Architectural Design Research Articles

Form-Finding and Structural Analysis of Deployable Rigid Folding Structures using Synchronized Vector-based Graphic Statics and Finite Element Method

This paper presents a computational framework for designing and analysing deployable rigid folding plate structures by integrating Vector-based Graphic Statics (VGS) and Finite Element Method (FEM). To ensure consistent data flow from crease pattern generating to structural analysis and form-finding, a matrix-based data structure is utilized to represent the topology and geometry of the folding structure. An algorithm applied to this data structure enables simulation of the folding kinematics within a particle-based physical system, and solving for static equilibrium in the folded states to construct the discrete stress field model with VGS. This model provides a concise representation of edge and in-plane static equilibrium in a folded state. Additionally, the data structure maintains uniform detail levels between VGS and FEM by aligning mesh subdivision in FEM with the discrete stress field in VGS. Two case studies demonstrate the effectiveness and intuitiveness of the proposed method in limit state analysis by evaluating the multiple folded states of a continuous folding procedure, and in topological navigating and optimizing the folding crease pattern related to the performance of the deployable form. The research highlights advancements in the rapid, visually informed design process and concludes that this integrated approach serves as both a tool for engineers and a collaborative framework for architects and engineers in architectural design.

Natural Landscapes and the Psychological Impact of Environment on Architecture: Examining the Synergy Between Nature and Spatial Design

One of the most important characteristics of architectural art is the quality and type of connection it establishes with nature. Nature has a historical depth spanning hundreds of millions of years, having been shaped, evolved, and grown over time. It presents a structured and regulated form, within which a profound harmony can be observed in its diverse components. This homogeneous and dynamic structure has created a coherent language, which requires an understanding and decoding of this symbolic language to establish an interactive and constructive relationship with nature. This research examines the connection between natural landscapes and the psychological impacts of the environment on architectural design. The main objective of the study is to analyze the synergy between nature and designed spaces, investigating how this interaction can affect the quality of human life. The results indicate that the presence of natural elements in living and working spaces reduces stress, increases satisfaction, and improves mental health. Additionally, sustainable design that considers environmental principles and human needs can lead to the creation of spaces that provide a sense of tranquility and pleasure for users. Despite the economic and cultural challenges in implementing these approaches, collaboration among designers, engineers, and local communities is essential. Ultimately, this paper emphasizes the importance of considering the psychological impacts of the environment and the necessity of creating spaces that promote the synergy between nature and architecture.

The Changing Role of the Architect from Craftsmanship to Artificial Intelligence Environment in Historical Context

Architects differentiated themselves from master builders, craftsmen, and engineers, acquiring a distinct identity, social status, and position with modernity. The observation of this study indicates the presence of signs that a similar radical change is beginning to emerge. The knowledge and skills that contemporary architects need to possess are diverging with the incorporation of systems such as artificial intelligence, metaverse, blockchain, machine learning, and digital twins into the process, thereby transforming the ways architects design and represent. In this context, the study attempts to identify changes in the architect's identity through the evolving role of the architect in the historical process. It concludes that the role of the architect throughout the historical process is not stable but subject to continuous and dynamic change.

Association Constant of the Charge‐Transfer Complex Between Pyrene and Naphthalenediimide Derivatives in PDMS Elastomers

AbstractPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers with varying crosslink densities were synthesized using prepolymers with different molecular weights. The association constants (Ka) between a pyrene derivative (PySi) and naphthalenediimide derivative (NDISi) were measured in linear PDMS and PDMS elastomers. The shape of the absorption peak in the charge‐transfer (CT) band and the association constants were nearly independent of the crosslink density. Moreover, the temperature dependence of the association constants demonstrated consistent behavior across all PDMS media. This indicates that the structure of the CT complex and the Gibbs free energy of its formation in the PDMS are unaffected by the crosslink density, providing insights into the design of supramolecular architectures formed by the CT complex in a PDMS network.

Cyclic Oxothiomolybdates: Building Blocks for Cyclodextrin-Based Open Frameworks.

