Affordable Housing Thesis Vol. I

AFFORDABLE HOUSING CENTER Designing in Response to Central Appalachian Outmigration

VOLUME I - RESEARCH

Affordable Housing Design for Central Appalachia

Volume I - Thesis Research Virginia Tech Interior Design Leigh Ann Williams - Fall 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW Problem and Thesis Statements

3

Client Information

5

Goals & Objectives

6

BUILDING AND SITE Culture and Demographics

9

Site Analysis

13

Building Analysis

15

CASE STUDIES The Rose

19

The Reach

23

Lakeline Station Apartments

27

PROGRAMMING Plan Prototypes

33

Accessibility

35

Adjacencies and Criteria Matrix

37

Building Code Assessment

38

RESEARCH WELL and LEED

41

Universal Design

42

Original Research

43

Materials

45

Color Psychology

46

Consultants

47

SOURCES

51

VOLUME I

RESEARCH

OVERVIEW Problem and Thesis Statements, Client Info, Goals and Objectives

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The affordable housing design is located in a Victorian Era historic building on main street of the small, Southwest Virginia town of Gate City. The 20,544 SF building will host units designed for 1-2 occupants, and will strive to meet LEED v4.1 and WELL v2 certifications. The design focuses on creating an affordable housing situation that can be utilized by both recent college graduates and local young adults, as a means of slowing down the rate of Appalachian Outmigration. By creating sustainable housing solutions, the design aims to support small town revitalization efforts in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

3

THESIS STATEMENT

Transparency when it comes to material sustainability ratings is crucial to creating healthy and supportive interiors. The affordable housing design implements sustainable materials to create a living environment that supports the occupant’s health and wellbeing.

4

THE CLIENT

- Those with student loan debt - Those seeking first time employment - Locals returning home post graduation Recent College Graduates

- Those who still live with parents - Those working in Gate City - Young Couples or Single Adults Local Young Adults

- Families and Friends of Residents - Visiting Guests - Other Residents of Gate City The Community 5

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

1

GOAL: The design will fulfill the need for affordable housing options in Gate City.

OBJECTIVE: The design will support individuals in the 18-24 age bracket who may or may not have steady incomes. Locating the design in the heart of downtown allows for increased walkability, access to job opportunities, and decreased need for transportation, which cuts down on emissions and fuel costs. In supporting this demographic, the design will help mitigate the current Appalachian Outmigration Crisis.

2

GOAL: The space will be a safe and secure place for residents to live.

OBJECTIVE: Private, well-lit parking on site as well as after hours building keyed entry will ensure a safe and protective environment for residents during the nighttime hours. Door codes and separation between community areas and private units will aid in privacy, acoustic, and safety measures. Easy wayfinding and a minimal corridor system diminishes unseen spaces and aids in ultimate security when

3

utilized with a video surveillance system.

GOAL: The design will create a truly sustainable environment.

OBJECTIVE: By specifying materials that pass stringent environmental and human health certifications, the units and communal spaces will support the users overall health, as well as ensure the health of the overall building. Material transparency will be the main focus during the material selection and procurement process.

4

GOAL: The design will create communal spaces that support and interest the 18-24 aged user group.

OBJECTIVE: Multi-functional and community spaces will focus on connections both in person and remotely, utilizing technology as a means of support. A first level coffee bar and lounge providing both collaborative and individual spaces will create places to meet, work, and relax. The design will be reflective of the change in work types as a result of COVID 19, and will provide touch down remote

5

working spaces for heads down, focused work.

GOAL: The design will support the greater community.

OBJECTIVE: An interior connected to the greater Gate City community will be designed as a way of increasing the livability and attractiveness of the downtown area. The first floor commercial space will remain open to the public during the day as a point of connection for residents, visitors, and the greater community. In providing a place to live in the downtown area, the design will support small, local businesses and aid current town revitalization efforts.

