Architectural Practice Research Articles

Biomimicry Architecture Between Fame and Reality

Abstract As a highly interdisciplinary subject, architecture is influenced by many natural and social science subjects. Although seemingly distant from architecture, biology is currently a scientific field that fits into design practices that have evolved and shifted towards a new hybrid framework. Architecture is a complex negotiated cultural practice that encompasses all aesthetic, technical, economic, and political issues of social production itself. For architects, the integration of academic knowledge and design practice can be a difficult activity to define, but it can be the intellectual fuel that drives innovation and growth in architectural practice. The relationship and connection between architecture and nature have generated many questions, criticisms, and solutions. Today, a new form of design was introduced a few years ago, forcing the modern man to be inspired by decades of natural processes, but whose true potential has only recently been revealed.

The research circle: a possible utopia? Possibilities and constraints of knowledge development within a research-circle practice

ABSTRACT This article highlights the methodology of the research circle (RC), a variation of participatory action research (PAR). The aim was to examine and discuss possibilities and constraints for knowledge development based on democratic ideals within the RC practice. An empirical example of a Swedish RC project, including fifteen teachers and two academic researchers, was analysed through the theory of practice architectures. Interconnections between the aspects of participants’ actions, conditions or practice architectures and surrounding practices emerged. How these were interlinked appears coherent but contradictory, and these interconnections seem to be both enabling and constraining for knowledge development based on democratic ideals. Space was created for experienced-based knowledge and scientific knowledge to interact. Equal relationships between the teachers and academic researchers and power asymmetries seem to have been created and re-created through different and sometimes conflicting traditions and idea(l)s of research and resources for participation. A question regarding the potential of the RC is whether it can be portrayed as a possible utopia? This article can contribute methodologically to the PAR field by visualising and discussing the prerequisites, power relations, possibilities and constraints of an RC project.

On Hindsight: Intersections of Heritage and COVID-19 in the Philippines Pandemic Experience

The centenary cycle of pandemics has produced structural and systemic changes in society. The pandemics of cholera (1820s) and Spanish flu (1920s) forcibly adjusted policies and practices in medicine, health, nutrition, aesthetics, architecture and town planning. When the COVID-19 (2020) pandemic impacted the Philippines with lockdowns and quarantines, Filipinos were socially straightjacketed, but they creatively evolved the ways of survival. This study introduced a mapping matrix that wove heritage attributes into the cycle of a pandemic. Documenting COVID-19 coping narratives in social media, the objective was to plot the intersections of heritage taxonomy (natural, built, intangible and movable) against Shah’s (2016, Pandemic: Tracking contangions from cholera to Ebola and beyond) cycle of pandemic (origin, transmission, condition, community, management, scapegoat, cure and recurrence). With the stringent physical limitations imposed by the government, data were generated for 2020–2021 through social media accounts, personal observations and mobile phone conversations. This contextualization captured compelling heritage case studies on survival and resilience mechanisms that emerged across the country. On hindsight, the pandemic was a dramatic rupture in the Philippine society that innovated heritage-based programmes of sustainability and revived Filipino values of nobleness and humanity.

Disloyal to the Master:

This article explores the need for a critical curriculum in architecture schools, drawing on conflict and neo-Marxist theories of education. It calls into question the current selection of content in school curricula, arguing that the educational system tends to perpetuate dominant cultural norms and reinforces social hierarchies, providing a narrow understanding of architectural practice. By examining two case studies in the American context, Dark Matter University and Project Row Houses, we aim to illustrate pedagogical shifts towards a critical examination of the curriculum that challenge traditional power structures within architectural education and promotes a broader, more inclusive and democratic approach.

