28653 research outputs found
Sort by
Active learning classrooms in the higher education of engineering majors
No full textGiven recent efforts to increase STEM enrollment by 33% in the next decade, many institutions are exploring opportunities to improve enrollment and retention of STEM students. Research shows that Active Learning Classrooms (ALCs) can improve and enhance the learning experience by encouraging collaboration and increasing engagement with the curriculum. This research study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of an ALC used by students majoring in Engineering at a STEM university. Design elements such as layout, furniture, finishes, lighting, and technology were all found to contribute to the learning experience of students. However, the data suggests that the curriculum must incorporate elements of the ALC into its pedagogy in order to better leverage the benefits of the Active Learning environment.M. S
Egalitarian enclaves
No full textThis project argues an idea for architecture that aids in reaching a wholly egalitarian society, one where the dismantling of hierarchical relationships is present in every industry in favor of “democratizing” the spaces in daily life. A core focus for this new framework of Egalitarian Architecture won’t simply be the conditioning of equal exchange between people and the built environment, but just as importantly how both interact with the natural context. A cohesive, intricate ecosystem is necessary that prioritizes the needs and wants of every stakeholder.
As such, a place-based design format is utilized within the egalitarian framework that focuses on highlighting and solving the contextual needs of a community. The application of this format will be presented within a new performance hall located in Chicago, IL. This project serves to function as an echo of the surroundings it’s found within, cherishing the historical value of the area while simultaneously providing a platform for multi-use engagement towards people, nature, and the built environment. Ultimately, the project builds towards a more cohesive ecosystem within its performance where all parties have equitable control of the space.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Cultivating change: reviving agricola's gowth trajectory
No full textColonia Agricola de Ocotepec, known for their agriculture and construction, is a pueblo on the outskirts of Atlixco, a city in the state of Puebla, in Mexico. This pueblo, like many others throughout Mexico, had been progressing and growing in the past few decades. Yet have recently struggled to continue that growth and have plateaued. In contrast, cities like Atlixco, Puebla, have been able to continue that progression and development, becoming a city highly recognized for their production of plants and flowers and as a commercial and industrial center. A huge part of Atlixco's charm in being such a warm and welcoming environment is their use of bright and contrasting colors that help set the mood and convey joy, passion, and feelings. All important aspects within Mexican culture and its traditional architecture.
The purpose of "Cultivating Connections Community Center", is to help revitalize the pueblo, Colonia Agricola de Ocotepec by designing a program based on its main characteristics, agriculture, and construction. It will be a center filled with markets, event spaces, and workforce development connecting indoor spaces to outdoors spaces, as well as connecting its people to their pueblo. All by acknowledging and celebrating Mexico's traditional culture and architecture. Working in unison in efforts to revitalize Colonia Agricola de Ocotepec, by creating a warm and welcoming environment where the people will enjoy and stay to continue growing with the Pueblo.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Rehouse
No full textMaterial reuse in architecture is necessary when considering the state of the world today. Incorporating sustainable strategies in any design is vital, and when looking at how much waste is created in the world, exploring ways to incorporate wasted materials into new design creates a unique and compelling strategy. Repurposing waste into new buildings creates an aesthetic that is both innovative and sustainable, and sourcing these materials from local places contextualizes the design and makes a home unique. This process promotes the economic and cultural health of the region.
Articulating the relationships between materials and function allows for exploration and discovery in architecture. Architecture today is primarily comprised of cheap and efficient construction and materials that create a monotone expression. This negatively impacts the environment, mental well-being, and the perception of architecture. If houses were to be built with material reuse and sustainable strategies in mind, all those problems would be negated. This project demonstrates how a house designed with repurposed materials can achieve sustainable efficiency, promote a new and local aesthetic, and function as a healthy and beautiful home.College of Architecture and Plannin
Office metamorphosis
No full textOffice Metamorphosis identifies the problems that plague office buildings around the world and dedicates creative solutions to transform the expectations of working Architecture. The typical office building promotes sedentariness among the workers, has minimal efforts to increasing sustainability, and does not consider the health of the occupants to be a priority.
