Role In Design Research Articles

Inclusive servicescapes: the imperative of universal design principles

Purpose This study aims to explore the transformative potential of universal design (UD) principles in changing servicescapes to enhance consumer experiences and foster inclusive practices across various sectors. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from existing literature and research findings, this study offers a review of inclusive servicescapes and service practices through the lens of UD. The investigation spans multiple domains to highlight the impact of UD principles on inclusivity and societal welfare. Findings This research delves into the theoretical and practical contributions of UD principles, showcasing their application in diverse sectors to enhance citizenship experiences. This study presents valuable insights for businesses and service providers, emphasizing the significance of UD in improving societal well-being and fostering inclusivity. Research limitations/implications This study broadens the theoretical framework of UD, showcasing its versatility across various sectors and reinforcing its contribution to enhancing societal inclusion. By analyzing the interplay between UD principles and inclusive servicescape practices, this study highlights UD’s transformative impact on enriching citizenship experiences and fostering a deeper sense of belonging. Drawing from seminal works, this research not only adds to the understanding of UD’s role in promoting inclusivity but also strengthens the linkage between UD and inclusion theory, advancing the discourse on design's pivotal role in facilitating societal participation and crafting inclusive environments. Practical implications The findings of this study provide practical guidance for businesses and service providers to incorporate UD principles into servicescapes and service practices, enhancing consumer experiences. By referencing examples from education, retail and digital domains, this study offers insights for organizations seeking to create more inclusive and accessible environments. Social implications The societal implications of incorporating UD principles into marketplace practices are significant, promoting societal inclusivity and acceptance of diversity. By emphasizing the role of UD in fostering inclusive servicescapes, this study contributes to societal initiatives to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in the marketplace, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals with diverse abilities and promoting a more equitable society. Originality/value Building on existing literature, this study expands the understanding of UD and its potential impact on citizenship experiences. By anchoring the research on established perspectives and incorporating practical examples, this study offers original insights into the transformative power of UD in creating more inclusive and equitable societies.

Theoretical Investigation on Carbazole Derivatives as Charge Carriers for Perovskite Solar Cell

The study explores carbazole‐based organic molecules as transport layers in durable perovskite solar cells, focusing on their optoelectronic and charge transfer properties. Thirteen carbazole derivatives are systematically analyzed via density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand their structure and optoelectronic characteristics. Substituents like bromo, phenyl, thiophenyl, and pyridyl at positions 3,6‐ and 2,7‐ of carbazole were studied. Phenyl and thiophenyl substitutions lowered highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels, while bromo and pyridyl increased them, tuning HOMO energies from −5.45 to −6.03 eV. These energies align well with perovskite materials valence bands, with absorbance primarily below 400 nm, complementing perovskite absorption. The compounds showed high light‐harvesting efficiencies (LHEs) (0.22 to 0.94) and improved radiative lifetimes. Theoretical investigations identified most compounds as effective p‐type hole‐transport materials (HTM), except 3,6‐ and 2,7‐dithiophenyl carbazoles, which exhibited n‐type behavior due to low hole reorganization energies. Overall, the study highlights computational design's role in developing carbazole derivatives as promising charge carrier precursors for perovskite solar cells.

What is the role of architects and urban planners in crime prevention?

In this article, we discuss the role of urban planning professionals in situational crime prevention. We begin by examining their role as city “shapers” and the reasons behind their frequent neglect of crime-related factors in their decision-making process. We also explore why criminology tends to underestimate the influence of urban planning professionals on the urban environment, a factor crucial for effective crime prevention. To highlight the disconnection between urban planning and crime prevention, we present findings from a survey conducted with urban planners and safety experts in 290 Swedish municipalities. The article concludes with future research and practice recommendations, stressing the urgent need for improved communication and collaboration between urban shapers and environmental criminologists and a more comprehensive understanding from all parties involved.

La Gender perspective in architecture and urban planning curricula in Portugal

Introduction : The text discusses the importance of integrating the gender perspective into training in architecture and urbanism, historically male-dominated areas where the female contribution has been undervalued. Methodology : Including this perspective in the teaching of these disciplines is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to gender equality, reducing inequalities and building sustainable cities. Results: The research highlights the absence of a gender perspective in Integrated Master's programmes in Architecture in Portugal, evidenced by the lack of content, bibliographical references and institutional initiatives that address the role of women in the history of architecture. The predominance of male lecturers in leadership positions contrasts with the growing demand for architecture training by women. Discussion: This includes the development of guides and specific curricular units, sensitising future generations of architects to plan spaces that are more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of all social groups. Conclusions: The research argues that the omission of a gender perspective jeopardises quality education (SDG 4) and prevents the development of projects that promote a real understanding of the architect's social role, which is essential for the quality of urban life.

