Files
Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Architecture
College
Arts and Sciences
Department
Architecture
Faculty Advisor
Charlott Greub
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
Due to rising operational costs, increasing regulatory pressures, and a steady decline in home-based providers, Minnesota is facing a child care shortage. In turn, the state has adopted community-based family child care, or pod model. A majority of the existing facilities are retrofitted spaces that neglect essential design considerations affecting the daily experiences of children and the well-being of the child care provider. This project explores how architectural design can strengthen and reimagine the emerging pod model by creating an affordable facility designed to prioritize daylight, spatial flexibility, comfort, and safety. This research aims to create a shared environment where independent providers can operate their own programs while leveraging communal resources, reducing overhead, and improving efficiency. The project demonstrates how architecture can support Minnesota families, strengthen provider independence, and contribute to more sustainable and equitable solutions to child care needs through a proposed child-centered pod design.
Recommended Citation
Allard, Kassidy, "Beyond Home and Child Care Centers: Reimagining Affordable Child Care Through Pod Design in East Grand Forks, Minnesota" (2026). Architecture Theses. 54.
https://digitalcommons.ndsu.edu/architecture-theses/54