Journal Description
Architecture
Architecture
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on studies related to architectural research published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 33.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Architecture is a companion journal of Buildings and Sustainability.
Latest Articles
Exploring the Relationship between Urban Design and Social Capital: A Systematic Quantitative Literature Review
Architecture 2024, 4(3), 493-514; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4030027 - 17 Jul 2024
Abstract
The aim of this article is to explore the relationship between urban design and social capital in the existing literature. Through a systematic quantitative literature review (SQLR) approach, this study seeks to offer insights into this relationship, investigating trends and gaps. The review
[...] Read more.
The aim of this article is to explore the relationship between urban design and social capital in the existing literature. Through a systematic quantitative literature review (SQLR) approach, this study seeks to offer insights into this relationship, investigating trends and gaps. The review revealed that the relationship is complex and not well defined. It emphasised a consistency across the literature of references to the key historical figures and movements. Two major themes emerged as key topics of interest in the reviewed literature: the built environment outcomes and community participation. The research also revealed that the relationship between urban design and social capital is underexplored, with a lack of contemporary relevant references contributing to this topic. This deficiency results in a body of academic literature that does not fully address or reflect current industry practices and innovations. The review concludes that there is a need to shift focus globally. We need to incorporate multicultural references and case studies to learn from diverse contexts as well as multi-level collaborations between the designer and community to prepare for the different challenges that communities are currently grappling with.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing)
►
Show Figures
Open AccessArticle
Outcomes of Biophilic Design for Schools
by
William Browning and Jim Determan
Architecture 2024, 4(3), 479-492; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4030026 - 15 Jul 2024
Abstract
Biophilia is the theory that humans are innately connected to nature. As a basis for forming built space, biophilic design has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognition and enhance mood—it makes us happier. In the last 20 years, research in learning spaces
[...] Read more.
Biophilia is the theory that humans are innately connected to nature. As a basis for forming built space, biophilic design has been proven to reduce stress, improve cognition and enhance mood—it makes us happier. In the last 20 years, research in learning spaces has shown an association between biophilic design and student mood, calmness and improved standardized test scores. In 2019, a group of architects, scientists and educators led an experiment involving 6th-grade Math students at the Green Street Academy, which found that student stress was significantly reduced and learning significantly improved in a classroom enriched with biophilic strategies. The architects applied these strategies to the design of Bethel Hanberry Elementary School, and after a year of occupancy, an independent assessment found positive perceptions of the biophilic design, fewer behavior referrals, better teacher retention, lower absenteeism and improved test scores. In both a controlled research experiment and real-world application, the design of learning space, using biophilic strategies, has a significant impact.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biophilic School Design for Health and Wellbeing)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00026/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00026-g001-550.jpg?1721739286)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Biophilic School: A Critical Synthesis of Evidence-Based Systematic Literature Reviews
by
Kenneth Fisher
Architecture 2024, 4(3), 457-478; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4030025 - 12 Jul 2024
Abstract
Biophilic design emphasises human connections to nature to enhance health and well-being. In health and medical environments, the biophilic design hypothesis suggests improved healing and health outcomes when patients have a connection to nature. Emerging evidence indicates that if teachers and students experience
[...] Read more.
Biophilic design emphasises human connections to nature to enhance health and well-being. In health and medical environments, the biophilic design hypothesis suggests improved healing and health outcomes when patients have a connection to nature. Emerging evidence indicates that if teachers and students experience a greater sense of health and well-being in the campus environment, they are likely to have better teaching and learning outcomes. To understand this at a deep level, a critical synthesis and analysis of some fifty systematic reviews outlines the significant emerging body of evidence in support of this approach. Systematic reviews are a fundamental basis for new research to be framed in the context of existing research findings within the evidence-based research methodology. Key outcomes of this critical synthesis review are that there is compelling evidence of some 70 health and well-being factors being improved though biophilic design. Also, organising an agreed taxonomy of biophilic design and health and well-being elements at a granular level would assist in simplifying and compiling the evidence of the benefits of such an approach to inform school funding, planning, design and operations authorities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biophilic School Design for Health and Wellbeing)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00025/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00025-g001-550.jpg?1721281994)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Toolkit of Biophilic Interventions for Existing Schools to Enhance Student and Faculty Health and Performance
by
Kari Leif and Vivian Loftness
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 445-456; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020024 - 20 Jun 2024
Abstract
School learning environments play a crucial role in both student and faculty outcomes; however, the limited funding allocated to public school facilities can result in poor environmental conditions which can hinder occupant health and performance. Existing school facilities must then explore affordable retrofit
[...] Read more.
