Architecture

This essay will discuss the evolution of writings about adaptive reuse. The architectural practice is as old as the buildings themselves, yet it has scarcely been discussed or even recognised until relatively recently. The essay will document the varied influences that informed the early publications (the first from 1976). The lack of easily available material (that is, books and documented buildings) meant that pioneering writers had to draw upon other sources—those beyond established architectural discussions. Therefore, these early authors were not limited by the strictures of an already established subject but were able to collate information from a variety of sources. Thus, adaptive reuse draws upon a collage of different sources, many beyond pure architecture, including installation art, fine art, curation, interior design, and urban design. Inevitably, as the subject moves from the periphery of architectural practice towards the middle ground, the number of publications has increased. This diversity has provided the subject with a greater scope, supporting the acknowledgement of the importance of technology, sustainability, and conservation in addition to ideas of heritage and culture, while also allowing for a much less Western-centric focus. Full article

Blue–green infrastructure (BGI) has become a practical approach with emerging attention to addressing flood mitigation in many countries worldwide. The environmentally sound, sustainable approach of BGI has led it to gain scientific interest above other available mitigation techniques, such as grey infrastructure, soakaways, etc. This study was intended to conduct a thorough scoping review, followed by a bibliometric analysis, using the VOSViewer version 1.6.19, of the available flood mitigation techniques and the emergence and effectiveness of BGI as a strategy. The scoping review was based on 50+ recent (between 2013 and 2022) journal research papers. The study enabled the development of an elaborative idea about BGI and its applications in Australia, and it describes the trend of research to use BGI for flood mitigation. Following a comprehensive survey, it was established that BGI had been recognized as an effective measure in addressing unexpected floods, and it is indeed a beneficial project in the long term. It mitigates urban flooding, improves the environmental quality by purifying the urban atmosphere, and, further, includes the health and well-being of the community as co-benefits. However, although BGI has many environmental and other connected benefits, there are some restrictions that are decelerating the initiation of BGI as a project. Therefore, this application takes time and effort even before implementation. The bibliometric analysis of this study revealed that robust connectivity is seen in the global perspective between BGI, green infrastructure, and flood risk management, depicting a strong bond. In contrast, in the Australian context, an explicitly networked BGI specifically had yet to be seen, and only “green infrastructure” was used instead. However, the emergence of BGI for flood mitigation was recognized in 2015, while Australian research was likely initiated in 2016. There is less acceleration in Australian studies compared to the global scenario. BGI is a trending topic in scientific research, offering a vast variety of benefits to the country. Concluding, this study strongly suggests an immediate initiation of proper awareness and the development of relatable policies as two primary considerations to encourage the implementation of BGI, which is an effective strategy to address floods in Australia and create livable and healthy cities. Full article

World Heritage tourism in China regulates conservation approaches employed across natural and built heritage sites. However, focusing on the revenue-generating potential of these sites sustains material authenticity and technical conservation methods. The outcome is a conflict between conservation and commercialization, where socio-cultural values are overshadowed by the process of museumization. Underpinned by critical heritage theory and a focus on intangible heritage, this research seeks to confront this conflict by examining the shifting conservation practice at the Humble Administrator’s Garden (HAG), a World Heritage Site and Classical Garden of Suzhou, China. A mixed-methodological approach explores the interplay between architecture and landscape within its heritage conservation process, utilizing archival research, semi-structured interviews with HAG Management, and visitor journals. The study shows how HAG’s heritage is shaped by visitors’ personal experiences and emotions alongside expert interpretations, resulting in the foregrounding of diverse narratives that contribute to a holistic sense of place. Within its politicized system, the safeguarding of intangible heritage requires constant negotiation among the municipality, the market, and emerging narrators. Attempts to reinterpret its former heritage buildings demonstrate a changing conservation discourse as the site transitions from an exclusive literati estate to a multivocal space of cultural encounter. The study illustrates how a focus on narrative representation unifies architecture and landscape, reimagining centuries of literati culture. This makes conceptual space for considering how conservation management can inform a more holistic narration of ‘place’ at similar World Heritage sites via the foregrounding of previously silent stakeholders. Full article

This paper explores the role participatory methods play in understanding the social values of built heritage, including people’s sense of identity, belonging, and place. It is based on research in Scotland where, as in many other countries, there is an increasing emphasis on contemporary significance and public participation within domestic heritage management frameworks. The paper draws on the experiences and findings of a social values assessment for Cables Wynd House, a Brutalist block of flats in Edinburgh that was listed in 2017. Through the case study assessment, conducted over six months in 2019, Cables Wynd House is manifested as a multiplicity of connected realities, diverse experiences, and micro-locations. The participatory methods reveal interactions and tensions between the architectural design and aesthetics of the building and participants’ lived experiences and connections. The article argues that the mix of participatory methods provide different opportunities and ways of knowing, surfacing diversity, dissonance, and complexity. It highlights that participatory research is a collaborative process, requiring a flexible and responsive approach to methods. The paper concludes that participatory methods and collaborative approaches can provide nuanced and contextualised understandings of the social value of built heritage, which can complement but also diverge significantly from professional assessments of value. Wider adoption of these methods and the resulting understandings into the management and conservation of built heritage would support more people-centred, inclusive, and socially relevant forms of practice. Full article

The energy consumption of air conditioning systems in large spaces is a concern due to inefficiencies caused by the high ceiling. This paper presents the Green aIr-distribution System (GIS) retrofitting technique as a solution to reduce energy consumption and optimize thermal comfort in a large Hong Kong sports center to achieve carbon neutrality. A comparison is made between the existing air distribution system with ceiling supply and return as baseline model and the GIS with occupied wall supply and ceiling return as retrofit models regarding ventilation performance, thermal comfort, and energy aspects. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is employed to analyze the average operative temperature, airspeed, and other thermal comfort parameters. The findings demonstrate that implementing the GIS in the large sports center allows for a 1.5 °C increase in the supply temperature without significantly compromising thermal comfort. The algorithm for developing GIS for the large space application is also discussed. Additionally, the GIS model exhibits notable improvements in ventilation factors, such as Local Mean Age (LMA), Local air change index (LACI), and Air Distribution Performance Index (ADPI), resulting in improved air quality and reduced energy use within the occupied space. Full article

How can computational tools support the proposition of 15-minute cities? This paper examines the implementation of computer-aided approaches that support the analysis and proposition of urban areas where residents can access all their basic needs within a 15-minute walk, bike ride, or public transportation ride—the ultimate goal of a 15-minute city. Although this concept has gained significant attention as a sustainable and equitable urban development model, more efficient implementations require complex spatial and temporal analysis. At the same time, computational approaches such as those within the generative and parametric logic can utilize algorithms to create and test design solutions quickly and efficiently, allowing designers to address a variety of scenarios and options for producing more walkable, integrated, and resilient urban environments. Exploring a systematic review of the scientific literature (n = 244 peer-reviewed empirical studies) on Scopus and Web of Science databases, this paper synthesizes approaches to support the analysis and design of 15-minute cities, emphasizing the use of computer-aided techniques. The work contributes to developing a knowledge base on computational tools for 15-minute cities, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and potential for further development. Full article

This article presents a detailed study of the stately palace of the Villa Giusti-Puttini, a building that, over the centuries, has undergone repeated transformations since its construction in the first half of the 15th century. For the study of this palace, owned between the 15th and 17th centuries by one of the most important families in the city of Verona (Italy), the authors have followed a methodology covering indirect sources (documentary and bibliographical) as well as direct ones (the building and constructive techniques, architectural and decorative elements, murals, etc.). This study expands the information available on the building as well as expanding knowledge on the history of architecture of the Veneto villa as a defining architectural phenomenon in 16th- and 17th-century architecture whose extensive influence was still felt in the 19th century. The history compiled through this research also contributes to a renewed interpretation of the phenomenon, which is viewed as a process for the transformation and adaptation of a pre-existing building to fit the needs of any given period. This methodology, which could potentially facilitate the interpretation of similar buildings, and its combination of documentary, material, constructive, decorative, and cultural elements could constitute an example for the historical and architectural reading of buildings and are not merely limited to Renaissance buildings. Full article

Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings (ARHB) is a new concept in developing countries like Sri Lanka. One of the main concerns for the intendancy of decision makers to ARHB is the operational energy. This paper analyzes the research gap of reusing historical buildings as office spaces by utilizing their structural and architectural designs and preserving the buildings’ authenticity for the future. It further aims to protect energy-efficient historical buildings from getting demolished and replaced with new modern buildings. A set of operational energy variables of modern office buildings and the potential historic buildings that can be reused as office spaces was established. During the early 1990s, old Dutch-era buildings in the country were mainly used as government office buildings. Three Dutch-era buildings in Galle Fort and three modern buildings in Colombo City have been selected as the case studies. Design-Builder (DB) software was used to comprehensively analyze sets of operational energy consumption variables. Selected historic buildings in Galle consumed 143.74 kWh/m², 156.34 kWh/m², and 209.39 kWh/m² while modern buildings consumed 337.29 kWh/m², 210.99 kWh/m², and 382.57 kWh/m² as operational energy, respectively. According to the analysis, the operational energy requirement of ARHB is comparatively lesser than that of modern buildings. This study, therefore, mainly concludes that the historical buildings saved more operational energy than the modern building envelopes while considerably reducing environmental impacts and saving the building energy cost. Full article

This article has aimed to analyze the intellectual structure associated with the contributions made by academics and practitioners of architecture in the association between housing and COVID-19 in the years 2019–2021. The main results reveal the possibility of establishing a classification, by topics that suggest the necessary interdisciplinary collaboration for housing, to meet the needs and desires of its users in the wake of this pandemic. The network analysis has allowed the identification of overlapping communities through interconnection concepts to other groups or clusters. Thus, it has been possible to explore the multidimensionality of the housing–COVID connection and the interrelationships for future research and its possible extension. In this sense, the importance of the specific concepts associated with very detailed elements, sensations and spaces in buildings has been identified, including concepts such as the air quality and the need for green spaces, the presence or not of balconies, the need for natural light, the existence of cross ventilation or the possibility of incorporating technology or home automation to facilitate and save resources in daily life. Full article

Green roofs are becoming popular in urban areas due to their potential benefits, including energy efficiency, urban heat island mitigation, and stormwater management. However, their water consumption can negatively impact water resources. Therefore, carefully managing the water consumption of green roofs is crucial to ensure they do not exacerbate existing water scarcity issues. This review explores the influencing factors and innovative solutions that increase the sustainability of water management on green roofs. A systematic quantitative review was conducted on published studies on green roofs. The review highlighted that while small-scale experimental studies are almost saturated, large-scale monitoring studies are still lacking. Modelling and assessing green roof settings based on climatic conditions and water availability and consumption are essential for successful water management. Using integrated technologies and sensing systems can increase water management efficiency and sustainability. Rainwater may be sufficient as a water source for green roofs in wet climates, while irrigation is still needed in other climates. Phytoremediation and biosorption can potentially increase runoff water quality. Improving hydrological performance by increasing rainwater retention and reducing water consumption capacity can reduce demand for other water resources and effectively manage small storms, mitigating pressure on city infrastructure and increasing water quality. Seeking non-potable sources, such as greywater, or harvesting enough rainwater to be used for irrigation during dry weather periods is highly advantageous for improving the sustainability of green roofs. Full article

Moving to a new country is often combined with issues such as stress and a sense of loss that affect the overall well-being of immigrants. Furthermore, immigrants have not yet developed strong attachments to the country and, more specifically, to the places in which they will settle. Researchers have already discussed the role of the built environment for well-being and the sense of belonging and attachment it can provide, specifically through public open spaces, such as parks, squares, etc. These problems are worldwide, and the World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends creating public places that improve human health, well-being, and social inclusion. Moreover, at local levels, designers and urbanists must understand how to evaluate the relationship between immigrants’ place attachment and public places in order to improve the design of these places. Consequently, this study reviewed methods used to understand the effects of public open spaces on immigrants’ attachment. A systematic quantitative literature review was conducted, and a total of 26 articles were extracted relating to immigrants’ place attachment and public open spaces. Research locations, participants’ nationalities, the types of public open spaces, the methods applied, and place attachment evaluations were retrieved from the articles and analysed. The results show that evaluating immigrants’ place attachment presents many challenges, and there is no consensus on what approaches are best practices. However, qualitative methods were most applied in human–environment interactions, and immigrants’ place attachments were primarily assessed based on their social bonds in public open spaces. To conclude, a framework was designed to understand how immigrants’ place attachment was evaluated in the reviewed literature, and the dimensions of place attachment were defined. Full article

