UTSA Electronic Theses and Dissertations
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This collection contains electronic UTSA theses and dissertations (ETDs), primarily from 2005 to present. The collection is not comprehensive; search the UTSA Library Catalog for a complete list of UTSA theses and dissertations.
Since 2023, the UTSA Graduate School has required all theses and dissertations to be made publicly available in Runner Research Press. However, authors are able to request an embargo. Embargoed ETDs will not be downloadable until after their embargo expires.
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Browsing UTSA Electronic Theses and Dissertations by Department "Architecture"
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Item A critical analysis of Nikolaus Pevsner's theory of the origin of the Modern Movement(2013) Carroll, Michael PatrickWith Pioneers of the Modern Movement, Nikolaus Pevsner evoked a controversy which has survived for over three quarters of a century. Following years of acerbic condemnation, it is generally accepted that Pevsner's theory tracing the origin of the Modern Movement to William Morris and Walter Gropius has been discredited. I believe that the critics' own stylistic biases, combined with Pevsner's provocative polemics, have obscured the value of a theory designed to reveal the genesis of a narrowly-defined movement in architecture. The conclusions within this thesis follow an extensive review of the works of authors who are critical of Pioneers, research of literature relating to factors influential to the evolution of the Modern Movement in Germany, and an in-depth study of Pioneers itself. Those who extrapolate Pevsner's theory in an attempt to suggest that it is meant as an explanation for the source of the broader phenomenon of modern architecture do a disservice to this work. As a complete history of modern architecture, Pioneers is limited in scope. Contrary to being a detriment, this brevity makes it an excellent source for introducing a discourse on modern architecture to the fledgling theorist.Item A Systems Approach to Understanding Relational Construction History(2017) Guido, Cosmo M.The Construction industry is rapidly becoming more complex, utilizing conventional materials in different applications, stretching structures to their designable limits, and incorporating more parties than in the past. The current state of the construction system is difficult to understand and describe because of the lack of structured analysis and models. This thesis proposes the use of a flexible and scalable construction system model to establish a relational approach to construction history. The model used will be applied from Hatipkarasulu and Gill's "Ethical Identification and Building Trust for the Built Environment: A Systems Approach." The utility of this approach is illustrated by using a local archive of south Texas construction industry from the early 1900s. The focus of this effort is to explore the relationships between the elements of the system rather than the volume and cost of the projects in that era. As the relationships are examined, circumstances can expand and contract the system. When more information becomes available, the structure can be further applied and a narrative will arise about different periods of construction in different areas. This small sampling demonstrates Hatipkarasulu and Gill System is scalable on a Macro and Micro level.Item Active living for a healthier community in San Antonio, Texas(2013) Guerrero, Emily AnnThis thesis analyzes the relationship between access to parks in San Antonio, Texas and the health status reports of nearby residents. This study shows the impact of areas with high obesity rates and address where the problem is located and what can be done. Some areas of the City need more park spaces, redevelopment or redesign of park spaces. Three parks were selected throughout the City in areas with high obesity rates. The analysis was conducted by site visits and observations. The observations were conducted of the park space and the surrounding neighborhood and it was concluded that the park spaces were being used for physical activity and they were accessible to the residents within the neighborhood. An assessment of the health status of the residents was done using surveys and health behavior data conducted by the City. The surveys concluded the high threat of obesity within the City, especially concern for the South area where obesity and lack of physical activity is high. The results of the survey were analyzed in-depth in regards to the South, West and East areas of the City which have the highest obesity rates and lack of park spaces. This is followed by a discussion of how to make better park spaces throughout the City and addresses the role of the planner to create more park spaces. Planners should promote public health through successfully integrating public spaces that encourage physical activity and interaction and offer a sense of community. Planners have the potential to reduce obesity in the community through changes in policy and in the built environment. Better park spaces have a role in public health in promoting a healthier community for people of all ages.Item Adding Accessory Dwelling Units in San Antonio's Traditional Neighborhoods(2018) Alonzo, Christopher S.As San Antonio moves toward its goal of becoming a more sustainable and vibrant city, it follows guidelines outlined in the SA Tomorrow Plan (S. A. Plan 2015). This plan has many goals with several that depend upon an increase in population density near the city's regional centers and along its connecting corridors. Having a more dense population that lives, works, and plays near these centers and corridors allows for a conservation of resources that benefits residents as well as the environment. It allows for an efficient mass transit system that will reduce our carbon footprint and decrease the destruction of natural areas on the city fringe. The plan advocates the protection of the traditional and historic neighborhoods surrounding