School learning environments play a crucial role in both student and faculty outcomes; however, the limited funding allocated to public school facilities can result in poor environmental conditions which can hinder occupant health and performance. Existing school facilities must then explore affordable retrofit strategies that can effectively improve health and performance outcomes. The emerging field of biophilic design offers significant potential for improving existing school environments with benefits for both the students and faculty. Through case study research, this study proposes a toolkit of 42 biophilic retrofits for existing K-12 schools in a set of stakeholder cards that illustrate precedents, known impacts, and their relevance to high-performance schools. Additionally, a stakeholder card sorting study was conducted to establish the perceived viability and impact of each strategy. The findings reveal that biophilic retrofit design strategies are perceived by school community stakeholders to be impactful with varying levels of affordability. These findings further demonstrate that a toolkit of biophilic interventions for K-12 schools will offer invaluable insights to improve student and faculty conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biophilic School Design for Health and Wellbeing)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00024/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00024-g001-550.jpg?1718934941)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Controversial Make-Over of a ‘Make-Believe’ Heritage—The Transformation of Guangrenwang Temple
by
Lui Tam
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 416-444; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020023 - 11 Jun 2024
Abstract
This article discusses issues related to sustainable heritage management in China and problematises two dichotomies in heritage practices and research: the ‘Eastern/Western’ approaches and the tangible–intangible divide. It addresses these issues by examining the dramatic ‘make-over’ project of Guangrenwang Temple in Shanxi Province,
[...] Read more.
This article discusses issues related to sustainable heritage management in China and problematises two dichotomies in heritage practices and research: the ‘Eastern/Western’ approaches and the tangible–intangible divide. It addresses these issues by examining the dramatic ‘make-over’ project of Guangrenwang Temple in Shanxi Province, China. The ‘make-over’ project transformed a small rural temple with a ninth-century timber structure into an architectural history museum, with a combination of private, public, and crowd-sourced funding. A real-estate corporation played a significant role in the project’s initiative and organised a large-scale national and international publicity campaign around the project. Previously unknown to most laypeople in China, the temple attracted much debate since the project’s completion, revolving around its ‘cultural legitimacy’, the design’s appropriateness, the sustainability of the revitalisation, and the implications of the project to its ‘heritage value’ and authenticity. This article traces the opinions, actions, and effects of the temple’s heritage assemblage and reveals the causal powers contributing to the emergence and transformation of associations within. It further questions the project team’s claims regarding the project’s effects on the historic setting’s authenticity and its long-term social impact on the relationship between the temple and its community. It reveals five controversies regarding the choice of its curation theme, architectural language, decision-making, and management models. The complexities manifested in the actors’ actions and effects demonstrate the ambiguous boundaries between the tangible and the intangible, and the perceived ‘Western’ and ‘Eastern’ approaches.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Future of Built Heritage Conservation)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00023/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00023-g001-550.jpg?1718093465)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Occupant-Centric Digital Twin: A Case Study on Occupant Engagement in Thermal Comfort Decision-Making
by
Sanaz Saadatifar, Azadeh Omidfar Sawyer and Daragh Byrne
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 390-415; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020022 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
In open and shared workplaces, like co-working spaces or educational studios, thermal preferences vary widely among occupants. With the rise of flexible organizational workplace strategies, the challenge lies in balancing optimum, efficient temperature setpoints with maintaining occupants’ comfort. A potential solution involves a
[...] Read more.
