Architectural Projects Research Articles

Empirical Analysis of Critical Success Factors for Mechatronics Implementation in Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations Projects in Nigeria

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in a new era of technological advancements that are transforming industries worldwide. One such technology that is revolutionizing the construction industry is mechatronics, which has the propensity to enhance the operations, activities, productivity and efficiency of the sector’s activities. Despite the numerous advantages of mechatronic technologies, their successful implementation in the context of developing countries poses unique challenges and considerations. Therefore, this study seeks to identify and evaluate the critical success factors (CSFs) for mechatronics implementation in architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) projects. Existing CSFs were extracted from extant studies, which helped formulate the questionnaire disseminated to 372 construction professionals in Nigeria, including architects, builders, quantity surveyors, and engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical). The methodology also employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA), which facilitated the identification of key themes within the data. Through this application, six clusters of CSFs were revealed: organizational factors, financial considerations, technological aspects, collaboration and knowledge sharing, regulatory and policy factors, and sustainability and environmental considerations. From a theoretical perspective, the identified clusters of critical success factors provide a comprehensive framework that encompasses various dimensions of successful mechatronics adoption in the Nigerian construction industry. This study advances scientific knowledge on CSFs for the adoption of mechatronic technologies in the Nigerian construction industry, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that drive successful implementation. For policymakers, this study’s findings will be invaluable in shaping supportive policies and strategies that foster the widespread adoption of mechatronics in the construction sector.

Emotive architecture: Design strategies for urbanization and rural revitalization in China

Taking a specific lens on China’s unique and intricate interplay between urbanization and rural revitalization, this article traces these dynamics back to the nation’s social-cultural fabric. It contextualizes the coexistence of urban and rural identities within the broader Chinese cultural tapestry, underscoring their shared heritage within a collective consciousness shaped by an agrarian legacy. This culminates in the philosophical concept of “Oneness of Heaven and Humanity,” the apex of Chinese cultural aspirations, deeply rooted in the relationship between humans and the land, and calibrated by a state of harmony. Emotion is not merely a tool for achieving this ideal but also a phenomenon shaped by it. Through a comparative analysis of two architectural projects – one urban and one rural – this study examines the practical application and influence of emotive architecture. This approach, sensitive to emotional undercurrents, employs precision akin to acupuncture in diagnosing and addressing regional challenges. It accentuates the meticulous interpretation of emotional resonance, a sensory comprehension of place, and the harmonious fusion of digital craftsmanship with local construction techniques. By positioning architecture as the interface between individuals and their broader environment, the study reveals how emotion-centric design can evoke profound emotional responses, foster community engagement, nurture a collective sense of belonging, and contribute to the economic and cultural vibrancy of specific locales. Particularly pertinent amid the significant sociocultural and environmental shifts in both urban and rural China, this research advocates for a reevaluation of architectural practices that prioritize understanding and addressing the emotional dimensions of space. It offers a strategic framework for navigating the complexities of modern development in China.

The making of a dissonant heritage: the Foro Italico in Rome

ABSTRACT Italy’s long and stratified history offers abundant heritage resources, with Rome serving as a showcase for the architectural embodiment of political and ideological changes over time. Among these periods, the Fascist regime under Benito Mussolini initiated extensive urban and architectural renewal projects, notably exemplified by the Foro Italico, a monumental sports complex that is still actively used. The present contribution retraces the elements constituting Fascist architectural heritage in Italy and explores how Italian people comprehend and interpret the dissonant heritage site of the Foro Italico. Departing from previous approaches, this research employs a conservation perspective, exploring, among others, architectural and socio-cultural values associated with the complex. By analysing the motives underlying its unceasing use, this study seeks to understand why citizens continue to create new experiences and memories at the site despite its contentious ideological symbolism, without undergoing modern damnatio memoriae or de-commemoration processes, thus contributing to ongoing debates on heritage management and the politics of memory.

