Architecture Research Articles

Curved Representation Space of Vision Transformers

Neural networks with self-attention (a.k.a. Transformers) like ViT and Swin have emerged as a better alternative to traditional convolutional neural networks (CNNs). However, our understanding of how the new architecture works is still limited. In this paper, we focus on the phenomenon that Transformers show higher robustness against corruptions than CNNs, while not being overconfident. This is contrary to the intuition that robustness increases with confidence. We resolve this contradiction by empirically investigating how the output of the penultimate layer moves in the representation space as the input data moves linearly within a small area. In particular, we show the following. (1) While CNNs exhibit fairly linear relationship between the input and output movements, Transformers show nonlinear relationship for some data. For those data, the output of Transformers moves in a curved trajectory as the input moves linearly. (2) When a data is located in a curved region, it is hard to move it out of the decision region since the output moves along a curved trajectory instead of a straight line to the decision boundary, resulting in high robustness of Transformers. (3) If a data is slightly modified to jump out of the curved region, the movements afterwards become linear and the output goes to the decision boundary directly. In other words, there does exist a decision boundary near the data, which is hard to find only because of the curved representation space. This explains the underconfident prediction of Transformers. Also, we examine mathematical properties of the attention operation that induce nonlinear response to linear perturbation. Finally, we share our additional findings, regarding what contributes to the curved representation space of Transformers, and how the curvedness evolves during training.

«No house should ever be on a hill or on anything». La chiesa di Corte di Cadore e i dettami dell’architettura organica

The Corte di Cadore Church, as explained by Edoardo Gellner in his Quasi un diario, played a significant role in the architectural and urban composition of the entire complex of Corte di Cadore. From the beginning, it was decided that it should constitute the dominant element of the entire village, close to the central hub and the collective facilities and services necessary for the smooth functioning of the entire complex. The strategic positioning of the church was carefully considered in terms of its relationship with the built environment and the surrounding vegetation. Rather than being placed at the summit of the mountain, the church was thoughtfully positioned at a slight distance. This deliberate choice allowed the crest of the small hill and the lush vegetation of pines, junipers, and other underbrush, to seamlessly integrate as a complementary frame and background to the architecture of the church. The architecture described in this essay through the memories of one of the designers, Edoardo Gellner, is a testament to the collaborative brilliance of two architects, Gellner and Carlo Scarpa, whose collaboration contributed to the creation of architectural works rich in meaning and references.

Deconstructing the Blueprint for Infringement: Remedying Flawed Interpretations of the § 120(a) Exception to Architecture Copyrights

Deconstructing the Blueprint for Infringement: Remedying Flawed Interpretations of the § 120(a) Exception to Architecture Copyrights

СУЧАСНИЙ АРХІТЕКТУРНИЙ ПРОЦЕС ТА АКТУАЛЬНІ ЗАВДАННЯ АРХІТЕКТУРНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ

The article is devoted to the identification of the features of the modern architectural process and the establishment of actual tasks of architectural activity. Today's society, science, and practice are experiencing phenomena that radically change the approaches and paradigms of the architectural process. The paper highlights the contradictions in the theory and practice of architecture that need to be resolved; considers aspects of the modern ideology of architecture; develops certain provisions of the theory of the environmental approach, namely, the features of "understanding" design, the communicative component of architectural activity; emphasizes the interaction of various actors in the process of architectural activity, the dialogue of the architect with stakeholders. The author emphasizes the decisive role of the architect as an organizer and coordinator of the design process, the interpretation of the architectural process as a component of the overall socio-cultural process. The biggest shifts are taking place in the field of the environmental approach to architectural activity. Environmental issues, which bring people and their lifestyles to the forefront, give impetus to the development of architectural management and marketing. These changes in priorities have led to a problematic situation in the theory of architecture and opened up a new space of work: the identification and recording of environmental experiences and images, the production of these experiences and the management of this process. The environmental approach outlines the future trajectories of architectural work, the essence of which is the inclusion of the designer in the life of the population, the materialization of their own version of life processes, the identification of a set of specialized activities that support the ideology of social progress and cultural development. Scientific research and architectural practice should be based on the achievements of the philosophy of architecture, understanding of new value orientations, taking into account the differences and pace of social change, etc. There is a need to recognize the importance of such a factor as the subject of the architectural process. Changing the basic guidelines of the consumer of an architectural object requires ensuring at the design stage the possibility of transforming an architectural object in the process of its further operation, predicting the emergence of new functions and the formation of their new material shell. The article outlines the contours of scientific innovations in the field of architecture - the theory of architectural activity in the conditions of intersubjective interaction; suggests forms of correct introduction of the concept of "design subject", which is active in the architectural environment, into design practice and theory of architectural activity.

