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Architecture Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2023 2023.

Music As a Tool For Ecstatic Space Design , Pranav Amin, Architecture

Creating Dormitories with a Sense of Home , Johnathon A. Brousseau, Architecture

The Tectonic Evaluation And Design Implementation of 3D Printing Technology in Architecture , Robert Buttrick, Architecture

Designing for the Unhoused: Finding Innovative and Transformative Solutions to Housing , Hannah C. Campbell, Architecture

Investigating Design-Functional Dimension Of Affordable Housing With Prefabrication On Dense Suburbs Of Chelsea, MA , Siddharth Jagadishbhai Dabhia, Architecture

Architecture of Extraction: Imagining New Modes of Inhabitation and Reclamation in the Mining Lifecyle , Erica DeWitt, Architecture

Utopian Thought and Architectural Design , Anthony L. Faith, Architecture

Building Hygge In-Roads into Incremental Living , Tanisha Kalra, Architecture

NATURE INSPIRED ARCHITECTURE , Salabat Khan, Architecture

Sustainable Architecture in Athletics: Using Mass Timber in an Old-Fashioned Field , Zach C. Lefever, Architecture

Off-grid Living for the Normative Society: Shifting Perception and Perspectives by Design , Patsun Lillie, Architecture

The Evolution of Chinese Supermarkets in North America: An Alternative Approach to Chinese Supermarket Design , Ruoxin Lin, Architecture

Refreshing Refinery: An Analysis of Victorian Architecture and How to Translate its Elements for Contemporary Architecture , Richard J. Marcil, Architecture

After Iconoclasm: Reassessing Monumental Practices and Redesigning Public Memorials in Twenty-First-Century Massachusetts , Lincoln T. Nemetz-Carlson, Architecture

Earthen Materials In Organic Forms: An Ecological Solution to the Urban Biosphere? , Rutuja Patil, Architecture

Adaptive (Re)purpose of Industrial Heritage Buildings in Massachusetts A Modular Strategy for Building a Community , Riya D. Premani, Architecture

Community Design: A Health Center Serving the Greater Boston Population , Brandon E. Rosario, Architecture

The Food Hub as a Social Infrastructure Framework: Restitching Communities in Boston After the Pandemic , Connor J. Tiches, Architecture

Theses from 2022 2022

Equitable Housing Generation Through Cellular Automata , Molly R. Clark, Architecture

Beneficial Invasive: A Rhizomatic Approach to Utilizing Local Bamboo for COVID Responsive Educational Spaces , Megan Futscher, Architecture

Architectural Activism Through Hip-Hop , Micaela Goodrich, Architecture

Addressing Trauma Through Architecture: Cultivating Well-being For Youth Who Have Experienced Trauma , Megan Itzkowitz, Architecture

Buildings Integrated into Landscape & Making People Care for Them: Exploring Integrated Land-Building Ecosystems and the Lifestyles Needed to Support It , Sara Mallio, Architecture

Reimagining Black Architecture , Esosa Osayamen, Architecture

Prefabricated Homes: Delivery At Your Doorsteps , Obed K. Otabil, Architecture

Memory and Resistance , Cami Quinteros, Architecture

Mycelium: The Building Blocks of Nature and the Nature of Architecture , Carly Regalado, Architecture

IN-BETWEEN SPACES: ATMOSPHERES, MOVEMENT AND NEW NARRATIVES FOR THE CITY , Paul Alexander Stoicheff, Architecture

Theses from 2021 2021

Creating New Cultural Hubs in American Cities: The Syrian Diaspora of Worcester, Massachusetts , Aleesa Asfoura, Architecture

Firesafe: Designing for Fire-Resilient Communities in the American West , Brenden Baitch, Architecture

The Beige Conundrum , Alma Crawford-Mendoza, Architecture

Cultivating Food Justice: Exploring Public Interest Design Process through a Food Security & Sustainability Hub , Madison J. DeHaven, Architecture

Physical to Virtual: A Model for Future Virtual Classroom Environments , Stephen J. Fink, Architecture

Detroit: Revitalizing Urban Communities , David N. Fite, Architecture

The Homestead Helper Handbook , Courtney A. Jurzynski, Architecture

An Architecture of a New Story , Nathan Y. Lumen, Architecture

Border Town: Preserving a 'Living' Cultural Landscape in Harlingen, Texas , Shelby Parrish, Architecture

Housing for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Creating an Integrated Living Community in Salem, MA , Tara Pearce, Architecture

From Sanctuary to Home in the Post-Interstate City , Morgan B. Sawyer, Architecture

Exploring the Use of Grid-Scale Compressed Air Energy Storage in the Urban Landscape , Connor S. Slover, Architecture

Bridging the Gaps in Public Conversation by Fostering Spaces of Activism , Karitikeya Sonker, Architecture

Re-envisioning the American Dream , Elain Tang, Architecture

Tall Timber in Denver: An Exploration of New Forms in Large Scale Timber Architecture , Andrew P. Weuling, Architecture

Theses from 2020 2020

Urban Inter-Space: Convergence of Human Interaction and Form , Clayton Beaudoin, Architecture

The Hues of Hadley Massachusetts: Pioneering Places for Preservation and Growth , Elisha M. Bettencourt, Architecture

Reinvigorating Englewood, Chicago Through New Public Spaces and Mixed-Income Housing , Givan Carrero, Architecture

Architectural Agency Through Real Estate Development , Hitali Gondaliya, Architecture

Multimodal Transit and a New Civic Architecture , Samuel Bruce Hill, Architecture

Rethinking The Suburban Center , Andrew Jones, Architecture

Resilient Urbanism: Bridging Natural Elements & Sustainable Structures in a Post-Industrial Urban Environment , Nicholas McGee, Architecture

Adaptive Airport Architecture , Yash Mehta, Architecture

Rethinking School Design to Promote Safety and Positivity , Emily Moreau, Architecture

The Built Environment and Well-Being: Designing for Well-Being in Post-Industrial Communities During the Age of Urbanization , Tyler O'Neil, Architecture

Brutalism and the Public University: Integrating Conservation into Comprehensive Campus Planning , Shelby Schrank, Architecture

Spatial Design for Behavioral Education , Madeline Szczypinski, Architecture

Theses from 2019 2019

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNITY: FOR REFUGEES , Raghad Alrashidi, Architecture

From Archaic To contemporary : Energy Efficient Adaptive Reuse of Historic Building , Nisha Borgohain, Architecture

(RE)Developing Place: The Power of Narrative , Kinsey Diomedi, Architecture

Rethinking Ambulatory Care Delivery , Senada Dushaj, Architecture

Photosynthesizing the Workplace: A Study in Healthy and Holistic Production Spaces , Kaeli Howard, Architecture

Museum Design As A Tool For A City , Cunbei Jiang, Architecture

Architecture and Wilderness: An Exchange of Order , Ashley Lepre, Architecture

Cross-Species Architecture: Developing an Architecture for Rehabilitative Learning Through the Human-Canine Relationship , Jake Porter, Architecture

Intermodal Transit Terminal: Integrating the Future of Transit into the Urban Fabric , Guy Vigneau, Architecture

Theses from 2018 2018

Bangladeshi Cultural Center: for the Bangladeshi Population Living in New York City , Sabrina Afrin, Architecture

THE ENHANCEMENT OF LEARNING THROUGH THE DESIGN PROCCESS: RENOVATING THE FORT RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN AMHERST, MA , Reyhaneh Bassamtabar, Architecture

LEARNING SPACES: DISCOVERING THE SPACES FOR THE FUTURE OF LEARNING , Michael Choudhary, Architecture

ARCHITECTURAL SYNERGY: A FACILITY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING IN ACADEMIA AND PRACTICE , Ryan Rendano, Architecture

Resilient Architecture: Adaptive Community Living in Coastal Locations , Erica Shannon, Architecture

Theses from 2017 2017

New York City 2050: Climate Change and Future of New York | Design for Resilience , Abhinav Bhargava, Architecture

The Performance of Light: Exploring the Impact of Natural Lighting in the New UMass School of Performance , Dylan Brown, Architecture

Regional Expression In The Renovation Of Remote Historic Villages , Jie chen, Architecture

An Incremental Intervention In Jakarta: An Empowering Infrastructural Approach For Upgrading Informal Settlements , Christopher H. Counihan, Architecture

UMASS Dining Hall. A Path to Resiliency , Lukasz Czarniecki, Architecture

LIVING CORE OF THE FUTURE: PROPOSING NEW APPROACH FOR THE FUTURE OF RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX IN METROPOLITAN AREAS , Mahsa G. Zadeh, Architecture

HUMANITY IN A CHILDREN’S CANCER HOSPITAL , Sara Jandaghi Jafari, Architecture

Designing Symbiosis for the New Church Community , Evan Janes, Architecture

A Visible History: A Synthesis of Past, Present and Future Through the Evocation of Memory Within Historic Contexts , Nicholas Jeffway, Architecture

Creating A Community A New Ecological, Economical, and Social Path to Uniting a Community , Andrew Stadnicki, Architecture

Z-Cube: Mobile Living for Feminist Nomads , Zi Ye, Architecture

Theses from 2016 2016

Music and Architecture: An Interpresence , Rachel J. Beesen, Architecture

Intervening in the Lives of Internally Displaced People in Colombia , Amy L. Carbone, Architecture

Designing Waste Creating Space: A Critical Examination Into Waste Reduction Through Building Techniques, Architectural Design, and Systems , Courtney M. Carrier, Architecture

Umass September 11 Intervention , Mohamad Farzinmoghadam, Architecture

Merging Social Science and Neuroscience in Architecture: Creating a Framework to Functionally Re-integrate Ex-Convicts , Kylie A. Landrey, Architecture

From Shelters to Long Living Communities , Yakun Liang, Architecture

Building Hope: A Community + Water Initiative, La Villa de San Francisco, Honduras , Christopher D. Mansfield, Architecture

THE SPATIALITY IN STORYTELLING , Xiang Yu, Architecture

Innovation of the Residential Buildings and Community in the Emerging City Rongcheng , Xing Yu, Architecture

Art and Life - Make invisible visible in Cao changdi village, Beijing, China , peng zhang, Architecture

Theses from 2015 2015

The Dialogue of Craft and Architecture , Thomas J. Forker, Architecture

MOSQUE IN THE VALLEY: A SPACE FOR SPIRITUAL GATHERING & CULTURAL LEARNING , Nabila Iqbal, Architecture

EXPLORATION OF CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN URBAN PLAZA AND MIXED USE BUILDINGS , Youngduk Kim, Architecture

Design Of A Housing For Urban Artisan-Living Work , Fahim Mahmud, Architecture

Membranes and Matrices: Architecture as an Interface , Nayef Mudawar, Architecture

Building for the Future: Revitalization through Architecture , Rebecca N. Perry, Architecture

Developing Maker Economies in Post-Industrial Cities: Applying Commons Based Peer Production to Mycelium Biomaterials , Grant R. Rocco, Architecture

Design of Children's Event and Cutural Center in Osu, Accra, Ghana , Rudi Somuah, Architecture

Sustainable Design of Student Centers Retrofitting and Adaptive Reuse of UMass Student Union , Tianye Song, Architecture

Design/Build in Architectural Education: studying community-focused curriculum , Matthew K. Sutter, Architecture

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How to Write an Architecture Dissertation 101​

In this post we will explore how to write an architecture dissertation, but first…

What is an architecture dissertation?

The architecture dissertation (or thesis) is an opportunity to demonstrate the skills you have learnt and the knowledge you have developed over the course of your studies. It identifies a current question of interest that you are willing to explore and analyse.

Thesis and dissertation mean different things in Europe than they do in the USA. In Europe, a dissertation is usually part of a masters degree involving a broader research project. In the USA however, the dissertation is part of a doctorate degree. Likewise, a thesis in Europe generally refers to research work for a PhD, while in the USA thesis is part of your masters degree. Nice and confusing 🙂

Given that we are based in the UK, we will refer to the document as a dissertation, but much of the information and tips here are interchangeable. Hopefully you will find this guide useful when considering your architecture dissertation… or thesis!

Scroll to the end to download this article as a handy PDF guide!

How to write an architecture dissertation, choosing your topic​.

Selecting a topic for your architecture dissertation is often one of the biggest challenges for students. Where to start?! Let’s take a look at the process of selecting your architecture dissertation topic.

Ask a question Your architecture dissertation needs to ask a question. Whether it is a big question or just a small part of a big question, there has to be a reason for your research and data collection.

So, when you have selected a big issue that you would like to explore, you can look at breaking this down into a smaller question for your subject.

Starting off with a big issue, and beginning to narrow this down into smaller issues, allows you to end up asking a small question that could perhaps have big implications or bring very interesting results.

You could use a mind map to help you visualise and brainstorm ideas – have your big question in the centre with other smaller questions branching out from it.

Focus on an area of study that you are comfortable with Try to consider areas within your field of study that you are comfortable with. For example, if you are particularly interested and inspired by environmental architecture, perhaps you can start there.

On the flip side, if you are particularly interested in new technologies and software developments, then perhaps you could start thinking along those lines.

The more comfortable you are with your topic area, the more solid your work will be and you will be able to pursue your architecture dissertation with more confidence.

Select a topic that is focused Don’t go too broad with your topic idea. Don’t forget, you are not writing a long novel, so your research and your final architecture dissertation has to be concise. A broad topic will make it very difficult to get into the nitty gritty details.

As an example, let’s say you are interested in the feasibility of using sustainable prefabricated systems in residential architecture. This is a fairly large subject, so your work could look at an aspect of this, such as a particular sustainable prefabricated system like a timber panel, or perhaps prefab systems in social housing. You could then drill down further. You can look at the subject as a whole in your introduction or conclusion, but investigate a more focused part of that topic for your own work.

Don’t forget, as you start to investigate your topic further, it may lead you to other questions, which in turn can change the theme of your architecture dissertation.

Don’t be too fixated on a topic in the early stages that stops you from shifting and developing the dissertation. It is a bit like design projects, sometimes it is easy to get fixated on your concept at the detriment of the design – adjusting, and pivoting can be a good thing, it is an iterative process.

Look at other architecture dissertations Take some time to read and research other dissertations, to get a feel for what excites or interests you. By gaining an understanding of the format, content and overall outcomes of the architecture dissertation, you will be able to develop your ideas more easily, and drill down on a topic that fits.

Doing this will also help you see what topics have been extensively covered and ones that are niche.

You can find some architecture dissertations on the RIBA Presidents Medals website for some inspiration: https://www.presidentsmedals.com/Entries/2022/0-1/1

Read other architecture works Take some time to read other architecture works while you are in your topic decision making process. This might open up new ideas and thoughts that you didn’t think of before.

Look at current trends, what is new, what is changing, what hasn’t changed, why? How about world events, how do they impact architecture? How does architecture impact them? What can we learn?

Make sure your question can be answered Once you have chosen your question or topic, make sure that data collection and research will bring you to some sort of conclusion or answer. It will be very frustrating if you are investigating an issue that will not be possible to conclude on or resolve.

Make sure you can ask the right questions to get information from people, are there enough books on the subject? Is there any historical data that might be useful? How about photographs and drawings? Consider how you will research your architecture dissertation before finalising your topic.

Drafting a proposal You will most likely be asked to create a proposal for the topic you have selected. Your proposal will be presented to your tutors who will give you feedback that will help you move forward.

Carry out your research

The research phase of your architecture dissertation is really important. We must look at many different sources and aspects of our topic to start to develop our strategies and ideas.

Start with the library The best way to start investigating our topic is to find out what information currently exists, who has asked your question, or similar questions, what has been published? So head to the library and start reading!

Try and get a selection of sources for a more balanced overview, rather than relying on just one source. Although you can use the internet, don’t forget that it is an unregulated source, and therefore not all the information is completely reliable.

Keep track of any books, journals etc that you have consulted. (more on that later).

Follow the citations and references in relevant articles to see if other works have been written that are relevant to your topic. Research papers are good sources of references and information you could further explore.

During this initial stage of research you may still be narrowing your topic, refining your question and that’s totally ok. Often, it is not until you have started reading around your topic and delving deeper that you start to see the questions that need to be asked.

Take notes Take notes and keep track of all your research, book name, author, title, date, publisher plus all the page numbers of the important points. This will help you when you come to referencing and citation and also enable you to stay organised.

Keep your topic / question in mind as you read through the research material and make notes on relevant points, in your own words. Write down any phrases or quotations that you will want to cite later, but make sure you keep a list of the details of the author etc, so the quotation doesn’t get mixed up with your own writing.

Citations and references Make sure you reference and cite all your work correctly. This is a tedious part of the architecture dissertation but extremely important to do it right.

