architectural thesis on sustainable building

Thesis Topics for Architecture :20 topics related to Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is the architecture that minimizes the negative environmental impact of buildings. It aims at solving the problems of society and the ecosystem. It uses a selective approach towards energy and the design of the built environment. Most often sustainability is being limited to the efficient water heater or using high-end technologies. It is more than that. It is sometimes about creating awareness among people and communities about how we can coexist in the natural environment. Sustainable architecture is a means to enter the context in a natural way, planning and deciding the materials before the construction that have very few negative effects on the environment. Here are 20 Thesis topics for architecture related to Sustainable Architecture:

1. Urban Park | Thesis Topics for Architecture

To make a city livable and sustainable, urban parks play a key role to provide a healthy lifestyle for the residents of the city. It provides transformative spaces for the congregation and community development . Public parks are very crucial within the cities because they are often the only major greenery source for the area.

2. Neighborhood Development

There is always a challenge to implement sustainable development at a very local level. Thus, urban sprawl, environmental degradation, and traffic congestion have made it necessary to look at problems at the basic level. In cities, there is an extra opportunity to develop a sustainable neighborhood that incorporates energy-efficient buildings, green materials, and social infrastructures.

3. Community Garden Design | Thesis Topics for Architecture

Community gardens are the latest trend for sustainable living in urban areas due to rising health issues in the cities. It helps promote farming as an activity where locals can also get involved in the activities and encourage them to use gardens as recreational spaces. The gardens assist in the sustainable development of urban areas.

4. Waste Recycling Center

Waste recycling centers can be one of the great thesis topics for architecture since waste recycling is always seen as a burden on the city. But it can be converted into an opportunity by incorporating its function and value into the urban fabric . Waste to energy plants or waste recycling centers can be integrated with public functions that engage communities.

5. Restoration of Heritage/Old Building

Building restoration is the process of correctly exposing the state of a historical building, as it was in the past with respecting its heritage value. India has many heritage buildings including forts, temples , buildings which are in deteriorated conditions and need to be restored. Thus, it helps to protect our heritage of the past.

6. Rehabilitation Housing | Thesis Topics for Architecture

Rehabilitation housing is temporary housing made to accommodate people who vacate the colonies that are required to redevelop. Rehabilitation housing also accommodates peoples who get affected by natural calamity and are displaced due to that.

7. Riverfront Development

The development of a riverfront improves the quality of built and unbuilt spaces while maintaining a river-city relationship. It provides an identity to the stretch of the land which can include the addition of cultural and recreational activities. Various public activities and spaces are incorporated to develop the life and ambiance on the riverfront which leads to the environment and economic sustainability.

8. SMART Village | Thesis Topics for Architecture

SMART village is a modern initiative to develop rural villages and provide them with basic amenities, education, health, clean drinking water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability. It aims to strengthen rural communities with new technologies and energy access.

9. Net-Zero Energy Building

A lot of energy goes into the building sector which can be reduced by incorporating energy-efficient techniques and innovations. The Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) produces as much energy as it consumes over the year, and sometimes more. NZEB can be applied to various typologies such as industrial, commercial, and residential. Due to emerging concerns over climate change, these buildings are a new trend nowadays.

10. Bermed Structure

The bermed structure is a structure that is built above ground or partially below the ground, with earth covering at least one wall. In extreme climatic conditions, a bermed structure protects from both heat and cold. The structure can be any typology be it residence, museum, or exhibition hall. These types of buildings are very energy efficient but extra care is needed to be given to waterproofing.

11. Regenerative Design

Regenerative design is active participation in engaging in the natural environment. It focuses on reducing the environmental impacts of a building on the natural surroundings through conservation and performance. While green building improves energy efficiency, the regenerative building improves the ecosystem as it will support habitats for living organisms.

12. Urban Agriculture Centre

Urban agriculture centers accommodate the space for cultivating, processing, and distribution of food in any urban area. The center helps to improve the quality of life and provides them healthy options to eat. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products through the center improves food safety. The center can also be made a learning hub for people to collaborate and share their knowledge of sustainable food production. It can create awareness and improve the eating habits of people.