Factors driving consumer adoption of smart and green building materials: the role of civil engineers and architects

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the role of civil engineers and architects in driving consumer adoption of smart and green building materials in Bengaluru, India. A mixed-method approach is employed, including quantitative surveys of 350 consumers and qualitative interviews with 30 civil engineers and architects. The data are analyzed using descriptive, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and thematic analysis. Income acts as a moderating variable influencing the consumers in adoption. Civil engineers and architects use innovative marketing strategies, public education campaigns, and consumer involvement in decision-making. However, various barriers such as initial costs, limited availability, lack of expertise, and complex regulations prevent widespread adoption. The qualitative analysis highlighted the environmental benefit as the most relevant factor, increasing awareness and providing education as the most powerful strategy. Conversely, the lack of a uniform rating system and certification system is the most critical challenge affecting the adoption of these materials from a consumer behaviour perspective. Therefore, the study recommended incentivising green building materials, promote knowledge via professional development, and expedite regulatory procedures to encourage widespread use. The study uses civil engineers and architects as consumer acceptability influencers to help policymakers create a smart and green building material consumption roadmap.

Challenges and Opportunities of Using Metaverse Tools for Participatory Architectural Design Processes

Participatory design emerges as a proactive approach involving different stakeholders in design and decision-making processes, addressing diverse values and ensuring outcomes align with users’ needs. However, the inadequacy of engaging stakeholders with a spatial experience can result in uninformed and, consequently, unsuccessful design solutions in a built environment. This paper explores how metaverse tools can help enhance participatory design by providing new collaborative opportunities via networked 3D environments. A hybrid format (online and in situ) co-creation process was documented and analysed, targeting public space design in London, Hong Kong, and Lisbon. The participants collaborated to address a set of design requirements via a tailored metaverse space, following a six-step methodology (Tour, Discuss, Rate, Define, Action, and Show and Tell). The preliminary results indicated that non-immersive metaverse tools help strengthen spatial collaboration through user perspective simulations, introducing novel interaction possibilities within design processes. The technology’s still-existing technical limitations may be tackled with careful engagement design, iterative reviews, and participants’ feedback. The experience documented prompts a reflection on the role of architects in process design and mediating multi-stakeholder collaboration, contributing to more inclusive, intuitive, and informed co-creation.

Our Energy

This paper explores the role of architects, designers, and educators in catalyzing a radical shift towards more just and socioecological energy values and practices by scrutinizing three exercises that were introduced to students as part of a theoretical course on territorial design taught at ETH Zürich in the autumn of 2022. 1 Initially, the text presents the course and then outlines its affiliated lecture series focusing on questions surrounding energy entanglements. Following this, it elaborates on the formulation of the exercises, including their conditions, representation techniques, and templates, giving a selection of student work. The paper aims to serve as an exemplar of how we can, in architectural and design education, offer alternative approaches to teaching and un/learning. By sharing this pedagogical framework, the paper ultimately seeks to disseminate these articulations and thought processes, as a way to initiate a discussion around energy entanglements and imagine novel ways of designing our collective and equitable energy futures.

Between Heritage and Innovation: The Delicate Balance with the Existing Heritage in Architectural Design

When an architect embarks on a project, one of the central challenges they encounter revolves around how to engagewith preexisting elements. Whether the canvas is a historic building, a heritage site, or an already-standing structure,the existing heritage can be viewed as both an opportunity and a constraint. This duality prompts intricate questionsconcerning the architect's role in balancing preservation with creation. In this regard, does the existing context serveas a valuable opportunity that enhances architectural innovation, or does it present a vexing limitation that stiflescreativity? Can we simplify this complex matter into a binary judgment of either a beneficial opportunity or aninhibiting constraint? How can we broaden our perspective and understanding of this subject so it transcends asimplistic dichotomy? And what relationship should the new architecture maintain with the existing, ingrainedheritage?