Office Metamorphosis is executed through a high-rise office tower in the heart of Manhattan, New York. The design transcends the contemporary office tower to prioritize the health of the occupants. Each floor houses a variety of different workspaces to produce movement and flexibility among the workers. A multitude of sustainable and intuitive design features prove Office Metamorphosis to be more efficient in increasing human and environmental health in a dense, urban area such as New York City. Biophilic design is dispersed and optimized through the utilization of a double skin façade. Between the facades are interstitial spaces that contain break areas, working areas, and social areas. These interstitial spaces will incorporate large amounts of diverse biophilic design and promote daylighting throughout the interior spaces. Renewable materials are utilized to decrease the embodied environmental impact of the structure along with passive and active design principles that increase energy efficiency.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Radiant resilience: integrating biophilia, wood, and daylighting for healing in cancer centers
No full textExisting healthcare facilities are typically designed for operational efficiency, often overlooking the quality of the patient and staff experience. Despite the opportunity to employ biophilic design, its implementation has not been utilized consistently within the healthcare industry. The colors and materials of nature, along with the effects of daylight, can significantly influence mood, stress, and energy levels. These nature-based factors, when used in harmony, can enhance patient healing rates, operational staff performance, and more general occupant comfort. As a model of this practice, an outpatient cancer center located on the near-north side of Chicago, Illinois; was designed to mindfully incorporating nature-based strategies. This facility aims to be a haven of nature, welcoming individuals with natural light and greenery from the moment they step onto the site, to entering the facility, and as they migrate into the intended spaces. With the implementation of nature-based design strategies, patients' minds and bodies will receive support as they endure the challenges that come with cancer, aiding in the healing process simultaneously. This cancer center thereby provides a unique experience that is set apart from other facilities in the Chicagoland area, serving as a precedent for future healthcare facility design.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Ball State Speech Pathology Clinic: an infographic for clients
No full textThe profession of Speech-Language Pathology is typically one that is not ideally recognizable compared to other careers. Professionals often get questioned about their duties, responsibilities, and task load when an individual asks about the career path they decide to pursue. There are several reasons why some people may not fully understand what Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) entails. A few potential factors that could be tailored to this stereotype could be a lack of awareness, misconceptions, the complexity of the field, or limited visibility in the media. To enhance awareness and understanding, it is vital to provide accurate information about Speech-Language Pathology through areas such as education, public awareness, and media representation. This allows the profession to highlight the importance and quality of care that SLPs provide in improving individuals' quality of life.B.?Honors Colleg
Conserving nature: a blanding's turtles journey
No full textThere is a communication gap between scientists and the public. Storytelling helps bridge the
gap between these groups. A book with illustrations and photographs brings information about
conservation to the public in an interesting format that is easier to understand than research
papers. Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) are an endangered species in the Great Lakes
region with a few populations on the east coast. This species is relatively unknown to the public
but needs conservation. In this project, the book that is created explains the aspect of this species'
life, and the conservation research being done to protect them. The goal of the book is to educate
the public on this species and how to help conserve them.B. ?Honors Colleg
Uncovering support systems: analyzing insights from graduate students of color
No full textThis project is part of a broader research effort being conducted by Ball State University's Action Research Collective (ARC). ARC's current study uses participatory action research and photovoice methodologies to explore the experiences of historically marginalized graduate students in four categories: obstacles, needs, support, and thriving. This derivative project focuses on graduate Students of Color (GSOC), seeking to answer two primary research questions:
1. Where do GSOC predominantly find support for their academic and personal needs: from external sources beyond the university, or from internal sources within the university?
2. What are the internal and external forms of support for GSOC?
Data was collected from 12 GSOC, including Black, Latinx, and Hispanic students, through interviews and demographic surveys. Thematic analysis identified key themes, followed by paired samples t-tests to compare the prevalence of internal versus external support sources.
Findings underscore the critical role of community and sense of belonging for GSOC, often facilitated through interactions with peers and participation in culturally based campus organizations. Mentorship from supportive faculty, particularly those who share similar
identities, was highlighted as essential for student success. Financial support, through assistantships and scholarships, emerged as a vital factor in alleviating stress. This study contributes to the literature by providing insights into effective support for GSOC. It highlights successful examples of support that can be replicated to improve the experiences of these students. The findings offer recommendations for enhancing mentorship programs, increasing financial aid, and promoting inclusive institutional policies.M. S
Tadpole Learning Center
No full textThe built environment can affect teaching strategies and how well students learn. Most schools are built with few colors, concrete blocks, and brick. Where young children sit at a desk all day with the expectation to focus forward and learn without distraction, but does this design negatively affect how students learn?
This thesis looks at how a school building can promote creativity and curiosity in children. The goal is to take an experiential approach to learning and encourage movement and interaction with nature throughout the day. This kindergarten through 8th-grade school has been designed using biophilic patterns, attention to daylighting, and natural materials. The brightly colored school sits in Toledo, Ohio, on the Maumee River, with each classroom overlooking the water. Students and teachers are encouraged to go outside and learn or move out of the typical classroom environment.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin