Product Architecture Research Articles

Raising Understanding of Indigenous Australian Culture through Creative Production in Interior Architecture

The search of displaced peoples for ways to connect with their culture underlines the need to explore the role of Interior Architecture in cultural rebuilding and communication. This paper demonstrates a way of applying cross-cultural design processes to the built environment within a tertiary educational context. It will be of interest to Interior Design educators and researchers involved in teaching processes concerned with the conjunction of culture and meaning. The paper illustrates some of the processes currently being explored to engage students in culturally specific design enquiry and production. Examples of student outcomes are presented, and the broader impact of the initiatives on research and writing is discussed. These teaching/research initiatives are in a very early stage, there is much to learn, and there are very exciting possibilities. This paper is intended to present a tentative position for critique and feed back.

The profession’s response to overt and covert threats to the ruling hegemony

ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between three sociological concepts in an architectural context: profession, hegemony, and government, focusing on times of crisis. The crisis is caused by two types of perceived threat to the hegemonic social order: one is overt and recognized by the government, and the other is covert and not officially acknowledged. In both cases, the threat has the potential to overturn the power hierarchy and thus damage the status of the profession. This relationship is observed through architectural analysis because the products of architecture represent identities, values, and power relations, thus enabling an examination of the profession’s role in the broader social context. The findings of the study indicate that in a time of crisis, which is perceived – even by the authorities – as a threat to society at large, the profession makes itself entirely available to assist the governmental authority so as to preserve the existing hegemony. By contrast, when the ruling authorities do not consider the crisis to constitute a threat to the hegemonic social order, the profession ‘chooses its battles’ based on its interest in preserving the hegemony, to retain its own power and status.

A model to describe logistics service architecture based on product architecture

AbstractThe growth in e-commerce has led to increased demand for logistics services. This puts a pressure on third-party logistics (3PL) providers who struggle with increasing operating costs and heightened competition. These providers could potentially exploit the advantages of modularisation, but few studies address the design of modular logistics services. This study explores modular design of logistics services and proposes a model to describe logistics service architecture based on product architecture. A case study shows that warehousing services can be described in three domains.

Future-robust product design – validating influencing factors on upgradeable mechatronic systems

AbstractThis paper examines upgradability through modular product design, aiming to extend lifecycles and promote cross-generational use. It builds up on a preceding work, a systematic literature- review identifying four fields of action in future-robust product design. The paper itself contains an in-depth interview study with 17 experts from industry and research to validate and expand the literature-based fields of action. The results provide insights into the application and employment of future-robust product design, with a focus on adaptable product architectures.

An integrated survey-simulation approach for exoskeleton performance estimation

AbstractThe paper presents a hybrid user-centred/simulation approach to populate the design specification. It presents an application in the field of exoskeleton design, with the final goal to support workers to carry out their professional tasks. More than 100 professionals (mostly health workers) participated in the survey. The qualitative requirements were extracted are then tested in simulation environments. The approach proved to generate meaningful results for product concept generation. Beyond the expectations, the simulation also showed more adequate product architectures.

Architectural production of the centenary of Algeria 1930 between tradition and modernism

In 1930, France commemorated the centenary of its occupation of Algeria, marking a significant historical event. On this occasion, prominent public edifices were erected, mainly in the departmental capitals: Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. These structures were accompanied by notable urban enhancements. The aim of this article is to explore the distinctive attributes of these constructions, emphasising the architectural and aesthetic idioms used in their creation. The methodology employed in this study involves a comprehensive examination of archival materials sourced from France and Algeria, as well as the digital library BNF Gallica. By delving into these resources, we aim to uncover the underlying reasons and influences that guided the design and execution of these architectural ventures. The public buildings erected during this period indicate the colonial power's deliberate political agenda, serving as a testament to their strategy of showcasing a modernized Algeria during the centenary celebration. Our analysis sheds light on the intricate interplay between classical and contemporary architectural influences that shaped the Algerian architectural landscape during the centenary celebration. By scrutinising the foremost architectural accomplishments, we can discern how architects and policies converged to define the architectural ethos of this transformative era. A major aspect that emerges from our research is the fusion of traditional design elements with a simplified and streamlined aesthetic, exemplifying the core essence of these structures. The amalgamation of stylised traditional forms with the elegance of minimalist lines and shapes epitomises the principal characteristics of this architectural production.

