Search Results (40)

The objective of this article is to evaluate the viability of implementing the Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) methodology in the design and construction of complex wooden structures with non-standard geometry. The present study incorporates an analysis of scientific literature from 2011 to 2024, in addition to selected case studies of buildings constructed using glued laminated timber and engineered wood prefabrication technology. The selection of examples was based on a range of criteria, including geometric complexity, the level of integration of digital tools (BIM, CAM, parametric design), and the efficiency of assembly processes. The implementation of DfMA principles has been shown to result in a reduction in material waste by 15–25% and a reduction in assembly time by approximately 30% when compared to traditional construction methods. The findings of the present study demonstrate that the concurrent integration of design, production, and assembly in the timber construction process enhances energy efficiency, curtails embodied carbon emissions, and fosters the adoption of circular economy principles. The analysis also reveals key implementation barriers, such as insufficient digital skills, lack of standardization, and limited availability of prefabrication facilities. The article under scrutiny places significant emphasis on the pivotal role of DfMA in facilitating the digital transformation of timber architecture and propelling sustainable construction development in the context of the circular economy. The conclusions of the study indicate a necessity for further research to be conducted on quantitative life cycle assessment (LCA, LCC) and on the implementation of DfMA on both a national and international scale. Full article

In Southwest China, traditional wooden buildings in historic villages commonly feature natural vegetation roofing materials, such as thatch or bamboo shingles, which are highly susceptible to fire. Existing research has primarily focused on traditional timber-frame buildings with tiled roofs, while limited attention has been given to those with natural vegetation roofs. This study, taking Wengding village in Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, as an exemplary case, conducts a fire risk assessment and explores fire prevention strategies for buildings with bamboo-wood frames and natural vegetation roofs on the basis of Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS): the application of fire-retardant coatings, the use of synthetic thatched roofing materials, and a combination of both. The results indicate that the strategy employing synthetic thatched roofing materials offers the best fire resistance performance. By integrating traditional fire prevention knowledge with modern technologies, this study provides a scientifically grounded reference for mitigating fire risks in historic buildings with natural vegetation roofs in China’s ethnic minority regions, aiming to enhance fire safety while preserving architectural authenticity. Full article

This study presents a fire risk assessment of traditional wooden dwellings in Southern Hunan, focusing on Zhoujia Compound—a nationally protected cultural heritage site. By applying Pyrosim fire simulation software, we modeled fire spread, smoke dispersion, and temperature variation under localized architectural and environmental conditions. The simulations, informed by real-time wind speed monitoring, revealed that key fire risks stem from open flame activities during festivals, charcoal heating, and inadequate electrical wiring. Structural features such as interconnected wooden beams and open courtyards exacerbate fire spread. The results identified high-risk zones and demonstrated that wind speed and building orientation significantly affect fire dynamics. Based on these findings, we propose targeted fire prevention strategies, including fire-retardant treatments, improved compartmentalization, and community-level fire education. This research offers a novel, simulation-based approach to improving fire safety in traditional villages, contributing to both cultural heritage protection and rural fire risk mitigation. Full article

Polychrome paintings on wooden artifacts are vital elements of cultural heritage, where plant-derived binders play a crucial role in color formation and durability. This study aims to systematically compare the chemical, optical, and surface characteristics of two traditional natural adhesives—acacia gum (AG) and tragacanth gum (TG)—to better understand their influence on the preservation and reproduction of wood-supported polychrome coatings. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed their polysaccharide-rich structures, with distinct ester and glycosidic linkages, while rheological tests demonstrated that TG exhibited higher viscosity at 1–3% concentrations, whereas AG showed a sharper increase at 5%, reflecting different molecular architectures. Colorimetric analysis combined with two-way ANOVA revealed that gum type significantly influenced color development in blue and red coatings (p < 0.001), while yellow and green coatings remained largely unaffected. Gum concentration (1–5%) generally showed no significant effect on color. All coatings exhibited a matte appearance (<3 GU), with statistical analysis indicating that gloss was mainly determined by pigment particle distribution rather than adhesive type. Surface roughness increased notably with gum concentration (p < 0.001), demonstrating that binder content strongly affects coating microtexture. Overall, pigment type was the dominant factor for color, whereas gum concentration critically influenced surface morphology. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing natural adhesives in the conservation of traditional polychrome artifacts. Full article

The terraced fields of Samaba in Honghe County are one of the key protected sites within the globally important agricultural heritage systems. This study focuses on the traditional courtyard dwellings of the Hani people in this area, proposing that their architectural practices reflect a profound and sustainable adaptation to the local environment and socio-agricultural systems. Through field investigations, architectural surveys, and in-depth interviews with Hani Bema (ritual specialists), artisans, and residents, this research analyzes the settlement characteristics and distribution of the area, the spatial features of traditional Hani courtyard dwellings, three typical floor plans, and the construction techniques of key components such as wooden structures, earthen walls, and roofs. The findings indicate that the use of local materials (e.g., wood, raw earth, stone) and their specific construction methods are inherently responsive to the regional climate, forming a sustainable residential model that spans material acquisition, construction, and maintenance. Crucially, the study reveals a strong isomorphic relationship between the material and energy cycles involved in Hani settlement construction and those of terrace farming activities. We argue that the sustainability of villages and architecture is essential for the sustainability of the entire terrace agricultural ecosystem. By elucidating the wisdom of Hani dwellings in terms of materials, construction, and maintenance, this study provides significant insights for discussions on sustainable vernacular architecture and offers valuable perspectives for its green renewal and contemporary adaptation. Full article

The uniqueness of traditional houses in Kasepuhan Sinar Resmi lies in the use of natural materials. However, over time, this uniqueness has become increasingly rare. The contributing factors include a lack of public awareness about the importance of preserving traditional house culture, the absence of standardized designs, uncertainty regarding the quantity of required building materials, and difficulties in sourcing materials. If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to the loss of the uniqueness of traditional houses. This study employs observation methods to produce designs that align with ancestral traditions, interviews to gather detailed information, and structural analysis based on SNI 7973:2013 standards using the SAP2000 application. These approaches aim to determine effective and safe wooden material dimensions in accordance with Indonesian standards. The primary goal of this research is to produce a traditional house design that meets both cultural and national standards, serving as a guideline for the Kasepuhan Sinar Resmi community in building traditional houses. Additionally, the findings are expected to serve as a reference for policymakers in providing resources for building materials, supporting the preservation of these unique traditional houses. Full article

In the context of the growing emphasis on sustainable development and building safety performance, wooden architecture will attract increasing attention due to its low-carbon characteristics and excellent seismic resistance. In this study, the bibliometric software Citespace is used for data visualization analysis based on the literature related to Chinese wooden architecture in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Web of Science (WOS) databases, aiming to construct an analytical framework that integrates quantitative visualization and qualitative thematic interpretation which could reveal the current status, hotspots, and frontier trends of research in this field. The results show the following: Research on Chinese wooden architecture has shown a steady growth trend, indicating that it has received attention from an increasing number of scholars. Researchers and institutions are mainly concentrated in higher learning and research institutions in economically developed regions. Research hotspots cover subjects such as seismic performance, mortise–tenon structures, imitation wood structures, Dong architecture, Liang Sicheng, and the Society for the Study of Chinese Architecture. The research process of Chinese wooden architecture can be divided into three stages: the macro stage, the specific deepening stage, and the inheritance application and interdisciplinary integration stage. In the future, the focus will be on interdisciplinary research on wooden architecture from ethnic minority cultures and traditional dwellings. Full article

Melamine formaldehyde particle boards (MFPBs), commonly utilized as a wooden decorative material in traditional architecture, demonstrate considerable performance deterioration with extended age, with reductions in essential flame retardancy and structural integrity presenting substantial risks to fire safety in structures. This research examines the impact of thermo-oxidative aging on the flame retardancy of MFPBs. The morphological evolution, surface composition, and flame-retardant characteristics of aged MFPBs were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimeter (CCT). The results indicate that thermo-oxidative aging (60 °C, 1440 h) markedly reduces the activation energy (E, by 17.05%), pre-exponential factor (A, by 68.52%), LOI value (by 4%, from 27.5 to 26.4), and time to ignition (TTI, by 17.1%, from 41 s to 34 s) while augmenting the peak mass loss rate (MHRR, by 4.7%) and peak heat release rate (pHRR, by 20.1%). Subsequent investigation indicates that aging impairs the char layer structure on MFPB surfaces, hastens the migration and degradation of melamine formaldehyde resin (MFR), and alters the dynamic equilibrium between “MFR surface enrichment” and “thermal decomposition”. The identified degradation thresholds and failure mechanisms provide essential parameters for developing aging-resistant fireproof composites, meeting the pressing demands of building safety requirements and sustainable material design. Full article

Masonry industrial buildings, common in the 19th and 20th centuries, represent a significant architectural typology. These structures are crucial to the study of industrial archeology, which focuses on preserving and revitalizing historical industrial heritage. Often left neglected and deteriorating, they hold great potential for adaptive reuse, transforming into vibrant cultural, commercial, or residential spaces through well-planned restoration and consolidation efforts. This paper explores a case study of such industrial architecture: a decommissioned factory near Naples. The complex consists of multiple structures with vertical supports made of yellow tuff stone and roofs framed by wooden trusses. To improve the building’s seismic resilience, a comprehensive analysis was conducted, encompassing its historical, geometric, and structural characteristics. Using advanced computer software, the factory was modelled with a macro-element approach, allowing for a detailed assessment of its seismic vulnerability. This approach facilitated both a global analysis of the building’s overall behaviour and the identification of potential local collapse mechanisms. Non-linear analyses revealed a critical lack of seismic safety, particularly in the Y direction, with significant out-of-plane collapse risk due to weak connections among walls. Based on these findings, a restoration and consolidation plan was developed to enhance the structural integrity of the building and to ensure its long-term safety and functionality. This plan incorporated metal tie rods, masonry strengthening through injections, and roof reconstruction. The proposed interventions not only address immediate seismic risks but also contribute to the broader goal of preserving this industrial architectural heritage. This study introduces a novel multidisciplinary methodology—integrating seismic analysis, traditional retrofit techniques, and sustainable reuse—specifically tailored to the rarely addressed typology of masonry industrial structures. By transforming the factory into a functional urban space, the project presents a replicable model for preserving industrial heritage within contemporary cityscapes. Full article

Guomari fortress in eastern Qinghai Province exemplifies vernacular architecture shaped by multiethnic interaction, environmental adaptation, and localized defense strategies. Originally a Ming Dynasty military-agricultural outpost, it evolved into a Tu ethnic settlement. Fieldwork, including architectural surveys and spatial analysis, identified a three-tiered defensive system: (1) strategic use of terrain and rammed-earth walls; (2) labyrinthine alleys with L-, T-, and cross-shaped intersections; and (3) interconnected rooftops forming elevated circulation routes. Courtyards are categorized into single-line, L-shaped, U-shaped, and fully enclosed layouts, reflecting adaptations to terrain, ritual functions, and thermal needs. Architectural features such as thick loam-coated walls and flat roofs demonstrate climatic adaptation, while the integration of Han timber frameworks, Tibetan prayer halls, and Tu decorative elements reveals cultural convergence. Traditional craftsmanship, including carved wooden scripture blocks and tsampa-based murals, is embedded within domestic and ritual spaces. The fortress’s circulation patterns mirror Tibetan Buddhist cosmology, with mandala-like alleys and rooftop circumambulation routes. These findings offer insights into vernacular resilience and inform conservation strategies for multiethnic fortified settlements. Full article

The built environment is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of human health, profoundly influencing neurophysiological and psychological well-being. Previous studies show that specific visual patterns can elicit cortical hyperexcitation and visual discomfort, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to cortical hyperexcitability. However, traditional approaches to examining visual stress have yet to capture the complexity of ways in which the built environment may contribute to visual discomfort. This study presents a novel, integrated analytical methodology that merges generative artificial intelligence (using Midjourney v6.1) with advanced Fourier-based computational analysis to quantify the impact of architectural façades on visual stress. By systematically varying contrast ratios, pattern periodicity, spatial frequency distribution, stylistic elements, and geometric curvature across nine façade designs, the research generated a diverse array of stimuli that were then analyzed using the Visual Stress Analysis Tool (ViStA). This tool employs Fourier spatial frequency decomposition to extract key metrics that are proxy indicators of potential cortical stress responses. The results revealed that façades with regularly spaced elements at approximately three cycles per degree exhibited the highest stress metrics, particularly when combined with high contrast ratios and consistent repetition. Vertical wooden slats and vertical metal screening elements produced the most pronounced indicators of visual stress, while more varied geometric compositions demonstrated substantially lower stress metrics. This methodology offers a scalable, reproducible approach for the evaluation of visual stress. The framework lays the groundwork for developing a more robust evidence base to support architectural design decision-making that proactively addresses the health impacts of the built environment. Full article

