Date of Award

Spring 5-30-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture

First Advisor

Michael Blier

Second Advisor

Theodore Hoerr

Abstract

The main topic of this investigation is memory and place. The study uses qualitative and quantitative research methods with the aim of addressing the question of, “how landscape design generates interactive layers that last in a community’s memory within a constantly evolving neighborhood demographics?” This thesis is divided into three phases:

Phase I explores the evolving neighborhood in New York City. Specifically focusing on communities with high immigrant populations located in Queens. This phase helps develop a stronger understanding of the issues associated with gentrification and the impacts it has on immigrant neighborhoods and provides the groundwork for the rest of the investigation. Utilizing case study research, on-site observations, and site analysis in order to understand the questions: how does the gentrification process happens in these immigrant enclaves; what are the influences and how community members living in immigrant enclaves enjoy public social life.

Phase II focuses on studying the existing layers overlapped on the study site and the spatial quality between the streets. The purpose of researches conducted in this phase is to analyze the potential within the streets, explore the reason of street vitality and generate a series of proposal strategies for programs to deploy in these areas.

Phase III is the final design phase for this project. In this phase, a structural layer was designed to provide several different programs during both day and night and that would work across the 4 seasons, all located on the same site. The purpose of the design is to engage the public, as well as test how minimized structure could support maximized activities within a community

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