A Ball State University Center for the Environment : an architectural and honors thesis (ARCH401/HONRS 499)

Abstract

With rising demands for ecologically friendly architecture and sustainable design solutions, the Ball State department of Architecture fourth year undergraduate capstone assignment was to design a Ball State University Center for the Environment. This was to be a comprehensive project involving all of the knowledge of our undergraduate career. It was also to be a design competition sponsored by CRIPE Architects + Engineers. The building site was located on Ball State's campus between the existing Teacher's College building and the Arts and Journalism Building. Trying to fit into the existing context and continue the internal "street" of the connecting buildings on campus, the challenge was to create an icon of sustainability for an ever-greening campus. The building was not only to showcase sustainability in its architecture and mechanics, but also in its function. It would become a laboratory and lecture hall location on campus as well as showcasing sustainability in exhibit halls and a state of the art natural water treatment facility. With the help of my professor and advisor Michele Chiuini, I was able to design this project. I have provided a brief analysis of the project requirements and my design solution as well as drawings and images showcasing the project's process and final design.