An illustrated paper consisting of three case studies. U9 Thesis Plan Template_Written Option This document is the overall format that guides you to write the content. It requires in-depth analysis and critical thinking. Not a description. Please finally write with U9_Assessment Matrix_Thesis_Sep24 this document scoring criteria a file!
Photos of personal experiences and photos of the first case are found here(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/csffrt0qfc7v48vnyrbe9/photograph.zip?rlkey=gkjymd90oyr50uwc69mv9nqkc&st=kyjacx3b&dl=0)I have a reference book that must be included in the photo and I have attached it.(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/u0p9cv11mm4nx1n3cz0hp/AJU_1aZH8q6d6bOYQX34Hvk?rlkey=i1a0aag0u67vbv5ppf5hjkvce&st=q9p3gcr7&dl=0)This is the basic requirement:
- Research question and rationale. In the introduction to your thesis, explain your topic, how you became interested in it and why you chose it. Introduce the question(s) you have about the topic and how you intended to answer these (which will relate to the structure).
- Structure. Your thesis should be structured clearly and logically, with an intro, middle and end. If chapter or section titles help you organise your work, you are encouraged to use these.
- Sources. Use credible sources only (e.g. academic or industry journals, publications, institutional websites). There should be at least five books, two articles and two websites listed, the majority of which should be English language resources (you will likely have many more than nine sources).
- Images. The illustrated thesis must include captioned images that relate to your text and draw out the spatial elements of your research.
- Harvard referencing. The illustrated thesis must be academically referenced and include a full bibliography. This is a requirement of learning outcome 4. See Cite Them Right Online for further guidance on referencing.
- Case studies. The thesis should address examples of interior and spatial design practice and you should aim to provide analysis or commentary on these, not merely description.
- Aim to meet the word count (5,000 words). Anything within 10% over or under will not be penalised, but anything more risks losing marks or failing the Communication assessment criteria. Bibliography and captions are not included in the word count.
Illustrated Thesis Assignment Brief
Thesis Title/Research Question
“How do Vanlife philosophy and contemporary camping trends drive the transformation of RV spatial design?”
This thesis explores how the rise of Vanlife and modern camping culture has influenced RV spatial design. The focus is on the transition from standardized to non-standardized, personalized, and multifunctional designs. Additionally, the paper will discuss how these trends impact the future of interior and spatial design.
Research Question and RationaleResearch Origin
The global COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to people’s lives. Lockdowns confined individuals to their homes, creating a sense of isolation and monotony. Economic uncertainties further added to the pressure, prompting many to seek solace and freedom in nature. Camping and outdoor travel gained immense popularity during this period as a safe and rejuvenating escape.
Like many others, I experienced this shift firsthand. My friends and I traveled in standardized all-in-one RVs to escape the pressures of daily life and connect with nature. However, we soon realized the limitations of these standardized designs: fixed layouts, lack of flexibility, and poor adaptation to diverse user needs. This realization inspired us to start a custom RV conversion business, turning ordinary vehicles into personalized and multifunctional mobile homes. Our goal was to cater to a wide range of users, from budget-conscious travelers creating coffee-selling vans to off-road adventurers requiring expandable, functional interiors.
These trends highlight the cultural shift towards outdoor lifestyles and the demand for non-standardized, user-driven RV designs. This thesis will delve into these shifts and explore how design evolution aligns with contemporary user needs and cultural values.
Thesis Requirements
- Word Count
- 5000 words (±10% allowed).
- Structure
- Introduction: Introduce Vanlife and camping culture trends, the research question, and the thesis objective.
- Background Research: Discuss RV design evolution and the rise of Vanlife and camping culture, supported by relevant data.
- Case Studies: Analyze three case studies:
- Case 1: Personal custom RV conversion projects.(The photos of the RV I designed and the photos of our camping trip are in this link https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/csffrt0qfc7v48vnyrbe9/photograph.zip?rlkey=gkjymd90oyr50uwc69mv9nqkc&st=a2f50zvy&dl=0)
- Case 2: The intersection of camping culture and interior design (e.g., Kengo Kuma and Snow Peak’s project).
- Case 3: Modular and rapidly deployable spaces (e.g., NYC Emergency Housing Prototype).
- Discussion: Summarize trends and discuss how flexibility, functionality, and personalization shape RV design.
- Conclusion: Present key findings and propose future research directions.
- Case Study Details
- Case 1:
- Focus on transitioning from standardized RVs to personalized designs.
- Examples: Coffee-selling van conversions and off-road expandable RVs.
- Case 2:
- Explore how modular and sustainable designs influence interior spaces.
- Example: Kengo Kuma and Snow Peak’s modular projects.
- Case 3:
- Investigate how modular and deployable spaces address future spatial needs.
- Example: NYC Emergency Housing Prototype.
- Case 1:
- Data and Visuals
- Incorporate statistics (e.g., RV sales growth, social media trends, user preferences).
- Include diagrams, sketches, and images to illustrate concepts and designs.
- Referencing Style
- Use Harvard referencing format with a complete bibliography.
Expected Deliverables
- A complete 5000-word thesis with integrated visuals.
- Clear references to academic sources, industry data, and case studies.
- Conceptual diagrams or sketches illustrating spatial design ideas.