San Antonio's urban core. These neighborhoods could play a significant role in the placement of affordable accommodations for the increased population density the city seeks. These neighborhoods lack density but have character well worth preserving and are often in need of revitalization. One way to provide affordable housing and allow for an increasing population density without compromising their character is to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) behind the historic houses that sit on relatively spacious lots. ADU's provide numerous benefits with limited adverse impacts. This thesis identifies those benefits as well as the difficulties that may exist when adding ADU's in San Antonio. It starts with an explanation of the need for density in San Antonio and the role that transportation plays in accommodating the added density. It then examines the city's form and how it has evolved through history. It looks at the grid-patterned neighborhoods surrounding San Antonio's most important regional center, Downtown. It focuses on the typical block and the lots found in these areas and how they might accommodate the addition of ADU's. It also examines financial considerations along with the building codes San Antonio has adopted to govern ADU additions. The thesis ends with recommendations on what San Antonio can do to maximize the potential gain from adding ADU's to its traditional neighborhoods.Item Analysis of residential energy consumption characteristics: A comparative study between two cities in China and the U.S(2011) Hong, JingThis study compares and analyzes residential energy use patterns in the two dominant housing typologies in two cities with similar climates in the U.S. and China (Houston, TX and Xiamen, China). The study included developing four residential models representing a single-family-house and a multi-family-house in both Houston and Xiamen using the building performance simulation tool, eQuest. Inputs for the models were based on existing building codes, census data, government surveys, validated previous studies, and a household survey conducted in Xiamen, China. The models were used to study the impact of building physical characteristics and occupant behavior on residential energy consumption patterns in both cities. The results of the simulation were then analyzed and the outcomes of the analysis were used to identify opportunities for reducing Chinese residential energy use. The research outcomes indicate that the low energy efficiency of building envelopes and systems in Chinese houses are a major issue in Chinese residential buildings. Avoiding the potential increase in energy use in the Chinese residential sector requires taking steps to improve the efficiency of building envelopes, systems, and appliances. The research provides specific recommendations for Chinese energy conservation policy-makers as well as developers and companies working in the Chinese residential sector. The research also provides the foundation for future studies aiming to improve the energy efficiency of Chinese houses.Item Authenticity and Integrity: Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage Sites in San Antonio(2019) Sagheb, AzadehSan Antonio is internationally well known for its five historic Missions designated as the World Heritage Sites through UNESCO. This great honor has brought so many development opportunities to the city, which author believes among them are the industrial heritage sites and structures. Existence of industrial structures at the World Heritage Buffer Area plays not only an important role in the city’s historic industrial revolution, but also has crucial impact on its infrastructure and cultural significance of the neighborhoods. This research developed a rating system for assessing the level of integrity of retrofitted industrial structures. Moreover, it proposed some design guidelines based on six aspects of authenticity for some industrial heritage sites at city of San Antonio, which expected to be rehabilitated in the future.Item Authenticity, Value, and Change: Deconstructing the Differences and Intersections Between Historic Preservation and Cultural Sustainability(2018) Huerta, Marcus AnthonyIn illustrating the differences and intersections between historic preservation and cultural sustainability this research supports the efforts of those who have tried to save something meaningful, yet found that their arguments have no forum. Conditions in the United States are such that traditional frameworks addressing historic preservation, rooted in material historic and aesthetic significance, are not designed to consider active cultural production. Moreover, these frameworks are not especially well prepared to deal with challenges to historic narratives and changing community values. In context of both historic preservation and cultural sustainability, this research deconstructs the concepts of authenticity, attributed community values, and change, in order to reveal the problems that occur when the two pursuits are conflated. This is necessary in order acknowledge their diverging pursuits, and to develop frameworks that address their complementary but different requirements.Item Building Performance Simulation for Architects, Comparing Three Leading Simulation Tools(2018) Abo Issa, Mohamed A.The primary objective of this research was to assess, compare, and contrast the capabilities of the most commonly used BEM tools by architects: Designbuilder, eQuest, and IES-VE, concerning their effectiveness in modeling a complex academic building and simulating its energy use. The research defined a set of evaluation criteria based on previous studies from the literature review as follows: 1) Usability, 2) Data Interoperability, 3) Support Options, 4) Information Management, and 5) Computing Capabilities. The objective of the criteria was to assess the suitability of these tools to be used by architects during preliminary design phases, and identifying any additional development that may be needed for these tools to achieve the required penetration in this critical sector. The