Landscape Architecture Theses

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Dammed: Master Planning Along the Lower Snake River in a Post Dam-Removal Condition
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Kodet, Andrew
The four dams on the lower Snake River in Washington state have numerous impacts on the surrounding environment, and although provide benefits of hydroelectric power, irrigation services, and waterway navigation that alter the state of the river and adjacent land ecologically. The question that persists is if these structures need to be maintained, replaced, or removed altogether; since like all man-made structures, they have a finite lifespan that is approaching its end. The following research and methodologies address design solutions for these dam sites in a post-removal condition through case studies, site analysis, site planning, and design interventions from a landscape architectural lens. Although total removal is not certain as it deals with the influence of many different stakeholders, for the approach it will err on the hypothesis of removal. The unique design approach will open the door for greater opportunities along the river corridor.
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.
The Kenosha Automotive National Historical Park: An Ethnographic Assessment for Park Design
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Trifone, Kaitlyn
The Kenosha Innovation Neighborhood is a multimillion-dollar development located on a site with significant historical background. What once housed a hub of the automotive industry is now intended to be a neighborhood geared toward tech startups, technology institutes and multifamily housing. While this will benefit the economy of Kenosha, the history of the site is at risk of being lost to time. Focusing on the people that once occupied the site, one can see how important these automotive plants were to not only the employees that worked there but the city of Kenosha itself. Through ethnographic assessments and historical research, the site now aims to represent the long-standing history by incorporating historically appropriate materials, themed areas within the park, informative signs and a cultural trail that will connect the new neighborhood to the existing surrounding ones.
Mind the Gap: Bridging a Community Bisected by an Interstate
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Silver, Brittany
As a result of discrimination in urban design, many communities of color have been forced to pick up the pieces of their neighborhood after they have been paved through by major interstate developments. Among these communities is the historical neighborhood of Bronzeville, Milwaukee, which was destroyed in the 1950s by discriminative urban planning and the development of Interstate 43. In recent years, there has been an uptake in restoration to these communities. Urban design factors such as land caps or land bridges over freeways have been proven successful in reconnecting the communities that have been bisected by interstates. In this context, this thesis focuses on implementing a freeway cap park to address issues of community fragmentation, pedestrian and bicycle safe circulation, missing amenities, shortage of green spaces for passive and active use, and new and restored housing developments.
The Landing Park of the Mid-American Steel: Bridging the Past and Future Through Soundscape Analysis
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Rahman, Muhammad Ashifur
Good soundscape quality in parks can only be provided with a thorough understanding of the complex relationships among sound, environment, and individuals. This study explores visitors' perceptions of the urban park soundscape to relieve stress. The study employed a mixed-methods approach consisting of an objective sound walk survey, a questionnaire survey, and a landscape design approach to improve sound quality in urban parks. Approximately 234 park visitor responses were obtained from online questionnaire surveys administered in the Fargo, North Dakota, region. Objective sound measurements were conducted at 53 survey spots on four different days, two days in the morning and the other two in the afternoon, corresponding to the questionnaire. The findings unveil that acoustic comfort evaluation, besides visual comfort evaluation of landscape, also plays a vital role in users’ acceptability of the urban park environment. The soundwalk survey collected visitors' perceptions and evaluation of the urban park soundscape. At the same time, the qualitative questionnaire survey explored visitors' experiences and preferences regarding the soundscape for stress relief and preferred locations to visit inside the park. The literature review and study results showed that visitors perceived the urban park soundscape as essential for promoting stress relief and relaxation. Visitors preferred natural sounds, such as bird songs and water sounds, over human-made sounds, such as traffic and construction noise, as they were more calming and pleasant. The study also found that visitors had varying preferences for the intensity and complexity of the soundscape, with some preferring a quiet and straightforward soundscape. In contrast, others enjoyed a more diverse and complex soundscape, where an above-average decibel range of anthropogenic sounds did not deter the park users' willingness to stay. The results suggest that urban park designers should consider the soundscape as a crucial element in promoting stress relief and well-being for park visitors. Furthermore, these results are applied to the Mid-American Steel site in Fargo, North Dakota, a post-industrial site with a strong historical background. This site has potential features for urban park development and civic facilities to make a good connection between downtown Fargo and the bank of Red River. The major challenge of this location is the rail track, which has passed through the site and, in this design, reduces decibel levels of rail track using a gradient of priorities based on park programming.
