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.
QUESTIONS?
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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Traditional Housing Solutions for the Navajo NationThis capstone research examined to assess and explores the housing issues indigenous communities face to come up with solutions on how to meet their housing needs when it comes to designing a traditional home. Many Indigenous communities’ houses are very substandard as it can be very overcrowded, system deficiencies, or certain condition within the household. Not to mention the Navajo Nation being a large reservation as the demographic contributes to why it is difficult to have a comfortable income as their lack of jobs in the community, poverty, and no funding from government. When these causes happen, it leads to Indigenous families to not have a quality house and create more stress on families. To fix these issues, this research used literature review, secondary data from pilot study survey, storytelling (interview) and document analysis. The discussions and conclusions allowed to develop a Housing Inspection Deficiency Checklist and Traditional Housing solution diagram as toolkit for the Indigenous people. As well as the potential of what sustainable traditional housing can be on the Navajo Nation.
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Food Waste at Disney Parks and ResortsThis paper dives into the practices and impact of food waste at the Disney Parks and Resorts, with supporting information from regulations in a normal setting restaurant in the hospitality industry and Universal Parks and Resorts. Through an exploration of food waste data and sustainability initiatives, the paper highlights the economic, environmental, and social implications of food waste. It also discusses the importance of education and awareness in addressing this pressing issue. Using a mix of methods combining quantitative analysis and qualitative examination, we aim to uncover differences in how food waste is handled and what it means for the business, Casts, and Guests. Our findings show that there are big gaps between what is happening and what should be happening, pointing to the need for more education on sustainability. Why does this matter? Understanding how theme parks deal with food waste can give us an insight on how to improve food waste management in the hospitality industry around the world. By tackling this problem head-on and providing proper education, we can create a world where we waste less and utilize our resources efficiently.
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From Hot Dogs to Cool Communities: Sustainable Design Solutions for Socio-Ecological Revitalization of the Tucson Greyhound ParkUrban heat is one of the most inexplicably disregarded issues facing our global society. The repercussions extend far beyond being the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States (EPA, 2023). Other consequences of high temperatures include an increased energy demand and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions, a detrimental impacts on native ecology, and reduced quality of life and overall well-being for urban dwellers. To make matters worse, communities with predominantly low-income and minority populations experience the most extreme concentrations of the urban heat island effect (UHI). As global temperatures and urban populations continue to climb, urban planning and development practices must respond to the pressing interrelated issues of urban heat and social equity. Deliberate design is crucial to ensure our human and ecological communities may thrive harmoniously for years to come. In 2020, the city and Mayor Romero launched Tucson Resilient Together, a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, aimed to address the escalating concerns of extreme heat while promoting equity within the city. Part of the initiative included the goal to plant one million trees, prioritizing neighborhoods with the greatest need. However, Tucson’s efforts do not include the independent municipality of South Tucson, a primarily low-income, Latino community situated in one of the hottest areas of the valley. This report aims to demonstrate sustainable urban design strategies to promote social wellness and reduce negative effects of urban heat for an historically marginalized community. By using the site of the former Tucson Greyhound Park, this report aims to advocate for more funding opportunities for the city of South Tucson, and to serve as a reference for sustainable design practices for the owners and future redevelopers of the Tucson Greyhound Park.
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Shading Urban Heat: Exploring Public Perception and Design Preferences for Urban Green SpacesUrban heat islands (UHIs) pose significant challenges in urban environments, exacerbated by the scarcity of urban green spaces (UGSs). This research investigates public perceptions and preferences regarding UGSs and their role in mitigating UHIs. Survey results indicate limited familiarity with UHIs but strong engagement with UGSs, despite gaps in understanding broader environmental benefits. In-person interviews underscored the importance of convenience, accessibility and productivity-oriented amenities in UGS selection. A follow-up survey emphasized functionality and natural elements in UGS design, with minimal consideration for sustainable features. While respondents acknowledged UGS benefits, there was a disconnect between understanding and practical application of the concepts. Targeted educational efforts are needed to enhance public awareness of UHIs and UGSs, along with considerations for sustainable design practices to encourage involvement with green space planning that attracts users.