Andre Godard and Maxime Siroux: Disentangling the Narrative of French Colonialism and Modern Architecture in Iran

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of two French architects, Andre Godard and Maxime Siroux, in early twentieth-century Iran using postcolonial methodology to challenge the reductive prevailing narrative of these architects as representatives of Western imperial powers. Furthermore, this paper argues for the existence of a distinct local modernism in Iran, highlights the enduring presence of Iranian architectural traditions throughout different historical periods, and argues against the narrative of modern architectural works in Iran as simplistic hybrids of pre-Islamic Iranian architecture and Western modernism. In addition, this research underscores the role of Iranian intellectuals in shaping the cultural and social movements that led to the broader modernization of Iran and modernism in Iranian architecture.

Legal protection for visual artists

AbstractIt is essential that sculptors, architects, and other three‐dimensional artists gain some familiarity with the extent and limits of intellectual property (IP) law and how it protects visual artists and their works. The main areas of IP legal protection for artists are traditional copyright law, the Visual Artists Rights Act, and the Architectural Works Copyright Protection Act. This article attempts to distill the large and complex discipline of intellectual property rights for visual artists. Legislative bodies, courts, nongovernmental organizations, international and intergovernmental institutions, and IP experts continue to struggle with the question of how to balance the public‐good benefits of legal protection for artists with the demands of commerce. From copyrights to courts to alternative resolutions and other interventions, IP is a discipline broad and intricate, but visual artists have many options, including legal, organizational, and educational opportunities, to strengthen their position.

New Moorish architectural identity in Tlemcen, Algeria

Abstract In Algeria, the city of Tlemcen is home to 60% of the country’s Arab-Islamic architectural heritage, also known as Moorish. During the French colonization, the rich Moorish historical and architectural heritage was largely diminished. The architecture of Tlemcen’s historic old town was gradually replaced by classical architecture in the early days of colonization, and then by modern architecture from 1940 onwards. After the independence in 1962, the city has carried out huge programs of facilities and new housing, based on modern architectural principles. In 2011, Tlemcen was designated a “Capital of Islamic Culture” and, in preparation for this international cultural event, new cultural facilities and hotels have been built, inspired by Moorish heritage. Given the heterogeneity of references and in particular the identity crisis ensuing in architecture in Tlemcen, this event was the key moment for validating a stylistic choice, which directly recounts the history of the city. The question is: what authenticity is expressed by the current use of the Moorish referent? Is it technical and material authenticity, or merely symbolic and cultural genuineness? This study delves into the question of identity in architecture. It analyses the new Moorish-style buildings in Tlemcen and highlights their contribution to the quest for a local identity and the ambition to produce local architecture. The article supports the hypothesis that architecture is an effective means of expressing identity and that it has always had, and continues to have, a close relationship with memory. The methodology is based on a combination of several investigative tools: surveys, photographs and archive consultation. These tools helped develop a building analysis grid, which serves as a repertory for describing the buildings, according to two levels of reading of the architectural work. We have chosen three Moorish and four contemporary buildings to which the different criteria of the analysis grid are applied. The results of the analysis of the new buildings show that, in a way, they enabled to establish continuity and dialogue with the Moorish heritage.

Indirect lighting in Contemplative Spaces – an Endless Depth

This paper explores the relationship between indirect lighting and contemplative spaces. Through an examination of notable architectural works, the study identifies a consistent preference for hidden light sources in contemplative spaces across various religions and eras. The research begins by defining the fundamental aspects of contemplation and its correlation with architecture. This is followed by a bibliographic survey of indirectly illuminated contemplative spaces. Within this investigation, three approaches to understanding these spaces are considered. Firstly, the conceptual ideas that architects sought to infuse into their creations; secondly, sensory descriptions provided by experts aimed at elucidating the luminous atmospheres of these locations. Lastly, the study delves into these diverse themes through the lens of phenomenology, highlighting perceptual peculiarities such as the predominance of sight, the significance of peripheral stimuli, and hapticity. This offers insights into the relationship between specific attributes of indirect lighting and transcendental architectural experiences. The consistent suggestion of perceiving endless depth in contemplative spaces prompts a brief discussion on the essence of our perception of depth. This study underscores light’s significance as a tool to connect with architectural spaces, transforming them into realms of imagination and awe.