In open and shared workplaces, like co-working spaces or educational studios, thermal preferences vary widely among occupants. With the rise of flexible organizational workplace strategies, the challenge lies in balancing optimum, efficient temperature setpoints with maintaining occupants’ comfort. A potential solution involves a deeper understanding of variations in indoor climate and building occupants’ decision-making and preferences. This paper explores how an Occupant-Centric Digital Twin (OCDT) might address this by mapping indoor microclimates through a grid of IoT temperature sensors in real time. A large-screen display is utilized to present and visualize these data in an open workplace. The goal is to enhance awareness and provide agency for occupants to identify zones that align with their individual thermal preferences. A mixed-method occupant study (N = 27) was conducted to validate the approach. Exposure to the OCDT display resulted in higher thermal satisfaction among participants (p-value = 1.269 × 10−5, 0.05 significance level). The novelty of OCDT lies in extending the use of digital twin technology from facility managers to occupants, by granting them the agency to address comfort issues even in buildings where they lack direct control over the thermostat. This approach paves the way for a future where occupants in open workspaces can make informed decisions about where to work and how to achieve thermal comfort in those choices.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00022/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00022-g001-550.jpg?1719380608)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Teacher and Parent Perception of Biophilic Conditions in Primary-School Environments and Their Impact on Children’s Wellbeing
by
Bethania Lanzaro and Marcella Ucci
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 367-389; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020021 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The term “biophilia” refers to the intrinsic affinity that humans have towards nature, natural elements and natural processes. Biophilic design theories suggest that the introduction or representation of natural characteristics or elements into the built environment can help enhance people’s health and wellbeing.
[...] Read more.
The term “biophilia” refers to the intrinsic affinity that humans have towards nature, natural elements and natural processes. Biophilic design theories suggest that the introduction or representation of natural characteristics or elements into the built environment can help enhance people’s health and wellbeing. Primary school buildings are important environments where children spend considerable time. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of their biophilic features on the children themselves and on perceptions of important facilitators of children’s wellbeing, such as teachers and parents. This research aims to investigate whether teachers and parents perceive children to have a preference or desire for specific biophilic characteristics in their school’s physical environment; and whether teachers perceive some biophilic characteristics as having an effect on children’s performance and behaviour. A framework for evaluating biophilic characteristics in primary schools was developed. Two case study primary schools in London and Bath (England, UK) were audited against this framework, and teachers and parents were surveyed. The results suggest that children do have a preference towards the specific biophilic features studied, which is stronger and more demanding when the exposure is higher. For some aspects, teachers’ perception of benefits is also susceptible to the quality of the environment itself.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biophilic School Design for Health and Wellbeing)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00021/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00021-g001-550.jpg?1719369984)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
A Conservation Strategy for the Sanatorio Carlos Duran Cartín in Costa Rica
by
Andrea Elena Sibaja Matamoros and Andrea Garzulino
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 342-366; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020020 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
The Sanatorio Carlos Duran Cartín in Costa Rica is a noteworthy example of tuberculosis sanatorium architecture. Positioned within the broader context of Latin American architectural heritage conservation, the research pays specific attention to tuberculosis sanatoriums as a prevalent architectural typology from the early
[...] Read more.
The Sanatorio Carlos Duran Cartín in Costa Rica is a noteworthy example of tuberculosis sanatorium architecture. Positioned within the broader context of Latin American architectural heritage conservation, the research pays specific attention to tuberculosis sanatoriums as a prevalent architectural typology from the early 1900s to the 1940s. Its historical and cultural significance is explored through contextualizing its architectural value and identifying current challenges and conservation needs. Using archival documents and photographic evidence, the study aimed to delineate tangible and intangible values associated with the complex, thus justifying the need for its preservation and safeguarding. Furthermore, the study aimed to establish guidelines and a conceptual framework for a conservation strategy designed for the Sanatorio Duran.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Architectural Heritage. New Urban Perspectives: Conceptual, Methodological, Technical and Management Advances)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00020/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00020-g001-550.jpg?1717061727)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Brutalist Figure—Grid: Exploring New York Brutalism
by
Jonathan Letzter
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 316-341; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020019 - 22 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The grid plays a prominent role in architecture, aiding in space organization and influencing all aspects of planning, ranging from urban design to intricate building details. This paper posits that the grid receives heightened emphasis in Brutalism, particularly in constructivist Brutalism, where materials
[...] Read more.
