RSS 1.0College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA)
ABOUT THE COLLECTIONS
These collections contain senior capstone projects, master's reports, and master's theses from programs in the College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture.
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Contact us at repository@u.library.arizona.edu with questions about items in these collections.
Sub-communities within this community
Recent Submissions
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Sustainable Urban Rehabilitation in Vulnerable Historic Contexts: Evaluating Alternative Intervention Strategies for Walkability, Safety, and Environmental Quality in Callao's Historic CenterThe Historic Center of Callao, Peru, faces physical deterioration, high crime rates, and decades of failed rehabilitation attempts, creating urgent need for effective intervention strategies. This research evaluates three rehabilitation strategies to identify which approach optimally balances urban impact with implementation feasibility in this politically unstable, resource-constrained context. Literature shows that political discontinuity and insufficient funding have caused previous rehabilitation attempts to fail. Currently, the PDM Callao 2040 (Metropolitan Development Plan) includes planning provisions for this zone. However, researchers have not adequately examined intermediate strategies that balance viability and transformative impact. This study employs methodological triangulation, combining semi-structured stakeholder interviews (n=10), focus group discussion (n=6), and weighted scorecard analysis across four dimensions: Walkability, Safety, Environmental Quality, and Viability. The research evaluates three strategies: A1 (Tactical), A2 (Intermediate combining pedestrianization, pocket parks, lighting, and façade rehabilitation), and A3 (Comprehensive transformation). Findings demonstrate that alternative urban rehabilitation strategies in the Historic Center of Callao differ in perceived effectiveness for two main, interdependent reasons. The first is the capacity to address security, which is the community’s primary concern. The second is the perceived credibility of interventions within existing institutional constraints. This research contributes the strategic implementation zone concept and provides evidence-based guidance for municipalities navigating viability-impact trade-offs, with broader applicability to Latin American historic centers.
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Rehabilitation of the Rimac riverAbstract Although institutional actions in Lima, Peru aim to address river cleaning, wastewater control, and riverbank recovery, these efforts remain fragmented and uneven in their social and environmental outcomes, resulting in limited long term impact. This research analyzes the rehabilitation of the Rímac River as a public, environmental, and social space within the urban structure, starting from its current condition of deterioration, pollution, insecurity, and disconnection from the city. Previous studies reveal that most rehabilitation approaches prioritize technical and infrastructural solutions, while issues of social equity, citizen participation, and long-term governance are often treated as secondary components. To address this gap, this research adopts a qualitative methodology based on an auto ethnographic approach supported by document analysis, a comparative study of the Remedios and Xochimilco rivers in Mexico, and an interview with a specialist in cultural ecology. This methodological framework allows for the identification of integrated and context sensitive strategies that combine ecological restoration, technological infrastructure, institutional coordination, and community participation, while also acknowledging the need to distribute environmental benefits and risks more equitably over time within the Rímac River basin. The alignment of technical interventions, governance structures, and active citizen involvement achieved sustained improvements in environmental quality, reduced health risks, and ecosystem recovery in the reference cases. In contrast, the Rímac River continues to face high levels of pollution, informal occupation, insecurity, and weak public appropriation of its riverbanks, limiting its integration into everyday urban life. The research argues that effective rehabilitation requires moving beyond isolated technical actions toward an integrated and phased framework that incorporates environmental education, social activation, urban safety, and community-based governance. By understanding the Rímac as a socio ecological system, this study proposes a realistic and adaptable approach that strengthens intergenerational equity, supports long term sustainability, urban resilience, and inclusive regeneration along the river corridor.
