Date of Submission
Spring 5-12-2026
Degree Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Architecture
Department
Architecture
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Sang Pil Lee
Abstract
This thesis aims to explore my interests in improving the agricultural sector/farming within the urban areas of the tropical Caribbean Island of Dominica. The research will examine the issues currently challenging the agricultural sector, including hurricanes, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, and shifts in temperature, which destroy open-field crops. In addition, other issues, including limited adoption of advanced farming techniques, an aging farmers’ population, and soil erosion, have weakened the agricultural sector in Dominica. My thesis project is to teach farming methods through an Agricultural Learning Facility that can help address these challenges, but focus on the urban areas.
The thesis aims to energize urban agriculture as a vital farming sector on the island. This thesis, A(GR)TECTURE, explores the connection between architecture, urban agriculture, and community engagement through an Agricultural Learning Facility that energizes food production by leveraging the possibilities of smart farming methods, such as greenhouse and hydroponic systems. The learning facility will also enhance local traditional farming practices as part of a proposal to help resolve current farming issues. The learning center will promote public knowledge, hands-on training, and engage the public. It will also strengthen agricultural adaptability, helping sustain traditional farming practices through sustainable farming methods in urban areas. The center will explore case studies of past hurricanes and other disasters on the island to educate farmers on practices that worked and those that failed. In addition, the center will offer structured workshops on farm emergency plans to alleviate disaster risk. The design proposal is to create a collection of buildings that integrate different food systems to mitigate food insecurity and reduce food transportation, allowing people to have direct access to fresh, nutritious food within urban areas, also reducing food import volume by using smart/sustainable farming systems.
Moreover, the proposed farming solution, namely greenhouse and hydroponic systems, cannot completely replace the traditional farming practices farmers use for crops; instead, these systems can help increase food production. Given Dominica’s local climate, topography, and its strong agricultural culture, this thesis aims to explore how urban agriculture can help mitigate the island’s agricultural challenges. Therefore, this research will examine Kenneth Frampton’s six principles of “Critical Regionalism” because these principles guide design approach and response to local climate, cultural identity, and topography. It will also examine experiential learning (learning by doing) and placemaking through community gardening. In conclusion, the objective of this thesis project is to foster broader connections in the neighborhood through education and community engagement. The project will encourage students, young adults, and seasoned farmers to learn sustainable farming methods to improve food production, stimulate economic and social growth, and strengthen communities on the island of Dominica.