results of the research showed strength in eQuest in importing thermal and construction data from the gbXML file, which both Designbuilder and IES-VE were not able to successfully do. On the other hand, IES-VE and Designbuilder were more successful in importing the geometry data, which encountered many issues by eQuest. IES-VE and Designbuilder provided a variety of support options while eQuest had insufficient support resources. On the other hand, eQuest was the fastest simulation running tool, and due to the successful thermal and construction data interoperability, least data input was required by architects; however, the GUI on eQuest was not as friendly as IES-VE and Designbuilder. Although IES-VE and Designbuilder required higher efforts especially on thermal, and construction data input, their comprehensive template library compensated part of the effort needed for data reentry. Finally, load and energy simulations were carried with only one variable "template default values of VAV HVAC system" resulted in 10%, and 28% higher equipment and lighting energy used respectively on Designbuilder when compared to IES-VE and eQuest. On the other hand, the heating to cooling ratio was higher on eQuest (2:3) compared to that of IES-VE and Designbuilder (1:3). To conclude, the results showed that eQuest could offer more potential for construction and thermal data interoperability with significantly faster simulation time, while IES-VE and Designbuilder can provide more potential with their built-in comprehensive templates data library as well as architect-friendly GUI and presentation of output results.Item Cultural Resource Management of Concrete Sculptures and Landscape Features Case Study: Dionicio Rodriguez(2017) Cramer, DaynaThe manmade structures and objects that occupy cultural landscapes are less likely than buildings to be protected by ordinances or programs. This means that site features and furniture can easily be overlooked in historic site management. These features are commonly integral to the overall design of the landscape, thus their preservation is essential for the overall preservation of the site. This thesis seeks to move past the basic identification, characterization, and documentation of these features by exploring common preservation practices and determining if these features may be better preserved by specialized preservation methods. Dionicio Rodriguez created hundreds of character defining landscape feature across the United States between 1924 and 1955. A review of his works in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas will provide the basis of this study which will conclude with preservation methods for stewardship of concrete sculptures and landscape features.Item Evaluation of the land use policy related to Planned Unit Developments [PUDs] in San Antonio, Texas(2013) Jangam, Shubhangi C.In the United States, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) began as a land-use concept during the 1950s. PUDs were intended to provide a comprehensive development, mixed land uses, cluster urban development patterns, and large open spaces. The purpose of this study was to assess the land use in San Antonio's PUDs compared to the original concept. The extended purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of the PUD ordinance in terms of producing the land-use patterns that are not permitted in the base zones. The method adopted for the assessment involved selecting sample PUD applications and applying the selected criteria for assessment. Two sets of criteria were selected to assess the land use: the first set was to measure the alignment with the original concept; the second set was to assess the diversity factors in land use. The spatial survey was conducted with the evidence of recorded and approved PUD plans, Google maps showing present land use, and the City of San Antonio's zoning maps. It was found that San Antonio's PUDs were neither aligned to the original idea of PUD nor efficient to create divergent land-use patterns. A set of solutions was proposed to appropriate the PUD ordinance. However, considering the land use history, the current land-use matrix in the Unified Development Code, and the unique traditional needs of San Antonio, it was ultimately recommended that San Antonio's PUD ordinance should be eliminated.Item Examining the Association Between Neighborhood Walkability and Cardiovascular Health in Texas and Bexar County(2023) Awadhesh Kumar, AnamikaBuilt environment plays a significant role in improving cardiovascular health. Neighborhood walkability can be seen as an important determinant of increased physical activity, thus can confer against coronary heart disease and traditional risk factors- high BP, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. This project investigates the relationship between neighborhood walkability and coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors at the census tract level in Texas and Bexar County separately. Additionally, it explores the mediation impact of the related risk factors on the relationship between walkability and coronary artery disease. The CDC's Places dataset, which provides the prevalence of CAD and risk factors on census tracts level, is linked with the walkability index, calculated from the US Environmental Protection Agency data. The research demonstrates a relevant decrease in the prevalence of CAD and traditional risk factors across walkability quartiles in Texas. However, there is no significant stepwise decrease is found in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and walkability index in Bexar County. The disparity in results of the two research areas can be attributed to a smaller number of census tracts and local factors of Bexar County. Because of inconsistent findings in the prevalence of cardiovascular health within walkability quartiles in San Antonio, the regression and mediation analysis are performed for only Texas.Moreover, Spearman's correlation tests confirm a significant negative relationship between the walkability index (WI) and CAD and its risk factors