Predictive modeling of wide-shallow RC beams shear strength considering stirrups effect using (FEM-ML) approach

This paper presents an analysis and prediction of the shear strength of wide-shallow reinforced concrete beams, utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and machine learning techniques. The methodology involves validating a detailed Finite Element Model (FEM) against experimental results, conducting a parametric study, and developing three Machine Learning prediction equations. The FEM captures concrete and steel behaviors, including cracking and crushing for concrete and linear isotropic properties for steel reinforcement. Loading and boundary conditions are defined for accuracy and validated against 13 experimental specimens, exhibiting a maximum 8% and 12% difference in loads and deflections, respectively. A parametric study generates a dataset of 77 wide beam configurations, exploring variations in beam widths, concrete strengths, compression rebars, and shear reinforcement. This dataset is used to develop machine learning models, including “Genetic Programming (GP)”, “Evolutionary Polynomial Regression (EPR)”, and “Artificial Neural Network (ANN)”. Comparative analysis reveals GP and EPR models with over 95% correlation, while the ANN model outperforms with 99% accuracy. Sensitivity analysis underscores the significant influence of concrete strength and beam aspect ratio on shear strength. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the potential of FEA and machine learning models to predict shear strength in wide-shallow reinforced concrete beams, providing valuable insights for architectural design and engineering practices and emphasizing the role of concrete strength and beam geometry in shear behavior.

Bridging traditions: The synergy of historical wisdom and modern sustainable practices in architecture

This paper explores the dynamic integration of traditional architectural wisdom with contemporary green building technologies, highlighting a holistic approach to sustainable development in the built environment. Traditional architecture, characterized by its intrinsic sustainability, leverages local materials, climatic conditions, and cultural practices, presenting a rich repository of ecological knowledge. Modern green technologies further these sustainability goals through innovations in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable resources. Through quantitative analyses, case studies, and a comprehensive review of advancements in energy-efficient technologies, water management, and sustainable materials, this study illustrates the significant potential of marrying historical practices with modern sustainability principles. It underscores the importance of policy frameworks, urban planning, and community engagement in facilitating this integration, aiming to preserve cultural heritage while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. The findings advocate for a nuanced understanding of both traditional and modern methods, suggesting that the future of sustainable architecture lies in the thoughtful amalgamation of past wisdom and future innovations.

Enhancing human well-being and comfort: Optimizing the integration of plants in buildings

The escalating challenges posed by greenhouse effects and the imperative for sustainable solutions have garnered global attention towards mitigating environmental harm, with buildings emerging as significant contributors to carbon emissions. This case study meticulously examines the Shunde Country Garden Headquarters Building, a visually captivating exemplar of plant integration within architectural frameworks. While the initial design emphasizes aesthetics and sustainability, a deeper exploration uncovers shortcomings in considering the well-being of occupants. The integration of plants into building structures holds promise in carbon absorption and reduced energy consumption, making a positive contribution to sustainability. However, the Shunde case underscores challenges such as insufficient natural light, poor ventilation, and elevated indoor humidity levels. These issues highlight the critical necessity of aligning architectural designs with human experiences, transcending mere aesthetics and sustainability. This study also reveals a noticeable oversight in the social dimension of buildings integrated with plants within existing certifications and architectural practices. While certifications like LEED, WELL, Envision, and BREEAM primarily evaluate sustainability from a conventional standpoint, architects often prioritize aesthetics over the living experiences of occupants. The absence of comprehensive guidelines addressing human well-being and comfort impedes the widespread adoption of Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS). In response, this project aims to propose a design guideline that holistically considers environmental, economic, and social aspects. By accentuating occupants' comfort and well-being, the objective is to unlock the practical potential of VGS across various countries. The proposed design guideline encompasses environmental, economic, and social considerations. It delves into lighting, support, and landscape elements for the environment, and addresses economic aspects such as potential, construction, design, and landscape economy. Importantly, the social aspect takes precedence in the guideline, concentrating on innovation, location, and landscape. By addressing environment, economy, and society, this paper endeavors to elevate the impact of Vertical Greenery Systems on human well-being and comfort, fostering a sustainable and harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

Transforming architecture: The synergy of digital fabrication and parametric design

This paper delves into the transformative synergy between digital fabrication and parametric design in the field of architecture, tracing their evolution, principles, and integration that herald a new era of architectural innovation. Digital fabrication, with its roots in the mid-20th century, has evolved from basic CNC machinery to advanced 3D printing and robotic assembly, enabling a shift from mass production to mass customization. Parametric design, through its algorithmic nature, allows for the manipulation of complex geometries based on set parameters, facilitating designs that adapt to environmental data for enhanced sustainability. The integration of these two methodologies has fostered a powerful design-to-production workflow, enabling architects to materialize complex designs with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Highlighted through cutting-edge techniques and notable case studies, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and potential future directions of architectural practices shaped by these technologies. It underscores the significant efficiency gains, structural optimization, and innovation potential that this integration offers, backed by quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling. This exploration not only emphasizes the shift towards more sustainable, efficient, and innovative architectural solutions but also reflects on the broader implications for the future of architectural design and construction.