6

BUILDING AND SITE Culture and Demographics, Site Analysis, Building Analysis

CULTURE AND DEMOGRAPHICS: SCOTT COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Gate City

21,576 47.3 Total County Population as

Median Age as of 2019

of 2019

15.5

Percent of the Population Living in Poverty as of 2019

9

SEX RATIO AND AGE BREAKDOWN: For every 100 Females, there are 102.3 Males. Females make up 49.7% of the County Population while Males make up 50.3% of the County Population. Those under the age of 5 make up 4% of the county population, those in the 6-17 age bracket make up 18.4%, and those 65 and older make up 23.5%. The age bracket that makes up the largest portion of the county population is the 18-64 year olds who account for approximately 54.1% of the population.

2 or More Races (3.24%) White (95.6%) Black/African American (0.62%) Other (0.58%) NOTE: The Other category predominantly consists of those who are American Indian/ Alaskan Natives (0.14%), Asian (0.13%), and Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (0.02%).

Percent of Workforce

30 20

10

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

Industries

10

L

M

A: Education, Health Care, Social Assistance B: Manufacturing C: Retail D: Waste Management Services E: Construction F: Arts, Recreation, Accommodation, Food Services G: Public Administration H: Transportation, Warehousing, Utilities I: Finance, Rental, Leasing, Real Estate J: Other Services K: Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting/ Fishing, Mining L: Information M: Wholesale Trade

COMMUTING PATTERNS:

2,565 1,830 5,997 Those Employed in Scott

Those Employed in and

Those Employed outside

County while Living

Living in Scott County

Scott County while Living in

Elsewhere

(Internal Commuters)

Scott County

(Commuting In)

(Commuting Out)

Transportation is on average the second largest cost for households. The above Inflow/Outflow Analysis shows that affordable housing is needed within Scott County to support the amount of persons working there as well as those who live in the county and commute to nearby locations, such as Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol TN /VA, for work. By providing a housing option in Gate City, transportation costs for those working in the county can be significantly lowered, and transportation costs for those working outside the area can be lowered due to a closer proximity to larger metropolitan areas.

11

DESIGNING FOR:

1,220

Each year, the U. S. Census Bureau provides custom tabulations of the American Community Survey (ACS) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that demonstrates the current housing

Number of Low Income

problems and needs, particularly for low income households. This data,

Renters in Scott County.

known as the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) for 2014-2018 showed that 1,220 renters in Scott County have household incomes of less than 80% of HUD Area Median Family Income (HAMFI).

1,900

The ratio of housing costs to household income is known as the Cost Burden. Cost Burden for renters consists of gross rent (contract rent plus utilities). Using the same CHAS Data for Scott County, it was found

Number of Cost

that 1,900 Renters were considered to be Cost Burdened. Of those 1,900

Burdened Renters in

renters, 1,285 renters had cost burdens less than or equal to 30% of their

Scott County that Need

income, 205 with cost burdens between 30-50% of their income, and 410

Housing

1,089 Number of Internal

renters with cost burdens greater than 50% of their income.

44% of Extremely Low Income Renter Households in the United States are in the labor force, in school, or single adult caregivers. According to HUD Data from 2020, of those in the labor force, 44% are workers aged 18-64 who are in low wage jobs. As the shortage of available and affordable

Commuters and those

rentals to those with lower levels of incomes continues to decline

Commuting In to Scott

nationwide, it is increasingly important to focus on providing housing close

County for Work that are

to jobs as a means of cost mitigation.

Under the Age of 29.

12

SITE ANALYSIS

Parking Parking

N

Place of Worship

Salon

Store

Bakery

Pharmacy

Car Garage

Sun Path

4.1” Average Percipitation

Views

67

Maximum Sunlight

Prevailing Wind

46 Average High and Low Temperatures

13

SITE PHOTOS:

Jackson Street, Gate City, Virginia Circa 1910

P.H. Nickels Department Store, Gate City, Virginia Circa 1930-1956

14

BUILDING ANALYSIS

Building Shell

Geometries

Daylighting

First Floor Circulation

Second Floor Circulation

Third Floor Circulation

15

Building Elevation

Building Axon

16

CASE STUDIES The Rose, The Reach, Lakeline Station Apartments

CASE STUDY ONE: THE ROSE

ARCHITECT: MSR Architects

PROGRAM:

