ABOUT THE COLLECTION

The Senior Capstone is the culminating experience for Sustainable Built Environment majors involving a substantive project that demonstrates a synthesis of learning accumulated in the major, including broadly comprehensive knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies. It is intended to be a personalized experience in which a student explores a concept in-depth while incorporating the knowledge or investigative techniques learned during his or her undergraduate career. Students are encouraged to build upon their major Emphasis Area, internship, or a previously completed project or research topic for the starting point of their Senior Capstone experience.


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For more information, please visit: http://sbe.arizona.edu.

Recent Submissions

  • Frisco Future, a look to the role of sustainability in earthquake prone cities and how to prepare Downtown San Francisco for year 2043

    PALOMINO, LUIS; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-12)
    This research offers a thorough plan for incorporating environmentally friendly architectural systems in Downtown San Francisco to improve the area's resistance to earthquakes and encourage environmental sustainability. The analysis highlights the urgent necessity of upgrading the urban core with buildings that meet LEED certification requirements and make use of green building principles against the high-stakes backdrop of seismic susceptibility. The study describes a number of sustainable interventions by analyzing the potential of Downtown San Francisco, a region distinguished by its dense population, economic significance, and historical landmarks. These consist of using recycled materials, installing water-saving fixtures, and implementing energy-efficient technology. The innovative vision for San Francisco or Frisco Futura capitalizes on three methods. First, a comparative analysis of 6 cities that had experienced catastrophic earthquakes, three in the global South and three in the global north. Then a site analysis that addresses San Francisco unique position as a hub for technical talent and financial resources. Lastly, a critical analysis of the creative examples provided by worldwide sustainability projects like the Telosa (Located at Nevada, USA) and Songdo IBD (Located at Songdo, South Korea) masterplans. The research highlights the synergy between private investment and municipal support as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving this aim. -Result lead is to create a resilient urban environment that serves the long-term needs of sustainable living as well as the short-term requirements of earthquake preparedness, putting Downtown San Francisco at the forefront of urban innovation and resilience.
  • Sustainability and solutions to misleading perceptions

    Lopez Quispe, Shirley Sadith; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Apranovich, Nataliya; Wong, Kenny; Bernal, Sandra (The University of Arizona., 2023-12)
    This research thoroughly examines the subjective standards used to assess the quality of neighborhoods, including perceptions of beauty and overall standing. Central to this study is the evaluation of how the Broken Windows Theory supports or contradicts the evaluation of neighborhoods affected by sociocultural, economic, and environmental challenges. The systematic literature review, site analysis, and perception analysis via focus groups aim to identify sustainable solutions that may be mislabeled based on appearance rather than their genuine environmental purpose. Results account for scenarios that apply to Peru and the US, and the conclusion involves a series of informed recommendations that merge the benefits of the BWT and a sustainable-oriented approach to neighborhood adaptation.
  • BEYOND PLAYGROUNDS: DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE URBAN SPACES FOR CHILDREN AND CAREGIVERS IN SAN JUAN DE LURIGANCHO, LIMA, PERÚ

    Solano, Adriana; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny; Apanovich, Nataliya (The University of Arizona., 2023-12)
    Amidst the burgeoning demand for sustainable urban design, the project in San Juan de Lurigancho emerges as a paragon, integrating climate-appropriate landscaping, local culture, and environmental stewardship. This study explores the potential of playgrounds to transcend traditional play areas, evolving into sustainable, nature-infused spaces that foster community engagement and cater to the needs of both children and their caregivers. Employing a methodological triangulation of academic research, community surveys, and on-site analysis, the study garners a holistic view of the community's aspirations. Survey results reveal a strong preference for sustainable materials and a significant desire to reconnect with nature, emphasizing the community's inclination towards environmentally conscious spaces that promote interaction with the local ecosystem. The envisioned prototype not only addresses the socio-environmental imperatives of urban design but also acts as a scalable model for global urban centers, reflecting a shift towards multifunctional recreational spaces. Future steps include broader community engagement for co-design processes, material exploration to ensure durability in San Juan de Lurigancho's climate, and the incorporation of culturally resonant design elements. This comprehensive approach promises to deliver playgrounds that are not only functional but also emblematic of the community's spirit, with a focus on safety and sustainable upkeep.
  • THE ROLE OF URBAN PARKS IN AIR QUALITY CALLAO, PERU

