Architecture

This study explores sustainable housing solutions for urban areas in the Galapagos Islands, aiming to balance human needs with ecosystem preservation by fostering co-habitation between local communities and native species. Recognising the ecological importance of the Galapagos and the challenges posed by human-driven urban expansion, the research focuses on Puerto Ayora as a case study. It addresses material and spatial configurations that support key species such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, and sea lions. Computational strategies and simulations are employed to guide architectural, structural, and material decisions, including the use of evolutionary algorithms and selection strategies based on environmental performance metrics such as temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. These algorithms enhance architectural performance, facilitating co-habitation between humans and animals, with an emphasis on modularity and adaptability in architectural morphology. The results indicate that current configurations meet the habitat requirements for giant tortoises year-round. However, adjustments are needed for other species during specific months. The study also highlights bioceramic as a novel material for environmentally aligned construction in restricted environments. Limitations include focusing only on keystone species, with recommendations for future research to address the multispecies impact and integrate desalination and waste management systems for extracting the primary chemical component of bioceramic. This work advances the understanding of multispecies architectural design in ecologically sensitive regions, positioning the Galapagos as a model for sustainable co-habitation in conservation-focused development. Full article

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant stay-at-home mandates, local governments in some cities in the United States implemented programs in response to the pandemic. This article focuses on Slow Streets, which were several programs implemented in eleven cities (Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Boston, and New York) in the United States. The programs were intended to keep people healthy by providing temporary public spaces on residential roads where residents were allowed to exercise and socialize. Some practitioners characterized the programs as tactical urbanism or tactical placemaking and as agile responses to the public health crisis. The programs deserve a critical reflection, considering their potential impact on community health and the limited amount of the literature on the program in terms of design justice, which is an approach to design that prioritizes marginalized communities and challenges their structural inequality. This reflective study attempts to fill that gap in the literature of architecture and urban design. This article aims to examine whether the Slow Streets programs promoted design justice. To address that aim, we propose a social justice framework to evaluate the program, because social justice is essential to design justice. Data from publicly available information online about the eleven cities’ Slow Streets programs, interviews, surveys, focus groups, and the interdisciplinary literature support the qualitative research. The study outcomes suggest that the Slow Streets program had limited success because their attention to the priorities of underserved populations was ineffective. We argue that while the programs provided a timely response to the pandemic, the programs did not adequately address the vulnerability of low-income communities of color due to the limited consideration of design justice. Building on the lessons from social justice and human geography, the article concludes with recommendations for future practices including place-cultivating and human geography-informed design to better serve vulnerable communities of color. Full article

The 2015 seismic events in Nepal highlighted critical challenges in constructing earthquake-resilient, self-built stone masonry houses in rural mountain areas. The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), however, provided designs that failed to preserve the local architectural landscape and craftsmanship while adding unfamiliar knowledge and technology. To address the shortcomings of DUDBC model houses related to architecture, structure, and socio-economic concerns in designing and implementing post-earthquake houses, a need-based building development framework is required for standardized practice. This study proposes a novel framework to assess, design, and implement a self-built house after a disaster, consisting of five stages: (1) post-disaster problem assessment, (2) need identification, (3) material selection, (4) design development, and (5) validation and implementation. Based on this framework, we proposed a novel gabion building construction technology for two-story stone masonry structures that effectively mitigate post-disaster challenges such as logistic, resilience, and socio-economic aspects while improving disaster resiliency specifically in the high-elevation rural areas of Nepal. The proposed two-story gabion building preserves local architectural values, enhances structural integrity, and provides cost-effectiveness when compared with its DUDBC peer models while providing much-needed relief to the vulnerable community. The proposed resilient house, G-2.1, utilizes locally sourced materials and craftsmanship, and innovative gabion technology that ensures affordability and facilitates knowledge transfer. The contribution of this study includes a multi-objective framework for a two-story gabions house that is most suitable for self-built resilient homes that preserves the local architecture and socio-economic conditions while providing structural integrity and safety. Full article