Redesigning Building Thermal Science Education Through Inquiry-Based Experiential Learning

Mastering building thermal science is essential for architectural professionals, as it supports the design of energy-efficient and thermally optimized buildings, which are critical for addressing the growing demands of sustainable architecture. However, traditional teaching methods often disconnect theoretical instruction from practical application, limiting students’ ability to apply core concepts in real-world scenarios. This study introduces a pedagogical reform that integrates design-oriented and inquiry-based experiments, hands-on physical activities, and field-based testing into the teaching of building thermal science. The revised curriculum focuses on applying theoretical principles in real architectural contexts, allowing students to directly design and experience thermal phenomena such as heat transfer and thermal resistance in building envelope structures. To evaluate the effectiveness of this reform, a control group using traditional confirmatory experiments (following predetermined instructions to complete experiments and validate the results) was compared to a reform group engaged in inquiry-based experimental learning. Over the course of three cohorts (2019, 2020, 2021), the reform group consistently outperformed the control group, with statistically significant improvements in average course grades. Specifically, the reform group had mean grade differences of 7.21 points higher in 2019, 4.55 points higher in 2020, and 5.83 points higher in 2021, as demonstrated by t-test results (p < 0.05). The reform group also exhibited more concentrated grade distributions, reflecting enhanced comprehension and retention of key thermal concepts. In addition to improved academic performance, students in the reform group demonstrated superior problem-solving abilities and a heightened awareness of energy conservation and sustainable design practices. This approach not only deepened their understanding of theoretical knowledge but also fostered a greater commitment to integrating sustainability into their architectural projects.

ARQUITETURA BIOMIMÉTICA: COMO A NATUREZA É EXPLORADA NOS PROJETOS ARQUITETÔNICOS

The present work aims to analyze how biomimetic architecture draws inspiration from nature and how this contemporary approach has been applied to architectural projects worldwide. Through an exploratory research study, with bibliographic research procedures and a qualitative approach, the purpose of the investigation was achieved. Based on the information gathered throughout the research, the results obtained include: understanding how biomimetic architecture adapts architectural designs, the strategies and knowledge that transform the concept of architecture and nature, as well as the correlation between nature and biomimetic architecture in the contemporary world. Additionally, an analysis of projects that employed the biomimetic concept was conducted to understand how this methodology is applied in practice.

About Pavlov

The article gives a brief general characteristic of the architect Vladimir Pavlov’s work in Irkutsk. It considers regional roots, international context and Russian conditions of the emergence of his unique architectural projects. Pavlov’s architecture is seen as a phenomenon of world culture.

Metodologías innovadoras en la enseñanza de la arquitectura

The study "Innovative methodologies in the teaching of architecture" was based on exploring and analyzing three main innovative approaches currently used in the Architecture program at the Universidad Rafael Landívar; among which are the Academic Poster, the Video Podcast and the Architectural Project of Academic Social Responsibility; to analyze their effectiveness and their positive impact on the teaching-learning process. In addition, various educational methods such as Project Based Learning, Laboratories, Models, Field Visits, complemented with Workshops and Conferences, were addressed in order to demonstrate the great variety and achievements in learning by applying these strategies. The results showed that innovative methods are highly effective in fostering critical thinking, creativity and active participation in students. These approaches contributed to a greater understanding of theoretical concepts and better practical application of acquired knowledge. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 79-89.

Desenvolvimento de plug-in BIM para verificação de conformidade de Projetos Arquitetônicos segundo as Leis Municipais – O Caso de Passo Fundo/RS

The construction industry plays a significant role in job creation and the socioeconomic development of cities. However, architects and urban planners face challenges due to the delay in the approval of architectural projects by municipal governments, attributed to the non-compliance of projects with local laws. In this context, this study proposes the use of programming in BIM (Building Information Modeling) software, with the aim of developing a plug-in to assist in the process of approving architectural projects in compliance with the municipal laws and regulations of Passo Fundo-RS. The methodology adopted was based on a thorough literature review, document analysis, and the development of a plug-in prototype for Revit, developed in Dynamo using the Python language. The proposed prototype involves the integration of urban data into Revit to automate the collection of information such as building dimensions, lot areas, setbacks, and other metrics. The results revealed that the implementation of programming routines in BIM, especially for Revit, has the potential to significantly reduce the waiting times for project approvals by the municipal government, improve their compliance with local regulations, and minimize pending issues and rework.