Desolvation processes, though common in self-assembled biological structures, are rarely evidenced and utilized in the design of crystalline architectures. In this study, we introduce a novel approach using the [Mo8S8O8(OH)8(guest)]2- complex, formed by the self-condensation of four [MoV 2O2S2]2- fragments around a guest unit (MoVIO6H4 or oxalate), as a chaotropic scaffold for crystallizing hybrid organic-inorganic systems with natural cyclodextrins. Our findings reveal that β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) facilitates the formation of host-guest complexes, while α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) induces the formation of a Kagome-type structure with significant voids. These new compounds were thoroughly characterized using X-ray diffraction (both powder and single-crystal), N2 adsorption, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, solution studies using 1H NMR titration and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) demonstrated pre-association of the building units in solution. These results enhance our understanding of the design principles for supramolecular structures composed of inorganic polyanions and cyclodextrins.

VLSI Architecture for Energy-Efficient and Accurate Pre-Processing Pan-Tompkins Design

This work proposes an energy-efficient and accurate VLSI architecture of the pre-processing Pan-Tompkins algorithm (PTA) for filtering electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. The PTA is among the most straightforward algorithms to detect the QRS complex in ECG signals. This work proposes a fully-parallel PTA architecture with a reduced amount of registers, directly impacting energy reduction. Furthermore, we implement a unified band-pass filter exploring shift-add arrangement to reduce the noises in the ECG signal. This strategy contributes to the savings of 46.49% and 34.64% in the area and energy per operation (EPO), respectively, compared to the literature, keeping the average sensitivity and positive prediction for examined samples at 99.73% and 99.71%, respectively.

Unveiling the spatial-temporal dynamics: Diffusion-based learning of conditional distribution for range-dependent ocean sound speed field forecasting.

Environment-aware underwater acoustic detection and communications demand precise forecasting of the sound speed field (SSF) both temporally and spatially. Toward this goal, recent machine learning models, such as recurrent neural networks and Gaussian process regressions, have outperformed classical autoregressive models. However, from the unified theoretical perspective of conditional distribution learning, there is still significant room for improvement, as existing works have not fully learned the conditional distribution of future SSFs given past SSFs. To address these limitations, in this paper, we leverage the use of diffusion models, the foundation of recent successful deep generative models, such as DALL-E 2 and SORA, to learn the conditional distribution even under limited training data, through careful neural architecture and training strategy design. Our experiments, conducted on real-life South China Sea datasets, confirm that our proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art baselines in forecasting range-dependent SSFs and the associated underwater transmission losses. Additionally, our model provides reliable confidence intervals that quantify the uncertainties of predictions.

ArchiDiffusion: A novel diffusion model connecting architectural layout generation from sketches to Shear Wall Design

Shear wall structures are widely used in residential and office buildings, but the overall design process is complex and inefficient. This study introduces a novel diffusion-based model, named ArchiDiffusion, designed to revolutionize the generation of architectural floor plans from user-drawn sketches. ArchiDiffusion employs a two-stage process that ensures both creativity and practicality, setting a new standard in automated design. Embedded within the End-to-End Shear Wall Design (EESD) framework, ArchiDiffusion seamlessly integrates with existing structural design processes, including the previously developed StructDiffusion model, to streamline the traditionally complex and inefficient design workflow. Experimental results demonstrate that ArchiDiffusion significantly outperforms existing models in layout generation, reducing design time and enhancing project quality. A case study reveals that the EESD framework, powered by ArchiDiffusion, increases the design efficiency by 50 times compared to traditional workflows. Notably, ArchiDiffusion achieves a 9.6%–15.2% improvement in layout generation accuracy over traditional GAN-based models, while the EESD framework demonstrates an approximate 20% enhancement in overall building performance, as measured by energy efficiency and spatial optimization metrics. This research highlights the significant potential of ArchiDiffusion in intelligent design processes for shear wall residential buildings, offering a promising solution to the challenges faced in integrating architectural and structural design.

