Architectural Form Research Articles

Modernity and traditionalism in the sepulchral art of the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. Tendencies, examples and artists

The article bears a character of initial research on the Art Deco style and modernism in the sepulchral art of the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv. A group of art objects chosen on the basis of stylistic criteria and high artistic and scientific values is presented.. Traditional research methods of art history such as formal, iconographic and iconological analyses were used due to the fact that research on the architectural and sculptural form of the sepulchres and tombs in the Lychakiv Cemetery are still in its initial stage. The research showed the variety of architectural trends in the sepulchral art of the first thirty years of the 20th century, starting from neoclassical tendencies, through Art Deco and so-called eastern Lesser Poland style, up to avant-gard modernism. It resulted in a distinction of a group of tombs in the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv representative for popular architectural trends of that time. The article points to the features and ideological base of those tendencies and presents the environment of Lviv artists – architects, sculptors, decorators and stonemasons, including a circle linked to Tadeusz Iwanowicz stone workshop, to which belonged, among others, Bronisław Wiktor and Wincenty Witold Rawski. The research led to a conclusion that the sepulchral art created in the Lychakiv Cemetery in Lviv in the first thirty years of the 20th century was a subject to intensive changes starting from neo-classicism, through Art Deco and eastern Lesser Poland style up to avant-garde modernism. All of this was caused not only by the dynamics of architecture development of this time, but also by fashion for specific forms. The development of sepulchral art was fostered by a high artistic awareness of its creators: stone workshop owners, architects, decorators and sculptors.

The St. Mary Magdalene School in Wrocław project by Valentin von Saebisch that was never built

Valentin von Saebisch (1578–1657) is known in the history of Wrocław mainly as a city fortifier. However, in addition to attending to the city’s defences, he was also active there in the field of civil architecture. The aim of the article is to expand knowledge of Saebisch’s design commitment responding to the needs of Wrocław. The analysis performed relates to four drawings that can be dated to the period 1616–1618, comprehensively depicting the design of a grand building. The architectural forms proposed by Saebisch are distinguished by a stylistic language typical of him yet isolated in Silesia, characteristic of the elite architectural foundations developed in the Rudolphine architectural circle. The specificity of the faithfully portrayed details makes it possible to identify the drawing as an unrealised design for the St. Mary Magdalene School in the location to which the institution’s building was moved in the 18th century. Thus, Saebisch’s identified project is a valuable source for research into the architecture of Wrocław at the dawn of the Thirty Years’ War, as well as the non-fortification activities that this architect carried out to meet the city’s needs.

Qinglong Temple: A Nexus for The Exchange and Integration of Chinese and Japanese Buddhism

The Qinglong Temple, located in the ancient capital of Xi’an, is an important temple of Chinese Buddhist Tantric Buddhism, whose history can be traced back to the Sui Dynasty. The purpose of this paper is to explore the unique position of Qinglong Temple as an important link between Chinese and Japanese Buddhist exchanges and its far-reaching influence, and to reveal its contribution to the dissemination of religious culture and ideas. By exploring the history of the development of the Qinglong Temple, its architectural form, related cultural relics and historical figures, the paper discusses ways to promote friendly and peaceful exchanges between China and Japan, and finally proposes measures that can be taken by the relevant authorities to protect the site of the Qinglong Temple, which reveals the unique contribution of the Qinglong Temple to the promotion of the integration of Buddhism between China and Japan. Through the study of the Qinglong Temple, we can better disseminate Chinese and Japanese culture, exchange Buddhist ideas, protect related cultural heritage, and promote the prosperity of culture. Therefore, it is necessary to study and explore the Qinglong Temple and its cultural connotation.