The grid plays a prominent role in architecture, aiding in space organization and influencing all aspects of planning, ranging from urban design to intricate building details. This paper posits that the grid receives heightened emphasis in Brutalism, particularly in constructivist Brutalism, where materials and construction are intentionally exposed. A question arises regarding the grid’s characteristics—despite its subtle appearance, the grid can sometimes be deceptive, ambiguous, and manipulative. The paper analyzes the merits and drawbacks of employing the grid in architecture, shedding light on its contributions to both structural and perceptual comprehensibility, as well as its role in increasing usefulness. To illustrate the application and perception of the grid, the paper examines two primary planning levels: urban planning and building design. The case studies focus on examples from New York City housing developments, specifically those constructed between the 1950s and the 1970s, and projects by architect I. M. Pei, which offer valuable insights into practical implementation. The paper concludes that while the grid can establish order, it may also engender an “uncanny” feeling.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00019/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00019-g001-550.jpg?1716380601)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Smithsons’ Unbuilt Projects: Considerations on the Retirement House Approach
by
João Miguel Fidalgo and Helder Casal Ribeiro
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 303-315; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020018 - 20 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
The Retirement House (1959) was a project developed by Peter Smithson that did not have the opportunity to be materialized beyond the drawing; therefore, we will use this proposal as a case study to investigate deeper into his design themes. Two texts will
[...] Read more.
The Retirement House (1959) was a project developed by Peter Smithson that did not have the opportunity to be materialized beyond the drawing; therefore, we will use this proposal as a case study to investigate deeper into his design themes. Two texts will be considered, “The nature of home: it’s equipment and furniture” and “Container and Contained”, presented, respectively, in the publications “Ordinariness and Light” and “Alison and Peter Smithson—from the House of Future to a house of today”, as a “guide” for an interpretation of the project. The Retirement House, recognised as being set within their Appliance Houses research, is charged through the different influences and cultural references that inhabit the Smithsons’ oeuvre in the 50s. As a main objective, we intend to show in more detail the inception and design themes of the case study through the analysis of installations, texts and other projects that serve as an experimental legacy. We intend to demonstrate the functional character and interconnection of spaces present in the work of Alison and Peter Smithson that form an operative design tool, set within the capacity of a topological variation that can imprint a flexibility value, with pronounced interest in contemporary architecture and the current housing crises. The present article is part of ongoing PhD research on Alison and Peter Smithson’s work.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00018/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00018-g001-550.jpg?1716883708)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Status of Livability in Indonesian Affordable Housing
by
Laksana Gema Perdamaian and Zhiqiang (John) Zhai
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 281-302; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020017 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Indonesia is experiencing population growth, as well as urbanization, thus increasing the needs of housing. As a result, land prices are soaring, and the housing supply cannot meet the demand. The most recent measure to overcome housing problems is the One Million House
[...] Read more.
Indonesia is experiencing population growth, as well as urbanization, thus increasing the needs of housing. As a result, land prices are soaring, and the housing supply cannot meet the demand. The most recent measure to overcome housing problems is the One Million House Program, which aims to provide more than a million homes annually, with the majority of them being simple housing. The main characteristics of simple housing are limited space, limited facilities, and the use of basic materials. Regulation stated that any housing must satisfy the requirement of livable housing, which means the fulfilment of safety, health, and living-area requirements. This paper looks at affordability, livability, and sustainability criteria based on government regulation. It is found that the performance of housing cannot satisfy some of the requirements. The problems come from either inherently limited housing design, occupant requirements, or local climates. The existing research only focuses on one of three factors. Intertwined relationships between the three factors make an integrated approach necessary. A solution based on integrated performance modeling of the criteria is proposed.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00017/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00017-g001-550.jpg?1715335292)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Architects’ Perception of Quality of Life—Impact, Practice, and Barriers
by
Stine Lea Jacobi and Thomas Bjørner
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 267-280; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020016 - 8 May 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
This study intended to identify the perception of quality of life (QoL) among architects, how architecture can impact QoL, and which barriers architects perceive to impact QoL. Numerous studies have emphasized the significance of the built environment in determining QoL, especially in institutional
[...] Read more.