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How Urban Noise Levels Affect Pedestrian Comfort and Behavior at the Manuel Olguín–Javier Prado Intersection in Surco, Lima, Peru (2025)Urban noise is a common problem in large cities and can affect how people feel and act when they walk. In Lima, Peru, traffic noise is very strong, especially in places with many cars and little traffic control. This study looks at how noise affects pedestrian comfort, emotions, and behavior at the Manuel Olguín–Javier Prado intersection in the Surco district. This area has heavy traffic, frequent car horns, and many pedestrians because it is close to a shopping center and a university. This research uses a mixed method approach. It combines pedestrian observation and short surveys. Observations were done at the intersection to see how people walk, cross the street, and react to noise. Surveys were given to 40 pedestrians who often pass through the area. The survey asked about noise levels, comfort, stress, and changes in walking behavior. The answers were studied using simple counts and common themes. The results show that most pedestrians think the area is very noisy and uncomfortable. Many people said the noise makes them feel stressed, tired, or tense. Because of this, they walk faster, stay more alert, or try to avoid the intersection. During the observations, many people were seen rushing, hesitating, or using headphones, which confirms the survey results. Traffic and car horns were the main sources of noise. This study shows that noise is an important part of the walking experience and should be considered in urban design. Better traffic control, less horn use, and more green areas could help reduce stress and improve pedestrian comfort. These results can help planners and designers create safer, calmer, and more comfortable streets in Lima and similar cities.
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Mobility Behavior and Urban Planning Challenges of Formal and Informal Transportation Systems in San Martín de Porres, Lima, Peru, 2025The San Martín de Porres district, located in northern Lima, Peru, faces limitations on urban mobility due to uncontrolled urban growth, centralized opportunities, and the ineffective coexistence of formal and informal transport systems. The study analyzes how these factors affect citizens’ mobility behavior and how the lack of integration between the two transport systems affects the efficiency of the north-south transition in Gerardo Unger Avenue. The mixed-methods approach included participant observation, surveys, and document analysis to identify mobility patterns, inequities in accessibility, and high dependence on the north-south route. The data collection found that travel choices and mobility behavior depend on estimated travel times, perceived security, historical events, and cost-benefit alternatives. Urban mobility in northern Lima requires Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategies, the reorganization of road space, and urban design to support the coexistence of formal and informal transportation. It also proposes a multimodal mobility hub model that can be replicated according to uncontrolled urban growth. The model promotes equitable mobility, local development, and environmental improvements in complex urban contexts like northern Lima.
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SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE PLANNING AS A SOLUTION TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION CONTEXTSThis capstone reviews the socioecological impacts of high carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and ocean acidification in the context of Chorrillos, Lima- Peru. This district relies heavily on marine resources. The study analyzes the local community's knowledge of ocean acidification and addresses the nutritional consequences for households and sustainable architecture and eco-based adaptation strategies. The research combined qualitative and quantitative data to gather information. An interview with 25 households involved in traditional fishing, aquaculture and seafood sales in local markets in Chorrillos. This was enriched by a systematic literature review (SLR) that reviewed ocean acidification and high CO2 emissions affect coastal cities and reliable mitigation strategies., together with case study reviews about sustainable urban planning in projects located near the coast like Dockside Green (Canada) and Zidell Yards (United States). Main findings show a lack of awareness about ocean acidification within locals, despite the noticeable impacts of it: reduced availability of marine species and increased seafood pricing jeopardizing the economic income and food availability of local families. The research shows an urgent need to promote education on the topic. It also highlights that urban planning, sustainable design, eco-based adaptation, and sustainable coastal adaptation are necessary for creating climate resilience in coastal communities like Chorrillos. The case study review provides real-life examples of mitigation strategies against high CO2 emissions and sustainable urban planning. The capstone concludes by suggesting recommendations for future sustainable urban planning to maintain Chorrillos’ traditions and mitigate effects of climate change.
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Valorization Strategies for Oil Waste in Architecture and UrbanismDeep-sea oil spills and industrial waste devastate ecosystems, threaten human health, generate long-term economic losses, and disrupt society. At the same time, the construction sector faces material scarcity and urgent sustainability demands, creating an opportunity to repurpose these residues within circular-economy frameworks. This study examines how waste generated by oil spills and petroleum-related industrial processes can be transformed into construction materials. Although such residues are typically managed as hazardous waste and disposed of through landfilling or incineration, a systematic literature review reveals growing experimentation with their reuse in cement, asphalt, and brick production. The review identifies three key patterns: a rapid but geographically uneven expansion of research, increasing integration between remediation processes and construction innovation, and a broader shift toward circular thinking that reframes contaminated residues as material resources rather than liabilities. These findings show how material science, architectural design, and urban infrastructure can converge to repurpose oil-contaminated waste into viable building components.
