Integrating Community Engagement in Sustainable and Affordable Architecture: A Strategy for Holistic Design Education and Practice

Author

• Maeve Snapko

Files

Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Architecture

College

Arts and Sciences

Department

Architecture

Faculty Advisor

Ganapathy Mahalingam

Studio Coordinator

Stephen Wischer

Faculty Chair

Susan Kliman

Publisher

North Dakota State University

Rights

NDSU policy 190.6.2

URI

https://www.ndsu.edu/fileadmin/policy/190.pdf

Abstract

This thesis project is an exploration into how the role of community involvement, specifically local officials and leaders, helps in determining affordable and sustainable design through a holistic design approach. Although the field of architecture promotes holistic design as a strategy, there still remains a gap between the research from a design perspective and the community perspective. The central research of this thesis investigates how communities influence design decisions that balance affordability and sustainability. Overall, this thesis research aims to provide diverse, contextually related solutions that analyze the social and economic effectiveness of sustainable and affordable architecture.

Recommended Citation

Snapko, Maeve, "Integrating Community Engagement in Sustainable and Affordable Architecture: A Strategy for Holistic Design Education and Practice" (2025). Architecture Theses. 27.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/architecture-theses/27