Renovation & Relocation : MIT Undergraduate Residences : How could MIT house students during the renovations of undergraduate residences in order to mitigate the negative impacts of displacement?

Abstract

As MIT renovates many of its undergraduate dormitories, special attention must be paid to the fate of displaced students and communities. This thesis examines the context that necessitates renewal processes on college campuses and at MIT specifically. It connects the issue to existing displacement research from urban renewal and gentrification, as well as theories of practice for participatory planning processes. Much of the research involves interviews held with students from communities that have been displaced by recent emergencies and renovations as well as communities in buildings that are slated for future renovation. The key findings are used to form a number of recommendations for best practices in future planned displacements at MIT.