Since the onset of the Syrian conflict in 2011, millions of Syrians have sought refuge globally, with thousands resettling in the UK. Despite their displacement, Syrians have brought with them a rich array of inherited knowledge and traditions, collectively known as intangible cultural heritage (ICH). The construction of domestic spaces by these settlers and their struggle to feel at home have emerged as important topics in migration studies, particularly when housing issues are considered as a critical aspect of their transcultural social engagement and the evolving boundaries of their identity and belonging. However, the role of ICH, along with the related crafts and movable objects, in the home-making practices of forced migrants remains under-researched. This gap is especially significant given that the UK recently ratified the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the safeguarding of ICH after a decade-long delay. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews conducted in the interviewees’ native Arabic within their home environments and supported by an observational study, this research explores how resettled Syrians in Liverpool integrate traditional ICH practices into their new homes, focusing on the dynamic relationship between the intangible and built heritage. By examining how intangible knowledge and movable objects interplay in creating a ‘Syrian home’, this study contributes to discussions on community engagement and the role of memory in conservation. The findings underscore the importance of ICH in maintaining cultural continuity and identity in the diaspora, providing insights into the inclusive heritage conservation practices in migrant contexts. This research highlights two key insights: first, the essential role that ICH, along with the associated crafts and movable objects, plays in constructing new homes in the diaspora, particularly in how these items serve as the carriers of cultural identity and continuity; and second, the symbolic significance of Syrian homes, especially their interior designs and decorations, as reflections of a blend of sociocultural practices that Syrians are committed to preserving. Full article

A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway located in Cincinnati, Ohio, by collecting geospatial data points on surface water quality and ecological assets. Utilizing the ArcGIS Field Maps application, a digital survey-based tool was developed to identify key areas related to ecological assets and urban water management challenges. The purpose of this citizen science approach was to allow researchers to capture and understand community perspectives and insights while engaging in scientific research that focuses on identifying geographic vulnerability areas and ecological assets. The primary objective was to empower local community groups and residents in an environmental justice neighborhood to understand the current opportunities and constraints of the adjacent waterbody, enabling informed decision-making for future planning initiatives that benefit both conservation and remediation efforts aligned with local values and needs. A youth-centric participatory mapping approach was employed to monitor the lower Mill Creek, an urban waterway in Cincinnati, Ohio, through the collection of geospatial data on surface water quality and ecological assets. The findings, based on hotspot analysis, revealed significant spatial clustering of heavy debris near the barrier dam and the lower portion of Mill Creek, where it converges with the Ohio River. This accumulation is attributed to the structural features of the barrier dam’s inner flood catchment area, which traps debris during rainfall events. Although no areas showed spatial significance for perceived ecological services, students identified specific areas with esthetic and biodiversity value, particularly at Mill Creek’s confluence with the Ohio River and along the northern stretch of the stream corridor. These findings provide valuable insights for guiding future conservation and remediation efforts that reflect both community values and environmental priorities. Full article

More than a century after Riegl took the first steps in the theory of value that characterised the 20th century, conservation is now being challenged from the perspective of understanding heritage intervention projects. Critical transformation of heritage, based on knowledge, modifies the characteristics of what is of value, its significance and its materiality. This work process deals with questions related to citizens’ perceptions, where consensus is sought to agree on what has value in a heritage context and how intervention projects affect this consideration. This article represents a revision of heritage methodology insofar as it establishes a contemporary dialogue between architectural practice and heritage studies through the identification and management of cultural values. It takes as a case study the Trinity College in Coimbra, by Aires Mateus. This work is framed within the declaration of the University of Coimbra as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This methodology can be extrapolated to other case studies, providing a necessary framework for understanding design action in different heritage contexts. This research attempts to equate the heritage asset’s initial values with those generated or activated after the intervention, highlighting the recognition of these values as a key objective of heritage studies and design action. Full article

This article introduces a methodology for a novel data-driven computational model aimed at aiding public administrations in managing and evaluating the adaptative reuse of buildings while tackling ecological and digital challenges. Drawing from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the study underscores the significance of innovative approaches in harnessing the economic potential of data. Focusing on Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district, the research selects five historic public buildings for analysis, strategically positioned to spur local entrepreneurship and counteract tourism dominance. Through an extensive literature review, the article identifies a gap in computational models for building adaptative reuse and proposes a methodological framework that integrates data collection, processing, and computational modelling, underscored by GIS technology and open data sources. The proposed methodology for a computational algorithm aims to systematise spatial characteristics, assess programmatic needs, and optimise building usage, while addressing challenges such as data integration and quality assurance. Ultimately, the research presents a pioneering approach to building adaptative reuse, aimed at fostering sustainable urban development and offering replicable insights applicable to similar challenges in other cities. Full article

This study explores Instagram’s influence on sensory and experiential engagement with architecture in the digital age. Using a phenomenological approach, we studied the impact of Instagram’s visual features, such as filters, geotagging, and hashtags, on user interactions and perceptions of architectural spaces. The research demonstrates that Instagram transforms traditional architectural experiences into dynamic visual narratives that integrate real and virtual elements, altering our understanding of space and time. While acknowledging that architectural experience encompasses form, function, and historical context, this paper specifically focuses on Instagram’s role in mediating perceptual experiences. By analyzing user engagement patterns and content trends, the study highlights how Instagram shapes architectural design practices and the creation of spaces tailored for digital interaction. This study offers a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between digital media and architectural perception, identifying both the opportunities and challenges presented by the platform in influencing our understanding of architectural spaces. Full article

