Student Research

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Open Access
A History of the Salmon Industry in the Pacific Northwest
(University of Oregon, 1940-06) Spurlock, Clark Patrick
This study, then, will constitute an investigation of the history of northwestern America's most important fishery. Certain of its problems and events which have proved pertinent to the history of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska, as well as to that of the larger social , economic and political patterns of which they are an integral part, will not be neglected. In accordance with nature I s arrangement of marine life for this coast and because of the palates she has given men, the salmon have sustained the greatest fishery in the region and, indeed, now support the most valuable fishery in America. As such the industry is treated here. The history of salmon fishing techniques will be included and discussed in detail because the writer has had some experience in their use both in the coastal states and Alaska. In any case the "how" of human enterprise would seem to reveal much about the "what" and the "why".
Open Access
Modernizing The National Register of Historic Places: Towards an Open Data Framework
(2024-06)
The National Register of Historic Places was established as part of the The National Historic Preservation Act, which was signed into law in 1966. This terminal project considered the role the information age has played in shaping the way data about the National Register is collected, stored, and analyzed and made available to preservation professionals, researchers and the public in general. The main question which guided the research project was: How can an open data framework inform the way National Register nominations are published and accessed as an institutional collection? The concept of an open data framework was introduced, and its relevance to the National Register was explored. A literature review revealed the prevalence of open data discourse in other allied fields, but less so in historic preservation publications. An online survey was distributed to the preservation community, and was intended to assess familiarity with open data principles and the use of digital research tools. The written responses were primarily open-ended, and analyzed using qualitative coding analysis. Survey respondents revealed an appreciation for the body of knowledge represented by the National Register, and also a desire for improved access to this data. A set of case studies presented examples of digital research tools that are relevant to preservation stakeholders, and explored the ways in which open data initiatives have informed the development and use of these tools. The last section paired findings about shortcomings of the accessibility of National Register data with recommendations on improving the usefulness and relevance of digital tools used by preservation stakeholders.
Open Access
Revitalizing Gresham’s Historic Downtown Hub
(University of Oregon, 2025) Weber, Suzie
During the fall of 2024, the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) offered a course at the University of Oregon titled “Urban Transportation.” Students in an Urban Transportation course worked with the City of Gresham to revitalize the city’s downtown. Students gathered information about the study area through a meeting with city staff, a site visit, and a simulated community engagement session. With this information, students began to research possibilities for downtown revitalization efforts. Student groups developed suggestions and each group focused on one of five categories: multimodal transportation, network connectivity, parking, development, and community engagement. Each group completed a needs assessment based on the existing conditions of Gresham’s current downtown. Students concluded that the downtown area sees the most activation during the lunch hour and the dinner hour, with parking occupancy peaking at 1 PM and 6 PM respectively. Otherwise, the area is relatively quiet. Students perceived few activities during the 16 hour programming window people desire, meaning there may not many opportunities for nightlife. Downtown is primarily dominated by cars and very few people choose to walk, bike, or bus downtown—despite the possibility of all three. One obstacle to revitalizing Gresham’s downtown is the busy five- lane arterial road, Powell Boulevard. It is a barrier to encouraging more pedestrians and cyclists, and it fragments the network from Main City Park, the beautiful community park adjacent to downtown. Despite these challenges, student researchers suggested ways to bring new life to the historic downtown area while keeping its small town-like charm. The most frequently suggested recommendation was to close a corridor of N Main Avenue to automobile traffic. The proposed corridor is from NE 1st to NE 5th Street, and would include a two-way bike lane, large sidewalks for pedestrians, and increased social spaces. This, along with infrastructure improvements to nearby intersections, would make walking and biking a more attractive alternative to driving downtown. Alternatively, if the city decided against a walking- and biking-only corridor, Gresham could turn N Main Street into a one-way. The unused lane could be converted into a two-way protected bike lane and would accomplish the same goal of encouraging multimodal transportation. Another common theme researchers suggested was improved and centralized signage downtown. The city could create more cohesive wayfinding signage directing visitors to special attractions like the parks and local businesses nearby. The signage could also better direct drivers to underutilized parking lots to address community members’ perceived lack of parking in the area. The use of bulletin notice boards could offer information about biking and walking as viable and safe travel options in Gresham. Other important recommendations addressing Gresham’s historic downtown district’s needs include infill underutilized parking lots with social space hubs, engage with local artists and students to create public art downtown and increase aesthetic pleasure in the area, and implement a street fair to celebrate new development downtown.