13. Revitalizing Abandoned Mill or Industry

Mills and industries are an important aspect of developing an urban area. They invoke the image of industrial development, invention, and success in their times. Thus, by revitalizing the abandoned mill, one can preserve the city’s old fabric.

14. Eco-Tourism Center

Eco-tourism center caters to the need to maintain the ecosystem with least intervention on the life of plants and wildlife. It also provides responsible travel to the people to the natural areas. The center also consists of research laboratories, data analysis and conducts studies to spread awareness among the locals about the ecosystems.

15. The Revival of a Heritage Building

Revival is a process of improvement in the condition and fortunes of the building, without losing its traditional spirit. When we talk about sustainability, Heritage revival is not paid any proper attention. On the other hand, it has a great opportunity to improve our rich culture’s heritage. It can provide positive impacts on the well-being of society as well as economic development.

16.Adaptive Reuse of a Building

Adaptive reuse is a process of retrofitting old structures for new users but retaining their earlier integrity to meet the new needs of the occupants. Thus, the best thing or feel about the building is preserved and developed in a modified way. It gives a new life to the building and removes the need to demolish the structure.

17. Redevelopment of Slum

Redevelopment of the slum is done to improve the urban sprawl created by the slums and no new land is available for the new construction. In current scenarios in many cities, urban slums are a major concern due to unhygienic and unstable living conditions. The redevelopment aims to give priority to health, livelihood, sanitation, and infrastructure without removing people from the site.

18. Vertical Farm | Thesis Topics for Architecture

A vertical farm is a structure/space in a greenhouse or a field where food production takes place on vertically inclined planes. It often includes agriculture that optimizes plant growth, and soilless techniques like aquaponics, hydroponics, etc. The farming systems can be made on buildings, ship containers, or mine shafts.

19. Wetland Restoration

A degraded wetland is restored which has been destroyed earlier on the land it has been at or still is. Restoration practices include re-establishment and rehabilitation. Wetland restoration is important to maintain ecology, wildlife habitat, and they contribute to economic well-being also.

20. Eco-Mosque | Thesis Topics for Architecture

Eco-mosque is an environmentally friendly and zero energy mosque with the perception towards modernity with sustainability. The Mosque is the epicenter of the community and an important learning place to amplify the environmental stewardship responsibilities. The Eco Mosque is a one-of-a-kind structure designed completely on green technology, being sustainable & with the minimum carbon footprint.

Madiha Khanam is an architect and an enthusiast writer. She approaches writing as a creative medium to pen-down her thoughts just like drawing and illustrating. She loves to read and write about architecture, engineering, and psychology. Besides, she loves to watch anime.

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

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

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #1 – Sustainable Affordable Housing

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

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #2 – Parametric Architecture Using Biomaterials

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #3 – Urban Planning Driven by AI

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

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #4 – Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage

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

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

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #5 – Smart and Resilient Cities

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #6 – High Performing Green Buildings

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #7 – Urban Landscapes with Biophilic Design

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

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

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

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #9 – Sustainable Skyscrapers

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

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

Architecture Thesis Topic #10 – Circular Economy in Construction

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

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

Conclusion:

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

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Design of Sustainable Buildings with Renewables

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• Berhane Gebreslassie 4 ,
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Part of the book series: Indoor Environment and Sustainable Building ((IESB))

