Expert Architecture Research Articles

The Healthy City Reimagined: Walkability, Active Mobility, and the Challenges of Measurement and Evaluation

Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring the relationship between walkability and various aspects such as health, urban planning, and sustainability. This interest stems from the acknowledgement of the impact of walking on issues such as obesity, pollution, and other diseases, even if these are only weakly correlated. This scoping review was carried out to shed light on the link between walkability and health. The main objectives of this review are to describe the tools used to evaluate walkability, to highlight the variations in measurement methods, and to offer a critical evaluation of these tools. The final analysis includes a review of the most recent and comprehensive studies and online resources. Finally, an evaluation of the tools was carried out, with a focus on urban and architectural expertise relating to design, functions, and activities in public spaces, analysing the few available bibliographic references that correlate walkability with measured health outcomes using validated tools and health information flow. Neighbourhood walkability is influenced by the availability of functional amenities, activities, and safety. Failure to consider its importance on human health could lead to urban social inequalities and thus failure to create salutogenic cities, which could have major implications in terms of public health.

Heritage BIM (HBIM) applied in emergency scenarios: a case study of the National Museum in Brazil

Heritage buildings, integral to preserving culture and history, play a vital role in shaping regional identity and collective memory. To address the intricate complexities of conserving such tangible cultural heritage, Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) emerges as a compelling avenue, uniting technology, historic preservation, and architectural expertise. Nonetheless, a remarkable research gap exists, particularly in its application within emergency scenarios involving fire accidents during post-recovery phases. This research aims to bridge this gap by proposing key areas of focus for applying HBIM in the aftermath of fire incidents, redefining disaster recovery for heritage sites. The proposed areas are informed by a thorough assessment of the case study related to the post-recovery process undertaken by the Brazilian National Museum after the devastating fire of 2018. This case study combines gathering documentary evidence, on-site assessments, 3D model development within the BIM environment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By emphasizing informed decision-making, precise damage assessment, and meticulous reconstruction planning, this study advances HBIM's transformative role in heritage conservation and disaster recovery, resulting in a novel approach to safeguarding cultural heritage.

Developments and evolution of housing architecture in the post-Corona era with a health-oriented approach

This research, with a descriptive-analytical approach and in a pragmatic way, examines the evolution of housing architecture after COVID-19. Thirty experts in architecture and urban planning made up its statistical population. A combination of artificial intelligence algorithms, tree data mining techniques, and the FTOPSIS multi-criteria decision analysis method have been applied to the information analysis process. A panel of experts was formed to gather information, and the criteria of housing design that had evolved in the post-corona period were identified by designing a questionnaire on the Likert scale (i.e., a psychometric scale named after its inventor)—the primary influential factors in the pattern of housing architecture after the Corona period were determined. The findings showed a significant correlation between housing architecture in the post-corona period and people's health patterns. Results showed that the factors that have the most significant impact on the evolution of housing in the region under investigation include the new function of housing (0.152), changing behavioral interactions (0.152), design criteria (0.145) and the passive ventilation factor with a score of 0.113. Other results showed that the physical distance as well as quarantine and isolation components obtained a score of 0.359 and 0.328, respectively, and were identified as the most critical developments in housing architecture. Finally, data mining findings showed that the spatial quality variable in the first phase had the most significant influence on the growth and fortification of the evolution of housing components at the study area level and the promotion of the health of people in the community in the post-pandemic period.

ArchGPT: harnessing large language models for supporting renovation and conservation of traditional architectural heritage

The renovation of traditional architecture contributes to the inheritance of cultural heritage and promotes the development of social civilization. However, executing renovation plans that simultaneously align with the demands of residents, heritage conservation personnel, and architectural experts poses a significant challenge. In this paper, we introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent, Architectural GPT (ArchGPT), designed for comprehensively and accurately understanding needs and tackling architectural renovation tasks, accelerating and assisting the renovation process. To address users’ requirements, ArchGPT utilizes the reasoning capabilities of large language models (LLMs) for task planning. Operating under the use of tools, task-specific models, and professional architectural guidelines, it resolves issues within the architectural domain through sensible planning, combination, and invocation. Ultimately, ArchGPT achieves satisfactory results in terms of response and overall satisfaction rates for customized tasks related to the conservation and restoration of traditional architecture.