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An Analysis of Street Design at Fatal Pedestrian Crash Sites in Tucson, ArizonaThe Tucson metropolitan area is the third-deadliest metropolitan area for pedestrians in the United States. Pedestrian fatalities nationwide are increasing. This study analyzes street design elements at sites of fatal pedestrian crashes in the City of Tucson to identify features that are associated with higher rates of pedestrian fatalities. While pedestrian fatalities have seen a rise over the last decade due to factors not inherently linked to street design, such as driver distraction, vehicle weight, hood height, and pedestrian inebriation or distraction, it is critical to utilize street design as a mitigating factor in the wake of these challenges. Quantitative geospatial analysis of pedestrian crash sites in Tucson found that 87% of fatal crashes occurred on arterial streets. 76% of fatal crashes occurred during the night. On average, there were 2.1 streetlights within 100ft of a fatal crash and 3 streetlights within 100ft of a nonfatal crash. The rate of fatal crashes was higher than the city rate on roads with speed limits at or above 35 mph, and on roads with 2 or more lanes in each direction. Ward 5 had a fatal crash rate of 16.2%, while Ward 4 had a fatal crash rate of only 7%. To address the rise in pedestrian fatalities, street design in Tucson should prioritize a reduction in speed limits, implemented in conjunction with traffic calming measures, and the installation of street lighting along all major streets and routes in Tucson.
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Sustainable Data Centers for Smart City DevelopmentData centers are an essential component for data driven societies. They are large contributors to energy and water consumption, leading to the importance of developing sustainably operating data centers. Due to the significance of sustainability, locations must meet criteria of sustainable data center site selection. Smart cities and developing smart city locations require a data center to progress with their smart city objectives of sustainable operation for the betterment of quality of life with social, economic, and environmental benefits. This study aims to analyze the progression of developing smart cities with the implementation of a sustainable data center by identifying site selection requirements for green data centers to determine its compatibility with the developing smart city location, and what benefits they produce as a result. Through a comprehensive case study, interview, and secondary analysis, qualitative data is analyzed to determine Tucson as an ideal sustainable data center location, and how a sustainable data center enhances its progress toward a smarter city through social, economic, and environmental determinants. The analysis of Tucson’s landscape contributes to the eligibility of a sustainable data center with renewable energy, water conservation, and other factors aligning with smart city objectives. Tucson would further its smart city development from implementing a sustainable data center due to the smart objectives of connecting communities with data-driven technologies to enhance the quality of life. Social, economic, and environmental elements, for example smarter healthcare, expansion into secondary markets, water conservation, renewable energy, stronger networks, and other aspects of growing smart cities are benefiting from the incorporation of a green data center, allowing Tucson to strengthen its community and smarter development. The data in this research suggests that developing smart cities should evaluate their compatibility with green centers to increase the expansion of sustainably operating data center locations; by understanding the importance of sustainable data centers roles in smart city development, cities further benefit communities while mitigating negative social, economic, and environmental impacts from unsustainable centers.
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Rebuilding Knowledge: Using Gamified Education to Shift Perceptions of Natural BuildingAs climate change accelerates, bringing higher temperatures and more aggressive storms and natural disasters, the need for our built environment to reflect a place of resilience is becoming increasingly urgent. The construction and building sector is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, and this doesn’t include its broader environmental damage, including issues like deforestation, toxic air and water pollution, excessive waste, and other forms of ecological degradation. Despite the proven benefits of natural building materials like adobe, straw bale, and earthbag, these and other natural building styles remain on the fringe of mainstream construction. This capstone investigates the role that education, training and outreach play in furthering understanding and acceptance of these building methods, and explores the potential of gamification in contributing to that shift. Drawing from expert interviews, a public feedback survey, and iterative design and testing of a gamified learning tool titled Rebuild, this project examines how the creation of an immersive, emotionally engaging board game can shift perspectives on natural building, and the sustainability of the construction industry as a whole. By targeting learners outside conventional sustainability spaces, the game offers a tangible entry point that helps normalize natural building concepts, and support wider adoption. Findings from the study suggest that Rebuild is a promising tool for expanding natural building education, and could be further refined into a scalable, innovative pathway for knowledge distribution.