Growing with the Roots: Re-Connecting Youth with Nature Through Nature-Based Learning and Play
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Gunderson, Robert
Children today are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world. This is directly related to the increased amount of time spent indoors which is likely caused by limited access to natural green spaces, time spent on screens and parental safety concerns. Too much time spent indoors leads to reduced physical activity, lower physiological well-being, increased social-emotional vulnerabilities and a lack of care for the environment. While these trends are detrimental to the child, they are also detrimental to the environment. In a time where pro-environmental advocates are needed more than ever, our next generation of environmental stewards are disconnected from the natural world. This begs the question; how can we better connect the next generation of youth to nature? Growing with the Roots is a design solution intended to provide children with the opportunity to connect with nature by being highly accessible to the surrounding communities in West Fargo, ND. A lack of accessibility to naturalized spaces in this area of the city calls for an ecological community park, centered around nature-based play and learning, to help children form a bond with nature, while also enhancing their learning, development, and environmental stewardship.
Enhancing Walkability in Medora: Analyzing Mobile Phone Data to Improve Walkability and Identify Critical Infrastructure Needs for Rapid Growth in Medora, ND
(North Dakota State University, 2024) Budhathoki, Sunita
Medora, North Dakota, nestled in the heart of the Badlands. The town of Medora has grown to be a favorite among travelers looking for a genuine experience because of its distinctive combination of scenic natural beauty and cultural attractions. Currently, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is under construction, with an estimated cost of $300 million. The project aims to create 100s of jobs and anticipates attracting thousands of monthly visitors upon completion. So, the town needs to enhance its walkability, amenities, and infrastructure to maintain the growing number of visitors. As urbanization continues to change the look and feel of cities across the United States, the concept of walkability has gained appeal to support healthier, more environmentally friendly, and vibrant communities. This research uses mobile phone data i.e. Safe graph data to identify high-potential zones where most of the visitors are going and spending their time at Medora. This information enables us to pinpoint areas in Medora that are most frequented by tourists and, consequently, in need of infrastructure upgrades to enhance their walkability. The data obtained can then be analyzed by the software Grasshopper to dictate visitor movement patterns, preferences, the most appropriate forms and locations for open areas and development, paths and nodes, stormwater infrastructure and maximize pedestrian movement. This study proposes a dynamic pedestrian routing model for maximizing efficiencies and uses when applied to prototypical small cities. The results suggest a new responsive model that can reduce walking distances between necessary uses, harness path prediction software, minimize disturbance, create safe pedestrian walking trails, and building systems in similar suburban cities. The results of this research offer valuable guidance for urban planners, local authorities, and businesses in Medora seeking to optimize their investments in near future infrastructure development.
Crossing Paths: Landscape Planning for Human-Wildlife Balance
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Smail, Benjamin J.
Design methods to reconnect the Salish and Kootenai people, as well as those permitted to visit, to their ancestral lands and historical/cultural sites as well as the safe and efficient movement of native animal species throughout the valley is the goal of this research. Constraints will first be identified in understanding how this reconnection works with the hurdles of current and future urban development, private property, watersheds (historical and current), agriculture, and historical landmarks. Next, typological studies of other efforts in wildlife mobility will be compared with current funding opportunities and their preferences in a ‘program matrix’. This program matrix will help stratify the concerns of the research to key in on the most ‘important’ program elements. Perhaps most importantly, studying the historical trends of documented animal movement throughout the valley, as it responds to the effects of human development, will help identify where key corridors should be implemented. How those corridors relate to the connections desired by people living in the valley, such as tribal lands, cultural/historical sites, and recreation/wilderness areas will be of secondary importance. Lastly, local tribal, state and federal laws will need to be understood in order to identify what land could potentially be acquired and what laws could prohibit such development or what laws might encourage it. With the completion of this research, the alignment of natural corridors shared by both human and native floura/fauna will be mapped. Future projects such as parks, native habitat, residential and commercial development, cultural centers, historical landmarks, family agriculture, and roadway access will be incentivized through design within these corridors. Additionally, the environmental management and operation of these lands would be granted to the Confederated Salish and Katoonai Tribes (CSKT) as they continue to prove their adept ability to manage existing reclaimed lands in the valley.
The Rolling Greens Community: Planning for a Community With Social and Ecological Value
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Williams, Andrew
Over the last few years the number of golf courses that have closed has grown exponentially. The understanding that golf courses aren’t of the highest priority needs to get out to the people who it matters most to. The value of the land is increaing with the rapid expansion of cities and population of our country grows. The growing prices of maintaining that expensive land is a major part of the closure of the courses which leaves large tracts of land, typically in more developed parts of cities, that just sits around overgrowing and becoming an eyesore. This begs the question “Is there an alternative use for this land that would better serve the people and the city?