in Texas. Even after adjusting for various factors, a continuous walkability index remains significantly associated with a lower prevalence of CAD in Texas. Furthermore, the association between the walkability index and CAD appears to be partially mediated by the prevalence of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Overall, the analysis indicates that neighborhood walkability is linked to reduced cardiovascular risk factors and CAD prevalence in Texas. Moreover, the prevalence of risk factors partially mediates the relationship between walkability and CAD.Item Historic District Transformation: A Study into How Historic District Designations Can be a Reactants or Catalysts for Change in Three Neighborhoods in San Antonio, Texas(2022) Espindola, EriccaThe purpose of this paper is to examine the potential impact that a historic designation may have on the area of the near Westside in San Antonio, Texas. The Westside has been a recent prospective area for conservation and development due to its rich cultural and architectural history. A comparative analysis of the already designated neighborhoods of King William and Tobin Hill will serve as earlier examples of how typical designation processes are achieved. The author based the selection of study areas on the categorization of three different “process models” of neighborhood transformation previously established by Stephanie Brown (2014) in her paper for Harvard University titled, “Beyond Gentrification: Strategies for Guiding the Conservation and Redirecting the Outcomes of Community Transition.” This paper explores the driving forces behind an official designation as it pertains to the three areas and their corresponding process models. General concerns over financial, developmental, and cultural disruptions will be challenged by drawing on the analysis of case studies and original survey responses. The paper aims to identify the most effective tool within the historic preservation umbrella that can be used to reach a state of socio-cultural sustainability.Item Impact of campus physical characteristics on university sustainability performance(2012) Beyaztas, HalitThere has been increasing attention and effort for campus sustainability practices from governmental and non-governmental organizations because of its proven negative effect on environment, strong influence on society, and huge economic power on market. Those efforts and activities include campus recycling, sustainable transportation in campus, and eco-efficient (green) campus buildings, etc... Those practices directly related to individual campuses, and the purpose was to rehabilitate them to achieve sustainability in a single campus. Since there has been a progress for campus sustainability effort, a parallel question appears? Which campus model performs better for sustainability? In other words, do certain campus physical characteristics such as urban density, residential character, and population have any influence on campus sustainability performance? This is a necessary question to answer because it is not only related directly to campus sustainability internal issues (individual campus sustainability practices) but also related to external sustainability issues (regional and city sustainability practices), such as the urban density of city, density of downtown and university, location of a campus in the city, and campus population. These important factors matter while considering city sustainability because higher education institutes have huge influence on cities economically, socially, and environmentally. Although this study is not able to cover all of the those components, this research intends to identify certain campus physical characteristics (urban density, residential character, and population) on campus sustainability performance and reveal a pattern, if there is one, by using STARS campus sustainability assessment tool database as a benchmark to conduct a correlational study. For this correlational study, 58 sample campuses across the US are going to be investigated. The dependent comparison factor is going to be final STARS sustainability score. The results of this correlational study will reveal optimum campus physical characteristics (the ideal location for campuses in cities, the optimum residential character, and effective population scope) for campus, city, and regional sustainability purpose. Proposed results of study will be quite informing for existing and future campus decision making mechanisms as well as city urban planning and designing departments, since campuses are an effective part of cities and communities, in order to achieve desired sustainable society goal.Item Impact of Façade Characteristics on Energy and Daylighting Performance of Medium Office Buildings in Hot Humid Climates(2022) Fatemi Abhari, SeyedehsabaThe primary objective of this research was to analyze and test the impact of various façade design variable modifications on medium office buildings’ energy and daylighting performance in hot humid climate zones. Based on the results of this analysis, the optimum variable modification set which demonstrated the most optimum results for the energy and daylighting performance of the building was further selected. The research used simulation approach. The baseline building was a hypothetical new-constructed rectangular medium office building with an aspect ratio of 1.5 and located in Houston, TX, the representative climate for climate zone 2A (hot humid). Independent variables and their tested options analyzed in this study include: building orientation (facades with higher area facing North and South, facades with higher area facing East and West, facades with higher area facing North-West and South-East, and facades with higher area facing North-East and South-West), window to wall ratio (WWR) (20% (Baseline), 35%, 50%, 65%, 80%), glazing types (Double-pane Clear, Double-pane Low-E, and Triple-pane Low-E), and shading devices (horizontal overhangs (Type1-3’ depth/6’11” height/ 2.8’ side projection width), and vertical fins, (2’ depth/5.2’ height/2’ distance), and