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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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Undergraduate Thesis

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Elements of Thesis

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Thesis - The Basics

"The starting point for any thesis has to be a critique of present circumstances, which opens up possibilities of radical and practical changes in the world."

- Zegarski / Enos (2016)

What is Thesis?

The Undergraduate Thesis Research Studio offers a unique opportunity to continue your design education at NewSchool. You will plan, develop, and execute a self-generated self-directed architectural research project. You will identify a problem based on your personal interests and propose an architectural solution by navigating and expanding on a given methodology comprised of research and design tasks. You will self-evaluate and clearly convey a critical position grounded in the learning outcomes of the architectural program at NewSchool.

"An architectural thesis should be seen as a desire to map, create, draw, or plan a certain kind of spatiality through a critical/ radical critique of a specific aspect within the process of archietctural production that is representative of everyday life within our current urbanized process of spatial production." Zegarski/ Enos (2016)

The library will only accept Thesis Books that follow the standards outlined here. Make sure you review them and include all required elements. 

Front Matter

• Copyright Page
• Thesis Abstract
• Approvals Page
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Dedication (optional)
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Thesis Essay
• Research and Findings
• Design Solution
• List of Figures
• Glossary of Terms
• Vita (optional)
• Appendices (optional as needed/ appropriate)

General Thesis Timeline

Summer quarter.

• Thesis proposal and conceptual video

Fall Quarter (AR501)

• Thesis Essay, Case Studies, Programming, Site Investigation, Research Presentation

Winter Quarter (AR502)

• Project Schedule, Concept Development, Code Analysis, Site Development, Thesis Proposal Document, Design Presentation

Spring Quarter (AR503)

• Plans, Circulation, Structure, Sections, Systems, Interior Studies and Detailing, Storyboard, Final Design Presentation, Final Thesis Document

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Thesis Research in Architecture: Literature reviews

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Literature Reviews

A literature review is a required component of an M.Arch thesis as outlined in the Thesis Guide , and  Master’s Design Thesis in Architecture documents on the School of Architecture’s website.

What is it?

A literature review is an account of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. It may be part of an essay, research report, or thesis; however it can also be a standalone document. It demonstrates to the reader established knowledge and ideas on a topic as well as strengths/weaknesses of those ideas.

What is the Purpose of a Literature Review in a Thesis?

• Contextualize and justify your research project
• Ensure your research is novel and not replicated
• Situate the research within the existing body of knowledge
• Help you as a researcher learn from previous theory/research
• Illustrate how the subject has been studied previously
• Highlight flaws and identify gaps in previous research by others
• Show that your work is adding to the understanding and knowledge of the field
• Help refine, refocus or even change the topic

Strategies for Writing a Literature Review

A lit review must be organized around a central idea that focuses on the themes or issues & not the sources themselves as an annotated bibliography would be organized

Construct a working thesis question/statement. Ideally it is a very small question that may have big implications for architecture.

Search UW Library catalogue, databases, WorldCat, et. cetera, evaluating potential sources as you go along using RADAR

To determine if a text is useful for you read the abstract, introduction chapter, tables of content, first and last paragraphs. Does it answer one of your question(s)? Does it inform/support a potential section of your thesis?

• Prepare for efficient and critical reading and note taking.
• Break your thesis down into manageable, distinct themes/topics to be addressed
• Skim & scan the texts to determine the themes/topics of each resource
• Look for keywords that represent your thesis topic

Record the themes/topics (chart, list, mind map…)

• After reading a manageable chunk (paragraph, page, chapter…) summarize it to help determine if you understood, and are able to remember the content
• Look for evidence, examples, authority to back up assertions; connections with other texts or your own knowledge
• What are the author’s central arguments? What do they conclude? What is their evidence? Is relevant/strong? What are the author’s assumptions?

Record any thoughts or comments you have

Consider the organization of your literature review. It must contain at least five basic elements: the Introduction, Bibliography, the body of the review, conclusions/recommendations, and a glossary of terms.

• provides an argument and critical assessment of the literature (topics and claims
• does not necessarily argue for a position or an opinion on the thesis questions, but rather for a particular perspective on the material
• offers an overview of current scholarly conversations about topic.
• outlines the gaps/weaknesses in literature to be reviewed

relates the literature being reviewed the to larger aim of your thesis

• A literature review must be more than just a list describing other scholars’ publications.
• Your reader wants to know your assessment of these papers and how your work fits into the big picture of related scholarship.

Consider how to present the sources: chronological, topical/thematic, methodological (which focuses on the "methods" used by the researcher(s) or writer(s)), starting with a seminal text in the field, or debate style.

• Current Situation: Information necessary to understand the topic or focus of the lit review.
• Chronological progression of the field, the literature, or an idea.
• Methods and/or Standards: criteria used to select your sources or the way in which you present your information

Resources on Literature Reviews

Additional Resourses

When critically appraising your sources, RADAR is a framework that you can use to ask questions about an information source and determine its quality and usefulness in your literature review, your thesis, as well as for any research project.

• RADAR Framework
• Matrix Method

From the onset of your research consider using the Matrix Method to organized your sources, and review the literature you find. As you have already done the bulk of the work, it is easily translated into a literature review.

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Best 170 Architecture Thesis Topics For All Students

Architecture thesis topics may be difficult to find because there are so many subjects and possible topics. However, good thesis topics for architecture are the ones that you have a personal interest in. Before picking architecture thesis topics, you also need to ask yourself if the topic is significant or realistically doable.

Choosing Thesis Topics For Architecture

Architecture thesis projects topics, master of architecture thesis topics, industrial architecture thesis topics, institutional architecture thesis topics, sustainable architecture thesis topics.

What is the best way to choose dissertation topics? This guide will highlight how to pick interesting architectural thesis topics. Here are some factors to consider when searching for architecture thesis project ideas :

Pick a Topic That Interests You

While picking creative architecture thesis topics, you need to opt for a topic that you are personally interested in. You can easily get bored with your undergraduate architecture thesis projects, that is why you need something that you are passionate about. It will help you to stay motivated and inspired to create a unique project.

Set a Small Scope

It can be tempting to pick dissertation topics in architecture that are too expansive. This reduces the delivery time. It is safer to start with a simple version of the topic and includes some complexity later if necessary.

Find Architecture Thesis Topics That Reflect Your Skills

Everyone has unique skill sets that they have developed over time. There is no single person who is perfect at everything. When you know your technical and creative capabilities, you will be able to pick thesis topics in architecture that employs your expertise.

Can You Find Enough Research On The Topic?

Unusual architectural thesis topics require lots of research and analysis before starting. Therefore, it is essential to pick an area of study with a substantial amount of work already done. It will help you to easily analyze, compare, and draw conclusions.

Balance It Between Art And Science

While searching for architecture dissertation topics, students often dig themselves a grave. They tend to view the project as a culmination of a long program rooted deep in art and theory. You need to pick a topic that balances art and science. It shouldn’t be too abstract, so your teacher will know that you understand the issues raised.

Don’t Forget To Tie It To Your Plans For The Future

Your architecture thesis topics should be aligned with your plans. It should reflect your experience or interest in a specialized subject. It will play an important role as a part of your portfolio.

Pick Architecture Thesis Topics That Solve A Real Problem

Your thesis topics architecture ideas shouldn’t just be theoretical, they should also solve a real-world problem. The world struggles with several issues, such as population growth, climate change, and a lack of proper distribution of resources. So, find a topic that can solve a socio-environmental problem using design intervention.