Harmonizing health and sustainability: Advanced analytical approaches in biophilic architectural design

The burgeoning field of biophilic architectural design represents a transformative approach towards creating spaces that harmonize with nature, fostering both environmental sustainability and human well-being. This paper delves into the intricate relationship between architectural environments and their impact on occupant health outcomes, leveraging quantitative analyses and mathematical models to offer a comprehensive understanding. Through exploring theoretical frameworks such as biophilic design principles, psychological impacts of built environments, and the integration of sustainability with health, alongside practical applications including case studies, innovative materials, and policy implications, this study illuminates the multifaceted benefits of incorporating natural elements into built spaces. Advanced statistical models and cost-benefit analyses provide empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of biophilic design in reducing stress, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting overall well-being. Furthermore, this research underscores the critical role of policy and innovative technologies in facilitating the adoption of health-centric architectural practices. By presenting a synthesis of theoretical insights and empirical findings, this paper advocates for a paradigm shift towards designing buildings that not only exist in harmony with the natural world but also actively contribute to the health and productivity of their occupants.

Examination of Projects Produced in the Metaverse as an Opportunity for Architecture

The study questions the role of the metaverse universe in the field of architecture. In this context, the article aims to determine this new field's potential, understand its boundaries and analyse what kind of projects have been produced in the architectural field to date. Descriptive analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study, and the analysis data was obtained from Archdaily's database, a popular architectural platform. All of the studies obtained from here are current, and the oldest project dates back to 2020. The evaluation of projects was evaluated according to the criteria of different space types (Hyper Reality, Abstracted Reality, Hybrid Cyberspace, Hyper Virtuality), smart city/building, creative-innovative design, social value creation, interaction-socialization, new spatial experiences, digital art, and cultural value creation. Among the projects analyzed, there are projects developed by architects and designed by video and game developers. As a result, in the metaverse universe, futuristic, free designs are developed, and historical and cultural structures are revitalized and passed on to future generations. Complex 3D visualizations can be easily produced in the metaverse instead of using various software. In the future, the metaverse is expected to radically change and transform the discipline of architecture in education, design, and practice.

Improving professional development through building contract administration (BCA) framework of housing projects for graduate architects

PurposeThe administration of a contract by the architect is necessary to ensure the contract is performed according to the conditions of the contract, compliance with related laws and the practices of the construction industry. With the increasing number of housing projects and the limited number of registered architects in the nation, the architect is unable to be hands-on with every project. Hence, the involvement of graduate architects to reduce the workload in building contract administration (BCA) is required. The purpose of this paper is to develop a BCA framework for graduate architects to enhance their work performance in BCA work and to assist them in moving a step closer to acquiring their professional qualifications.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative method where seven housing projects in Malaysia were selected as case studies to conduct documentation reviews and semistructured interviews. The data collected was analyzed using content analysis to develop the BCA framework. Focus groups were used to validate the framework.FindingsThis study summarized there are 5 themes (claims and legal matters management, project management, communication and relationship management, quality assessment and management, and design management) and 11 sub-themes (authority matters, building certification, meetings, coordination checklist, letter-writing, contract documentation, building material, design brief, building sustainability and workmanship quality standard, contractor’s submission and building details) that need to be improved by graduate architects in BCA work.Originality/valueThe contribution of this study to the existing knowledge is the development of a BCA framework that enables graduate architects to get a glimpse of architectural professional practice in reality and better prepare them to confront and resolve problems. Besides, the proposed framework could be incorporated into a pedagogy focusing on methods to support construction contract administrators.