Design of heat-resilient housing in hot-arid regions

Extreme heat events in urban areas increasingly challenge the capacity of electrical distribution systems to serve building cooling equipment under peak loads and, when power is interrupted, the thermal response of buildings that can delay the onset of dangerously high indoor temperatures. The design of new buildings and their operation can mitigate the risks of intense heatwaves, but architects and planners face a myriad of choices about what measures to select, and how best to estimate their individual and collective performance. To aid the design and operation of heat-resilient buildings, this paper takes a multidisciplinary approach that is novel in two key aspects. First, it evaluates the individual and aggregated impact of factors associated with architectural and urban design, equipment technologies, and human behavior. Second, its valuation metrics include the magnitude of peak electrical load, appropriate for assessing active measures aimed at reducing peak power, and the time after a power outage for indoor temperatures to reach levels associated with heat stress, an indication of the efficacy of passive (no power) measures. The application of the method in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, where growing populations and demand for space cooling make it particularly relevant, relies on knowledge of building codes and local construction practice. Single-factor testing shows that pre-cooling produces the largest reduction in peak electrical load during a simulated four-day heatwave, followed by building adjacency, maximum temperature set point and equipment loads. A combination of all considered factors reduces peak power by 70% and shifts the reduced peak to a later hour. In response to a power outage, the incorporation of architectural factors (roof, wall and window thermal resistance above code minima, increased thermal mass, reduced glazing solar heat gain coefficient and window shading) reduces the time above a Heat Index of 28 °C (caution) in a week-long test period in which the power failure occurs at hour 40 from 119 to 53 h. The presented methodology applies broadly to other building types and to regions affected by very hot weather.

Scalable parallel photonic processing unit for various neural network accelerations

In recent years, integrated optical processing units (IOPUs) have demonstrated advantages in energy efficiency and computational speed for neural network inference applications. However, limited by optical integration technology, the practicality and versatility of IOPU face serious challenges. In this work, a scalable parallel photonic processing unit (SPPU) for various neural network accelerations based on high-speed phase modulation is proposed and implemented on a silicon-on-insulator platform, which supports parallel processing and can switch between multiple computational paradigms simply and without latency to infer different neural network structures, enabling to maximize the utility of on-chip components. The SPPU adopts a scalable and process-friendly architecture design, with a preeminent photonic-core energy efficiency of 0.83 TOPS/W, two to ten times higher than existing integrated solutions. In the proof-of-concept experiment, a convolutional neural network (CNN), a residual CNN, and a recurrent neural network (RNN) are all implemented on our photonic processor to handle multiple tasks of handwritten digit classification, signal modulation format recognition, and review emotion recognition. The SPPU achieves multi-task parallel processing capability, serving as a promising and attractive research route to maximize the utility of on-chip components under the constraints of integrated technology, which helps to make IOPU more practical and universal.

Embodied Spaces in Digital Times: Exploring the Role of Instagram in Shaping Temporal Dimensions and Perceptions of Architecture

This study explores Instagram’s influence on sensory and experiential engagement with architecture in the digital age. Using a phenomenological approach, we studied the impact of Instagram’s visual features, such as filters, geotagging, and hashtags, on user interactions and perceptions of architectural spaces. The research demonstrates that Instagram transforms traditional architectural experiences into dynamic visual narratives that integrate real and virtual elements, altering our understanding of space and time. While acknowledging that architectural experience encompasses form, function, and historical context, this paper specifically focuses on Instagram’s role in mediating perceptual experiences. By analyzing user engagement patterns and content trends, the study highlights how Instagram shapes architectural design practices and the creation of spaces tailored for digital interaction. This study offers a comprehensive view of the complex relationship between digital media and architectural perception, identifying both the opportunities and challenges presented by the platform in influencing our understanding of architectural spaces.

Architectural Design for Modern House: Display of AI-Powered Digital Twin Systems

This study investigates the advancement and utilization of AI-driven digital twin (DT) systems, emphasizing their incorporation with virtual reality (VR) and 3D technologies for the real-time monitoring and optimization of physical assets. A DT is a virtual depiction of a physical asset, facilitated by data and simulations, that provides significant capabilities for prediction, monitoring, and decision-making. This study introduces the modern technologies methods, which examines the role of intelligent building design elements like multi-layout activities and AI simulation model-derived functions in DT-based smart building systems. This study utilizes a modern house to illustrate the application of DT across many capacity tiers, underpinned by data gathered from an array of sensors within the dwelling. These smart models can be visualized and engaged with in a VR environment, offering an immersive platform for users to examine and modify the virtual house.