You can find a guide about doing the Harvard referencing system which is most commonly used in UK universities, here: https://www.citethisforme.com/harvard-referencing

This page goes through the other citation styles and gives examples for each: https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/citation-styles/

Or you can refer to your own university library reference material to make sure you are carrying out your citations and references according to university guidelines.

Collect data The goal of your architecture dissertation should be to gather and interpret new data, rather than just regurgitating existing information.

Try to collect data that you can analyse and interpret rather than just writing descriptively about the topic.

Collection of data can include information from books as we have mentioned, but also reports, studies, statistical data, surveys, interviews, opinions, archived material, and so much more.

Be prepared to think openly, and think wide. By drawing on many different data sources and formats you will have a more rounded research pool to collect data and analyse going forward.

Our Architecture Dissertation Source Log

Our Dissertation Source log is a valuable tool for architecture students and researchers working on their dissertations. This spreadsheet can help you record all the key information on the sources you have used in your research.

It is also a great way to keep track of your research progress. As you add new sources to the spreadsheet, you can include notes on each source and its quality. This information can be helpful when you are writing your dissertation and need to refer back to your sources.

There are also columns where you can add in citations for each source. This means that all your references will be stored in one place, which will be super handy for when you come to create your bibliography.

The Architecture Dissertation Source Log is a free download. You can start filling it in right away or adjust and edit to your liking to make it your own.

Download your copy today!

As you analyse your data and research, your findings will shape your architecture dissertation, the topic and the big or small question that you are exploring. Make sure you leave the title, introduction and abstract till last.

There are different types of analysis when it comes to researching. The main ones you will be using for your architecture dissertation are visual analysis, textual analysis and historical analysis – although there are many more that you could draw on.

Obviously your choice of topic and question will determine what data you will be analysing but let’s look at this as an overview.

Textual content analysis This is a deep focus on the books, reports, papers and journals that you have identified as being an important part of your research. The areas you have ‘highlighted’ to be of interest should be studied in detail and notes taken as to why these points are important.

What is the author saying? Why is this important? How does it relate to your question, and your observations? Has the author written any other titles? Do they refer to other titles? Lots of questions to ask in order to draw out the information you are looking for.

Visual content analysis Visually, you will be looking at plans, maps, photographs and use your skills to question what you see. Analysis of the spaces, the site etc similar to a site analysis or precedent analysis .

There should be countless questions you could ask when analysing your visual findings, write down your observations.

Historical analysis Here you will focus on the historical events or situations that have had an impact on the topic or question that you are studying.

What were the circumstances at that time? Where do the ideas come from? What is the author focusing on? And so on.

Where appropriate, use maps, images, diagrams, drawings, surveys, time lines and data mapping to explore and present the data you have collected and analysed.

Check out our Mapping Techniques Pinterest board for some ideas:

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/1starchitecture/mapping-techniques/

The main things to consider here are:

What is your big question or topic?

What is the sub topic or smaller question that you are looking to answer?

What research and information will you draw on to answer the question?

How will you analyse the research?

How will you present or argue your findings?

Before presenting or putting together your final works, it is important to have a clear structure to your architecture dissertation and the research you have carried out.

By now, hopefully you will be clear on your topic and the question you are looking to answer. You will know what research you will draw on to inform your ideas, and how you will collect your data.

The clearer you can make your outline of how you want the structure of your dissertation to be, the easier it will be to write. If your ideas and concepts are in a muddle, the end result could mirror this.

Your university will most likely provide guidance on how you should structure your dissertation. Some UK university guidance examples include:

University of Westminster https://libguides.westminster.ac.uk/c.php?g=692395&p=4963012

University of Bath https://blogs.bath.ac.uk/academic-and-employability-skills/2020/07/07/writing-your-dissertations-structure-and-sections/

University of York https://subjectguides.york.ac.uk/dissertation/structure

In general a dissertation will typically follow the structure shown below:

Title Acknowledgements Abstract Table of contents List of figures and tables List of Abbreviations Glossary

Introduction Literature review Methodology Results Discussion Conclusion

Bibliography/Reference list Appendix

General Architecture Dissertation Tips 

1. Start work on your dissertation early.

2. Include references and citations to other scholars’ work.

3. Discuss the topic with other people.

4. Make the most of your tutorials, or any dedicated sessions.

5. Don’t get stuck on your title/topic. Let your data research lead and guide you.

6. Don’t feel you have to solve the world’s problems with your architecture dissertation. You are contributing to the research on a particular topic, don’t feel that your work has to result in a ground breaking solution to a worldwide problem.

7. Tell a story – make sure there is a flow to your architecture dissertation. Avoid using complex sentence structures and fancy words, make it readable. Always try to say more, with less – keep it simple.

8. Give yourself plenty of time to carry out your project from start to finish. Start early with your research – it takes a lot of time if it is to be done properly.

9. Make a schedule – dedicate chunks of time to your architecture dissertation. Ideally intersperse these studies with lighter tasks or something different like sport. It is difficult to write for more than 4 hours without becoming tired and inefficient so make sure your schedule allows for breaks and changes in activity.

10. If you are asking people for help in your data collection, make sure you give them lots of time to get back to you.

11. Be as direct and clear as you can in your writing, avoid fluffy over wordy sentences.

12. Make visual connections between your architecture dissertation topic and the way you design and set it up. Use a consistent style and readable fonts.

13. Get someone to proofread your work, ideally a couple of people.

14. Use your tutors for advice and guidance, that is what they are there for. Be sure to ask plenty of questions if you are not sure about something.

Topic Ideas

Here are some broad topic areas you could consider looking into when you are deciding what to write about.

1. Sustainable Architecture: This topic area focuses on designing and constructing buildings with a reduced environmental impact, incorporating energy-efficient systems, renewable materials, and sustainable design principles.

2. Urban Design and Planning: This area explores the planning, development, and design of cities and urban spaces, including aspects such as transportation systems, public spaces, infrastructure, and community development.

3. Historic Preservation and Conservation: This topic area delves into the preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings and sites, considering the cultural and historical significance of architecture and the methods used to protect and maintain them.

4. Housing and Residential Architecture: This area focuses on the design and planning of housing solutions, including affordable housing, sustainable housing, multi-family dwellings, and innovative approaches to residential architecture.

5. Interior Design and Space Planning: This topic area examines the design and arrangement of interior spaces, exploring aspects such as ergonomics, aesthetics, functionality, and the use of materials and finishes to create effective and appealing interior environments.

6. Landscape Architecture: This area explores the design and planning of outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, urban landscapes, and sustainable landscape design strategies that integrate natural and built elements.

7. Digital Design and Building Information Modeling (BIM): This topic area investigates the use of digital tools, technologies, and software in architectural design and construction processes, including topics like parametric design, computational design, and BIM implementation.

8. Cultural and Contextual Studies: This area examines the relationship between architecture and culture, exploring how buildings and urban environments reflect and influence social, cultural, and historical contexts.

9. Architectural Theory and Criticism: This topic area involves the exploration of theoretical concepts, critical analysis of architectural works, and the examination of philosophical, social, and cultural influences on architecture.

10. Human-Centred Design and Well-being: This area focuses on designing spaces that prioritise the well-being, comfort, and health of occupants, exploring topics such as biophilic design, universal design, and the impact of the built environment on human behaviour and psychology.

Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals. It’s also essential to conduct thorough research to ensure that your chosen topic has sufficient scholarly literature available for reference.

Example Architecture Dissertation Studies Here are some examples of other dissertation topics to get you inspired.

1. Sustainable Architecture: Exploring innovative design strategies for energy-efficient and environmentally conscious buildings.

2. Adaptive Reuse: Analysing the potential of transforming abandoned or underutilised structures into functional spaces while preserving their historical significance.

3. Urban Planning and Design: Investigating strategies for creating inclusive and livable cities through thoughtful urban design and infrastructure development.

4. Biophilic Design: Exploring the integration of nature and natural elements within built environments to enhance well-being and productivity.

5. Parametric Design: Investigating the applications of computational design techniques and algorithms in creating complex architectural forms and structures.

6. Affordable Housing: Analysing design approaches and policies that address the pressing need for affordable and accessible housing solutions in urban areas.

7. Post-Disaster Reconstruction: Examining architectural responses and strategies for rebuilding communities affected by natural disasters and creating resilient built environments.

8. Heritage Conservation: Investigating methods and principles for preserving and conserving historic buildings and sites while adapting them for contemporary use.

9. Smart Cities: Exploring the integration of advanced technologies and data-driven solutions in urban environments to improve efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

10. Cultural Identity in Architecture: Analysing how architecture can reflect and reinforce cultural identity, exploring the relationship between built form and cultural heritage.

Helpful Links:​

Books The Dissertation: A Guide for Architecture Students                   

Resources There will be loads of useful websites and databases that you can access through your university. A few examples include:

Jstor https://www.jstor.org/

The Courtauld Institute’s Conway Library https://photocollections.courtauld.ac.uk/menu-item1/conway-library

Arts & Architecture http://www.artsandarchitecture.com/

Harvard Digital Collection Library https://library.harvard.edu/digital-collections

Getty Publications Virtual Library https://www.getty.edu/publications/virtuallibrary/

RIBApix https://www.ribapix.com/#

Architectural Association Photo Library https://photolibrary.aaschool.ac.uk/index.php?WINID=1684503427358

Archigram Archive https://www.mplus.org.hk/en/collection/archives/archigram-archive-ca36/

You might also be interested in:

We also have lots of incredible architecture content. Be sure to check it out:

Download the Guide!

Download this helpful article as a pdf to keep for reference later!

We hope this post helps you get started on your architecture dissertation.

Wishing you the very best of luck with your work 🙂

Thank you for reading!

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2020 Student Thesis Showcase - Part IV

We are back with week four of the 2020 Student Thesis Showcase featuring five more projects from schools across the US and Canada! This week’s projects explore the role of drawing, language, and machine learning in the creation of buildings and urban landscapes. Check back on August 21 for the next group of projects. Make sure to check out Part I,   Part II , and Part III of this series!

After b y Jerome Tryon, M.Arch ‘20 Yale University / Advisors: Aniket Shahane and Kyle Dugdale Presented as part of the CriticalMASS Symposium at UNC Charlotte

As a drawing project, this thesis explored how memory, despite inherent tensions and contradictions, allows us to operate in our world. Often, the misalignments between memory and the real world are overlooked but drawing from memory forces the issues forward. The inherent tension between drawings and reality can be another means to think about and conceptualize architectural space. 

There is a thin line between remembering and inventing. This boundary influences how we draw and how we read drawings. Our brains process imagery in particular ways, seeking to synthesize the drawing elements into a whole, even if it is made of complex and even contradictory components. Similarly, when one thinks of a memory image it can seem complete, but the act of drawing brings forth contradictions or incomplete spots in the memory image, encouraging imagination and invention to fill in the gaps. 

Architectural drawing conventions can be used to map the reading of a drawing, revealing the perception of virtual space within a drawing. Using convention in this way can show a multiplicity of outcomes within a single drawing. This multiplicity captures and even embraces the uncertainty found in memory-images. This enables a drawing, just like a memory-image, to stimulate the mind’s natural capacity for invention.

architecture of {ai} language by Yanci Chen, Yining Yuan, Zhipeng Liu University of Michigan / Advisors: Matias del Campo & Sandra Manninger Awarded the Honorable Mention Burton L. Kampner Memorial Award

For a long time, the written or spoken word has been considered just a tracing of architecture; an always less than adequate reflection of “reality.” However, language itself constitutes a “reality” which, while it may be different from other senses, is nonetheless equivalent. For this thesis, the core concept is a bilateral system. We started with questioning the role of language in architecture and then explored the possibility of how language can influence architecture in the age of artificial intelligence. The role of language in architecture, as proposed by Adrian Forty in his book “ Words and Buildings: A Vocabulary of Modern Architecture,” is a major part of an architect’s production along with drawing. However, unlike drawing, where the medium is mainly controlled by architects, architects’ command of language will always be disputed by every other language user. 

In a broader context, the shift from computer-aided design to computer-suggested design is happening. How does language influence architecture? What are the roles of artificial intelligence and language in architecture? Both artificial intelligence and language contribute to building a system that any user could manipulate. AttnGAN, a text to image generation algorithm, is applied to build the suggestive design system. It analyzes training sets to generate images based on the input sentences. The outcome image will constantly be iterated based on changing input sentences. The training database used is the “Common Object in Context Database,” which gives the algorithm the capacity to understand most words in common context.

In this thesis, language is introduced as an initial point and a computer-suggested design system has been developed applying AttnGAN. We explored and built a new design system to create the “Architecture of Language” and set the future city Xiong’an as a specific context. Varied sources of text have been collected, including movie scripts and development goals, for Xiong’an to produce images that will be translated into three-dimensional space. This process happens repeatedly from city-scale to architectural scale and, finally, to the human-scale. The spatial model presents a unique spatial quality and an intensive visual impact. 

For more information, please visit http://architecture-of-language.site/ and https://youtu.be/j5fLMLvQjaU .

Towards a Kosher Architecture by Solomon Cohen, M.Arch ’20 @solomoncohen University of Washington / Advisors: Steve Badanes, Jake LaBarre Winner of the UW Department of Architecture Thesis Prize

This thesis explores the spatial and material evolution of the Sukkah, a ritual hut built and occupied by Jews throughout the diaspora every year during the harvest festival Sukkot. From its ancient, nomadic origins to its role in contemporary practice, the holiday celebrates fundamental issues of memory, connection, and community through a set of rigorously defined theological mandates. Motivated by the radical potential of these small-scale structures, and their associated rituals to activate and transform public life, this thesis challenges traditional notions of temporality in the practice and observance of Sukkot.

This liturgical practice of critique and analysis is built into the faith through the Talmud, an ongoing commentary that judiciously examines Jewish civil and ceremonial laws. In an effort to contribute to that tradition, the proposed narrative was framed around the design of a series of allegorical Sukkot for a Jewish community in Tumwater, Washington. The eight reconfigurable huts were conceived to reinforce the sacred cultural charge of the typology by extending its occupation into the remaining 51 weeks of the Jewish calendar. Through this narrative approach, a contemporary Sukkah can be repositioned to play a more impactful role in the daily practice of Jewish life beyond the festival and into the rest of the year.

Apical by Jacob Monroe, M.Arch ’20 Washington State University / Advisor: Omar Al-Hassawi This project won third place in an internal competition organized by the School of Design and Construction sponsored by Katerra and Idaho Forest Product Services.

This project develops an infrastructure to address this issue, filling the gaps that many struggling communities find coincide with one another. New technology allows for higher efficiency farming to happen in our cities using hydroponics. Strategies have also recently been developed to grow low impact, organic brick materials called Biomasonry (Dosier).

Using organic waste from hydroponic farming as a solid medium for brick growth, the farms can then produce the materials needed to develop housing. These bricks have many of the same benefits that mass timber possesses. Made of organic material that sequesters carbon, they also further the efficiencies of distribution by containing the material’s life cycle entirely on-site.

Self-contained farming towers are built first, immediately starting production of both food and building materials, fitting in with the industrial context within which the site currently sits. As the farms produce the necessary bricks, housing units are built over a 15 year period. This allows for the building to grow with the neighborhood, combatting the gentrification that would occur if all units were placed on-site based on the population growth predicted for the next decade.

This self-contained farming block is not bound to this site, as it addresses the food desert and low-income neighborhood setting found in most cities around the world. Producing the food people need congruently with the low cost, low impact materials needed to build homes is economically and environmentally sustainable.

A Model Family in a Model Home by Tara Shi, M.Arch ‘20 @tara__shi University of California at Berkeley / Advisors: Neyran Turan and Greg Castillo

Within its urban fabric, the American suburb was designed to be divided by race and class, and to a great extent, remains so today. Less understood is how this ethos extends inside of the suburban home, codified in architecture that separates occupants based on gender, class, race, and citizenship status.

Haunted by the social dynamics of past societies, the home today has inherited a cumulative disposition that reveals some occupants while hiding others. An unsettling feeling takes root when one realizes how unnatural and deeply entrenched these assumptions are. The home emerges not as a place of pleasure but rather as a site of familiar horror .

Across the country, the singularly crafted house has given way to fields of identical houses constructed en masse by real estate corporations. Within each of these buildings, the same basic logic plays out. The power of these duplicated forms is further amplified by another repetition — the story of its smiling occupants. Appearing in real estate and bank ads, TV shows, films, and the entourage of architectural renderings, the model family in the model home is ever-present.

