The Alternative to Sprawl: A Civil Consolidation - Integrated Interdisciplinary Approach

• Main Author: Moussamim, Saad
• Other Authors: Architecture
• Format: Others
• Published: Virginia Tech 2015
• Subjects: Architecture; Urbanism
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10919/51808

Being a suggestive method of interpreting, and responding to the suburban context, my approach does not draw guidelines or promotes a personal agenda. In the same way that an architectural treatise is not a handbook, it is far from becoming a written code. It is an attempt at understanding how universal values, from our shared past, can contribute to our designs for the future. Therefore, let us first reinterpret the way we consider architectural history. Let us ask: How did certain patterns of development come about? Not what architectural style they belong to! In this case study, I carefully investigated regional, local, historical and cultural concerns, and responded to the current situation. I will not claim my response to this site as the solution, but one of many possible iterations that could be improved, grown, adjusted and modified. I present to you: The Alternative to Sprawl : A Civil consolidation. This thesis considers the redevelopment of three shopping centers, in Bailey's Crossroads of Fairfax, VA, into a transit-oriented mixed-use community. It is an interdisciplinary integrated approach, based on social issues. Although, it matters to admit that in order to draw a creative, yet informed architectural solution, one has to learn to step away from research and data to come up with truly inspired work. My approach is the alternative to the commonly accepted alternative to sprawl. I believe I can offer a thriving urban environment for every suburban individual, through the consolidation of buildings and public life. === Master of Architecture