Type-2-3’ depth/6’11” height/ 2.8’ side projection width), and vertical fins. (3’ depth/5.2’ height/3’ distance). The dependent variables were energy use intensity (EUI), spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), and annual sunlight exposure (ASE). The results demonstrated that option set with facades with higher area facing North and South, 35% WWR, triple-pane low-E glazing type, and with shading device type 2 resulted in 10% lower EUI value, 42% higher sDA percentage, and 31% lower ASE percentage compared to the baseline.Item Impacts of Green Facade and Green Roof on Annual Building Energy Consumption in Hot-Humid and Hot-Dry Climates(2018) Satumane, AnupamUrban heat is caused by a combination of anthropogenic heat release, reduction in green areas, absorption of solar radiation and limited circulation of air in the urban environment. The increase in the ambient temperature leads to higher cooling loads of buildings. Green Roofs and Green Facades can be used as a passive cooling strategy, to reduce conduction and infiltration heat gain. The impacts of Green Roofs and Green Facades on the building’s annual energy consumption for four building types with varying Green Facade to Green Roof ratio were analyzed. Whole building energy use simulation method was used to determine the impacts of insulation and shading of Green Roofs and Green facades on building’s annual energy consumption. Evapotranspiration cooling of plants was determined using a Theoretical calculation method. Houston, Texas was selected to represent hot-humid climate and Phoenix, Arizona for hot-dry climate. The annual energy consumption gradually increased as the footprint of the building reduced, and the building height increased. The building models were found to consume more energy annually in hot-dry climate in comparison to the hot-humid climate. The conduction and infiltration gain from the building envelope in hot-humid climate were twice the amount observed in hot-dry climate. The evapotranspiration cooling in buildings modeled in hot-dry climate was one and half times more than the models in hot-humid climate. The lower humidity and higher temperatures of hot-dry climate caused the increased evapotranspiration cooling. The evapotranspiration cooling from Green Roof and Green Façade was directly proportional to the surface area available for its application.Item Interpreting the farmers' market experience: A pictorial and narrative research design for analyzing a place(2011) McClung, AndrewThe heavy environmental and social costs from the globalized food production and distribution system make the localized aspects of the farmers' market especially provocative. The farmers' market is more than a place to purchase food; it is highly contextualized, socially fertile, and reactionary. This research captures the experience of frequenting, as a customer, four working farmers' markets, one street market, and one grocery store. When phenomena of the farmers' market are collected via direct observation and photography, coded and categorized into a matrix for interpreting the farmers' market phenomenon, universal trends shared among markets begin to emerge. A phenomenological inquiry guided data collection, formation, and dissemination of the matrix into concept maps for redesigning the five markets. The maps are designed to be applied to the "real-world" context of any number of farmers' markets.Item Moving forward on track: An investigation of the relationships between land use and transportation in San Antonio, identifying the options and obstacles for local rail transit applications(2008) Rodriguez, Jason A.The purpose of this study is to explore the factors involved in implementing light rail transit in San Antonio. It also aims to provide an understanding of how the city got to its current state through its history in terms of the development of land and public transportation. A discussion on the initiatives that are currently in progress or under review helps to identify the steps local developers and public officials must take toward the prospect of rail transit as a viable mobility option for this region. The study includes an historical sketch of the various events related to how San Antonio has been developed, and how public transportation has fit into the built environment over time. As the information covered becomes more contemporary in this thesis, it consequently becomes more in-depth until it reviews what is going on today. The history provides a clear understanding of why various parts of the city are shaped the way they are, and how people have circulated throughout the city over time. The potential corridor for light rail discussed in this study follows the Union Pacific right-of-way that surrounds downtown, and proceeds north along Broadway to Austin Highway, and terminates on Walzem, just east of I-35. This alignment passes through several parts of town that are currently experiencing intense development or have plans in place for high-density developments to occur. Interviews were conducted with staff from Valley MetroRail in Phoenix, Capital Metro in Austin, and VIA Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio to help clarify the author's understanding of the subject matter, and to provide assistance with obtaining appropriate research materials. Geographic Information System data is used to illustrate many of the relationships between the corridor and surrounding places. Three-dimensional modeling is also used to show how a new development might look in relation to the existing surroundings. The figures generated through these processes help clarify many of the points made in this thesis. Many challenges in implementing light rail were uncovered throughout the process. These do not appear to have been fully addressed in 2000, when the City last had aspirations for light rail. Among the greatest obstacles is the lack of coordination between developers, public agencies, and planning organizations in pursuit of completing projects of a similar nature. Existing transit-supportive land-use policies neither