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Assessing Housing Affordability in New York State: Implications for SustainabilityThe need for affordable housing includes not only low-income but also middle-income populations and cuts across ethnic groups and socioeconomic classes. This research is about the state of the housing market in New York State and focuses on affordability issues confronting middle-income families. Taking a long-term view from 2000 to 2021, this study analyzes housing affordability trend and its driving factors. Adopting summary statistics as methods of analysis, the study considers the extent of housing cost burdens faced by middle-income earners when compared to their income levels. The findings reveal significant challenges, with many families spending over 300% of their income on housing costs. The mean housing cost-to-income ratio for the study period was approximately 380%, suggesting a consistent burden on middle-income families statewide. This is a sustainability issue because housing unaffordability pushes people to move from climate stable areas to climate unstable areas. The fact that individuals and families are willing to risk moving to a climate unstable area because of housing cost should be a motivation for government incentives and interventions through evidence-based policies.
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Embracing the Past, Present, and Future: A Learning Center at the Miguel Alemán BosqueNestled alongside the dry banks of the Colorado River, the Miguel Aleman Bosque serves as a remarkable testament to decades of environmental restoration and collective stewardship. Once a barren semi-desert stretch, this valued site has undergone a profound metamorphosis, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Pronatura Noroeste and its esteemed allies. Through the diligent planting of over 100,000 native plants and the exhaustive efforts of volunteers, the bosque has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem, fostering the flourishing of 122 bird species, and contributing to the replenishment of the aquifer. Building upon this legacy of conservation, this project’s initiative intent is to design four gardens that will anchor a welcoming center at the entrance of the Miguel Aleman Bosque. Here, visitors will embark on an immersive journey of discovery, experiencing transformative learning opportunities and collaboration. Guided tours will illuminate the native vegetation and ecological importance of the community and region, while thoughtful amenities will invite moments of contemplation and connection with nature. The master plan for these gardens intricately weaves together principles of sustainability and conservation to highlight the region’s rich biodiversity. This project aims to provide informative resources for visitors, offering insights into the historical significance of the site and the unique flora and fauna of the Miguel Aleman Bosque and its surroundings. Collaborations with Pronatura, Reforesta San Luis, and other like-minded organizations will emphasize a shared commitment to the enhancement and revitalization of our precious ecosystem in the region. Through thoughtful design and sustainable practices, the Miguel Aleman Bosque gardens will emerge as both a sanctuary for biodiversity and an educational beacon, inspiring stewardship and fostering a deeper connection with nature and our community.
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Landscape Disconnect: A Study of the City of Tucson's Landscapes in the 20th CenturyThe City of Tucson, Arizona, lies within the Sonoran Desert, yet a large portion of landscapes don’t reflect this ecosystem. The 20th Century brought about this disconnect, which is reflected in how we develop our urban greens spaces. Through the investigation of Tucson’s history with urban green spaces, we find that modern technology mixed with unrealistic ideals fueled an increase in exotic plant species use in commercial and residential landscaping. Through city-wide education programs, increased water use rates, and the implementation of native plant focused ordinances, the city was able mend some past mistakes in developing. Today, there is work we can be doing to improve our efforts, with 83% of residents from a local survey requesting more information on the benefits of Arizona native plants.