This study intended to identify the perception of quality of life (QoL) among architects, how architecture can impact QoL, and which barriers architects perceive to impact QoL. Numerous studies have emphasized the significance of the built environment in determining QoL, especially in institutional buildings. However, there has been less focus on how architects perceive QoL and how the concept is applied in their planning and design for residential buildings. The contribution of this study is to provide an increasingly important awareness of how to improve the architects’ considerations to build for QoL. The study is based on qualitative data from in-depth interviews with ten architects and one workshop with seven architects. The participants were selected by quota sampling and were all partners or owners of Danish architectural firms that provide housing services and are representative of the Danish architectural industry. The results reveal that the perceptions of QoL among architects are linked to three primary dimensions: health, a sense of harmony, and the experience of enchantment. The participants perceived that architectural design could impact QoL in three primary dimensions: the environment, the experience of enchantment, and health. The most frequent perceived barriers are linked to the economy and resources, building codes and regulations, and knowledge and communication.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00016/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00016-g001-550.jpg?1715159234)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology in the Protection of Goods of Cultural Interest (GCIs): The Case of the Castle of Cala (Huelva, Spain)
by
Gina M. Núñez-Camarena, Rafael Herrera-Limones and Álvaro López-Escamilla
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 247-266; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020015 - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Currently, the use of modern technologies, such as UAVs, allows for a detailed analysis of the protection of Sites of Cultural Interest (BICs) in Spain. Cala Castle in Huelva is selected for this study, which is one of the most important medieval fortifications
[...] Read more.
Currently, the use of modern technologies, such as UAVs, allows for a detailed analysis of the protection of Sites of Cultural Interest (BICs) in Spain. Cala Castle in Huelva is selected for this study, which is one of the most important medieval fortifications in the mountainous region and was rehabilitated between 2003 and 2011. After a decade of its architectural rehabilitation, the use of this new UAV technology will allow the creation of a database of the property and its surroundings, made up of a series of 3D models and photogrammetric studies of the territory. This analysis allows us two complementary readings to the original study: on the one hand, to characterize the natural and landscape context of Cala Castle, and on the other, to identify the pre-existence of a series of historic buildings, which have historically articulated this region. The 3D models obtained provide relevant graphic information. The current state of the BIC allows this space to be considered for reactivation as a social space at the regional level. The visuals of the regional environment allow us to identify that the most recent growth has been articulated longitudinally along the N-630 highway, this infrastructure being the backbone of the nucleus. As a pilot test, the beginning of this graphic and visual database (3D) at a regional level will provide a valuable tool for the conservation and registration of built heritage, given that it seeks to incorporate other fortifications that make up Banda Gallega with the aim of defining a sustainable development strategy at county level.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Architectural Heritage. New Urban Perspectives: Conceptual, Methodological, Technical and Management Advances)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00015/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00015-g001-550.jpg?1714484117)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Impact of Solar Shading on Façades’ Surface Temperatures under Summer and Winter Conditions by IR Thermography
by
María del Mar Barbero-Barrera, Ricardo Tendero-Caballero and María García de Viedma-Santoro
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 221-246; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020014 - 29 Apr 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
In warm climates with high levels of solar irradiation, solar shading plays a determinant role on buildings’ envelope performance, both during summer and winter conditions. In this research, an evaluation of the solar shading effect on sunny façades through IR thermography non-destructive testing
[...] Read more.
In warm climates with high levels of solar irradiation, solar shading plays a determinant role on buildings’ envelope performance, both during summer and winter conditions. In this research, an evaluation of the solar shading effect on sunny façades through IR thermography non-destructive testing was performed. Sunny and shaded areas revealed temperature differences of 7.4 °C in summer conditions and up to 1.2 °C in wintertime. Moreover, solar shading was shown to be beneficial not only for decreasing surface temperature in summertime but also for reducing convective air flow in wintertime. In addition, it was found that the prevalence of dense shadows, especially with non-reflective materials in louvres, is favorable. External Thermal Insulation Constructive Systems (ETICS) must be shadowed and the use of clear colors is recommended to reinforce homogeneity in the surface in wintertime and reduce solar absorptance in summertime. Under steady-state calculations, thermal losses can be reduced up to 30% at night in wintertime and up to 50–60% at daytime in summertime because of the shadowing. However, another important finding lied in the confirmation of the performance gap that arises between using air temperature, sol-air temperature and the actual surface temperature data, in such a way that the two former implied high levels of inaccuracy and overestimated the performance of the buildings compared to the actual behavior. Some of the main conclusions can be extrapolated to other circumstances.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00014/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00014-g001-550.jpg?1714382119)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Towards Transdisciplinary Heritage Assessment: An Analysis of the Use of Landscape Study Methods as a Holistic Toolbox for Cultural Site Characterisation in the Spanish Context
by
Celia López-Bravo
Architecture 2024, 4(2), 197-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4020013 - 28 Mar 2024
Abstract
This research work arises from the need to design specific techniques for the characterisation of cultural sites. Assuming the increasing complexity of the protection typologies, the expansion of working scales gives thanks to technology and the pursuit of social sustainability objectives. Thus, its
[...] Read more.
This research work arises from the need to design specific techniques for the characterisation of cultural sites. Assuming the increasing complexity of the protection typologies, the expansion of working scales gives thanks to technology and the pursuit of social sustainability objectives. Thus, its main objective is to search for innovative tools that other disciplines can contribute to the work of architects specialising in heritage studies. To this end, the research explores the main methodologies, maps, guides, and registers of landscape and historic landscape characterisation developed in Europe, particularly in Spain, over the last 40 years. Considering this intense and profound evolution of landscape analysis, useful strategies for the assessment of cultural sites from their conception in the 21st century arise. Nevertheless, landscape characterisation methods have been mainly developed and applied by geographers and are absent in many urban and territorial heritage studies. In response, this article proposes a new methodological approach focusing on contextual values to be used in the assessment of architectural heritage at the territorial scale.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Architectural Heritage. New Urban Perspectives: Conceptual, Methodological, Technical and Management Advances)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00013/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00013-g001-550.jpg?1718261237)
Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Landscape Design and Drawing as Tools for Understanding Climate Emergency and Sustainability
by
Anastasia Nikologianni
Architecture 2024, 4(1), 188-196; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4010012 - 18 Mar 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
Acknowledging the importance of climate challenges to our environment, landscape and cities, this review focuses on the exploration of visual methods (e.g., design, drawing, sketches) in relation to a deeper understanding of climate emergency and sustainability on a spatial scale. It provides an
[...] Read more.
Acknowledging the importance of climate challenges to our environment, landscape and cities, this review focuses on the exploration of visual methods (e.g., design, drawing, sketches) in relation to a deeper understanding of climate emergency and sustainability on a spatial scale. It provides an overview of existing research and highlights the role design and drawing can play in landscape-led projects, as well as the impact these might have on behavioural change and decision-making. Looking at how design and drawing are perceived in landscape architecture and what their contribution is to the narrative of a project as well as the decisions made, this paper establishes a connection between pictorial forms and landscape. At the same time, this paper explores whether visualisations are used in relation to the climate and environmental challenges we face, sharing some light on the role they can play with regards to climate awareness and sustainability and how important they might be for our communities, cities and regions. This review highlights the need for further research around this topic and explains that there is a minor part of the literature looking at ways in which landscape design can be integrated into the wider climate emergency agenda and how this might influence behavioural change and the decision-making of various stakeholders.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Landscape of Sustainable Cities: Emerging Futures)
Open AccessArticle
Space Syntax at Expression of Science on User Flows in Open and Closed Spaces Aimed at Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal: A Review
by
Paulo Wladinir da Luz Leite, Caliane Christie Oliveira de Almeida Silva, Leila Dal Moro, Brian William Bodah, Giana de Vargas Mores, Dirceu Piccinato Junior, Amanda Engel, M. Santosh and Alcindo Neckel
Architecture 2024, 4(1), 170-187; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4010011 - 6 Mar 2024
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Space syntax is utilized to model flows through open and closed built environments, which enables project innovation by rethinking the design of spaces on a global scale with better flow quality. Therefore, studies focused on spatial syntax, when related to comprehensive flows in
[...] Read more.