Open Access
A Marketing Blueprint to Enhance Local Businesses in Oakridge
(University of Oregon, 2025) Langford, Sara
The Marketing Management class undertook detailed analyses of four businesses integral to Oakridge’s identity: Trans Cascadia Excursions, Mill Pond Station, The Campfire (Cowgirl Cook’n), and Brock’s Wood Lot. Each project examined these businesses’ unique challenges and opportunities, culminating in tailored marketing strategies and operational insights to help them thrive in their respective markets. This report presents the findings and recommendations from a series of student-led projects to support the City of Oakridge in enhancing its local businesses and community development. The city’s primary goal was to leverage student expertise to address challenges and uncover growth opportunities for key businesses and community stakeholders. Focus on local companies in Oakridge was crucial for this project because they play a significant role in the city’s economic vitality and community identity. By developing tailored solutions supporting sustainable growth and community resilience, the proposed marketing strategies aim to identify and address the unique challenges that Oakridge’s local businesses face. These businesses provide goods and services, attract tourists, create jobs, and foster a sense of community within Oakridge. The marketing recommendations are designed to amplify their impact by increasing visibility, attracting new customers, and enhancing their regional competitive edge. These businesses can thrive through strategic digital outreach, stronger branding, and community partnerships, contributing significantly to the city’s overall economic development and long-term resilience.
Open Access
Increasing Trust Between the Salem Police Department and the Salem Community
(University of Oregon, 2025) Stinnett, Alexis
The Public Relations Strategic Planning course at the University of Oregon partnered with the Salem Police Department to develop a campaign to increase trust between the public and the community. While each group focused on distinct publics and created several strategies and tactics, all campaigns shared a common goal: to improve the levels of trust between the department and the community, ultimately reducing violence and negative police interactions. Student groups conducted primary and secondary research about the City of Salem and the Salem Police Department, as well as current attitudes towards the department. Based on this research, teams designed a campaign around specific publics to help the Salem Police Department increase levels of trust in the community. Recommendations to improve trust between the department and the community consisted of hosting town hall meetings, community events, increasing social media presence, working with youth in schools, and mentorship programs. The most common targeted publics consisted of Hispanic males ages 18-25, youth ages 11-18, youth who have had experiences with the juvenile justice system, and non-English speaking residents. Most plans were designed for implementation within six months to a year, with budgets ranging from $0 to $1,250, to include spending resources on promotional activities and staffing hours. Students designed campaigns with the overall goal to support the Salem Police Department in meeting their mission to “provide superior service to keep Salem safe while enhancing trust.”
Open Access
Reimagining East Bend: Building a Stronger Community in the Heart of Oregon
(University of Oregon, 2025) Beckerman, Johnathan; Cody, Alyssa
Graduate Planning students worked with the City of Bend to redesign a 35-acre commercial site (the Project) over fall term 2024. Four teams applied a unique theme to the project, ranging from Walkability and Transportation; Climate Resilience; Placemaking; to Equitable Community. This report synthesizes each team’s findings, approach, and design proposal. It integrates data-driven insights, historical context, an iterative design process, and phased implementation to create a comprehensive final design addressing each theme. Students visited the site, met with City Councilors and planning staff, and analyzed the site’s designation as a potential Climate-Friendly Area (CFA). Students conducted demographic, economic, and housing needs assessments, supplemented by a review of Bend’s planning documents. This data-driven approach informed a site analysis that identified redevelopment opportunities and constraints. Planning and design frameworks, case studies, and other background research informed proposals that focused on flexible, community-centered designs. A class design charette translate theory into preliminary design concepts and aided in the development of foundational features such as street circulation and building form, laying the groundwork for future iterations. Each proposal recommended a phased approach to establish funding, increase community support, and mitigate displacement throughout the implementation process. As Bend considers the redevelopment of this strategic site, this report provides a range of integrated, adaptable solutions that align with city priorities and community aspirations. The proposals offer a vision for a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant space that enhances the quality of life for residents in Bend’s eastside community.