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Improving Recycling at the University of Arizona: student behavior and attitudesWaste diversion at higher education institutions in the U.S. remains a growing issue. Recyclable materials that enter landfills have negative environmental impacts as well as expensive landfill service costs for universities. The University of Arizona partnered with a zero waste consulting firm to identify gaps in the current waste management operations by engaging with department head stakeholders, but did not include any form of student engagement. This research targeted the student body to identify ways to improve recycling and zero waste efforts on and around the University of Arizona campus. The research included surveying students about recycling and observations of recycling sites selected by the students. Recommendations were made following the observations and included increasing the amount of recycling bins, ensuring that recycling bins are adjacent to trash cans, standardizing the appearance of recycling bins with the help of labeling, color, and informative graphics, and finally increasing educational opportunities about recycling and zero waste efforts for students at the University of Arizona. Further research should include conducting more student surveys and engaging with the University of Arizona’s Office of Sustainability coordinators in charge of the zero waste campus program in order to identify further gaps and improvements in waste management operations.
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Why the Sidewalk Ends: Analysis of Sidewalk Infrastructure in Tucson, ArizonaInequitable sidewalk infrastructure perpetuates social inequalities. Furthermore, good sidewalk infrastructure has many health, social, and environmental benefits. To study the inequitable sidewalk infrastructure in Tucson, I did a case study analysis of two neighborhoods of different socio-economic status. The neighborhood with higher income levels had more and better sidewalks. I conducted interviews with neighborhood representatives and the city of Tucson professionals to understand why this was. I found that the main issues with current sidewalk development were that the funding sources are problematic and the responsibility for sidewalk development often ended up on the property owners or developers. To remedy these issues, I propose a new funding source, a development tax, and a city-run program to target areas in the greatest need of sidewalk infrastructure.
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Pima County Wildfire Risk & the Dangers on Transmission InfrastructureThis research paper investigates the impact of wildfires on transmission infrastructure and proposes sustainable mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience of the electric grid in Pima County, Arizona. The study addresses the increasing vulnerability of transmission systems to wildfire risk and aims to identify specific areas at high risk within Pima County. Through geospatial mapping and risk assessment techniques, the study analyzes key variables including slope, elevation, aspect, and land use to understand their influence on wildfire behavior and transmission infrastructure susceptibility. Furthermore, the research explores sustainable alternatives to reduce reliance on the grid and increase resilience, including the adoption of distributed energy resources and demand-side management techniques. The study aims to provide valuable insights into mitigating wildfire-induced power outages and enhancing sustainability of energy systems in wildfire-prone regions.
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Urban Heat and Their TollAs more people move to cities and cities grow, this study explores the correlation between Urban Heat and Heat mortality. From 2011-2021 in Phoenix, AZ, heat caused mortality increases 3.6 people per 100,000 for each degree celsius caused by UH and heat related mortality increases 6.5 per 100,000 people. Data was collected from the MODIS NASA satellite and AZ Department of Health.
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Navigating Green Building Certification, Sustainability, and Public Perception: Identifying and Understanding Barriers to Widespread Adoption of Green Building Practices in Smaller MunicipalitiesDespite the growing prevalence of green building (GB) practices in larger urban centers, as highlighted by existing research, smaller municipalities face significant challenges in adopting these practices due to economic, social, and regulatory barriers. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates a systematic literature review (SLR) with a 33-participant survey and nine follow-up interviews to gather qualitative and quantitative insights into the barriers and motivators affecting GB adoption in smaller municipalities. The findings identify that the main barriers are actual and perceived high costs, limited public awareness of certification programs, and inadequate municipal support. Key motivators for adopting GB practices were financial incentives and targeted public education to promote increased GB adoption. This study highlights the importance of adapting policy and community engagement approaches to bridge the knowledge gap, align stakeholder interests with sustainable objectives, and foster enhanced community sustainability, seeking to motivate a more widespread integration and acceptance of green building practices at the municipal level.
