Thesis
Influences of acculturation on house form as reflected in a Russian immigrant group in the United States
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2006
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/562
Abstract
The purpose of this research is an exploration of the influences of acculturation on house form, as it is reflected in a space plan, of Russian immigrants in the United States. In order to observe how cultural change influences house form this research explores the nature of the relationship between culture and house form, the acculturation process, the cultural background and the present day life of the Russian immigrant group. Demographic research indicates that a foreign-born population of the United States represents a large number of the homeowners. Thus, in residential design cultural needs of this population should be considered. The consideration of the cultural needs results in a culturally appropriate environment. This environment is also called supportive because it promotes familiar activities for the inhabitants. This does not require restructuring cognitive schemata, thus reduces stress. The reduction of stress is necessary in early stages of acculturation because recent immigrants experience multiple stresses upon arrival in a new country. However, the amount of experienced stress and a need for a culturally appropriate environment can change under the influence of a different culture. This cultural change that happened as a result of a conjunction of two or more autonomous cultural systems constitutes acculturation. Since design and culture are intimately related a change in culture can result in a change of housing needs and preferences. This research explores this relationship of design and culture by focusing on the exploration of influences of acculturation on house form of Russian immigrants. This exploration suggests that the American house type is not a culturally specific environment for the newly arrived immigrants. Hence, it does not constitute a supportive environment. The understanding of the culturally appropriate environment resulted in a set of guidelines for a space planning of the Russian immigrants' house.
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Details
- Title
- Influences of acculturation on house form as reflected in a Russian immigrant group in the United States
- Creators
- Hanna Kokurina
- Contributors
- Nancy H. Blossom (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Design and Construction, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Pullman, Wash. :
- Identifiers
- 99900525042201842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis