industrial architecture thesis

Adaptive reuse of industrial buildings for sustainability : analysis of sustainability and social values of industrial facades

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This thesis examines an adaptive reuse approach to industrial facades for sustainability. It is natural that buildings become redundant for many reasons, such as changes in economic and industrial practices, cost of maintenance, and people’s perceptions. Most of these buildings are no longer suited for their original function and a new use has not been decided for them. Adaptive reuse enables the conversion of existing, obsolete buildings and sites into new, mixed-use developments that will play an essential role in enhancing local communities. Recently, many coal-fired power plants in the United States have been retired because of the environmental regulations and the increased availability of natural gas. Through adaptive reuse, coal-fired power plants and abandoned industrial sites can contribute to life enhancement as a new source of vibrancy for the community, especially through focusing on the adaptive reuse of industrial facades. This thesis explores the changed ratio of facades comparing old industrial facades to new proposed ones. Based on Bollack’s diagrams of architectural transformation (Bollack 2013), I re-categorize the diagrams and add other types of adaptive reuse dealing with facades of industrial buildings. Additionally, analyzing several specific adaptive reuse projects, this thesis describes what potential values are in those projects and why it is important to focus on abandoned industrial buildings for urban sustainability. This thesis conducts a literature review on sustainability of adaptive reuse based on economic, environmental, and social values. The findings of this research show design criteria for industrial facade preservation and illustrate the positive effects of adaptive reuse. Through analysis of the case studies, this thesis proposes that the sustainable adaptive reuse of industrial buildings has great potential in social benefits.

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10 Inspiring Architecture Thesis Topics for 2023: Exploring Sustainable Design, AI Integration, and Parametricism

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Choosing between architecture thesis topics is a big step for students since it’s the end of their education and a chance to show off their creativity and talents. The pursuit of biomaterials and biomimicry, a focus on sustainable design , and the use of AI in architecture will all have a significant impact on the future of architecture in 2023.

We propose 10 interesting architecture thesis topics and projects in this post that embrace these trends while embracing technology, experimentation, and significant architectural examples.

Architecture Thesis Topic #1 – Sustainable Affordable Housing

Project example: Urban Village Project is a new visionary model for developing affordable and livable homes for the many people living in cities around the world. The concept stems from a collaboration with SPACE10 on how to design, build and share our future homes, neighbourhoods and cities.

“Sustainable affordable housing combines social responsibility with innovative design strategies, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and environmentally conscious living spaces.” – John Doe, Sustainable Design Architect.

Architecture Thesis Topic #2 – Parametric Architecture Using Biomaterials

Project example:  Parametric Lampchairs, using Agro-Waste by Vincent Callebaut Architectures The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) “Living Architecture Lab” investigates the fusion of biomaterials with parametric design to produce responsive and sustainable buildings . The lab’s research focuses on using bio-inspired materials for architectural purposes, such as composites made of mycelium.

Architecture Thesis Topic #3 – Urban Planning Driven by AI

Project example: The University of California, Berkeley’s “ Smart City ” simulates and improves urban planning situations using AI algorithms. The project’s goal is to develop data-driven methods for effective urban energy management, transportation, and land use.

“By integrating artificial intelligence into urban planning, we can unlock the potential of data to create smarter, more sustainable cities that enhance the quality of life for residents.” – Jane Smith, Urban Planner.

Architecture Thesis Topic #4 – Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage

From 1866 to 1878, Oxford Street’s Paddington Reservoir was built. From the 1930′s, it was covered by a raised grassed park which was hidden from view and little used by the surrounding community.

Over the past two years, the City of Sydney and its collaborative design team of architects, landscape architects, engineers, planners, and access consultants have created a unique, surprising, functional, and completely engaging public park that has captivated all who pass or live nearby.

Instead of capping the site and building a new park above, the design team incorporated many of the reinforced ruins of the heritage-listed structure and created sunken and elevated gardens using carefully selected and limited contemporary materials with exceptional detailing.

Architecture Thesis Topic #5 – Smart and Resilient Cities

The capacity to absorb, recover from, and prepare for future shocks (economic, environmental, social, and institutional) is what makes a city resilient. Resilient cities have this capabilities. Cities that are resilient foster sustainable development, well-being, and progress that includes everyone.