have a practical process with which to be implemented, nor a cost-effective justification for developers. The extensive presence of freight rail traffic throughout the urban center presents a problem for making use of existing rail corridors, and an adequate funding structure for an expensive proposition such as light rail does not yet exist. The public has to make a commitment and demonstrate the willingness to reconsider and clarify perceived costs and benefits about various issues surrounding rail transit systems. Likewise, local leadership must work together toward a single agenda and prove that they are making every effort to move San Antonio forward in this defining moment of the City's rich history.Item Performance Evaluation For a Digital Prefabricated Perforated Screens Inspired by Mashrabiya in San Antonio(2023) Alkhatib, RefaaThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Mashrabiya screens, traditionally used in the Middle East to alleviate hot and arid climates. Four screens with varying thicknesses and opening sizes were designed and fabricated with Styrofoam material using Rhino and CNC technology. Two experiments were conducted to test their performance: lab testing in front of a fan with three air velocities, and outdoor testing with continuous data monitoring for temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity for at least 48 hours for each screen, as well as without any screens. Schlieren visualization was conducted for two of the screens to understand air movement throughout the screens. The study found that open hung windows without screens allowed a lot of air to enter the room while holding exterior temperatures and humidity inside. Perforated screens were able to control the indoor environment on different levels for each screen. The screen with 30% perforation and 4" thickness achieved the best performance, distributing air inside the room, moderating the inside temperature, and distributing light throughout the whole room. However, high interior humidity levels were reached for all screens tested outdoors, highlighting the need for further investigation to optimize their performance in such conditions. The study sheds light on the potential of Mashrabiya screens for passive cooling in hot and humid climates and underscores the value of new technologies and digital fabrication techniques in enhancing traditional architectural elements. Future research directions are suggested to improve screen performance in high humidity conditions.Item Preserving the Projects: An Approach to Reclaiming Mid-century Public Housing(2018) Garrison, Leah MirandaUnder the guise of neighborhood improvement, historic mid-century public housing sites are being demolished across the United States. Because there is a stigma of crime and violence associated with public housing and because the complexes appear neglected and deteriorated, when a site is bulldozed the reaction of the general public to the demolition is usually satisfaction and a sigh of relief. The now displaced residents and the surrounding neighborhood rarely have time to react before a mixed-income development, the traditional "fix" to replace declining public housing complexes, is built in its place. When mid-century public housing sites are razed, a significant piece of history and architecture, along with an established community, have been sacrificed in the name of progress, harkening back to America's urban renewal sins of the 1950s and 1960s. In many cases, these complexes are not only eligible for the National Register of Historic Places but are in stable condition requiring only rehabilitation and the reversal of decades of indifference. This thesis examines an alternative approach that balances both the needs of the public housing authority and the community in which the complex resides. With a high demand for more affordable housing units, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has introduced a relatively new initiative to retain public housing called the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. This program, combined with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits, offers a unique solution for preserving historic mid-century public housing complexes that will satisfy all parties involved.Item Progressive experiments in Texas county courthouse design, 1910--1920(2010) Unger, Amy E.Between 1910 and 1920, the Texas architectural firms of Lang and Witchell and Atlee B. Ayres designed eight county courthouses that, to varying degrees, broke from the established classical norm to express a new message of modernity. Identified primarily by increased abstraction and the incorporation of the ornamental languages developed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright within a framework of Beaux-Arts classicism, this group represented a new type, the Texas Progressive courthouse. At this time, both firms employed architects with direct knowledge of Chicago's progressive architecture. The presence of Charles Barglebaugh and George Willis, both trained by Wright, visibly influenced the work of their respective firms. A close analysis of the original architectural drawings, historical photographs and existing buildings clarifies the significant connection between these courthouses and the work of Sullivan and Wright, as well as the original nature of their atypical design. As symbolic expressions of the aspirations of county officials and citizens, each courthouse reflected the unique conditions of its time and place. Situating these buildings within the historical context of the Progressive Era in Texas provides a richer understanding of the forces that encouraged their unusual qualities. Economic optimism, political idealism and a strong desire to be seen as modern encouraged new architectural expressions. In response to these conditions, the architects developed exceptional designs of lasting cultural value. The circumstances of three courthouses provide the basis for a discussion of the complex issues surrounding the preservation of historic buildings significantly modified over time.