Date of Graduation

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Architecture

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Architecture

Advisor/Mentor

Jacobus, Frank

Committee Member

Baker, Emily

Second Committee Member

Billig, Noah

Abstract

This booklet is a collection of 6 case studies that utilize reused plastic bottles significantly within their design. Prior to working with the case studies, much time was dedicated to research that justified the need for such a project. In-depth research on the environmental crisis, waste management trends, stewardship, sustainability, and ethics was conducted and recorded in the introduction to contextualize the need for an accessible how-to guide such as this one. Time was also given to establishing background information on bottles, reprocessing, and architecture to elaborate further on each piece of the content matter. It is curated as a ‘how-to manual’ so that others may learn how to incorporate these practices into their own lives. Some precedents for this method include The Underdome Guide to Energy Reform, by Janette Kim and Eric Carver as well as The Cannibal’s Cookbook: Mining Myths of Cyclopean Constructions, by Brandon Clifford. The case study projects were selected based on their usage of plastic bottles in a minimally modified fashion, categorizing it as a reuse method rather than recycled. Initially, there was a much larger list of potential projects to document, but ultimately it was narrowed to the following 6 to emphasize different methods of incorporation while reducing redundancy. Such methods include different means of securing the bottle to the structures, using the bottle as a structural member itself rather than ornamentally, different types of bottles used, and various other materials used in addition across three scales of work. They are organized into three sections based on said scales with two small, two medium, and two large scale work examples. Each project in every scale section is divided into a Starter Kit, Instructions, and Post Production manual that recounts the preparation, parts, tools, modifications, creations, assembly, waste, and maintenance necessary for that method. The written information is accompanied by photos and diagrammatic graphics demonstrating the example structure, details, and steps. The conclusion of the booklet analyzes the case studies individually while making observations about their comparisons. It will evaluate what those trends could mean, and how plastic bottles in architecture can continue to develop.

Keywords

Plastic in architecture; triple bottom line sustainability; waste management; architectural case studies

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