This thesis borrows the model home as a narrative device and plays off the home’s internal scripts to dispel some of the familiar horror . Presented as a plan and a series of stills, “A Model Family in a Model Home” explores other possibilities of domestic life. Instead of rejecting the developer’s logic wholesale, three inversions of scale, material, and adjacency offer a new prototype for a McMansion.

Check back next week for Part V. Until then, visit @imadethat_ on instagram for more inspiration.

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About Study Architecture

Undergraduate Thesis

Preparing for Thesis

• Elements of Thesis
• List of References
• Images and Figures
• Library Home

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Thesis Writing Guides

Getting Started - Topic Selection

Check out our Thesis Finding Aid to see topics previous students have chosen. 

Brainstorm for ideas - what problem(s) might you address through design.

• choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature
• ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available
• make a list of keywords
• be flexible
• define your topic as a focused research question
• research and read more about your topic
• use your question to formulate a thesis statement

For more ideas check out our guide on How to Write an Academic Paper

Types of Architectural Research

There are many types of research in architecture but they all share the same goal to create new architectural knowledge. The books on this page provide more information on conducting research. Depending on your thesis topic you may choose to apply any research methods, but each thesis includes at a minimum the following:

• Literature Review - A summary and analysis of published sources on the thesis topic that brings the reader up to date with current thinking.
• Case Studies - Built projects relevant to the thesis topic which are analyzed for ideas and inspiration. Usually include images, data, drawings, and description and analysis of the project. 
• Physical model - A scale model physical representation of the design solution intended to demonstrate the space and communicate design ideas. 

Some other approaches include questionnaires, surveys, interviews, site analysis, demographics, digital models, materials research, performativity tests, consumer research, or financial viability. They are all valid. The type of research you do will be determined by your research question. 

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Architecture Thesis Projects: A Comprehensive List of 30 Topics to Pick From (Updated 2024)

Neha Sharma

13 min read

March 18, 2024

Table of Contents

Architecture Thesis: A culmination of all those years of intense training, sleepless nights, countless submissions and unforgettable memories. The grand finale!

It is a real test to showcase all the skills you’ve gained over the years in a single project. Naturally, choosing the right topic from an ocean of architecture thesis topics is one of the biggest challenges you can face as a final year student, as the topic itself may define the trajectory of your thesis!

To ease your conflicted mind, we have curated a comprehensive list of popular architecture thesis projects you might want to explore in your final year, along with links to relevant theses across the internet for your ready reference.

Go on, have a look! What sparks your interest?

Housing/ Residential Projects

1. Affordable Housing

“Housing for all” is a major goal developing countries are striving to achieve. Not everyone has the resources to own a house or even rent one out. Conscious and well-planned housing design can turn cities into places where owning a house is not merely a dream. And architects can play a pivotal role in achieving this noble goal.

2. Gated Communities

With the city centres choking with pollution, traffic congestion and over-population, many people are now moving to the suburbs in closed, secure and private gated communities. These colonies circumference almost every major city now, with more emerging as you read. A gated community design could be an interesting (though slightly controversial) architecture thesis topic to explore residential neighbourhood planning.

3. Modular/ Disaster Relief/ Emergency Shelters

Land and resources are limited but the demand for them only keeps increasing giving rise to environmental hazards like deforestation, pollution and depletion of natural assets. In a rapidly changing, calamity-prone world, the design of modular, mobile, disaster relief shelters is the need of the hour!

4. Slum Redevelopment

Urban informality may be a fascinating, complex issue to tackle for your architecture thesis projects. Many people have varied opinions on the dense, informal urban developments popularly known as ‘slums’ , but few are willing to tackle the difficult issue from top to bottom (or bottom up!). Are you one of the few?

Institutional Projects

5. Educational and Skill-Training Institutions

Schools play an important role in shaping a person and are key in bringing up generations of bright individuals. Educational and skill-training institutions have vast options, ranging from kindergartens to higher-education institutes; schools of dance to special-needs institutes ! Ready to shape minds?

6. Rehabilitation and Wellness Institutions

A sound mind and sound body are key to a happy life!

Unfortunately, sometimes individuals have to be institutionalised to get their health back on track. Rehabilitation centres and centres for people with depression or trauma aim at people’s mental wellness, while public gyms and civic sports centres aim at people’s physical wellness. If healing architecture and landscape is something you like, this could be the best architecture thesis topic for you!

7. Research Institutions

Progress in science, technology and humanities improves our way of living and ensures our well-being. The Sheldon Coopers among us wouldn’t be happy to see any fewer research centres and laboratories than there are!

Public Infrastructure Projects

8. Hospitals

Healthcare services are undoubtedly the most important services any region needs. The pandemic has made us understand how under-equipped even the best hospitals can be and so there is an even bigger reason for every hospital, be it multi-speciality/ speciality , maternity, special needs, public or private , to be as well designed as possible. This, more than ever, is the need of the hour and can make for a pressing architecture thesis project.

9. Transit Hubs

Airports , Bus Terminals , Railway Stations , Inland Waterways, Seaports.

Do you love to travel? Have you ever waited for a train and imagined how much better that railway station could be? Then what are you waiting for? Be the change!

10. Sports Stadia

Remember that first stadium experience of watching a cricket or football match? The energy of the crowd, the adrenaline rush! Most group sports stadia ( Cricket , Football , Hockey, Baseball, etc) and sports cities require meticulous study before designing, making a very suitable architecture thesis project for students.

11. Urban/Street Redevelopment

How often do we walk the streets of our cities and almost die because a bike passed within inches of us? Street redevelopment projects catering to pedestrianisation are proven to improve the lives of millions and are rapidly gaining urgency in the urban design domain.

These projects often require extensive site study. Not sure what all to cover in your site analysis? Read - Site Analysis Categories You Need to Cover For Your Architecture Thesis Project .

12. Waterfront Development

Rivers are considered sacred and life-giving across the world. The pitiful conditions of water bodies today have led urban designers to take up River/Canal-front Development Projects which aim at minimising water pollution, a smooth transition from land to water, and ultimately encouraging visitors for leisure and fun activities.

13. Public Parks and Plazas

Parks are the lungs of the concrete jungles many of us live in. After a day of intense work, all we need is some greenery and fresh air; or to grab a beer at that corner cafe in the city square! The design of public parks, plazas and playgrounds could be the best architecture thesis topic for an urban/landscape enthusiast.

14. Social Infrastructure

A robust, well-functioning society accommodates and facilitates the wellness of all its citizens and living beings. Infrastructure like orphanages , nursing homes , animal shelters , night shelters , daycare centres, banks, prisons , juvenile schools, community development centres , and many more tend to those social needs of the society which cannot be overlooked. Inclined towards public welfare? Look no further!

Socio-Cultural Projects

15. Community and Convention Centres

Humans are social animals. Now and then, we crave a meet-and-greet. Community and Convention Centres cater to this very need, and exploring the design angles for human interaction may be something worthy of your architecture thesis project. Be ready for competition though, this is one of the most popular architecture thesis topics students undertake!

16. Museums and Libraries

The culture-lovers among us would understand the value of a good museum or library and appreciate a well-designed one. Be it a museum of arts and crafts, culture, architecture , history or science, if the give and take of knowledge through some entertainment and delight (infotainment) is something you see yourself doing, then this could be the best architecture thesis topic for you.

17. Memorials

Memorials are the physical manifestations of the struggles endured, victories earned and life-changing events in history. They remind us to never forget the past, hoping for a better future at the same time, making memorial design both a fascinating yet weighted exercise.

18. Places of Worship/ Spiritual Centres

One cannot separate a human from their faith. Having a place to worship or connect with one’s spiritual self is as important to a human as going to school or a cinema hall. Places of worship like temples, churches, masjids, gurudwaras, monasteries , etcetera; and spiritual or meditation centres serve as places for gathering and become important landmarks in a settlement.

Conservation and Heritage Projects

19. Conservation of Heritage Structures

Conservation of the priceless built heritage like palaces, monuments, places of worship, ancient settlements, etc has always been on the agenda of organisations like UNESCO and the Archeological Survey of India. If historical significance gets your heart rate up, hi history nerd! Help in conserving our heritage structures !

20. Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Buildings

History nerd, if you’re still here, here’s another architecture thesis topic for you. Some heritage can be conserved to attract tourists and some that are too out-of-order could be modified and reused for a different purpose, generating economy. Converting royal palaces into heritage hotels, a king’s court into an emergency ward for covid patients or factories into community spaces, adaptive reuse of the built form requires fine skill, respect for heritage, and an active imagination!

Offices/ Corporate Projects

21. Government Buildings

Workspaces for all government officials are mandatory for smooth administration. The scale of government buildings is diverse, from the Central Vista Redevelopment Project (*ahem*) to a district-sessions court. Some common categories are high courts, government-owned banks, secretariat and corporation buildings , income-tax offices, assembly and gathering centres , media offices and so on.

Sounds boring? Don’t be so sure. What originally sounds typical is where there is maximum potential to surprise your critics!

22. Corporate Office Towers

We all have seen or at least talked about the famous corporate jungles of our towns. They not only serve as important landmarks but help in increasing the economic value of a region (Very SEZ-y!). If you wanna tame the jungle, you could explore corporate office-building design for your architecture thesis topic.

23. Co-working and Remote-working Spaces

A popular trend before COVID was sharing workspaces, which now have the potential to be thought of as remote-working spaces! Rethinking the design of co-working spaces is very relevant to the times and has great scope for innovation.

With the times we live in, this could be the best architecture thesis topic!

Entertainment and Commercial Projects

24. Theatres and Auditoria

Who doesn’t like good showtime with family and friends? Theatres, auditoria and performance centres are the core of spaces showcasing and witnessing talent, and fall under another typology which has the potential to be reworked post-pandemic. The design of such entertainment stations can test the knowledge of large-span structures without losing a strong grip on creativity and functionality.

25. Multiplexes and Malls

Malls and multiplexes are very popular among the masses as they possess multiple brands of shopping, entertainment and food centres. Whether or not you agree with the mall typology, more keep coming up in growing towns every year. So why not study how they work and improve the concept for your architecture thesis project? The consumerist urbania will thank you!

26. Marketplaces

Shopping for groceries and essential commodities is a frequent need, and most people head to a single marketplace for all their essential goods shopping. A place with a high frequency of movement requires meticulous and thorough design, but can also be one of the most fun challenges to take up! Think farmer markets, community-owned produce markets, mandis, harbour fish markets, and flea markets, the possibilities are endless!

27. Mixed-Use Hubs

Taking your design challenge up a notch is by taking up a mixed-use hub . This is a high-density area that caters to more than one function and has mega economic value. It could be a combination of residential, commercial, institutional, or hospitality, commercial and public space, or much more. This concept is taken to another level by bringing transit hubs into the fray with transit-oriented development!

28. Film, Photo and Animation Studios

The use of digital media has increased multifold in the past couple of decades. A lot of creatives express themselves through digital content, increasing the need for more film , photo, animation and integrated studios . Since these functions can be highly specialised, there is a lot of potential to do impressive research for your architecture thesis project!

Hospitality and Tourism Projects

29. Eco-Tourism Resorts and Visiting Centres

Imagine spending a weekend at a secluded place, close to nature, with all the facilities you need to relax and just de-stress! Ecological resorts and tourist visiting centres aim to cause as little damage to the environment as possible. Keen on environmental sustainability, eco-tourism resorts should be encouraged in the tourism and hospitality industry and make for very relevant architecture thesis topics.

Landscape architecture enthusiasts, where are you all at?

30. Backpacker Lodging/ Youth Hostels

While the question of travel arises, not everyone can afford finely kempt hotels or resorts to lodge at. The youth may opt for backpacking trips to save money as well as to have an interesting experience! Backpacking/ youth hostels like Zostel and Nomads World are buzzing for their affordability, convenience and prospects of networking with like-minded people. If this is your jam, consider creating innovative spaces for it!

Futuristic/ Sci-fi/ Conceptual Projects

How about a settlement on Mars? Or a concert hall in the air? A transit hub of 2050? A forest within the city? Perhaps a residential colony on the water!

Such futuristic or conceptual architecture thesis topics are all the more enthralling as they might not have any precedents. They stretch a creative brain to its limit, and in the process may transform into a brilliant idea. Challenging conventions, thinking out of the box and taking up a futuristic architecture thesis project could be your achievement (both in design and in convincing the faculty) as a young designer!

Having read about some common architecture thesis topics, it is important to know that you must not be limited to the above list. Your architecture thesis is your own brainchild, and it does not need to conform or even fit within a category.

A great architecture thesis is also a key ingredient in creating a kickass architecture portfolio ! So give your all. Who knows, you may even end up receiving an award for your architecture thesis !

Hoping you found the inspiration you were looking for!

Need more guidance with your architecture thesis project? Head straight to our A-Z Architecture Thesis Guide !

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Selected Architecture Thesis Projects: Fall 2020

Clockwise from top left: “Citing the Native Genius” by Taylor Cook, “Pair of Dice, Para-Dice, Paradise: A Counter-Memorial to Victims of Police Brutality” by Calvin Boyd, “The Magic Carpet” by Goli Jalali, “Stacked Daydreams: Ceiling-Scape for the Neglected” by Zai Xi Jeffrey Wong, and “Up from the Past: Housing as Reparations on Chicago’s South Side” by Isabel Strauss

Five films showcase a selection of Fall 2020 thesis projects from the Department of Architecture.

Pair of Dice, Para-Dice, Paradise: A Counter-Memorial to Victims of Police Brutality

This thesis is a proposal for a counter-memorial to victims of police brutality. The counter-memorial addresses scale by being both local and national, addresses materiality by privileging black aesthetics over politeness, addresses presence/absence by being more transient than permanent, and lastly, addresses site by being collective rather than singular. The result is an architecture that plays itself out over 18,000 police stations across America and the Washington Monument at the National Mall, two sites that are intrinsically linked through the architecture itself: negative “voids” at police stations whose positive counterparts aggregate at the Mall.

The critical question here is whether or not the system in which police brutality takes place can be reformed from within, or if people of color need to seek their utopia outside of these too-ironclad structures. This counter-memorial, when understood as an instrument of accountability (and therefore a real-time beacon that measures America’s capacity to either change or otherwise repeat the same violent patterns), ultimately provides us with an eventual answer.

Author: Calvin Boyd, MArch I 2020 Advisor: Jon Lott , Assistant Professor of Architecture Duration: 11 min, 2 sec

Thesis Helpers: Shaina Yang (MArch I 2021), Rachel Coulomb (MArch I 2022)

The Magic Carpet

The Persian Carpet and the Persian Miniature painting have served as representation tools for the Persian Gar­den and the idea of paradise in Persian culture since antiquity. The word paradise derives from the Persian word pari-daeza meaning “walled enclosure.” The garden is always walled and stands in opposition to its landscape. This thesis investigates the idea of a contemporary image of paradise in the Iranian imagination by using carpets and miniature paintings as a tool for designing architecture. The garden, with its profound associations, provided a world of metaphor for the classical mystic poets. One of the manuscripts describing the Persian garden is called Haft Paykar – known as the Seven Domes – written by the 12th century Persian poet called Nizami. These types of manuscripts were made for Persian kings and contain within them miniature paintings and poetry describing battles, romances, tragedies, and triumphs that compromise Iran’s mythical and pre-Islamic history. The carpet is the repeating object in the minia­ture paintings of the manuscript. This thesis deconstructs the carpet in seven ways in order to digitally reconstruct the miniature paintings of the Seven Domes and the image of paradise with new techniques.

Author: Goli Jalali, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Jennifer Bonner , Associate Professor of Architecture Duration: 8min, 28 sec

Up from the Past: Housing as Reparations on Chicago’s South Side

Do people know what the Illinois Institute of Technology and the South Side Planning Board and the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois and the United States government did to the Black Metropolis? If they know, do they care? Is it too hard to hold these entities accountable? If we held them accountable, could we find justice for those that were displaced? What would justice look like? What comes after Mecca? What types of spaces come after Mecca? Are they different than what was there before? Are they already there? What defines them? Can Reparations be housing? How many people are already doing this work? How many people are doing this work in academia? On the ground? Is the word “Reparations” dead? What do we draw from? Who is this for? Do white men own the legacy of the architecture that defined the Black Metropolis? How personal should this work be? How anecdotal? How quantitative? Does the design need to be inherently spatial? Or atmospheric? What should it feel like? How do I draw a feeling in Rhino? What are radical ways of looking? How do we reclaim racialized architecture? Do we? Should we even talk about these things?

