Traditional building materials and the sustainability of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College design

Abstract

<p>This thesis is about the ecological and cultural sustainability of a proposed design for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal College (CATC) in Weatherford, Oklahoma. The culture of the tribes combined with sustainable building systems are used as a basis for decision-making regarding the method of design. Upon the completion of the design process, the proposed materials and systems selected were analyzed based on their embodied energy and contribution to the facility's ability to operate off-the-grid. In choosing concrete, steel, glass and bamboo, which contribute to proper functioning of the systems, the academic building will be able to operate completely free of fossil fuels - a savings of over 4.5 trillion BTUs of energy or the equivalent of 785,000 barrels of oil over its lifetime. The contribution of both the campus itself and the students who graduate from CATC will assist the Tribe with future economic development and security.</p>