Design, Architecture & Art, School of

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Research, design, and other creative works from the School of Design, Architecture and Art. Includes: Architecture; Landscape Architecture, and Visual Arts. The school website may be found at https://www.ndsu.edu/sodaa/.

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4th And Sustainable: A Balanced Design Approach For The Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (Arden Hills, MN)
(2013) Johnson, Zach
With a lack of appreciation and the underestimation of the importance and benefits a sustainable ecosystem can provide in today’s society, it has become a topic that needs to be tended to. A great way to approach the design of sustainable sites, is to follow the guidelines of The Sustainable Sites Initiative(SITES), as well as find a project that can utilize them, and raise awareness in the publics eye. With the large budget and exposure a stadium receives, it is a strong development type to pair with the guidelines for SITES. This pairing can positively regenerate both sustainable ecosystems and an understanding of the importance they can carry today.
Adaptation : transforming existing transit systems for Millennials
(2014) Eckberg, Anna
The Millennial Generation, also known as Generation Y, has a different philosophy than previous generations when it comes to transportation and housing. According to Shyam Kannan, vice president at RCLCO, a leading real estate advisory firm, Millennials are drawn to neighborhoods in city centers and inner suburbs because “they are convenient and have a sense of community and character” (Broberg 2010, p. 2). Phineas Baxandall, a senior policy analyst for transportation reform (2013, p.12), says there is a ‘structural shift rooted in changing demographics’. Millennials are driving less and expecting pedestrian-oriented transportation in their neighborhoods to supplement driving to their daily activities. Transit networks in Midwest cities must become pedestrianoriented to encourage Millennials to retain their residency, otherwise Millennials will move to cities such as Chicago that have transit-oriented neighborhoods. Adapting: Transforming Transportation for Millennials will act as a prototype for cities with populations between 100,000 and 500,000 that are lacking a complete streets approach to transit-oriented development. Complete streets are defined as streets that work for all users, not just those using a car. For neighborhoods to see the feasibility and necessity in shifting transportation infrastructure towards a complete streets approach, they need to see potential design solutions and reasoning behind the switch. This thesis addresses the changing importance of vehicular transportation for individuals now and in the future. Can eighborhoods in Midwest cities with populations of 100,000 to 500,000 adapt their current transportation systems to meet the pedestrian-focused public transportation needs of Millennials and future generations? Research and analysis will prove that cities, such as Minneapolis can adapt their neighborhoods to encourage Millennials to retain and increase residency. Results could lead to future developments of efficient pedestriancentered transportation infrastructure in small to mid-sized cities across the United States.
ADAPTATION: Leveraging Modern Narratives towards Preservation and Public Uses of Pueblo Bonito's World Heritage Ruins in New Mexico's Central Chaco Canyon
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Reed, Joseph
This study focuses on creating new narratives to cultural heritage sites by comparing concepts of ruins from cultural heritage sites and post-industrial landscapes. Both landscapes share that unifying feature of ruins and the historical and cultural significance that comes with them. Such methodology has been the subject of many recent papers on the complex challenge of reclaiming post-industrial landscapes beyond an environmental engineering approach. In landscape design literature there is an approach to focus on industrial ruins as settings for parks worldwide. We propose a similar attention to cultural heritage ruins as parts of a new genre of parks. To answer our research topic, we reviewed extensive literature about landscape narratives, landscape ruins, and post-industrial design approaches. We also analyzed how post-industrial landscapes evolved into ruins over time, the landscape design approach and challenges, and how their landscape revitalization schemes created a new narrative. This thesis will be applied to the Chaco Canyon world heritage site and national park. Specifically focused on the on the central valley ruins of the three-unit mixed-use complexes. These ruins are representative of Pueblo historical and cultural heritage and will be used as a case study to investigate how the creation of meanings and narratives can enhance the qualities of this emerging genre of parks containing cultural archaeological heritage ruins and how it can be applied to them.
Adventures in Mimicry: Enhancing Children's Motor Skills through Imitation Play and Interactive Habitats in the Kansas City Zoo
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Pruett, Rebecca
The creation of a collection of exhibits focused on well being, natural enrichment, and personal development for the inhabitants as well as all that visit them. To create spaces that encourage play and learning between species and give users an outlet for development outside a classroom.
