Visualizing space: Designing discoursive tools for the built environment

This research explores methodologies that foster alternative conceptions of the built environment and emphasizes the need to visualize these alternatives. Beginning with autoethnography and participant observation, two qualitative methodologies that offer critical insight into the challenges of navigating urban space without a personal automobile, the researcher documents experiences of daily walking and transit use. These insights informed the creation of design artifacts that critique systemic issues embedded in the transportation infrastructure of the researcher's community. Building on this, this work advocates for the development of realistic 3D digital visualization interfaces as participatory tools to support a more human-centered, community-driven reimagining of the built environment.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.F.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Art and Design

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Stephens, Noelyn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Salamanca , Juan
• Robinson, Stacey
• Shaffer, Eric

• Built Environment
• Urban Design
• Co-creation
• Interaction Design

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright Noelyn Stephens 2025

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129727

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F129727