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Entropy and Architecture: entropic phenomena actuating dynamic space: Author: Bernier, Jobe Paul; Date: 2008-05-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: Accepting the second law of thermodynamics indicates that any energy source is not infinite. At the event fossil fuel reserves in Alaska are depleted, the massive infrastructure supporting fossil fuel extraction-including 800 miles of pipeline-is assumed to be obsolete. This thesis endeavors to acknowledge the Pipeline's relationship to energy transfer and create a future plan of adaptive reuse. This thesis exposes processes of energy transfer or entropy. It acknowledges environmental entropy and utilizes observable phenomena of global warming within Alaska. It argues that since physical syst...; Download File | View full details

In the shadow of the dam(med): Author: Cuthbertson, Joshua David; Date: 2008-05-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: Settlers developed the American West by controlling and subduing the processes of nature. This thesis explores architecture that reveals those processes, not subdues them. A prime example of this is the area along the North Platte River in southeastern Wyoming. The area's quick settlement has resulted in poor land development that threatens the area's current, agriculture-dependant, livelihood. Reservoirs developed to support the agricultural industry have reached the end of their useful lives, and now threaten the water supply. Once such reservoir, located in Guernsey, Wyoming, is silting a...; Download File | View full details

Learning from the landfill: Author: Kitchens, Jonathan Ashley; Date: 2008-12-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: We are a culture of material consumption. We have created a cycle of extraction, production, distribution, consumption, and disposal that perpetuates our consumptive behavior. Our culture, way of life and economy is also hinged upon this process. We have created and enacted myths that provide reasoning, support and even a need for the continuation of this lifestyle. The byproduct, as well as the foundation for this culture, is the landfill. This thesis will explore the space created by the centralized concentration of garbage and the associated myths. This thesis will also show the necessity f...; Download File | View full details

[Re] defining transit culture: Author: Ernst, Jeffrey Troy; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: Environmental concerns and energy crisis have heightened awareness of energy consumption and instigated thought into alternative and updated means of travel. High speed rail has been highly utilized for travel and transport in Europe and Japan and is experiencing its initiation in the U.S. in the state of California with future proposals in cities across the country. This thesis addresses the notion of high speed rail in a society where travel is dominated by the automobile and the geographies of cities and suburbs exist under a unique paradigm compared to other countries and continents. A pro...; Download File | View full details

Off-Ramp: architectural opportunity in the mobile landscape: Author: Preszler, Blake Anthony; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: The ubiquitous character of automobiles and mobile infrastructure has formed a series of un-exploited relationships with our built environment. The automobile and architecture continue to operate as unsynchronized functions. While the automobile is constantly evolving as a means of technology and space, architecture is trapped in a vacuous state, slow to adapt, un-evolved, submitting to the will of the car. Since its invention, the automobile and the infrastructures it travels, has remained a challenge to architecture. The relationship between automobile and architecture has reached a tipping ...; Download File | View full details

The Excluded Middle: Author: Breest, Matthew Alan; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: I have had the privilege to grow up in a place of rare beauty. As far back as I can remember I have made this observation, including the observation of its continual destruction in the name of capital gain. There are few if any places in the country so rich in every aspect yet so neglected. Alaska has been a golden goose to oil companies that in return have destroyed unique ecosystems and redistributed entire cultures. As these practices can only be expected to continue I do see an opportunity for the preparation of the future. Currently south central Alaska, specifically the Anchorage-Matanus...; Download File | View full details

Environmental Architecture: Author: Franklin, Charles Evan; Date: 2009-05-15; Program: Architecture; Abstract: An unbalanced relationship currently exists between man and nature. However, humans are beginning to realize if this uneven relationship continues, it will mean the ultimate demise our world as we know it. This investigation seeks to produce architecture which is in balance with nature. To do this the architecture must act as a living system in diverse ecological environments. If architecture can organize as a living system it will no longer exist as an object on the landscape, rather the architecture will be experienced as an interrelated process essential to the functioning whole. When natur...; Download File | View full details