Author: Isabel Strauss, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Oana Stanescu , Design Critic in Architecture Duration: 4 min, 4 sec

Soundtrack Created By: Edward Davis (@DJ Eway) Production Support: Adam Maserow , Evan Orf , Glen Marquardt Collaborators: Rekha Auguste Nelson , Farnoosh Rafaie , Zena Mariem Mengesha , Edward Davis (DJ Eway) Special Thanks: Caleb Negash , Tara Oluwafemi , Maggie Janik , Ann Whiteside , Dana McKinney Guidance: Stephen Gray , John Peterson , Chris Herbert , Cecilia Conrad , Lawrence J. Vale , Ilan Strauss , Mark Lee , Iman Fayyad , Jennifer Bonner , Mindy Pugh , Peter Martinez Collage Credits: Adler and Sullivan , Bisa Butler , Carrie Mae Weems , Dawoud Bey , Deborah Roberts , Ebony G Patterson , Ellen Gallagher , Frank Lloyd Wright , Howardena Pindell , Jordan Casteel , Kerry James Marshall , Latoya Ruby Frazier , Lelaine Foster , Lorna Simpson , Mark Bradford , Mickalene Thomas , Mies van der Rohe , Nick Cave , Njideka Akunyili Crosby , Romare Bearden , Sadie Barnette More Information: architectureofreparations.cargo.site

Stacked Daydreams: Ceiling‐Scape for the Neglected

Elderly Care Adaptive Reuse of Hong Kong’s Vertical Factory

This thesis operates at the intersection of three domains of neglect:

• In the realm of building elements, the ceiling is often considered as an afterthought in the design process.
• Across building types, the vertical factory sits abandoned and anachronistic to its surroundings. It spiraled into disuse due to Hong Kong’s shifting economic focus.
• In society, the elderly are often subjected to social neglect, seen as a financial burden, and forced toward the fringes of society.

These parts experience obsolescence that led to indifference, and subsequently to boredom. I intend to draw the parallel of deterioration between the body of the elderly and the body of the vertical factory. Using a set of ceiling parts in the manner of prosthetics to reactivate the spaces into elderly care facilities, revert boredom to daydreams, and reimagine the concept of elderhood as an experimental second stage of life.

Author: Zai Xi Jeffrey Wong, MArch I AP 2021 Advisor: Eric Höweler , Associate Professor of Architecture & Architecture Thesis Coordinator Duration: 4 min, 53 sec

Citing the Native Genius

Reconstructing vernacular architecture in Hawai’i

For over 120 years, Americanization has tried to demean and erase Hawaiian language, culture, and architecture. In contemporary discourse, the vernacular architecture of Hawai’i is mostly referred to as ancient and vague. As with many Indigenous cultures, Western perspectives tend to fetishize or patronize the Hawaiian design aesthetic. Within this hierarchy of knowledge is a systemic assumption that Hawaiian vernacular architecture cannot effectively serve as a precedent resource for contemporary architects. Those who do reference the original vernacular will often classify it as utilitarian or resourceful. Regardless of intent, this narrative takes design agency away from the people involved. As a corrective, a respectful use of vernacular domestic form would benefit designers that are struggling to connect with Hawai’i’s cultural and architectural traditions.

Mining the European gaze and influence out of revivalist publications, archeological surveys and historic images reveal unique characteristics of Hawaiian domestic space. Geometric quotation and symbolic referencing are the foundational instruments in applying the discrete components, form, and organizational logic of the vernacular. The result is a design process that creates an amalgamation of decolonized form and contemporary technique. This residential project intends to revive Hawai’i’s erased domestic experience by revisiting the precolonial vernacular form and plan.

Author: Taylor Cook, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Jeffry Burchard , Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture Duration: 5 min, 13 sec

Special Thanks: Jeffry Burchard, Cameron Wu, Kanoa Chung, Nik Butterbaugh, Carly Yong, Vernacular Pacific LLC More Information: www.vernacularhawaii.com

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the galleries in Gund Hall have been turned ‘inside out,’ with exhibitions shown through a series of exterior projections on the building’s facade. View some images from the screening of these films below:

Architecture: Thesis Preparation

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In an article in the July 24 1974 issue of Architect's Journal, Jeremy Baker talks about the student thesis as a way of providing students with "greater awareness of the world." Library research can help to provide the framework as well as set the boundaries for the design project.  Good research techniques can make the process both expedient and enjoyable.

Writing Your Thesis

Guidelines for starting your thesis, courtesy of UC Berkeley

https://slc.berkeley.edu/writing-worksheets-and-other-writing-resources/building-thesis

Thesis Organization

• Objectives, Scope and Limitations
• Description of the research
• Conclusions/Summary of the work
• List of Case studies
• List of references/literature case studies for thesis research work
• Identification of the project site

Harvard Guide to Using Sources

Harvard Guide to Using Sources : The Harvard Guide to Using Sources is an easily accessible introductory guide to use of sources. It includes tips for students on finding, choosing, and integrating reliable sources into academic writing. The Guide provides examples of MLA, APA, and Chicago styles of citation and includes information on avoiding plagiarism.

Past Thesis and Thesis Prep Books

The Libraries maintains online documentation of past Super Jury award winners and other theses receiving a B+ or better grade.  They are available on  SURFACE , the Syracuse University database of scholarly works, by searching for "School of Architecture Theses."

Click Here  for an easy link to the list of available theses.

General Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with your topic.

Be sure you are able to answer the following questions before beginning your research:  Take a journalistic approach to gathering information. Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? ​

Gather background information  about your topic using reference sources.

Reference books provide important information on a topic, include specific details, and point to other useful sources of information. They point the way into the core literature of a topic contained in books, journals, reports, and many other types of publications. They can also summarize, digest, or review the literature on a topic in ways that save you time and energy. Knowing the reference sources in your discipline can increase the efficiency of your searches by enabling you to better focus your questions.

The Search Plan

Define the topic.

Determine the component parts.  If the topic is fairly broad, start with the narrowest concept.  If your topic is very narrow, begin your research using broad terms.

Gear your searching to the resource.  For example, when searching subject specific periodical databases, use terms the least common to the discipline.

Review your results and refine your search as necessary.  Broaden the terms if you need more information. Narrow the terms to limit the amount of information retrieved.

Synthesize the information.  Determine if and what additional information is needed.

Actively seek out alternative views  as a way of testing your theory.

Begin your research in the architectural literature.

Search Strategies

Familiarize yourself with your topic before beginning your research.  This will save time later. This includes determining the appropriate search terms to use. Include synonyms and related terms.

Modify your search as necessary , including searching related resources or additional databases not as closely linked to your subject. These sources may include relevant information.

Know the nature and parameters of the reference tool(s) you are searching.  Certain reference works only cover particular time periods or may not be comprehensive in scope. For instance, most online databases begin their coverage in the 1970s-80s.

Make the fullest use possible of reference tools , including bibliographies and footnotes which can lead you to other sources.

Read the source carefully . Note organizational differences between tools.

Library Services

Off-desk Consultations

Students are encouraged to make appointments with  Barbara Opar  and/or other subject librarians as appropriate.  You may contact Barbara by email at  [email protected]  or at 443-3518 (King + King Architecture Library) preferably, 443-2905 (452 Bird Library). For assistance in other subject areas see the following list of  subject specialists .

Special orders

The Library may be able to order new architecture books or other materials to assist you. If you have specific requests, contact Barbara.

Extended loan period

Thesis and thesis prep. students are given graduate status in terms of library circulation privileges. Stack books circulate for one year. See Barbara for details or special requests.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

ILL obtains materials (books, periodical articles) not available within the Syracuse Libraries system. ILL requests may be submitted online using the appropriate form found online at  Interlibrary Loan .  Periodical articles will be made available electronically. Books will be delivered to Bird Library or Carnegie Library. Thesis Prep, thesis and graduate students are eligible for delivery of most materials directly to the King + King Architecture Library. Services are free of charge. To submit a book request, it is suggested that you use WorldCat to locate the citation. To submit a periodical article request, it is suggested that you use the SU links tab on the specific database citation page.

Delivery Service

Thesis students are eligible to have circulating books from Bird, Carnegie and Interlibrary Loan delivered to King + King Architecture Library. Prior sign up is required. See Barbara for details.

Sample thesis prep books

Select (B+ and above) books are available through the Library's institutional repository,  SURFACE .

Citation guidance

RefWorks (Databases tab) is one of the many sources available for proper formatting of your bibliography and notes.

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20 Types of Architecture thesis topics

An architectural thesis is perhaps the most confusing for a student because of the range of typologies of buildings that exist. It also seems intimidating to pick your site program and do all the groundwork on your own. While choosing an architectural thesis topic, it is best to pick something that aligns with your passion and interest as well as one that is feasible. Out of the large range of options, here are 20 architectural thesis topics .

1. Slum Redevelopment (Urban architecture)

Slums are one of the rising problems in cities where overcrowding is pertinent. To account for this problem would be one of great value to the city as well as the inhabitants of the slum. It provides them with better sanitation and well-being and satisfies their needs.

2. Maggie Center (Healthcare architecture)

This particular typology of buildings was coined by a cancer patient,  Margaret Keswick Jencks,   who believed that cancer-treatment centres’ environment could largely improve their health and wellbeing by better design. This led a large number of starchitects to participate and build renowned maggie centres.

3. Urban Sprawl Redesign (Urban design)

The widening of city boundaries to accommodate migrants and overcrowding of cities is very common as of late. To design for the constant urban sprawl would make the city life more convenient and efficient for all its users.

4. Redesigning Spaces Under Elevated Roads and Metros (Urban infrastructure)

A lot of space tends to become dead space under metros or elevated roads. To use these spaces more efficiently and engage them with the public would make it an exciting thesis topic.

5. Urban Parks (Urban landscape)

Urban parks are not only green hubs for the city, which promotes the well-being of the city on a larger level, but they also act as great places for the congregation and bring a community together.

6. Reusing Abandoned Buildings (Adaptive reuse)

All buildings after a point become outdated and old but, what about the current old and abandoned buildings? The best way to respond to these is not by demolishing them; given the amount of effort it takes to do so, but to enhance them by restoring and changing the building to current times.

7. Farming in Cities (Green urban spaces)

With climate change and population on the rise, there is statistical proof that one needs to start providing farming in cities as there is not sufficient fertile land to provide for all. Therefore, this makes a great thesis topic for students to explore.

8. Jails (Civil architecture)

To humanize the function of jails, to make it a place of change and rehabilitation, and break from the stereotypical way of looking at jails. A space that will help society look at prisoners as more than monsters that harm, and as fellow humans that are there to change for everyone’s betterment.

9. Police Academies (Civil architecture)

Academies that train people to be authoritative and protective require spaces for training mentally and physically; focussing on the complexity of the academy and focussing on the user to enhance their experience would work in everyone’s favour.

10. High Court (Civil architecture)

Courtrooms are more often than not looked at as spaces that people fear, given the longevity of court cases. It can be a strenuous space; therefore, understanding the user groups’ state of mind and the problems faced can be solved using good design. 

11. Disaster-resilient structures (Disaster-relief architecture)

Natural disasters are inevitable. Disaster-resilient structures are build suitably for the natural disasters of the region while also incorporating design into it, keeping in mind the climatic nature of the location.

12. Biophilic design (Nature-inspired architecture)

As humans, we have an innate love for nature, and the struggle between integrating nature and architecture is what biophilic design aims towards. To pick a topic where one would see minimal use of natural elements and incorporate biophilic design with it would be very beneficial.

13. Metro stations and Bus terminals (Transportation spaces)

Bus terminals and metro stations are highly functional spaces that often get crowded; and to account for the crowd and the problems that come with it, plus elevate the experience of waiting or moving, would contribute to making it a good thesis topic.

14. Airport design (Transportation spaces)

Airport designing is not very uncommon; however, it is a rather complex program to crack; thereby, choosing this topic provides you with the opportunity to make this space hassle-free and work out the most efficient way to make this conducive for all types of users.

15. Sports Complex (Community architecture)

If your passion lies in sports, this is a go-to option. Each sport is played differently, different materials are used, and the nature of the sport and its audience is rather complicated. However, to combine this and make it a cohesive environment for all kinds of users would make a good thesis topic.

16. Stadium (Community architecture)

Unlike a sports complex, one could also pick one sport and look at the finer details, create the setting, and experience for it; by designing it to curate a nice experience for the players, the public, and the management.

17. Waste-recycling center (Waste management)

Reducing waste is one of the most fundamental things we must do as humans. Spaces where recycling happens must be designed consciously. Just like any other space, it has been given importance over the years, and this would make a good thesis topic to provide the community with.

18. Crematorium (Public architecture)

Cremation of a loved one or anyone for that matter is always a rather painful process and a range of emotions is involved when it comes to this place. Keeping in mind the different types of people and emotions and making your thesis about this would mean to enhance this experience while still keeping the solemnity of it intact.

19. Museums (Community architecture)

Museums are spaces of learning, and the world has so much to offer that one could always come up with different typologies of museums and design according to the topic of one’s interest. Some of the examples would be cultural heritage, modern art, museum of senses, and many more.

20. Interpretation center (Community architecture)

An interpretation center is a type of museum located near a site of historical, cultural, or natural relevance that provides information about the place of interest through various mediums.

References:

• 2022. 68 Thesis topics in 5 minutes . [image] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NczdOK7oe98&ab_channel=BlessedArch> [Accessed 1 March 2022].
• Bdcnetwork.com. 2022. Biophilic design: What is it? Why it matters? And how do we use it? | Building Design + Construction . [online] Available at: <https://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/biophilic-design-what-it-why-it-matters-and-how-do-we-use-it> [Accessed 1 March 2022].
• RTF | Rethinking The Future. 2022. 20 Thesis topics related to Sustainable Architecture – RTF | Rethinking The Future . [online] Available at: <https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/rtf-fresh-perspectives/a1348-20-thesis-topics-related-to-sustainable-architecture/> [Accessed 1 March 2022].
• Wdassociation.org. 2022. A List Of Impressive Thesis Topic Ideas In Architecture . [online] Available at: <https://www.wdassociation.org/a-list-of-impressive-thesis-topic-ideas-in-architecture.aspx> [Accessed 1 March 2022].

Online Course – The Ultimate Architectural Thesis Guide

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Flora is a student of architecture, with a passion for psychology and philosophy. She loves merging her interests and drawing parallels to solve and understand design problems. As someone that values growth, she uses writing as a medium to share her learning and perspective.

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Thesis Project - B.Arch

APPROVAL UNDERGRADUATE DISSERTATION V.V. P. SANCHALIT

INDUBHAI PAREKH SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE RAJKOT

The following study is hereby approved as credible work on the approved subject, carried out and presented in a manner sufficiently satisfactory to warrant its acceptance as a pre-requisite to the degree for which it has been submitted. It is understood that by this approval, the undersigned does not necessarily endorse or approve of any statement made, opinion expressed or conclusion drawn therein and approves the study only for the above purpose; and satisfies him as to the requirements laid down by the thesis committee.

Title: Reinterpriting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people in Bhuj.

Studio Co-ordinator: Prof. Riddhi Shah

Guide: Prof. Hakimuddin Bharmal

Signature Signature Date:

Siddhant Bhatasana, B 3312 i

Aknowledgement I wish to express my gratitude to a number of people who became involved with this thesis one way or another. My thesis advisor, Prof.Hakimuddin Bharmal, whose suggestions led me throughout this thesis, has always been willing to answer my questions. Even i would like to thank all the thesis committee members for being very supportive whenever needed. In addition, grateful thanks to all my friends for their encouragement and lots of disscutions specially Snehal, Tej, Jwalant, Vibhuti and Mitesh. I would like to thank IPSA Library for providing me required literature. Also i am greatfull to Prof. Devang parekh and Prof. Hitesh changela for giving me guidance whenever required. I would like to specially thank Residents of Bidada village and Madhapar village for letting me in their houses for casestudies. This thesis could not have been accomplished without my parents, They have always been so supportive with me no matter how dubious my decision were. They always give me warm encouragement and strength in every situation.

Dedicated to my Family.........

Abstract This thesis aims to learn about values of traditional architecture and how one can still retain those values in todays time. Why do we need to retain values from past? How one can do that without making replica and by understanding the logic behind the traditional architecture.? Taking site in Bhuj city, which was suffered from major earthquack in 2001 many people lost their homes specially people who were economically lower could not afford to revive after earthquack and also people came for better and stable income from around the villages do not efford to get proper shelter so they started living in slums or quarters provided by government. In doing so they started loosing the quality of living what they had in villages before. So here there is an attempt to retain those parameters from traditional architecture that helped in achieve better living quality.

illustration by - Author

01 02 03 04 05

Introduction........................... Architectural Research......... Case studies........................... Design Proposal&amp;Project..... Design analysis......................