Digital Shipbuilding – Needs, challenges, and opportunities

Ship design firms, shipyards, and ship equipment manufacturers – the shipbuilding industry or just shipbuilding, must adapt their products and services' deliverables to the steadily evolving expectations of the stakeholders in the market. Digitalization and the use of computational tools have been suggested as the effective means to meet such challenges. However, many anecdotal statements and industry recognitions have expressed concern that such efforts have proven less effective than should be expected and promised, and opposite to what many application suppliers advertise. It is argued by this paper that such a situation is experienced because of, among other explanatory factors, incompatibility, lack of proper protocols for information sharing and isolated implementation efforts in single departments rather than a holistic organizational approach. The lack of full understanding of the ship designer's role and responsibility as the main facilitator of such a change process is also recognized as a clear weakness in the effort of successful digitalization of shipbuilding. It is argued that such a vital transformation process cannot be left alone to the software application providers, despite their size and dominance. This paper explains and discusses why this situation is experienced and indicates what improvement measures could be introduced to counteract the opportunity loss. The article addresses five potential digital service deliverables that could complement the existing service delivery of shipbuilding operations and thereby increase competitiveness and market attractiveness. These services include a) vessel support and control centres, b) performance monitoring, c) maintenance management, d) spare part handling, and e) life cycle assessment (LCA). The article also reflects on what implications and consequences this development has on the ship designers' work and their firm's adaptation to new services' demand in the shipbuilding market. The paper concludes with some reflections on the actual implementation of these services, highlighting challenges and further opportunities.

Private to Public: The Role of Architects in the Emergence of Textile and Fibre Art in Australia

ABSTRACT In the late 1960s architects began commissioning Australian textile and fibre artists to create custom works for new buildings. These commissions, by mostly female artists, assisted in the transformation of textile and fibre in Australia from amateur, home, craft into art media. The commissioning of textile and fibre works also expanded the concept of public art in Australia, giving voice to those often overlooked in traditional forms of public art. While the initial commissions were smaller, by the mid-1970s monumental woven works were being created for prestigious locations such as the University of New South Wales, the Sydney Opera House, and the Queensland State Executive Building. By choosing textiles and fibre, the architects were not only promoting the work of Australian female artists, they also harnessed the sensual and tactile possibilities of the media. The works and materials both accentuated and challenged the architecture, bringing natural warmth, malleability, strength, texture, and light to the spaces. More than merely decorative, the pieces could work in harmony with or be juxtaposed against the materials of the buildings. In recognising the abundant possibilities of the media, architects both redefined public art and laid the groundwork for textile and fibre art in Australia today.

Roles of stakeholders for adopting sustainable design in buildings

Buildings account for the highest carbon dioxide emissions during their operation stage, primarily due to high energy use for heating, cooling, and lighting, which in turn contribute to global warming and climate change. Such impact can be considerably reduced through crafting sustainable design (SusD) in buildings. So, availability of relevant information, professional guidance to clients, and appropriate decision-making are crucial. A study summarized the findings from a questionnaire survey conducted in Brunei with 122 responses. The results revealed that architects, consultants, and government are more important stakeholders to assist with SusD adoption, while clients and developers are important stakeholders in decision-making. The results appreciate the roles of clients and architects to a higher degree, despite a comparatively higher number of private projects in Brunei with relatively more influence of contractors. This was interpreted as having a good degree of awareness of the survey participants towards the role of SusD and who actually can better contribute to SusD adoption. However, the outcome also revealed inconsistent perception among the respondents, both within and between different groups based on their affiliations and nature of job. This inconsistency implies the need for appropriate training or education to enhance awareness of SusD, make pertinent information available, and develop appropriate skills.

The role of the designer in mitigating environmental impacts: Building a sustainable future

This research discusses the ecological crisis and the importance of designers in mitigating environmental effects, highlighting the need to re-evaluate our production methods and systems to help conserve natural resources. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to investigate the role and contribution of design in reducing the environmental effects resulting from the current ecological crisis. To this end, research instruments were used such as the systematic review of academic literature related to sustainable design and bibliometric research with Oasisbr, Scielo and BDTD databases, with a time frame of the years 2020 - 2023. This review will cover studies, relevant theories and practices in the field under study, highlighting the main current trends and challenges. Regarding the results, this research presents some definitions of the main themes covered in the studies, revealing which aspects of the designer's role in mitigating environmental impacts are most discussed in the literature. Finally, it can be concluded that the environmental crisis is a global challenge that requires immediate and effective actions to preserve natural resources, in this sense the role of the designer is crucial in mitigating environmental impacts through innovation in sustainable materials and practices, selection of raw materials, choice of technologies and adoption of new production models, all of these actions have a considerable influence on both the environment and the final cost of the product, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to minimize environmental damage and maintain economic viability.

