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The Earth’s climate has changed throughout history, but the current rate of change is unprecedented and largely driven by human activities like fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes. These release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat from the sun, causing the planet to warm. Power plants, particularly those fueled by fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, are major contributors to climate change. Their operations emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, and they are responsible for around 27% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Such environmental concerns and the comparably short lifespan of the infrastructure has led to an increasing number of abandoned facilities. In response to these issues, this thesis proposes a radical transformation: repurposing abandoned power plants as an epicenter of clean energy innovation and environmental research. Transformed from symbols of pollution, the structures now serve as catalysts for change, unpacking the narrative shift from degraded wastelands to a seed of a sustainable future. The key lies not just in technology but in the collective efforts of diverse minds and backgrounds. Through a vibrant co-working space, interconnecting engineers, scientists, and community members, their expertise harmonizes to create synergies, leading to solutions that mitigate the severity of climate change.

Lakeland is a vibrant historically African American community in College Park that has faced the lasting consequences of decades of discriminatory policies and neglect. From the era of forced segregation to the devastating impacts of urban renewal and now the pressures of gentrification, Lakelanders have been denied equitable access to resources and opportunities enjoyed by neighboring communities. Despite these challenges, generations have persevered, demonstrating unwavering resilience and determination. This studio explored the potential pathways to persist and attain restorative justice using scenario planning to envision Lakeland’s future in 2033. By investigating the opportunities and challenges that present themselves through status quo, reformist, and revolutionary scenarios, the resulting proposals and strategies give insight into the ways in which restorative justice can be achieved. By envisioning 2033 Lakeland scenarios through the lens of three primary themes—housing and land use, community infrastructure, and climate change mitigation and adaptation—this report addresses key indicators in each theme to inform the City of College Park, the Restorative Justice Commission, and other Lakeland organizations on methods and strategies to achieve each vision, or what will happen if action is not taken.

URSP600: Qualitative Research Methods worked on a PALS project regarding the Anacostia River Trail System. The class partnered with Prince George’s County Planning Department to conduct a sweeping study of the trail system: its physical attributes, users, and history. Upon concluding initial research, the class agreed that their study would focus on potential barriers to trail access amongst Prince George’s County residents. Access refers to general access to the trail versus ADA compliance. The class then conducted various forms of research through demographic, economic, and archival analysis; physical, aural, and participant observations; and interviews and focus groups to better understand these potential barriers. At the end of the semester, the class produced a report with findings that suggest the three most significant barriers to trail access may be lack of awareness, safety concerns, and difficulties with physical access. The department can use this foundational analysis of the trail and its users as they undergo further efforts to improve the Anacostia River Trail System.

Through their work with the National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland (UMD), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce commissioned this final report from the University’s Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS). PALS works with local jurisdictions throughout Maryland to identify projects and problems that can be taught through university courses where students focus on developing innovative, research-based solutions. The Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations at Maryland State Parks project concentrated on providing advanced climate change impacts and adaptation graphics. This includes an overall booklet and individual pages. If used, please provide credit to the UMD School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation.

Through their work with the National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland (UMD), the Maryland Department of Natural Resources commissioned this report from the university’s Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS). This research study, conducted in a graduate level design studio, began with a shared vision that people and nature can co-exist in a mutually beneficial relationship. Angela Baldwin, Park Manager at Assateague State Park, and her colleagues from NOAA, the Maryland Park Service, the Chesapeake Coastal Service, and other DNR offices, challenged the University of Maryland team to test this vision in the design of a new day use facility for Assateague State Park, a much-beloved, special place that is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The climate crisis requires architects to deepen their understanding of resilient design strategies. These range from place-based climate-responsive knowledge rarely taught in schools of architecture, to more technically advanced tools such as computer energy modeling, efficient mechanical equipment and on-site renewable energy.