House Calls

Author

Gregory GoldstoneFollow

Date of Award

Spring 6-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Architecture (MArch)

Department

Architecture

First Advisor

Armando Hashimoto

Second Advisor

Leeland McPhail

Third Advisor

Chris Bardt

Abstract

This thesis explores the unique architectural challenges and opportunities present in rural communities, with a focus on addressing the crisis of affordable housing. Grounding the discussion in the author's personal experiences growing up in the rural town of Cambridge, New York, the thesis illuminates the diversity of identities, needs, and values that coexist within the rural context.

The thesis critically examines the architectural academy and its urban-centric biases, which have led to a neglect of rural design issues. It highlights the shortcomings of standard affordable housing approaches, such as public housing and mobile homes, in meeting the independent spirit and specific contextual requirements of rural life. Drawing insights from pioneering rural architects from Hassan Fathy to Rural Studio, the thesis proposes a new model of rural practice that embraces the plurality of rural communities and positions the architect as an everyday collaborator and problem-solver.

By unpacking the complexities of ruralism and championing design solutions tailored to the rural experience, this work aims to expand the architectural discourse and professional practice beyond its urban-focused confines. It envisions a future where rural residents have access to thoughtful, dignified, and contextually appropriate housing that supports their unique ways of living.

Finally, the thesis proposes "House Calls", a practice based on the long history of community support through direct visits to people's homes, from doctors to plumbers. By delivering the process of architecture directly to homes, architecture can be democratized not only by delivering better, affordable buildings, but also by providing access to collaborative design conversations. To demonstrate this approach, a case study of a small mobile home park in Cambridge is examined through multiple time frames, suggesting possible design needs and how the House Calls model could introduce new processes for addressing them.

Recommended Citation

Goldstone, Gregory, "House Calls" (2024). Masters Theses. 1212.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1212

Creative Commons License

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