Open Access
Introducing Middle Housing in the City of Oakridge
(University of Oregon, 2025) Manning, Georgia
With the goal of introducing new housing types into a city primarily comprised of single-family dwellings, architecture students designed middle-density housing for the City of Oakridge. The course explored various dwelling typologies that fall under middle-density housing and looked at multiple strategies to integrate new dwelling types into established Oakridge neighborhoods. Students outlined their design intentions and goals for each project site to support their ideas. Many common themes emerged across projects such as individuality and autonomy, contextualizing new designs, and strengthening community relationships. Key findings underscore the need for a shared architectural language between new and existing buildings in Oakridge. The proposals also outline a series of strategies to create degrees of privacy. Diverse housing typologies are recommended to connect back to these degrees of privacy and promote differing residential experiences.
Open Access
Timber Tectonics in the Digital Age: Multi-use Structures for Silverton
(University of Oregon, 2025) Baidoo, KB
Exploring kit-of-parts construction, the Timber Tectonics team designed and prototyped an emergency shelter using modular stressed-skin panels, facilitating building expansion and sustainable reuse in alternative configurations. A kit-of-parts is a subset of building prefabrication in which building components are pre-engineered and prefabricated into standardized units from raw materials. The benefits of kit-of- parts construction are that it allows for rapid deployment as well as repeatable and reusable units that require little to no modification to be repurposed. To familiarize themselves with kit-of-parts theory and wood shelter construction, students first studied and modeled design precedents to establish a baseline of knowledge around wood shelters. The University of Oregon and Oregon State University combined diverse knowledge in the fields of architecture and engineering that was used to generate several creative design proposals. Working in groups, students from both universities met in person and on video calls throughout the project to draft, prototype, and model elements and ideas for the project. After a review from industry professionals, the student designs were consolidated into one. Students then regrouped to refine seven areas of the project: architectural design, stressed-skin panel design, connections, enclosure, structural analysis, construction, and project management. Student-led fabrication and assembly of the full-scale final prototype took place at Oregon State University’s Emmerson Lab, concluding with a final review. After the term, additional work was done to complete the components and disassemble them for future reuse. Lessons learned from this experience will be used to create a future of more sustainable, adaptable, expandable, and reusable buildings.
Open Access
Enriching Euphonium Repertoire Through a Reenvisioned "Art of Phrasing"
(University of Oregon, 2025-03)
ABSTRACT This reenvisioning of Jean-Baptiste Arban’s Art of Phrasing presents a collection of melodies by historically underrepresented composers, transcribed for brass instruments. It highlights works by women, people of color, and non-Western classical composers, whose contributions are often overlooked in brass pedagogy. Featuring music by Kassia, Hildegard von Bingen, Joseph Bologne, Florence Price, and others, the collection explores the composers' lives, the historical context of their music, and their pedagogical value. The importance of transcriptions in euphonium performance and pedagogy is examined, emphasizing their role in expanding repertoire, developing musicianship, and bridging historical gaps. Since the euphonium is a relatively recent instrument, much of its repertoire consists of transcriptions from other instruments and vocal works. This collection prioritizes vocal music, reinforcing the long-standing connection between brass playing and singing. A key objective is to increase representation in standard pedagogical materials. Selected works from historically underrepresented composers expand the scope of euphonium repertoire beyond the traditional European canon. The transcriptions maintain the integrity of the original compositions while adapting phrasing, articulation, and notation to suit brass musicians. Special attention is given to translating neumatic notation and interpreting vocal nuances for euphonium performance. Additionally, the pedagogical benefits of singing and song in brass playing are explored, drawing on the philosophies of Arnold Jacobs and other influential teachers. By integrating vocal techniques and transcriptions, euphonium players gain access to diverse, expressive, and historically rich material to develop their musicality.