• Creation of affordable housing
• Development waterfront property
• Airport functioning
• Heritage museums
• Skyscraper design
• Cinema and theatre architecture
• Suburban homes for multi-families
• Multimedia film city
• Gaming and Animation studio
• Aquarium-Aqua display and design
• Marine park design
• Lightning excellence center
• MTRS study and station
• Modern art museum
• Convention center
• Automobile training center
• Archaeological survey institute
• Luxury beach-facing apartments
• The bus terminal with a commercial complex
• School of art & design
• Cruise terminal design
• Bio-climatic buildings
• Media center
• Cricket stadium display
• Disaster management institute
• Resort design
• Polo retreat
• Television and film institute
• The transit system as well as the possible improvements
• Educational Institute for all rural children
• A local heritage site
• The lighting system in the Egyptian Pyramids
• Film city studios, gaming area as well its structure
• Underwater restaurants in different parts of the globe for light, electricity, and sanitation.
• The transformation node found at the Lancaster
• The heat/cooling systems in beach huts
• Checking pressure and oxygen levels for building tourists spots
• Fashion Fiesta Paris
• The Golden Gate and architecture
• An archaeologist’s point of view of China from a survey of China
• WHO’s headquarters and renovation
• The ideal environment for a Rehab
• Russian fairytale-style homes and huts
• A clear insight into the auto industry
• Installing swimming pools in a mall
• Training centers for adults in Texas
• Buildings for religious purposes
• Comparing contemporary vs. traditional housing
• Deconstructing a typical school to make room for collaboration and creativity
• Apartments for couples
• Multifamily suburban homes
• The power of air: leaving closed windows for good
• Semidetached and row houses
• Staying on the budget while creating an architectural masterpiece
• Single-family suburban homes
• Hotels and residence
• Single-family country homes
• Developing healthy living spots in third-world countries
• Design of Ruled Surfaces.
• A method to design the kinetic planar surface using mathematical tessellation techniques.
• Waterfront development of an exhibition center
• Bio-inspired design for adaptable structures
• Construction of time conception
• A critical view of architecture – is it sustainable?
• Analytical studies of design potentials in architecture
• Determination of the concept of place in the built environment’s reproduction process
• Aqua display/Research Center
• Forest Research/Training Institute
• Archaeological Survey of Canada – Research and Training Institute
• Luxury Sea-front Studios at Ottawa
• Digital Morphogenesis as well as Its Implementation
• Bio-climatic Tower
• Mass rapid transit system study and station
• Designing organic structures to withstand time
• Showing culture in structures
• Maximizing size in miniature apartments
• Architectural trends at most transportation hubs
• Redefining a city with architecture
• Renovating century-old structures without losing the culture
• Outdoor architecture: creating getaways in small backyards.

A master of architecture qualification provides students with the relevant knowledge, skills, and values needed to enter the architecture sector and pursue opportunities and careers in this profession for master thesis help . It focuses on developing the ability to adapt to change in the diverse and critical world we live in. students are allowed to create a speculative and reflective relationship to their work.

• The introduction of biotechnology in architecture design for adaptable structures.
• An analytical assessment of mathematical organization methods in active flat surface plans.
• The consideration of soil and terrain conditions to determine adequate story building locations.
• A conceptual method for the outline and fabrication of cultural centers and foundations
• Finding the importance of a town or county’s various buildings and structures.
• A critical analysis of the architectural techniques used to construct the lighting within the ancient pyramids of Giza.
• An evaluation of the restaurants near the coastline in various areas of the country with important consideration on plumbing, air supply, and lighting.
• An analysis of China’s Great Wall with consideration of the structure’s historical significance.
• Understanding the impact of certain architectural codes and protocols on the environment.
• The possibility to achieve inexpensive house construction plans in first-world countries.
• Why do the majority of third-world countries have substandard housing structures?
• A case study on the significance of all learners of architecture in the profession.
• An analysis of the primary conditions that affect buildings in places that are susceptible to earthquakes.
• Building methods and consideration for constructions with the ability to endure natural disasters.
• A detailed report of the Twin Towers and the popularity of skyscraper construction.
• The significance of applied science in defining modern housing from traditional examples.
• Using records in architecture to understand the history of the profession.
• A critical analysis of architectural photography.
• The evaluation of cost considerations in architectural specifications and estimations.
• What motivates different architectural drawings and concepts.
• Case studies on sustainable modern design structures.
• The importance of digital mapping and concepts in architecture.
• Methods of limiting energy loss.

Industrial architecture is a branch of architecture that is used for the design of industrial buildings. These buildings need to be designed with consideration of their main purpose, which is to process raw materials. Their designs need to prioritize safety and optimal function over aesthetics and exterior appeal.

With the increased evolution taking place in technology today, industrial buildings and their designs need to adapt and keep up. This is why it calls for more research and consideration since industrial buildings are a need for modern society.

• Waterfront development – Beach convention and exhibition centers.
• Design of ruled surfaces.
• Construction of time conception in the architectural realm.
• A critical view of sustainable architecture.
• Determination of Place concept in the reproduction process of the built environment.
• Analytical study of the design potentials in kinetic architecture.
• Is deconstructive architecture useful?
• How did brutalism and contemporary architectures influence the world?
• Current trends in parametric architecture.
• How will traditional industrial structures be made more environmentally friendly and sustainable?
• Industrial architecture’s evolution.
• A critical analysis of the Dockland building, Germany.
• What purpose does industrial architecture play in creating a safe environment?
• Where do the professions of car construction and manufacturing come together?
• Industrial architecture during the industrial revolution.
• Evaluation of daylight in office buildings.
• Analysis of different lifestyle interactions.
• The purpose of reinforced concrete skeleton systems and earthquake’s effect on them.
• The future of architecture with the consideration of space exploration.
• The purpose of environmental science and social anthropology in architecture.
• Making architecture design studios relevant in the technological era.
• Extra skills are necessary for working on complex architectural projects.
• How collaboration is helping architectures achieve complex structural needs.

This is the branch of architecture that deals with environmental, social, and economic factors. This profession is based on various rules and traditions that were passed down for centuries. It grants architects the ability to find new ways to innovate the architectural industry.

Over time, the design for buildings all over the world evolves and is influenced by different cultures and styles. This can give the structure of the building different meanings and provides various opportunities to discuss its design and reason to be built.

• Theme parks and attractions
• Religious buildings
• Auditoriums
• Sport facilities
• Art galleries
• Cultural centers and foundations
• School and universities
• Bars and discotheques
• Shopping malls
• Theaters and cinemas
• Restaurants
• Transportation thesis on airports
• Train stations
• Urban transport
• Promenades and streets
• Urban parks
• Stores and showrooms
• Peripheral parks
• Urban monuments and land art

Sustainable architecture is the use of various plans and techniques to withstand the negative effect on the environment of modern man-made structures. Architects would take all aspects of the project, from landscape to water drainage, and determine the best way for the building to function with the least impact on the environment. These buildings and designs need to ensure that they are functional, appealing to the eye, and have as little carbon footprint as possible.

• Neighborhood development
• Community garden concepts
• Waste recycling facilities
• Heritage building restoration
• Rehabilitation housing
• Riverfront development
• SMART village
• Net-Zero energy building
• Bermed structure
• Regenerative design
• Urban Agriculture center
• Revitalizing abandoned mills and processing buildings
• Eco-tourism facilities
• Revival of an old building
• Repurpose a building
• Redevelopment of a slum
• Vertical farm
• Wetland restoration
• Energy efficiency in buildings
• How the location of the building is necessary for sustainability

Picking one of the topics above may help you get a head start on your paper. However, if you still need dissertation writing help, you can find professionals to help you with fresh ideas to work on.