    Apanovich, Nataliya; OBLITAS, MARIA FERNANDA; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Apanovich, Nataliya (The University of Arizona., 2023)
    Air quality is important to people’s health. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to clean air, including the residents of Callao district in Lima, Peru. This study aims to assess Callao’s residents’ perceptions of air quality. Specifically, it analyzes the residents’ awareness of the link between air quality and human and environmental health. Understanding this link can help the residents and the city to come up with appropriate strategies to educate the public about the dangers of polluted air and propose ways to address these issues. The study surveyed 101 residents of Callao district using a sequential, qualitative, mixed-methods approach. The results indicate that the respondents understood the link between air quality and the environment but failed to see a connection between air quality and their own health. Even though the respondents didn’t understand this link, they directed their behaviors toward remediating their health through green spaces, such as parks. To help more people improve their health, there needs to be more information available on the link between air quality and well-being.
  • Visual Connections with Nature in Residential Buildings: A Study of Health and Well-being in Lima's San Miguel District

    Apanovich, Nataliya; Vera Suarez, Maria Jose; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-12)
    In the urban district of San Miguel in Lima, Peru, a study delved into the impact of biophilic design—integrating natural elements into the built environment—on residents' well-being. Amidst a setting challenged by dense urbanization and limited green spaces, the research sought to understand the relationship between residential design, access to natural views, and overall health. Existing literature underscores the psychological benefits of such design, but its influence on physical health remains underexplored. Employing surveys and observational methods, the study aimed to map the presence of biophilic elements in homes and gauge their perceived effectiveness. Findings indicate a discrepancy between the availability of natural ventilation and residents' satisfaction with it, highlighting a gap between design intention and functionality. The research underscores the necessity of incorporating natural features into homes, not merely for aesthetic appeal but as a vital component of health and psychological well-being. It advocates for educational initiatives, policy changes, and design innovation to fully harness the advantages of nature-connected living spaces. This study's implications extend to urban planning and public health, providing a blueprint for sustainable living in arid urban landscapes.
  • PREVENTING LANDSLIDES: STUDY IN CHACLACAYO AND CHOSICA, PERU THROUGH GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

    Bernal, Sandra; Valer Portilla, Camila Fernanda; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Bernal, Sandra (The University of Arizona., 2023-12)
    In the captivating landscapes of Chaclacayo and Chosica, Peru, two districts grapple with a unique blend of natural beauty and environmental challenges. These areas are not only renowned for their lush scenery and agricultural productivity but also bear the burden of recurrent climatic hazards, especially landslides, which loom ominously over these communities. This research embarks on a crucial journey, delving deep into the heart of these challenges and crafting solutions uniquely tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of these regions, including local voices to ensure that the proposed solutions are not only technically sound but also resonate with the aspirations and values of the communities directly affected. A secondary data analysis offered insights into community awareness, knowledge, and concerns about landslide risks, unstable construction practices, the accumulation of debris, and human activities contributing to losses. A systematic literature review paints a vivid landscape of the challenges, impacts, and mitigation strategies associated with landslides in the Lurigancho-Chosica region. It spotlighted the critical pillars of disaster preparedness, risk management, sound urban planning, and robust early warning systems. To explore the judicious employment of green and blue infrastructure, two experts in these fields provided guidance. The results revealed preferences for specific green and blue infrastructure options, as reflected in survey responses, expert interviews, and empirical data, underlining the considerable potential these measures hold in landslide prevention. Choices that find favor encompass water filtration mechanisms, the strategic use of vegetation as natural barriers, and the redirection of landslide flows. The conclusion leads to recommendations safeguarding the environment and the well-being of those who call these regions home.
  • Strengthening Disaster Adaptability Through Social Infrastructure: A Study in Punta Hermosa

