Designing the Rural

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Research and Design for the Pioneer Valley

Rural areas are now at the forefront of sustainability and environmental justice. We focus on the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts, a landscape affected by increasingly intricate food systems, ecotourism developments, climate change, migrations, community activism, and other profound transformations.

Through research and engagement with many local organizations, we propose creative ideas for sustainable regional development that combine architectural, landscape, and urban design. We see the Pioneer Valley as an experimental field to reimagine how we live together today and inhabit our Planet in the future.

About Our Work

Research & Engagement

See our research findings and local partners and organizations

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Projects Map

See our projects across the valley

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Project Gallery

Master of Architecture and Master of Design in Sustainable Urban Environments

Thesis Projects, Spring 2024

Rural Knowledge

Three campuses fostering a legacy of agricultural innovation, appreciation, and collaboration across the Pioneer Valley

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Rural Knowledge

Utilizing participatory design to address climate change through collaboration and interaction within the rural landscape

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Rural Health

A Nurturescape Nexus: Blending thoughtful design, therapeutic activities, and community engagement in order to create environments that nurture mental well-being and foster a sense of belonging

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Rural Health

A transformative initiative aimed at addressing food security and housing in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts

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Rural Heritage

A new take on tourism that seeks to empower local communities to preserve their heritage while building for the future

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Rural Heritage

An archival and exhibitory investigation into the pervasive vernacular tobacco barns of the Pioneer Valley to expand and decenter the scope of architectural design beyond the human

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Rural Infrastructure

Explores the collaborative potential between humans, pollinators, and architecture in mending a vibrant mosaic of biodiversity on communal lands

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Rural Infrastructures

Transforming historic dams into park spaces to enhance ecological, historical, educational, and recreational value and create vibrant communities in Turners Falls and Holyoke

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Rural Migrations

By introducing a music festival to attract more tourists and investors to the region, this project aims to improve the living conditions of both locals and H-2A workers with light housing structures

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Rural Migrations

This urban redevelopment project in Holyoke aims to revitalize the city through farmland redesign, cultural district enhancements, and old mill renovations while celebrating Puerto Rican culture

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