Heritage Branding and The Value of Nostalgia

Coffee is embedded in everyday life as a tradition or ritual within individuals or social communities. Coffee shapes social interactions and cultural practices. Kopi Toko Djawa Pasar Cihapit evokes memories through its spatial dimension. The existence of Kopi Toko Djawa Cihapit gives a nostalgic impression because of its location. Apart from that, the impression of nostalgia from an architectural perspective is also reflected in the interior, which presents a “heritage” atmosphere and strengthens the visitor’s experience in interpreting heritage values in the spatial dimension. The contribution that will be conveyed through this article is a deeper understanding of nostalgia in the form of memory and architecture through coffee in traditional markets, as well as highlighting how this influences community to its dynamics and local identity. This article explores nostalgia in memory and architecture through coffee in conventional markets. The article examines coffee’s cultural and historical significance, using ethnographic methods and interviews to reveal the coffee heritage at Kopi Toko Djawa Cihapit. This research enriches understanding of cultural nuances and underscores the importance of preserving coffee heritage in an architectural context. Qualitative data from the literature, field observations, and interviews with the first barista at Kopi Toko Djawa Cihapit underlie this research.

Research on controlling measures of snowdrifts around Arctic ground-based buildings through shape optimization

Elevated structures in the Arctic region have proven effective in mitigating surrounding snowdrifts by enhancing the airflow beneath, and serve as a preferred architectural form. However, ground-based buildings still occupy the dominant position due to the constraints posed by construction costs and foundation conditions. One of the effective measures to reduce and prevent snowdrifts around such buildings is to modify their aerodynamic shapes. Therefore, this research endeavors to explore measures for controlling snowdrifts around ground-based buildings through shape optimization. Initially, the predictive accuracy of a refined Mixture model for simulating snowdrifts around ground-based structures was checked against wind tunnel test results. Based on the validated numerical model and representative Arctic meteorological conditions, the snowdrift controlling effects by changing the overall and local building shapes were investigated separately. Overall, the snow reduction and prevention effects can be effectively achieved for ground-based buildings with smoother sidewalls, such as those featuring a circular plane. Conversely, for traditional rectangular ground-based buildings, a larger downwind aspect ratio and a more inclined windward surface can significantly diminish peak snow depth. Additionally, the measures by adding windward side chamfering can effectively manage the locations of snow erosion areas, thereby enabling flexible placement of entrances and exits.

Construction, Maintenance and Ritual Practices on the Neolithic Rondel at Nowe Objezierze (Northwestern Poland): The chaîne opératoire of Rondel’s Architecture

In the history of the “Danubian Neolithic” society, monumental ceremonial centers appeared around 4800 BCE and lost their importance around 300 years later. Among them, one of the most distinctive forms are rondels. However, it is worth remembering the contemporary Rosheim-type circles and Passy-type tombs. The name “rondels” refers to the currently preserved architectural form, dominated by concentric ditches. The article presents an analysis of the biography of a rondel from Nowe Objezierze (north-western Poland). For this purpose, the chaîne opératoire method was used, which is a very effective tool for reconstructing the full sequence of events including the construction, use and abandonment of the examined monument, in its historical and social context. Thanks to this, it was possible to draw attention to previously little-explored details of planning construction works, the skills of ritual leaders and the seasonal availability of some construction materials. As a consequence, the construction and use of rondels can be presented as a complex ceremonial cycle, stretched over time and interrupted by festivals. When the rondel was ready, the cycle began with renovating the surrounding wall and digging the ditch, most likely reaching its culmination on the day of the winter solstice. The celebrations ended with a ceremony of backfilling of the ditch.

Development of composition of fine-grained concrete based on ash-and-slag wastes for additive technology of manufacturing small architectural forms

Developing a fine-grained concrete composition for additive technologies is an important scientific and practical task, since traditional building mixtures are unsuitable for 3D printers, and special solutions are practically absent in mass production. This study aims to develop a composition of fine-grained concrete for additive technologies using local resources and ash and slag waste of the Ust-Kamenogorsk thermal power plant, which contributes to the expansion of the raw material base used in this area. The work was carried out taking into account the analysis of the literature review, which made it possible to identify key aspects and directions in the development of concrete mixtures for additive technologies. This article discusses the possibility of using ash and slag waste in concrete as a filler. Ash has a grain size comparable to river sand, so it can be used as a new material to replace fine filler. To obtain the mixture, 5 experimental mixtures and one reference sample were prepared. The optimal composition is considered to include 30% of M500 Portland cement, 40% of sand, and 30% of ash and slag. The physical and mechanical characteristics of this composition are as follows: the mobility of the mixture is 5.81 cm, and the setting completion time is 4 hours 19 minutes. The results of the sample tests confirmed that the created fine-grained concrete compositions are suitable for extrusion on construction 3D printers. The possibility of creating a composition based on local ash and slag waste for additive technologies used in producing small architectural forms was experimentally confirmed.