    Aponte Masías, Ariana; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra (The University of Arizona., 2023-12)
    In the past few decades, the growing frequency and severity of natural disasters have been aggravated by the effects of climate change. The district of Punta Hermosa represents a vulnerable community in this context, particularly due to its susceptibility to landslides, emphasizing the necessity of developing strategies aimed at strengthening community resilience. This study explores how social infrastructure, such as public gathering spaces, contributes to the adaptive capacity of residents after natural disasters. Through a sequential design, a 64-participant survey was conducted to assess community disaster experiences and preferences on public socialization spaces. Data was gathered from five local neighborhoods affected by landslides and was distributed via social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook. The main results indicated strong support networks within the community, where all respondents reported being actively involved in actions and initiatives to aid members of their community after the landslides. The survey results were framed within a broader context through a literature review, examining theories and evidence about the role of social infrastructure in creating support networks and enhancing community resilience. The review also emphasized disaster management steps to contextualize the community's actions. The study revealed that the actions carried out by the community align with the response phase of general emergency management plans (National Governors Association, 1979) and that community networks can facilitate an immediate and more efficient response to landslides by allowing a rapid evaluation of the situation and the effective distribution of resources. These findings determined the impact of social networks and social infrastructure on enhancing resilience, guiding recommendations for designing social infrastructure with a focus on facilitating interactions and fostering social networks in Punta Hermosa.
  • WINDOW RETROFITS: Demonstrated need for targeted public program in Tucson, AZ

    Iuliano, Joey; Wong, Kenny; LaPlant, Cory; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (The University of Arizona., 2022-05)
    Buildings account for over a third of U.S. energy consumption, and roughly a third of that is used for environmental conditioning. To achieve a sustainable future, we need to address the consumption of our existing buildings that do not benefit from advancements made in new construction. This study targeted a single feature previously identified in sustainable retrofits that appears to be lacking in change, window retrofits. The study focuses on Tucson, Arizona to identify a need and support for a social financing program to support the high upfront cost of completing large-scale window retrofits in urban areas. Green retrofit success is predicated on financial and policy support, which are missing in Arizona, lacking support for window retrofits in its existing sustainability programs. This study shows that nearly 40% of homes in Tucson are still operating single-pane windows and that implementation cost acts as a barrier to homeowner action. With appropriate funding, an estimated savings of $45M in annual energy production could be achieved.
  • Perceptions of water shortages among Tucson residents

    Apanovich, Nataliya; Barajas, Marisa; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    Arizona has been experiencing water shortages due to climate change and population growth. This has led the City of Tucson to increase water prices for the residential sector. By surveying and interviewing 14 residents of Tucson, this study looked at people’s perceptions of this new policy change to determine attitudes toward and awareness of the water crisis in Tucson. The study found that there is a relationship between the number of years people have lived in Tucson and the level of awareness of the water crisis. It also showed that people's perceptions of the impact of increased water prices are short-termed. This indicates a need for increased water awareness among the residential sector. Additionally, future studies need to look at the difference in perceptions of water crises among different age groups. This will provide a better understanding on what information should be made available to different age groups.
  • Housing, Transit, and Gentrification: What’s the Link?

    Avila, Ashley; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    Studying the causes and effects of gentrification on communities is vital as the United States faces severe housing challenges, demographic changes, and new rural-urban-suburban dynamics. By using two surveys and American Community Survey data, this study explores gentrification risk, factors that contribute to gentrification, and possible mitigations towards gentrification in the Menlo Park neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona. In Menlo Park, 66% of surveyed residents show strong levels of concern regarding housing prices. While most residents mentioned the role of the streetcar in increasing housing prices, all residents surveyed would support similar transit implementations in other areas. Finally, 64% of respondents in Tucson who are familiar with gentrification show support towards Cottage Court housing in their neighborhoods, with similar levels of support for other middle density housing types. These findings can help inform future transit implementations in Tucson and provide support towards zoning reform, which would allow for more middle density housing to be created in Tucson. In addition, this study provides an overview of how transit implementation affected a historic barrio community in Tucson, while acknowledging possible ways to mitigate displacement threats.
  • What the future wants: redesigning class space for changes in learning