Yerel Kültür Bağlamında Bir Stüdyo Çalışması ile Mimari Tasarım Süreci Deneyimi

In the globalizing world, the transfer of the cultural fabric of cities and regions, urban landscapes, to future generations is deemed a pivotal issue. Imitative endeavors, crafted to pass on local culture through architectural works, not only breed misunderstandings of the local culture but also impede architectural development. The incorporation of local culture into original architectural works and its fusion with modern architecture has emerged as a formidable design challenge. The transmission of this design challenge and the associated awareness to architects can be achieved by emphasizing the subject in studio education. In this context, a boutique hotel design project was executed in Sille, a historic settlement, as part of the Konya Technical University Department of Architecture Studio 4 course during the 2022-2023 Spring Semester. Throughout the course, students were tasked with developing projects within the framework of the concept of ‘place’. The expectation was for students not only to grasp the concept of ‘place’ but also to comprehend its seamless integration into the architectural project and resolve the spatial organization of the hotel. At the end of the semester, six student projects were selected and evaluated within the scope of the study. The analysis of project proposals revealed that while students demonstrated an understanding of the concept of ‘place’, there was a partial inadequacy in effectively reflecting the local culture in their architectural projects. In this regard, it may be considered to add other course(s) to the curriculum to support the design process, especially to enable students to grasp the relationship more easily between local culture and architecture.

Nanotechnology and its impact on achieving sustainable architecture in Egypt

Considering the significant growth of the global population, several severe issues have emerged, including pollution, economic challenges, and environmental problems. To tackle these ecological issues, many construction experts are actively seeking new flexible techniques. Among these, Nano-technology stands out as a crucial field aiming to enhance the efficiency of the built environment and play a vital role in addressing future challenges. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of integrating Nano-technology techniques in construction to harness the acquired properties of materials and their impact on the interior thermal environment. The paper is divided into three main parts, each providing a detailed and scientific depiction of the study. The first part begins by shedding light on the concept of sustainability in architecture and the evaluation of sustainable buildings. Additionally, it explores the definition of Nano-technology and its substantial impact on the field of architecture by discussing various architectural terms associated with Nano-technology. The emergence of Nano-architecture is seen as a significant advancement in scientific research, representing a fusion between architecture and Nano-technology. Moving on to the second part of the thesis, it focuses on how Nano-technology techniques influence the work of architects. Nowadays, architects consider the properties of construction materials, construction methods, and energy consumption. These factors are essential in achieving an ideal design that is defined as sustainable. The second part also examines the effect of Nano-technology on the thermal environment, analyzing both national and international projects that have implemented this technique.

Identifikasi Material Yang Berpotensi Menjadi Waste Material Pada Proyek Gedung Kuliah Terpadu B Universitas Palangka Raya

Construction projects are activities calculated to obtain maximum results in the form of buildings or infrastructure within limited time, costs and resources. Waste material in construction projects can result in material waste in construction project work. Therefore, it is necessary to identify materials that have the potential to cause waste material. This research aims to identify consumable materials in architectural work and the upper structure used which has a percentage of around (20%) which has value or has an impact of around (80%) on the construction of the Integrated Lecture Building B project at Palangka Raya University, Central Borneo. In this research, materials were identified in architectural work and upper structures that have the potential to cause material waste using the Pareto method (Pareto's law). The results of this research show the identification and grouping of material types that have the greatest rupiah value (80%) compared to other types of material and are materials that have the potential to cause material waste. The results obtained were 2 materials for upper structural work and 14 materials for architectural work. Accumulatively, the weight percentage required for the 2 materials in the upper structure work in this project is 72.25% compared to other types of upper structure materials. And the cumulative weight percentage required for the 14 materials in architectural work in this project is 79.43% compared to other types of architectural materials.

Universal Methods of Architectural and Urban Reconstruction, Restoration, And New Construction Using the Examples of Objects In Ukraine

The article considers the universal traditional and innovative methods of the architect's work as: hereditary and theoretical-experimental methods of “pre-project analysis” (the method of “conservation” of the object by providing it with an educational function; the method of visual communication object with a person using temporary modular structures); traditional theoretical and practical methods (“stylistic” and “artistic”); innovative theoretical methods – “hermeneutic-semiotic” (“semantic-pragmatic” and “syntactic”), innovative practical method – “hermeneutic-semiotic” (“semionic”). The practical implementation of this method is shown in the examples of experimental conceptual projects for the reconstruction of destroyed and abandoned objects of various scales in Ukraine (city, building fragment, building). Stages of action for the first time reveal the mechanisms of architectural activity of architects based on the implementation of a unique innovative “hermeneutic-semiotic” (“semionic”) method of creativity and the theory of “informative architecture”.