Approval Page....................................................................................................................................... i Aknowledgement............................................................................................................................... iii Abstract........................................................................................................................................................ v

................................

1.1 A Brief about Thesis............................................................................................................... 02

2.1 Understanding User - Economically Concerned People.......................08 2.2 Present Scenario of Slums................................................................................................ 12 2.3 Present Issues in living.......................................................................................................... 16 2.4 Continuity &amp; Traditional Architecture...................................................................... 24

3.1 Case Study Selection Criteria....................................................................................... 28 3.2 Case Study Analysis................................................................................................................ 29 3.3 Inferences from Case Study............................................................................................. 41

4.1 Project Brief................................................................................................................................... 4.2 Programme Development............................................................................................... 4.4 Site and Context....................................................................................................................... 4.3 Conceptuals &amp; Design development......................................................................

5.1 Design Analysis............................................................................................................................ 62 Glossary....................................................................................................................................................... Appendix I - Base Drawings/Illustrations....................................................................... List of Plates............................................................................................................................................ Illustration credits................................................................................................................................. Work cited..................................................................................................................................................

46 47 48 55

vi vii xi xii xiii

Introduction Slums are part of urbanization. Slum dwellers are living in very poor conditions. People who were living in once in villages migrates to cities and thus slums develop in cities.

Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

1.1 A Brief about Thesis Rapid urbanization came with industrial growth has made its adverse impacts on the living conditions of human society. People started migrating from around villages for employment into city but they cant afford better house or living conditions in city. They had no other option but to live in slum area. A slum has been defined as “Any predominantly residential area, where the dwellings which by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement of design, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health or morals”.

Housing is an arduous problem across the world, especially in developing countries like India. It has become a top priority of the government and the society at large to address this issue. This is particularly severe in cities because, by 2025, more than 50% of the population is expected to reside in urban settlements in search of stability and income. This would lead to a shortage of 25 Million housing units – 99% of it being in the Economically Weaker Section and the Low Income Housing space. Through this study we intend to find viable solutions to address this growing problem of low cost urban housing in India.

Urban housing shortage in different states of india.

% of Urban Population in Slums, country wise Fig.1 India is one of the country that falls under more % of urban population in slums.

UN-Habitat Housing Report, last accessed on 21st Aug 2012. KPMG Report on Housing in India, Last accessed 22nd Jan 2013. Annual Report 2010-11 of the Ministry of Housing &amp; Urban Poverty Alleviation GOI – National Housing Bank, Statistics on Demand for Housing in India, Last accessed 10th Aug 2012.

Fig.3 Categories in Urban housing shortage in india.99% of total housing shortage is in EWS and Low income groups.

Fig.4 View of Urban slums showing imbalance.

Fig.5 View of village dwellings showing harmony with nature.

Problems with Government provided Housing While Government is taking efforts to improve the quality of life for economically concerned section, At some point they do not deal with their daily issues in housing such as lack of parking spaces, lack of light and ventilation. negative spaces between two blocks. lack of community space. no chance for future expantion for individual dwellings. no maintainance and services, because of all this issues they failed to improve the quality of life.

Learnings of Traditional Architecture Traditional Architecture has this harmony between the built environment and people. We can learn so many things from traditional architecture. It is not only one time effort but culmination of hundreds of thoughts.

Poor people live in urban area and people live in rural area, Both users are different but in a way they are the same, their economical levels are almost same. People who lives in villages only migrates in cities for better life and stable income. only their needs have changed. But when they migrate in cities they loose what they had in village. Because of many reason their living quality decreases. Question is can we give that quality of living what they had in villages? And most importantly How can we? There could be many ways to achive better quality in habitat desiging but this thesis is focused on finding values of Traditional Architecture. first of all we should study what is the present scenario of their living conditions and needs in city. Can we find solutions or values from traditional architecture and also how to blend those learnings and values for todayâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;s needs and requirements? 03

To find answers from traditional architecture for contemporary needs and challanges in housing for Economically concerned people.

1. To understand User and their parameters for better living for Economically concerned people. 2. To study what are the issues they find today in slums. 3. To highlight and analyse parameters that were used in traditional architecture and reinterprete them into contemporary design. 4. To evolve architecture form and spatial organization with respect to the climate and culture of the region. 5. To achieve well space utilization and better quality of habitat.

Methodology

1. Finding origin of slum dwellers or migrated people and understanding present scenario by reading literature. 2. Understanding User well and their needs and issues in present living conditions in government provided housing and small slums in general. 3. Taking case studies of traditional houses of nearby villages of Bhuj city that helped to achieve better quality of habitat. 4. Incorporating all learning from above mentioned studies into contemporary housing design for Economically concerned people, keeping present needs and issues in mind.

Scope &amp; limitation

1. Study concentrates only on finding solutions for improving quality of habitat for Economically concerned people. 2. Study focues on learning from past or traditional architecture. 3. This study is restricted to Bhuj city only.

Architectural Research This section talks about the basic Architectural inquiry that is to understand User and their present scenario of living, understanding their needs and issues in present time and also their way of living and why should we retain values and understanding of traditional architecture for finding solution for present time?

2.1 Understanding User 2.1.1 Origin of Slums - Overview Slums are an urban phenomenon which comes into existance on account of urbanization and industrilization in and around cities thereby attracting in migration of population in countryside. Through slums are rich source of unskilled and semiskilled manpower, they tend to result in burden on the civic existing amenities. Government agencies and NGO have flung into action and initiated in several measures to improve the plight dwellers and make the slum areas livable for the habitants as of late they are view

as effective agents in the process of urban development rather than burden on urban infracture. A slum is a compact settlement with a collection of poorly built tenements, mostly of temporary nature, crowed together usually with inadequate sanitary and drinking water facilities in unhygienic conditions in that compact area. There is around 50-60% of the population of the urbanareas that lives in urban slums where basic facilities such as water,sanitation,health, electricity etc are poor.

Fig.6 Living conditions in the beginning of indusrtialization.

Fig.7 Cities developing during indusrtialization.

Fig.8 People from surounding villages and towns migrating to cities.

Migration from villages

INDUSTRIALIZATION 19TH CENTURY

RAPID URBANIZATION

of people from around Villages to cities

Population Growth, Opportunities in the cities. Economic Process. Need for labours in the cities.

Starting of Slum

Unable to find housing and afford it so people started building shelter on their own and formed settlements gradually.

Towards heart of the city Where various types of jobs are available and small industries can be run.

Along the River bank Where area is low-lying and plenty of vacant land and water is easily available.

Around Industrial Areas Generally where vacant land is available and the work is nearby.

Along Public Places Where the land is not owned by anyone.

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SLUMS

2.1.2 Economically concerned people There is no defination to this term plots or in slums. Their income is but we can understand this term comperatively low. as people who are concern with This Group of people includes their income. People who are Low income people also. They live ecomomically weaker and living in very poor condition because or may not be living in slums also of this they have issues with people who are not economically health and hygine. they dont weaker and living in slums are get proper services like water included in this class of people. supply and electricity. This class They dont spend their income in of people come in the city for luxurious items. If we talk about better and stable income but they Housing they have issues with compromise their living quality more maintainance and also they and because of this they cant wish to have things or services uplift themselves in society. Built that worth their money. And also Environment plays a major role in class of people who can not afford upliftment of this class of people. proper shelter, who lives in illegal This class of people are living

People from economically weaker sections and low income groups of india.

â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x153;

This class of people come in the city for better and stable income but they compromise their living quality and because of this they cant uplift themselves in society.

in bad conditions because of many reasons. They have 4 to 5 members in their family. Each of them had to work for better living in cities. 2.1.3 Occupations They are generally associated with factory work, working in small shops, very small business like pottery work, masonary, shoes making and different vendors, Even some are associated with transport services like taxi service and auto-rickshaw driver in Bhuj city. House wives do small house work from around or factory work. They work all day. Fig.10 Major occupation of males in this group is driving rickshaw.

2.1.4 Amenities They have lack of amenities and services like education, health and hygine. Mostly they rely on government provided amenities like aanganwadi, health care, and primary schools. They dont have enough social space to socialized. Because of lack of amenities and poor hygine they usually have health issues.

Fig.11 While females do house work or small scale businesses like pottery.

2.2 Present Scenario of Slums 2.2.1 Slum Scenario in india India is a populous country where approximately 70% of the people reside in rural areas. These people are migrating to urban settlements in search of jobs and better living standards. In the last two decades, Indiaâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;s population has increased by 2.25%, but the urban population has increased by 3.8%4. An estimated 30% of the population in 12 major cities of India lives in slums and the proportion of slum dwellers and squatters have been continuously increasing. Therefore, the sanitary conditions

and housing conditions of slum dwellers are deteriorating day-by-day, This calls for an urgent need for evolving a rational policy on urban resettlement. By 2025, more than 50% of the population is expected to reside in urban settlements in search of stability and income. This would lead to a shortage of 25 Million housing units â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x201C; 99% of it being in the Economically Weaker Section and the Low Income Housing space.

Fig.12 Street becomes very important for daily activities in slums.

Fig.13 Street of a pakka housing for lower and lower middle class people.

Fig.14 Chart showing housing shortage in Gujarat state.

Affordable Housing Market Scenario in India, Last accessed 10th Aug 2012 Census 2011, Last accessed 10th Aug 2012 HFH India, Last accessed 21st Aug 2012

2.2.2 Slum Scenario in Gujarat 43% population in the state of Gujarat resides in urban areas, making it one of the highly urbanized states in India. Also, 20% of urban population in Gujarat resides in its slums compared to 26% nationally. According to the slum assessment, the average percentage of slum population is reported to be 23.25% which is very close to that for the state (20%) and a little lower than the national urban slum population of 26%. Till now in gujarat, housing shortage is more than 1.5 million housing units that is very huge

Fig.15 Map showing percentage of slum population in Gujarat state.

Urban Population

demand for housing. Government is doing so many efforts to fulfill this huge demand by providing housing at low cost for those who are Econnomically concerned. In Gujarat state 43% of people live in Urban Population while 57% live in Rural Area. From 43% of Urban Population 20% of people are living in slum area in poor living condition. That is little lower than national percentage that is 26%. Slum scenario in Bhuj city is important to understand because proposed project is in Bhuj city.

Rural Population

Fig.16 Chart showing percentage of slum population in different states of Gujarat state. while kutchh has 29.1% population living in slum area.

Government Initiatives and Programme for Affordable Housing, Last accessed 21st Aug 2012 â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x153;Working with the Market: Approach to Reducing Urban Slums in Indiaâ&amp;#x20AC;?, Last accessed 21st Aug 2012

2.2.3 Slum Scenario in Bhuj. After the devastating Earthquack in 2001 every thing collapsed with it. Peopleâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;s homes destroyed they became homeless and hopless. Gradually city started reviving. But people who could not efford to revive and lost everything pace behind the race. Even who came from around the villages for better income could not afford to get shelter. These people started building shelters on their own and created neighbourhood and became slums.Bhuj city there are 74 slum areas which covers total

of 34% population of Bhujâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;s total Population. Also it covers total of 6% of total city area and in those slums there are approximate 11232 families resides. Nearly all of them are on Government land. 70% of the total slum are living from past 20 years and only 5% of it are living from past 5 years. Their average house size is approximat 6080sqm with G or G+1 situation. Their average income is 35006500 Rs.

Fig.17 Ramdevnagar Slum of Bhuj city.

Fig.18 Ravalwadi Slum of Bhuj city. Fig.19 Location of Bhuj city in map of Gujarat state.

Some of the major Slum areas of Bhuj city are located in this map which are following : D

A. Juni Rawalwadi B. Ramdev Nagar C. Bhimrao Nagar D. Bapa dayalu Nagar

B C A AREA OF INTERVENTION

Map is taken from BHADA(Bhuj Urban Development Authority) site.

Fig.20 Map showing major slum area and their location in Bhuj city. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

2.3 Present Issues in living 2.3.1 Close to Ground This class of people accustomed to live with ground. They live in G or G+1 Houses because their occupation of business is based on mostly on the ground level. Possibilities of their business is less on live above the ground and somehow they lost their working place when they go above.

When you have high rise building or tall residential building, neighborhood connections and livability decreases. In Houses provided by Government they do not get ground. Having no open space they dont get enough land for workarea so they work in their small house. It becomes very difficult to live.

Fig.21 Their occupation is based on hardworking that needs area on ground.

Fig.22 They need wide space that is on ground for their occupation work like cleaning and drying.

2.3.2 Lack of Parking space Lack of Parking space is a very big problem in mass housing specially for this class of people. They dont have enough space to park their motorcycles, rickshaw or lari. They dont have any other option than to park their vehicles on road side.

Fig.23 Lack of parking space make streets very narrow.

so they park their vehicles near the house on road side it decreses the width of road and thus create traffic issues.

Fig.24 They park their vehicles and laris on Fig.25 Vendor carts and rickshaws are parked on the street only. roads making more traffic.

2.3.3 Climatic concern Small houses, slums or government quarters doesnt have enough light and ventilation because they are placed very tightly. Even streets are also very dark compared to village streets because of the ratio between street width and hight of the building.

Fig.26 There is no natural light coming inside of slum dwellings.

slum dwellers require ample amount of light because they are working people. House wife works at their homes to gain income.

Fig.27 There is no proper ventilation in slum dwellings.

Fig.28 The only source of light is through main door from which very little amount of light comes.

2.3.4 Negative spaces between two buildings This issue is mostly seen in quarters and illegal houses as the placement of blocks are in such a way that spaces between two buildings becomes negative. This happens because there is no such activities spreading in that area.

Fig.29 Spaces between two dwellings in slums area.

Fig.30 Spaces between two dwellings are not utilized well.

such as plinth for sitting or working area or may be children playing area. so there is so much of garbage and wild grass produces and space becomes useless. It would be good to use that area somehow and make that space live and positive.

Fig.31 Spaces between two dwellings becomes dead and wasted.

2.3.5 Lack of Open space In slums, usually there are no open spaces for community to celebrate festivals or other occasions. If there are space then it doesnt suffice the need or it is small in size or not maintained mostly.

Fig.32 No provision for festival celebrations.

So what need to build temporary structure to do so. Even they build temples on the roads that is against the bylaws. We should consider this for healthy community living and provide proper open space for this people.

Fig.33 Even in slum area they do not have open spaces for play area and even celebrations.

2.3.6 Not proper functional organization When this class of people comes into picture, this aspect becomes very important as land prices are high in cities compared to rural area. so it is important to utilize more area without compromising living quality.

Fig.34 They do not have proper Functional organization.

Fig.35 Everything becomes messy inside.

If we see quarters they are more dense because of this their living quality is compromised while in slum they are scatterd that is why they sometimes they lost sense of belongingness from surrounding.

Fig.36 No provision for storage.

2.3.7 No chance for Future Expantion or incremental possibilities As family grow, needs also grow in house. so as time passes family members also increses. Slums doesnt have space for an individual house to expand in future according to need.

An individual might need more workspace or extra bedroom in future so if we consider this need before hand than they can easily expand or increse as time passes and whenever needed.

Fig.37 Temporary structure in addtion to main house.

Fig.38 Even in slums people build temporary structure to fulfill their needs.

2.3.8 Lack of Services and Maintenance This aspect is important because this class of people finds hygine issues because of lack of services and less maintenance. They do not have proper sewage system and waste management system.

Fig.39 No proper disposal of garbage.

This leds to hygine problems and dieases.

Fig.40 Lack of drainage system creates poor hygien conditions.

2.4 Continuity and Traditional Architecture 2.4.1 Continuity Continuity is the unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time. It is about following the typical matter/ function/action as long as required. Here, the continuity refers to retaining the sense of traditional architecture with the changing time and methods of construction. Traditional architecture has its own apperarance, comprises of various elements and types of spaces which were designed logically and intentionally. So, the idea is to follow the contemporary construction system and needs and issues with continuing the sense and logics of the traditional.

2.4.2 Importance of tradional Architecture Traditional is constructed as something which has lasted for centuries and has not been affected by passing phase. Traditional materials like lime, which have lasted for ages but have been forgotten over the last 60 years, need to be revived because they add to the life of buildings at a very low cost. It creates temperature differences from the outside to inside and also generates work for the craftsmen. Traditional approach is definitely sustainable because it is not governed by a market driven economy and Fig.41 Glimpes of Traditional architecture of Kutchh region.

Here, the continuity refers to retaining the sense of traditional architecture with the changing time and methods of construction.