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Determining Insulation Materials for Low-Income People in Rural Areas with an Innovative TechnologyMany rural low-income communities throughout the United States have families that are forced to live in houses that are poorly constructed, which can create a variety of health issues, reduce the quality of life, and increase energy burdens. Rural low-income people often have difficulties accessing home energy improvements, expert people, and/or technology. There are many technologies and techniques for testing the performance of insulation materials. This study investigates innovative technology to test the performance of various insulation materials that include fiberglass, mineral wool, expanded polystyrene, cellulose, and four developed composites. Testing was performed for one hour using innovative technology to measure the OSB sheathing/insulation material surface temperatures, chamber air temperatures, and relative humidity every five minutes. The performance data collected were analyzed after all insulation materials were individually tested. The innovative technology could perform consistent tests on insulation materials to show the user materials that could promote a stable interior environment. Insulation materials composed of cellulose outperformed other materials and can promote a circular economy in the targeted communities. Cellulose can resist a high amount of heat transfer, be sourced locally, is organic, and recyclable. Finding solutions to address the high energy usage of buildings from being insufficiently (or non) insulated is going to be a challenge in the years to come as climate change becomes more prevalent.
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Closing the Loop: Harnessing Renewable Natural Gas from Agricultural Waste for Sustainable Farming and EnvironmentUnlocking the transformative potential of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) from agricultural waste holds the key to addressing environmental challenges while revolutionizing sustainability in farming. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in global food production but is also a significant contributor to environmental pollution through greenhouse gas emissions and improper waste management. Livestock farming generates substantial amounts of organic waste, including manure, which releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. The overarching efforts of previous research on this issue derive from environmental agencies outside of the agricultural and RNG spaces, which created a binary approach and were thus unable to assess the full scope of the issues and potential solutions available. Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) production from agricultural waste provides a favorable solution to alleviate these environmental challenges by repurposing organic waste into a renewable energy source. There are significant benefits to the use of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) production sourced from agricultural waste, with a focus on livestock manure, as a solution to environmental challenges in agriculture. This research examines the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, the utilization of digestate with a focus on a circular economy, potential risks associated with feedstock supply, and the influence of scalability frameworks on RNG implementation. The findings demonstrate the substantial environmental benefits and highlight areas requiring further research and policy development to overcome the limitations and realize the full potential of RNG in agriculture.
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Helical Piers. What is needed for the successful introduction of helical piers in Guilford County, NC.In the face of a housing shortage and climate crisis, helical piers, a widespread technology used since the mid-1800’s, is a style of foundation that offers higher efficiency than traditional foundation types. This study focuses on why builders continually use traditional foundation building practices that take longer to install, require more skilled labor, and have larger embodied and operational carbon emissions associated with them, than building with helical piers. Currently the use of helical piers in new construction is non-existent in Guilford County, North Carolina. Interviews, a building performance survey, and observations allowed for the collection of data from homeowners, renters, building professionals, and building inspectors to better understand why this building technique has not been introduced. Outcomes are used to inform on the successful introduction of helical piers in Guilford County. The results revealed that most residents are unfamiliar with helical piers, contractors are nervous to try a new building system, and that Building Inspectors are open to more helical pier installations but see becoming a successful foundation system in Guilford County as a challenge. There are successful helical pier installers 100 miles south of Guilford County however, and the conclusion has recommendations on steps that can be taken to have a successful introduction of helical piers in Guilford County.
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Efficient Campus, Sustainable Future: A Building Upgrade StudyThis case study comparative analysis explores the impact of energy efficiency upgrades on three buildings on a college campus in Arkansas. The study focuses on building design, use, and age as factors influencing the effectiveness of the upgrades. The buildings, referred to as Building A, Building B, and Building C due to owner restrictions, underwent efficiency upgrades including lighting and HVAC improvements. Utility bills for chilled water, electricity, steam, and water were collected twelve months before and after the upgrades. The results show a decrease in electricity and chilled water usage in all three buildings, indicating the effectiveness of the upgrades. Building benchmarking using the Arc tool allows engineering students at the college to track utility usage and learn how real-time conditions affect energy consumption. The study highlights the importance of consistent monitoring and analysis to optimize energy efficiency in buildings.