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Campus Walkability and Safety Factors Influencing Pedestrian UseThis study examined how safety-related features of the built and natural environment affect pedestrian activity on the University of Arizona campus. Thirteen study areas were selected based on a preliminary survey of walking path preferences. Foot traffic was counted at each site, and safety attributes such as shade, tree count, sidewalk width, and proximity to cars or bus stops were recorded. These attributes were combined into a SafetyScore for each area. A regression analysis showed that none of the safety factors were strong predictors of pedestrian use. Percent shaded had the highest R² value at 0.21, while others were much lower. The SafetyScore also showed a weak relationship with foot traffic. These results suggest that other influences not measured in this study may guide where people choose to walk. Improvements such as expanding the study areas, including more safety variables, and conducting follow-up interviews may strengthen future research.
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Incomplete HomesUnsafe Street in Jacksonville, Florida and what can we do to make it safer with complete street practices. The incomplete street equals incomplete communities. New developments are not being connected with existing ones, which create unsafe areas. Many are killed while walking on incomplete streets. Claire Lane is in Jacksonville, Florida, and is not only unsafe for pedestrians but also vehicles that cross between plazas. This road has many issues such as bad pedestrian lighting and ditches that pedestrians must walk by. Claire Lane is a street that connects to San Jose Boulevard that goes through residential, apartments, and two commercial plazas. The lack of sidewalks, the presence of ditches, poor lighting, and traffic cause this area to be unsafe to pedestrians and vehicles. The volume of traffic in this area is high because of the commercial retail stores and restaurants, including Walmart. This study is to provide awareness on unsafe streets and to provide recommendation for a transition to a “Complete Streets” model. Adding elements such as sidewalks, lighting, traffic separators, changing pavement marking lines, and adding a bioswale design with a new pedestrian crossing for the apartment nearby can create a complete street and will help reduce risk of mortality. While gathering data from the community with an online survey questionnaire, it pointed me to the right direction and topics on what the people need in their neighborhood. With my expertise, I have gathered true data on crashes that are occurring in Claire Lane that can be linked to these missing elements that a complete street will bring. Most important question is why this corridor hasn’t been attempted to with these updated elements? The findings made me bring ideas and safety design to make this road updated the current standards, adding a new 6’ width sidewalk, curb ramp, pedestrian lighting, and a median guide to help traffic flow in decrease accident between two plazas. Having a complete street policy or the idea of how city officials handle these practices will make neighborhoods safer and promote the economy. By adding these concepts of "complete streets" planning, designing, and construction of streets elements, that allow safe access for all users, including drivers and pedestrians.
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Workout to Wattage: Harnessing Kinetic Energy from Gym Equipment as an Alternative Energy SourceAs global energy demands rise and sustainability becomes a critical concern, there’s a growing need for creative solutions that reduce our reliance on traditional power sources. Gyms are uniquely positioned to evolve into spaces that promote both physical health and renewable energy. This research explores the potential of capturing kinetic energy from exercise equipment and converting it into electricity, offering a new way to cut energy consumption in fitness facilities. Insights from gym users and industry professionals show strong support for eco-conscious upgrades, even as challenges like high costs and limited efficiency remain. By merging fitness with sustainability, this study highlights how the built environment can support both personal well-being and a healthier planet.
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Urban Future Walkability RatingsThis study ranks seven different cities in the Western United States on their plans for improving urban walkability. The seven cities included are Scottsdale, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; San Antonio, TX; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA; and Denver, CO. Each of these cities is ranked based on its most up-to-date walkability-action plan that is produced either by the city government or by a campaign organization directly affiliated with the city government. A set of criteria was developed based on the data found in similar studies. After the nine criteria were determined, each of the city’s action plans was assessed on both the inclusion and detail of the criteria. The city was then given a score for each category. A score of 0 indicates that the criterion was not mentioned in the action plan at all while 1 point means it was mentioned, but without any actionable plan or specific information on how it would be implemented, and 2 points means it was not only mentioned in the plan, but there were concrete examples of where and when it would be implemented. Ultimately, the scores were as follows: Los Angeles and San Antonio, 15 Points each; Scottsdale and Denver, 13 points each; San Francisco, 9 Points; Las Vegas, 7 Points; and Portland, 3 Points. The cities with the highest scores (Los Angeles and San Antonio) aren’t those with the best walkability currently, but rather those that have the most detailed and transparent plans to improve their walkability in the future. This study highlights the cities’ plans to promote urban resiliency, which is important to understand considering the many compounding challenges, such as climate change and population growth, that impact urban areas.
