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The biophilic bridge
No full textThe Biophilic Bridge is a biophilic architectural retrofit for Fishers Junior High
School. The goal of the retrofit is to enhance its functionality and learning
environment through strategic design interventions such as improved
daylighting, flexible layouts, and community-oriented design.
Biophilic design, which seeks to connect students and staff with nature, is
incorporated through improved daylighting and natural materials. The retrofit
introduces large, strategically placed windows, skylights, and glass partitions to
flood interior spaces with natural light, fostering a healthier and more productive
atmosphere. The increased daylight not only supports the well-being of students
and teachers but also reduces energy consumption by minimizing reliance on
artificial lighting. In addition to biophilic elements, the renovation emphasizes a
community-oriented approach. Collaborative spaces, such as open courtyards
and multipurpose rooms, are integrated into the design to encourage social
interaction, teamwork, and a sense of belonging among students and staff.
These areas serve as hubs for various activities, from group projects to after
school events, reinforcing the school’s role as a community anchor.
This retrofit is an excellent example of combining sustainability, improving
learning environments, and focusing on community connection, ensuring Fishers
Junior High remains a vibrant, future-ready institution.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Attention promises and personality
No full textThis study investigated how the inclusion of an attention promise, varying attention check styles, and individual personality traits influenced survey attentiveness. A total of 249 undergraduates were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which received a brief “attention promise” prompt at the outset, or a control group that did not. All participants completed three attention checks: two simpler Instructed Response Items (IRIs) and one more demanding Instructional Manipulation Check (IMC). Participants also responded to measures of the Big Five personality traits, self-control, and self-reported attention. A paired-samples t-test revealed a significant discrepancy in accuracy between the IRIs and IMC, with IMCs proving more challenging for most participants. Contrary to expectations, random forest analyses showed that the attention promise did not meaningfully predict whether participants passed or failed these checks. Personality traits, however, played an influential role. Self-control consistently emerged as a robust predictor of correct responses, while conscientiousness contributed but ranked lower in importance. Unexpectedly, neuroticism showed a strong relationship with improved attention check performance, suggesting that heightened vigilance may benefit attentiveness.M. S
Open aggregate
No full textOften, architecture aims to create something definite, yet static design limits
adaptability as societal demands shift at an unpredictable rate. The 2020
pandemic underscored the issues in this rigidity, exposing architecture’s inability
to swiftly respond to changing needs. Similarly, the rapid expansion of highways
and industry continues to carve through neighborhoods, severing communities
and deepening social divides—disruptions that architecture, in its fixed state,
struggles to reconcile. How can an adaptable architectural system promote
a resilient and nuanced urban fabric in a context where disconnected and
underserved neighborhoods and existing building stock require revitalization?
This thesis investigates the potential of urban acupuncture by strategically
stitching together the interstitial fabric of three different blocks along Grand
Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut—a transect spanning from the urban core
to the suburban periphery. Each block, shaped by distinct pressures, requires a
tailored intervention in scale, density, and program, yet all executed by the same
architectural system. Integrating an architectural kit-of-parts as an aggregate
between existing infrastructure can soften rigid boundaries and promote
neighborhood togetherness through connectivity and agency, all while adapting
to evolving needs and strengthening local social and economic networks.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
The new horizons center
No full textThe current standard for programmatic features within multi-athletic based
facilities hinders the possibilities of daily commercial and community
engagement. The narrative thus, in the research, suggests the implementation
and expansion of the scope of these facilities to cater more possibilities and
opportunities to serve the community and commercial economic gain.
The New Horizons Center envisions a transformative space that serves diverse
users throughout the week. Key to this vision is the integration of a community
physical fitness center, which encourages health and wellness while attracting
a broad audience. This facility will provide a variety of classes and programs,
making the arena a daily destination for fitness enthusiasts and families alike.
Additionally, flexible design elements allow the arena to cater to office workers
during lunch hours, families on weekends, and sports fans in the evenings.
This multifaceted approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also
strengthens community ties.
This brochure showcases innovative concepts that position The New Horizons
Center as a model for future arena designs. Ultimately, my thesis advocates for
facilities that transcend their traditional roles, serving as essential connectors
between people, culture, and commerce, enriching the urban experience for all.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Modular connections
No full textThis thesis explores how modular architecture can create sustainable,
affordable, and adaptable single-family homes while fostering a deep sense
of connection among residents through a shared architectural language.
By reimagining modular housing beyond its functional benefits, the project
emphasizes the home as a personal sanctuary and a shared community space.
A cohesive framework of materials, proportions, and spatial relationships
establishes a shared language that unites the homes while allowing for individual
customization. The use of efficient construction methods ensures affordability
without compromising quality, while thoughtful spatial planning encourages
interaction among neighbors. By integrating modular design with a humancentered
approach, this project envisions housing solutions that are not only
practical and sustainable but also cultivate a sense of belonging.
A central feature of Modular Connections is the design of a pedestrian enclave
that enhances connectivity across the site. By prioritizing walkability and shared
outdoor spaces, the enclave fosters spontaneous interactions, reinforcing
a sense of belonging while preserving individual privacy. The integration of
sustainable practices reduces environmental impact, aligning with the project’s
commitment to responsible development. Through modular adaptability, a
shared architectural language, and thoughtful site planning, this thesis envisions
a housing model that is socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Mycelium: expanding community connection
No full textUnderneath the surface is a complex network of fungal pathways that connect
plants and fungi as a way of collecting and sharing resources within their biotic
community. This is known as the mycelial network; it’s a way for an ecosystem
to not only be healthy but to thrive by exchanging resources that they would be
unable to gather on their own. This thesis explores the symbiotic relationship
of the mycelium network through biophilic design in an existing Muncie, IN
neighborhood by designing a 5-minute micro-community where all essentials
are available and accessible within a 5-minute walk or bike. The design criteria
for this project includes 5 design standards that utilize the natural environment
to improve quality of life and social connections.