Bear Den Landing: Creating Resilient Environments & Tribal Communities through Ecological Planning & Public Participation on Fort Berthold Reservation
(North Dakota State University, 2019) Davis-Kollman, Morgan
Over half of the 135,000 miles of oil and gasoline pipelines in the U.S. were installed before 1969, with implementation of pipes occurring before maturation of steel or coating technology. Leaks and spills are becoming increasingly common within the realm of man-made environmental hazards. North Dakota is the second largest in oil production, suffering from 85 paramount oil spills in last 20 years. North Dakota tribal lands are faced with declining environmental issues as a majority of reservations located in areas of hazard, creating a state of crisis within their livable environment. A broken pipeline burst more than a million gallons of saltwater into Charbonneau Creek, a tributary of the Yellowstone River, causing massive die-off of ﬁsh, plants and the tainting of productive soil and drinkable water sources. Most spill damage directly effects Native Americans, who are most reliant on environmental health and stability. Oil spills are extremely unpredictable, with little available information of when, where and how they occur. Beyond this, there are no remediation or planning strategies to be executed when these spills transpire. While most literature focuses on reports of spills, this study will propose an analytical strategy to mitigate the environmental threat of oil spills to water resources through environmental planning. Geospatial and hydraulic modeling tools will be introduced using National Hydrography Dataset for watershed-based drainage delineations, basin characteristic visualization, and streamﬂow estimation. A variety of case studies will be examined and analyzed to inform environmental intervention. The result will present a landscape conservation and resiliency plan to include hazard identiﬁcation, vulnerability analysis and ecological planning for an endangered watershed area on Fort Berthold Reservation near Mandaree, ND. The goal is to provide new perspectives on possibilities of creating a more resilient and sustainable tribal community. The design of this thesis will focus on the study of the historically rich ecosystem of the river and detrimental effects on Lake Sakakawea and Three Afﬂiated Tribes way of life. Through environmental planning and reclamation, this project seeks to revive the relationship between biological and cultural diversity among natural environments.
Between the Currents: A Project that Brings Ecological Resiliency Through a Regional Park Destination in Georgetown, MN by Applying Principles of Network Connectivity, Aesthetics, and Modularity
(North Dakota State University, 2022) Swenson, Thomas
In the Fargo-Moorhead Area, a project known as the FM diversion is being constructed to improve flood resiliency within the metro area. Looking to the outskirts of the metro area there are many rural communities that do not see the same benefit. This thesis will focus on a Regional Riverfront Park that will seek to develop a resilient system that increases community resiliency by combating the disruptions of flooding events of the river systems of the Red River. The 40-acre Riverfront Park is located by Mason ST by the Buffalo River and Red River. This will allow for the exploration of ideas that could be used as a precedent for other rural communities in the form of regional riverfront park. The project seeks to Enhance the Riverfront through resilient components that aid in bringing connectivity and support to the built, social, and natural systems. The components of resiliency; diversity, redundancy, network connectivity, modularity, and adaptability will be utilized as a framework to establish community resiliency by connecting the community and environment to the river.
Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge Park: Using Private-Public Infill to Create a Destination Waterfront Park in the City of Bismarck, North Dakota
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Schmidt, Austin M.
This study focuses on the preservation of the Bismarck-Mandan rail bridge and surrounding 200-acre site as a catalyst to transform the waterfront of North Dakota’s capital city into a 21st-Century urban park. Announced by the National Historic Trust for Historical Places, the iconic community structure has been listed as one of “America’s 11 most Most Endangered Historic Places” in 2019. With the backing of the Historic Trust, Preservation of North Dakota, community members, and the non-profit group, Friends of the Rail Bridge, the historic truss bridge has gained traction to be repurposed as a pedestrian bridge linking the parks and open spaces of the two cities. Much like the Brooklyn Bridge site, which the rail bridge predates, the city had turned its back on the river. Utilizing a comparative case study methodology to compare successful traits of transformative waterfronts, particularly in an urban context, this study resulted in a best-practices matrix to inform the urban park programming and design. This project expands on the role of a separate entity tasked with the re-purposing, operation, and maintenance of the bridge to include creating an adjacent park suitable enough to become a mixed-use destination and a city-shaping gateway to the West.
Bluebird Gardens--Bringing People Together Through the Awareness and Education of Local Agriculture
(2016) Ashbaugh, Erica
The purpose of this design thesis is to create a site design that features elements that promote public participation, education, and awareness of local agriculture through CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), while providing Bluebird Gardens with additional ways to further their goals.
Bridging Urban Divides: The Impact and Implementation of Bridge Parks
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Velazquez, Elvis Brian
This study examines the role bridge parks have in the enhancement of community connectivity across fragmented neighborhoods. By conducting a comparative analysis of bridge parks in various urban settings, identifying the key factors that contribute to their success and the challenges encountered during their development. Using case studies such as The Highline in New York and Klyde Warren Park in Dallas. Diving into the social and economic impacts of bridge parks, the findings state that they foster community bonds and enhance social unity while addressing obstacles such as financial sustainability, ongoing maintenance, and integration with the surrounding area. This study contributes valuable perspective to urban design, highlighting the role of inclusive planning and offering a possible solution to future projects aiming to bridge divided urban spaces.