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Potential, Design Characteristics, and Barriers of Infill Development in Tucson: A Case Study of El Con MallTucson, Arizona, is a low-density city that is experiencing a major housing shortage despite access to large tracts of undeveloped land—like the one found at the parking lot of El Con Mall. Previous research shows that housing is needed in Tucson and that infill development at greyfield sites is an option to increase the housing supply within city limits. Infill development can also spur economic activity, increase density, and improve walkability. This study uses interviews with two urban planning professors, two city planners, and a community member/former city councilman to find out the housing potential, essential design characteristics, and the main obstacles to greyfield redevelopment at El Con. It was found that over 1,000 housing units are possible at El Con. Development should include medium-density, mixed-use, market-rate housing no higher than three or four stories with green space in conjunction with improved walk, bike, and transit infrastructure. The biggest barrier to infill is neighborhood resistance, which can be navigated with education, inclusion, and amenities. Infill projects are context-specific, but the process of this study can be replicated at other sites. Future research should study the financial and political requirements to successfully develop housing at El Con.
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Greening the Grid: The Power of Public Awareness and Policy in Advancing Green Infrastructure in HawaiʻiThis research examines green infrastructure (GI) – natural and engineered systems, like trees and permeable pavement – and aims to address its key benefits in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect and lowering excessive energy consumption habits in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The UHI effect has created a plague of extreme heat on the densely packed island of Oʻahu due to heat-absorbing materials, like asphalt and concrete, creating a slightly warmer and uncomfortable environment. This effect is creating the need for sustainable, non-traditional strategies, such as GI, to help alleviate the impact of rising temperatures and high energy consumption. However, challenges like limited public awareness, policy support, and maintenance requirements have delayed GI adoption in Honolulu. Through surveys, stakeholder interviews, and secondary data analysis, this study identifies solutions to implementing more GI on the island, including the placement of governmental incentives, better community engagement, and long-term maintenance solutions. A site-specific analysis of Waimalu Plaza in Honolulu, HI is used to evaluate how urban forests could improve energy efficiency and reduce heat exposure in one of the biggest UHI hot spots on the island. The findings from this study suggest that while GI provides numerous benefits, its long-term effects depend on proper maintenance, sufficient financial support, and the help of the community to support its success. The study tells of the benefits and challenges of implementing green infrastructure into Hawaiʻi’s unique environment to create a more sustainable and climate-resilient city.
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Recreational Heat Exposure to Youth Populations in Tucson, ArizonaThe exposure to extreme heat is both an environmental and a social issue. Youth populations are some of the most vulnerable to heat-related illness yet are often omitted in city plans and policies, further increasing their risk of exposure to the adverse impacts of extreme heat. A mixed-methodology approach using social mapping and plan evaluation was used to identify which areas within the greater Tucson area children are most vulnerable to extreme heat. The social mapping process identified a lack of services and areas where youth were particularly vulnerable to heat due to a lack of heat relief areas, like Flowing Wells and southeast Tucson. Evaluation of Tucson’s 2024 Heat Action Roadmap demonstrates the city’s clear mission to address heat resiliency equitably for vulnerable populations. Despite the inclusion of effective heat-specific strategies, very few were specific to youth populations.