CLIENT: Aeon/Hope Community

- 90 Units (47 Affordable, 43 Market Rate)

TYPE: Residence

- Final of a Four Phase Development

YEAR: 2015

- Mid-Rise

LOCATION: Minneapolis, MN

- $148/Square Foot

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 145,000

- Indoor and Outdoor Community Spaces

OVERVIEW: The Rose, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a high-performance affordable housing project that used the Living Building Challenge as a framework. The project meets the SB2030 goals for reducing energy, water, and construction costs over a conventional building. By reducing each respectively by 70% and 50%, the building still actively achieves significant sustainable gains.

MATERIALS USED: Dwelling units are where affordable housing users spend most of their time. Because of this, MSR focused on only specifying materials that were Red List Free, had Living Building Challenge Certifications, or that had Red List Transparencies. To the left are a few of the materials that were used.

19

Ultra Touch Recycled Denim Insulation Red List Free LBC v2.1 Some Level of Transparency

Armstrong Flooring Bio Based Tiles Red List Free LBC v3.0

Sherwin Williams ProMar Zero VOC Product Containing Red List Ingredient from LBC v2.1 and v3.0

20

21

22

CASE STUDY TWO: THE REACH

ARCHITECT: Pitman Tozer Architects

PROGRAM:

CLIENT: Peabody

- 66 Units (14 Affordable, 52 Shared Ownership)

TYPE: Mixed Use Development

- Curved Elevation creates a new Civic Space

YEAR: 2019

- Surrounds a Communal Garden

LOCATION: Thamesmead, London

- Flexible Community and Commercial Space on Ground

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 61,355

Floor

OVERVIEW: The Reach, located in Thamesmead, London is a 100% affordable housing project that provides well designed homes for over 170 residents. The project strives to create a sense of place and encourage redevelopment in the outer London suburban area while addressing the city’s growing housing crisis. The development provides both units for individuals on the housing register and shared ownership flats for local, first-time buyers. Keeping with the architectural heritage of London, large communal stairwells act as wayfinding and gathering spots for residents.

MATERIALS USED: Inspired by the Brutalist architecture of Thamesmead, The Reach utilizes two variations of robust red brick. With the integration of sustainable technologies, such as performance fabric, communal heating system, and photovoltaics, the building keeps running costs low for residents.

23

24

25

26

CASE STUDY THREE: LAKELINE STATION APARTMENTS

ARCHITECT: Hatch and Ulland Owen Architects

PROGRAM:

CLIENT: Foundation Communities

- 128 Units

TYPE: Residence

- Net Zero Learning Center on Campus

YEAR: 2017

- Seeking LEED Certifications

LOCATION: Austin, TX

- Hosts Afterschool and Learning Programs

SQUARE FOOTAGE: 122,240

- Indoor and Outdoor Community Spaces

OVERVIEW: Lakeline Station, located in Austin, Texas is an affordable housing project built for sustainable building practices. The community strives to ensure ongoing indoor air quality and green initiatives during occupancy by holding resident workshops about recycling, efficient energy practices, and gardening. The community Learning Center is Austin’s first inhabited net zero commercial building.

MATERIALS USED: The client, Foundations Communities Development, pursues LEED Platinum certifications on all of their projects, and are starting to explore additional standards such as the Living Building Challenge in regards to the use of healthy materials. To the left are a few of the materials that were used.

27

Forbo Marmoleum Tile Red List Free LBC v3.0

Ceasarstone Quartz Countertop Red List Free LBC v3.0

Nylon Mohawk Group Carpet Tile Red List Free LBC v2.1 Some Level of Transparency

28

29

30

PROGRAMMING Plan Prototypes, Accessibility, Adjacencies and Criteria Matrix, Building Code Assessment

PLAN PROTOTYPES

SOCIAL SPACES:

32” 36”

5’ - 10”

32” X 48”

Table

Table

36”

8’ - 8”

36” Edge Past

5’ - 10”

Circular Dining Option

Rectangular Dining Option

10’ - 6”

3’ - 5”

5’ - 0”

