Cities are experiencing rapid warming due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which causes the city center to have higher air temperatures than the surrounding rural areas. This dissertation studies the effects of building design on the surrounding environment, particularly for heat release.The first paper in this dissertation (Chapter 2) quantifies the anthropogenic heat emissions from buildings and focuses on an archetype office building, the study is considering four U.S. cities with different climates. The results demonstrate that the building envelope is the main contributor to heat emission from a building, accounting for over 60% of the total heat emission in all cities for four-story buildings. Additionally, the study finds that substituting bare terrain with a constructed building increases sensed heat by more than 70% in all cities and building heights. The second paper (Chapter 3) of this dissertation identifies the key design variables that affect heat emissions and energy consumption in buildings. The study considers 15 U.S. cities that represents all 15 climate zones as defined by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). 10 design variables known for their impacts on energy consumption were identified via a literature review and used in the analysis. The results show that the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) consistently has a strong correlation with energy consumption in all climate zones. Roof and wall solar reflectance variables showed a very strong correlation with heat emissions from a building. The final paper of this dissertation (Chapter 4) presents the results of a survey distributed to experts in the architectural field, to evaluate the importance of different design variables that are related to heat emission and energy consumption. The survey also assessed the importance of considering heat emission as a design criterion during the design process when compared to energy consumption. These survey results provide new insights into how heat emission can be incorporated into the early design process. The dissertation then highlights the difference found via the survey results from the expert with the simulation results to identify the key design variable that relates to both heat emission and energy consumption.

Given the lack of research regarding designing culturally relevant housing for the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe, this study aimed to identify and evaluate key architectural design approaches that support Sault Ste. Marie Native culture. Key research questions guided the theoretical framework of the study, as well as the analysis of the final results. The questions include “What architectural design strategies have been used in the design of contemporary Native American Architecture in which the communities have key similarities or cultural overlap with the Sault Ste. Marie Indians?”, “How effective are each of these strategies and approaches in supporting these cultures and community needs?”, and “What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of these strategies in the context of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians’ culture and needs?”. In-depth literature and historical reviews were conducted to provide design principles and a basis for a housing architectural guideline for the Sault Tribe. A survey approved by the Institutional Review Board and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians was then conducted to collect data on tribal members’ demographics, views on culturally relevant design, and level of agreement with the proposed guideline points. Key survey results showed that tribal members felt low levels of connection to the Sault Tribe and agreed that a design guideline was necessary for future tribal housing. Furthermore, the results of the survey showed a high level of agreement with the proposed principles relating to sustainability, spatial planning, and building technology. Results also showed tribal members’ disagreements with several of the proposed guideline points, which further supported the need for a tribal-specific architectural design guideline rather than one general to all tribes. Based on the survey results the proposed design points were then organized into a tribal-specific final design guideline. Housing designs for the Sault Tribe were then created using the guideline, within the context of a reservation site in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and the current needs of tribal members. The housing designs serve as visual examples of the applicability of the guideline. The survey data, final guideline, and design examples will be significant resources for developing the Sault Tribes' urban environment and promoting cultural practice and survivance. The research will also contribute to the body of knowledge relating to contemporary Indigenous architecture.