Are you stuck with writing your thesis? Just enter promo “ mythesis ” – that’s all you need to get a 20% discount for any architecture writing assignment you might have!

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A comprehensive list of 101 unique architecture thesis topics.

The culmination of an architecture student’s academic journey often revolves around the creation of an architecture thesis—a significant milestone that embodies years of learning, exploration, and creative expression within the field. An architecture thesis represents a comprehensive body of work that showcases a student’s mastery of design, critical thinking, and research skills.

Introduction to Architecture Thesis

The architecture thesis serves as a capstone project, encapsulating the essence of an individual’s academic pursuits and their unique design philosophy. It is not merely a culmination of design projects but a testament to an architect’s ability to engage with complex design problems, synthesize multifaceted information, and propose innovative solutions that contribute to the discourse of the architectural discipline.

Key Components of an Architecture Thesis

• Research and Analysis: An architecture thesis typically begins with extensive research, delving into historical precedents, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary issues pertinent to the chosen design focus. This phase involves in-depth analysis, identifying challenges, opportunities, and gaps in the architectural context.
• Design Exploration: The heart of the thesis lies in the design exploration, where architectural concepts, spatial configurations, materials, and technologies are meticulously developed. Design iterations, conceptual sketches, models, and digital representations help convey the proposed architectural interventions.
• Critical Thinking and Conceptualization: Architects utilize critical thinking to conceptualize and articulate their ideas, incorporating design theories, contextual relevance, environmental considerations, and social implications into their proposals. The thesis emphasizes the ability to think creatively while addressing real-world architectural challenges.
• Documentation and Presentation: Thorough documentation of the design process, methodologies, analyses, and design evolution is crucial. Additionally, the presentation aspect involves clear and effective communication of the design narrative, often through drawings, renderings, models, diagrams, and written explanations.

101 Architecture Thesis Topics

• Adaptive Reuse of Historical Buildings: Revitalization Strategies
• Sustainable Urban Design: Implementing Eco-Friendly Practices
• Exploring Biomimicry in Architectural Design
• Future of Workspaces: Innovative Office Designs
• Human-Centered Design for Healthcare Facilities
• Community-Centric Housing Solutions in Urban Areas
• Architecture and Mental Health: Designing Therapeutic Spaces
• Disaster-Resilient Architecture: Post-Disaster Reconstruction
• Urban Mobility Hubs: Designing Integrated Transportation Centers
• Regenerative Architecture: Creating Net-Positive Buildings
• Cultural Heritage Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
• Innovative Materials in Contemporary Architecture
• Zero-Energy Building Design and Implementation
• Inclusive Design for Persons with Disabilities
• Vernacular Architecture and Contemporary Adaptations
• Sustainable Schools and Educational Spaces
• Urban Farming Architecture: Integrating Agriculture into Cities
• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): Creating Walkable Communities
• Affordable Housing for Low-Income Communities
• Climate-Responsive Architecture in Extreme Environments
• Green Roofs and Living Walls: Environmental Benefits and Design
• Social Housing and Community Development
• Parametric Design and Computational Architecture
• Reimagining Public Spaces: Plazas, Parks, and Squares
• Architecture and Renewable Energy Integration
• Biophilic Design: Connecting People with Nature in Built Environments
• Architecture for Aging Populations: Elderly-Friendly Spaces
• Adaptive Strategies for Climate Change Resilience
• Revitalization of Industrial Heritage Sites
• Architecture and Soundscapes: Designing Acoustic Spaces
• Innovative Approaches to Prefabricated and Modular Construction
• Temporary Architecture: Designing for Events and Festivals
• Restorative Architecture: Healing Environments
• Urban Regeneration through Architecture and Urban Design
• Universal Design Principles for Inclusive Environments
• Architecture and Social Justice: Reducing Inequities
• Virtual Reality (VR) in Architectural Visualization and Design
• Architecture and the Circular Economy: Sustainable Practices
• Designing for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
• Adaptive Skyscrapers: Flexible High-Rise Design
• Architecture and Digital Fabrication Techniques
• Coastal Architecture: Resilience against Rising Sea Levels
• Community-Centered Design for Refugee Settlements
• Transit Infrastructure Design for Future Cities
• Smart Cities and IoT Integration in Urban Design
• Architectural Preservation in Conflict Zones
• Architecture and Urban Agriculture Integration
• Parametric Façade Design and Functionality
• Architecture and Biomaterials: Sustainable Construction
• The Impact of Bioclimatic Design on Energy Efficiency
• Urban Interventions and Tactical Urbanism
• Adaptive Reuse of Abandoned Industrial Structures
• Architecture for Extreme Environments: Polar Regions
• Architecture and the Future of Retail Spaces
• Cultural Centers and Civic Spaces in Urban Contexts
• Resilient Infrastructure Design against Natural Disasters
• Interactive Architecture and User Experience Design
• Heritage Conservation and Adaptive Reuse Techniques
• Urban Mobility and Multimodal Transportation Hubs
• Architecture and Climate-Sensitive Urban Planning
• Parametricism and Formal Complexity in Architecture
• Sustainable Design for Tourist Accommodations
• Affordable Co-Housing Solutions for Urban Dwellers
• Urban Landscape Architecture and Greenway Design
• Architecture and Digital Twin Technology
• Restorative Design for Natural Habitats
• Designing for Extreme Weather Events: Flood-Resilient Structures
• Architecture and Performance Arts Spaces
• Heritage Tourism Development and Architectural Interventions
• Architecture and Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
• Cultural Integration in Mixed-Use Development Projects
• Architecture and Social Sustainability in Informal Settlements
• Designing Interactive Learning Environments
• Adaptive Strategies for Aging Infrastructure
• Architecture and Resilient Housing for Disaster-Prone Areas
• High-Performance Building Envelope Design
• Architecture and Revitalization of Rural Areas
• Adaptive Strategies for Heritage Conservation
• Architecture and Designing for Multigenerational Living
• Integration of Green Infrastructure in Urban Planning
• Architecture and Urban Soundscapes
• Affordable and Sustainable Housing Models
• Architecture and Waterfront Redevelopment
• Regenerative Design Principles in Architecture
• Urban Design Strategies for Climate Resilience
• Architecture and Sustainable Transportation Nodes
• Smart Façade Systems for Energy Efficiency
• Green Architecture in Educational Facilities
• Reimagining Public Transport Stations and Terminals
• Adaptive Strategies for Urban Heat Island Mitigation
• Architecture and Social Sustainability in Housing Developments
• Responsive Environments and Interactive Architecture
• Architecture and Design for Circular Cities
• Inclusive Design in Public Spaces and Facilities
• Resilient Infrastructure Design for Coastal Cities
• Architecture and Transformative Technologies
• Architecture and Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure
• Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage Buildings
• Urban Design Strategies for Walkable Cities
• Architecture and Circular Materials Economy
• Architecture and Sustainable Tourism Development

These topics encompass various facets of architecture, spanning from sustainable design to social equity, preservation, innovation, and resilience, offering a broad array of research opportunities for those interested in exploring the field of architecture.