Examining the significance of spatial layout experiments in Joseon houses: a detailed analysis of Jungdang-style houses in the 1920s–1930s Gyeongseong

ABSTRACT In the 1920s and 1930s, Gyeongseong (the former name for Seoul) experienced a significant population increase, leading to severe housing shortages and haphazard, large-scale development. During this time, urban housing blocks were densely clustered Joseon houses often with eaves touching those of neighboring buildings. Despite this, they preserved the Jungjeong-style layouts and reflected the Confucian patriarchal culture. The Jungjeong-style layouts in Joseon houses necessitated ensuring natural sunlight and ventilation and improving interior spaces for women’s convenience and household chores. Consequently, the Jungdang-style experiments in these houses aimed to provide a standard for preserving traditional characteristics, ensuring natural light and ventilation, and enhancing household chore efficiency. These experiments also involved discourses on urban planning and density, taking into account neighboring houses, lots, roads, and building-to-land ratios (floor area ratios). However, the Jungdang-style experiments failed to become a leading discourse in addressing that era’s housing and urban environment issues. Nevertheless, the experiments conducted by Joseon’s architectural experts are significant as they represent social experiments addressing the challenges of haphazard urban architecture in a rapidly urbanizing context and a booming urban population.

Where to Start: Creating a Roadmap for Collection Storage Planning Through a Collaborative Values-Based Approach: A National Endowment for the Humanities Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections project at The New York Public Library

Collection storage is one of the most complex collaborations a museum, library, or archive can undertake. A high-level initial assessment can help overcome the inertia and complexity that overwhelms larger organizations due to the number of stakeholders, spaces, and collections. Large institutions need to rise above room-level preservation issues and focus on global, values-based thinking. With support from the Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections (SCHC) program of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), The Research Libraries of the New York Public Library (NYPL) designed a collaborative pre-planning exercise to inform long-range collection storage planning for over fifty storage areas within its Manhattan research centers. Pulling together experts in architecture, preservation environment, and sustainability to review NYPL’s storage needs in collaboration with an internal team of stakeholders, the project established foundations for ongoing values-based collaborative planning. Project design and considerations on synthesizing observations into recommendations are discussed in this article.

Designing for Modern Living

This study delves into the evolving landscape of modern living in South Korea, which has the widespread apartment complexes that have emerged from the efficiency centric approaches of industrial capitalism. It explores the paradigm shift in the 21st-century capitalist society, which now values creativity and individual expression over functionality and uniformity. This shift has led to a noticeable disparity between the monotonous spatial composition of mass-produced housing and the dynamic, creative lifestyles of contemporary residents. The research method involves a comprehensive analysis of both lifestyle and architectural magazines, providing insights into the changing preferences and lifestyles of residents, as well as the perspectives of professionals. The study aimed to highlight the changing nature of residential spaces and the design strategies, moving away from the conventional utility-focused designs, towards environments that foster creativity and reflect the individuality of inhabitants. Key findings indicate a growing public preference for residential spaces that are versatile, creatively stimulating, and aligned with the multifaceted nature of modern lifestyles. Contrasting these views, architectural experts emphasize the fundamental values of living, advocating for spaces that connect residents with nature and enrich everyday experiences through sensory engagement. The study concludes that while there is a divergence in perspectives between the general public and architectural specialists, both recognize the necessity for sustainable housing solutions. These solutions should cater to contemporary societal changes while preserving essential life values, thereby overcoming the limitations of the prevalent apartment centric urban housing model in South Korea.

Development of the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course.

