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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

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