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Selected Architecture Thesis Projects: Fall 2020

Clockwise from top left: “Citing the Native Genius” by Taylor Cook, “Pair of Dice, Para-Dice, Paradise: A Counter-Memorial to Victims of Police Brutality” by Calvin Boyd, “The Magic Carpet” by Goli Jalali, “Stacked Daydreams: Ceiling-Scape for the Neglected” by Zai Xi Jeffrey Wong, and “Up from the Past: Housing as Reparations on Chicago’s South Side” by Isabel Strauss

Five films showcase a selection of Fall 2020 thesis projects from the Department of Architecture.

Pair of Dice, Para-Dice, Paradise: A Counter-Memorial to Victims of Police Brutality

This thesis is a proposal for a counter-memorial to victims of police brutality. The counter-memorial addresses scale by being both local and national, addresses materiality by privileging black aesthetics over politeness, addresses presence/absence by being more transient than permanent, and lastly, addresses site by being collective rather than singular. The result is an architecture that plays itself out over 18,000 police stations across America and the Washington Monument at the National Mall, two sites that are intrinsically linked through the architecture itself: negative “voids” at police stations whose positive counterparts aggregate at the Mall.

The critical question here is whether or not the system in which police brutality takes place can be reformed from within, or if people of color need to seek their utopia outside of these too-ironclad structures. This counter-memorial, when understood as an instrument of accountability (and therefore a real-time beacon that measures America’s capacity to either change or otherwise repeat the same violent patterns), ultimately provides us with an eventual answer.

Author: Calvin Boyd, MArch I 2020 Advisor: Jon Lott , Assistant Professor of Architecture Duration: 11 min, 2 sec

Thesis Helpers: Shaina Yang (MArch I 2021), Rachel Coulomb (MArch I 2022)

The Magic Carpet

The Persian Carpet and the Persian Miniature painting have served as representation tools for the Persian Gar­den and the idea of paradise in Persian culture since antiquity. The word paradise derives from the Persian word pari-daeza meaning “walled enclosure.” The garden is always walled and stands in opposition to its landscape. This thesis investigates the idea of a contemporary image of paradise in the Iranian imagination by using carpets and miniature paintings as a tool for designing architecture. The garden, with its profound associations, provided a world of metaphor for the classical mystic poets. One of the manuscripts describing the Persian garden is called Haft Paykar – known as the Seven Domes – written by the 12th century Persian poet called Nizami. These types of manuscripts were made for Persian kings and contain within them miniature paintings and poetry describing battles, romances, tragedies, and triumphs that compromise Iran’s mythical and pre-Islamic history. The carpet is the repeating object in the minia­ture paintings of the manuscript. This thesis deconstructs the carpet in seven ways in order to digitally reconstruct the miniature paintings of the Seven Domes and the image of paradise with new techniques.

Author: Goli Jalali, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Jennifer Bonner , Associate Professor of Architecture Duration: 8min, 28 sec

Up from the Past: Housing as Reparations on Chicago’s South Side

Do people know what the Illinois Institute of Technology and the South Side Planning Board and the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois and the United States government did to the Black Metropolis? If they know, do they care? Is it too hard to hold these entities accountable? If we held them accountable, could we find justice for those that were displaced? What would justice look like? What comes after Mecca? What types of spaces come after Mecca? Are they different than what was there before? Are they already there? What defines them? Can Reparations be housing? How many people are already doing this work? How many people are doing this work in academia? On the ground? Is the word “Reparations” dead? What do we draw from? Who is this for? Do white men own the legacy of the architecture that defined the Black Metropolis? How personal should this work be? How anecdotal? How quantitative? Does the design need to be inherently spatial? Or atmospheric? What should it feel like? How do I draw a feeling in Rhino? What are radical ways of looking? How do we reclaim racialized architecture? Do we? Should we even talk about these things?

Author: Isabel Strauss, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Oana Stanescu , Design Critic in Architecture Duration: 4 min, 4 sec

Soundtrack Created By: Edward Davis (@DJ Eway) Production Support: Adam Maserow , Evan Orf , Glen Marquardt Collaborators: Rekha Auguste Nelson , Farnoosh Rafaie , Zena Mariem Mengesha , Edward Davis (DJ Eway) Special Thanks: Caleb Negash , Tara Oluwafemi , Maggie Janik , Ann Whiteside , Dana McKinney Guidance: Stephen Gray , John Peterson , Chris Herbert , Cecilia Conrad , Lawrence J. Vale , Ilan Strauss , Mark Lee , Iman Fayyad , Jennifer Bonner , Mindy Pugh , Peter Martinez Collage Credits: Adler and Sullivan , Bisa Butler , Carrie Mae Weems , Dawoud Bey , Deborah Roberts , Ebony G Patterson , Ellen Gallagher , Frank Lloyd Wright , Howardena Pindell , Jordan Casteel , Kerry James Marshall , Latoya Ruby Frazier , Lelaine Foster , Lorna Simpson , Mark Bradford , Mickalene Thomas , Mies van der Rohe , Nick Cave , Njideka Akunyili Crosby , Romare Bearden , Sadie Barnette More Information: architectureofreparations.cargo.site

Stacked Daydreams: Ceiling‐Scape for the Neglected

Elderly Care Adaptive Reuse of Hong Kong’s Vertical Factory

This thesis operates at the intersection of three domains of neglect:

• In the realm of building elements, the ceiling is often considered as an afterthought in the design process.
• Across building types, the vertical factory sits abandoned and anachronistic to its surroundings. It spiraled into disuse due to Hong Kong’s shifting economic focus.
• In society, the elderly are often subjected to social neglect, seen as a financial burden, and forced toward the fringes of society.

These parts experience obsolescence that led to indifference, and subsequently to boredom. I intend to draw the parallel of deterioration between the body of the elderly and the body of the vertical factory. Using a set of ceiling parts in the manner of prosthetics to reactivate the spaces into elderly care facilities, revert boredom to daydreams, and reimagine the concept of elderhood as an experimental second stage of life.

Author: Zai Xi Jeffrey Wong, MArch I AP 2021 Advisor: Eric Höweler , Associate Professor of Architecture & Architecture Thesis Coordinator Duration: 4 min, 53 sec

Citing the Native Genius

Reconstructing vernacular architecture in Hawai’i

For over 120 years, Americanization has tried to demean and erase Hawaiian language, culture, and architecture. In contemporary discourse, the vernacular architecture of Hawai’i is mostly referred to as ancient and vague. As with many Indigenous cultures, Western perspectives tend to fetishize or patronize the Hawaiian design aesthetic. Within this hierarchy of knowledge is a systemic assumption that Hawaiian vernacular architecture cannot effectively serve as a precedent resource for contemporary architects. Those who do reference the original vernacular will often classify it as utilitarian or resourceful. Regardless of intent, this narrative takes design agency away from the people involved. As a corrective, a respectful use of vernacular domestic form would benefit designers that are struggling to connect with Hawai’i’s cultural and architectural traditions.

Mining the European gaze and influence out of revivalist publications, archeological surveys and historic images reveal unique characteristics of Hawaiian domestic space. Geometric quotation and symbolic referencing are the foundational instruments in applying the discrete components, form, and organizational logic of the vernacular. The result is a design process that creates an amalgamation of decolonized form and contemporary technique. This residential project intends to revive Hawai’i’s erased domestic experience by revisiting the precolonial vernacular form and plan.