Traditional architecture in the past had responded to functional requirements based on climate and community needs and evolved a method through centuries of moulding space and light.

the consequent usage of market driven materials.â&amp;#x20AC;?- by Ar. Nimish patel. Traditional architecture in the past had responded to functional requirements based on climate and community needs and evolved a method through centuries of moulding space and light. Building crafts and social requirements were interwoven with symbolic concerns to create both temples and simple rural house.

The faith in utopian promises of the modern movement evaporated long ago, but as strategy of form making and place making it continued to dominate the imagination of architect and urban planner the world over. Tradition includes the accumulated wisdom and knowledge over the ages and it is our duty to distillate the essence of this genius and use it for todayâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;s development. The evolution of traditional building construction and design practices offers a platform that can help mitigate unsustainable development. Traditionally used construction

Fig.42 Elevation from street showing different heights of dwellings. Every dwelling is in harmony with each other and creates one language. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

materials, skills and trades, and adaptation of traditional principles would result in several benefits. In the construction of buildings such strategy would:

People who were living in villages are living in cities now compromising their needs and problems.

1. Include human resource of the semi-skilled and skilled personnel in the growth of construction trade while enhancing knowledge and skill

Now the question is can give that quality of life back to them what they had in villages? Here, to find solutions we should first understand how they are living in villages? What are the 2. Ensure a wider participation in parameters for better living economic processes and promote quality? distribution of wealth.

Fig.44 Traditional dwelling with handmade Grilled balcony showing local skills.

Fig.43 Street of a village.

3. Develop efficient utilization of natural resources and lowprocess energy materials to meet contemporary demands.

Case studies

This section covers selection critaria of case studies and case study analysis that is understanding and inferences from traditional dwellings that helped achieve better living quality and inferences.

3.1 Selection Criteria People who migrate from villages to cities lives in poor conditions they want good living conditions but for many reasons they end up living in low quality living. They face many issues and problems where they live. we have looked into these issues before in details, issue such as :

Now case studies aims to find solutions or answers to these contemporary issues. Do the people of villages have responded to these issue or not? If yes then how? Only the matter of fact is they just migrated from villages to cities.

1. Need of low rise houses 2. Lack of Parking space 3. Lack of light and ventilation 4. Negative spaces between two buildings 5. No open space for festivals or any other occasions 6. Not proper functional organization 7. No incremental possibilities 8. Lack of Services and Maintenance

To find answers first of all we should study the parameters that make traditional houses more livable then slums. so, i went to BIDADA village that is 50kms away from Bhuj city. This village in present works same as it was working before earthquake. Does traditional architecture has answers for issues of slum dwellers that live in cities? Is there anything to learn from their traditional housing to help solve these issues. For that i have studied street organization as well as few house types of bidada village in terms of climatic response and functional organization

BIDADA VILLAGE

Fig.45 Google map showing location and distance of Bidada village from Bhuj city.

Fig.46 Satellite image of bidada village and demarkation of old village.

OLD VILLAGE BIDADA

3.2 Case study analysis 3.2.1 Overall organization of village Village is situated near river and a highway is going perpendicular to it in east-west direction. This village has around 500 to 550 houses and different cast of people. The â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2DC;Haria chowkâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122; is the formal entry point as well as main and largest open space in village. A number of streets radiate from here in different direction.

Fig.48 Organic settelment of Bidada village

Fig.47 Street and overall planning of Bidada village. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

3.2.2 Street pattern and Hierarchy of open spaces Most of the houses of the village are row houses having streets on both sides. Row housing pattern reduces the exposure of external wall surfaces to sun as the houses share a common wall.

Fig.50 ‘Y’ shaped branching of streets.

Fig.52 Streets are organized in wind direction for easy flow of air.

Fig.53 Model showing dwellings placed side by side forming street.

Fig.54 Street junction, where two streets deviate from each other.

Village street are constantly turning in curves in a perticular direction throught small chowks of ‘Y’ shape like a flow of water. These streets behave like channels of winds throughout the village. These streets are predominantly oriented along the southwest direction. Breeze can be felt on any street because of this street pattern. Fig.49 The entire village is a network of curvilinear streets connected by chowks of varying proportion and scale..

Fig.51 Probable evolution of ‘Y’ shaped streets. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Fig.55 Hierarchy of Open spaces seen in this village.

The largest public open space is no.4 which is village entrance and hub of economic and social activities for ex. it can work as a ‘maidan’ for congregation and also as a bazar. Community open space where 2 or 3 major streets meet, 10 to 15m wide, smaller than main village square. It continues to decrease in size and scale as we go further inside the fabric. No.2 which is Neighbourhood space, 5 to 7m wide, situated at the junction of two street. It is ‘Y’ shaped or tridant shaped. No.1 is openspace between 4 or 6 houses, 2 to 4m wide, people talk, kids play and there is a jakh(small shrine) situated at this open space. The public open spaces are gradually enlarged as social interaction is increased between the houses to the neighbourhood to the community and fianlly as a whole village.

Fig.56 Typical street of Bidada village. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Fig.57 There is a doorstep open space shared between 2 to 3 dwelling units.

Fig.58 Neighbourhood open space is located at the junction where 2 to 3 streets meet.

Fig.59 Street becomes wider when we reach at the meeting point of main streets, making community open space.

Fig.61 Plan of Street pattern showing heirarchy of open spaces

Fig.60 We enter in the village from huge village open space from where main street are deviating in different direction

HOUSE TYPE 1

3.2.3 House typology study HOUSE TYPE 1 This house is located adjucent to â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2DC;Bhojanalay chowkâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122; which is a community open space. It belongs to a jain family of 4-5 people. This house is very rectilinear in shape and share both longitudinal walls with immediate houses. It has two stories. upper story has two bedrooms and all the other functions are located on ground story. It has internal courtyard(aangan) and verandah(osari). Short walls are facing streets having steps(otlo) in front.

Attic spaces act as an insulation and shade the lower floors in day time while flush out hot air at night.

Fig.62 Internal courtyard acts as a ventilation shaft and also borrow light. Courtyard is a place where all the daily activities happen.

Fig.64 Image of the house from community open space, showing staggering of the facades.

verandah acts as a buffer space between court and living. Thermal comfort at Night time Fig.63 Plan of the house showing flow of spaces and also heirarchy of function that is Public to Private.

Thermal comfort at Day time

Below Average

Climate Response

Radiation and heat

Fig.65 Upper floor cools down at night very quickly so function like bedrooms are at top floor which are in use at night only.

Fig.67 Section of an opening reduces heat and getting more light inside.

Openings in walls are carved out in such a way that it allowes more light to fall on floor and reduce outer heat and radiation inside.

Courtyard is almost shaded throught the day and acts as shaft for ventilation, hence improves thermal environment of adjacent and interior spaces. where the first floor interior surface temperatures shows less impact of courtyard i.e. Nearly 2 to 3° C rise in temperature during day.

Fig.66 Axonometric of house.

At 4 PM courtyard and walls around are shaded(showed in blue lines), at 2 PM courtyard is well shaded. At 11:00 AM courtyard is fully shaded, between 11 AM to 2 PM courtyard is partially shaded.

Fig.69 Image of courtyad from verandah at noon time.

Fig.68 Section of courtyard showing duration of sun coming in.

50cm thick sandstone masonary wall. sandstone is locally available and also it is heat resistant, impact resistant and pressure resistant which helps to stand in earthquake. The wall predominantly acts to retard heat transfer from the exterior to the interior during the day. The high volumetric heat capacity and thickness prevents thermal energy from reaching the inner surface. When temperature falls at night the walls re-radiate the thermal energy back into the night sky. White lime plaster reflects most of the heat

Out side 42-45 C

Inside 30-32 C

Heat absorption in solid sandstone Fig.70 Section of wall showing reflection and absorption in solid sand stone blocks.

HOUSE TYPE 2 HOUSE TYPE 2 This house is located at the corner of an secondery street, having three sides open and one shared wall. It belongs to a merchant family of 4-5 members. It is slightly wider than than the house type 1 having two bedrooms on ground floor and two different living rooms. One living room is for special guests that comes for business purposes. It has smaller courtyard. North wall has many openings while south wall is shared. It follows simillar characteristics as house type 1 in context of functional organization.

openings are placed in such a way that it allows wind to pass through very easily, which helps in cross ventilation in house. If all doors and windows are open we can feel winds passing.

Fig.71 Image of entrance of housing from street.

Fig.72 Plan of house showing functional organization and flow of space.

Thermal comfort at Night time

Climate Response In this case courtyard size is small and also having double highted volume, clerestory windows do most of the vantilation. A clerestory windows act as a main climatic element for vantilation. It drawns out hot air from bedrooms and family room that is collected above. It also provides light in double highted space.

Fig.74 Small opening for ventilation.

Fig.73 Section of courtyard showing duration of sun coming in.

Fig.75 Projection of roof to get hot air out.

After 1 PM courtyard is well shaded but between 11 AM to 1 PM it is partially shaded. Till 11 AM courtyard is well shaded but after 11 AM sun comes into the courtyard. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Functional organization Every houses follow certain pattern in functional organization which is, Public(Formal Living)(‘Osari’) &gt; Semi public(Courtyard)(‘Aangan’) &gt; Private(Bedroom)(‘Karai’) House type 1 and 2 have internal courtyard while type 3 and 4 have front court also they doesnt have formal living(‘osari’) in front. While house type 5 is one of the house of community housing, sharing common wall, roof and even open space. This arrangement of function is very important as it has social layer attached to it.

Fig.79 Functional organization in House type 1.

Fig.80 Functional organization in House type 2.

Fig.81 There is one extra living or ‘baithak’ in this house for important guests from same occupation, a good social reponse in design.

Fig.78 Entrance steps called ‘otla’ which is the most public space and interactive space of house. Fig.76 Enter from the street through few steps called ‘otla’ which is the most public space and interactive space of house.

Fig.77 Window with perforated M.S. jali , woman can overlook outside but an outsider can’t see inside, social response in design.

Family room Living room

Bedroom (Karai) Kitchen (rasoda)

Verandah (osari) Courtyard (aangan)

Fig.82 Functional organization in House type 3 with front Fig.85 Functional organization in House type 4 with shared Fig.87 Functional organization in House type 5 that is Part yard and delly or verandah in front. wall and front court. of Community housing with common path way.

Fig.83 Verandah in front where elderly people sit and overlook out side. Fig.84 There is a small opening in kitchen, through lady can overlook in court if someone comes.

Fig.86 Front court where all the house hold activities happen. Fig.88 Common pathway functions like common courtyard Even occupational work can take place here. for the entire community. Fig.89 Image of â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2DC;rasodaâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;- Kitchen. Fig.90 Common pathway.

Fig.91 Area Analysis of all the house types with Open Vs. Built chart.

3.3 Inferences from case study 1. Functional organization follows same pattern that is Public to Private. Fig.92 Functional pattern in houses of bidada village.

2. Entrace steps - “delly’ is very important social and interactive space.

Fig.93 ‘delly’- Entrance step, Important interactive space.

Fig.94 Connection of ‘delly’ with the street adding social layer.

3. Courtyard - “aangan” is a place where house woman do all house hold work and it also take air and light inside.

Fig.95 Image of courtyard. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Fig.96 Section of courtyard showing house hold activities and connections.

4. In most of the houses we can see staggering because of this street becomes varying in character. As streets are very important social layer. 5. The scale of the street is very humane and also climate responsive 6. Street follows the wind direction. so that cross ventilation can happen in houses. Fig.97 Street formation in wind direction.

7. Bedrooms are on the upper floor because they are only going to use at night and at night upper floor cools faster then the ground floor. Hot during daytime

Fig.98 Variation in street width and height keeps it shaded all day.

Cools faster during night

Fig.99 Bedrooms on upper floor cools faster at night.

8. Material they used is sandstone blocks - ‘bella’and lime plaster because kutchh is in earthquake pron zone and sandstone has high abbrasion value and also it is locally available.

Fig.100 300mm thick sandstone ‘bella’ wall keeps most of the heat outside.

Fig.101 Image of sandstone wall with lime plaster standing after earthquake. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

9. Many local skills are used in houses such as hand crafted grilled jali, ‘gadkis’ and typical stone and wooden cornices.

Fig.104 Typical door and grilled windows.

Fig.102 Use of hand crafted metal and wooden cornices by local skilled person.

Fig.103 Hand made metal grilled used in balcony.

Fig.105 Use of Stone ‘gadkis’ - place to put ‘diva’ in entrance which is hand made.

Fig.106 Wooden cornices carved by local craftsman.

10. Village streets follow heirarchy of open space from house level open space to village level open space.

Fig.107 Diagrame showing hierarchy of open space in village streets.

11. Areas of each functions are as much as needed not more or not less. Through case study i came to derive areas for each function listed below : 1. Living room 2. Bedroom 3. Kitchen 4. WC &amp; Bath 5. Verandah 6. Courtyard

8-10m2 10-12m2 2-4m2 1.5-2m2 2-2.5m2 4-5m2

Design Project This section includes brief of the programme which is Housing for economical concerned people in Bhuj. This includes Programme development and site&amp;context study fllowing with conceptual development.

4.1 Project Brief Project:

Housing for Economically concerned people that includes EWS and LIG people, Ravalwadi, Bhuj.

After the devastating earthquake in Kutch there is an urgent need of housing till today. Bhuj is the center of development for all the villages in Kutch. More and more People are migrating for better living and stable income but because of many reasons they end up having poor living conditions. Understanding traditional houses of Bhuj and Surrounding Kutch region will might give us the answers to solve issues of todays need. Bhuj city is in extreme climate (hot and dry) and having site in Bhuj itself will increase possibilities of exploration and challenges while designing.

Ravalwadi became one of the most important relocation site after earthquake in 2001. People who lost their homes in earthquake are relocated here. Majority there are low and medium income group people are living here today and in present Bhuj urban development Authority is also proposing LIG, MIG and EWS housing in Ravalwadi.

4.2 Programme Development A. Basic information about bylaws and site

(data authentication: Bhuj Urban Development Authority, BHADA, GDCR CH.15, pg no.- 82)

Total site area 20,000sqm Maximum permissible density 200 dwellings per hector Maximum no. of stories G+1 only Maximum Floor Space Index (FSI) permissible 1.2 Total no. of dwellings 300 (150 dwellings/hector) Total population 1200 (taking avg. 4 persons per Unit)

B. Unit Typology

(area of each type is based on inferences from case studies)

There are Two types of housing both having incremental possibilities. Type Detail

1 1 - A 1 - B 1 - C 1 - D

35m2 40m2 45m2 50m2

House with internal court, verandah and storage Incremental Posibilities Living room with one bed, Kitchen and Toilet Living room with one bed, Kitchen, Workarea and Toilet Living room with two bed, Kitchen and Toilet Living room with two bed, Kitchen, Workarea and Toilet

House with front open space and verandah Incremental Posibilities 2 - A Living room with one bed, Kitchen and Toilet 2 - B Living room with two bed, Kitchen and Toilet

NOTE: + or â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x201C; 10 to 15 Units are allowed in no of Unit according to design decision.

4.3 Site and Context 4.3.1 Site study Site is located near Juni rawalwadi area. where new Bhuj are developing today. Adjucent to site there is a Kodki road which is direct connection to the centre of the bhuj city. Every ring road conncet to this road so it is very easy to go anywhere in the city from this point.

Ramdevnagar slum area

Ravalwadi slum area

Fig.108 Here is a diagrame showing connection of the site with the centre of the city as well as main transportation places like railway station and Bus station.

Fig.109 Land use map of site and surrounding. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Site Section As we can see in the section explained below othe side of the road is now developing for MIG housing. Kodki main road goes directly towards the centre of the

city. other side of the road has slum settelments called Ravalwadi slum area. Adjucent to the site there is a huge playground.

Fig.110 Section of site showing context and slope of the site.

Section aaâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;

Fig.111 Kodki main road.

Fig.115 Looking towards the site, from the ground

Fig.112 Open ground where children play.

overlooking settelments.

Fig.113 Electrical line going from the north side of the site.

Fig.114 Secondary road going towards the city, 12m

Fig.116 Settelments near site located in Ravalwadi

8 aâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122; 8

Fig.117 Shop located on the secondary road.

Fig.118 Street of adjucent slum area

Fig.119 Secondary road going towards city.

Contour Plan Level difference between highest and lowest contours is 1.5 m in site area.

Connectivity of site Site has connection with the major road that is kodki main road. Which directly connects with the other ring roads and also to the city centre.

Fig.120 Highest point is located on south-east side and lowest point is located on north-wast Fig.121 On the west side of the side there is a secondary road which connects to the Kodki part of site. main road. Site has good connectivity with city.