Techno-utopian ideal of El Lisitsky

The article is devoted to the creativity and development of architectural theory developed by El Lissitzky. At the beginning of the 20th century, artists who realized the idea of the avant-garde predicted the development of a special spatial atmosphere that would be formed due to the latest achievements of science, technology and art. The article examines works of architecture and art, as well as philosophical works concerning the process of development of the techno-utopian ideal of spaces. El Lissitzky, noting the outstanding importance of technical means for modern architecture and art, foresaw one of the most important topics for future research in the 21st century. The article attempts to analyze the complex of innovative ideas of El Lissitzky.

About the published content on each section

About the published content on each section

Pengaruh Clash Detection Pada Proses Perencanaan Biaya Pada Laboratorium PUT

One effort to avoid repetitive work due to errors in construction project planning can be detected from the start by implementing BIM (Building Information Modeling) which can carry out collision analysis (Clash detection) in each discipline of structural work, architecture, MEP and other disciplines. Before the existence of BIM, clashes that occurred in the building construction process were one of the factors causing work costs to increase. So implementing Building Information Modeling is one effort to avoid these problems. In this research, clash detection analysis will be carried out in the PUT Lab building in the structural, architectural and MEP work disciplines. The stages carried out in this research were first carrying out 3D Modeling using Autodesk Revit software on the PUT Lab building, then carrying out clash detection analysis using Autodesk Naviswork software and calculating the cost budget plan for each job affected by clash detection. After carrying out clash detection, clashes can be found that occur in the structural, architectural and MEP work disciplines which after calculating the budget plan can save work costs of up to 80 million rupiah.

On the History of the Development of Daylighting and Light-Conducting Systems in the History of Architecture

The history of the development of human civilization shows us how the use of daylighting could influence the development of world architecture. In the article, the author tried to show how in different eras daylight influenced not only civil architecture, but also how light became an important sacred component of religious architecture. The article examines the influence of daylight on architecture throughout history, in certain historical periods and architectural techniques using daylighting.

Comparison of Using Conventional Estimating and Sketchup Pro for Bill Quantity Takeoff Process

Departing from academic anxiety that the construction industry in Indonesia has made rapid progress with the adoption of computing technology and methods in recent years. Increasing infrastructure development encourages construction actors to effectively and efficiently improve project quality. However, the role of the quantity surveyor becomes crucial in facing challenges such as manual quantity picking which is prone to errors and cost estimation that is difficult to do based on rough schematic design. In the context of traditional construction projects, quantity lists are arranged based on 2D drawings, but the use of 3D models has diminished since the adoption of BIM. Sketchup, as a 3D modeling software, and its extension Quantifier Pro provide a solution by combining 3D models to produce accurate quantity takeoff calculations on the Bill of Quantity. This research aims to develop methods to improve the quantity accuracy of elements of an incomplete or incorrect Sketchup model, in the hope of reducing modeling time, improving quantity retrieval performance, and making Sketchup-based cost estimation more effective and efficient in the context of construction. This research method involves 3D modeling using the Sketchup Pro application, using secondary data in the form of Detailed Engineering Design (DED) working drawings. Volume calculation in the Bill of Quantity is done with the help of Sketchup Pro software. The research location is in the Mullberry Cluster residential project, Bekasi City, West Java. The house building in this project was chosen as an object of comparison between conventional calculation methods and calculation methods using Sketchup Pro software. The main focus is to overcome the challenges of manual quantity picking and cost estimation from rough schematic design, emphasizing the crucial role of quantity surveyors. The results showed that the use of 3D models in Sketchup can increase the accuracy of cost estimation and reduce modeling time. The conclusion of the study confirms that Sketchup as an effective alternative solution in increasing efficiency and accuracy in the construction process, especially in the context of taking the quantity of architectural work elements, contributes positively to the development of more sophisticated cost estimation methods in the Indonesian construction industry.