Author: Taylor Cook, MArch I 2021 Advisor: Jeffry Burchard , Assistant Professor in Practice of Architecture Duration: 5 min, 13 sec

Special Thanks: Jeffry Burchard, Cameron Wu, Kanoa Chung, Nik Butterbaugh, Carly Yong, Vernacular Pacific LLC More Information: www.vernacularhawaii.com

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the galleries in Gund Hall have been turned ‘inside out,’ with exhibitions shown through a series of exterior projections on the building’s facade. View some images from the screening of these films below:

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Learning by Doing: Architecture Thesis Projects that Break the Mold

• Published on September 02, 2020

The Bachelor in Architectural Studies thesis projects at the IE School of Architecture and Design are exciting displays following students' years of study, exploration and hard work. This year, the students produced creative, surprising and theoretically-sound solutions to architectural problems - primarily based in the Spanish city of Valencia.

Rooted in post-structuralist thinking, Ujal Gorchu’s project “Mr Sandman, Bring Me a Dream” seeks to question the role of architecture as a mediator in spaces where ideological agendas collide. Taking an experimental approach, he explores the interplay between identity, politics, urban development and how we interact with nature. These theoretical musings come together to create a piece of transgressive architecture that meets the needs of human/non-human assemblages.

Mikhail Frantsuzov takes a more solution-oriented approach in “Liquid Babel” to tap into the potential of Valencia’s harbor. To rejuvenate the dominant and crumbling infrastructure, he tackles notions of scale and territorial issues by freeing himself from traditional restrictions. In regenerating the harbor’s industrial infrastructure, he hopes to produce more usable architecture in a space that often rejects it.

From the theoretical to the industrial, we now land on the theatrical with Paula Lopez Vallespir’s project “Entre Barrios” that celebrates the theatricality of daily life. Focused on the neighborhood of El Cabanyal in Valencia, Paula seeks to regenerate a 600-meter-long street, inspired by Broadway. Her project connects three adjacent neighborhoods with a paving design and locally produced constructed elements, reimagining the street as a stage with the public naturally acting as performers.

Finally, “El Nostre Nou Port” by Ana Corina de la Fuente tries to return Valencia’s harbor to its people by balancing connectivity with respect for the harbor’s history. To provide better access and create a more communal space, Ana envisions building harbor piers, a minimalistic metal ribbon for educational activities, and towers to transform the space into a beautiful, functional landmark.

Throughout the Bachelor in Architectural Studies , students push themselves outside of their comfort zones, while surrounded by other like-minded thinkers. As they accumulate a wide variety of techniques and perspectives, their naturally creative mindsets bring this theory to life to produce highly original work.

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Finding Architecture Dissertations & Theses: Home

Theses & dissertations @ princeton and elsewhere.

Princeton Specific

Dissertations & Theses : Covers scholarship from most U.S. universities with some international coverage. Full text coverage begins with 1997+ but indexing includes scholarship dating back to 1861. To search PU Dissertations, follow this link   to a subset of the Proquest Dissertations. 

SoA Design Theses: The School of Architecture maintains an archive of student theses from 1930s through the present. To search the index of projects or access the collection, contact the Visual Resources Curator . This collection includes both graduate and undergraduate projects. 

Princeton Senior Theses Database : A search catalog of senior theses written from 1929 through the present. Approximately 60 000 records are included but not all departments are represented (SoA is). Searchable by author, advisor, department, or year. The Mudd Manuscript Library collects and maintains the primary copies.

SoA Library Senior Thesis Collection :  The School of Architecture Library has a small subset of SoA senioir theses.  These essays can be found in the library Main Catalog by an author search or by a call number browse search for "Sen. Th." Many of these theses have not been formatted for primary copy but rather include color images, fold-outs, dust jackets, etc. This small collection does not circulate. 

Architecture Theses & Dissertations Beyond Princeton

Harvard's Graduate School of Design : A guide for finding masters theses and doctoral dissertations specific to the GSD. 

MIT Architecture Dissertations & Theses : A basic list organized by author of the thesis or dissertation. Each entry includes the title of the work, brief "where are they now" info, and links to the works in MIT's Barton catalog.

UC-Berkeley's Guide to Architecture & Environmental Design Theses and Dissertations: Explains how you can find these works in the UCB system.

Architecture Association's School of Architecture Theses: Theses can be searched via the online catalogue by selecting the 'AA Theses' menu option from the upper left-hand drop-down menu.

Georgia Tech College of Architecture Theses & Dissertations Database

UMass-Amherst's Architecture Masters Theses Collection

Illinois Institute of Technology's College of Architecture Thesis Collection

UIUC's Depts. of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning Checklist: l inks to pages with basic details about theses, projects, and dissertations from the Departments of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning up to 2006 (update pending). THis link will take you to the dedicated Landscape Architecture Thesis Database .

Institutional Repositories or Scholarly Commons - freely accessible research archived and disseminated

eCommons@Cornell : The OPEN collection is available to the general public, including the full text. The CLOSED collection is not available outside Cornell and only the citation and abstract are available at Cornell.

Scholarly Commons - Univ. of Pennsylvania : Browse and in some cases access the full text to theses and dissertations from Penn programs and professional schools.

Other Resources

ADT (Australiasian Digital Theses Program) : This search portal provides searching, browsing, and access to theses and dissertations produced in Australia.

Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertacoes : A search tool for accessing theses and dissertations produced in Brazilian universities.

Cybertesis : Sponsored by UNESCO and Fonds Francophone des Inforoutes, Cybertesis is a project between the Université de Montréal, the Université de Lyon2, the University of Chile and 32 universities of Europe, Africa and Latin America . Simultaneous searches through a single Web interface may retrieve more than 50.000 full text theses stored in 27 different servers and university repositories, by means of the use of OAI protocol (Open Archives Initiative) as a service provider (metadata harvesting).

DART-Europe E-theses Portal : A discovery service for open access research theses awarded by European universities.

DiVA : This portal provides access to dissertations, theses, and research publications written at 26 institutions in Scandinavia.

EThOS : Electronic Theses Online Service (EThOS) offers free access, in a secure format, to the full text of electronically stored UK theses--a rich and vast body of knowledge.

Foreign Doctoral Dissertations Database : The Center for Research Libraries has more than 800,000 cataloged foreign doctoral dissertations representing more than 90 countries and over 1200 institutions.

Index to Theses: A comprehensive listing of theses with abstracts accepted for higher degrees by universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland since 1716. 589,028 theses in collection (355,862 of which have abstracts)

NARCIS: This search portal provides access to theses and dissertations produced in the Netherlands, as well as access to a variety of other research and data sets.

National ETD Portal (South Africa): This search portal provides access to dissertations and theses produced in South Africa.

RCAAP - Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal: The RCAAP 's mission is to promote, support and facilitate the adoption of the open access movement in Portugal. RCAAP The project aims to: increase the visibility , accessibility and dissemination of academic activity and Portuguese scientific research , facilitating the management and access to information about scientific production and integrate Portugal into a set of international initiatives.  This portal offers a  union catalog with digital contents from more than 30 institutions.

Theses Canada : A union catalog of Canadian theses and dissertations, in both electronic and analog formats, is available through the search interface on this portal.

• Last Updated: Dec 18, 2023 3:32 PM
• URL: https://libguides.princeton.edu/arch_theses

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10 Award-Winning Architecture Thesis Projects From Around The World

Neha Sharma

8 mins read

It is always interesting to see the architecture thesis projects students come up with every year. With each passing batch, there is more knowledge passed down and a better base to begin. The result is a rise in innovation and creativity by students, and overall a better mix!