Landscape architecture as democratic practice: learning from participatory methods and motivations in community-engaged design

To guide and advance participatory and democratic landscape architecture practice, this study investigates the participatory methods and motivations of community-engaged design (CED) practice aligned with the principles of democratic professionalism (DP). A content analysis of semi-structured interviews with 17 experienced scholar-professionals in landscape architecture and related professions whose praxis is rooted in participatory principles (1) identified a toolbox of essential task-sharing methods and strategies based on typical landscape architecture project stages (site analysis/data collection, planning and design, and implementation and post-implementation), and two key themes—relationship-building and communication, and (2) found the principal motivations driving democratic design practices to be empowerment and advocacy, community engagement ethics, and democratising professional paradigm. Task-sharing approaches identified in landscape architecture practice exemplify how DP values can be embedded in all phases of a CED project. This study also affirms the position that landscape architecture as a profession has the potential to advance DP.

Antenna, laboratory, archive: sound explorations at Radio Utopia

As part of the French pavilion at the XVIII Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, muoto architects with Georgi Stanishev designed the Ball Theater, associating the idea of sound creation with the architectural project from the outset. Radio Utopia occupied the Ball Theater for five days in August as part of the Pavilion's vision of architecture as a receptacle for life. Designed as a sound laboratory and radio antenna, Radio Utopia provided a platform for receiving and broadcasting discussions, testimonies, sounds and installations. The medium of the radio made it possible to question the socio-cultural conditions of an event such as the Biennale, of a restricted circle of visitors. Radio broadcasting serves as both a parable and a tangible means of connecting with distant places and potential differences using sound recording. It also offers the possibility of extending an event beyond its physical location and ephemeral temporality. Radio Utopia has left an audio trace in a corner of the Web. From the experimental perspective in the tradition of soundscape studies, this paper will look at three main aspects of the project: 1) a pavilion as a radio antenna, 2) a space of creation, a sound laboratory, and 3) a sound archiving platform.

Applying acoustical criteria to architectural projects

The requirements for building acoustics should be integrated into the architectural project as early as the preliminary design phase.The materials, densities and thicknesses used in the manufacture of building elements vary from country to country. Therefore, in each country there are building products with different sound insulation properties resulting from the different characteristics of the building elements. We are developing a local building element database addin for a BIM programme that the architect can easily insert into the project by classifying the sound insulation properties of the building elements used in Turkey according to their thickness, density and layer properties, which are determined by calculation or measurement. In the future, we plan to integrate additional properties of the building elements, such as fire resistance, sustainability and cost information, which will facilitate the design of the building.

Narrating Shared Futures

This visual essay features students’ projects from the MSc2 design studio ‘Transdiciplinary Encounters: Narrating Shared Futures’ offered at TU Delft Faculty of Architecture in Spring of 2022, which served as an inspiration for this issue of Footprint. Designed and taught by the issue editors, Aleksandar Staničić and Angeliki Sioli, the course combined cultural heritage and literary narratives to ask students: How can places of memory be rethought using literary techniques, so that they provide the ground for new meanings to emerge and get shared across different cultures? Seven visionary architectural projects featured in this essay, offered their responses to this pertinent question that is fundamental for narrating, imagining and, ultimately, creating shared futures.

Net-Zero Considerations within the Delivery of Major AEC Projects in the UK: A Thematic Analysis of the Key Challenges for Project Managers

The growing emphasis on carbon considerations and the pursuit of net-zero emissions have brought about a paradigm shift in project management. To successfully facilitate the transition towards net-zero emissions, major projects must not only adapt existing systems but also embed carbon targets into their core strategies. While several studies have investigated carbon integration during the procurement phase, limited attention has been given to the construction project manager (PM) perspective. This study aims to bridge this research gap by exploring the challenges and barriers faced by construction PMs when integrating carbon targets and metrics into major Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) projects, as well as evaluating the readiness of project teams to deliver on these. This study deployed a qualitative exploratory research design, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 AEC project professionals actively engaged in the planning and execution of major projects in the UK. Thematic analysis of the data revealed a range of challenges and barriers faced by PM teams delivering these projects. The research findings contribute to the field of construction major projects and project management by enhancing the understanding of the challenges faced by PMs when planning and delivering major AEC projects within the context of the net-zero transition. This study uncovers a series of challenges and prevalent practices that have the potential to impede progress towards net zero. A conceptual model is also proposed, offering a synthesis of the different PM perspectives on carbon integration.