Open Access
Navigating Through History: Interpretation at Historic Lighthouses and Recommended Measures for Best Practice- An Oregon Case Study
(University of Oregon, 2018-06) Yeley, Max
Eleven light stations and one lightship once constituted Oregon's coastal lighthouse system. Of this system, nine lighthouses remain standing, as well as the last Columbia River lightship. While each of these structures has its own unique history, they are united in their representation of a brief, but important era in the history of Oregon, as well as the larger Pacific Northwest region. Together, these lighthouses serve as reminders of a time when ships plied up and down America's west coast, importing vital goods from the East and exporting valuable commodities through numerous harbors. Through the years, the need for these beacons steadily declined, and most of Oregon's lighthouses were either decommissioned or automated by the late 1960s. During the second half of the twentieth century, public agencies were given charge of most of these beacons, and extensive preservation efforts took place over the following decades. Presently, seven of these structures, as well as the lightship Columbia (WLV-604), are accessible to the public and feature interpretive programming. Each of these sites facilitates interpretation according to individualized plans and policies; there are no overarching guidelines for this practice other than the brief suggestions provided within the Historic Lighthouse Preservation Handbook and a few guiding principles from regional agencies. Using three case studies, this project examines some of the interpretive strategies currently employed at these sites, which range from the simple placement of informational plaques to fully guided tours and living history presentations. Ultimately, this work proposes several guidelines, themes, and strategies for relevant, consistent, and thorough interpretation at historic lighthouses. Keeping the unique character and history of each site in mind, the proposed guidelines can be easily tailored to the needs and capabilities of each resource. Moreover, though the historic context and case studies that are presented deal specifically with Oregon's coastal lighthouses, the proposed guidelines and strategies may be theoretically applied to any historic lighthouse. [n the end, this project aspires to contribute to the larger discussion about how historic preservation can actively incorporate interpretation.
Open Access
Church Architecture in the Calumet-Laurium Settlement Area, Michigan: A Study of Ethno-Religious Forms, Regional Building Materials, Social History, and Preservation Issues
(University of Oregon, 1996-12) Yarbrough, Edward B.
As a thematic group, the church buildings of the Calumet-Laurium settlement area embody characteristics of regional architecture and symbolic roles as ethnic and denominational forms; their placement and use reflect the dynamic tension between conforming to the structures of humanism or to the example of Jesus Christ, a tension which pervaded nineteenth and twentieth century church doctrines. Although each church building uniquely reflects a combination of influences, they are tied to each other and to residential, commercial, and industrial forms as significant but endangered resources in the once urban landscape. As resources worthy of preservation, various methods for securing the future of church buildings are recommended. Effo11s to preserve church buildings should correspond to their significant interpretive value as embodiments of ethnic, denominational, and regional history. The use, design, location, setting, materials, workmanship, and associations, both historical and spiritual, substantiate the case for their preservation and interpretation.
Open Access
Balancing History and Nature in the Natinal Parks: The Management of the Bar BC Ranch in Grand Teton National Park
(University of Oregon, 2005-06) Scott, Sara Elizabeth
To understand the issues at play in the way cultural resources are managed in National Parks, this thesis examines the topic in general, and the management of one resource in detail, the Bar BC Ranch at Grand Teton National Park. The ranch's management history is examined in order to explore both the obstacles that have stood in the way of its preservation, and the recent changes in management that have resulted in: the stabilization of the ranch. The main factors affecting the management of the Bar BC have been the influence of park superintendents, the persistence of a perception of the park as a natural area, the limited interpretation of the vision of the park's patron, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the failure to recognize the significance of the Bar BC, and the lack of planning and maintenance during the period the ranch was under a lifetime lease.