Bringing Nature Indoors: Tetris Landscaping
(North Dakota State University, 2021) Borgert, Rachel
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American spends 93% of their life indoors. Almost 70% of which is at home. By being indoors there is a greater chance of being exposed to higher concentrations of airborne pollutants, commonly found in indoor atmospheres. With an increase in people working from home, homeschooling their kids and spending limited time outdoors throughout the year it has caused a negative impact on their mental and physical well-being. NASA conducted a study on indoor plants and how they eliminate indoor air pollutants called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. Based off this study calculations were made on the number of plants necessary to filter out and eliminate air pollutants. Utilizing the plants in the study to design an interior landscape modular system that can be a dynamic addition to a residential house. With tetris like modules that can be arranged to create an educational interior landscape for homeschoolers, a work interior landscape for those working from home or a therapeutic interior landscape all year round. Whatever the resident desires. This thesis is a proposal to design a residential interior landscape that will promote physical and mental well-being to those who experience it.
Buffalo, MN: A Transect-Based Land Use Strategy
(North Dakota State University, 2006) Grandlund, Luke A.
The objectives of this thesis are to explore the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of land use regulations and examine design strategies to increase the community identity and the preservation of natural resources within the city of Buffalo, Minnesota. Transect Mapping (Criterion 2005) is used to create alternative land use proposals for the city and adjacent areas. The use of SmartCode v8.0 (Placemakers 2006) principles assists in the implementation of new land use proposals. Cities were originally an invention to maximize the exchange of goods, services, cultures, friendships, ideas, and knowledge while minimizing travel. (Engwicht 1993) Until the decades following WWII most communities in the United States were built to satisfy these needs. With new loan programs, federal and local subsidies for road improvements, and the convenience and affordability of automotive commuting following WWII, housing types gradually moved from historic traditional neighborhoods to sprawling suburban developments along the periphery of established cities. The purpose of the thesis is to provide a media for the exploration of real alternatives to current land use plans and zoning regulations for Buffalo city officials and residents. The new alternative is one that increases social interactions, economic vitality, and creates a greater sense of community for the city of Buffalo. These improvements establish a community ‘Identity’ for both visitors and residents of Buffalo. A build-out analysis illustrates the benefits these proposals offer for development patterns and densities, economic growth, and the preservation of natural resources. It appears from my analyzes that there are compact, pedestrian friendly options for continued development within the city of Buffalo and adjacent land areas. By restructuring the way land use plans and regulations are designed, more viable economic, social, and environmental land use alternatives are possible.
Cascade Creek revitalizing community
(2014) Wildt, Josh
Located adjacent to downtown Rochester, MN are three neighborhoods that are in the midst of revitalizing their housing infrastructure. Each neighborhood is taking steps to become a viable family neighborhood with a developed community to be proud of. Currently, the sense of community is lacking and not apparent within and between these three neighborhoods. Cascade Creek – Revitalizing Community questions and looks into how the Cascade Creek waterway can be transformed into a functional and desirable gathering point in order to achieve a greater sense of community. Revitalizing the creek is the catalyst that brings people back out into the community while at the same time being beneficial to the creek’s ecosystem. In return, both the revitalization of the creek and newfound community helps counter the political, economic, and criminal issues that the site faces now. What is needed to form the community and revitalize the creek is determined by connecting to the history of the area and the culture along with hard numbers about the creek surrounding green space and neighborhoods. This project includes a master plan that may be executed in order to revitalize the four neighborhoods of the Cascade Creek region.
Cemetery: Space For The Living
(2010) Fink, James
The typical present-day cemetery is used primarily for burials, however, cemeteries in the past were created to function as parks as well as burial grounds. In order to change the functions of a cemetery, a more important change is needed in the mind-set of the general public. This project explores the possibility of using an existing cemetery as a park, and what we can do to catalyze that change.
Climate Refuge: Thermal Comfort in Urban Micro Climates
(North Dakota State University, 2020) Horvath, Nathaniel
This study addresses two major issues by responding to the significant decline in retail buildings including enclosed shopping malls and improving density, livability and human comfort in communities welcoming climate refugees. Future designs will become more responsive when involving suburban and urban infill landscape to enhance user experiences through thermal comfort. Studies show that Earth’s temperatures are on the rise causing large populations to be displaced by rising sea levels and contributing to extreme weather patterns in the colder hemispheres. Specifically, in the Midwest United States, this means colder temperatures, more snow, and longer months of winter (Cohen 2018). Analyzing microclimates to improve thermal comfort will give designers a better understanding of the link between human thermal comfort and their surrounding infill landscape. Because shopping malls have generalizable locations and footprints and a nearly identical hierarchy of ingress and egress locations, they are ideal for this type of microclimate analysis using climate data. These generalized footprints are becoming dead space in smaller cities leaving large unused parking lots which have the potential to positively serve these communities through various climate events, specifically polar vortexes. This study aims to mitigate extreme cold weather events through microclimate design by examining various site configurations with the use of data collection such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. A Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) was calculated to determine which configurations are best for thermal comfort (Wong 2015).
