses primarily on the functionality of software, specifically Rhinoceros (McNeel & Assoc.) and a few associated PlugIns (Grasshopper, Rhino Assembly, RhinoParametrics), to create and control a model to study the effects of modulation of space. Has technology been completely utilized in addressing comfort maintenance within a dwelling space? Historically abilities to influence temperature change within a space have been relegated to passive systems and more recently completely active means of control. Technological advances have raised significant questions towards methods and means for this control. Through use of 3D models and simulations the topic of climate maintenance in spatial conditions were addressed using environmental controls. Thus modulation of the climate as well as the space could simultaneously occur to create a radically different space of habitation.
Creating a Decision Making Tool: How to Decide if One Will Benefit from a Green Roof
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Kleist, Lane
Why is it necessary to provide a decision making model? Why do we feel the need to make rational decisions? The major goal in researching this topic is to provide data which architects can use to illustrate to their clients the most logical decision for the given instance. Rather than a client making important decisions based on hear-say evidence, information can be gathered to create a decision making guide, which will point to a clearly prominent solution.
Designing for Humanity: How Can the Architecture of Correctional Centers Improve the Lives of Inmates?
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Thordson, Elizabeth
The purpose of this research is to look at the architectural characteristics of successful correctional centers and deduce what specific aspects make them so successful. America is known world-wide for its correctional system and the harsh punishments assigned to those who come in contact with it. Many citizens of the United States believe that harsh punishment is a good thing, they believe that with harsher punishment comes reform. Select individuals believe the opposite is true; they believe that harsh punishment harms individuals and in turn increases the percent of recidivism. Research done by the National Institute of Justice supports this belief and shows that long prison sentences do very little to prevent future crime.
Designing for Outsiders: Understanding the Effects of Indended and Unintended Design
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Meyer, Christina
How tolerant are we of people outside our community? Our ingrained instincts drive us as humans to seek positive interactions, to feel accepted and appreciated, to find purpose to help us thrive as individuals and as a collective. While positive instincts drive us to purpose, so does fear pull us into a defensive state, to protect ourselves and our own against the alien and unknown [5]. This duality, this push and pull, is center stage in regards to interpreting new peoples and cultures and attempting to find a balance between the two is a hard task.
Designing for the Homeless
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Bakke, Joseph
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, psyche is defined as the soul, mind, or personality of a person or group (Hacker). I am researching the homeless population to better understand their psyche. I believe that If I can find what guides their decisions I can design a homeless shelter tailored to their needs and an environment that will help them get back to a better way of life. Homelessness is defined as having no home or permanent place of residence, but it means so much more than that. In Julie Beck's The Psychology of Home, she describes what a home means to people as this, "For many people, their home is part of their self-definition, which is why we decorate our houses and take care of our lawns" (Beck, 1). Without a home, it is hard for people to express themselves and set themselves apart from the rest of the world. When people lose their home, they lose their identity. By helping the homeless find a better way of life through a shelter, they can regain their identity and pursue a better life.
Empirical Analysis of Behavior in Architectural Settings: Using Dartfish and JMP Software to Measure Movement
(North Dakota State University, 2010) Brunik, Laura
Understanding whether the mere sight of architecture can create behavioral responses or not is critical to an architect. If an architect knows what intentional response they want from the inhabitants of their design, then they could decide from a variety of design options depending on the sensory responses for each type of space. The strategy to finding out if architecture can influence behavior is to assess how the users actually respond and behave in particular environments. Sensory responses generally involve color, odor, illumination, vibration, etc. and are usually learned responses based on culture. In this context, the philosophical framework for research is simply empirical. The research analysis is done to determine if there is a relationship between space and how it may influence a person's energy and activity level. Studying children in their childcare center is a good proposition because children are sill adapting to culture and we can get to the root of behavioral responses. Eventually the information found will be used in a thesis as a tool to evaluate whether architecture can assist in a multi purpose health and wellness living center. This center will promote spiritual wellness as well as losing weight and maintaining health.
ENVIRO-BRAILLE: Communicating Architecture to the Visually Impaired and Blind
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Cragoe, Laura
Architecture has an immense effect on our perception of reality. It has the ability to shape people's understanding of the world and impacts the way people feel, work, move, and play. The way in which one gains understanding of their surroundings depends heavily on the stimulation of senses that are constantly gathering information. The pitfall in design is the consciousness paid to the occupants who have an impaired sense of sight or are blind. This lack of attention, in turn, creates barriers in the built environment that become frustrating, stressful, painful, and even embarrassing for those who can not get around them. It is the architect's responsibility to make design decisions that consider all occupants and mitigate these barriers to cultivate environments for everyone to thrive in. To do this, designers need to develop a strong understanding of all people. Raymond Lifchez and Cheryl Davis (1987) asks the question, "How ethical is it to practice architecture - to be a professional licensed to design buildings and places of assembly - without having first developed an intellectual and emotional understanding of people?" (p. 35) in the book Rethinking Architecture.
Evaluating the Performance of Greenhouse Design through Digital Simulation: A Case Study of a USDA Research Laboratory at the North Dakota State University
(North Dakota State University, 2017) Mills, Alexandra M.
The goal of this architectural research study is to simulate the thermal performance of a multi-story greenhouse design. To do this, the study must first verify the authenticity of digital simulation, then apply the solver technology to additional designs. It does this in three phases: The first is a quantifiable, measurable field investigation which will lead to conclusions about the varying temperatures surrounding a greenhouse facility. The study data describes a distinct difference in temperature between the interior and exterior, demonstrating a clear control of the internal environment across all weather conditions. The second phase of the study simulates the greenhouse's performance in Autodesk CFD using comparable conditions as found in the first phase. The resulting simulation data has minimal deviation from reality: 92% of the results were within 10 degrees F of the actual recorded data. In the third and final phase of the study, CFD is used to evaluate the thermal performance of three new designs. This provides an incredible amount of insight into the impact of design factors such as massing, HVAC placement and solar orientation. This study attempts to prove that digital simulation can accurately predict the thermal performance of a design. Based on the success of the three phases, it can be concluded that CFD has the ability to reflect reality in a consistent and accurate manner.
Examining Diverse Learning Spaces and Their Effect on Student Learning
(North Dakota State University, 2015) Ertl, Tyler
Education has been at the forefront of all cultures since the beginning of time. Its significance, often described and held to different standards throughout the world, has often relied on its instructors, setting, and facilities. As technology develops, its role in today's schools and educational facilities grows. Many of those schools do not have the facilities to keep up with the ever-changing technologies that the instructors must use to stay relevant. This research provides architectural solutions to the shifting needs of today's learning from traditional to 21st Century environments. Educational spaces that inhibit features conducive to student learning that are also engaging for those students can bridge even the largest of cultural gaps. Research investigates and analyzes which learning methods are successful and precedents that demonstrate them. It also examines architectural layouts that best support this variety of instruction methods.

Browse

Browsing Architecture - Research Studio by browse.metadata.department "Architecture and Landscape Architecture"