Open Access
Historic Lighting 1900-1950: Fifty Years of Technological Advancements and Stylistic Innovations in Lighting Systems
(University of Oregon, 2000-06) Porter, Paul Robert
This compilation of information serves as a reference for American domestic interior lighting of the early twentieth century. The time span of 1900-1950 that was chosen addresses the group of structures that are now becoming eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the issues associated with historic lighting systems are discussed into two parts. Part One discusses the technological developments of lighting systems and the repair and maintenance of these historic systems. Part two gives stylistic history in both the architect designed context, and the vernacular context. Vernacular designs refer to those adapted from architect designed structures to different regions of the country using regional materials and cultural influences in the designs that often served to meld different elements together that an architect would not have otherwise used.
Open Access
Eugene Civic Stadium: History, Historic Structures Review, and Preservation Pitch
(University of Oregon, 2008-06) Perrin, Natalie K.
Eugene Civic Stadium is a multi-use athletic facility located in Eugene, Lane County, Oregon. Built in 1938, "Civic" has been continuously used as a municipal athletic facility since its completion, and is currently being nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. The 41 School District, the original and current owner, is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of one of Eugene's most beloved historic properties~ however, Civic was declared surplus in 2003 and little or no funds have been appropriated for maintenance and repairs to the site since. This terminal project will provide a complete history and a historic structures report addressing essential life-safety concerns. A preservation plan will focus directly on financial incentives available to publicly owned institutions. The preservation plan will incorporate green technologies in an effort to emphasize the role of historic preservation within the sustainability movement, and to assist in making Eugene Civic Stadium financially self-sustaining.
Open Access
Research, Documentation and Restoration Guidelines for Decorative Plasterwork at the Davenport Hotel, Spokane, Washington
(University of Oregon, 1988-06) McCroskey, Lauren L.
This study attempts to profile a relatively neglected period of the art of decorative plasterwork by focusing on early twentieth century American plasterwork. Using examples from the Davenport Hotel, Spokane, Washington, work from this era is evaluated for quality of design, craftsmanship and historical interpretation. The immediate goal of this research was to update the literature on the restoration of this decorative treatment and to formulate recommendations for decorative plaster at the Davenport Hotel. The subject of decorative plaster restoration was suggested by the diversity of plaster subjects within the Hotel, and by the range of technological and aesthetic issues confronted in these works. The course of research and the procedures offered here are meant to be useful guidelines for the preliminary assessment and research necessary for decorative plaster restoration. It was also intended that this study have broader application to similar projects involving the restoration of this decorative medium.
Open Access
Preserving the Institution: A Preservation Strategy for the Impending Closure of the Sonoma Developmental Center
(University of Oregon, 2016-06) Matuk, Brian
By 2018, the State of California will close the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC), a 125-year-old state operated institution in the Sonoma Valley, designed to house and treat the developmentally disabled . Today, the campus encompasses nearly 900 acres of land and a potential California Register and National Register Historic District- comprising dozens of historic, cultural, and tribal resources. However, as the closure date approaches, the State has yet to develop a plan to maintain or mothball the historic buildings and structures during the impending vacancy. This report develops a preservation strategy for the historic core of SDC, which evaluates the integrity, significance, and current conditions of each architectural resource, and defines both a maintenance and vacancy strategy from a preservation perspective. I intend for this preservation strategy to be a tool for the local preservation organizations to understand what resources exist, know the current conditions of each, and lobby the State for appropriate preservation and maintenance of the campus during its closure.