Space syntax is utilized to model flows through open and closed built environments, which enables project innovation by rethinking the design of spaces on a global scale with better flow quality. Therefore, studies focused on spatial syntax, when related to comprehensive flows in open and closed spaces, provide a holistic and valuable understanding of the dynamics of user flows in the urban environment from a perspective centered on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. This goal requires urban planners and designers to use approaches that support future decisions focused on urban design and planning. The object of investigation of this bibliographic study consists of an approach to representing space syntax in open spaces and closed spaces on a global scale. This study aims to analyze the concepts of pedestrian flows (open and closed) by a space syntax-based bibliographical approach on a global scale, demonstrating the capability of improvements in SDG 11 as applied to the architecture of sustainable flows. Methodologically, bibliographic searches were carried out using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method in databases linked to Scopus and ScienceDirect, focusing on space syntax in relation to the following terms: “open spaces” and “closed spaces”. Using the PRISMA method, 1986 manuscripts dealing with the term “open spaces” and 454 manuscripts dealing with the term “closed spaces” were identified, with the manuscripts most relevant to the topic being selected, followed by a frequency analysis based on a Content Analysis Method (CAM) to identify words with a degree of similarity, related to “spatial syntax: flow in urban environments” and “spatial syntax in closed built systems” in relation to the SDG 11. The results demonstrate the relevance of seven manuscripts in open spaces and four manuscripts in closed spaces related to space syntax. Frequency analysis identified open spaces and produced terms with frequencies such as space = 79 and shape = 46, showing a higher frequency in flows. In closed spaces, the literature has shown that the central term corresponds to space = 79 and flow = 76, making it possible to evaluate flows in circulation areas within the built environment. This study allows a better understanding of flows, highlighting the importance of the urban architecture in the functionality of user flows in sustainable environments, which is capable of contributing to the SDG 11, in the interface of architectural projects on a global scale.
Full article
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00011/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00011-g001-550.jpg?1709706270)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
The Power of Place: Unleashing the Potential of Place-Based Green Energy Landscapes
by
William Glockner, Krista Planinac and Kirk Dimond
Architecture 2024, 4(1), 148-169; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4010010 - 5 Mar 2024
Abstract
This research explores the role landscape architects can play in shaping renewable energy infrastructure in the Southwest United States. Conventional energy development often neglects the impacts on landscapes and communities, resulting in community frustration and project terminations. To address this issue and tackle
[...] Read more.
This research explores the role landscape architects can play in shaping renewable energy infrastructure in the Southwest United States. Conventional energy development often neglects the impacts on landscapes and communities, resulting in community frustration and project terminations. To address this issue and tackle the need for decarbonization, the Southwest Regional Virtual Workshop was convened to foster co-creation and generate innovative ideas for new energy solutions. The Southwest Regional Virtual Workshop (SRVW) aimed to unite landscape architects, architects, engineers, and energy professionals to craft place-based, at-scale, and environmentally sensitive solutions. Key insights from this study demonstrate landscape architects have the capacity to help transform renewable energy projects into attractive, engaging, and productive infrastructure. Their expertise in community engagement, site-specific design, and interdisciplinary collaboration positions them as ideal designers for energy landscapes that go beyond mere functionality. By adopting a landscape-centric approach, landscape architects can help seamlessly integrate energy infrastructure with the environment and aesthetics to gain steadfast community support. Harmonizing functionality with visual appeal can instill a deep sense of pride and ownership among community members, ultimately fostering increased acceptance of renewable energy development. In conclusion, landscape architects can expand upon their expertise to include energy and help create projects that align with the values of local communities and contribute to a resilient energy future.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architecture: Art and Urban Studies)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00010/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00010-g001-550.jpg?1709635325)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
An Exploration of Artistic Expressions of Everyday Peri-Urban Landscapes as a Method of Socio-Spatial Analysis in Spatial Planning
by
Annelies Staessen, Antonio José Salvador and Ingfrid Lyngstad
Architecture 2024, 4(1), 124-147; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4010009 - 21 Feb 2024
Abstract
Everyday landscapes, including peri-urban areas, play a pivotal role in shaping our physical and mental environments. Nevertheless, spatial planning often falls short of integrating contemporary everyday life and lived space. This paper advocates for an expanded approach beyond traditional planning methods, exploring the
[...] Read more.