11’ - 9” 10’ - 0” Conversation Circle

Living Room

Single Work Triangle Kitchen

33

PRIVATE SPACES:

7’ - 6”

5’ - 4” 30”

9’ - 8”

15”

15”

30”

5’ - 0”

Accessible Bathroom Option

Standard Bathroom Option

16’ - 4”

60” x 78” Queen Bed

48” Dressing Circle

10’ - 6”

48” Dressing Circle

Single Bedroom with Closet

34

ACCESSIBILITY

ACCESSIBLE DESIGN: Accessible Design refers to the process in which the needs of disabled persons are specifically considered during the design process.

ACCESSIBLE DESIGN STRATEGIES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING: IN UNITS: - Make sure lavatories and counters provide for roll under access.

- Make sure cabinet doors are retractable and utilize lever handles.

- Make sure appliances are at appropriate heights and/or are height adjustable.

- Provide accessible and clear paths of travel.

- Provide turnaround circles of 60” at all changes in direction.

IN ALL OTHER AREAS: - Make sure bathrooms meet all clearances for lavatories and water closets.

- Create seating areas that allow for users in wheelchairs to sit beside other users in chairs.

- Provide accessible and clear paths of travel.

- Provide turnaround circles at all changes in direction.

- Include clear signage with text, braille, and images.

ACCESSIBLE MOUNTING HEIGHTS:

35

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM CLEARANCES:

36

ADJACENCIES AND CRITERIA MATRIX

Would Be Nice

u Sq

ic bl Pu

e ar

s

ag ot Fo

s ce Ac

e id ns Co

g tin gh

yli Da

y ac iv Pr

l ia ec

ng t bi en um m Pl ip qu lE ia ec Sp

Sp

Should

Must

e s

ed

Ne

n tio ra

Lockable Storage

Y

N

N

N

Y

22 SF Each

Bicycle Parking

Garbage Bins, Transportation Access

Y

N

N

N

Y

70 SF

Refuse Collection

Lockable Mailboxes, Access for Delivery

Y

N

Y

N

Y

150 SF

Mail Distribution

Washers, Dryers, Folding Table

Y

Y

Y

N

N

374 SF

Laundry

Gym Equipment

Y

N

Y

Y

N

800 SF

Recreation

Tables, Chairs, Soft Seating

N

Y

N

Y

Y

Congregation Space

Toys

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Play Areas

Storage, Desk, Chairs, Computers

N

N

Y

Y

N

200 SF

Business Office

Storage, MEP

Y

Y

N

N

N

100 SF

Maintenance Office

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

60 SF Each

Public Restrooms

Communal/Public Area Adjacencies

e ar e

ag ot Fo

en m

s

ip

Ne

t

ed

n

io at er

sid

es

g

tin

c Ac

gh

lic

u Sq

b Pu

yli Da

y

ac iv Pr

qu

on

ng

bi

um

Pl lE

lC

ia

ia

ec

ec

Sp

Sp

s

N

N

Y

Y

N

120 SF

Primary Bedroom

N

N

Y

Y

N

100 SF

Secondary Bedroom

N

N

Y

N

N

12 SF

Clothes Closet

MEP, Hot Water Heater

Y

Y

N

N

Y

15 SF

Mechanical Closet

Washers/Dryers

Y

Y

N

N

N

15 SF

Laundry/Utility Closet

N

N

N

N

Y

8 SF

Multi Use Closet

N

N

N

N

Y

8 SF

Coat Closet

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

36-40 SF

Y

Y

Y

N

N

30-32 SF

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

388 SF

Primary Bathroom Secondary Bathroom Kitchen/Dining/Living

Unit Adjacencies

37

BUILDING CODE ANALYSIS OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS: Lounge Area and Workspace

Assembly (A) 3,162 SF

Retail Space

Business (B) 4,280 SF

Apartments

Residential (R-2) 7,492 SF (Level 2) 4,493 SF (Level 3)

OCCUPANCY FACTOR: Lounge Area and Workspace

15 Net

Retail Space

150 Gross

Apartments

200 Gross

OCCUPANCY LOAD: Lounge Area and Workspace

169 Persons

Retail Space

29 Persons

Apartments (Level 2)

