Course: Introduction to Thesis Planning & Research
Professor: George Epolito
Semester: Spring 2025
Professor: George Epolito
Semester: Spring 2025
Assignment Overview
As part of our thesis preparation process, this assignment focused on the act of problematization—shifting away from solution-based thinking and instead interrogating underlying assumptions in the built environment. We were asked to refine the three speculative research scenarios developed in Assignment 3a Phase 1, combining or evolving them into a single conceptual framework. This scenario would serve as a theoretical exploration, not yet tied to our specific thesis sites or proposals.
The ultimate goal was to better understand the process of framing a research question, establishing hypotheses, and identifying methodological and conceptual gaps using the “hexagon model” shared in lecture by Professor Iglesias.
My Conceptual Research Focus
Refined Scenario (General, Not Thesis-Specific)
I explored how tactical urbanism, biophilic design, and sustainability might intersect in underserved urban communities—specifically in environments suffering from environmental injustice and health inequities. The goal was to investigate how temporary, low-cost design interventions might not only improve immediate physical conditions but also act as catalysts for long-term community resilience.
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Hexagon Framework: Academic Practice Exercise
| 1. Problem |
Urban neighborhoods suffering from compounded environmental neglect often face systemic disinvestment, poor health outcomes, and lack access to public green infrastructure.
| 2. Research Questions |
▸ How can small-scale, tactical design interventions support health and well-being in underserved urban communities?
▸ In what ways can temporary green infrastructure serve as a bridge toward long-term urban revitalization?
▸ What are the implications of designing “temporary” versus “permanent” healing spaces?
| 3. Goals |
▸ To investigate the impact of temporary design strategies on environmental and health outcomes.
▸ To evaluate case studies where tactical urbanism has been deployed to address inequities.
▸ To explore methods of measuring qualitative and quantitative success in urban design experiments.
| 4. Hypothesis |
If underserved communities are provided with short-term, biophilic urban interventions, then they may experience measurable improvements in public well-being and increased community engagement.
| 5. Objectives |
▸ Analyze historical trends in environmental neglect and health in select urban communities.
▸ Identify criteria for successful tactical interventions in the urban realm.
▸ Develop a conceptual design matrix that categorizes types of interventions by intent, scale, and impact.
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Reflections on Process & Application
Although this scenario was not directly applied to my personal thesis at this stage, the assignment was instrumental in helping me understand how to deconstruct assumptions and build a conceptual research foundation. I later applied a similar methodology to my actual thesis investigation, shifting the geographic focus and layering it with community-specific insights.