Analyzing the Mitigation of the Negative Impact of Passive Social Media Use

This research examines the adverse effects of passive social media usage on the subjective well-being of young individuals in the digital era, where social media is closely integrated into everyday life. The opening portion establishes the context by examining the profound alterations in communication and social exchanges resulting from the digital age. The next focal point is passive engagement with social media, defined as non-participatory behaviors, and its prevalence among young users. It specifically seeks to explore the effects of passive use on well-being in terms of diminished self-esteem, increased loneliness, anxiety, and depression, thereby filling an unaddressed gap in the literature. The presented research recognizes the importance of understanding the processes that underpin these effects and presents methods to reduce them. The article suggests interventions at multiple levels (individual, community, and policy) focusing on educational efforts, platform redesign, and broad public awareness campaigns. The role of key stakeholderseducators, parents, and policymakersas architects for youth's effective mode of digital navigation is underscored.

The Role of AI Design Assistance on the Architectural Design Process: An Empirical Research with Novice Designers

This study explores the integration of Generative Design Assistants (GDAs), specifically machine learning based tools, in the architectural design process. It investigates how these tools, once confined to experimental realms, are now influencing mainstream architectural practice, particularly among novice architects. The research focuses on third and fourth-year architecture students, examining how they adapt to and integrate these advanced AI tools into their design workflows. Through an empirical online workshop, the study collected data of design process recordings, design output success scores of students by an independent jury, and post-experiment surveys. This approach provided insights into the timing, frequency, and sequence of GDA usage, as well as the influence of specific GDA features on design success. The research reveals that three primary strategies emerged in students' GDA usage: continuous use throughout the design process, selective problem-solving use, and initial ideation use followed by traditional methods. However, an over-reliance on GDAs was noted to potentially limit the designer’s interpretive and developmental input. The survey shows that different GDAs have distinct strengths and impacts on the design process. In terms of selected GDAs for the experiment, ArchiGAN aids in discovery and ideation, while HouseGAN excels in reframing design problems. In conclusion, the study underscores the transformative potential and challenges of GDAs in architectural design and highlights the need for balanced GDA integration. The research outputs show that future research should focus on the long-term implications of GDAs in architectural education. This research aims to guide the effective integration of AI in architecture, enhancing the human designer's role rather than overshadowing it.

Community-driven design: Collaborative objects, community-generated content, and the expanded role of architects

This article explores the intersection of digital architecture, collaborative creativity, and community engagement through our conceptual framework of Collaborative Objects. By enabling a shift from user-generated content to community-generated content in architecture, this new approach promotes democratic design processes. Practical illustrations are provided through a series of public case studies—H = N Co-Doodle, H = N BLOCK, and Meta Block Linz—highlighting the versatility of the Collaborative Objects framework embedded within expanded software applications. These studies address the formal and informal consequences, opportunities, and challenges of transforming static design elements into dynamic, community driven narratives. While recognizing the challenges inherent in this paradigm shift, the article concludes by emphasizing the compelling potential for more shared, inclusive, and community-oriented design processes in the architectural field.

From big apple to home of hockey: how scalar narratives and performative practices work in urban planning

ABSTRACT Drawing from a case study in Finland, the paper analyses the performative practice of urban development projects in order to win public support for the desired future. The role of famous architects as agents of urban change is pivotal. This raises the concern of how the performative trend in planning cuts down the public discussion of possible alternative futures. The analysis uses the concept techniques of futuring and follows the repetition of performative action. It is relevant to ask if the role of the public is to engage in the story presented instead of engaging in the planning process.