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Sustainable buildings, also known as green buildings, have received significant attention globally in recent decades. This is the key solution to tackle the energy crisis caused by conventional buildings, which currently consume 30–40% of the world’s annual energy. The usage of such a higher energy further causes an increase in the prices of fossil fuel oils and, consequently, conventional buildings contribute a high amount of CO 2 emission to greenhouses. The purpose of this chapter is to create a model of a conceptual sustainable building simulation that reduces the impact of CO 2 emission, consumes less fossil fuel oil, and is materially sustainable under natural conditions. The design uses the maximum efficiency of renewable energy of wind turbines and solar panel cells, where the basic solar panel cell efficiencies are 5–20% and optimized for higher performance using intelligent mechatronic system methods. In addition, this chapter develops a method that eases the process of increasing solar panel cell efficiency. To obtain optimized designed solar panel cell generation, solar panel cells are modeled using simulation software applications, “Autodesk Revit and Dynamo (script programing language)”, which enable solar panel cells to trace the maximum sunlight intensity. Furthermore, the achievement of optimized energy usage and the integration of renewable energy with smart grids and the Internet of Things (IoT) can provide smart control applications and wise operational systems.

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Gebreslassie, B., Kalam, A., Zayegh, A. (2024). Design of Sustainable Buildings with Renewables. In: Nazari-Heris, M. (eds) Natural Energy, Lighting, and Ventilation in Sustainable Buildings. Indoor Environment and Sustainable Building. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41148-9_8

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THESIS-The Conceptual Framework of a Sustainable Building

Chapter 2:The concern for Sustainability Understating of the word ‘sustainable’ ‘sustainable architecture’, its need , various ideas and approach to sustainable architecture. Chapter 3: Green Building Understanding the ideology of Green Buildings, its benifts and its importance. Chapter 4: Rating Systems The need for rating systems and an overview of green building rating systems such as LEED, IGBC, GRIHA with their role and limitations. Chapter 5:Comparison Detailed comparison and points of improvement Chapter 6: Strategies The cost eff ective sustainable strategies which can be implemented in various building typologies , brief details, benefi ts and their cost analysis. Chapter 7: Inference The study ends with brief comments on how the growth in sustainable architecture in India can be enhanced and what are the points of improvements in rating systems

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As countries worldwide are faced with the threatening effects of global climate change, it is crucial to find new and more efficient ways of utilizing energy from renewable sources. Gradually we must change the way we develop and use technologies to make the transition to a low carbon world possible. This paper will explain the concept of sustainable development & environment architecture. How the sustainability is linked with the environment, social, and economic factors in the growth of any system or settlement. Also, the practicing of sustainable architecture in context of green certification in India such as IGBC, GRIHA, LEED rating systems.Climate responsive architecture strategies which also the prime part of green certification. It summarizes the details covered under various green rating system and solar passive architecture with long term benefits and conclusions.

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Change in climate, caused by the release of greenhouse effect causing gases (primarily carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere, has been recognized as one of the greatest threats of the 21st century. Share of the global energy consumption in India and China has also been on the rise due to heavy industrialization, urbanization, population explosion, and intensive growth of IT. Buildings are the prime energy consumers in modern cities accounting upto 40 to 45% energy consumption. Their consumption can be largely confined through improving efficiency, which is an effective means to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and slow down depletion of fossil fuels. There is a heavy (over 50%) saving potential in the building sector and thus it is considered as a potential sector to meet the challenges of global energy demand and climate change. Along with the advent of energy efficient measures, more effective means are needed to induce or compel greater efforts, especially to the signatories of the Kyoto Protocol. This technical paper highlights the importance of sustainable construction, discusses role of energy efficiency in green buildings in Indian context to reduce the energy consumption and environmental degradation through Green House Gas emission (GHG). Also it points out to the benefits of green construction as well as the incentives from govt. and municipal bodies for GRIHA certified green building.