Integrating Plains: Connecting Fargo Through a Green Roof System
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Rydberg, Katlyn
The city of Fargo, ND, and the surrounding area has continually grown each year and is expected to grow in the future. With the growth is an influx in the building of homes, businesses, and roads. This growth has caused the area to become more of a concrete jungle opposed to the historical vegetative lake bed, it used to be. These hard surfaces and building production have negatively affected the energy consumption, runoff coefficient, and temperatures within the city, all of which have the potential to rise further yet. To prevent future and combat existing pollution and runoff, roof infrastructure will be researched through quantitative research and case studies to see differences in city buildings with and without roof infrastructure implemented.
Treading Lightly: White Earth State Forest Interpretive Center & Nature Park
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Mocnik, Benjamin K.
Human development is the leading factor in wetland habitat loss, whether through direct removal (i.e. deforestation, draining, damming, etc.) or through inadvertent means (harmful chemicals, disruption of migration routes, interrupted feeding habits, etc.). Chemicals leaking into wetland ecosystems contaminates water supplies as well as harming the native populations, both flora and fauna, of these environments. Boardwalks, the most common method used for pedestrians in semi-aquatic environments, are chemically treated to prevent deterioration; these chemicals frequently leach into the surrounding wetlands. Sustainable ecological intervention in the White Earth State Forest wetland ecosystem in the form of an educational nature center and raised-path network can create opportunities for transformative educational and recreational activities. Wetlands provide ample natural beauty as well as a higher level of biodiversity than any other biome found in Northern Minnesota. Additionally, these unique areas tend to be accessible solely by water craft. The research undertaken will aim to provide a blueprint for successful, low-impact intervention in sensitive wetland environments. The research will also analyze which plant species are more resistant to human impact (chemical resistance, hardiness, spread, etc.) and suitable for introduction to restore vegetative communities based on additional factors such as root structure, life span, growth rate, and aesthetics. The aim of this project is to serve as an example for wetland intervention and development projects located in the coniferous and deciduous wetlands of Northern Minnesota.
Sustainably Symbiotic: A Study Using Lichen Biomimicry to Design a Sustainable Multi-Use Campground in Cavalier County, ND
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Lonewolf, Xantippean
Evaluating if designing a multi-use campground using biomorphic design relating to LICHEN could benefit the overall camping experience. The Pembina Gorge near Walhalla, North Dakota was determined as the design setting. The analysis exploration hopes to provide proficient lichen inspired campground layouts and design methods by utilizing characteristics of native lichens and the geographical and geological areas lichen thrive on. Using ArcGIS layers created from research, I will design a sustainable and educational lichen-style campground that informs users with wayfinding signage that are directional, regulatory, identification based and informational. Interpretative signs will connect users with historical and educational photos of native lichen and vital habitats, how lichens can teach us to detect air pollution before reaching dangerous levels, and how we can use native lichen design principles to design sustainably. On the ground site investigating and photo analysis of lichen species and ecosystems will possibly verify online research creating a symbiosis of mutual data. Interactive lichen displays configured to design principles of the five senses: vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch could offer top experiences if applied correctly. Extended research using similar campground case studies will help build a design narrative capable of sustainability through camping experience and land management. Final design model will be concluded once all needed information regarding the project is collected and studied. Although findings would vary depending on location and lichen species, this methodology could be applied to any location wanting to explore sustainable campground development.
Restoring Forgotten Land: Degraded Land Restoration
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Jacobson, Matthew Timothy
This thesis will explore the potential of using phytoremediation techniques to reduce PM2.5 pollution in Detroit. The city of Detroit has a long history of industrialization and, as a result, faces significant air pollution challenges. PM2.5 pollution, in particular, has been linked to numerous health problems, including heart and lung diseases. Phytoremediation offers a promising solution to this problem, using plants and their associated microorganisms to remove pollutants from the air and soil. This thesis also includes a design proposal for a community center at the abandoned Packard Plant in Detroit. The design incorporates phytoremediation elements, such as phyto walks and integrated green roof gardens. These elements help to improve air quality and provide aesthetic and functional benefits to the community center. Utilizing various elements of the existing building, this addition will provide structural integrity improvements to the existing building. This thesis will provide new insights into the potential of phytoremediation to reduce PM2.5 pollution in urban environments, with a focus on the city of Detroit. The research and design proposal offer valuable information for landscape architects and urban planners working to address air pollution in Detroit and other cities.