Zero-gap bipolar membrane water electrolyzers: Principles, challenges and practical insights

Producing hydrogen through the electrolysis of water is an attractive method for storing intermittent, renewably-generated power in the form of a clean-burning fuel. Amongst the various types of electrolyzer that have been proposed, those employing bipolar membranes have the unique advantage of allowing the water splitting half-reactions to proceed under their kinetically most favourable conditions, thanks to the ability of these membranes to maintain a pH gradient. Maintaining such a pH gradient enables the oxygen evolution reaction to occur in basic conditions whilst the hydrogen evolution reaction occurs in acidic conditions. However, bipolar membrane electrolysis technology remains at an early stage of development and faces several challenges, including high potential losses and low energy efficiency caused by insufficient water transport across (and ion crossover within) the bipolar membrane. In this review, the strategies and methods employed to address these challenges and to enhance the performance and efficiency of bipolar membrane water electrolysis are discussed. The scope of this review is primarily on zero-gap bipolar membrane/interface water electrolyzers, as this configuration is arguably the most relevant bipolar membrane/interface electrolyzer architecture for scaled-up devices and commercial hydrogen production.

An approach to coupling analysis for open architecture product

During the configuration process of open architecture products (OAPs), adaptive change is inevitable to meet customers' personalised demands. However, the coupling between modules makes adaptive changes of open architecture products more difficult. For the coupling between modules in open architecture product design, an approach to analysing the coupling between modules is proposed. The implications of adaptive change for open architecture products are explained, and the interface relationships among the common platform, customised modules, and personalised modules are analysed. The coupling modes of three cases are discussed, i.e. the coupling between modules under the same branch, between modules under different branches with only functional collaboration, and between modules under different branches with function-structure correlation. The coupling degrees are calculated with consideration of the number of connections between modules and their comprehensive correlation degree. The structural complexity of the module is considered by development cost, development time, change cost, and change time, which is expressed with the information content in axiomatic design. Based on structural complexity, the dependency, and coupling degree between modules, the calculation method of change impact degree between modules is presented. The method on coupling analysis between modules in open architecture product design for personalised electric winches is illustrated.

Brick by brick: illuminating the cognitive landscape of the past through sensory archaeology

ABSTRACT This contribution explores the use of sensory archaeology and neuroarchitecture in the study of the earthen built environment. First, the paper discusses multi-sensory experiences focusing on earth as a building material. Second, I look at the archaeological remains of building materials to consider the sensory perception of earthen architecture manufacturers in the Eastern Mediterranean during the Bronze Age. In this latter endeavour I draw on Material Engagement Theory (MET), archaeological earthen remains, and ethnoarchaeological data to investigate the sensory aspects of working with earthen building materials. The main goal is to understand interactions between brain, mind, and culture by studying how people contributed to the manufacturing and construction of earthen architecture. While archaeology is quite visual, I argue that material culture, specifically the production of earthen architecture, shaped a multi-layered sensory experience that included all senses, rather than just visual stimulation.

Investigating Permanence Principles of Sustainability in the Sabaean-Himyaritic Yemeni Architecture

The study aims to identify a set of standards and innovations that achieve sustainability in ancient Yemeni architecture. It also attempts to know the experiences and skills of the ancient Yemeni people in the field of architecture, which led to the production of sustainable architecture. The methodology followed a historical approach to trace developments in architecture. It also relies on an analytical approach in analyzing samples and analyzing architectural and cultural characteristics. The study concluded that the ancient Yemeni people used building materials such as clay, stone, and wood to achieve the principles of sustainability. The architecture of the Himyarite Sabaean era was influenced by several factors, including the choice of a suitable site, available local materials, and local techniques. The study recommends official and private experts take advantage of the solutions to ancient Yemeni architecture and apply them to modern architecture.
 Originality/value: This study deals with the ancient Yemeni civilization, especially the Sabaean and Himyarite architecture. It seeks a deep understanding of the foundations that formed the first nucleus of inherited styles, and knowledge of the reasons for the continuation of civilization.