Architecture thesis is an ordeal all students are intimidated by. From choosing an architecture thesis topic all the way to giving a great final thesis review , every step is equally challenging and important. It is that turn in an architecture student’s life that pushes them to churn out their best. Therefore, it is inevitable to come across some life-altering design solutions through architecture theses across the world.

To identify and appreciate these exceptional final projects by architecture students, many organisations across the world like Archistart, Council of Architecture, etcetera, award recognition for excellence in architecture thesis and also grant financial support for further research to the projects worthy of being realised.

Read through the list of 10 such award-winning architecture theses across the world with links to study them in detail!

1. ISTHME // Le CHAOS SENSIBLE - Dafni Filippa and Meriam Sehimi

ISTHME // Le Chaos Sensible - Architecture Thesis of the Year 2020 (Source: www.nonarchitecture.eu)

Starting from the most recent one, the award-winning thesis is a proposal of a mixed-use building in the capital city of Ghana, Africa, that aims to cater to a large spectrum of functions of the Ghanaian community, especially living, commercial, sports and leisure.

This culturally thoughtful architecture thesis project is an honest effort to celebrate the African spirit and empower the local community, which reflects in the ‘sensible chaos’ of the design.

2. INFRA-PAISAJE: New Landscape Architecture - Luis Bendezu

INFRA-PAISAJE: New Landscape Infrastructure for San Juan de Marcona - Special Mention: Architectural Thesis Award ATA 2018 (Source: www.archistart.net)

Landscape architecture manifests the connection between humans and nature. The landscape thesis project proposes a series of technical elements for the creation of a seamless landscape between the urbanised territory of San Juan de Marcona in Peru and the suburban parts, thus forming a cohesive townscape which converses with the coastline and brings active life to the otherwise desolate expanse of the region.

3. Water Exploratorium - Satyam Gyanchandani

Water Exploratorium - Ace of Space Design Awards: Outstanding Student Thesis Award (Source: www.architectandinteriorsindia.com)

Water is a life-giving resource and considered sacred across many cultures. To sustain life on earth, it is important to save and use it with utmost efficiency. The architecture thesis project showcases experiential design through and for water. It also tackles design challenges like infotainment by educating visitors on water conservation and creating a static built form for an element as fluid as water for a wholesome sensory experience.

Want to know how to come up with such fascinating thesis topics? Read: 7 Tips on Choosing the Perfect Architecture Thesis Topic For You

4. Architecture for Blind People - Mariagiorgia Pisano

Between Light and Shadow: Architecture for Blind People - 1st Place: Architectural Thesis Award 2017 (Source: www.archistart.net)

Inclusive design offers a wide-spread net of research opportunities and is gaining much-needed recognition today!

Design for people with disabilities is dealt with empathy in this architecture thesis project, where the focus is exploring innovative design solutions for the visually deprived and getting the design of rehabilitation centres as close as possible to meeting their needs.

5. Mosul Postwar Camp - Edoardo Daniele Stuggiu and Stefano Lombardi

Mosul Postwar Camp - 1st Place: Architectural Thesis Award ATA 2019 (Source: www.archistart.net)

War does permanent damage to a person’s mental health. The survivors experience trauma, loss and even destruction of self-identity. The architecture thesis project proposes a postwar camp at Mosul, Iraq, aiming to create a place where people of various backgrounds can peacefully coexist and build a community based on humanitarian values to prevent war in the future.

6. Consolation through Architecture - A New Journey through the Abandoned Landscapes of Varanasi - Navin Lucas Sebastian

Consolation Through Architecture - COA National Awards for Excellence in Architectural Thesis 2016 (Source: www.coa.gov.in)

The intangible aspects of design are tough to pinpoint but necessary for the essence and feel of it. This urban design thesis project shows light on architecture’s influence on one’s emotions with the holy city of Varanasi in India as the backdrop. With a focus on issues arising due to the city’s cremation grounds, the thesis explores innovative and sustainable solutions for the same.

7. Unfinished Tor Vergata Scenario - Carmelo Gagliano

Unfinished Tor Vergata Scenario - 1st Place: Architectural Thesis Award 2020 (Source: www.archistart.net)

When it comes to building projects, the trend of the ‘unfinished’ is something Italy has been increasingly seeing in the past few years. The most popular unfinished public work is Calatrava’s Olympic Stadium, which is the main object for reuse in the proposal of a science museum at Rome Tor Vergata.

This architecture thesis project explores the existing building trends of the region, aims to reinvent the iconic building and become a scientific attraction for tourists and locals.

8. Chachapoyas Peri-Urban Park - Nájat Jishar Fernández Díaz

Structures for Incidents in Nature: Chachapoyas Peri-Urban Park - Special Mention: Architectural Thesis Award ATA 2019 (Source: www.archistart.net)

Growing urban areas are a concern as they slowly consume the ecology surrounding them. Chachapoyas (forest of clouds) in Peru faces a similar problem from the expanding urban confinements which are slowly taking over the beautiful landscapes for which the place is particularly famous.

The project aims to mend the damage by connecting every speck of open land available in the region and converting it into a network of green corridors, making for an interesting urban planning thesis!

9. Garden of Reconciliation, Kashmir - Jay Shah

Garden of Reconciliation: Miniature Drawing - COA National Award in Excellence for Architectural Thesis 2018 (Source: www.uni.xyz)

Cultural and political unrest in a region has always been the glue for controversies, leading to public tip-toeing around such topics. This bold architecture thesis project looks at the conflicted region of Kashmir, to analyse its cultural, social and artistic practices and then come up with an architecture program best suited for the region. This is traversed in the form of a mixed-use landscape that aims to find a solution and is not the solution itself!

Such theses usually require intensive site studies. Read: Site Analysis Categories You Need to Cover For Your Architecture Thesis Project to know more.

10. Adaptive Reuse of STP Grain Silos - Alila Mhamed

Poudrière Community Hub - 2nd Place: Architectural Thesis Awards ATA 2020 (Source: www.archistart.net)

Adaptive reuse of spaces that have been uninhabited for a long time does true justice to the core values of architecture and design. This thesis project explores the creative redefinition of the old STP Grain silos complex, the first mill constructed as a part of the Poudrière industrial park in the present-day city of Sfax, Tuscany, Italy, by converting it into a mixed-use hub for art, commerce, trade, administration and collaboration.

Numerous amazing architecture thesis projects come to light every year and the list is not limited to this one! At the learning stages, people have the power to unleash their creativity without any limitations and such scenarios might just lead to the right solutions for the time and society we live in.

Giving your architecture thesis project? Check out our A-Z Architecture Thesis Guide!

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15 Architecture Thesis Topics for Urban Architecture

Urban Architecture has consistently been a trending architecture thesis topic among the students. And before we go deep into the variety of topics that can be used we must understand what exactly is Urban Architecture?

One could say urban architecture refers to any building type that establishes an appreciable relationship with its surrounding context, the built environment , and the community itself. It comprises buildings that are mostly located in urban areas, are accessible, and are meant to serve the public at large. Its purpose hence would be to make society better. Indeed, people are indeed strongly affected by building forms and facades. According to research, the main cause of ‘social stress’ in urban environments is often the absence of social bonding and interconnection in city landscapes . Design that stimulates social and urban cohesion is hence, very important for good community living. This is where urban architecture comes in; a holistic approach to the subject may result in projects like iconic skyscrapers or even residential developments . However, the focus revolves around enhancing the experience of people who are connected to the architecture.