Manual wheelchairs (MWC) users have limited mobility during winter months as they encounter many environmental barriers that restrict their community participation. This paper outlines the creation and standardization of an outdoor environment designed to simulate the real-life conditions and obstacles experienced by MWC users in winter. This study consisted of four phases. In Phase 1, researchers used a qualitative ethnographic approach to document the specific challenges and adaptive strategies used by MWC users in winter conditions. In Phase 2, key informants with expertise in MWC winter mobility were invited to co-design the Standardized Navigation Of Winter Mobility & Accessibility Network (SNOWMAN) course. Participants reviewed draft design solutions and offered their input and suggestions to expand upon the initial design. A second co-design workshop included additional key informants, including service providers, policymakers, and professionals with expertise in landscape architecture and engineering, to validate the design solution. The workshops resulted in a detailed illustration of the SNOWMAN course, including five sections: platforms with side slopes, a miniature ice rink, curbs and curb cuts, a path with uneven winter surfaces, and modular ramps at various slopes. Phases 3 and 4 marked the conclusion of the study and involved fabrication of the SNOWMAN course and establishment of a standardized protocol for course setup and maintenance. The project aimed to offer several additional potential benefits, supported by the various stakeholders across the study phases, that extend beyond creation of a controlled and safe environment for wheelchair users to develop their winter mobility skills. Practicing wheelchair skills in this area may assist wheelchair users in gaining confidence which may ultimately translate to increased participation in the community.

Applying analytic hierarchy process for site selection of a recreational-educational children complex in Shiraz City, Iran

The development of educational-recreational complexes for children has a significant impact on their cognitive growth and behaviour. Proper site selection is essential to ensure the success of such projects. This paper aims to identify the best location for a children’s educational-recreational complex in Shiraz, Iran. The study used a descriptive-comparative and survey method to determine effective criteria for site selection. A questionnaire was administered to experts in architecture, urban design, and planning to identify appropriate sites. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was then employed to select the best location. The hierarchical model included three levels: goal (educational-recreational site selection), criteria (natural potential, accessibility, land size, neighbourhood and social context, expansibility, appropriate land use (the neighbourhood between proposed and master plan land use)), and three alternative sites. The results showed that a site located near residential areas, green spaces, and natural elements is suitable for the development of an educational-recreational complex for children. The study recommends the use of the SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) - AHP method for site selection in children’s complexes. The paper highlights the need for a reliability test or table/figure to support the research findings.

Visual Exploratory Analysis for Designing Large-Scale Network-on-Chip Architectures: A Domain Expert-Led Design Study.

Visualization design studies bring together visualization researchers and domain experts to address yet unsolved data analysis challenges stemming from the needs of the domain experts. Typically, the visualization researchers lead the design study process and implementation of any visualization solutions. This setup leverages the visualization researchers' knowledge of methodology, design, and programming, but the availability to synchronize with the domain experts can hamper the design process. We consider an alternative setup where the domain experts take the lead in the design study, supported by the visualization experts. In this study, the domain experts are computer architecture experts who simulate and analyze novel computer chip designs. These chips rely on a Network-on-Chip (NOC) to connect components. The experts want to understand how the chip designs perform and what in the design led to their performance. To aid this analysis, we develop Vis4Mesh, a visualization system that provides spatial, temporal, and architectural context to simulated NOC behavior. Integration with an existing computer architecture visualization tool enables architects to perform deep-dives into specific architecture component behavior. We validate Vis4Mesh through a case study and a user study with computer architecture researchers. We reflect on our design and process, discussing advantages, disadvantages, and guidance for engaging in a domain expert-led design studies.