Abandoning a discourse of poverty to develop equitable educational practices through family school partnerships

ABSTRACT A discourse of poverty can influence teachers’ perceptions towards and ways of supporting parents’ engagement in their children’s learning. In 2021, Goodall invited us to examine the discourse surrounding a culture of poverty and seek ways to engage with parents so that we might dismantle systemic inequities. This study explored four primary school teachers’ consideration of how they could adapt their own practices to strengthen families’ engagement in their children’s learning. Data collection incorporated transcripts from reflective practice meetings and semi-structured interviews utilised throughout a two-cycle process of Critical Participatory Action Research. The theory of practice architectures framed analysis of the teachers’ language (sayings), activities (doings) and relationships (relatings) within parent engagement and the specific conditions which support and hinder practice. Within this study the participating teachers perceived that parent engagement is more achievable in a dominant community. Within the nondominant community where the teachers worked, social and cultural factors were perceived to problematise parent engagement. This paper advocates for schools to routinely embed reflexive practices which support teachers to examine and address systemic impediments to parent engagement.

Telemetry to solve dynamic analysis of a distributed system

In the modern software development world, implementing distributed solutions has become quite common due to the flexibility it brings to big companies. The downside is that when developing such systems, especially in many teams, global design problems may not be obvious and lead to a slowdown in the development process or even problems with the location of errors or degradation of overall system performance. In addition, the timely reaction to system degradation is complicated by the distributed nature of the architecture; while manually configuring rules for reporting problematic situations can be time-consuming and still incomplete, automatic detection of possible system anomalies will give engineers (especially Software Reliability Engineers) the focus on problems. For this reason, applications that can dynamically analyse the system for problems have great potential. Currently, the topic of using telemetry for system analysis is actively studied and gaining traction, so further research is valuable. The work aims to theoretically and practically prove the possibility of using telemetry to analyse a distributed information system and detect harmful architectural practices and anomalous events. To do this, firstly, a detailed overview of the problems related to the topic and the feasibility of using telemetry is provided; the next section briefly describes the history of the development of monitoring systems and the key points of the latest OpenTelemetry standard, reviews popular application performance monitoring systems, and defines innovative features to be further researched. The main part includes an explanation of the approach used to collect and process telemetry, a reasoning behind the usage of Neo4j as a data storage solution, a practical overview of graph theory algorithms that help in the analysis of the collected data, and a description outlining how the PCA algorithm is employed to detect unusual situations in the whole system instead of individual metrics. The results provide an example of using the software presented with Neo4j Bloom to visualise and analyse the data collected over several hours from the OpenTelemetry Demo test system. The last section contains additional remarks on the results of the study.

Implementing biophilic design in architecture through three-dimensional green spaces: Guidelines for building technologies, plant selection, and maintenance

With the growing interest in biophilic design for health, well-being, and sustainability, a large variety of plant-integrated building designs have emerged over the past two decades. The integration of plants into buildings is complex because it requires an in-depth understanding of various challenges and considerations. Current guidelines are mostly limited to two-dimensional green surfaces (e.g. green roofs and walls) and are inadequate for richer types of three-dimensional (3D) green spaces. This study aimed to identify the key requirements for creating 3D green spaces (termed ‘green pockets’) in buildings and to develop tailored guidelines for green pockets regarding building technologies, plant configurations, and maintenance. A mixed-method approach including case studies, interviews, site observations, and document analysis was used to examine three representative examples of green pockets in biophilic buildings. We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and experts involved in these projects, including the clients, designers, engineers, advisors, and property managers. Based on the findings, we developed a framework to guide green pocket design with key considerations for practical applications. We compiled implementation guidelines covering the construction criteria and technical installations, suggestions for plant selection and arrangement, and maintenance actions for the lasting operation of green pockets. This research is significant in providing design teams and decision-makers with a reference guide for implementing biophilic design in architectural practices, helping them understand the complex challenges of green pocket designs and collaborate on solutions to optimise performance in actual use. The research also stimulates further exploration of more sustainable ‘green’ architecture.