A many-objective optimization approach to design office building façade considering energy-daylight balance concept within prevalent climate types of Iran

The concept of energy-daylight balance in architectural design aims to maximize daylighting while reducing energy consumption. Many parameters influence this concept, although they are not necessarily of equal importance in different climates. This study aims to identify the appropriate weight distribution sets (WDSs) for the most influential parameters of the energy-daylight balance concept, namely energy efficiency, daylighting, visual comfort, and thermal comfort, under the prevalent climate types of Iran. To this end, a many-objective optimization algorithm (NSGA-III) is applied to a parametric design procedure involving design variables related to the window system and a proposed shading system, leading to the identification of the most optimal façade designs for office buildings in each climate. Next, a weighted sum method (WSM) evaluates the Pareto-optimal solutions of each climate type based on nine different WDSs. Analyzing the absolute Pareto-optimal solutions, which are the solutions with the highest WSM scores within each WDS in each climate, reveals that, depending on the climate, prioritizing daylighting, thermal comfort, or energy efficiency objectives leads to the highest overall performances within these solutions. Furthermore, the Friedman test results show that in the design of office buildings in Bandar Abbas, Isfahan, Rasht, or Tehran, the most optimal trade-off between the objectives generally occurs by prioritizing energy efficiency, whereas in Dezful, it is generally achieved by prioritizing daylighting. However, pairwise comparisons of the WDSs reveal that in each climate, there are a number of pairs of sets that are not significantly different.

Electro-Optical Relative Navigation for Inspection and Rendezvous in the SpEye Mission

The execution of autonomous in-orbit servicing operations is expected to play a crucial role to preserve and enhance satellites’ performance, as well as to ensure a sustainable use of outer space. In this respect, several research efforts are dedicated to addressing the technological challenges that characterize the development of an autonomous guidance, navigation, and control system. In this framework, the Space Eye (SpEye) mission, funded by the Italian Space Agency, aims to demonstrate safe and inexpensive on-orbit inspection of a target satellite using a CubeSat-based free-flying nanosatellite. This paper, which stems from the phase A mission study, describes the high-level architectural design of its electro-optical-based relative navigation subsystem, employing multisensor algorithmic approaches based on the combination of visual, laser, and Differential Global Navigation Satellite System measurements. A dedicated environment is developed for the simulation of measurements from the relative navigation suite (including a synthetic image generator), allowing a preliminary performance assessment of the proposed algorithmic approaches.

Environmental analysis in UK modern methods of construction (MMC) housing: insights from early-stage architectural design process

PurposeModern Methods of Construction (MMC) have been promoted as a solution to address housing shortages and meet sustainability goals in the UK. However, the practical functioning of MMC, particularly in relation to early-stage environmental analyses, remains underexplored. This study aims to fill this gap by providing empirical insights into how architects engage in environmental analysis in early-stage MMC housing designs.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative pilot study is based on a detailed case study of a UK architectural firm specializing in modular housing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight architects with varying MMC experience. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data allowed for the exploration of key themes influencing early-stage environmental analysis, offering a narrative account of architects’ experiences in MMC practices.FindingsThe study reveals that environmental analysis in MMC is shaped by social, organisational and project-based factors. Three key themes emerged: uncertainty in environmental assumptions, dependencies on external consultants and the dominance of Passivhaus principles in design decisions. These factors challenge the integration of environmental considerations during the early design stages of MMC projects.Research limitations/implicationsAs this is a single case study, the findings might not be generalizable. Future research should expand on multiple firms and project settings to validate and broaden these findings.Originality/valueThis study provides an in-depth understanding of the challenges architects face when integrating environmental analysis into MMC. This reveals the relational and interdependent nature of environmental analysis in MMC projects, where decisions are shaped by multiple social, organisational and project-specific factors. By emphasizing these interdependencies, this study provides original insights into how environmental considerations can be integrated more effectively into the early design stages of MMC projects.