Recognition and prioritization of flexible design strategies in student dormitories during respiratory disease outbreaks

This study aimed to address the evolving needs of student dormitories during and after the COVID-19 pandemic by employing flexible strategies to optimize the use of these buildings during respiratory disease outbreaks. Initially, the relationship between architecture and respiratory infections was examined using the descriptive-analytical method and library research, and the operational spaces impact on airborne transmissions was identified. Subsequently, a conceptual model for flexible design was developed. A questionnaire was then distributed amongst architecture experts, and the results were compared through the Friedman test and Shannon’s entropy to prioritize flexible design strategies for dormitories during quarantine. Amongst these strategies, ‘segregation of space’ had the highest impact on the operational spaces of dormitories. Generally, the priorities of employing flexible strategies on dormitory spaces are as follows: ‘privatizing wet spaces’, ‘converting communal rooms into suites’, ‘splitting suites’, ‘creating screening spaces’, and ‘designing hierarchical access’. Next, a case study was conducted on the current dormitory of the Iran University of Science and Technology, and a proposed dormitory was presented based on the prioritized strategies. Finally, the current and the suggested dormitory were compared with space syntax criteria, including connectivity, depth and integration, and the pandemic responsiveness of the new plan was evaluated.

Research on Innovative Design of Interactive Learning Environment for Architectural Education Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Technology

Abstract To provide new context-creation tools in architectural education to give students a full sense of immersion and presence. This paper discusses the integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology in architectural education, and then the integration of artificial intelligence and virtual reality technology proposed architecture education virtual learning environment human-computer interaction system. Through the experimental study, in the application effect satisfaction analysis, the student satisfaction in the virtual reality learning environment in stimulating students’ learning interest is 80%, and 72% of the students agree to learn architectural expertise in the virtual reality learning environment.

Distributed Communicative Language Training Platform Using Automatic Speech Recognition Technology for Smart University

The purpose of this research is to achieve the following objectives: 1) Synthesize documents and international research on the characteristics of a smart university. 2) Synthesize the processes of distributed communicative language training (DCLT). 3) Design the system architecture of a DCLT platform that utilizes automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology for a smart university. 4) Evaluate the appropriateness of a DCLT platform that utilizes ASR technology for a smart university. Nine experts were selected for this research. They were required to have more than five years of relevant experience in the field, including expertise in system architecture, distributed enterprise, language teaching, and ASR. The research instruments included a suitable assessment form for evaluating the system architecture of a DCLT platform that utilizes ASR technology for a smart university. The results of this research indicate that the DCLT platform, which utilizes ASR technology, was considered suitable for a smart university.

A strategy for giving urban public green spaces a third dimension: A case study of Qasrodasht, Shiraz

With the increasing in urbanization and uncontrolled development of cities over the last decade, designing public urban green spaces as nature-based solutions has become imperative due to their positive health and economic impacts. The Qasrodasht neighborhood in Shiraz, Iran has suffered from haphazard construction and loss of public open space. This study demonstrates the potential for expanding and revitalizing urban public green spaces in Qasrodasht by proposing a framework for designing them in the vertical dimension. 25 experts in urban planning, design, and architecture were interviewed extensively. The interview questions were selected via literature review and SWOT analysis, with each interview lasting 20 min online. The data were analyzed and presented in a table. Ultimately, this study presents design alternatives, a framework for vertically-oriented public green space design, and policies and strategies for implementing such designs in Qasrodasht through expert interviews.

Socially sustainable housing and built environments to support the health and social inclusion of older adults: protocol for a scoping review and stakeholder consultation

IntroductionHousing and the ageing population are issues that pose challenges for social, health and economic policies. Therefore, there is a need for more knowledge on how to design housing and...

Urban green spaces: the role of greenery and natural elements in promoting visitors’ attachment and well-being

Abstract This study examines the relationship between the presence of greenery and natural elements in urban green spaces (UGSs), and visitors‘ attachment, and well-being. Four UGSs in Gaza City were selected based on criteria that ensured representation of various types, sizes, locations, and green features. A survey instrument was designed to assess visitors‘ perceptions of greenery and natural elements, attachment to UGSs, and well-being. The survey was validated by seven experts in landscape architecture and urban planning. Results show that visitors‘ perceptions of greenery and natural elements significantly affect their place attachment, happiness, health, and motivation to visit. The provision and maintenance of greenery and natural elements in UGSs should be a priority for urban planners and policymakers to create and maintain green spaces that are beneficial for visitors‘ well-being. These findings have important implications for urban planning and design in promoting sustainable and healthy urban environments. Further research is needed to investigate the potential causal relationships between visitors‘ perceptions, and their well-being, and to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving these perceptions.