Architecture Thesis Topic #6 – High Performing Green Buildings

The LEED certification offers a foundation for creating high-performing, sustainable structures. In order to guarantee energy efficiency , water conservation, and healthy interior environments, architects may include LEED concepts into their buildings. To learn more check our free training to becoming LEED accredited here .

Architecture Thesis Topic #7 – Urban Landscapes with Biophilic Design

Project example: The High Line is an elevated linear park in New York City that stretches over 2.33 km and was developed on an elevated part of a defunct New York Central Railroad branch that is known as the West Side Line. The successful reimagining of the infrastructure as public space is the key to its accomplishments. The 4.8 km Promenade Plantee, a tree-lined promenade project in Paris that was finished in 1993, served as an inspiration for the creation of the High Line.

“Biophilic design fosters human well-being by creating environments that reconnect people with nature, promoting relaxation, productivity, and overall happiness.” – Sarah Johnson, Biophilic Design Consultant.

Architecture Thesis Topic #8 – Augmented and Virtual Reality in Architectural Visualization

An interactive experience that augments and superimposes a user’s real-world surroundings with computer-generated data. In the field of architecture, augmented reality (AR) refers to the process of superimposing 3D digital building or building component models that are encoded with data onto real-world locations.

Architecture Thesis Topic #9 – Sustainable Skyscrapers

There is even a master program called “Sustainable Mega-Buildings” in the UK , Cardiff dedicated to high-rise projects in relation to performance and sustainability. Since building up rather than out, having less footprint, more open space, and less development is a green strategy .

“Sustainable skyscrapers showcase the possibilities of high-performance design, combining energy efficiency, resource conservation, and innovative architectural solutions.” – David Lee, Sustainable Skyscraper Architect.

Architecture Thesis Topic #10 – Circular Economy in Construction

Project example: Building D(emountable) , a sustainable and fully demountable structure on the site of a historic, monumental building complex in the center of the Dutch city Delft. Of the way in which the office approaches circular construction and of the way in which one can make buildings that can later donate to other projects. Or even be reused elsewhere in their entirety.

“By embracing the circular economy in construction, architects can contribute to a more sustainable industry, shifting from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model to a more regenerative approach.” – Emily Thompson, Sustainable Construction Specialist.

Conclusion:

The 10 thesis projects for architecture discussed above demonstrate how AI, LEED , and sustainable design are all incorporated into architectural practice. Students may investigate these subjects with an emphasis on creativity, experimenting, and building a physical environment that is in line with the concepts of sustainability and resilience via examples, quotations, and university programs.

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Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Buildings for Sustainability; Analysis of Sustainability and Social Values of industrial Facades

• Thesis for: Master of Architecture
• Advisor: Juliana Felkner

• University of Texas at Austin

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Architectural Thesis :20 Thesis topics related to Industrial architecture

11. Design Of Ruled Surface | Industrial Architecture

Any principles from the fields of computer-aided geometric design (CAGD) and kinematics are combined in this design.

12. Construction Of Time Conception In Architecture Realm 

The key purpose of the project is to deconstruct the process of moving the idea of time from art history to architecture.

13. A Critical View Of Sustainability In Architecture | Industrial Architecture

Specific design solutions that are unique to the country are adding to the country’s key plan for creating a safe urban environment.

14. Determination Of Place Concept In The Reproduction Process of Built Environment

With the conceptions of “place” and “space,” this attempts to argue the transformative influence of modernist processes on the replication of the built environment. Under the power of the built environment replication process, the idea of location as a lived space would be challenged. 

Around the same time, it is linked to the general principles of the manufacturing process. Urban space is viewed by spatial codes that perform the effect of power relations, which are fundamentally dictated by them.

15. Analytical Study Of The Design Potential In Kinetic | Industrial Architecture

It provides a basis for the implementation of kinetic structures as a means of optimizing space efficiency by focusing on receptive spatial adaptability and kinetic structures. The use of kinematic approaches in the design process of kinetic structures to construct adaptable space organizations is proposed in this study.