Artificial intelligence and machine learning, in particular, have made rapid advances in image processing. However, their incorporation into architectural design is still in its early stages compared to other disciplines. Therefore, this paper addresses the development of an integrated bottom–up digital design approach and describes a research framework for incorporating the deep convolutional generative adversarial network (GAN) for early stage design exploration and the generation of intricate and complex alternative facade designs for urban interiors. In this paper, a novel facade design is proposed using the architectural style, size, scale, and openings of two adjacent buildings as references to create a new building design in the same neighborhood for urban infill. This newly created building contains the outline, style and shape of the two main buildings. A 2D building design is generated as an image, where (1) neighboring buildings are imported as a reference using the cell phone and (2) iFACADE decodes their spatial neighborhood. It is illustrated that iFACADE will be useful for designers in the early design phase to create new facades in relation to existing buildings in a short time, saving time and energy. Moreover, building owners can use iFACADE to show their preferred architectural facade to their architects by mixing two building styles and creating a new building. Therefore, it is presented that iFACADE can become a communication platform in the early design phases between architects and builders. The initial results define a heuristic function for generating abstract facade elements and sufficiently illustrate the desired functionality of the prototype we developed. Full article

Majapahit was one of Indonesia’s most prominent and last Hindu kingdoms in the 12–15th centuries. During this time, there was a process of changing religious beliefs among the Javanese population, who then embraced Hinduism to eventually become Muslim. In the 14th and 15th centuries, according to estimates, Islam began to spread throughout the Majapahit Empire. There was also a cultural shift in the Majapahit Kingdom’s society, from how they dressed to the shape of their houses. This study aims to determine how structures from that time were interpreted using a 3D model based on field surveys and previous studies. This documentation’s findings are divided into typology, spatial distribution, and architectural elements. Each of these three groups was further defined through Islamic law to determine the extent of Islam’s Influence on dwellings throughout the Majapahit Era. The impact of Islam on Majapahit architecture during that time was characterised by openness in terms of building typology, compactness in the internal layout of buildings, and the employment of ornamental architectural features based on plant and abstract patterns. Full article

As most people spend their days indoors, it is indeed important that buildings provide residents with a higher standard of health, convenience, and safety. As a result, many practices are implemented into buildings to improve the comfort of occupants, particularly thermal comfort; nevertheless, the energy required to run and maintain these applications is a significant constraint. Renewable energy sources offer alternative solutions to energy demand problems, and selecting the best renewable energy sources is crucial. In this article, we examine the health and well-being advantages to the occupants, as well as the surrounding environment, of a variety of novel strategies that may be integrated into buildings to increase occupants’ thermal comfort for conventional practices using solar power. The key discoveries explored in this article include daylighting, passive ventilation, thermal applications, cooling applications, and power generation. For this, the information was gathered by a systematic review of the relevant prior literature. In addition, the detrimental effects of existing practices on the health and well-being of residents and the environment are included. While there are still some practical obstacles to overcome in the extraction of solar energy, the technology exists. Potential future obstacles to the broad acceptance and usage of solar energy systems in buildings are highlighted, as well as possible solutions. Full article

Local parks are widely used to mitigate urban heat islands. However, the increase of dry weather periods in subtropical climates has caused natural grass failure, leading some city councils to replace it with artificial grass. Therefore, this study investigates various local park settings to assess the performance of different ground covers (i.e., irrigated and non-irrigated natural grass, bare soil, and artificial grass) and the influence that tree proximity has on them, as well as the total thermal performance of the investigated local parks. This study finds that non-irrigated parks could harm park users’ health due to the high concentration of mean radiant temperature (MRT) around trees. Although the surface temperature of the artificial grass was higher (2.60 °C) than that of asphalt during periods of peak temperature, the parks using artificial grass performed better at reducing air temperature and enhancing thermal comfort than the ones with dry grass or bare soil, where both tree proximity and soil water content played significant roles. However, artificial grass negatively affected night cooling, resulting in a poorer daily performance. This study discusses the influence of various park settings on air temperature, MRT, thermal comfort, surface temperature, soil temperature, and water content. In addition, various recommendations and settings are offered to direct decision makers and future studies. Full article

