ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst

Recent Submissions

  • Publication
    Regenerating the Urban Void: Design Strategies for Sustainable & Inclusive Communities
    (2024-05) Young, Tyler A.
    Central to architectural endeavors is the aspiration to cultivate spaces that not only evoke creativity and joy but also provoke community engagement. However, amidst careful design lies a stark reality - spaces neglected, misused, underused, or simply wasted (Hwang & Lee, 2018). In the face of the impending climate crisis, the demand for livable and sustainable cities has never been greater, and within this context emerges the concept of urban voids, holding promise for transformation. This thesis delves into the typology of urban voids, dissecting their current uses and misuses, and advocates for the imperative to reclaim these overlooked spaces. This research identifies and applies existing literature to advance strategies for fostering regenerative architecture that harmonizes with natural ecosystems. A paradigm shift is pivotal: to perceive neglected urban spaces not as liabilities but as prospects (Hwang & Lee, 2018). Through a design research methodology, this thesis proposes the potential of regenerative architecture to transform urban voids into dynamic, purposeful, and accessible public domains, thereby enriching the well-being of both humans and the environment.
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    Identifying Cultural and Spatial Intersections: The Experience of the In-Between
    (2024-05) Berry, Palmer J.
    Among the 330 million inhabitants of the United States, 5 million are adopted. Of those 5 million, around 200,000 are adopted from an Asian country such as China, Japan, Vietnam, or Korea (Witenstein, 2006). Economic and social factors from some Asian countries such as the one-child policy (China), diplomatic relations (such as forming trust with one another), and promoting adoption were part of building interest in transnational adoption. It is also important to note that Western interest in adoption was largely spurred on by a lack of available domestic adoption as well as racial stereotypes such as the misinformed idea that Asians are model people(Lee, 2006). Around 80% of the adoptions from Asia are by Caucasian families which can often lead to the adopted child living in a geographical location that is not adjacent to or part of an Asian community (Ibid., 2006). The census suggests that Asian-American communities are concentrated in and near major cities although this demographic is also present in some suburban areas (Census, 2022). A lack of connection to an Asian community can lead to feelings of isolation or confusion in identity due to being placed in a space between two cultures. This thesis looks to address the concept of that third or in-between space and will achieve it through the design of a cultural center . The cultural center can then become a place of connection and clarification rather than one of disorientation and aloneness. In addition to it becoming a connection space for people of all backgrounds, especially adoptees, it features a night-market inspired space that creates more connection with the broader community. Food is a tactile and exciting way to delve into a new culture without becoming overwhelmed.
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    Ethical Memorialization: A Design Proposal for a Genocide Memorial at the University of Massachusetts
    (2024-05) Berlin, Jacqueline E.
    This thesis delves into the methods by which designers can cultivate environments conducive to inclusive dialogue and contemplation. It examines strategies for enriching public spaces through purposeful interventions aimed at elucidating challenging historical narratives and facilitating opportunities for introspection. In light of the prevalence of egregious acts of genocide throughout history, the thesis advocates for the utilization of landscape and architectural elements as educational instruments for the broader public. Illustrated by the conceptualization of a Genocide Memorial situated within the University of Massachusetts Amherst's campus, this work exemplifies the endeavor to establish a secure and inclusive haven conducive to reflection, solace, and community engagement. By scrutinizing ethical considerations rigorously, architects can devise memorials that not only impart historical knowledge but also elicit a sense of moral duty in commemorating the past. Thus, this study underscores the ethical imperative inherent in the practice of memorialization, emphasizing architects' capacity to stimulate public consciousness, elevate collective memory, and underscore the significance of ethical reflection in the built environment.
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    Development of a Salt Spreader Controller Program using Machine-Sensed Roadway Weather Parameters
    (2024-05) Avhad, Vaishnavi Dattatray
    Massachusetts owns over 1,300 material spreaders that deliver salt, sand, and liquid deicers to more than 15,000 lane miles of the Commonwealth’s roadways during winter seasons. In many salt spreader systems, a Remote Weather Information Sensor (RWIS) is used to obtain weather information including temperature, grip level, snow level, wind, etc. In the salt spreader utilized by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the application rate of salt is automatically controlled by road grip or manually controlled by a driver or operator, taking into account factors such as weather conditions, road information obtained from RWIS, and visual observations. While controlling the salt rate, along with pavement grip, other road factors like surface temperature, surface state, and visual understanding help the operator decide the salt rate. To make salt spreaders more efficient in deicing material usage, and reduce human effort, it is desirable to eliminate human intervention by avoiding subjective analysis and deciding salt rate based on relevant road parameters. This can be achieved by allowing the system to deliver salt automatically by considering road surface conditions and environmental factors like surface grip, surface temperature, etc. In this thesis, a novel salt spreader control system is outlined, utilizing RWIS input to regulate salt distribution. Through a series of experiments, it was demonstrated that RWIS can be directly used to make intelligent salt-spreading decisions. In some cases, machine learning algorithms can be used to assist in decision-making.
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    (2024-05) Willig, Daniel R.
    In my thesis, I first aim to investigate the correlation between trauma and loneliness, examining how traumatic experiences often contribute to feelings of isolation. Following this, I will delve into how contemporary society fosters conditions that predispose individuals to loneliness. I will then analyze how my artwork reflects and addresses these interconnected themes and how my art practice provides relief and awareness, countering the effects of contemporary society. Finally, I will explore the ways in which other artists express similar concepts within their own creative endeavors, providing a broader context for understanding the relationship between trauma, loneliness, and contemporary society in the realm of art.