Abstract

The project began with investigating a regional asset of interest: the Genesee River. Initial research into this area revealed that the river suffers from poor water quality. The causes and effects of poor water quality were explored, and it was determined that excess nutrients – namely phosphorus – play a critical role in the water quality of the Genesee River and present downstream risk at the river’s point of outflow in Lake Ontario. An examination of peer-reviewed literature, contemporary examples in the built environment where similar water quality issues were addressed, and existing watershed design frameworks were conducted to understand water quality issues and potential solutions. The methodology involved the analysis of examined literature and precedents, which led to the formulation of an inventory of potential problem-solving strategies. This was followed by a sequence of steps to synthesize project research into a decision-support tool for selecting interventions that address water quality issues. A preliminary design exercise on a site within the City of Rochester adjacent to the Genesee River demonstrated the decision-support tool’s function to solve the identified problem and reveal strengths and weaknesses when spatially applied. While the design showed potential in reducing the Genesee River’s excess nutrient volume, its effectiveness was limited. Due to its comprehensive approach, it was concluded that the decision-support tool may be a beneficial addition to the early stages of urban site planning with a focus on water quality management or existing watershed plan development. The expanded inclusion of considerations absent from this project could lead to more robust project outcomes, but additional research is required.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Watershed management--New York (State)--Rochester; Water quality management--Genesee River (Pa. and N.Y.); Decision support systems; City planning

Publication Date

5-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Architecture (M.Arch.)

Department, Program, or Center

Architecture, Department of

College

Golisano Institute for Sustainability

Advisor

Dennis A. Andrejko

Advisor/Committee Member

Julius Chiavaroli

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ARCH-MARCH

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