When choosing to do a architecture thesis project on the subject of urban architecture, one needs to understand the platitude of areas and scopes encompassed by the field. There are indeed endless possibilities and avenues to explore that intend to serve the interests of the public, and also make community life better.

Before you delve into the list of topics of urban architecture to choose from, make that:

• You understand the subject thoroughly. Choose a topic relevantly and appealing to your interests, especially prospects, masters, or a job.
• You discuss it with your thesis advisor so that he can comprehend your intent and help you through the course of the project .
• The topic does not necessarily have to be unique. It also should not be something that has been tried and tested far too many times.it is because your work is what would represent you. Make sure, it speaks of who you are and what you want to do.

Here are a few options for viable architecture thesis topics that you could choose to look at.

1. Low-cost housing | Architecture Thesis

As more and more people are moving to dense urban cities like New York , in search of a better quality of living and opportunities, the city population is on the rise. As is the cost of living, making low-cost housing a dire need of societies, as low-income residents have limited choices for affordable living. When affordable housing complexes were being constructed ever since the mid-20 th century, these projects were often seen as monumental solutions to provide economical living spaces to large groups of people. Hence, even with the best of intentions of the designers, the imposing towers often turned out to be negligent of human scale, and were often more inhospitable and discouraging for communities, leaving them feeling more isolated and unwelcome.

However, a rising interest in the area since recent years has seen a rise in alternative solutions to the outdated models. Low-cost, affordable housing is not seen as merely buildings creating decent spaces for living, but also using sustainable building features to reduce costs, maintenance and to help improve the quality of life and belongingness for residents, allowing them to feel more connected to not just the resources, but also to communities and the spaces outside.

2. Art and Heritage museum

To design a building that is important not only for the preservation of the history of the community but to also integrate members of the community and to what they share. This topic uses a method that looks at the study not only qualitatively, but also based on a theoretical foundation, with the acute understanding that comes from familiarizing oneself with concepts and standards of museums, exhibition spaces, contextualism, and exhibit care and preservation.

The project should not only focus on respecting the importance of the historical context, but also ensure that it avoids the damage of pieces of its past. It should shed light on the concept of the museum itself, the types of functions and activities it would encourage, the form and physicality of the building, and the interconnectivity between different elements of the museum . The journey of a user and the enriching experience that the museum provides, concerning its displays but to communal spaces of social interaction and discussion should also be of high value when taking this topic.

3. Airport of Urban Architecture Thesis

Many countries in the world, including the USA, are suffering from outdated aviation infrastructure, with most airports being more than 40 years old, and a lot of money being spent on the revamp, expansion or construction to meet the challenging new needs of today. Design-wise, architects need to not only provide solutions for the necessary functioning and program of the airport , but also to enhance the experience of travel for the visitors, which includes interesting features for wayfinding, atriums for nature incorporation and natural light, state-of-the-art visual elements, and huge spaces for sightseeing and rest, as well cultural experiences which encapsulate the context of the airport, gardens, and desert landscapes. The project area also has a lot of potential for experimentation with physical form and modelmaking, which could induce a sense of awe for the public at large.

The functional aspects, of course, include catering to huge parking spaces, checking and security posts, luggage management areas, lobby areas, airport maintenance spaces, airplane ramps, and cargos, and many others, as well as allowing for the potential for future expansion. Thus, airports not only present an interesting challenge for a thesis topic but are also one that provides extensive avenues to understand the flexibility of a space which is in fact the cardinal space a visitor comes into contact with when entering a new city or a country. Hence, holding great social importance. The change seen in recent airport designs does indeed seem like a promising area to work in.

4. Cinema and theatre architecture

Cinemas and theatres are interesting places, where the anticipation to experience is just as important as the actual film or performance itself. This is why the design and nature of the building hold such great importance.  It should in some way, either reflect the magnitude of the experience that it would showcase, or subdue itself against the marvel of the performance . Either way, it should be taken as a work of art, as architectural icons as done so in the past, which communicate the spirit of the times through the design.

The building requires a careful understanding of the program; it features their relationships with one another, the type of circulation from one space to another, and the allowance of gathering spaces with technical ones as well. The seating arrangement, sound buffering, technical knowledge must be handled as meticulously as possible, as close attention to the sound, visuals, and theatrics are what greatly enhance the experience of the performance. This is why this is also a very fascinating topic, for a building that integrates different groups of society and brings them together to experience a shared feature.

5. Skyscraper design | Architecture Thesis

Living in a time when the competition to rise, to go higher, and to reach greater heights resonates with the fact that there is an ever-increasing desire to build very tall buildings. By definition, a skyscraper is a building that exceeds 330 feet in height. Yet the contemporary approach is not only to reach unattainable heights in construction, but it is also to rejuvenate thinking abilities, and present inventions with cutting-edge designs, that also meet the function of the building with elegance and pride. From encompassing different architectural movements like art deco and modernism, skyscraper designs also look at the intensive technical understanding of how high-rise work, the relationship of functionality between different floors, structural knowledge, and the municipalities that come with handling such delicate tasks.

6. Suburban housing community

Suburban homes provide an avenue to understand a huge sector of society without directly destroying existing structures. They should be able to cater to the needs of the ever-changing dynamic of the public, to provide a potential for future expansion, and to provide an environment of ownership that allows for a comforting feeling of belongingness that leads to greater social integration.

The nature of the task often involves dealing with multiple stakeholders that are directly associated with such regions, including developers and the municipal government. Therefore, this subject involves a meticulous understanding of the way rules and regulations work, sizing, areas and appropriate zoning, transportation, and also a critical comprehension of the associated infrastructure required to cater to the needs of residential living, and of course, the quality of life.

7. Marine park design of Urban Architecture

Projects paying attention to marine life can help bring new life into waterfront areas and can also provide a point of interest for the entire region itself. There exists in our society an absence of awareness regarding marine ecosystems, especially informal sectors, which has resulted in a lack of opportunities, care, and resources available for marine life. Thus, a thesis project on this topic would not be addressing the administrative concerns related to marine life, but could also cater to providing a recreational public space , where visitors can appreciate and interact with marine life along with exhibition spaces intended to create awareness for the general public.

Whilst taking the project a step ahead, a proper research institute could also be designed to further the knowledge available of the oceans and the organisms that inhabit them. These institutes with research facilities and equipment could provide areas for analysis, experimentation, and research for discovery. Thus, this project would not only help educate the public at large, but help generate revenue as a popular tourist attraction, and plant seeds for much-needed research of marine life.

8. Convention center of Urban Architecture

A convention center is a public building of urban architecture meant to convey ideas and knowledge. It is also perceived to be more like the expansion of a town hall, where people having shared interests, goals, though, religion, or professions, could gather to interact, communicate, learn, and make decisions regarding the public realm. Hence, it is a space that caters to large groups of people, providing them with communal spaces that encourage different uses as well as appropriate exhibition spaces. 

Furthermore, since a convention center is meant to act as a medium for discourse, the first thing to consider is to develop a concept that would intend to attract people. It should have easy accessibility, be welcoming and fascinating and its spaces should be able to provide the necessary means for it to function efficiently and effectively. 

9. Library of Urban Architecture Thesis

In the modern age of digitalization, the internet and technology have greatly transformed the manner in which we consume information. With this rapidly changing paradigm, the traditional function of a library is put on a pedestal and called to question. While it is true that the physical collection of books in a certain environment as compared to quick access to data using the internet does question the sustainability of a public library and the resources it offers, we must also keep in mind that a library also functions as a flexible space, that can be transformed to an active social space, agent for interaction and societal growth.