The Fold as a Design Strategy: Analogy between Architecture and Issey Miyake’s Work

There is a notable similarity between the objectives of Architecture and Fashion Design. Both disciplines aim to protect and establish a sense of identity for their users. Similarly, analogous design strategies may be employed. One such strategy is the fold. The act of folding a surface results in the formation of a three-dimensional volume. The intrinsic two-dimensionality of the surface gives rise to the formation of space, which is characterised by three dimensions. The air that is trapped by the envelope provides the necessary space for the users. In the context of clothing, the enclosed space is relatively limited and personal. In contrast, in the field of Architecture, the space is of a larger scale and serves a collective purpose, accommodating a variety of activities. Consequently, the processes of designing a building or a piece of clothing are analogous, differing only in terms of scale, time, and materials. The employment of the fold as a point of departure for architectural and Fashion Design projects entails a comparable design process in which concepts such as continuity, superposition, and faceting are associated with this folded mechanism. Consequently, the resulting outcomes, particularly those pertaining to mass and aesthetic perception, exhibit notable similarities.

THE INFLUENCE OF CULTURAL AND ETHNIC FACTORS ON THE MODERN ARCHITECTURE OF WESTERN KAZAKHSTAN

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in preserving and integrating ethnic heritage in architectural projects, reflecting the desire to preserve historical and cultural identity. The region of Western Kazakhstan, which has a rich historical past, was chosen as the object of the study.This article is a review and comparative analysis of scientific publications devoted to the study of the influence of cultural and ethnic factors on architectural trends in this region. The study examines key areas in which cultural and ethnic diversity is reflected in architectural solutions.The authors of the reviewed publications pay special attention to the following aspects: preserving traditional architectural forms, introducing ethnic motifs into modern buildings and integrating cultural symbols into the urban environment. The article also provides a comparative analysis of architectural objects, studying the influence of various ethnic groups, such as Kazakhs, Russians, Tatars and others, on the architectural appearance of Western Kazakhstan. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of cultural heritage and modern architectural trends.In addition, the article discusses the issues of preserving cultural identity in the context of globalization and urbanization. The findings highlight the importance of taking into account cultural and ethnic factors when creating architectural projects, which contributes to the formation of a harmonious and culturally significant urban environment. The research identified key issues related to the insufficient use of historical and cultural elements in modern design and proposed solutions to this dilemma. Contemporary architecture of Western Kazakhstan, representing a complex interaction of traditions and innovations, occupies an important place in the context of global architectural trends and contributes to the international scientific discussion on the preservation of cultural heritage in the context of globalization.

Predicting embodied carbon reduction by evaluating building shape parameters in preliminary design through the Dom-ino system

ABSTRACT Adopting carbon-efficient building shapes has significant potential to reduce embodied carbon emissions (ECEs). Early-stage design decisions play a crucial role in this process, yet current methods lack predictive models for ECEs based on building shape parameters. This study addresses this gap by utilizing the Dom-ino system, which includes concrete and steel framing, to develop a method for estimating ECEs. The study analyzes the influence of building shape parameters, such as plan aspect ratio and number of floors, on ECEs and fits equations to the results to establish predictive models. Our findings indicate that these parameters significantly impact ECEs, and the study delves into the mechanisms by which they affect structural components and material usage. The developed method provides architects with a tool to evaluate and optimize building designs for lower carbon impact during the early stages of design. This approach supports a swift and environmentally conscious design process, enhancing the ability to predict and reduce ECEs in architectural projects.

Theoretical Courses and Architectural Education: Studio-based Approach for Technical Writing Course

Technical writing skills are critical to ensure the success and integration of architecture and urban projects. The practice of architecture requires high communication skills to deliver ideas and plans to the different stakeholders in architecture projects. Clear technical communication provides mutual understanding of the aspects and requirements of projects to all involved parties including contactors, engineers, clients and even authorities, mitigating the high risks of misunderstandings. Technical writing allows for clear project documentation, facilitating coordination between interdisciplinary teams and improving decision making and problem solving. Architectural education relies mainly on hands-on experiences and design-oriented studios. Theoretical courses present a challenge for both architecture students and lecturers, as they are often taught in a lecture setting, which is not so familiar to architecture students, making them overwhelming to students. Theoretical courses challenge students as they often miss the link between concepts and application. Technical writing courses are hardly linked to students’ interests. This study presents a pedagogical approach to the course of Technical Writing in the Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design Program at Helwan University in Egypt. It presents an studio-based interactive approach through using in-class discussions, workshops, games, peer discussions and interactions. It also links sustainable architecture and urban design applications into students’ work, to ensure their interest in the course and their compound benefit. The paper presents the results of a tailor-made evaluation questionnaire to identify the most effective methods used in teaching the course, in addition to students’ key takeaways from the course. Results show that students learned the most of report writing and presentation skills, perceived the course as highly interactive and highlighted that using games enhanced their learning experience.