During Ebola and Marburg outbreaks, treatment centers are essential for patient care and controlling transmission. While clinical care advancements have been well-documented, the design of these centers has been less explored. This study addresses this gap by analyzing technical drawings of 48 treatment centers constructed between 2014 and 2023, using a reverse-engineering approach. The findings highlight a shift toward smaller, more manageable centers, with improved privacy and infection control features. This review offers a framework for the future development of treatment center designs to enhance outbreak management. Key contributions include the identification of trends in center size and layout, providing a foundation for future design standards that can be applied in managing infectious disease outbreaks. The study emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation in treatment center design to meet outbreak demands and calls for future research to develop indicators that measure the impact of design on health outcomes and patient experiences. Full article

Housing is the most regulated type of building. Standards significantly influence the design and construction quality, often making universal design more expensive and challenging to implement. This study aims to review current Spanish regulations on accessibility in the housing sector, to promote non-discriminatory and independent access, while ensuring the safety of each resident. The research is exploratory and qualitative, involving a systematic bibliographic review through an exhaustive search of regulations in force until December 2023. In Spain, there are three laws (from 1999, 1960 and 2022), three decrees (from 2006, 2013 and 2015) and a national plan from the regulatory framework. The main regulation, the Technical Building Code, outlines the accessibility, safety and habitability requirements that buildings must adhere to. The most recent is Law 6/2022 on Cognitive Accessibility. Spain has robust legislation with innovative approaches and ambitious goals. However, there is a lack of societal awareness that housing is a fundamental right and that the regulations must be upheld. Several proposals for improvement have been made. These suggested changes address the specific challenges of each region and promote more inclusive and adaptable projects for all people from the early stages of design. Full article

In the post-pandemic era, following the recent global crisis, it is essential to recognize the heritagization pathways of built environments associated with epidemic events. By tracing the evolution of heritage linked to these events, analyzing the characteristics of epidemic-related built environments, and exploring methods of heritagization, this study proposes a foundational conservation principle. The establishment of concepts and components of built heritage during and after epidemic periods can serve as a guide for more effective societal management. These efforts offer valuable insights for addressing major public events and enhancing urban resilience. Full article

This study investigates the current landscape of generative AI and LLM applications in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), focusing on trends, practical implications, educational strategies, and imperatives for upskilling. Employing a six-stage systematic review sourced from Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science, 120 papers were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of these technologies in shaping the future of the AEC industry. By addressing these objectives, the research contributes to enhancing knowledge about the potential impacts of generative AI and LLMs on the AEC industry and provides insights into strategies for leveraging these technologies effectively. This study underscores the transformative impact of AI and advanced technologies on the AEC sector and education. By enhancing learning experiences and optimizing construction processes, AI fosters personalized education and efficient project management. The study’s significance lies in its identification of necessary skills and competencies for professionals, ensuring effective AI integration. Implications include the need for continuous professional development, formal education, and practical training to leverage AI’s potential fully. This paves the way for sustainable, intelligent infrastructure and accessible, adaptive learning environments, driving innovation and efficiency in both fields. Full article

Researchers have explored primary colour–geometric shape associations since Kandinsky’s correspondence theory. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding interior colour applications on surface shapes. To address this gap, an online study was employed to gather data with 100 participants who were asked to choose their preferred colours for shapes on bedroom walls with follow-up questions on the colour–shape semantic associations, their preference of colours and shapes on bedroom walls independently in addition to their favourite colour, their favourite shape, and colour–shape pairs without interior context. The results revealed that colour–shape preferences in interiors differ from those found in psychology studies, other colour applications on bedroom walls, and other preferences, indicating that colour preference is context-dependent. Interestingly, the most popular colour for surface shapes on bedroom walls is purple, followed by brown and blue. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing colour charts for bedroom applications for professionals in the industry, their clients/users, and future studies. The study presents a preliminary exploration of the topic. Further research could compare various demographic properties (such as gender, age, and culture), different colour attributes (including saturation and lightness), and complex geometric shapes. Full article