3D and 4D assembly of functional structures using shape-morphing materials for biological applications.

3D structures are crucial to biological function in the human body, driving interest in their in vitro fabrication. Advances in shape-morphing materials allow the assembly of 3D functional materials with the ability to modulate the architecture, flexibility, functionality, and other properties of the final product that suit the desired application. The principles of these techniques correspond to the principles of origami and kirigami, which enable the transformation of planar materials into 3D structures by folding, cutting, and twisting the 2D structure. In these approaches, materials responding to a certain stimulus will be used to manufacture a preliminary structure. Upon applying the stimuli, the architecture changes, which could be considered the fourth dimension in the manufacturing process. Here, we briefly summarize manufacturing techniques, such as lithography and 3D printing, that can be used in fabricating complex structures based on the aforementioned principles. We then discuss the common architectures that have been developed using these methods, which include but are not limited to gripping, rolling, and folding structures. Then, we describe the biomedical applications of these structures, such as sensors, scaffolds, and minimally invasive medical devices. Finally, we discuss challenges and future directions in using shape-morphing materials to develop biomimetic and bioinspired designs.

Between Vision and Possibility – Industrial Architecture From the Socialist Period in Sarajevo

<p class="Abstract" style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="sr-Cyrl-BA">As a contribution to the research on the specificities of Yugoslav modernism, the development of industrial architecture in the City of Sarajevo after World War II is presented. When defining the architectural typology of industrial buildings during this period of development, examples of conceptual designs whose implementation was either fully or partially absent were analyzed. </span><span style="background-color: var(--bs-body-bg); font-weight: var(--bs-body-font-weight); text-align: var(--bs-body-text-align);">The paper elaborates on the specific socio-economic and cultural context that determines the architectural production of the post-war period. Financial difficulties led to significant rationalization of construction that resulted in devoid of aesthetic expression. Nonetheless, conceptual designs from the archive of the People's Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ministry of Construction (</span><i>Ministarstvo građevina NRBiH</i><span style="background-color: var(--bs-body-bg); font-weight: var(--bs-body-font-weight); text-align: var(--bs-body-text-align);">) show careful consideration of the technological process in conjunction with contemporary constructive possibilities and aesthetics of the functionalist design of modernism. </span><span lang="sr-Cyrl-BA">The detailed presentation of the ambitious design of the Bosna Film "film city" in Jagomir provides a vivid insight into the undisputed development of architectural thought in this area.</span></p>

A quality-based sustainable supply chain architecture for perishable products using image processing in the era of industry 4.0

In India, approximately one-third of agricultural produce is wasted every year due to the different issues present in the post-harvest supply chain stages. The supply chain management of perishable products becomes complex and challenging due to the inclusion of its perishability dynamics. Quality is the main factor that governs the buying or discarding of perishable products by consumers. Therefore, the main aim of this research work is to develop an accurate and efficient image processing model for the classification of the product (Tomato) based on its quality for managing the supply chain. There are three novelties in this research work. A four-stage supply chain architecture integrated with the image processing system at mandi, and warehouses is proposed (First). This image processing system is developed in two stages. In stage I, the acquired images of tomato during its life cycle are labelled with the help of machine learning algorithms (Second). This labelled data is used in stage II for the development of a classification model to segregate the product into various grades. For this, an optimized architecture of seven-layer Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model is developed followed by optimization of its hyperparameters simultaneously using Design of Experiments (DOE) technique (Third). The optimized CNN model achieved maximum accuracy of 88.40% and reported an execution time of 7 min. Further, the results of standard hyperparameter optimization techniques like Grid search, Random search, Bayesian, and Hyperband are compared with the proposed DOE technique on the optimized CNN architecture. The work done in this paper enables the supply chain managers to take accurate and rapid decisions for pricing, procurement, storage, and transportation at various stages of the supply chain leading to Industry 4.0. This will result in reduced post-harvest losses and simultaneously achieve the benefits across social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability leading to better supply chain management.