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Bengaluru is one of the fastest growing cities in India spearheading the globalization of the country. Adverse changes are being observed with respect to ecological degradation as well as isolation of culture and traditional roots in architecture. In the most common understanding, tradition and modernization are perceived to be progressing in opposite directions. Many architects today, claim to bridge the gap between the two notions. This approach will be tested in the social context of city. The dissertation throws light on the current scenario of Bengaluru with respect to environmental as well as social implications of rapid urbanization. A brief history of architecture of the city is vital to understand the importance and need for cultural appropriateness of architecture within a society. This is followed by critique of the current methods of assessment of sustainability in India and Bengaluru city and establishes reasons for the need for alternative methods of assessment which takes into consideration the social aspect as well. Three houses have been chosen which represents the pioneering practices of sustainable architecture of the city. In addition of survey data collection, interviews were conducted with the architects to assess the relationship between the design approaches and relevance to the social needs of the occupants. This tries to give more specific information on the intentions and approaches of the projects, which sometimes is overlooked in the sustainable buildings. In a rush to portray cultural and environmental aspects in buildings, some architects employ the tactics of overt cultural references or technical innovations without considering the sustainable issues. These are termed as „cultureclamps‟ and „ecogadgets‟ respectively. These notions will be exposed in the process of analysis. The conclusion of the analysis establishes the relationship between the designers‟ approach and the expectations of relevant clientele. The factors which influence the design of sustainable buildings are elaborated and it is largely hinted at social expectancy and acceptability in the city. Most importantly the claims of sustainability of each building is tested and assessed individually and in comparison which lead to the conclusions that have been put forward and recommendations given for future developments within the city.

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The main purpose in this research is recognition of dimensions of sustainable architecture. Today, one of the most necessary complicated and delicate specifications of architecture that architects face with is the issue of stability in various types of its comments and interpretations. The issue of sustainability is interpretable and general from many aspects. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the qualified of this adjective (architecture and its related categories). In the record of bringing this discussion up, we face with titles such as Green architecture, Sustainable development, etc. But the purpose of this article is the study of the nature and recognizing the circumstances and essence of sustainability in all fields that architecture involves in. The innovation of this study is attentive to creating the recognition and feeling the fact of dimensions of sustainability that is studied in procedure of library research, a case sample, and proposal of common but insufficient ideas related to this discussion. This article is devoted to 3 point of views including main environmental, cultural (value), and technical, and it tries to take the proposed topics under the subjection of this 3 factors in an orderly way (presenting a modern pattern) and the minor factors are studied under the subjection of these 3 main factors.

SYED M A Q B O O L GEELANI

Building materials and technologies, and building practices have evolved through ages. The following points require attention, regarding the use of modern building materials: energy consumed in the manufacturing processes, problems of long distance transportation, natural resources and raw materials consumed, recycling and safe disposal, impact on environment, and long-term sustainability. Thus the issues related to energy expenditure, recycling, biodegradable, environmental and sustainability with respect to future demand need to be addressed during the manufacture and use of any new building material by the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources energy, water, and materials while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment, through better site, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal i.e. the complete building life cycle for achieving sustainable building development or green building development. The goal of the "green building" project is to reduce the impact of construction on the environment by sustainable building and construction of buildings using methods and materials that are resource efficient and will not compromise the health of the environment or the associated health and well-being of the building's occupants, construction workers, the general public, or future generations. Sustainable building involves the consideration of many issues, including land use, site impacts, indoor environment, energy and water use, solid waste, and lifecycle impacts of building materials. Energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions will therefore continue to rise unless actions to direct the construction industry towards sustainable consumption and production are taken urgently.

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India has rich traditions and history in holistic strategies for buildings and construction. India is witnessing tremendous growth in infrastructure development. The construction industry in India is one of the largest economic activities. The building sector is the single highest consumer of energy, and hence the largest contributor to green house gas emissions. Also, with the tremendous growth in this sector, there is an increase in the number and variety of challenges posed. Preserving the environment has become a prime concern along with the growth and development of our economy. Despite this the sustainable buildings agenda (Green Buildings) has received less attention. In view of this, the construction sector therefore needs to identify and play a responsible role towards preservation of the environment. A coordinated approach is required to address the sustainable building agenda in a wider sense. The researcher has put an attempt to present a panoramic view of some key issues related to the sharing of perspectives and ideas for sustainable buildings in India. The paper highlights the magnitude of energy consumption of the rural and the urban sector and thereby the resultant carbon emissions from the building sector alone. Some key attributes of sustainable buildings are also briefed. LEED and GRIHA both, as building rating systems are briefly introduced. The paper ends with a clarification of some myths as against the realities on green buildings.