Vegetation Climate Very less trees grows in this region. All we can see in vegetation is only Bhuj comes in Hot and dry region. Its annual rainfall is below 40cm “Bavad” trees which is wild trees that grow in all the region of gujarat. based on climatic data of gujarat.

Fig.122 Map showing vegetation in site and surrounding.(Mostly ‘Bavad’ trees)

Fig.123 Major wind direction is south-west to north-east. Rain water gets collected on the lower level of site which is on north-west direction.

4.3.2 Context study Choosen site is located near Ravalwadi slum area which are one of the slum area of Bhuj city. Near to site there is one more slum area called Ramdevnagar slum. Here is a study of Ramdevnagar slum area which is very near to proposed site. Total area of Ramdevnagar is 1.83 hector. Population density is 285 per hector which is very less in comparison to other city areas. Out of 523 population of 109 househods, 50.4% houses are permanent. These permanent houses are made of concrete blocks and cement, Remaining (49.6%) houses are temporary, these houses are hut type made up of plastic sheets.

17% Semi-permanent

SITE Raval wadi slum area

Most of the people need permanent house and most of the families reside in 1 room house which is not enough for family size of 5 persons. Infrastuctural facility is the main problem of Ramdevnagar and Ravalwadi slum area,

1 room + kitchen 9%

Temporary 13%

Fig.124 Two major slums, Ramdevnagar and Ravalwadi are located near site.

50% Permanent

1 room + kitchen with WC 34%

2 rooms + kitchen 1%

1 room only 50%

People residing there are related with occupations based on labour work and hardworking such as working in factories, having small scale business such as carpentary, shoe making, pottery and many other.

ARTICLE : A STUDY ON AVAILABILITY OF BASIC CIVIC FACILITIES IN URBAN SLUM AREA OF BHUJ, GUJARAT, INDIA BY Bipin Prajapati, Kavita Benker, K N Sonalia, Nitiben Talsania, Siddharth Mukherjee, K N Trivedi National Journal of Community Medicine Vol 2 Issue 3 Oct-Dec 2011, Page 384 Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

4.3 Conceptuals and Design development Conceptuals started with designing house typology and taking parameters in mind which were in traditional housing of Bidada village. concepts has to deal with present issues which slum dwellers have today and which we have looked into it before. so first thing is how to utilize the site area properly. so started with bubble diagrame for site planning.

6m setback from road

On the south side of the site there are slum settelments. so concept started with giving amenities to all the people of nearby slum and housing also. so built up started around the open area and created two axis connection secondary road.

Built Built

Open&amp; Amenities

Fig.125 Bubble diagram showing site layout planning. Giving open area and amenities to slum dwellers too. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

CONCEPT 1 This concept was very basic. It was a first idea that came. First of all i designed a single unit that was very simple. In layout every units are in staggering position creating street like character but i could not achieve enough density by this placement of units. Even the scale of streets were also huge not giving sense of the street.

Unit has a vault roof for climatic reasons and it has water channel on both side to collect rain water. It has a wooden louvers on the top part of room to let hot air out like a clerestory window. Vault roof has reflective layer to reflect most of the heat.

Fig.128 Functional arrangement of a unit.

Fig.127 Section of details of a single unit showing details of roof and ventilation system.

Fig.126 Staggering of Units gives proper cross ventilation.

Fig.129 Layout planning creating streets and small open spaces in between the street. From this layout design we could not achive anough density having limit of G+1 only

Fig.130 Layout planning of different type of units forming different scale of open spaces.

Fig.131 sketch of a single unit in a cluster showing doorstep open space.

L-shaped units forming cluster and neighbourhood open spaces. Having L-shaped unit creates doorstep open space or court in front. In this layout, we could not get a sense of street. Units are creating different open space so there is a heirarchy of open spaces but because of huge open spaces we could not achieve enough density as well.

Fig.133 Formation of units making cluster and neighbourhood open space. Fig.132 Design of layout showing clusters of unit making different sizes of open space. Here we are getting more open spaces while the sense of street is gone. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

CONCEPT 3 Started designing with the notion of street character. streets are placed in wind direction that is south-west to north-east. Open space and amenities are placed in centre. Units are staggered and incremental to give dynemic character to streets. In between two blocks there is an interactive open space with no disturbance of vehicular movement. Here we could achieve 300 dwelling units with 10-12 shops.

Fig.137 Section of a typical cluster showing character of street. Rainwater collection Earthen plates Fig.136 Layout showing placement of streets and open space. Fig.138 Use of earthen plates on the roof as a thermal insulation to reduce heat and promot local skills.

Fig.134 Street in wind direction as we have seen in Bidada village.

Fig.135 Placement of unit getting wind from street.

Fig.139 This layout design gives a character of a street and also reduces waste of land. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Street is not linear it is continously changing width and height also incremental approch of unit gives it dynemic character. Workarea opens up into secondary street giving wide space to work and easy access.

Courtyard - â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2DC;aanganâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122; as like traditional houses this becomes important space for woman of houses. Steps are most interactive and social space similar to traditional houses.

Fig.140 Conceptual sketch showing every activities and live character of a street. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Open space is shared between two sides of the houses where people can interact, childrens can play and even woman can dry clothes.

Design Analysis

How the design has evolved taking understanding from traditional architecture keeping present issues and needs in mind. Analysis of design through the same layers of parameter as the case study analysis, thus stating the way in which have taken the learning/inferences from the case and how it is translated to fiinal design.

While 4125m2 of total site area goes to roads and streets that is 21% of total site area.

6325m2 of total site area goes to roads and streets that is 31.25% of total site area.

Out of total site area that is 20000m2 Ground coverage is 9550m2 that is 47.75% of total site area.

Fig.141 Diagram showing Open vs. Buil, connectivity and open area of design.

Fig.142 Units are staggered to get cross ventilation .

Hot during daytime

Fig.143 Staggering seen in traditional village street is followed in design.

Fig.146 Street width are changing in design similar to traditional streets.

Fig.147 Traditional streets variation keeps it shaded all day.

Fig.144 Bedrooms are kept on the upper floor in traditional house for privacy and climate purposes.

Fig.145 Similar pattern is followed in design as traditional houses to get climatical benifits.

Fig.148 South wall has cladding of earthen plates and planter box with creepers to keep it shaded as much as possible.

Fig.149 Most interactive space designed with simple elements like plinths and steps similar to traditional architecture.

Fig.150 Social place in village street that is â&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2DC;dellyâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122; entrance steps.

Fig.151 Entrance verandah or steps creates interactive place in street.

Fig.154 Use of earthen plates in slab for thermal insulation promots local skills. Fig.155 Use of terracota blocks as a ventilation element and grilled window promots local craftmanship and distribute economy.

Fig.152 Courtyard as a breathing space in traditional houses.

Fig.153 Design follows the similar character and scale of courtyard which can be seen in traditinal houses.

Fig.156 Use of earthen plates as cladding material gives climatic benifits and also promots local skills.

Fig.157 Typical windows and door used in traditional houses.

A glimpse of architectural practices in the past shows an efficient use of this sustainable design approach. Traditional architecture in any place, as observed today, is not the result of a one-time effort but is the culmination of hundreds of years of understanding in response to a particular situation through trial and error. This expression is more evident in areas with extreme conditions and meagre resources. It shows an understanding between man and nature. These shelters forms have an important attribute of making its inmates comfortable in extreme climatic conditions. Overall a harmonious balance between built form, climate and life style was achieved. Many examples of traditional planning and building methods were indeed good examples of sustainable architecture in their time, and represented good uses of local resources matched to local skills which combined produced a built environment which met peopleâ&amp;#x20AC;&amp;#x2122;s needs.

Fig.158 Diagrame showing relation of social, Fig.159 Harmony with nature. ecomical and environmental sustainability. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Glossary Meaning in local language. ‘Aangan’ ‘Chowk’ ‘Delly’ ‘Faliyu’ ‘Gadkis’ ‘Karai’ ‘Osari’ ‘Rasodu’ ‘Sheri’

Entrance steps and plinth leading towards house. A place where three to four streets meet in village. Entrance steps and plinth leading towards house. Front open space. Stone niches at entrance of a house to keep lights. Bedroom. Living room of house in entrance. Kitchen. Street.

Udamale, Sanjay, Architecture for Kutchh, English edition, Mumbai, 2003.

Appendix - i Base drawings/illustrations

Udamale, Sanjay, Architecture for Kutchh, English edition, Mumbai, 2003. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

List of plates

Plate no 01 - Layout Plan

Plate no 02 - House Typology A

Plate no 03 - House Typology A

Plate no 04 - House Typology B

Plate no 05 - Cluster Plan

Plate no 06 - Cluster Sections

Illustrations credit

Fig. 8 , 12 , 13 , 17 , 18 , 21 to 40 , 41 , BY AUTHOR 43 to 46 , 51 , 52 , 56 , 57 to 60 , 62 to 65 , 67 to 91 , 93 to 103 , 108 to 156

Fig. 14 . 16 Fig. 15 . 20

Fig. 5 . 19 . 42 . 47 to 50 . 53 . 55 . Udamale, Sanjay, Architecture for Kutchh, English edition, Mumbai, 61 . 66 . 92 . 104 to 107 , 157 2003.

Fig. 6 . 7 . 158 , 159

INTABU, New architecture and Urbanism Development of Indian Traditions, The Nabha Foundation, New delhi.

UN-Habitat Housing Report, http:// www.habitat.org/asiapacific/Know_ more/poverty_housing_in_asia_ pacific_report.aspx, last accessed on 21st Aug 2012.

Fig. 2 . 34

Fig. 9 . 10 . 11

Census 2011, http://censusindia.gov.in, Last accessed 10th Aug 2012 “Working with the Market: Approach to Reducing Urban Slums in India” http://indiancities.berkeley.edu/2011/ speaker_content/docs/Phatak-P_ Annez_A_Berataud_B_Patel_V_ PhatakWPS5475.pdf, Last accessed 21st Aug 2012 Urban Management Centre (UMC), WATER SANITATION SERVICES IN SLUMS OF GUJARAT Settlement Level Assessment, 2010-11 June 2012.

Annual Report 2010-11 of the Ministry of Housing &amp; Urban Poverty Alleviation GOI – National Housing Bank, Statistics on Demand for Housing in India, http://www. housingindia.info, Last accessed 10th Aug 2012 Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

Work cited [Last name,first name. book title.name of printing press and place of printing, year of printing, Print] Books: Udamale, Sanjay, Architecture for Kutchh, English edition, Mumbai, 2003. Tyabji, Azhar,Art, Architecture and History : Bhuj, Mapin Publishing, 2006. INTABU, New architecture and Urbanism Development of Indian Traditions, The Nabha Foundation, New delhi. Thesis: Das, Sonia, Sustainability of contemporary architecture of India, Unpublished Thesis, IPSA, Rajkot. 2010. Jain, Bhoomika, Traditional Built Form in context of Sustainability, Unpublished Thesis, IPSA, Rajkot, 2010. Articles: Bipin Prajapati, Kavita Benker, K N Sonalia, Nitiben Talsania, Siddharth Mukherjee, K N Trivedi, A Study on availability of basic civic facilities in Urban slum area of Bhuj, Gujarat, India, National Journal of Community Medicine Vol 2 Issue 3 Oct-Dec 2011, Page 384. Geeta Vaidyanathan and Shashtant Patara, The Basis For Sustainable Housing Responding To Cultural Needs (http://www.devalt.org/ newsletter/jan95/of_2.htm) Urban Management Centre (UMC), WATER SANITATION SERVICES IN SLUMS OF GUJARAT Settlement Level Assessment, 2010-11 June 2012. Reinterpreting understanding of traditional into contemporary architecture - Housing for Economically concerned people by Siddhant Bhatasana

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How to Create a Successful Architecture Presentation Board

• Updated: December 31, 2023

Architecture is as much about effective communication as it is about innovative design. At the heart of this communicative process lies the architecture presentation board, a tool quintessential for architects to convey their vision, ideas, and concepts.

These boards are more than mere visual aids; they are the narrative bridge between an architect’s imaginative conception and the practical world where these ideas may take shape. They are not just a requirement for academic submissions or professional proposals but are a fundamental aspect of the architectural design process.

They serve as a canvas where ideas are visualized, concepts are explained, and designs are brought to life for various audiences, be it clients, peers, competition judges, or the general public.

Understanding how to effectively create and present these boards is crucial, as a well-crafted presentation not only showcases a finished scheme but also reflects the thought process, attention to detail, and the authors ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and visually.

What are architecture presentation boards used for?

Architecture presentation boards serve several different purposes:

• Students use them to present work to their professors and peers.
• Professionals use them to present designs to clients, committees, shareholders, and exhibitions.
• They may be a means to win a commission, or they may help to take a project into the next stage. 

What is the purpose of an architecture presentation board?

Architecture presentation boards are a tool to showcase your work. They are a way to draw your viewers into your design process and methods, providing an overall summary and vision for the project. You are communicating your design and showcasing your artistic skills, and your sense as a designer. 

Every successful project has a central concept, a “big picture” theme that gives it purpose. When you look at your project, what is that big idea?

As it is central to your whole project, this will guide you as you prioritize your work and determine the flow of your ideas. The primary purpose of your project is to communicate this central concept in the best way possible.  

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How do you layout an architecture presentation board, 01 – structure/order.

Before you begin laying out your presentation board, think about the main points you want to convey. From there, determine what images and graphics will best represent those ideas. Gather all of the information you will need, making a note of what graphics and text you will need to communicate your ideas.

Remember, you are essentially telling a story, so pay close attention to the flow of the narrative as you arrange your elements. Consider the beginning, middle, and end of the story you want to tell.

Depending on the guidelines you are given, you may present your boards side-by-side, as separate boards presented in a sequence, or as one big poster. If no strict parameters are in place, figure out what structure and layout will tell your story the best. While a series of boards will logically convey your story, one big board is often the easiest option.

02 – Orientation

Will your presentation board be oriented in portrait or landscape? Sometimes you will get to make that call, but many times it will be determined for you by your director, client, or professor. Make sure you know beforehand what the parameters are.

If you get to choose, give it some careful thought. Which orientation will give your graphics the room they need to be the most impactful? Which orientation gives your whole project a natural flow for your narrative? 

03 – Size

Much like orientation, you may or may not get to decide what size your presentation boards will be. You will often have restrictions that limit you to a specific board size and a certain number of boards.

Make sure you know your limitations before you start working on your layout. Your boards should all be the same size to achieve continuity.

You can use a combination of different sizes to produce a board of equivalent size. For example, a combination of two A1  boards will add up to an A0 board. 

04 – Layout

The most common way to organize your layout is by using a grid. Using a grid will help keep the boards in your project consistent.

If you are using InDesign , you can achieve this uniformity by creating a master page that acts as a template for your whole project.

Templates are useful because they can save you a great deal of time, and they ensure uniformity throughout your project. Your grid should include spaces for titles, numbering, your name, and any other information that will repeat on each board.

Before you start laying out your actual boards, sketch out various configurations so you can determine what will work best. You can do a small-scale sketch to get the basic idea of the flow of each board. This allows you to change the arrangement of the elements before you commit to anything on your boards.

You can do this initial phase using software or sketching it out on paper.

After you have determined what type of layout you want to use, estimate how much space you will need for each element on the page. Each graphic needs to be large enough to have an impact. Determine how much space you would like to leave in between each graphic.

Use equal spacing throughout your project to create continuity. Here is an excellent tutorial on planning your layout using Indesign:

The layout of each board should show the relationship between all of the elements. It should be clear to read and follow a logical left-to-right and top-to-bottom progression.

Imagine a viewer looking at your presentation. What do you want them to see first? What is the best way to make them understand your project? Does your layout achieve this?

You should also pay attention to the relationship between each board. Is there a logical progression from one board to the next? Does the sequence make sense? If you will not display the boards in a configuration that makes them all visible at once, make sure you number them, so your viewers follow the correct sequence.

Don’t feel the need to fill every square inch of your presentation board. Leave enough space so that it doesn’t look too busy or cluttered. On the other hand, don’t leave too much space either, or it will look like you didn’t finish the board, didn’t have enough material for the board, or that you didn’t work very hard.

05 – Visual Hierarchy

Some of your images need to garner more attention than others. Consider all of the graphics and text you will be using. Which images are central to your main idea?

The images that are essential for communicating your vision should take up more space in the grid. You should have an image that people can see from a distance and other images that they can see from up close. This creates a visual hierarchy.

What is the most important aspect of your project? Make that the element people can see from a distance. There are ways to accomplish this in addition to making it the largest element on the board. For example, you can use color to draw the viewer’s eye to a particular graphic, especially if the rest of the board is monochromatic.