Visuality peaks, function lasts: an empirical investigation into the performance of iconic architecture on Instagram

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to propose a methodology to empirically investigate the longitudinal development of social media content concerning buildings characterized by iconic architecture and second, to report on the application of this methodology.Design/methodology/approachWe collected and analyzed empirical data of social media content shared via Instagram between 2011 and 2019 on 16 buildings that can be considered iconic architecture projects. Using an automated pipeline, we collected and processed 264,000 posts and 140,000 images from Instagram for the selected case studies. By studying the posting activity of Instagram users through time series analysis and conducting content analysis of the social media posts by means of both image classification and topic modeling, we report on the development of users’ capturing and reception of the selected case studies on Instagram over time.FindingsFirst, we identify two distinct time patterns of social media content: instantly popular buildings whose popularity fades over time and buildings that gradually gain popularity over time. Second, we distinguish differences in the content of social media posts: some buildings are primarily covered for their architectural features and others for their cultural function and facilities.Originality/valueUsing empirical investigation of Instagram data on iconic architectural projects, we have identified a correlation: buildings primarily posted for their architecture are generally also the ones to gain instant online popularity that subsequently faded over time. In contrast, buildings primarily posted for their function and facilities slowly gained popularity on the social media platform over time.

The effect of environmental control course on architectural design projects (Case study environmental control course - Canadian International Collage – Egypt)

It is a global strategy to save the environment through sustainable designs; this approach must begin throughout the college phase and progress through their professional career. During their academic journey, undergraduate architecture students take many courses, including a chain of Design courses and an Environmental Control (EC) course. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the importance of EC courses and how they affect design courses' outcomes. The research methodology starts with secondary data through a literature review about environmental studies and their impact on design, what the topics that the EC course has covered, and when it should be taught to be able to design a framework that helped the instructors in developing their courses' plan, then collect the data from the instructors of both courses EC and design to develop the EC course plan by adding new assignment asking students to apply what they learn during EC course in one of their previous design projects which submitted before registered the EC course and gained a knowledge of different environmental techniques. Finally, test the application of the suggested Framework by comparing the results of design projects before and after EC study and validate the results by publishing an online survey targeting the experts in different countries to demonstrate the importance of EC courses as a powerful learning tool in architecture education, as well as to be a comprehensive approach that reflects the relationship between design and environmental studies to improve both architects and building design performance.

Is it a matter of design?

Rural and urban areas in China have traditionally represented contrasting realms, largely due to the country’s dual social structure. However, efforts to reduce inequalities and encourage harmonious planning are reshaping both urban and rural landscapes, leading to new hybridized forms of living. These transformations emphasize the importance of design disciplines in experimenting with innovative settlement models and architectural projects. Recognizing the interconnectedness and mutual dependence of urban and rural areas is a fertile perspective to frame the countryside as a significant frontier in China’s cutting-edge architectural movements. China’s rural revitalization strategy represents the latest initiative aimed at improving conditions in the Chinese countryside and enhancing the well-being of its residents. Aligned with the principles of ecological civilization, this policy calls for the development of new esthetic dimensions that reflect technological advancements, cultural diversity, socioeconomic values, and political narratives, echoing similar sustainable agendas worldwide. The contributions selected for this special issue showcase how various design attitudes have embodied the countryside development mandate in far-sighted proposals of transformation that addresses several crucial challenges of contemporary living, such as wealth distribution, economic stimulation, cultural heritage preservation, and the relationship with nature. These examples suggest that by challenging the ideological commitments supporting their feasibility, design practice, and research can be fundamental tools for reorienting policy formulation beyond solving specific issues through targeted design approaches.