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The building sector is one of the biggest consumers of electricity in India [1] ; it is also the largest generator of CO2 emission & one of the highest consumers of water in India. This is the basic reason why Green building movement comes to India so that we can minimise the environment effect caused by the construction activity in India. Green buildings have potential to reduce up to 34 percent lower CO2 emissions, consume 25 percent less energy and 11 percent less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tonnes of waste from landfills [2]. The author of this paper has studied different rating systems in India & the sustainability of the green buildings in India. The paper goes beyond Green building rating system and gives a thought to the understanding of embedded emission and operational emission. The author of the paper gives an idea of not only Green Building but also a sustainable green building by Post occupancy evaluation.

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Building for the End: Thesis Drafts a Plan for Truly Sustainable Building

May 20, 2022

Each semester, the Architecture Program’s Design Thesis highlights innovative, often extraordinary concepts from individuals on the cusp of professional life, a precursor to the indelible architecture etched into our urban fabric. But what if that future included another typology—one that is the antithesis of architectural permeance and, instead, prepares for its eventual demise?

Ryan Muir’s “Dust to Dust: Embracing Entropy Through Organic Building Materials” takes the concept of sustainable design a momentous step further by offering architecture that can be reclaimed—either by nature or for another purpose—at the end of its useful life. The concept, manifested in three scales of affordable housing near The Wharf in Washington, D.C., won this year’s Thesis Prize for Design Excellence.

“I’ve always been drawn to the intentionality of material use and what it can decide in space and form,” said Muir. “It was a theory I wanted to explore—how architecture can embrace entropy—but also a necessity for the world we live in today.”

In many ways, Muir’s inspiration is a culmination of his graduate experience at Maryland, a meaningful accumulation of techniques collected through coursework, reading and hands-on application: concepts like adaptive reuse, cross-sectional design and mass timber framing, and work by scholars like Marvin Trachtenberg and architects like Carlo Scarpa.

“Ryan's project skillfully integrated many of his seminars and studios from his entire time as a master's student,” said Clinical Assistant Professor Brittany Williams, Muir’s thesis chair. “It was a microcosm of the curriculum wrapped up in a thesis.”

A departure from more traditional thesis projects, which focus on programming or site context, Muir’s project zeros in on the anatomy of the building and what he calls “designing for disassembly,” reflecting his extensive research into methods and materials both old and new. Muir consulted with faculty, architects, builders and manufacturers, developing methods that shy away from post-industrial materials like concrete, steel and plastic, which can take centuries to decompose and that produce high levels of carbon across their lifespan.

“It's really fascinating to see a thesis that deals with an in-depth study of materiality, detailing and architectural expression, and the impact of the building process on the environment,” said Williams.

Timber framing and traditional joinery methods comprise Muir’s light-frame walls, eliminating the nails that would prevent composting of the wood down the line. Polystyrene foam is replaced by mycelium, the organic root structure of fungi and a highly effective insulator. Throughout the design is consideration for native materials and embodied carbon; most materials are sourced within 200 miles of his Washington, D.C., site. Muir agrees, there is irony in the fact that the future of sustainable building design may be rooted in the past.

“There has been a resurgence of timber for high and mid-rise mass construction,” he says. “Articles on that have been written in irony, because it’s far from cutting-edge.”

While this thesis marks the end of Muir’s graduate degree, he says it is just the beginning of his exploration into sustainable building design, one that he hopes to pursue after graduation at Gensler in Washington, D.C.; the firm offers grants through their research institute.

“It’s a grand experiment but one that holds so much potential for the future of design,” he says. “I feel like I’ve learned so much and still have so much more to learn.”

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation’s final projects—from thesis to capstone—demonstrate the knowledge and skill acquired during each student’s graduate experience, manifested in imaginative and innovative concepts. See more projects from the class of 2022 .

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