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Examining production of municipal solid waste for bulk pickup and median household income in Tucson, ArizonaThe relationship between socioeconomic factors like median household income and behavior tied to the production of bulk waste has important ramifications for improving municipal waste management systems. This study investigates this relationship among different neighborhoods in the city of Tucson, Arizona. Using direct observation methods in 18 neighborhoods of varying income levels within six waste management districts across the city, this study identifies the physical manifestation of the role household income plays in the production of bulk waste. Observation routes were designed in each of the 18 neighborhoods, keeping the number of parcels in each route constant for consistency. Observations recorded the amount of individual piles of trash placed on the side of the road for pickup, with a unit defined as a pile at least one square meter in size, no more than 10 cubic meters in volume, and at least three feet apart from other piles as defined by the city of Tucson. The study found that neighborhoods with a higher median household income produced more trash than those with lower income levels. This could be due to wealthier households having more disposable income that allows them to purchase more items that will eventually be discarded, that wealthier households move homes more frequently and thus need to discard furniture and appliances more frequently, or that wealthier households have more resources to undergo home renovations and therefore discard more bulk waste in the form of furniture, appliances, and building materials. Based on these results, practical applications of the data are discussed as they pertain to improving local waste management policies and strategies for waste reduction. Future studies should examine all 26 waste management districts and the types of waste produced.
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What Can Better Solar Education Do?While Arizona has abundant solar resources, policy decisions, regulatory changes, and the absence of state level incentive programs has limited the states solar adoption rate. This study examines if better solar education can change the way people in Pima County, Arizona purchase, manage, or make decisions about solar energy technologies. With the counties high solar irradiance of almost 300 days of sunshine (80%) a year, solar power has serious potential, but adoption remains limited due to knowledge gaps, economic barriers, and policy challenges. This longitudinal survey was conducted across two semesters of Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, and there were 68 participants in the first survey and 74 participants in the second survey. Results show that better solar education is supported by over half (56%) of the participants surveyed, because they believe better solar education improves solar purchasing/management decisions. The interviews confirm the survey results, with cost savings as the main consumer driver, distrust in some solar companies, and the affordable option of Power Purchasing Agreement’s for people who cannot afford the cost of solar installation. The study further finds that solar education plays an important role in boosting solar adoption, addressing misinformation, and improving policy. The public’s support for solar education, incentives/rebates, and energy conservation programs, says that Pima County could greatly expand its clean energy sector, providing jobs, and clean energy for the future generations of this region.
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Mitigating the Use and Waste of Water in the Construction Sector Regarding StuccoThis Capstone research was conducted to assess the issue of water waste in construction, more specifically how it is involved with the process of stucco; a very popular construction practice that is used here in Arizona and how the water use could be mitigated. Construction is already a process that puts a very heavy use on water due to several factors including requirements from common practices, clean up, and dust control. In the state of Arizona, these factors are somewhat multiplied due to the various materials that are used and the plentitude of dust that requires water to keep settled. With fresh water access and water use already being a worldwide problem, it is imperative that water management becomes one the top priorities. Millions of gallons of water are used everyday in stucco assembly and clean up so it is critical to create and implement methods that help cut back on how much water is used. To spearhead finding a solution, this research used storytelling, first person observations and document analysis. The discussions and conclusions allowed to develop a formula that can help quantify how much water is needed for a given amount of stucco plaster and ideas regarding how this practice can be implemented on all job sites.
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Goshen Food Forest and Community SpaceFood forests are layered ecosystems that improve biodiversity through permaculture techniques, food security, environmental health, and community empowerment. Many food forests have been created throughout the country and world but often are designed based only on what grows native in that region. However, to create a successful food forest for the city, it must meet the needs of the residents. Data was collected from residents of Goshen, Indiana, through surveys, systematic document review, and observational analyses to find the most valuable produce to be included in the food forest design. This data provided context for resident demographics and locations, food growth interest, and preferences for a community space. Case studies of other food forests, reports, and weather data emphasize the value that vegetation has on communities, the importance of local businesses, and how growing conditions can be utilized for successful yield. The study found that many fruits, vegetables, and herbs that Goshen residents prefer can grow in the Northern Indiana climatic region and the community space should prioritize water, seating, and open space. Through utilization of collected data from residents and information from case studies of food forests, a sustainable design for the site can be created. Localism, walkability, and health are priorities for Goshen residents and the implementation of a food forest and community space in the city can provide support for the diverse populations through free and accessible healthy produce.
