Master’s of Architecture Thesis. Northeastern University Spring 2025

Welcome to pioneer valley

How do we promote the legacy of A valley?

Pioneer Valley is located in Western Massachusetts. The valley, a complex landscape shaped by the increasing intricacy of food systems, ecotourism developments, Indigenous land politics, flooding, nature conservation programs, precarious farm labor, and rural homelessness.

My thesis focuses on enhancing the legacy of the valley by creating land ownership strategies in collaboration with sustainable culinary tourism.

The thesis is set to be concluded in May 2025.

  • Connecticut river

  • Farmer Barns

  • Farmers Market

  • TRAILWAY PARKS

  • Grape VINE

more about pioneer valley…

Located in Western Massachusets, The Pioneer Valley combines rich ecology and communities. The Connecticut River acts as the center for farming, tourist activities, and historical research.

The image depicts the different ecobarriers located in the valley. In addition to that, the valley is home to historical and new trails that were once used by indigenous communities.

The orange represents the nodes of indigenous community settlements, some used as active camps or community centers.

Understanding The Objective

Over ten thousand years, the indigenous groups of the Pioneer Valley interacted with each other and nature through a notion of common ground. Just as the land influenced their cultural way of life, they too shaped the land in a way that sustained them as well as their diverse neighbors. When colonized by European settlers, the Valley experienced a rapid amount of unprecedented change within a short timeframe relative to what it was used to. This dramatically altered the landscape and biodiversity levels.

Constructing the Valley

This research explores the existing education-driven systems in the Pioneer Valley and how they are serving as a catalyst to reshape future land ownership dynamics whilst promoting the authenticity and integrity of the region’s cultural heritage and values. The exploration also focuses on the potential impact of tourism and how it can be used as a machine to promote funding.

CREATING A STRATEGY

The trials play an important role in understanding how the strategy works. Not only is there an existing system of trails, but it also holds important historical knowledge and education opportunities.

The idea is to create a system of opportunities for farmers, immigrants, local business owners, and tourists to connect and learn from each other. There is value in community enhancement and nurturing an existing system.

The project aims to promote and sustain communal land ownership that allows ownership opportunities for future farmers who are struggling to find a start.

The strategy will utilize an existing/new trail system that acts as a connecting element for the nodes created. It will also compose various programs along the trails that could potentially benefit the system.

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ARCHITECTURE