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) in 2019 and the 2022 war in Ukraine have had profound global impacts on travel and logistics, disrupted the material supply chain, significantly influenced the cost and progress of construction projects, and further impacted the operational effectiveness of firms. Despite some existing studies providing valuable insights into the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry, there remain research gaps that need to be addressed. Prior studies have mainly focused on the immediate impact factors of the pandemic, such as supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages, and strategies for effectively reducing or eliminating these risks. However, there is a need for research that delves into the long-term implications of these disruptions. So far, no relevant research has quantified the broader impact of the epidemic. Thus, this study aims to analyze the effects of the pandemic and the war on 136 construction industry professionals, their projects, and firms through literature review, questionnaire surveys, and expert interviews. The study compiles a list of significant risk factors for construction projects between 2019–2022, including their probability of occurrence, impact over time, and overall cost. The study also analyzes and discusses the impact of these high-risk factors as of 2022. To quantify the impact, cost, and level of exposure to these risks suffered by actual construction projects over this period, the Monte Carlo simulation method is introduced. This approach provides contractors with early prediction of risks and appropriate responses to mitigate risks. Full article

Although voxel models have been applied to address diverse problems in computer-aided design processes, their role in multi-domain data integration in digital architecture and planning has not been extensively studied. The primary objective of this study is to map the current state of the art and to identify open questions concerning data structuring, integration, and modeling and design of multi-scale objects and systems in architecture. Focus is placed on types of voxel models that are linked with computer-aided design models. This study utilizes a semi-systematic literature review methodology that combines scoping and narrative methodology to examine different types and uses of voxel models. This is done across a range of disciplines, including architecture, spatial planning, computer vision, geomatics, geosciences, manufacturing, and mechanical and civil engineering. Voxel-model applications can be found in studies addressing generative design, geomatics, material science and computational morphogenesis. A targeted convergence of these approaches can lead to integrative, holistic, data-driven design approaches. We present (1) a summary and systematization of the research results reported in the literature in a novel manner, (2) the identification of research gaps concerning voxel-based data structures for multi-domain and trans-scalar data integration in architectural design and urban planning, and (3) any further research questions. Full article

With the intensification of population aging and the increasing awareness of public health protection in the post-epidemic era, the renewal of the old urban community neighborhood space is facing many new challenges and problems. Neighborhood Public Open Space (POS) is the main place for people to carry out various social activities in community life. The quality of the social interaction environment that a neighborhood POS can provide can have a vital impact on people’s well-being, as well as their physical and mental health. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify and clarify the key physical environmental design attributes/features of the old urban community neighborhood POS, and to explore the relationship between them from the perspective of creating a high-quality social environment. Through the investigation of relevant cases in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, China, the classification performance of each case on the key physical and environmental elements is used as the conditional attribute, and the quality of the social interaction environment in the current situation of each case is used as the decision making attribute to conduct a data mining analysis. Using rough set theory, this study screened out four important elements: greenbelt form planning (C₁); ped and bike system (C₂); space organization and zoning planning (C₆); Public facilities (C₈). Moreover, this study also presents a set of hierarchical decision rules to describe the classification status of the matching physical environmental design elements when the social interaction environment reaches a high quality in the neighborhood POS. This study provides local policy makers with key current situation assessment and diagnostic tools in urban-built environmental renewal projects. The results of this study can help designers draw up the renovation design plans of neighborhood POS on the basis of efficiently obtaining the practical experience of relevant cases, and then create a high-quality social interaction environment. Full article

One of the highest risk groups the highest during COVID-19 were chronic patients. In addition to being a population at risk, in the lockdown they had to combine the pandemic with their own disease. Through a qualitative study of visual–emotional analysis, the perception of patients and their social environment (immediate support network) about the domestic confinement in Spain was requested during the State of Alarm in the Spring of 2020. For this, 33 participants filled out an online questionnaire with narratives and images describing their experiences. They were asked to share their experiences about quarantine from several perspectives of the housing spaces: the workplace (or alternatively, if they did not work, the most used occupational space), the least pleasant spaces or aspects of the dwelling and the most pleasant or comfortable area. The results suggested the importance for participants of natural and adequate lighting in spaces and tidiness, with both being linked to well-valued spaces. Moreover, rest was the activity most undertaken, for those who did not telework. Likewise, the narratives provided by participants were mostly positive, despite their condition, maybe due to their own coping with the disease. Dwellings were the adaptive means to tackle the situation of physical isolation as a place of protection against an external threat. The living room and bedrooms were chosen as the most prominent places. The characteristics of the dwellings conditioned the experiences lived during the quarantine of chronic patients. Full article