38 Persons

Apartments (Level 3)

23 Persons

Total

259 Persons

SPRINKLERED:

Yes

DIAGONAL FOR EGRESS:

43’ - 10”

MAXIMUM TRAVEL DISTANCE:

300’ Retail Space, 250’ All Other Areas

MINIMUM EGRESS CORRIDOR WIDTH:

36” Residential Units, 44” All Other Areas

MAXIMUM DEAD END CORRIDOR WIDTH:

40’ Residential Units, 50’ All Other Areas

MINIMUM DOOR SIZE:

36” Door to Achieve 32” Clear

PUSH/PULL CLEARANCE:

12” Push, 18” Pull

NUMBER OF WATER CLOSETS:

1 Per Dwelling Unit, 2 Male, 3 Female

NUMBER OF LAVATORIES:

1 Per Dwelling Unit, 2 Male, 2 Female

NUMBER OF SERVICE SINKS:

1 Per Dwelling Unit in Kitchen, 2

NUMBER OF WATER FOUNTAINS:

2

NOTE: Each dwelling unit requires 1 bathtub/shower per unit, and 1 automatic clothes washer connection per 20 units.

38

RESEARCH WELL and LEED, Universal Design, Original Research, Materials, Color, Consultants

WELL AND LEED

Dynamic. Resilient. Validated. WELL v2 seeks to develop thoughtful and intentional spaces that enhance human health and user wellbeing.

Within the ten concepts of WELL, v2 is focused on being equitable, global, evidence-based, technically robust, customer focused, and resilient. Affordable Multifamily Residential Projects can seek certification under v2. For these project types the WELL Performance Verification Guidebook recommends looking at the following features described below: A01: This feature requires projects to provide acceptable air quality levels, as determined by public health authorities.

W01: This feature requires the provision of water that meets thresholds for turbidity and coliforms for all water likely to come in contact with building occupants and verifies performance using on-site tests.

W02: This feature requires projects to provide drinking water that meets thresholds on chemicals as published by research and regulatory organizations.

L02: This feature requires projects to provide appropriate luminance on work planes for regular users of all age groups, as required for the tasks performed in the space.

T01: This feature requires projects to create indoor thermal environments that provide comfortable thermal conditions to the majority of people in support of their health, well-being, and productivity.

LEED v4.1 is focused on becoming the next generation standard for green building design, construction, operations, and performance. This version pushes current building standards in order to improve energy efficiency, water conservation, site selection, material selection, daylighting, and waste reduction. v4.1 prioritizes the users of a space by looking at material selections, human comfort, air quality, and human health.

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UNIVERSAL DESIGN UNIVERSAL DESIGN: Universal Design, as defined by The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University, is “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” Essentially, this means that designs are created with the intention of going beyond the average standards set by building codes and the ADA. Universal Design takes multiple human characteristics into consideration and minimizes the need for assistive technologies. Developed in 1977, the Seven Principles of Universal Design act as a guide for the design of environments, products, and communications. The principles are named below: Principle 1 - Equitable Use: In its four parts, this principle is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities and focuses on providing the same means of use for all users: identical when possible, and equivalent when not. It avoids segregating and stigmatizing users, and equally provides provisions for privacy, security, and safety in user appealing ways.

Principle 2 - Flexibility In Use: This principle accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities by providing choice in methods of use, accommodating both right and left handed types, facilitating user precision, and providing adaptability to the user’s pace.

Principle 3 - Simple and Intuitive Use: This principle focuses on making designs easy to understand, regardless of user experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level by eliminating unnecessary complexity.

Principle 4 - Perceptible Information: This principle focuses on effectively communicating necessary information to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or user sensory abilities through multiple means, including using different modes for information presentation.

Principle 5 - Tolerance for Error: This principle looks at minimizing hazards and the consequences of accidental or unintended actions by arranging elements in ways that minimize hazards, providing hazard warnings, and using fail safe features.