Optimising urban development: Assessing the role of architects in the decision-making processes of development control department in greater Port Harcourt City

Globally, Development Control Departments play a crucial role in overseeing effective physical development in urban areas. Architects, as key figures within these administrative units, hold a pivotal role in shaping the vision that materialises into the built environment. Their active involvement throughout the developmental process is imperative. This research is centred on optimising urban development and specifically provides an overview of the 'Role of Architects in the Decision-Making Processes of Development Control Departments in Greater Port Harcourt City’. The objectives of the study are to determine whether the current representation of architects aligns appropriately with the scope and responsibilities of the Development Control Department of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, outline the specific roles and responsibilities of architects within the department, and assess the extent to which architects' inputs are considered in the decision-making process for granting building permits. Additionally, the research aims to propose recommendations for optimising the integration and influence of architects in decision-making processes, ultimately contributing to sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban development in Greater Port Harcourt City. Data collection for this study relied on a semi-structured interview guide, which aligns with a qualitative research approach. The results indicate that only two architects were employed, with one remaining. While architects’ inputs were considered at the commencement stage of the authority, it was revealed that the current practice in the Development Control Department no longer involves physical vetting by architects. Instead, reliance is placed on a check-list that only requires the ARCON stamp and architects' paper certification. This approach has rendered the architect physically present in the department redundant. In conclusion, this study emphasises the critical role of architects in shaping urban development and underscores the necessity for an adequate number of architects actively participating in decision-making processes within Development Control Departments. It strongly advocates for the reconsideration of physical vetting processes, affirming that such practices contribute to better urban development outcomes and align with the overarching goal of creating sustainable and aesthetically pleasing urban environments in Greater Port Harcourt City.

NUMERICAL ANALYSES TO OBSERVE THE PERFORMANCE OF A MONUMENTAL BUILDING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENGKULU, INDONESIA

The Integrated Laboratory Building of Political and Social Science Faculty, located in a seismic-prone area, has been the subject of a comprehensive study of its performance using seismic response analysis. This research has yielded significant findings, gathering crucial secondary data, such as soil layers, bedrock depth, building structure, and earthquake wave information. The seismic response analysis, conducted by referencing the synthetic earthquake wave from the Bengkulu–Mentawai earthquake in 2007, with a magnitude of Mw 8.6, has provided a comprehensive overview of the earthquake waves at the foundation soil layers. The data, analysed using the finite element method to understand the structural response, revealed that the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and amplification factor at the surface soil layer are 0.220g and 1.429, respectively. The most critical PGA and amplification factors at the foundation soil layer are 0.147g and 0.955. Structural analysis has revealed internal forces and beam elements experiencing over-strength, necessitating retrofitting the affected structural elements to reduce the impact. One practical and highly effective method of retrofitting involves increasing the beam dimensions by 53.12%. With retrofitting, the impact of structural deformation can be minimised, enhancing the building’s resilience in case of an earthquake of equal or greater magnitude. These findings underscore the importance of our research and highlight the significant role of engineers, architects, and researchers in ensuring the safety and longevity of structures in seismic-prone areas.

Sustainability and Privilege: A Critique of Social Design Practice

In Sustainability and Privilege, Gabriel Arboleda wrestles with the language of social design, sometimes known as social impact design, public interest design or, in my corner of the field, community-engaged design. The disparate language speaks to varied intentions and methodologies of practice among social designers today. Arboleda’s account stands at odds with stories told by the “starchitects” of social design. As indicated by the book’s subtitle, he critiques the role of architects working in (rather than with) underresourced communities and the unpersuasive justifications given for their work, with insufficient recognition of lessons learned. Arboleda ultimately offers a research-based call for a participatory practice that redistributes power in social design processes to better meet local needs. As the field continues to gain prominence, his evaluation of social design practice is useful in centering the well-being of communities.

ESG 경영에서의 디자인 활용 방향성 제시

Since the 2004 UN Global Compact, ESG management has become crucial, notably emphasized in the 2006 UN Principles for Responsible Investment. This study explores design's active role in ESG, focusing on the social aspect, especially employee welfare, through a comparative analysis of Patagonia, Logitech, and Apple. While environmental concerns dominate ESG, this research zeros in on the social sector. Patagonia integrates design into its corporate philosophy, positively impacting employee health. Logitech and Apple strategically use design in product development but have limitations in addressing internal employee needs. To enhance design's role in ESG, it's crucial to guide both product development and shape corporate culture positively. Acknowledging limitations due to limited corporate information, this paper aims for more in-depth research in the future.