ScholarWorks@UMassAmherst
We are now able to accept submissions directly in ScholarWorks. For submissions that are not doctoral dissertations or masters theses, please log in with your NetID, click the + (plus) in to the top left corner, and select the Submit Research option.
Graduate students filing for February 2025 degrees: We are now accepting submissions directly to ScholarWorks. Directions for submissions can be found in this guide. Please email scholarworks@library.umass.edu if you have any questions.
Request forms are functional. If you do not receive a reply to a submitted request, please email scholarworks@library.umass.edu.
This site is still under construction, please see our ScholarWorks guide for updates.
Featured Items
Recent Submissions
Publication Computer Aided Hillside Housing Landscape Planning and Design in Wu-Zue Mountain, Taiwain(1990)In many industrialized regions, increasing pressure on land supply is accelerating the use of hillside slopes for housing development. There are two key reasons for promoting hillside housing. First, it can help mitigate urban sprawl caused by unchecked population growth, which consumes valuable and fertile lowlands essential for agriculture and natural ecosystems. Second, due to rapid industrial development and high urban population density, environmental quality has significantly declined, making hillside development a more attractive and sustainable alternative. From an ecological perspective, the extinction of plain-dwelling species highlights the urgent need to conserve flatlands. Despite trends of urban decline, the exploitation of lowland areas for residential use continues to disrupt land-use balance. Developing suitable hillside areas can alleviate pressure on flatlands and promote more ethical land-use practices that preserve agricultural resources. Furthermore, hillside housing offers residents access to cleaner, less polluted environments with scenic views, upstream water sources, fresh air, and closer proximity to nature. However, such development must be carefully planned to protect these natural assets. This project explores the practical application of current computer software tools in site planning and landscape design, focusing on spatial relationships in areas with complex topography. The study is motivated by both the challenges of hillside development in Taiwan and advancements in 3D computer visualization. The aim is to evaluate the potential of these digital tools to generate better, more sustainable development alternatives. The feasibility and rationale of this approach are assessed based on findings from this investigation.Publication A Masterplan for the Commerical Revitalization District of Orange, Massachusetts(1985)The New England landscape has long captivated the American imagination with its iconic imagery—rolling hills, rocky coastlines, and quaint agrarian towns centered around grassy commons and white clapboard buildings. However, an alternative narrative exists within the region: the legacy of mill towns built on industrial foundations rather than agriculture. Orange, Massachusetts, exemplifies this industrial heritage, with its brick and granite public buildings, river-centered layout, and remnants of 19th-century industrial infrastructure. This Master's project focuses on the revitalization of Orange’s commercial district through the enhancement of its streetscapes and open spaces. The study includes an inventory and assessment of existing buildings, streets, parking areas, and open spaces. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the development potential of these open spaces and their integration into a cohesive urban fabric. Streetscapes are examined as potential pedestrian connectors, with recommendations provided for improving their quality and functionality about the surrounding built environment. The ultimate goal is to create a revitalization strategy that honors the town’s industrial character while enhancing its physical and social vitality.Publication Computer Assisted Transmission LOine Corridor and Route Planning(1984)Over the past decade, computers have been increasingly utilized in transmission line corridor and route planning, offering substantial benefits in terms of accuracy, speed, cost-efficiency, and the ability to manage and present large volumes of spatial data. This study provides a comprehensive review of computer-assisted transmission line planning, with a focus on practices in North America. It introduces fundamental concepts and broader considerations relevant to the selection, adaptation, or development of such systems. The report profiles ten representative planning systems, detailing the involved agencies, project examples, methodologies, software and hardware used, and key contacts. A detailed case study illustrates the planning method of one comprehensive system. Additionally, ten other organizations engaged in relevant research or applications are briefly discussed. The study highlights the diverse ways in which computers are applied, ranging from integration with broader facility planning—including power stations and infrastructure—to focused applications like satellite-based land use analysis and visual simulation. It offers a valuable reference for future development and application of computer-assisted systems in transmission line planning.Publication Public Transportation Plan for the City of Westfield, Massachusetts(1976)Since the end of World War II, Westfield has lacked a comprehensive and effective public transportation system. This study proposes a new public transit framework aimed at delivering high-quality service to Westfield residents while enhancing regional connectivity by integrating local services with regional transit systems. The planning process involves analyzing land use patterns and identifying major trip origins and destinations, particularly to Westfield's key employment centers and two local colleges. The recommendations include establishing fixed-route services along the city’s primary transportation corridors, supplemented by paratransit options for low-density and underserved neighborhoods. Implementation strategies address the role of the regional transit authority, marketing approaches, and projected annual costs necessary for system operation and sustainability.Publication The Role of A Solid Waste Resource Guide for Western Massachusetts(1993)In industrialized nations, including the United States, the majority of raw materials ultimately become waste, contributing to a significant rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) throughout the twentieth century. A study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation found that between 1980 and 1985, 14 of 16 member countries experienced increased waste generation, with the U.S. producing nearly twice as much garbage per capita as Western Europe or Japan. Over time, the composition of waste has shifted from primarily renewable materials like paper, glass, and wood to nonrenewable substances such as plastics. Despite reductions in the weight of plastic used in individual products, plastic waste in the U.S. grew by an average of 14% annually from 1960 to 1988. By 1989, plastics made up approximately 8% of the total weight and 25% of the volume of U.S. solid waste. These trends highlight the growing environmental challenge posed by plastic consumption and disposal in modern economies.
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