http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/14 Honors theses submitted to the Honors College by Ball State University undergraduate students in partial fulfillment of degree requirements. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:23:16 GMT 2013-05-21T13:23:16Z http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196389 Title: The collaboration for the Solar decathlon Authors: Thornberry, Jeffrey T. Abstract: The Solar Decathlon is a biennial, award-winning program in which collegiate teams compete to design, build, and operate the best solar-powered house based on cost, energy, and attractiveness. The main purpose of the competition is to teach students about clean energy and provide them with unique training that will help them in their future careers ("About Solar Decathlon"). Ball State University, University of Louisville, and University of Kentucky, as a team, submitted a proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy and were accepted in the spring of 2012 to compete in the Solar Decathlon 2013. BSU is responsible for the architectural design while U of L and UK are responsible for the engineering design. The spring semester of 2012 was devoted to designing a well-researched schematic design for the house that will be further developed in the later phases of the design process. In this thesis, I will discuss the unique experience of working with multiple disciplines on an architecture project as a participating architecture student. Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196389 2012-10-16T00:00:00Z http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196388 Title: The self-made musician Authors: Schwarz, Paul Abstract: Music is a powerful tool, capable of expressing emotion in a way that sometimes words alone cannot. The ability to manipulate this tool in ways that can accomplish such expression is a goal of all songwriters, though it is no easy task. Doing so requires much practice, persistence, and the ability to receive help from others. This is especially true when turning written songs into a complete music production, usually in the form of a recording. The author of this paper wrote, arranged, produced, and recorded a full-length album; this paper describes the processes that took place from start to finish. Also included are details about setbacks and surprises that changed elements of the album. Additionally, the paper briefly describes some of the research undertaken by the author as well as the inspiration and events that led to the creation of the songs. Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196388 2012-10-16T00:00:00Z http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196387 Title: Bread and circuses Authors: Schaefer, Emily C. Abstract: Studying in another country has become a desired part of academia. Being immersed in another culture while delving deeper into one's intended major of study provides learning experiences that far surpass the classroom. Honoring the value of study abroad programs within intended college degrees, the Ball State University Art Department hosts a field study throughout Italy every other year. The program focuses on exploring various art media such as watercolor and drawing, while exposing students to some of the most influential works of art throughout history. To capture the essence of how this adventure altered our perceptions as artists, students, and simply humans, I created a booklet of our trip. Bread and Circuses documents the work we created during and after the travel program as well as each student's reflection of this life changing opportunity. Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196387 2012-10-16T00:00:00Z http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196386 Title: A new courthouse for Tiffin, Ohio Authors: Genet, Craig L. Abstract: In May of2004, the historic Seneca County Courthouse in Tiffin, Ohio was vacated entirely. County commissioners deemed the 1884 Beaux Arts courthouse obsolete and unsafe, and all court functions were moved to other locations. The plan was to renovate the courthouse and link it with the new neighboring annex, so it could continue to serve as the centerpiece of the city and the justice system for another) 20 years. But there were problems. The money was not available for renovation, the building was in worse condition than thought, and the cost of renovation was more than initially expected. Tax levies to raise the funds were continually voted down by the citizens, and the building remained empty and unusable. The abandoned building was threatened with demolition an uproar from concerned citizens ensued. Detailed plans for renovation were drawn up, studies were done, and the demolition was prevented time after time. However, funds were never secured, and in January 2012, almost 8 years after the building emptied, it was finally torn down, with the claim that it was the most practical solution. Now there are other problems. There is still no plan in place to replace the old courthouse, and the local court system is spread throughout the town in buildings that are not designed to house it. As a senior architecture student and a native of Tiffin, Ohio, this project grants me the opportunity to propose a solution for downtown Tiffin, and design a structure that serves the programmatic needs of the Seneca County justice system and fits beautifully within the urban fabric of Tiffin. I have researched the history of Tiffin and the old courthouse, spoken with citizens of Tiffin to better understand their perspectives on the situation, analyzed the site in its context, and established a program for the new courthouse. I designed a building with the ability to evolve and to be sensitive to the environment. Finally, I will present this project in the form of graphics and a physical model to anyone else who has an interest in the project. Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/123456789/196386 2012-10-16T00:00:00Z