Principle 6 - Low Physical Effort: This principle ensures designs can be used in an efficient and comfortable manner with minimum fatigue by designing for the maintenance of a neutral body position and minimization of sustained effort.

Principle 7 - Size and Space for Approach and Use: This principle makes sure appropriate space is allowed for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user body size, posture, or mobility, through the use of clear sight lines, comfortable reaches, and variations in grip.

42

ORIGINAL RESEARCH: WELLNESS FOR INTERIORS

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can the use of healthy materials and following sustainable guidelines, such as WELL and the Living Building Challenge, during the design process positively impact users in an affordable housing setting?

METHOD: Two surveys were sent out to different demographic groups. The first, to those who use and interact with the results of material transparency and wellness-centered design, or the lack thereof. The second, to architecture and design professionals who specify healthy materials and work towards WELL and Living Building Challenge certifications. Survey One was distributed to college-aged persons through social media and email. Survey Two was distributed to professionals on the Virginia Tech Interior Design Advisory Board through email, and to other architecture and design professionals on LinkedIn.

FINDINGS:

35% 100% 75% Of Survey One participants

Of Survey Two participants Of Survey Two participants

said they experience

said they were more likely

believed the benefits of

problems with durability in

to use a material with a

using healthy materials

the materials used in their

Declare Label.

with transparent labels

living environments.

outweighed the increase in financial costs.

43

When specifying healthy materials, what do you look for?

3

Declare Labels (75%) Red List Free Products (25%)

2

Third Party Environmental Health Certifications (75%)

1

Third Party Human Health Certifications (50%) Materials with Some Recycled Content (75%)

Is there anything you would change about the materials used in your environment?

Replace them with...

Other (6.67%) Materials that are Easier to Clean (28.33%) Materials that are More Durable (30%) Materials that are More Antimicrobial (18.33%) Materials that Improve Indoor Air Quality (16.67%)

IMPLICATIONS: About a third of users claimed that the materials in their environments are not durable. By the same token, most designers argued that the benefits of specifying healthy materials outweighed the increased financial costs.

44

MATERIAL RESEARCH

HEALTHY BUILDING MATERIALS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design compiled a list of healthy alternatives to building materials commonly used in affordable housing settings.

For a material to make the list, it must go through a rigorous evaluation process that ensures human and environmental health impacts are low. Below is a list of the commonly used materials as well as a specified product example:

INTERIOR PAINT:

CARPET:

Mohawk EcoFlex NXT Modular Carpet Tiles Red List Free LBC v3.0

Imperial Paint ECOS Products Red List Free LBC v3.0

FLOORING:

COUNTERTOPS:

Forbo Marmoleum Modular Tiles Red List Free LBC v3.0

Corian Engineered Stone Red List Free LBC v3.0

CERAMIC TILE:

COMPOSITE WOOD PRODUCTS:

DalTile Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces Greenguard Gold

Columbia Forest Products Classic Core FSC Certified and Contributes to LEED v4.0 Credits

45

COLOR RESEARCH

WESTERN CULTURE COLOR PERCEPTIONS: Red: Symbolic of passion, love, excitement, and danger; has both positive and negative (being caught red handed/red flags) connotations.

Orange: Associated with frivolity and amusement.

Yellow: Associated with gentleness and spontaneity but also with cowardice (being yellow bellied).

Green: Symbolic of poor health, nature, and springtime.

Blue: Universally associated with calm; occasionally associated with holiness, purity, and virtue.

Purple: Associated with magic, mystery, royalty, and religion.

White: Symbolic of purity, newness, and neutrality.

Black: Universally associated with darkness; also symbolic of mourning, death, evil, and elegance.

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CONSULTANTS

LOU BRITT

Lou Britt is a licensed Realtor in the SWVA/NETN area with over 10 years of experience in the realm of real estate and over 30 years of experience in education. She has resided in the Gate City, Virginia area for her entire life and is a Virginia Tech Alumni.

Mrs. Britt has extensive knowledge on both the pros and cons of living in the Gate City area, as well as knowledge that would be beneficial to potential affordable housing clients such as local school ratings, recreation options, and job opportunities.