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Tribal Wisdom and Sustainable Solutions: Addressing the Native American Housing Crisis through a Focus on Tribal Worldview and SustainabilityExamining the correlation between housing conditions and social inequalities among Native American communities reveals a striking manifestation of the ongoing crisis. This issue demands an analysis of its underlying reasons, the development of culturally sensitive solutions, and an evaluation of current methods in use. This research aims to seeks to understand the complexities of the Native American Housing Crisis through the analysis of: the historical, systemic, and socioeconomic roots of this crisis; the effectiveness of existing housing programs and policies to meet the self-determined needs of Native American communities within culturally specific frameworks; possible culturally-responsive solutions to empower tribes in developing and implementing a housing solution that is financially sustainable; the mandates, challenges, and opportunities that constitute the Native American Housing Crisis. Using oral communication and an autoethnography approach, this study identifies the longstanding need for sustainable housing, offering pathways for the positive reconstruction of Native American communities.
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Understanding the Impact of California's Escalating Wildfire Crisis on Residents and the Necessity for Sustainable AdaptationCalifornia is facing a critical time in its history as the effects of climate change are manifesting themselves by way of yearly record-breaking wildfires all over the state. This crisis is quickly becoming the kind that demands urgent attention. Continuing to employ a plan of action based on the status quo and the historical way of doing things will no longer suffice. Further urban sprawl into now-fire-prone areas aggravates this issue and with residents receiving very little guidance and support from their local governments in this modern fight, it could be a recipe for disaster. The life-threatening implications of this situation are undeniable, making swift action imperative. This study uses a phenomenology-based research approach to examine the lived experiences of residents whose lives have been affected by wildfires with the goal of understanding those affects and uncovering what type of support is most needed. It integrates diverse data collection methods, both internally and externally from the University of Arizona library, a tailored survey, and detailed interviews. Several insights into the rapidly evolving nature of this issue as well as specific needs required by the affected communities were discovered.
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THE TRUE GREENAs extreme weather events become increasingly common and concerns for future water availability rise in the Southwestern United States, the need and opportunity for sustainable landscape design in hot arid environments grows stronger. The University of Arizona, which has committed to ambitious sustainability goals, is a prime environment for the adoption of sustainable landscapes that could work as remarkable examples of best practices in the region in terms of landscape performance. Through literature reviews, case reviews, and site assessment, this project proposes a design informed by research for a portion of the University of Arizona Mall. The result is an alternative to the existing, lawndominated landscape in favor of a more sustainable and dynamic site that maintains some of the lawn’s flexibility while incorporating a plethora of new programming and spaces at a lower water cost.
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A Human-Scale Redesign of University Boulevard in Tucson, ArizonaCities across the United States and the world have adopted Complete Streets principles in the design of streetscapes and roadways. Cities have also supported road closure to vehicle traffic at varying scales. These two strategies for sustainable development enhance the public benefit provided by streets. These benefits can include stronger social communities, safer roads across modes of transportation, and improved health of people and environments. This study proposes that Complete Streets principles be applied to University Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona to address current issues with sustainability on this road. This includes a lack of shade, seating, and infrastructure that results in an uncomfortable user experience for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. University Boulevard is adjacent to the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Arizona and is a popular destination for dining and nightlife among students and long-time Tucson residents. Additionally, University Boulevard serves as a gateway to the University that many commuters rely on to get to school and work. By implementing the design proposed in this research, the City of Tucson can address current issues on this road. This article proposes that the City of Tucson adopt both Complete Streets and car-free principles to complete a sustainable redesign of University Boulevard and increase the public benefit for users of this two-block stretch of road from Park Avenue to Euclid Avenue. This research was designed to engage the public in the visioning process for a future redesign of this road and measure levels of support for the closure of University Boulevard to vehicle traffic, as well as the perceived need for human-scale, sustainable design elements in any future redevelopment proposals.