Collision Course: Leveraging Open Space Conservation and Public Education to Minimize Bald Eagle Aircraft Strikes in St. Paul, Minnesota
(North Dakota State University, 2018) Potzmann, Joseph
While many of us travel on an airplane day to day, the responsibility that pilots take on from boarding to deboarding is intensely high. Many considerable things could go wrong, and being responsible for many lives puts tremendous pressure upon pilots. Common collisions with wildlife and airplanes have caused many complications. The consideration of airport layouts and their surroundings could help lower the risk of endangering the lives of humans and wildlife. Specifically looking into Bald Eagles at the St. Paul downtown airport, implementing bird habitats around the airport that include human traffic could help control flying and landing patterns of America’s bird while giving more usable space for St. Paul’s citizens. In doing so, yearly collisions between airplanes and the birds may decrease and provide greater safety for humans and birds alike. Understanding the behavior of eagles and how they react to certain types of habitat are important to the design process for this thesis. Implementing hunting grounds and sought after habitat by Bald Eagles in conjunction with the take off and landing patterns of planes attempts to delete the crossing of paths between the two. As a whole, the amount of incidents reported (which are reported as ‘wildlife strikes’) in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area was 115 in 2015, and 126 in 2014 according to the Aviation Safety Network. At the St. Paul Downtown Airport, 5 of those incidents were reported in 2014, and 7 were reported in 2015. Although, the StarTribune newspaper based out of St. Paul, Minnesota wrote that only around 20% of wildlife strikes were actually reported around the United States.
Community (Make) Shift: Bringing urban communities together through the activation of underutilized spaces with social programming in the Georgetown neighborhood of Seattle, Washington.
(2017) Rouillard, Catherine
In current times society is gravitating towards urban communities. Although cities have higher amounts of people per proximity in these areas, it does not stop people from feeling lonely. Loneliness is defined as the involuntary feeling of isolation, even when one is surrounded among others. To counteract the effects of loneliness would be to create more interactions. The interactions made will help guide someone to feeling social belonging. Research has shown that social belonging has been linked to a need for all mankind, otherwise when we suffer from loneliness our wellbeing is in jeopardy. My thesis is in Georgetown, which is located in Seattle, WA area, the project will explore the need for social belonging in the growing urban environment through the design of underutilized spaces with social programming.
Community Connections
(2012) Hall, Nathan
A university community in the Midwest will need to increase in density to accommodate an expanding population. This design thesis examines how density and growth can be accomplished while improving the quality of life for the inhabitants. If the city continues to rely on private automobile use and un-strategic development it will become congested and fail to be a livable community. A strategy that will tie transit and development together will allow this area to increase in density and maintain a high quality of life.
Community Fabrication
(2010) Falkers, Stephanie
This thesis set out to design for multiple people and their particular uses. To combine the desires of many and influence the way that they all use the space. Each user has defined different outcomes for the area, with no common goal to be found. Through this design, an investigation and solution will be discovered striving to combine the desires of multiple users. This thesis will not only consider the user within, but commuter and the area around it. This will require investigation into a variety of different strategies and resources.
Community Resilience: Investing in Walkability
(2011) Mellgren, Ashley
Currently, Main Avenue is lacking character and connection to the rest of Fargo, North Dakota. Most of Main Avenue is zoned commercial, and it appears to be highly industrialized because of full scale billboards, concrete buildings and lack of visual aesthetic toward the roadway, greenspace and sidewalks. This thesis investigates how balancing pedestrian and vehicular traffic could positively impact Main Avenue by increasing economic development and safety. The thesis further investigates how the integration of environmentally conscious and sustainable initiatives can contribute to the socio-economic resilience of the streetscape.
Community School
(2011) Hudson, Ashley
This thesis is intended to transfer urban theory to a rural place in such a way that it respects rural systems, and the result will be a hybrid solution. A design process will be set up to investigate the possibilities of the development of a rural school into a full-service "Community School." The desired result is strong community engagement and the successful incorporation of entities that will increase the number ad quality of services in the school district as a whole. In this process, the developmental stages will be approached in such a way that creates an armature for a small rural development that can grow as needed. Research presented throughout this document supports the theory that "integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities"(McKoy, Bierbaum, & Vincent, 2009, pg 5).

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