The aim of this research is the structural study of the dome of Tesoro di San Gennaro in Naples compared with the more recent studies about San Francesco di Paola, as examples, respectively, of baroque and neoclassic style, emblems of different stylistic periods of Neapolitan architectural schools about domes and churches. The studies are carried out with particular attention to evaluating their seismic safety without considering the role of the vertical supporting structures. The analysis adopts graphical approaches to assess the safety of the two domes under vertical and horizontal loads, with a special focus on the effects of earthquakes. In the case of San Gennaro, the approach is mixed between the rigid-kinematic theory and the theory of elasticity due to the presence of a wooden structure, while in the case of San Francesco di Paola, only the thrust-line method was used, applying it to the three-dimensional structures through the slicing technique. In conclusion, the methods to assess the safety of the domes under both vertical and horizontal seismic loads allow for a comparison of the two structures and provide a comprehensive evaluation of their structural integrity. The study demonstrates, through a predominantly graphical methodology, the effectiveness of traditional equilibrium-based approaches in assessing dome stability, highlighting the active contribution of the timber structure in San Gennaro and quantifying its role under seismic loading scenarios. Full article

Dou-Gong brackets, the distinctive structural element in ancient Chinese architecture, fulfill critical roles in load transfer, span reduction, and decoration, making its preservation vital for safeguarding wooden heritage buildings. This study investigates the combustion performance and residual load-bearing capacity of key Dou-Gong bracket components—Zuo-dou, Zheng-xin-gua-gong, and Qiao—exposed to varying fire conditions. The results reveal that an increasing fire load elevates heating rates and peak temperatures of wood substrates, resulting in a significant degradation of structural integrity. At a fire load of 55 kW, the peak temperatures at the bottom, joint edge, and top of the Dou-Gong brackets reach 755.3 °C, 489.9 °C, and 620.7 °C, respectively, representing increases of 2%, 65%, and 38%, respectively, compared to those observed at a fire load of 20 kW. Moreover, the charring rate of Dou-Gong bracket increases from 0.22–0.26 mm/min at a fire load of 20 kW to 0.50–0.56 mm/min at a fire load of 55 kW, accompanied by an increase in mass loss rate from 28.5% to 36.9%. These findings highlight the significant impact of fire conditions on the fire characteristic and structural integrity of Dou-Gong brackets, providing the first quantitative evidence of their degradation under fire exposure. By addressing this vulnerability, the study contributes to the scientific preservation of ancient wooden architecture under contemporary fire risk scenarios. Full article

As an aspect of garden space, tea space is an important part of traditional culture and inherited culture. This paper takes 210 representative literati painting images of Ming and Qing dynasties as the research object, combining historical materials, the analysis of painted images and mathematical statistics to transform the representative paintings into visual plan form, and then identifies and extracts the environmental elements and behavior activities in the paintings to build the factor base. It is determined that the main sources of tea activities are Hall Style, Water Pavilion Style, High Pavilion Style, Grass Pavilion and Terraces Style and Combination Style. The analysis results show the following: (1) The tea events mainly occur in outdoor gardens and indoor and outdoor spaces, with windows as climate boundaries. (2) Regarding the use of furniture, indoor spaces tend to use wooden furniture, while outdoor spaces use stone furniture and natural stone, or portable wooden furniture. (3) In terms of indoor and outdoor spaces with tea activities, indoor and outdoor spaces often borrow landscape elements from each other, and screens and partitions are often used as a means of space division in terms of space separation. The findings of this study lay a theoretical foundation for the design of traditional garden tea spaces, and provide a reference for the fine design of contemporary architecture and garden tea spaces. Full article

Timber-adorned and rich in heritage, the traditional villages of central Hunan are famed for their wooden architecture, which is both a cornerstone of their cultural identity and a key driver of local tourism. The aim of this study is to evaluate the tourism development level and current status of these villages, providing insights for the enhancement and sustainability of tourism in similar ethnic settlements. This paper scrutinizes 18 villages in central Hunan, considering their resources, development context, and market conditions. A factor analysis-based evaluation system with 30 indicators was developed to assess tourism development potential. The findings indicate that the villages’ potential can be divided into high, medium, and low tiers. Tourism conditions are identified as the main stimulant for regional tourism growth. High-potential villages are scattered, with Da’an Village standing out due to its excellent transportation links; others are clustered in burgeoning tourism areas, notably around the Ziqujie terrace tourism district and Anhua County. Medium-potential villages are largely found in the Daxiong Mountain region, while low-potential villages lack a discernible distribution pattern. In light of these insights, this paper proposes development strategies tailored to the potential of each village, aimed at boosting tourism in central Hunan’s traditional villages and securing their long-term sustainable development. Full article