Lou provided access to the building site, and assisted with taking interior measurements and photos. As a lifetime resident, she was able to provide information on the history of the building and its uses. As a Realtor, she was able to discuss the benefits of the property as well as how its renovation could lead to increased town redevelopment. Additionally, she worked alongside me to gather information from the Scott County Historical Society, the Town of Gate City, and previous building owners.

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MEL JONES O’BRIEN

Mel Jones O’Brien leads housing affordability research at The Virginia Center for Housing Research as well as holds the Co-Principle Investigator position for the Center’s collaboration with Housing Virginia. She received undergraduate degrees in Economics and International Service from American University and obtained her Master of Urban and Regional Planning and Master of Science in Agriculture and Applied Economics degrees from Virginia Tech. Her expertise lies in the field of statistical and qualitative economic and policy analysis.

Mel assisted during the research phase by sourcing and providing tips on how to access HUD, CHAS, Census, and MSA Level data. During our meeting, she was able to discuss methods and means used for housing studies, and breakdown how to access accurate and precise data. Having studied, worked, and researched Central Appalachian housing in the past, Mel’s knowledge and skills were extremely insightful and helpful.

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SOURCES Resources used for Research

OVERVIEW

Ezzell, PhD, T. (n.d.). Strategies for Rural Growth - ARC. ARC. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.arc.gov/ wp-content/uploads/2012/05/StrategiesforEconomicImprovementWebinar11-27-2012.pdf.

Jones, M., & Spencer, S. (2018, August 2). Housing needs and trends in Central Appalachia and Appalachian Alabama. VTechWorks Home. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/handle/10919/96748.

Ludke, R. L., & Obermiller, P. J. (2014). Recent Trends in Appalachian Migration, 2005-2009. Journal of Appalachian Studies, 20(1), 24–42. https://doi.org/10.5406/jappastud.20.1.0024 Milstead, T. (2011, August 11). Housing and heritage: Perceptions of “culture” and its influence among policy-makers and housing professionals in Southern and Central Appalachia. Taylor & Francis. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14036096.2011.604096.

Perkins + Will. (2018). StudioIDS // Material Health. Vimeo. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://vimeo. com/244054791.

Pollard, K., & Jacobsen, L. A. (n.d.). Appalachia’s Aging Population - More Residents Ages 65+, Fewer Ages 25 to 64 Signals Challenges Ahead. PRB. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.prb.org/resources/appalachias-agingpopulation-more-residents-ages-65-fewer-ages-25-to-64-signals-challenges-ahead/.

Population Reference Bureau. (n.d.). Data Appalachia’s Population - scorecard.prb.org. PRB. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://scorecard.prb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/ARC_Snapshot-AppalachiasPopulation.pdf.

Rajagopal, A. (2018). Specifying Sustainability. Metropolis, 22–29.

Sullens, W., & Vittori, W. (2021, September 9). Leadership in material health: A three-year perspective on progress.

U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://www.usgbc.org/articles/leadership-material-health-three-year-perspective-progress.

Vazzana, C. M., & Rudi-Polloshka, J. (2019). Appalachia has got talent, but why does it flow away? A study on the determinants of brain drain from Rural USA. Economic Development Quarterly, 33(3), 220–233. https://doi. org/10.1177/0891242419844320

BUILDING AND SITE

Consolidated Planning/Chas Data: HUD USER. Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data | HUD USER. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html.

National Low Income Housing Coalition. (n.d.). THE GAP: The Affordable Housing Gap Analysis 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://reports.nlihc.org/sites/default/files/gap/Gap-Report_2020.pdf.

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Age and Sex. U.S. Census Bureau Quickfacts: Scott County, Virginia. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/scottcountyvirginia/PST045219.

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Census Geography Profile - Scott County, Virginia. Explore census data. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=0500000US51169.

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). OnTheMap. OnTheMap - Scott County, Virginia Inflow/Outflow, Age 29 or Younger.

Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/.

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). OnTheMap. OnTheMap - Scott County, Virginia Inflow/Outflow, All Workers. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/.