Application of Polymer Sheets in the Conditions of Southern Kyrgyzstan

One of the strategic directions in Kyrgyzstan is accelerated housing construction, as well as modernization and acceleration of construction work, based on modern innovative building materials and technologies. In the modern world, a special place is occupied by the rapid development of industrial, highly innovative, waste-free technologies, such as synthetic and natural polymer materials, to create a variety of architectural and construction products. This includes the use of polymeric materials derived from both synthetic and natural sources in the creation of a variety of architectural elements. Research into trends in the development and use of polymer sheets in architectural and construction practice is especially important in the context of Southern Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating their effectiveness in the region. The issues of analysis and effective use of polymer sheets in the conditions of the South of Kyrgyzstan are considered.

From restoration to social media: exploring the nexus of architecture, social media and information sharing behaviours

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of architecture on digital communication mediums, focusing on how social media shapes the public perception and discussion of architectural spaces. It specifically examines the case of the Basilica Cistern/Istanbul, analysing social media interactions post-restoration.Design/methodology/approachUsing newspaper archive scanning and survey technique, this study observed public content on Instagram focusing on the post-restoration period of the Basilica Cistern. 406 (283 valid) people who visited the Cistern and shared their experiences on Instagram between August 2022 and January 2023 participated in a survey. The analysis utilized Python for advanced correlation studies, enabling an in-depth exploration of the interplay between architectural features and social media sharing behaviours.FindingsThe analysis revealed that historical significance, lighting elements, role as a photographic backdrop significantly influenced sharing behaviours. Correlations were found between specific spatial features of the cistern and various sharing motivations, such as communication with people, personal gain, and popularity. The study highlights a diverse spectrum of motivations among users, emphasizing the relationship between these motivations and spatial features.Research limitations/implicationsThis study underscores the necessity for further inquiry into the intricate dynamics among digital communication, architectural spaces, and user motivations. Limitations include potential challenges in gathering data from social media due to concerns of cyber fraud and the misuse of hashtags.Originality/valueThis research offers novel insights into the interplay between digital communication and architecture. It underscores the potential of digital platforms as valuable data sources for architectural theorizing and practice, particularly in understanding how restorations and architectural changes are perceived and discussed in the digital space.

Diseñando la coexistencia urbana

This paper critically examines the prevailing paradigms of environmental and spatial justice, emphasising the existing disparities in policies that predominantly favour human interests while overlooking the fundamental rights and well-being of non-human species. Despite the growing acknowledgement of the importance of establishing a deeper connection between human and non-human actors for overall well-being, a pervasive speciesism mindset persists, distancing humans from the broader natural world. This separation from nature profoundly influences the formulation of policies and justice, establishing a bias that focuses primarily on human concerns and environmental conditions tailored to human well-being. Architects and planners, despite possessing the potential to enrich habitats for various species, frequently adopt human-centric approaches that marginalise other-than-human entities, restricting their access to the immediate surroundings of human territories and impeding opportunities for immersive nature experiences. This article advocates for a comprehensive paradigm shift in architectural practices, urging a more inclusive and equitable approach that extends spatial and environmental justice to encompass the diverse needs and rights of both human and non-human species within the urban landscape. The conclusions underscore the urgent need for architects and planners to re-evaluate their approaches, fostering an environment that supports coexistence and acknowledges the interconnectedness of all species. In the face of global biodiversity concerns and international frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the research contributes to the discourse on sustainable and ethical design practices, advocating for a future where spatial and environmental justice extends its reach beyond the confines of human experience to create a respectful and just coexistence with the entire ecological community.

Supporting small remote school teachers’ professional development through networked learning designs