Pembangunan Kerangka Identiti Kebangsaan : Adaptasi Budaya Asli dalan Seni Bina Kontemporari Moden

The failure of developing an architectural national identity has been highlighted by most scholars and architectural experts in Malaysia. Most architecture produced since Malaysia’s independence are influenced by imported architectural styles. Majority of the country’s architecture do not reflect the identity of its people, nor does it reflect the climate in which it is built in. Furthermore, effects of globalisation and the universalisation of architecture itself creates a plethora of issues that contribute to the lack of diversity in design, unresponsiveness to environmental concerns as well as the needs of the user. Lack of cultural heritage and national identity in architecture can be attributed to the lack of guideline or framework that allows for architects to use as a reference in designing architecture with national identity. Therefore, this study’s objective is to provide a theoretical rationale for the development of an architectural national identity framework, to identify methods of adaptation of culture and cultural elements into modern contemporary architecture and lastly to identify key factors and common values that contribute to successful architecture. This study identified 5 architecture projects that reflect an adaptation of culture in modern contemporary architecture. The study revealed that there are tangible and intangible elements that contribute to design adaptation of culture in modern contemporary architecture. The role of architecture as a bridging point can both protect, preserve, and revitalise cultural heritage as well as link the tangible and intangible elements with modern contemporary architecture. The study also suggests future opportunities for research on this topic.

The Role of Architects in Search and Rescue Technologies: A Comparative Analysis of Global Examples and Türkiye

Search and rescue (SAR) operations require the integration of various technologies and expertise, to effectively respond to emergencies. In this study it was investigated how architects play an essential part in SAR technologies both globally and in Türkiye contexts. Architects play an invaluable role in designing SAR facilities, by optimizing spatial layouts, assuring structural integrity, integrating advanced technologies and encouraging sustainability. By conducting an in-depth comparison between international and Turkish SAR examples, this study highlights key similarities, distinctions and potential areas for improvement. These results emphasize the value of architectural expertise when conducting SAR operations; further providing insight into how Türkiye could enhance its approach to increase SAR capabilities.

Experiencing Harpa: Revelatory architecture and the spatial encounter

AbstractDrawing on Heidegger’s The Origin of the Work of Art and Art and Space, this article explores how people experience Harpa, a world‐renown work of architectural art. Following partners from Henning Larsen Architects, the firm responsible for supervising the design process with the artist Olafur Eliasson, I trace the impact of spatial experience from architectural experts to people struggling to articulate their encounter, unpacking links between Harpa and the quiet transformation of tourists, the stacking of stones, and the performance of art in a space that is widely regarded as a work of art in its own right. Folding Heidegger through Harpa, the text explores art as a non‐representational way of approaching phenomena that evade other forms of understanding, opening a space of revelation: an immeasurable distance in which the transcendent interconnectedness world and earth step forward.

Salutogenic Landscape Design with Cognitive Restoration Stimuli for Stress Intervention

This study explores the potential of neighbourhood parks in reducing stress and promoting mental well-being in urban settings. Through in-depth interviews with experts in clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and landscape architecture, landscape attributes influencing psychological well-being were identified. Thematic analysis revealed the importance of human-centred design and incorporating elements that inspire enthusiasm for cognitive restoration. The study resulted in a salutogenic and cognitive landscape framework that integrating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) into the park design. This framework offers valuable insights and practical guidance for creating healing spaces in neighbourhood parks, catering to physical and psychological needs in urban environments.