    Apanovich, Nataliya; Phillips, Jake; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    Educators have long struggled with keeping students in school, as traditional classrooms can be uncomfortable and disengaging. Research has shown that a better learning environment can lead to improved academic results. To address this, classroom design is crucial in prioritizing student well-being and creating a comfortable, calming, and conducive to learning environment. This study aims to assess how classroom design affects students' learning experience by analyzing survey data. A survey was conducted across three classes, with eight respondents per class, totaling 24 respondents. The results showed that most students suggested improvements to better equip the classroom for learning. The results also suggest that an ideal classroom with proper learning techniques can help students be more engaged and focused. Future studies need to be conducted to survey a larger sample of students and across different higher education institutions to better understand a relationship between student learning outcomes and classroom design.
  • Enhancing Pedestrian Safety with Tactical Urbanism

    Barker-Winkworth, Lydia Maye; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny; Apanovich, Nataliya (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    The number of pedestrian fatalities resulting from vehicle-pedestrian collisions in Tucson, Arizona, has increased between 2018 and 2022 according to the City of Tucson Police Department. The speed of a vehicle during a pedestrian-vehicle collision, or the impact speed, is a main factor in the probability of severe pedestrian injury or fatality. Tactical urbanism (TU) is a low-cost, small-scale, human-focused, temporary strategy used to address pedestrian safety and mobility issues. To determine the effectiveness of a TU project on South 6th Avenue in downtown Tucson, a quasi-experimental research design was used wherein vehicle speeds were recorded before and after the TU installation on the experimental street (6th Ave) and a selected control street (S 4th Ave). Results from a City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility intercept-survey is also analyzed in this study to gain a better understanding of how perceptions of safety and mobility vary among different road user and demographic groups on the 6th Ave block. Analysis of vehicle speeds before and after the TU installation on 6th Ave show a decrease in average vehicle speed, which lowers the probability of pedestrian fatality along the block. The importance of public engagement and participation in the effectiveness of TU design is also emphasized through a literature review and the intercept survey results.
  • The Effects of Green Space on the Psychological Well-Being of Apartment Residents

    Finnegan, Molly; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Wong, Kenny; Bernal, Sandra; Apanovich, Nataliya; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    Apartment dwellers generally lack the accessibility that homeowners have, however, green space is suggested to be an important component in the psychological well-being of residents. Prior studies suggest benefits like stress reduction, mood improvement, reduced feelings of anxiety and depression, and an overall improved psychological well-being from exposure to green space and views of green space. This research study uses a questionnaire to evaluate individuals’ accessibility to green space and their levels of life satisfaction, stress, and general psychological well-being. A follow up interview with apartment residents suggests the components that comprise an effective green space that residents can enjoy and benefit from, such as adequate seating, shade, tree coverage, flowers, grass, and a sufficient size.
  • Careless College Crossings

    Brenish, Landon; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Wong, Kenny; Stocker, Phillip; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    This paper discusses the importance of pedestrian safety, particularly for college students who are among the most vulnerable road users. Pedestrian accidents, especially involving young adults, are a major concern. Inadequate pedestrian infrastructure is a leading contributor of these accidents. This study aims to understand the behavior and perception of college students towards pedestrian infrastructure, and whether they intentionally use safer crosswalks. The literature review highlights that pedestrian safety infrastructure has a positive impact on pedestrian confidence, increased crossing, and safer drivers. Unfortunately, it can also lead to impulsive behavior in young adults. In order to understand students perceptions of pedestrian safety infrastructure, observations of students’ walking habits were compared with traffic speeds and survey results. Understanding the perceptions and behavior of college students towards pedestrian infrastructure will help cities implement pedestrian infrastructure that promotes safe, walkable areas around universities.
  • Where is the Social Sustainability in Green Buildings?

