PhD Oral Exam - Natalie Voland, Individualized Program in Engineering

When studying for a doctoral degree (PhD), candidates submit a thesis that provides a critical review of the current state of knowledge of the thesis subject as well as the student’s own contributions to the subject. The distinguishing criterion of doctoral graduate research is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.

Once accepted, the candidate presents the thesis orally. This oral exam is open to the public.

Abstract

By combining insights from sustainable development frameworks, transdisciplinary collaboration models, and real estate decision-making processes, this research seeks to generate actionable solutions for climate-resilient, inclusive, and economically viable urban development. The Yield Development Framework is designed to address emerging global concerns about climate risk, social equity, and financial stability by providing developers with a structured, adaptable tool for sustainable decision-making. This research aims to address the inherent uncertainty of markets, the contradiction and interconnectivity of projects by creating a framework and subsequent tool that encourages private developers to build resilient, adaptable and inclusive development models that align with market goals and long-term societal well-being.

The methodology of this research focused on a contemporary literature review of barriers and opportunities for private developers to build environmentally sustainable and inclusive real estate including relevant and opportunistic views of theoretical frameworks beyond typical development. These findings were then used to analyze different case studies both in the individual building and neighborhood scale where lessons learned, and key takeaways lay the foundations for building the novel, pragmatic and theoretically grounded Yield Development Frameworks as an approach to reconcile financial, environmental and social competing interests in contemporary real estate. Qualitative interviews were held with key stakeholders that combined with earlier research to create system maps linked to additional field participant observations.

By de-risking climate vulnerabilities and improving affordability strategies, the Yield Development Framework has the potential to transform real estate development practices in alignment with today's values and political realities.