U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Race. Explore census data. Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://data.census.gov/ cedsci/table?g=0500000US51169&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P1&hidePreview=true.

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CASE STUDIES

Aeon the Rose Housing. MSR Design Portfolio. (2021, October 20). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https:// msrdesign.com/case-study/aeon-the-rose/.

Foundation communities. Healthy Materials Lab. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https:// healthymaterialslab.org/projects/foundation-communities.

Housing. Foundation Communities | Creating housing where families succeed in Austin and North Texas. | Lakeline Station Apartments. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://foundcom.org/housing/our-austincommunities/lakeline-station-apartments/.

Lakeline Station Apartments - Austin, TX. Apartments.com. (2021, November 1). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.apartments.com/lakeline-station-apartments-austin-tx/q2g90hz/.

Peabody. (n.d.). The Reach | Greenwich | New Build Flats in London | Peabody. Homes In Development. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.peabody.org.uk/homes-in-development/greenwich/the-reach.

Projects - Lakeline Station. Lakeline Station Apartments | h+uo architects. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://huoarchitects.com/projects/lakeline-station/#1.

The Reach. New Build Houses and Flats in London. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://1newhomes. com/the-reach-london.

The Reach. Thamesmead. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.thamesmeadnow.org.uk/the-plan/ growth-and-regeneration/plumstead-west-thamesmead/the-reach/.

The Reach. The Reach Pitman Tozer Architects. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.pitmantozer. com/work/the-reach/.

The Rose. (n.d.). The Rose. Photos and Video of The Rose Apartments - South Quarter - Minneapolis - Aeon.

Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.therosempls.com/photogallery.aspx.

The Rose. Healthy Materials Lab. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://healthymaterialslab.org/ projects/the-rose-1.

The Rose. International Living Future Institute. (2018, December 13). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https:// living-future.org/affordable-housing-the-rose/.

Thamesmead LDN. (n.d.). London’s New Voices: Laying The Foundation. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https:// www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=8SYgNCNcw7c&feature=youtu.be.

U.S. Green Building Council. (n.d.). Lakeline Station. U.S. Green Building Council. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.usgbc.org/projects/lakeline-station?view=overview.

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PROGRAMMING

Bobrick. (n.d.). Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms - Bobrick. Planning Guide for Accessible Restrooms.

Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.bobrick.com/wp-content/uploads/PlanningGuide.pdf.

Merrill, J. L. (2006). Introduction to housing. Pearson Education.

Midwest Plan Service. (2006). The House Handbook: Guidelines for Building or Remodeling Your Home.

RESEARCH

The 7 Principles. Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https:// universaldesign.ie/what-is-universal-design/the-7-principles/.

Agent profile: Lou Britt. Blue Ridge Properties. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://brphomes.com/ Agents/Details/20191003143937104120000000.

Carpet Tile - Blurred Lines Tile - Transform: Mohawk Group. Commercial Carpet & Hard Surface Flooring Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.mohawkgroup.com/detail/Carpet/7361/127914/ Blurred-Lines-Tile.

Forbo. (n.d.). Marmoleum Modular Tiles. Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.forbo.com/flooring/en-us/ products/marmoleum-modular-tiles/marmoleum-modular-floorplans/p9lr9u.

International WELL Building Institute. (n.d.). WELL v2 Overview. V2.wellcertified.com. Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https://v2.wellcertified.com/wellv2/en/overview.

LEED v4.1. LEED v4.1 | U.S. Green Building Council. (n.d.). Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https://www.usgbc.org/ leed/ Melissa (Mel) Jones. VCHR. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://www.vchr.vt.edu/people/melissa-meljones.

The New School Parsons. (n.d.). Healthier Building Products. Healthy Materials Lab. Retrieved November 29, 2021, from https://healthymaterialslab.org/material-collections/building-materials.

What is the difference between Accessible, Usable, and Universal Design? What is the difference between accessible, usable, and universal design? | DO-IT. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2021, from https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-difference-between-accessible-usable-and-universal-design.

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THANK YOU

Volume I - Thesis Research Virginia Tech Interior Design Leigh Ann Williams - Fall 2021