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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5261-0212
Access Type
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
thesis
Degree Program
Architecture
Degree Type
Master of Architecture (M.Arch.)
Year Degree Awarded
2021
Month Degree Awarded
May
Abstract
The United States of America is globally known as the land of opportunity, freedom, independence, equality, and above all, the American Dream. American writer and historian, James Truslow Adams, coined the phrase “American Dream” in his 1931 book The Epic of America. The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, they can attain their own version of success in society through hard work, sacrifice, and taking risks. Post-World War II, the demand for home ownership rapidly increased. The development of Levittown provided single-family homes for white nuclear families, which was highly idealized by society and became a part of the American Dream.
Against this backdrop, this thesis project addresses the role of architecture in adapting existing communities to serve the more comprehensive view of today’s family structures. This development concept results in a supportive and flexible environment where families of all configurations and backgrounds are accepted. In doing so, its surrounding environment will be exposed to a multi-generational and multi-cultural community, resulting in a richer and more interactive environment. Numerous co-benefits emerge from this model, including flexibility within existing and new homes, a supportive community, and synergies between different family structures.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7275/22669100.0
First Advisor
Kathleen Lugosch
Recommended Citation
Tang, Elain, "Re-envisioning the American Dream" (2021). Masters Theses. 1077.
https://doi.org/10.7275/22669100.0
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/masters_theses_2/1077