Course: Introduction to Thesis Planning & Research
Professor: Joseph Epolito
Semester: Spring 2025
Professor: Joseph Epolito
Semester: Spring 2025
For this early-stage thesis planning assignment, I explored three unique research scenarios, each developed by combining three of ten core architectural topics. Guided by Richard Hill’s ideas in Purpose, Function, Use, I considered how each topic might frame the intention, execution, and user experience of a future thesis.
Each scenario serves as an exploratory framework—a way to begin identifying the themes, communities, and conditions that I may investigate in my final thesis.
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▸ Scenario 1: Biophilic Health Interventions in Ivy City
Location: Ivy City, Washington, D.C.
Research Topics Combined:
Research Topics Combined:
1) Purpose : The Role of Health and Well-Being – Biophilic Design
2) Function : The Role of Sustainability – Environmental
3) Use : The Role of Urban Design – Tactical Urbanism
Summary:
This scenario focuses on how the lack of green space and environmental neglect in Ivy City contributes to poor mental and physical health outcomes. I propose exploring the benefits of tactical urbanism, such as pop-up green spaces and temporary pedestrian zones, as a form of scalable environmental healing. How might short-term interventions lead to long-term health resilience?
This scenario focuses on how the lack of green space and environmental neglect in Ivy City contributes to poor mental and physical health outcomes. I propose exploring the benefits of tactical urbanism, such as pop-up green spaces and temporary pedestrian zones, as a form of scalable environmental healing. How might short-term interventions lead to long-term health resilience?
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▸ Scenario 2: Coastal Resilience & Parametric Adaptation
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Research Topics Combined:
Research Topics Combined:
1) Purpose : The Role of Climate Change in Informing Design Resilience
2) Function : The Role of Material Exploration
3) Use : The Role of Emerging Technologies – Parametric Design
Summary:
This investigation centers on design strategies for coastal cities facing rising sea levels. I want to explore how regenerative materials, such as algae-based concrete or mycelium composites, can be paired with parametric tools to produce adaptable, flood-resistant structures. Can digital design techniques help prototype material-driven resilience at scale?
This investigation centers on design strategies for coastal cities facing rising sea levels. I want to explore how regenerative materials, such as algae-based concrete or mycelium composites, can be paired with parametric tools to produce adaptable, flood-resistant structures. Can digital design techniques help prototype material-driven resilience at scale?
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▸ Scenario 3: Post-Disaster Rebuilding in New Orleans
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Research Topics Combined:
Research Topics Combined:
1) Purpose : The Role of Social Responsibility – Agency
2) Function : The Role of “The Other” – Prioritizing Marginalized Communities
3) Use : The Role of Health and Well-Being – Bioclimatic Design
Summary:
This scenario explores how participatory design can lead to resilient, inclusive housing in post-hurricane New Orleans. I’m particularly focused on how marginalized communities, such as displaced Black residents, can be centered in the process. I’ll examine how bioclimatic principles—like passive ventilation and sun-path sensitivity—can support healing and environmental justice.
This scenario explores how participatory design can lead to resilient, inclusive housing in post-hurricane New Orleans. I’m particularly focused on how marginalized communities, such as displaced Black residents, can be centered in the process. I’ll examine how bioclimatic principles—like passive ventilation and sun-path sensitivity—can support healing and environmental justice.