http://hdl.handle.net/10150/129649 Mon, 20 May 2013 17:58:57 GMT 2013-05-20T17:58:57Z http://arizona.openrepository.com:80/arizona/retrieve/313669/UA-Theses-and-Dissertations.jpg http://hdl.handle.net/10150/129649 http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292118 Title: Las Palmas: An approach towards sustainable tourism development in Baja California Sur, Mexico Author: Liggett, Aaron Abstract: As mass tourism is spreading throughout Latin America, haphazard growth is threatening the environment and local communities. In an effort to mitigate social and environmental impacts an alternative approach towards tourism development utilizes principles of ecotourism and smart growth to balance tourism, community, and environmental goals in order to maintain a healthy environment and contribute to the local community. Located several miles south of the town of Todos Santos in Baja California Sur, Mexico, Las Palmas is a 490 acre site with a mixed use development focused on ecological preservation and the integration of tourism with the local community. Entirely pedestrian oriented, the development includes a 46 unit ecolodge that is connected to a town center composed of a variety of housing types, and features commercial services, selected retail, and fitness and community centers. A 14 acre organic farm weaves through the development providing fresh vegetables to the local market and restaurants. 95% of the site is set aside as permanent natural open space run by research facilities that responsibly guide visitors through its natural beauties. Sustainable practices and research at Las Palmas include an onsite constructed wetland to treat and reuse wastewater, energy-efficient design strategies, a solar harvesting farm, an onsite agricultural center, and ecological regeneration. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292118 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292285 Title: A Landscape of Memories: A Master Plan design for the Crawford Town Hall Author: Radcliffe-Meyers, Lori Abstract: As we continue to lose valuable landscapes to the pressures of growth and development, we need to keep in mind the history that some of these landscapes hold. They help tell the stories of our past and hold a special place in the hearts and minds of many. Historic buildings are typically recognized for their value and history that they tell and are often restored, helping to preserve a part of a community’s past. Yet the landscapes that helped shape the community and give meaning to the place are often overlooked. Looking at these landscapes, and putting as high of a value on the landscape as the buildings that are set upon them, is important and continues to be a topic that has come to the forefront. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292285 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292117 Title: Metamorphosis: A master planned community renovation- from struggling golf course to vibrant desert community Author: VanDenBerg, Kelly A. Abstract: As the popularity of golf grew in the 1990’s and real estate along golf courses brought in high property values, the building of golf courses in the Southwest boomed. However, supply of golf courses outgrew the demand (Downey, 2011). The National Golf Foundation predicts that 500-1,000 golf courses nationwide will close within the next 5 years (Schmidt, 2010). Cities and developers are facing a new problem: What to do with these defunct golf courses? These troubled golf courses provide opportunities for redesigning communities in order to make them more sustainable and resilient while preserving and enhancing much needed open space in urban areas. This project explores the redesign of a struggling golf course community in order to accommodate a larger variety of users. The design also rehabilitates the system of urban washes on site to functional ephemeral riparian areas that support wildlife habitat and provide amenities. Much of the disturbed areas covered with turf will be revegetated to resemble a more desert-like, native ecosystem. Furthermore, the design incorporates green infrastructure strategies to reduce and reuse water within the community and enhance the important riparian area along Tanque Verde wash. Methods for investigation included case reviews of existing associated projects. The design provides a conceptual framework for which this golf course or similar golf course repurposing projects may look in reference for viable ideas. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292117 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292116 Title: The Hashemite University Campus Landscape Master Plan: Zarqa, Jordan Author: Alrayyan, Kawthar Abstract: As important spaces of innovation and learning, the quality of university campuses directly affects their users. Surrounding communities are also significantly impacted by these large economic engines. In Jordan, almost one third of the population is enrolled in an educational facility. Insufficient educational facilities and increasing number of students led to the establishment of the Hashemite University (HU) in the city of Zarqa, a neighboring community of Amman, in 2000. As is the case in many universities in the kingdom of Jordan, the landscape of the campus appears neglected, treated as leftover space rather than needed functional spaces. The campus lacks a sense of place; a collegial and attractive place that creates memories. This research examines campus landscape design of Jordanian universities, with emphasis on HU. This research also assesses international trends in campus design, studying the notion of applying international standards to this Arab campus. The goal of this work is to redesign the HU campus, uncovering its unique character and improving the sense of place, purpose, and quality. Specifically, the design reconnects the university with the surrounding community and provides the area with social, psychological, and economic benefits. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10150/292116 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z