    Shao, Stella; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Bernal, Sandra; Apanovich, Nataliya; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    While green buildings today are labeled as “sustainable,” many of them actually fall short, especially on social sustainability metrics. Through literature review, document analysis, and site survey, this study examines what the current state of research and development is on social sustainability in green buildings and what the best practices are. The findings indicate that green building rating systems are a major trend in the academic research and are criticized for valuing environmental sustainability over social sustainability. Document analysis confirms that LEED, the most widely used green building rating system, does not adequately address social sustainability. A site survey at the LEED-certified Tulsa City-County Library demonstrates how to properly balance social and environmental sustainability in a building. Recommendations are made for future green buildings based on the data collected.
  • Winner Takes All or Win-Win: The Pros and Cons of Water Trading in Arizona

    Ferreira, Jessica; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Bernal, Sandra; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    Water markets have been identified as one solution to addressing water scarcity in the Western United States. This paper examines how water transfers indicate water commoditization and the implications surrounding water markets' social, environmental, and economic aspects. A systematic review of the recent literature found a disparity highlighting substantially more research on the environmental and economic benefits of water markets than on the social impacts of water markets. This finding contrasts with survey responses that found Arizona residents prioritize social needs, revealing a disconnect between what academics discuss in the literature and what is important to people.
  • Assessing Community Needs in The Brownfield Site Redevelopment: A Case Study of The Broadway Volvo Site

    Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny; Blas, DaviAnn; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
  • What attracts people to parks: a case study of a U.S. and South Korean park

    Woeppel, Chas; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    With the increase in urbanization, green spaces are becoming fewer and fewer within cities. This study focuses on two types of parks in two different cultures, a world apart. One in Seoul, South Korea, and the other in Nashville, TN, USA. These comparisons will help to spotlight what makes the parks unique and why these two parks are used by the citizens of these two different countries. Data was gathered from the existing literature through surveying five people in each country. The results indicate there are many similarities between the two countries related to why people go to these parks, but there are also differences. Studying these differences may help to create green spaces suitable for visitors in each country.
  • Applying Sustainability Measures to Heritage Conservation In De Pere, WI

    Van Rixel, Julie; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Bernal, Sandra; Wong, Kenny (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    Heritage conservation is essential to preserving the cultural and historical identity of a specific place. Small towns and communities are losing their individuality as the world becomes more homogenized and globalized. This paper aims to examine and discuss the heritage conservation efforts in De Pere, Wisconsin, as an example to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by small communities in preserving their unique sense of place. It also addresses the misconception that it is difficult and inefficient to retrofit old buildings into energy-saving structures. It highlights the possible overlap between historic preservation and sustainability objectives and makes the case that these two aims can be reconciled through innovative and adaptable techniques. Through analysis of the preliminary pilot study data and a literature review of the various approaches and strategies that have been used in conservation, techniques are extracted and applied to De Pere, Wisconsin. Beyond implementation, the paper hopes to maintain that heritage conservation should be considered conservatively, considering the true needs of the community based on occupancy rates, income, price points, safety, and other factors. This study aims to convey that heritage conservation and old building reuse is the most sustainable option to preserve America's small towns' unique heritage.
  • Agrivoltaics Effect on the Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building: Rooftop Heat Island Effect

    Gonzalez, Isabella; College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture; Apanovich, Nataliya; Apanovich, Nataliya (The University of Arizona., 2023-05)
    The combination of Photovoltaics (PV) and Agriculture brings fourth an innovative urban agriculture system called Agrivoltaics (Hall, 2023). The increased usage of human-made materials has led to an increase in ambient temperatures in urban settings, which is one of the main contributors of the urban heat island effect, especially larger cities (EPA, 2022). There is a research gap in understanding the potential of Agrivoltaics to mitigate the UHI effect in urban areas. While there has been some research on the benefits of green roofs and walls in reducing urban heat, there is limited research on the combined benefits of Agrivoltaics and green infrastructure. The relationship between Agrivoltaics and urban heat was studied using primary quantitative data collected from the Environment and Natural Resource 2 Building located on the main University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Arizona. The findings of this study indicate that the Environment and Natural Resource 2 Building rooftop Agrivoltaics system has the potential to improve the conditions of the surface area by cooling the surrounding ambient temperature. Future research should examine the economic viability of Agrivoltaics and urban heat island mitigation strategies. This will entail evaluating the costs and benefits of implementing a and identifying potential barriers to their adoption.

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