Projectized Community of Practice: A Case Study of Globally Distributed Information Technology Organization

The execution of globally distributed information technology service projects (GDITP) by globally distributed teams, while inherently complex, offers the advantages of swift implementation and seamless service delivery to global clients. The numerous challenges including the intangibility of customer specifications, the iterative nature of information technology (IT) activities and coordination difficulties arising from diverse teams contribute to complexity in managing these projects. Moreover, the organizational complexity is compounded by competing power centres, turning project delivery into a politically contested process. In traditional projects such as construction or customized manufacturing, overcoming aforementioned challenges through strong top-down leadership is typical in many time-bound projects. However, in the realm of IT projects, which are inherently people-centric, enforcing a command-and-control environment is challenging. Communities-of-practice (CoP) offer an alternative structure that engages highly skilled employees in a collaborative community, navigating the challenges posed by IT projects. Our study explores this innovative approach, focusing on a product firm effectively leveraging CoPs to successfully execute global service projects. Delving into the functioning of CoPs, our research illustrates how they scale up using both formal and informal networks to meet diverse global customer requirements. Despite operating globally, CoPs exhibit emergent collective mindfulness, adapting tools, processes and products to the demands of the projects. The study also details how the organization manages complexity while adhering to product architecture and a uniform project framework.

The relationship between mass customization and sustainable performance: The role of firm size and global E-commerce

The formation of mass customization competencies is crucial for the increasing number of manufacturing companies in modern times. This study assessed the relationship between mass customization capability and its determinants on sustainable performance. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of mass customization capability and sustainable performance, while also examining the moderating effects of firm size and cross-border eCommerce in these associations. The study used online survey data from 339 manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises in China to test the hypothesized relationships. The collected data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling and necessary condition analysis. The results indicated that flexible manufacturing competencies, modular product architecture, and customer relationship management are significantly and positively connected to mass customization capability. Moreover, the study observed that mass customization capability and competitive pressure have a significant positive influence on the sustainable performance of Chinese manufacturing SMEs. The findings also revealed that firm size and cross-border e-commerce engagement have a negative and positive moderating effect, respectively, between mass customization capability on sustainable performance, which confirms a relatively higher effect of customization capability on sustainable performance among smaller firms and firms engaged in cross-border eCommerce. Fundamentally, these findings can lead to the development of a comprehensive framework to promote mass customization capability, cross-border e-commerce, and sustainable development of manufacturing small-to-medium-sized enterprises China.

A Theory of Architectural Production in a Geography of Change: Auguste Choisy in the Ottoman Empire

This article presents an expanded intellectual, historical and geographical context of Auguste Choisy’s history of architecture. Reading his history of Byzantine architecture along with his travelogue, L’Asie Mineure et les Turcs en 1875 (1876), the article situates Choisy’s notion of architectural production in relation to the background of the modernisation projects of the Ottoman Empire. It draws connections between Choisy’s historical and geographical thought at the end of the nineteenth century, articulating the notion of a material landscape composed of resources, work, and a sense of environment that suggested the ways in which a society transforms the earth to inhabit it. With environment in the background, Choisy’s history articulated architecture as an index of how a society makes use of its resources, organises work and allows for experimentation within its systems of knowledge.