The ongoing effects of climate change have led to a rise in global temperature, significantly reducing snow cover and resulting in the abandonment of numerous ski areas across Switzerland. As a result, many ski lifts have been decommissioned and left to deteriorate due to lenient local regulations. To address this issue, this paper presents a case study approach to repurposing steel trusses from abandoned ski lifts for a new structural application within the building industry. The design, sourcing, and construction of a new load-supporting column are described, focusing on reusing the ski lift steel trusses as a whole, without dismantling them into their components. After collection, these elements are adapted to comply with current building standards. By pouring out the hollow structure with the recently developed building material Cleancrete ©, a new load-bearing structure is developed. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrates the environmental performance of the steel–Cleancrete hybrid construction, which achieves a global warming potential (GWP) of 536.58 kg CO₂-eq. In comparison, alternative designs using wood and concrete exhibited GWP values of 679.45 kg CO₂-eq, +26.6%, and 1593.72 kg CO₂-eq, +197.02%, respectively. These findings suggest that repurposing abandoned ski lift structures can significantly contribute to sustainable building practices, waste reduction, and the promotion of circular economy principles. The process outlined in this paper holds potential for future applications, particularly in the reuse of other steel components, ensuring continued circularity even as the supply of ski lift structures may dwindle. Full article

One of the most important challenges faced by any listed cultural heritage is the development of a management system that conveys a resilient and integrated approach that can sustain its values for future generations. Management is one of the main factors affecting World Heritage Sites; thus, the increased complexity of a serial nomination enhances this risk. By integrating different stakeholders, a Joint Management Plan (JMP) is a key tool to settle common procedures and help different managers maintain a satisfactory balance in safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) in each component part. This paper aims to provide a framework for the development of JMPs for serial nominations, with support on the nomination proposal “Álvaro Siza’s Architecture: A Modern Contextualism Legacy”. Methods result from the cross-analysis of (i) policy analysis; (ii) archival research and digital documentation; (iii) collaborative strategies (surveys, interviews, workshops, meetings, consultations); (iv) fieldwork. Results confirmed that the development of JMPs must be sustained by an open and dynamic process, where engagement, mediation of conflicts, and flexibility are key principles. This work approaches a significant subject concerning the management of World Heritage serial nominations, focusing on JMPs for serial nominations, which are a rising trend in heritage management. A demonstration is applied to the WH nomination of works by Álvaro Siza, a prominent figure in worldwide contemporary architecture. Full article

This research examines the evolution of Japanese residential architecture throughout the 20th century, focusing on the transformation of house plans in response to changing societal needs. This study specifically examines how traditional spatial configurations adapted to urbanization, modernisation, and shifts in the family structure. By analysing house plans across three distinct periods—the pre-war and post-Kanto earthquake period, the post-war period, and the post-oil shock period to the present—this research illustrates the transition from detached houses to modern collective housing. Utilising a space syntax methodology, this research quantitatively analyses threshold spaces, circulation, and family gathering spaces to understand their social and architectural implications. Historical analyses are paired with a network analysis of selected house plans, highlighting the persistent significance of traditional elements such as the doma (vestibule) and the en-gawa (verandah) in contemporary designs. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in the size and complexity of living spaces over time, reflecting broader trends towards efficiency and modernisation in public housing. This research contributes to architectural scholarship by providing a detailed account of how Japanese customary spaces have been reconfigured to accommodate evolving lifestyles, offering insights into the balance between tradition and modern living. Full article

Architecture can be very influential in enabling health and wellbeing in the residential built environment. In arid regions, health-supportive design would consider major environmental hazards, such as heat and dust, as well as social and cultural factors that influence household size and composition. Under current and projected conditions, the effects of climate change will increase, presenting opportunities and challenges to architects to demonstrate and deliver best practice in climate-appropriate and culturally appropriate housing design. This paper brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers to identify the current and future needs for tropical semi-arid zone design with a focus on Indigenous communities in northern Central Australia. In a narrative review of the literature and exploratory fieldwork, current and projected impacts of climate change on housing, health, energy systems and behavioural practices are explored in a holistic way. Our findings demonstrate the growing awareness of climate-related issues for remote Indigenous housing but also the lack of place-based studies that might inform adaptation strategies. Overwhelmingly, there is limited understanding of local lived experiences that may be highly significant for developing resilience in a changing climate. Consideration of the beliefs, values and practices of Indigenous people will be integral to design solutions. Full article

Some wrong decisions and faulty practices applied during the repair and restoration of traditional buildings cause more damage to the structures due to the materials used in the repair. The aim of this study is to establish a scientific basis for material selection in the repair of traditional buildings in the Konuralp region through chemical and petrographic analyses. In this study, brick, mortar, plaster, and wood samples were taken from one registered building in the Konuralp neighborhood of Düzce Province that has survived to the present day by preserving its original structural features and reflecting the characteristics of traditional housing. Chemical and petrographic analyses were carried out on the samples. In line with these analyses, a scientific basis was created for selecting material properties in the repair and reuse processes of traditional buildings and suggestions are made for the analysis of materials specific to traditional buildings in Konuralp. Full article