Muncie’s Whitely neighborhood is facing an isolation similar to many suburbs
across the nation. The combination of a resource desert and lack of city funding
has created an opportunity to develop a new community typology that fosters a
social and active community which creates their own network to thrive together.
How does biophilic design in 21st century neighborhoods affect quality of life
and social connections?Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Beauty within darkness
No full textThis work explores the tension between intimacy and control within relationship dynamics,
highlighting how boundaries of consent blur behind closed doors. Influenced by Pixy Liao, Sally
Mann, and Katie Shapiro, I engage with themes of power and vulnerability through layered
visual narratives. Using clear adhesive paper on plexiglass and constructing wooden frames to
layer multiple images, I create subtle shadows that mirror the emotional complexity embedded
within these relationships. The installation is designed to shift the viewer’s perspective,
emphasizing the nuanced and often unseen dynamic within intimate spaces. This work aims to
spark critical dialogue and reflection. Moving forward, I aspire to continue creating conceptually
driven work and establish a collaborative studio space to nurture artistic community.B.F.A.School of Ar
Suspended views
No full textLand interaction and preservation in architecture is having a larger impact than
ever. As the world’s population increases, so does the space required to build
on to support the people of the world. Time and time again, we see beautiful
landscapes flattened and leveled to support this and it is impacting our natural
environment in multiple ways. This presentation is a proposal of a way we can
build on difficult landscapes without leveling the area completely and preserving
our natural topography that the world has come to love. This example of how we
can do this is called the Gatlinburg Cultural Center.
The Gatlinburg Cultural Center is a multi-use venue located on the hillsides
above the downtown area. The site location comes with amazing views of
the Appalachia Mountains around the city and has various locations of steep
terrains to build on. The way that this site works without leveling the area is
using a series of cantilevered structures branching out from a middle point.
Doing this in all directions gives the venue a “floating” feeling for the guests that
come to the venue. Thus, serving the area while also paying homage to the land
and culture around it.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Transitory dormitory
No full textAs the popularity of post-secondary schools increases, universities like Purdue
change their master plans in order to accommodate for their expanding pool
of applicants. In order to change plans however, often times buildings are
demolished to create space for new and more relevant ones. A possible solution
to this problem presents itself in the form of designing for deconstruction.
However, typically buildings that are modular and or have high disassembly
potential lack formal and structural complexity. This project aims to balance
modular and custom design elements to create an eye-catching structure
that has strong disassembly potential. This structure is designed around the
programmatic bounds of much needed Purdue undergraduate student housing
that aims to create a unique environment that nurtures social networking and
academic growth.Thesis (B. Arch.)College of Architecture and Plannin
Acute vest exercise on jump and balance
No full textBalance and perceptual integration of sensory stimuli of the environment are critical
elements of elite sport performance. The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) is a highly responsive neurological mechanism of the inner ear that stabilizes retinal images as the head and body move. Neurologically efficient VOR function and high-quality eye movements have been observed in athletes. Literature regarding balance training has focused primarily on standing on unstable surfaces. Emerging data have suggested that training protocols for the VOR have a considerable impact on dynamic postural balance as well as overall vestibular system function. Most of the data have been collected pre- and post-vestibular training regimens, leaving the acute responses to this stimulus largely undiscovered. In the present study, 14 college-aged male and female athletes participated in two lab visits and performed jumping, landing, balance, and VOR
assessments. Participants were randomized into a control group (CG) or experimental group (EG), and baseline measures for each assessment were obtained during the first lab visit. Variables of interest included maximal effort countermovement jump (CMJ) height, single-leg time to stabilization (TTS) on the dominant leg, and several measures of postural stability (equilibrium score (ES), total center of pressure displacement, elliptical sway area, and sway velocity) during the sensory organization test (SOT) and vertical headshake SOT (HS-SOT), gaze stabilization test (GST), and dynamic visual acuity (DVA). During the second lab visit, EG participants completed four modified Cawthorne-Cooksey drills designed for the VOR – including saccades, smooth pursuits, adaptation X1, and adaptation X2 vestibulo-ocular movements in the vertical (pitch) direction – immediately following a structured, dynamic warmup (DWU). A 2 (time) x 2 (group) repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess pre- and postintervention performance metrics. There were significant time main effects for scores on a fixed
support surface with eyes closed (p=0.09). Group differences were observed for CMJ height (p=0.071). Additional higher-order interactions were observed for SOT 5 sway velocity (p=0.020), SOT 5 displacement (p=0.076), and HS-SOT 2 equilibrium score ratio (p=0.088). Findings indicate that while the acute bout of VOR exercises did not elicit improvements in measures of dynamic balance or jumping performance, the perturbations to the posterior semicircular canals from the vertical headshakes altered stability during HS-SOT performance. These findings highlight the possibility for chronic vestibular training to be utilized as a training mechanism to enhance vestibular system function, similar to training used in individuals with vestibular dysfunction.M. S