Rural Decline:Preserving Community

Abstract

Rural Decline: Preserving Community. This thesis will focus on the question “How can architecture aid in the preservation and revitalization of rural communities?” Architectural problem solving and community involvement are needed to aid in the preservation and revitalization of historically thriving rural communities. Designers must communicate with community members to understand actions that are best for each unique problem. Sustainable architecture addresses these issues by rethinking solutions to the inevitable socio-economic and cultural changes. As urban areas continue to sprawl, they attract people, young and old, with promises of employment and opportunity. Rural communities are important to the heritage and history of our nation, not to mention our currently struggling economy. The typology for this thesis will be a renovation and addition to a historical building, into a small technology/business incubator. This 25,000 square foot structure is proposed for, Springfield, MN, a small rural community of 2300 people located in the south central portion of the state.