SOCIAL PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION OF SPACE: STUDY OF PUBLIC-MARKET IN BANDUNG, INDONESIA

This paper aims to examine the role of architecture in social production and consumption of space, using public markets –architectural artifacts with rich social contents– as cases. This research adopts Low’s (2017) concept of social production of space and Dovey’s (2010) social constructivism of place to uncover the social production and consumption of public markets’ space. Cihapit and Pamoyanan market in Bandung, Indonesia, are selected as research cases, due to their cultural contents, appealing to consumers from middle to upper class society. It is found several roles of architecture in social production and consumption of public market space: building typology and morphology signifies historical context of development; architectural buildings contributes to formalize trading activities and elevating social class of market traders; commodities zoning is organized based on functional and socio-historical consideration; spatial intensity is determined by access and commodities zoning; informal atmosphere emerges as a distinctive advantage of public markets; and spatial quality is relative depends on governance capacity. Although normative criteria for good design can be formulated, in practice, spatial quality of public market is relative and depends on its capacity for spatial governmentality. By exploring social production and consumption of space and place provides broader perspective on the social practices of architecture, emphasizing its contribution for social and humanity studies.

Production performance of Hylocereus polyrhizus based on cladode size and position

The analysis of productive architecture of plants involves macroscopic observation of spatial distributions of different vegetative and reproductive organs. However, few studies have evaluated these aspects in dragon fruit plants for production purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate vegetative, reproductive, and quality parameters of dragon fruit plants (Hylocereus polyrhizus; variety Cebra) based on the position and size of cladodes, considering morphological, production, and quality characteristics of the fruits. The experiment was conducted from September 2016 to May 2018, using a completely randomized design in a 3×4 factorial arrangement, consisted of three positions of cladode insertion in the plant (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and four different cladode sizes (≤ 20 cm; 21-40 cm; 41-60 cm, and 61-80 cm), with five replications and six cladodes per plot, totaling 360 evaluated cladodes. According to the results, vegetative and reproductive characteristics of dragon fruit plants variety Cebra were affected by the cladode position and size. Fruits developed on primary cladodes with sizes of 21 to 40 cm presented, in general, better-quality characteristics. All evaluated physical and physicochemical characteristics were affected by the cladode position and size, except for titratable acidity and soluble solids to titratable acidity ratio. Fruits developed on cladodes smaller than 20 cm had lower quality. Therefore, maintaining and promoting the growth of primary cladodes with sizes of 21 to 40 cm and removing those smaller than 20 cm is recommended.

Transgress: Alternative Practices in the Production of Cultural Facilities in Self-managed Territories. Casa Guadua, Altos del Pino. Soacha

This article delves into a study subject, the creation of a community space, aimed at enhancing memory and fostering community cohesion in the context of self-built habitat. With a transgressive approach, rooted in the peripheral production of knowledge, the design process diverges from the globally hegemonic architectural production. Instead, it horizontally explores alternative and collective processes based on subjectivity. During the construction process, the involvement of an international organization allowed us to evaluate the effects, tools, and dynamics between vertical and hierarchical production and horizontal production based on a dialogue-creation processes.

The House I'd Like to Have: Women's Spatial Cultures, Design, and Aesthetic in 20th Century Italy

"Has any woman ever designed architectures in the past centuries? You may ask her to design a hut, not even a temple! She can't. She is foreign to architecture." These infamous words of Benito Mussolini (1927) reflected the widespread sexism of the Fascist regime and prompted a silent wave of dissent pioneered by women intellectuals, architects, writers, and journalists in the early 20th century. They advocated for a valuable feminine contribution to Italian architecture and their story is still partially unknown by architectural historians today. This essay tackles Italian women's spatial design and aesthetics during the regime, a period in which they kept silently operating within the built environment as professional architects with unbuilt projects and as amateur designers inside their homes. These circumstances, as argued here, determined the emergence of a feminine and feminist approach to architectural design and criticism that transcended the male boundaries of high culture, reinforced by the Fascist regime and in line with the modernist binary understanding of taste and cultural architectural production. The latter is studied through the lens of cultural domesticity, a theoretical framework that merges cultural sociology, feminism, and architecture. By focusing on Italian women's lived experiences and unconventional design approaches, this study ultimately looks at the consolidation of feminine aesthetics and how it informed women's spatial design as it keeps challenging the boundaries of architectural history.