Adoption of Inclusive Architecture Design Strategies in Selected Community Centres, Lagos Mainland, Nigeria

Adoption of Inclusive Architecture Design Strategies in Selected Community Centres, Lagos Mainland, Nigeria

Proposing a course schedule for architectural basic design studio guided by Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy

The article moves away from the traditional architectural basic design education methods and approaches it within the framework of the discipline of educational sciences and learning models. The multi-layered education structure transforms into a new learning field under the guidance of Bloom's Revised Taxonomy, which proposes a course schedule for the architectural basic design studio. Taxonomy allowed us to discover the reflections and effectiveness of the interdisciplinary structure of architecture and design in the educational process and to be instrumentalized and used in the context of basic design education. The course schedule proposal presents a flexible schedule outline with the example of an interdisciplinary studio schedule. The trial created within the scope of this study can be appropriately organized for different Ecoles, schools, and values. The paper is significant for its interdisciplinary nature and develops a new discourse using Bloom's Revised Taxonomy. Using Bloom's Revised Taxonomy as a method in the studio has led to a paradigm shift in methodology.

KALIGRAFI SEBAGAI SENI BUDAYA ISLAM DAN ARSITEKTUR

The art of calligraphy has become an integral part of Islamic art and architecture, reflecting the richness of cultural and spiritual values in Islamic society. This research aims to explore the influence and role of calligraphy in shaping Islamic cultural identity through art and architectural design. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive literature review on calligraphy as an Islamic cultural art and architecture. The results show that calligraphy is not only a decorative element, but also a means to convey religious and philosophical messages to Muslims. The use of calligraphy in Islamic architecture creates a spiritual atmosphere and distinctive visual beauty. Calligraphy also plays a role in strengthening Islamic cultural identity and enriching the heritage of Islamic fine arts. It is hoped that this research can be a valuable reference source for researchers, artists, and architects in understanding and appreciating the richness of calligraphic art in the context of Islamic culture and architecture.

The religious legacy of śiwa-buddha at Kalibukbuk temple, Buleleng: A historical and religious approach

Background: This study explores the religious legacy of Śiwa-Buddha at Kalibukbuk Temple in Buleleng, aiming to highlight the historical and religious aspects that contribute to its significance. The integration of Śiwa and Buddha traditions in Balinese religious culture reflects the island’s parallel religious landscape, particularly during the Majapahit era. Previous studies have discussed the blending of Śiwa and Buddha elements in various Balinese temples, yet there is limited focused research on Kalibukbuk Temple. This study addresses this gap by analyzing historical records and religious texts, shedding light on how the Śiwa-Buddha harmonization shaped local religious practices. Methods: The research utilizes a qualitative method with a historical-analytical approach, combining literature review, field observations, and interviews with religious practitioners. Data collection involved an examination of temple inscriptions, carvings, and architecture to interpret symbolic elements related to Śiwa-Buddha teachings. A comparative analysis with similar temples in Bali was also conducted to emphasize common patterns and distinctive characteristics. Findings: The findings indicate that Kalibukbuk Temple serves as a cultural and spiritual focal point in Buleleng, with Śiwa-Buddha elements prominently reflected in its architectural design, deity iconography, and ritual practices. The temple’s inscriptions reveal a deliberate effort to harmonize Śaivism and Buddhism, which suggests an inclusive religious policy of the era. Furthermore, the study shows that this religious harmonization at Kalibukbuk facilitated greater social cohesion within the local community by bridging religious differences. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study reveals that the Kalibukbuk Temple's religious legacy illustrates a successful integration of Śiwa-Buddha traditions, reflecting Bali’s broader harmonized religious identity. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this research lies in its focused examination of a lesser-studied temple, providing fresh insights into Balinese religious history. This study contributes to the understanding of how religious harmonization played a vital role in shaping cultural and religious continuity in Bali.

The other narratives of architecture

The other narrative of architecture expands possibilities of architectural design methods that pay attention to other temporalities, realities, and subjects of architecture. The collection of articles in this ARSNET issue provides investigations that revisit how narratives exist as the basis of architectural experience and design methods. Technological advancements create tools, platforms, and living needs that enable different ways of revealing, producing, and speculating architectural narratives. Through this issue's investigation of the other narratives, alternative situations of architecture are reconstructed.