06 – Background

The background of your presentation board should be simple. This allows the viewer to see all of the elements without the distraction of a busy background. You don’t want anything to detract from the critical details of the board. Your graphics and text should be the primary focus; don’t use bold colors or textures that will detract from that.

A white, or even light gray, background will make your graphics and text stand out. It will give your presentation a professional look that isn’t too busy. You can use other colors if they help convey your central concept; just make sure the background is plain enough that the viewer focuses on the design, not the background.

Be very selective when using a black background, as it may make the text harder to read, and your graphics may not stand out as much as you would like them to.

Whatever color you choose for your background, use it to your advantage.  Effective use of negative space can make your design look clean and professional.

07 – Color Scheme

Many professionals and students stick with black, white, and gray for presentation boards. While this can give your boards a professional look, don’t be afraid to add a pop of color. While sticking with greyscale may seem like a safe choice, there is a risk of blacks and greys making your design seem cold and lifeless.

Think about ways you can use color to bring life to your design. You may opt to add just one color, such as green for landscaping, to provide contrast to an otherwise monochromatic presentation. You could also bring in an additional color to represent a particular building material (brick, glass, wood, etc.).

You can also choose a brighter, more eye-catching color, such as yellow or orange, as a feature in your diagrams . Whatever you choose, use the same color across all of your boards to maintain a consistent flow.

If color is one of the main focuses of your project, or if there are details that you cannot adequately represent in greyscale, then you should feel free to delve deeper into the world of color. Don’t limit yourself to merely an accent color in this case, but don’t take it too far and make the mistake of overusing color to the point where it is a distraction.

08 – Font

All of the text throughout your project should be in one font. Don’t use font style as an avenue for creativity; it is more important to make sure the font style and size produce a readable, consistent product.

Sans serif fonts, such as Helvetica or Futura, will give your presentation a clean, minimalist look.

Avoid script or handwriting fonts, as they will not give your boards a clean, professional look. Keep the color of your font dark (black or dark grey work well) to provide contrast to a light background.

Whichever font you select, make sure the style and size are readable for your viewers before you finalize your boards. The best way to do this is to print out your text on an A3 paper, pin it up somewhere, and stand back to see how it will look when it is displayed.

A full breakdown, list, and description of the most popular fonts for architecture can be found here .

09 – Title

The most common placement for a title bar is the top left since your board will most likely follow a left-to-right and top-to-bottom progression. Many successful and professional-looking boards have titles at the top right, at the bottom, or somewhere in the middle.

Choose the position that makes the most sense for your project. As with other design decisions, make sure it does not distract the viewer from seeing the big picture.  

Make sure the title placement is consistent from board to board. This consistency will be both visually appealing and professional.

10 – Text

Keep your explanations concise. People are not going to spend much time reading lengthy descriptions, so only include relevant information and keep it short. Remember that your text boxes are part of your visual hierarchy, so utilize the size and alignment to complement your graphics. Consider the various ways you can align the text within the text box. What flows best? What is pleasing to the eye?

Aside from your title, do not use all capitals in your text. Your work will look more professional and be easier to read if you stick with the standard rules of capitalization.

Whenever possible, use a graphic or a sketch, rather than an explanation, to portray an idea. Since this is a graphic presentation, you want your graphics to tell the story, not your text. Include a concise statement that highlights the features of your design. This is basically your sales pitch; lengthy explanations will make you lose your audience.

11 – Image Selection

The selection of images is a critical part of putting your presentation board together. The graphics you choose can make or break your entire design presentation.

You want to select the images that best convey the important details of your project. If you use too many images, your presentation may appear cluttered and confusing. If you use too few images, it may look like you did not put much effort into your presentation.

Over the course of your project, you have generated countless sketches, renderings, models, and drawings. Resist the temptation to include everything just to show how hard you worked. Keep your big picture in mind and determine which images will directly show or best support that idea.

12 – Models

On occasion, a physical model, or even several models showing different aspects of your design, may be required for your presentation board. This is an additional means of communicating your vision to your viewers.

There are several materials you can choose for your model. Card and cardboard are inexpensive and come in various weights, finishes, and colors.

Foam board is also available in various widths and thicknesses. It is generally white, but it also comes in other colors. It is very lightweight and sturdy, making it an ideal material for your presentation board.

Balsawood is another good option. It is easy to work with and comes in varying weights. The material you choose will depend on the look you are trying to achieve as well as how much weight you can adhere to your presentation board.  

Your model pieces can be cut by hand with tools such as an X-Acto knife or a scalpel. If you have access to a laser cutter, it will save you some time and give you more precision.

13 – Time Constraints

Give yourself enough time to produce a well-thought-out, effective, visually appealing presentation. You spent a considerable amount of time on your design; it would be a shame to rush through your presentation boards. Give each part of the process enough attention so that your final product really showcases and highlights your talent and hard work. 

Time management is critical when working on a big project like this. It can seem overwhelming at first, so split the project into smaller sub-tasks to make it more manageable. Give yourself a deadline for each of those smaller tasks. Make a schedule that shows which tasks you will accomplish each day. Make sure you leave yourself a little wiggle room in case anything unexpected comes up.

What should be included in an architecture presentation board?

Unless you receive explicit instructions regarding what to include in your presentation boards, it is up to you which elements make the cut. When you are deciding what elements to incorporate into your project, reflect on what will best explain your design.

When someone completely unfamiliar with your project is looking at your boards, what do you want them to see?

When deciding what text to include in your project, make sure you include an introduction, your design brief, and any applicable precedents. In addition, you will want to include concise textual explanations as needed throughout your presentation.

For your graphic representations, you want to include the basics: elevations, floor plans, and sections. You can represent these with 3d drawings, perspectives, or renders.  You may also include some key features of your design that make it unique, and in addition to highlighting the finished product, select elements that show your concept and design development.

Some additional tips:

• When choosing a perspective view, select one that highlights the best aspects of your design. This graphic is usually the most prominent picture on the presentation board. The hero image!
• You will want to include at least two different elevation views so your viewers can get a sense of the bigger picture.
• Don’t be afraid to include sketches. If you include some sketches that show the progression from a simple idea to the final product, you can communicate your vision as well as your process.

When you are adding all of these elements to your presentation board, make sure each graphic representation of the plan has the same orientation. If one picture has north pointed in one direction and another picture has north pointed in a different direction, it can be disorienting for the viewer.

Likewise, each graphic should use the same scale unless there is one picture that is bigger than the others for the purpose of visual hierarchy.

There is one obvious detail that you may inadvertently overlook. Make sure your name is on your presentation board. If you have more than one board, put your name on each one. The name is in the bottom right-hand corner, but it can also appear in the title bar.

Types of Architectural Presentation Boards

Organizing your architectural presentation sheets into specific categories can be a very effective way to present your projects. There are several types of architectural presentation boards, and the following tips can help you present your project at different stages:

C onceptual board

Concept sheets are a type of presentation board that showcase your initial ideas and approach to a project. They typically include information about the concept behind the project and how design decisions were made. It is important to submit concept sheets before presenting your architectural drawings and renderings.

When creating concept sheets, you may want to include conceptual collages and diagrams to help explain your ideas to the audience. These can be created using 3D modeling software or programs like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. The goal of concept sheets is to clearly and simply present the various stages of your project to the review panel.

Site a nalysis board

Before beginning a project, architects perform thorough analyses to determine the needs, conditions, and limitations of the site. This analysis serves as the foundation for the concept development. Site analysis boards may include site analysis, urban scale analysis, sociocultural analysis, analysis of physical conditions, and environmental analysis.

It is important to conduct extensive research and present your findings in a clear and organized way, as analysis boards can help reinforce the concepts presented in your architectural drawings.

It is also important to keep in mind that the jury members may have difficulty understanding analysis presented alongside the architectural drawings.

Technical / Detail Board

Technical drawings are a crucial aspect of architectural projects, as they help to depict the structural elements of a design and guide the construction process. It is important to present technical drawings in a clear and organized manner, particularly in application projects and student projects.

Technical drawing boards should typically include a master plan at a scale of 1/5000 or 1/1000, as well as site plans and floor plans at a scale of 1/500, and sections and elevations at a scale of 1/200. Detail drawings, including system sections and details at scales of 1/20, 1/10, and 1/5, should also be included on the technical drawing boards.

These drawings will help to provide a more complete understanding of the project to the review panel.

Professional Boards

While student projects and competition entries are evaluated by a panel of judges, in professional practice, the client serves as the “jury” for your work. Instead of preparing presentation boards in the same way you would for school or competition projects, it is important to create presentations that will appeal to clients.

The most important factor for most clients is the design of the living space, so it can be helpful to focus on renderings and plain plans rather than technical drawings. The visual appeal of your presentation boards, including the color scheme and atmosphere in the renderings, as well as your ability to effectively present and explain your ideas to the client, will also be important factors in their evaluation of your work.

Programs, Software, and Tools

There are several software applications you can use to build your presentation board. Choose one that you are already familiar with, so you aren’t trying to learn new software while you are doing your layout. That is an added stressor that you just don’t need!

InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are excellent programs, but if you need something a bit more simple, Microsoft Word, Pages, Powerpoint, or Keynote will also work. 

InDesign was designed for making presentations. AutoCAD was designed for constructing plans. Photoshop was designed for editing raster images. Illustrator was designed for creating vector art. While some people are able to make their whole presentation using Illustrator, Photoshop, or even PowerPoint, it makes more sense to use each piece of software in a way that takes advantage of its strengths.

You can import files from AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Illustrator into InDesign and take advantage of the strengths of each application.

Before you delve into your own presentation board, do some research. Look online for examples and make a note of the elements you like. Combine that inspiration with your creativity to produce a stunning presentation. 

Here are some websites you can use for inspiration:

The President’s Medals Winners

Pinterest – Architectural Presentation Boards

World Architecture Students Community – Presentation Boards

FAQ’s about architecture presentation boards

How do you present an architecture presentation.

Here are some general guidelines for presenting an architecture presentation:

• Define your objective : Clearly define the purpose of your presentation and the main ideas or arguments you want to convey.
• Organize your material : Gather and organize your material in a logical and coherent manner that supports your objectives. This may include drawings, images, models, diagrams, and text.
• Create a clear and visually appealing layout : Use a layout that is easy to follow and that effectively presents your material. Consider using contrast, hierarchy, and balance to guide the viewer’s eye.
• Practice your presentation : Practice your presentation to ensure that you are comfortable with your material and can deliver it in a clear and confident manner.
• Use visual aids effectively : Use visual aids such as slides, drawings, and models to supplement your presentation and help illustrate your points. Avoid overloading the viewer with too much information and focus on presenting the most important ideas.
• Engage your audience : Engage your audience by using a variety of presentation techniques, such as asking questions, using storytelling, and using interactive elements.
• Conclude with a summary : Recap the main points of your presentation and conclude with a clear and concise summary.

Why do architects use presentation boards?

As explained above, architecture presentation boards are commonly used by architects and designers to visually communicate their ideas and designs.

Presentation boards typically consist of a series of large format panels that can be mounted on a wall or a stand. These panels can be used to display a variety of materials, such as drawings, images, models, diagrams, and text.

Presentation boards are an effective way to present a comprehensive overview of a project or design concept, and they can be used to showcase the key features and characteristics of a project.

They are often used in design reviews, presentations, exhibitions, and competitions , and can be a useful tool for architects and designers to communicate their ideas to a variety of audiences, including clients, stakeholders, and reviewers.

Presentation boards can be customized to suit the specific needs of the project and can be designed to effectively convey the key ideas and concepts of the design, enabling architects and designers to effectively present and showcase their work in a clear and visually appealing manner.

To Sum Up…

Even the most exceptional design concept can appear uninspired if you do not present it well.

You have spent weeks, maybe even months, on your design. Don’t sell yourself short by not communicating your vision well. The professional, creative, and aesthetic quality of your presentation will affect how your work is received.

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10 Fonts For Architects

• Written by Eduardo Souza | Translated by Guilherme Carvalho
• Published on November 27, 2019

Have you ever been stuck for hours obsessing over a font that matched your work? Before starting a project, do you already think about which font you will use? Do you get annoyed when you read an important message written in Comic Sans? Or do you feel offended when a mundane sentence is written in all caps? Rest assured, you are not alone. 

Architects and designers constantly use graphic elements as expressive means in the schematization of their works. Among them, the most common are the drawings, in a constant variety of techniques, styles, and patterns. But among the elements that make up the boards, panels and drawings, techniques and models, there is a particular fragment that helps them in composition and identity: the font. 

Fonts establish one of the pillars of Graphic Design and can be defined as a set of systems to the impression of types. Types are the designs assumed by a particular family of letters in their pattern. Within the family, there are variations between the letters (light, italic and bold), by the type of box (high - upper and lower - lowercase), by source classification, including Sans - serif (without serif), Serif (with serif), Script (cursive) and Dingbat (ornamental), in addition to numerous other identity features of the same.

It is worth mentioning that the importance of fonts in the graphics schemes of designers and especially of architects is fundamental in graphic communication to nonverbal reading. The correct choice of typography leads to mental logic in reading certain graphics piece, whether a drawing, text or even a scheme, an inviting act the reader through imaginary bridges between the real and the imaginary.

In architecture, font models are not restricted to the papers and graphic presentations of architects, but also in the composition of facades, projects of visual identity of buildings and, above all, in the use of vernacular typography by the people as a cultural manifestation in approach to the popular, revealing the need for varied expression in the different layers and poles. 

We have selected some font models used by architects, from technical drawings to diagrams. Many of them are paid fonts, there is also the option to find good free fonts here . Check out our selection below:

Created by Paul Renner in the 1920s, this font is a classic Modern Graphic Design . Inspired by Bauhaus techniques, it uses straight lines and curves in syntony, providing balance in the textual set. However, despite the visual cleaning, this font should not be used in long texts, due to the visual exhaustion provoked. Indicated to punctual texts in the architectural boards, such as titles and subtitles. It is highly used for visual identity in corporate buildings.

By this font here .

Developed by the graphic designer Herbert Bayer, in 1925, its conception is perceived with, timelessness, transcending time. Its creator studied at Bauhaus between 1921 and 1923 under the direction of Kandinsky and Moholy-Nagy . Used until the present day, it is mostly attributed to titles and subtitles in the composition of boards.

This font is usually installed with Windows and can be purchased here.

In honor of the important modernist architect Richard Neutra, graphic designer Christian Schwartz took care of designing the alphabet according to the architect's layout. Julius Schulman and Dion Neutra also participated in the process. It is highly used in the works of Architecture and Design as a competitor for Futura.

Buy the font here.

Created in 1767, by Giambattista Bodoni, this font is characterized by its high aesthetic strength and should be used with caution. Due to the set of lines and striking presence of its letters, it is not indicated for long texts, but for highlights, such as titles and details.

Inspired by the typical letters used in signage and architectural visual identity, it was conceived in the 2000s by designer Tobias Frere-Jones. Widely used for publicity, due to the idea of credibility transmitted by its lines, in architecture, this font should be used in business cards and logos. 

Download this font here.

Between Bodoni and Dala Floda, Butler consists of a modern typography along curvilinear lines. Due to its strong personality, it is indicated for titles and logos.

Widely used for long texts, this font is ideal for competitions and university boards, or even text boxes in graphic details, because of its clean aesthetics and proportion of lines allows long readings without tiring the reader. The typography, designed by Lucas deGroot, is also widely used in books and specialized Architecture magazines. 

On Windows, this font along with other five (Cambria, Constantia, Corbel, Candara, and Calibri) are among the most used typologies, with no need for external acquisition. 

The majority of architects, even without advanced knowledge of graphic design, intuitively select sans serif typefaces, due to its minimalism and straight lines. Among the most used texts, as well as the previous case, Helvetica is notorious among professionals. Built in the twentieth century, by Max Miedinger and Eduard Hoffmann , it is strongly associated with modern graphic design, due to its set of lines and layout its designer sought a neutral and concise design.

Buy this font here.

For those who like versatile and yet subtle fonts to compose their boards, this typography is ideal for that. In a system of hybrid lines, between rationalism of straight lines and the break of staticity of the curved line, this font created by Gatis vilaks, privileges a harmonious set. It is suggested for titles, subtitles and textual details in the graphic composition of boards and drawings. 

Designed by Barbara Lind, this font is part of Adobe, its use presents personality and strength in its composition, ideal for a wide range of applications, such as boards, diagrams, and schemes. This font would be well used in titles, subtitles, and details.

This font belongs to Adobe. It can be purchased here.

Originally published on October 16th, 2017; updated on November 21st, 2019. 

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10种英文字体，无论做方案还是作品集都用得上

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