Kajian Penggunaan Material Beton Ekspos pada Gedung Panjang Taman Ismail Marzuki Jakarta

TTaman Ismail Marzuki is an arts and culture center in Jakarta that is rich in historical value. After being revitalized, Taman Ismail Marzuki appears with a torn and modern aesthetic. Gedung Panjang is one of the buildings in Ismail Marzuki Park, which looks iconic with a piano-like appearance and looks like steps from a distance. The dominant use of exposed concrete material is used in long buildings to give the impression of a natural building and make it appear as it is. On the other hand, there is an assumption that exposed concrete is a monotonous material, dark in color, and prone to weather damage. This research aims to identify the use of exposed concrete to be able to provide a different perspective in answering the pros and cons of using exposed concrete and provide an overview of the sense of place in the building. case study research is applied using qualitative methods by identifying the long building and other architectural works of Andra Matin as a comparison. Data collection is done by literature study from relevant articles as well as visual observation through field visits and utilizing YouTube media. The results showed that the Long Building, which has the concept of openness and honesty of materials, maximizes the use of exposed concrete materials with large repetitive concrete columns and beams with high ceilings so as to give a dramatic effect to the building. The application of exposed concrete materials combined with other elements in the building gives the impression of a varied building atmosphere but remains in harmony with the monochromatic color game. Disadvantages of exposed concrete that must be anticipated such as the monotonous color of the space because it is dominated by dark colors, moisture on the concrete surface and large maintenance costs if any damage arises.

Kajian Persepsi Makna Sakral Arsitektur Tradisional Jawa Secara Virtual Bagi Mahasiswa Arsitektur

Virtual Reality (VR) technology can provide a spatial experience that almost resembles real conditions. Through VR, it is hoped that it can also present sacred meanings/perceptions that are usually strongly felt when entering certain buildings. This research conducted VR simulations on three types of traditional Javanese buildings, to identify respondents' perceptions of the sacred by entering a virtual space experience. This research uses quantitative methods with a descriptive approach and is supported by qualitative methods in selecting parameters. Data collection in this study used a questionnaire with a list of questions asked to respondents online via Google Form while accessing the 360 virtual tour. The research results show that respondents can feel and rank the level of sacredness of Javanese architecture. The strongest sense of the sacred is conveyed through the scale of the building, including the area and height of the building, the weight of materials, loudness of sound and lighting. The most dominant descriptor felt by respondents was material weight. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that sacredness is more pronounced from descriptors related to spatial scale than related to function. Through this research, it is hoped that VR technology can be enriched so that it can optimally present architectural works that have various implied meanings.

Cultivar ideotype for intensive olive orchards: plant vigor, biomass partitioning, tree architecture and fruiting characteristics

In order to achieve higher and earlier yield, modern olive orchards are increasingly intensified, with tree densities up to > 1500 trees hectare-1. With increasing tree densities, individual-tree canopy volume must be proportionally reduced. Not all cultivars are adaptable to high and very high orchard densities, because of excessive vigor and/or insufficient bearing when the canopy is pruned to a small volume. However, what makes an olive cultivar suitable for intensive and super intensive orchards is not clear. Recently, few studies have addressed this topic, suggesting that tree architecture and early bearing are essential traits. Yet, what architectural and productive features are important, how they work and whether they are interrelated remains elusive. This review summarizes and interprets the literature on olive, as well as the more abundant literature available for other fruit species, aiming to provide a comprehensive knowledge framework for understanding how tree architectural characteristics, plant vigor, and fruiting vary across olive genotypes, and how they are interconnected. It is concluded that, among the architectural characteristics, greater branching and smaller diameters of woody structures are particularly important features for cultivar suitability to intensive and super intensive olive orchards. Greater branching allows to produce more fruiting sites in the small volume of canopy allowed in these systems. It also reduces investments in woody structures, liberating resources for fruiting. Additional resources are liberated with smaller structure diameters. Greater branching also increases resources by increasing biomass partitioning into leaves (i.e. the photosynthetic organs), relative to wood. Since yield is affected by the competition for resources with vegetative growth, reducing resource investments in woody structures and/or increasing resource directly, increases yield. Yield, in turn, depresses vegetative growth, reducing vigor and the need for pruning. High yields also produce short shoots which have relatively greater investments in leaf mass and area, and lower in the woody stem, making them more suitable than long shoots to support concurrent fruit growth. This single framework of interpretation of how the different architectural and fruiting characteristics work and interact with one-another, will provide guidance for cultivar selection and breeding for intensive and super intensive olive orchards.