Everyday landscapes, including peri-urban areas, play a pivotal role in shaping our physical and mental environments. Nevertheless, spatial planning often falls short of integrating contemporary everyday life and lived space. This paper advocates for an expanded approach beyond traditional planning methods, exploring the potential of artistic representations like drawings, photographs, and films to capture the nuances of peri-urban landscapes. Based on a selection of contemporary artistic works in the fields of drawing, photography, and cinema, this paper explores, through an analysis of specific projects and interviews with the artists, the potentials and constraints of these types of representations. This analysis of selected works reveals that these mediums embody a rich and complex collective journey, showcasing the profound connection between the artist and the environment. Structured around the key stages of analysis, documentation, and communication, the discussion elucidates the interrelated nature of these phases within a broader creative process. It underscores the significance of recognizing these artistic representations as integral components in planning processes, emphasizing their potential to provide unique insights into the complexities of peri-urban landscapes. In conclusion, this article proposes a set of recommendations for the incorporation of these artistic mediums within planning processes and urban studies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Change and Everyday Life in the Spatial Arts)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00009/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00009-g001-550.jpg?1708910043)
Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Integrating Machine Learning in Urban Pedagogy: Addressing Homelessness in Skid Row
by
Taraneh Meshkani
Architecture 2024, 4(1), 112-123; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4010008 - 15 Feb 2024
Abstract
This paper investigates the application of machine learning in urban and architectural education, with a focus on addressing homelessness in Skid Row, Los Angeles. It presents a case study of an urban design studio utilizing data-driven methods to propose transitional housing solutions, emphasizing
[...] Read more.
This paper investigates the application of machine learning in urban and architectural education, with a focus on addressing homelessness in Skid Row, Los Angeles. It presents a case study of an urban design studio utilizing data-driven methods to propose transitional housing solutions, emphasizing the importance of design in the context of social justice. The study explores the use of machine learning and digital cartography for a detailed analysis of Skid Row’s dense homeless population, offering students a thorough insight into urban challenges. The research also identifies the complexities involved in integrating these technologies into educational frameworks, including issues with data accuracy, technical hurdles, and ethical considerations. The paper concludes by advocating for an interdisciplinary, data-informed, and socially conscious approach in architectural and urban design education, highlighting its necessity in preparing students to effectively tackle contemporary urban problems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary and Multi-Scalar Design and Research Models in Architectural Practice and Education)
►▼
Show Figures
![](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/architecture/architecture-04-00008/article_deploy/html/images/architecture-04-00008-g001-550.jpg?1708313633)
Figure 1
Highly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Atmosphere, Buildings, Architecture, IJERPH, Sustainability
Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality, 2nd Volume
Topic Editors: Ashok Kumar, Alejandro Moreno-Rangel, M. Amirul I. Khan, Michał PiaseckiDeadline: 30 October 2024
Topic in
Architecture, Buildings, Energies, IJERPH, Sustainability
Interior Design towards the Sustainable Environment: People, Environment, Design, Technology
Topic Editors: Oleg Kapliński, Agata Bonenberg, Jan Słyk, Wojciech BonenbergDeadline: 30 November 2024
Topic in
Applied Sciences, Architecture, Buildings, Energies, Eng, Sustainability
Towards Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings in Mediterranean and Latin American Countries
Topic Editors: Luis M. López-Ochoa, Jesús Las-Heras-Casas, Nuno M. M. RamosDeadline: 31 December 2024
Topic in
Energies, Buildings, Designs, Architecture
Building Energy and Environment, 2nd Volume
Topic Editors: Shi-Jie Cao, Wei FengDeadline: 31 March 2025
![loading...](https://pub.mdpi-res.com/img/loading_circle.gif?9a82694213036313?1721979229)
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Architecture
Social Change and Everyday Life in the Spatial Arts
Guest Editors: Sabine Knierbein, Stefania RagozinoDeadline: 31 August 2024
Special Issue in
Architecture
Interdisciplinary and Multi-Scalar Design and Research Models in Architectural Practice and Education
Guest Editors: Asma Mehan, Sina MostafaviDeadline: 1 October 2024
Special Issue in
Architecture
Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing
Guest Editor: Hing-Wah ChauDeadline: 31 December 2024
Special Issue in
Architecture
Urban Design Transformation: Placemaking, Co-creation, and Tactical Urbanism as an Emergent Professional Practice
Guest Editor: Fabian NeuhausDeadline: 30 April 2025