Equal education is a buzzword, but the description of how it will arise differs. Spatial educational inequality is shown in several studies, and one explanation of this is the lack of professional development for teachers in remote schools due to the distance to peers. In the small remote schools, the teachers are few, and they are often solitary teachers, according to grade and subject. Therefore, the networked learning design needs to be adapted to these unique conditions. In this study, networked learning is put in the context of rural education, more specifically in relation to teachers’ professional development. In rural and remote schools, networked learning designs enabled by digital technologies can afford equal education. The web-based professional development could compensate for the distance between schools. Therefore, the aim of this study concerns the relationship between networked learning designs and the professional development of teachers in small remote schools. It is guided by the research question: How is networked learning designed and arranged to support teachers’ professional development in small remote schools? The sampled data contains transcripts from meetings and interviews from an ethnographic study. The study applied the theory of practice architecture (TPA) to analyse the data. The concepts of sayings, doings, and relatings from TPA provided the analysis to understand the studied practices. In TPA, these concepts and practices all ‘hang together’ in a project. The project in the studied practices is professional development. The preliminary findings show the networks emerge in the district of several small remote schools and are arranged in two different networked learning designs. One is meetings in real life, with time-consuming travels, but a networked learning design with many social aspects embracing time for dinner and visiting different schools. This design enabled sensemaking, an important process in remote areas, including meetings adapted to the sense of place. The other networked learning design for professional development in the district was web-based meetings, including fewer social arrangements but a higher frequency of meetings. When this meeting was combined with real-life meetings it worked well and enabled sayings, doings, and relatings in the professional development practice.

Reconceptualising emotions-as-practices in education

Emotions play a pivotal role in shaping educational experiences, yet their subjective and transient nature presents considerable challenges for research. This conceptual paper seeks to address these challenges by employing the Theory of Practice Architectures (TPA) as a lens to explore emotions as socially distributed and constructed phenomena within educational settings. TPA's holistic lens of 'sayings', 'doings', and 'relatings' offers a novel multi-dimensional approach to investigate emotions-as-practices.In education contexts, including the evolving landscape of Networked Learning, emotions significantly influence learners' motivation, engagement, and achievement. Beyond individual impact, they contribute to the collective atmosphere of educational institutions, affecting classroom dynamics, inclusivity, and collaboration. However, research methods often struggle with capturing the complexity and fluidity of emotions, which creates a need for a revised methodology.This paper, underpinned by Scheer's work on emotional practices and Wilkinson’s theorisation of emotions in practice, argues for a reconceptualisation of emotions. It presents them as distributed and entangled actions, discourses, and relationships rather than merely individualised physiological responses. In Networked Learning, the interplay of emotions and learning is emphasised by digital architectures, creating unique emotional experiences and challenges. The rise of affectivism in social sciences calls for a deeper understanding of these experiences, as digital spaces alter the ways emotions are expressed, perceived, and performed.Utilising TPA, this paper conceptualises emotions-as-practices and highlights the importance of researching them through the tangible anchors of 'doings', 'sayings', and 'relatings'. This approach transcends the individualistic perspective and enables researchers to illuminate the collective nature of emotions-as-practices within education. In the context of Networked Learning, this conceptualisation reveals how digital learning can shape and is shaped by the emotional landscape through actions, discourse, and relational dynamics, and thus provides insights in the practice-oriented research on emotions.By focusing on emotions-as-practices, the paper advances a nuanced view to investigate the holistic experiences of emotion that are sensitive to the active, discursive, and relational aspects. This perspective pushes the boundaries of emotion research, and suggests novel pathways for Networked Learning. The TPA serves as a valuable lens for researchers, educators, and policy makers to understand and integrate emotions-as-practices in the wider networks of educational practices. As educational paradigms evolve with advances in technology and artificial intelligence, the need to recognise and support emotions in education becomes increasingly critical, ensuring they are not only felt but actively fostered and integrated in learning environments.

Spaces of Architectural Overcoming

This paper reflects an interest in how interior and landscape sites are connectedin their capacity to exceed or ‘overcome’ architecture and practice conventions of designing, making and use. In professional architectural practice, these conventions are generally treated as distinct and hierarchical steps. This reflects a view of life that is ordered, controlled and deterministic. Referring to ideas that affirm the unpredictable and evolutionary nature of life, I argue for more experimental, improvised spatial practices. I have drawn from Elizabeth Grosz’s writings about space and time to show how we can use change and spontaneous making in everyday life as designing. This has helped me to question how spaces are produced, and the singular design ‘authority’ of the architect or building designer. I have found that working in interior and landscape sites provides more opportunities for unplanned construction connected to the lives of those who inhabit space: opening up architecture and architectural practice to unpredictable forces repressed in professional practice. This paper, part of my doctoral research, explores the conceptual and practical dimensions of experimental interior projects.