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Show THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HONORS COLLEGE SENSE OF PLACE AND HIGH DENSITY, MIXED-USE URBAN DEVELOPMENT Daniel Lofgren (Michael Larice) School of Architecture + Planning University of Utah This thesis examines h o w the architectural phenomenon of "sense of place" can be applied in high density urban development in crafting compelling places that are also functional and efficient. As growth continues to put pressure on our environment, on our open spaces and on agricultural land, high density development will become more and more important as a solution and mitigation strategy to consume less land and make more efficient use of infrastructure. However, some of the urban environments created and influenced during the twentieth century have been deemed placeless and lacking in the social and visual richness necessary for making city life uplifting and desirable. Architecture can serve to establish significance and identity, and preserve culture and character by fostering a sense of place specific to a city or neighborhood. Research on the topic includes a review of the history, economics, and contemporary understanding of place, as well as strategies for implementing place. This is followed by a search for, and analysis of, case studies where the concept of place is evidenced. The final element of the thesis is the application of the lessons learned in a design for multi-family housing as a component of mixed-use development in a highly urban context. This research was performed under the advisement of Professor Michael Larice and included participation in Professor Larice's Urban Design Studio course where the design portion was completed. This thesis is a proposition of a new, small-scale solution to the challenge of high density urban development that is both functional and meaningful. Architecture that applies principles conducive to a sense of place creates enriching, community-enhancing places for people to live, work, and recreate. Daniel Lofgren Michael Larice 219 |