Open Access
A Study of the Probable Original Layouts, Uses, and Interior Appearance of the Officers' Quarters (HS-11) at American Camp
(University of Oregon, 2005-12-09) Lemchen, Aaron
A study originally prepared for the National Park Service to guide future restoration and interpretation of a c.1859 Military Officers' Quarters located in San Juan Island National Historical Park, Washington State. The building had been modified for residential use after the property was abandoned by the military in 1874. The exterior was restored in 1978 by the National Park Service (NPS) in a way that was incompatible with the modified interior condition of the building, dating from the early twentieth century; the interior of this resource is currently inaccessible to the public. Evidence was developed from contemporary sources including documentation by the Historic American Building Survey (HABS). In addition, original documentation of the site and building were used in combination with current physical investigations to discover locations of former interior walls. Samples of the finishes were recorded and/or physically removed for later analysis. Information about the layering of finishes, current physical investigation and historical documentation was used to construct a matrix documenting the evolution of the building and its finishes. The matrix consists of 6 periods divided into roughly 3 eras: Military, Agricultural, and Park eras. Based on this analysis 4 approaches to the treatment of this resource were identified: (I) Status Quo, (II) Restoration, (III) Study House, (IV) Hybrid Study House / Restoration. Option IV, was the recommended option for the National Park Service to pursue. It is a zoned approach allowing for the restoration of a wall where there is extensive evidence supporting it, while allowing for its spatially incompatible predecessor from the Agricultural era to be removed. The proposed restored wall will be historically sensitive, yet spatially compatible, on the east side of the building. In contrast the west side of the building would be left unmodified, preserving interior finishes from the agricultural era. The goal of this treatment plan is to interpret the historical change over time that has occurred within this resource and the landscape that surrounds it.
Open Access
BODIE, CALIFORNIA: UNDERSTANDING THE ARCHITECTURE AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF A GOLD MINING TOWN
(University of Oregon, 2000-06) Jimenez, Corri Lyn
Constructed between 1878-1900, the architecture of Bodie is principally vernacular, representing familiar architectural styles that were being constructed during the times, using a hodgepodge of diverse construction techniques. Bodie, like many western mining towns, was considered temporary when initially constructed. Reuse of building parts and relocation of entire structures were two repetitive problems common when examining mining town architecture. This thesis research is a historic architectural survey of the California State Park of Bodie that analyzes extant buildings' styles, histories, and construction techniques for three specific building types: residential, commercial, and public. In Bodie, fifteen buildings were surveyed and seven were chosen for formal architectural descriptions, which revealed similarities as well as differences. The purpose of this thesis was to complete full architectural descriptions on standing buildings and their auxiliaries that include full historical research.
Open Access
Sustainable, and Affordable, and Historic? Oh My! A Typology Study of Affordable and Sustainable Houses in Portland, OR.
(University of Oregon, 2022-06) Irwin, Madison L.
In the 1920's, the outskirts of Portland was considered rural homesteading land, given to eastern newcomers. Throughout Multnomah county, a series of "small homes" were built in the 1920's. They are recognizable for their small size and for their placement on their lot. These homes were considered the era's affordable housing solution. Today they offer a potential re-evaluation of how preservation, affordability, and sustainability intersect. These fields are sometimes pitted against each other but truly, at their core, they promote similar ideas of accessibility to safe and obtainable shelter. Considering the events of the last 100 years since these small homes were built, the greater Portland community can reevaluate how they want to move forward in terms of sustainability and affordable housing. The focus of this paper will be to provide a typology study that explores a specific example of how those three fields engage with each other beneficially.
Open Access
Designing to Prevent Vandalism in Historic Cemeteries: An Analysis of Change in Two of Eugene, Oregon's Historic Cemeteries Through Design Intervention
(University of Oregon, 2016-06) Herrell, Savannah
The terminal project "Designing to Prevent Vandalism in Historic Cemeteries: An Analysis of Change in Two of Eugene, Oregon's Historic Cemeteries Through Design Intervention," is an assessment of design intervention strategies that have been applied to in two local Oregon historic cemeteries in order to reduce vandalism. The field of cemetery conservation utilizes varied design interventions; however, there has been little analysis and measurement of the effectiveness of these strategies from a landscape architecture perspective. 1 Using conceptual frameworks from landscape architecture, psychology and historic preservation, this terminal project contributes to the field of preservation by creating a model for measuring design intervention strategy effectiveness. This will be achieved through case study analysis of two historic cemeteries: Eugene Masonic Cemetery and Eugene Pioneer Cemetery which were selected based on documented struggles with vandalism and a theorized change in the rate of vandalism in response to design intervention.