The Upper Arm Bay Resort: On the Missouri
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Hodenfield, Garrett C.
Focusing on scrutinizing the significance of the economic gain and loss of rural communities in North Dakota. Farming communities are slowly declining around the Forth Berthold Indian reservation area due to the lack of interest in coming back to a small community and revamping there profession. Extensive studies have been done to tackle how to stop the decline of the community and revamp the once vibrant community. Creating a recreational resort in the heart of the Missouri River will encourage citizens from around the country to visit this location which will provide guided tours for recreational hunting and fishing. The design concept will be directly related to users interests. Access to the site, sustainability, landscape design analysis and the cultural diversity is involved in the project. Site inventory analysis of the surrounding area, population control, aspects in the landscape will lead to a sustainable community and limiting pollutants of the water from chemical waste. Developing this site will help tourism in the area and bring back the once well rounded rural town.
Exceptional Universal Design: Designing for People With Exceptionalities
(North Dakota State University, 2023) Ensz, Shane Aaron
The purpose of this study is to find and realize solutions to the lack of inclusion of People with exceptionalities. To create interaction between streetscapes, parks, naturalistic landscapes, and people with exceptionalities. People with exceptionalities include people with a range of disabilities such as blindness, autism, and cerebral palsy. ADA compliance has gone a long way in giving opportunity of access to people with exceptionalities. These collective groups of people may have access to streetscapes, and parks, but the interactions in these spaces are slim to none. People with exceptionalities deserve the opportunity to interact with the surroundings as all other people do. The research of this Thesis study is based on not only case studies, scholarly articles and journals, but also interviewing people with exceptionalities and their acquaintances. This methodology allows the personal perspectives of the people that will use these spaces. The resulting research is defined in the adaptive design of different streetscapes, parks, and naturalistic landscapes. These findings prove as precedent of more inclusive and interactive landscape designs to come.
A Multicultural Sacred Space: Reconnecting the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Central Dakota Plains
(North Dakota State University, 2006) Tomanek, Jason
The recent focus throughout much of the central and northwest regions of the United States has been to draw the attention of tourists, travelers, and visitors to the Lewis and Clark Trail. The Bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark expedition from 1804-1806 has drawn national recognition and created countless opportunities for travel, exploration and education. Much like other states in the region North Dakota capitalized on the opportunity by promoting the amenities brought to it through the Corps of Discovery's journey across the state. However; the Native American people existed throughout the region long before Lewis and Clark explored the area. This project is an opportunity to highlight the culture, heritage, and way of life of the Native people in order to preserve their place in the history of America. The multicultural sacred space found as the focus of this project will be an opportunity to educate, preserve, and interpret the culture of the Native American people that settled in the central Dakota plains nearly 600 years ago.
Hermantown Recreational Facility
(North Dakota State University, 2006) Thomalla, Nikolas Gabriel
This project is for a city wide plan for an outdoor recreation facility for Hermantown, MN. The major elements that will be addressed in this project are increasing the functionality of the site as well as the beautification involved in making the site appealing to the users. The current athletic fields are to be renovated and there will be the addition of more athletic fields to make this complex justifiable in hosting larger scale tournaments to increase revenue and tourism to the city. Other than the athletic fields on the site other elements will include a skate park, playground, pedestrian circulation (bicycle and walking) and parking. There is a creek that runs through the site and that needs to be more pronounced, because it will add another beautiful element to this site making this recreation complex stand out from the rest.
Gooseberry Mound Park: Children's Sensory Garden
(North Dakota State University, 2006) Sauer, Erin M.
A Children’s Sensory Garden aimed to become a unique learning experience for the public’s enjoyment. Located in Moorhead, Minnesota, with the intention of becoming a place to learn as well as play, emphasis will be on learning about the immediate as well as the distant environments of the Sensory Garden and the Solar System at large.
An Educational and Transitional Landscape
(North Dakota State University, 2006) Nigg, Joseph P.
This project is centered on an idea for an outdoor educational facility that is directed for use by elementary age students. An interpretive, hands on approach to learning is used to highlight a variety of topics involving biology, ecology, and entomology. The project is implemented into an area of Minot, North Dakota that is strictly an industrial zoned area. The thesis essentially examines the ability of industrial processes to co-exist with a more natural environment.
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.

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