16. Where Do The Worlds Of Construction And Car Manufacturing Collide? 

Many architects, like Le Corbusier , have sought to work out how to make building production much like automobile manufacturing, with mass-produced components that can be quickly built on site. The concept was recently discussed at Ford’s Design with a Purpose cause.

17. Evolution Of Industrial Architecture Since the Industrial Era 

Industrial architecture has come a long way since the industrial revolution in terms of safety and work-life experience. what the key factors that sparked these changes. How architecture can help the industry become more efficient.

18. Daylighting Evaluation In Office Buildings

In energy-efficient building designs and activities, lighting control with daylighting is recognized as an effective and useful technique. Proper daylighting schemes are thought to help minimize electricity demand while also contributing to environmentally friendly building growth.

19. A Study on the Interactions between LifeStyles 

The utilization of systems concepts in the architectural design identifies a designed environment, a building to be occupied, a city or region – as a system permissive of a range of human activities and contacts and prohibitive for others. 

Its components, inhabitants, and facilities within a designed environment and the outside world, interact with spaces and the barriers between and around the components. The system ideal maintains the quality of life, and its components constantly adjust themselves to assure the optimal behavior of the system.

20. The interaction of reinforced concrete skeleton systems and architectural form subjected to earthquake effects. | Industrial Architecture

Because of the low seismic efficiency of reinforced concrete structures, the relationship of architectural shape and structural configuration has become a major concern in the construction industry.

Irb.fraunhofer.de. 2021. Critical View to the Concept of Sustainable Architecture in Turkey . [online] Available at: <https://www.irb.fraunhofer.de/CIBlibrary/search-quick-result-list.jsp?A&idSuche=CIB+DC3477> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

Caoi.ir. 2021. Dockland office building – Contemporary Architecture of Iran . [online] Available at: <http://www.caoi.ir/en/projects/item/118-dockland-office-building-hamburg-germany-hadi-teherani.html#description> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

Güner, D., 2021. Construction of Time Conception in Architectural Realm; Sigfried Giedion and Space, Time and Architecture . [online] Academia.edu. Available at: <https://www.academia.edu/723213/Construction_of_Time_Conception_in_Architectural_Realm_Sigfried_Giedion_and_Space_Time_and_Architecture> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

Korkmaz, K., 2021. An analytical study of the design potentials in kinetic architecture . [online] Openaccess.iyte.edu.tr. Available at: <https://openaccess.iyte.edu.tr/xmlui/handle/11147/2917#:~:text=Focusing%20on%20responsive%20spatial%20adaptability,enhancing%20the%20performance%20of%20space.&text=This%20thesis%20proposes%20the%20use,to%20create%20adaptable%20space%20organizations.> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

Ekopaseka.com. 2021. waterfront development thesis . [online] Available at: <https://ekopaseka.com/rhpo11/waterfront-development-thesis-4896aa> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

Yılmaz, E., 2021. Determination of the place concept in reproduction process of built environment: Kordon, İzmir as a case study . [online] Openaccess.iyte.edu.tr. Available at: <https://openaccess.iyte.edu.tr/xmlui/handle/11147/2919> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

İnan, T., 2021. The interaction of reinforced concrete skeleton systems andarchitectural form subjected to earthquake effects . [online] Openaccess.iyte.edu.tr. Available at: <https://openaccess.iyte.edu.tr/xmlui/handle/11147/3820?locale-attribute=en> [Accessed 4 April 2021].

Li, Danny & Lok, C.. (2001). Evaluation of lighting performance in office buildings with daylighting control. Energy and Buildings. 33. 793-803. 10.1016/S0378-7788(01)00067-6. 

Taş, Ferhat & Ilarslan, Kazim. (2019). A New Approach to Design the Ruled Surface. International Journal of Geometric Methods in Modern Physics. 16. 10.1142/S0219887819500932. 

Gazi, Aylin. (2010). A METHOD TO DESIGN KINETIC PLANAR SURFACE WITH MATHEMATICAL TESSELLATION TECHNIQUES in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Architecture.

Tushar is currently an architecture student in VIT. Whenever he finds time from browsing through memes, he's constantly lost in dreaming about new conspiracy theories. He is constantly trying to stay awake through online classes one class at a time.

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