It must not only be considered to be a space that allows access to information, but also an environment that encourages discourse, communication, and exchange of meaningful ideas between people from different ages and social groups. With this in mind, a public library must be considered as one of the most democratic building types available, and one that has huge potential to add value to community development, growth, resource, and service. Therefore, with the sensitivity that comes with designing a library comes great responsibility, and this must be looked at as an area with the potential to be explored as a vital public asset.

10. School of art and design

Projects that are practical solutions to community needs also have greater impacts on communities socially as well as economically. A thesis of urban architecture at a School for Art and Design could immensely help in this regard. It would only provide a platform for artists, architects, students, and citizens from various fields and social groups to gather and interact, share ideas and learn through conventional as well as modern ways and activities. This center would also enable these artists to share and exhibit their work and experiences through exhibition spaces, seminars, events, and conferences with members of their own community and the wider world through event halls, conference rooms, and libraries for research and learning.

With a learning institute as part of the program, the center would also allow aspiring artists to develop skills through formal training as well as informal activities. Thus, this institute would help create inclusivity in society but integrating different groups of people with a shared interest throughout the day and hence, year. It would also act as a viable magnet for social interaction between professionals, beneficial for the community and the campus. This, in turn, would enhance and regenerate the urban fabric, add depth to the context of the city and help drive the society forward in a positive direction. A thesis conducted on this topic, therefore, would allow you to look at art as a potential field to a group and bring communities together to appreciate the marvel that is an art and its ability to create change in the contemporary world.

11. Bus terminal cum commercial complex

Transit facilities are indeed one of the most important and vital functions of a city itself. They constitute some of the most important goals of the city and its government by inviting a large number of people to the city, merges different groups of crows, and bring in opportunities of work and living for the masses, thus building the scope of urban architecture. Therefore, smooth and better transit provides ground for future development and helps the urban fabric to grow incredibly. Transit not only improves the urban squares and nodes, and provides a push to less developed areas to allow them to be at par with the rest of the city.

Understanding the scope of development associated with a bus terminal with a commercial complex attached as an additional function thus presents itself as an interesting topic to pursue. It would not only group different travelers with one another but also with the locals, allowing them to appreciate and value local culture and tradition, as well as activities that integrate the urban living community.

12. Sports stadium of Urban Architecture

A stadium is one of the building typologies that have the power to shape the city or town it is located in. it not only helps put the city on the maps but also establishes an identity for the community and provides a tourist attraction and a focal point in its landscape. It is thus, a huge actor of theatrics that represents the output of a sport, and has a significant role for the city with regards to politics, geography, as well as socio-economics.

Thus, a sports stadium should not be looked at as a revenue-generating machine, but a building type that should be sustainable, iconic in design, with strong structural understanding for it to be considered a marvel in civic urban architecture. It requires a comprehensive understanding of various issues related to planning and design, which also cater to increased interaction and ease of access to its activities, and the environment is contained and encouraged.

13. Resort design | Architecture Thesis

A resort is a place that caters to accommodation, leisure, and recreation. It provides for a variety of activities and luxury in scenic areas and is able to house different groups of people together. Some facilities provided include rooms or huts, swimming pools , sports grounds, gyms, fine dining areas, halls for events, and many others.

Resort tourism is an area that is rapidly gaining popularity. It has a lot of municipalities involved that are often delicate in nature so as to provide high levels of comfort for its users. Therefore, it often talks about large scales, an attractive form that is meant to attract the general public, and advanced equipment and management strategies. It is indeed an interesting topic to consider when one wants to work on an area that not only deals with program efficiency but also the psychological impacts of effective design strategies. 

14. Religious buildings

An architecture thesis of urban architecture on religious buildings is a fascinating area to work on. It provides an avenue to create places with identity and an environment that awakens the senses and the emotions, enhances the experience, and provides a platform for spiritual practice. It should be kept in mind that the metaphysical concerns and experiences can largely be enhanced using effective space strategies that will come with a keen understanding of spatial and urban architecture.

Thus, space aims to heighten the experience of religion and spirituality and tends to cater to the tangible and intangible aspects of architecture, that involve senses. It is, therefore, a great challenge for architects to design spaces for religious activities, but also one that provides that greater amount of emotional appraisal. The modern religious building not only functions as only a religious center but also provides opportunities for people to come together and engage in communal activities. This is another aspect that architects need to consider when designing religious centers for contemporary times.

15. Educational Institute for rural children

With the understanding that urban architecture paves the way for enhancing the educational process with effective plan strategies and expression of detail, the topic provides an opportunity to explore this area with the development of an educational institute for rural children. This would not only emphasize the importance of education for all sectors of society but would allow meaningful involvement of the community for development projects meant to improve the quality of life for the rural sectors.

The planning involved would recognize the basic functions needed to run a school, especially in a rural setting with a standard of quality education kept in mind. There is an urgent need for developers to look at this area in society, as existing schools do not meet the typical standard, which in turn affects the educational lives of its students, making them unable to perform effectively to become important assets for their society. Thus, this topic for social responsibility helps to integrate schools and the community, with the building serving as a reflection of ideas of both its place and time through its design, concept, and function.

An Architect by profession, a writer, artist, and baker by interest, Amna Pervaiz sees Architecture and Urban Planning as a multifaceted avenue allowing her to explore a plethora of disciplinary elements. She sees the field as an untapped canvas; a journey she hopes would one day lead her towards social responsibility and welfare.

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School of Planning and Public Affairs

Three new faculty join sppa.

Help us welcome three new faculty, Sarah Hofmeyer, Bo Kapatsila, and Sabrina Harris to the School of Planning and Public Affairs. 

Assistant Professor Sarah Hofmeyer was raised in Iowa and received bachelor’s degrees in political science and public administration at the University of Northern Iowa. She then went on to the University of Kansas where she received a master’s in urban and regional planning and PhD in public administration in Spring 2024. Sarah’s research addresses government action and administrative burden in the United States agri-food system. Her work focuses on developing a more sustainable, stewarding, and community-centered food system.

Bogdan Kapatsila completed a PhD at the University of Alberta, Canada, receiving the 2024 Network on European Communications and Transport Activities Research (NECTAR) PhD Award for his dissertation, "The Use of Behavioural Insights for Crowding Management on Public Transit.” He holds an MS in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa and was a Fulbright Graduate Student, Edmond S. Muskie Professional Fellow, and Hatfield Resident Fellow during that time. Bogdan received a BS in automation and computer integrated technologies and MS in civil engineering at Ternopil Ivan Puluj National Technical University, Ukraine. Bogdan's research is primarily concerned with the sustainability and equity of transportation systems, particularly how land use, built environment, technology, and transport policy influence people's travel behavior and impact their well-being. 

Sabrina Harris holds a BS and MS in architecture and urban planning from the University of São Paulo’s School of Architecture and Urbanism (Brazil), with a thesis on mobility and equity issues related to the spatial structure of São Paulo Metropolitan Area. She has additionally conducted studies on the impact of urban interventions in São Paulo and interned assisting the ADA Coordinator at the Department of City Planning of Pittsburgh, PA. Sabrina also has a minor in civil engineering from the University of São Paulo’s Polytechnic School and a graduate certificate in business administration from Insper (Brazil), both obtained while working as a real estate business consultant for CTE. In that role, she developed methodology and coordinated feasibility studies and financial monitoring of greenfield and brownfield real estate developments.