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A Path to Reconnection: Using Architecture to Restore the Relationship Between Humankind and the Natural World
Full text linkHumans and the natural world once shared a profound connection through the reciprocal nature of their relationship. Due to the continuous changes in the technology and customs of society, as well as the apprehension of those who are different from us, humans have disconnected from each other, animals, and nature. This has led to the mistreatment and ignorance of groups such as the elderly and stray animals who have been cast out from society. This project aims to reconnect humankind and the natural world through the improvement of animal shelter design and the amalgamation of building programs including a memory care facility, veterinary clinic, cat caf?, dog library, and a gallery. My project site incorporates these programs and uses hodological space to invite the user to reconnect with nature and the people and animals in the shelter without bias
In Touch with Prairie Living, February 2024
Full text linkFebruary 2024 column for North Dakota and South Dakota newspapers
A Landscape for Play: An Exploration of Sensory Architecture Solutions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Full text linkIn the kaleidoscope of human experiences, the sensory realm unfolds as a tapestry that uniquely colors our perceptions of the world. For children navigating the intricate landscape of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), this tapestry takes on profound significance as their sensory sensitivities can both illuminate and obscure the path to understanding and learning. The concept of sensory architecture combined with the ?neuro-typical? approach presents an innovative and promising solution to developing inclusive spaces for children with ASD. Influenced by ?the play of light? and ?the play of the waves,? this thesis aims to create an understanding of dynamic interaction, freedom and flexibility, unfolding and discovery, and creativity through physical interaction with the spatial environment
In Touch with Prairie Living, May 2024
Full text linkMay 2024 column for North Dakota and South Dakota newspapers
Redevelopment of the Administration Block of the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex for the New BitZero Community
Full text linkThe focus of this Thesis is to examine the proposal for the redevelopment of the Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex administration block, by presenting an analysis of its transformation into a sustainable community development for the BitZero data mining center. Initially constructed as a missile defense installation during the Cold War, the site has since become obsolete, creating an opportunity for revitalization. The primary objective is to emphasize sustainable practices, integrating renewable energy sources and promoting green infrastructure while preserving the site's historical significance. Additionally, this study will explore potential challenges, including contamination remediation and infrastructure development, proposing practical solutions to ensure a safe, resilient community. Through a blend of qualitative and quantitative research, this work contributes to the broader discourse on the adaptive reuse of military facilities, demonstrating how strategic planning and community engagement can transform a once-isolated site into a thriving community
The Impact of the Third Place
Full text linkThe research conducted will look at the importance third places have for a community?s
well-being and happiness, and why they need to be valued within society. It will consider the
positive impacts third spaces have on humans, as well as the negative consequences involved in
neglecting places of connection and congregation within a community. There has been a
dramatic increase in ways to connect with people due to the increased popularity of technology.
Yet, there has been an equal increase in the feeling of loneliness and social isolation by
Americans. Physical and tangible third places are the answer to the rising problem of loneliness
and social isolation. They provide true authentic connections and relationships that people need
to have a high quality of life. The design proposal will be a hub of third places located within the
downtown area of Grand Rapids, MN. It will include spaces for all hours of the day and provide
a safe and friendly atmosphere that will foster community and encourage growth
Housing and the Construction Labor Shortage: Designing for Jobs in Duluth, MN
Full text linkThis thesis examines the implication of modular timber framing as a design response to
the construction labor shortage in Duluth MN. Drawing on the impact of tourism in Duluth and
its impact on the housing market, increasing investment in the city is pushing up real estate
prices, and in turn changing what buyers are willing to spend on construction labor. Because of
this, labor wages remain uncompetitive because of rising real estate and material costs.
This thesis explores the use of modular heavy timber as a local resource with minimal
manufacturing expenses, intended to bring more money into the construction labor market. This
design response permits a variety of configurations that can fit within a variety of site
constraints. Renovation practices for rental properties are also explored to mitigate increasing
rent. Modular timber framing is also used in two examples of high-end home designs to show the implication of modular timber in a broader market
Enhancing Walkability in Medora: Analyzing Mobile Phone Data to Improve Walkability and Identify Critical Infrastructure Needs for Rapid Growth in Medora, ND
Full text linkMedora, North Dakota, nestled in the heart of the Badlands. The town of Medora has grown
to be a favorite among travelers looking for a genuine experience because of its distinctive
combination of scenic natural beauty and cultural attractions. Currently, the Theodore Roosevelt
Presidential Library is under construction, with an estimated cost of $300 million. The project aims to create 100s of jobs and anticipates attracting thousands of monthly visitors upon completion. So, the town needs to enhance its walkability, amenities, and infrastructure to maintain the growing number of visitors. As urbanization continues to change the look and feel of cities across the United States, the concept of walkability has gained appeal to support healthier, more environmentally friendly, and vibrant communities.
This research uses mobile phone data i.e. Safe graph data to identify high-potential zones
where most of the visitors are going and spending their time at Medora. This information enables us to pinpoint areas in Medora that are most frequented by tourists and, consequently, in need of infrastructure upgrades to enhance their walkability. The data obtained can then be analyzed by the software Grasshopper to dictate visitor movement patterns, preferences, the most appropriate forms and locations for open areas and development, paths and nodes, stormwater infrastructure and maximize pedestrian movement.
This study proposes a dynamic pedestrian routing model for maximizing efficiencies and
uses when applied to prototypical small cities. The results suggest a new responsive model that
can reduce walking distances between necessary uses, harness path prediction software, minimize disturbance, create safe pedestrian walking trails, and building systems in similar suburban cities. The results of this research offer valuable guidance for urban planners, local authorities, and businesses in Medora seeking to optimize their investments in near future infrastructure development
ASSOCIATIONS OF ANTIOXIDANT CONSUMPTION FROM FOOD AND SUPPLEMENT SOURCES ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS
Full text linkOxidative stress, the imbalance of prooxidants and antioxidants, has been recognized as a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment. We postulate that increased dietary antioxidant consumption could help preserve cognitive function during aging. Dietary intake and cognitive function of 50 adults aged ?65-years (66% women; aged 71.5?5.1 years) was assessed using Cronometer, an electronic nutrition analysis application, and the Saint Louis University Mental Status examination. The fisher?s exact test (p < 0.01) identified a significantly lower percentage of cognitive dysfunction (31.6%; 6 of 19 participants) among participants that met the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for the antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and manganese, and a higher percentage of cognitive dysfunction among those that did not meet the antioxidant RDAs (74.2%; 23 of 31 participants). However, mean cognitive scores differed insignificantly between those meeting RDAs (26.2 ?4.2 points) and those that did not (24.9 ?2.9 points; p = 0.07)
Identification and mapping of QTL associated with crown rust resistance in recombinant inbred lines of oat (Avena sativa L.)
Full text linkCrown rust caused by Puccinia coronata f.sp. avenae is the most destructive fungal disease threatening oat production worldwide. Therefore, a search for novel sources of genetic resistance is considered essential to combat the evolving races of pathogen. The objectives of this study were to develop two recombinant inbred line mapping populations carrying novel sources of crown rust resistance and identify the genomic regions associated with crown rust resistance. 108 and 112 F5:6 RILs developed from each of the bi-parental crosses were evaluated for disease incidence in field and greenhouse under randomized complete block experimental designs with two replications. Genotyping and linkage analysis of markers associated with RILs revealed a major QTL underlying disease resistance in each population respectively. The two QTL identified in this study showed consistency across all the tested locations and the markers associated with the QTL appear to be useful for marker-assisted selection in oat breeding programs