Engaging firms and populations in ecosystem web: deploying a multi-paradigmatic construct to resolve pluralism in organizational theory

Strategic management theorists, organizational ecologists, organizational theorists, and ecosystem theorists deploy different perspectives to theorize, model, and analyze organizational forms. Organizational constructs, independent of the unitary or aggregate level, can be seen along the duality of social determinism and free will. The four configurations of organizational forms, namely, system structure, strategic choice, natural selection, and collective action view, adapted from organizational theory literature, are modeled from the business ecosystem perspective. Disruptive forces in the environment warrant organizational forms that can withstand the disruption. Deploying business ecosystems as an integrative organizational theory construct can provide meaningful insights in the form of a novel architecture that can consolidate multi-paradigmatic perspectives appropriate for all organizational forms. This study leverages the power of analogy, transverses the conceptual underpinning of the term business ecosystem, reveals the intricacies of firm and population behavior, and explains relationships across various organizational forms within the ecosystem construct. Toward the end, the authors propose a business ecosystem as a multi-paradigmatic, meta-theoretical construct to map and navigate diverse organizational forms, thereby guiding the thoughts and actions of thinkers and practitioners in organizational theory.

Assessment of Ventilation Performance and Thermal Comfort in Semi-open Spaces of Naturally Ventilated Traditional Dwellings in Tai Lake Area, China

Semi-open space is a special architectural space form between indoor and outdoor, which has the functions of transition, climate regulation and energy saving. Effective use of semi-open space is an important ecological strategy in adapting to the climatic conditions of traditional dwellings in Tai Lake region of China. However, it has been shown that the hot and humid summers in the area caused discomfort for a large number of urban dwellers. Therefore, in this research, field measurements based on four environmental parameters (Ta, Tr, Va and RH) were conducted from 27 June 2023 to 7 July 2023 in three multi-courtyard traditional dwellings in the Tai Lake area to evaluate the ventilation performance and thermal comfort of the interior and semi-open spaces of the dwellings. The aim was to assess the role of semi-open space types and structures in the climate regulation of architectural spaces and their potential application in the design of modern dwellings to reduce summer discomfort. Semi-open spaces are effective in promoting natural ventilation to cool the building. This cooling effect is not due to the semi-open spaces themselves having lower temperatures. The indoor thermal environment was influenced by the outdoor climate and had a lagging effect. In addition, the ventilation performance of the semi-open space inside alley was the best, followed by the patio closest to the door.

ARCHITECTURE OF SMART TOURISM APPLICATION: A DEVELOPING COUNTRIES’ PERSPECTIVE A CASE STUDY IN INDONESIA

Beautiful, comfortable, safe, and affordable tourist attractions are every tourist's dream. Meanwhile, tourism in developing countries, the authenticity and uniqueness of nature and culture are the main attractions for tourists. The lack of accurate information that can accommodate tourist locations, local culture, unique tourism, transportation, and accommodation of a tourist attraction for developing countries is an obstacle to the success of tourist visits. The role of technology and society can help the concept of smart tourism governance for developing countries. Therefore, a framework model is needed that can explore the advantages of tourism in developing countries. The success of Smart Tourism cannot be separated from the development of the application architecture that is used as the basis for developing the Smart Tourism system application. So, the purpose of this study is to create an informative, accurate, safe, and easy smart tourism application architecture. This study uses a qualitative method, namely with literature studies and in-depth interviews were also conducted with tourism and informatics experts. The Mc Farlan Matrix used in the Ward and Peppard method and the TOGAF framework are used in the formation of smart tourism applications. The results of this study are The results of this study are in the form of an application architecture that focuses on stakeholder interests in the form of Smart Tourism Service Application Architecture for various Stakeholders which is an integration of smart tourism organization, smart destination, smart service, smart decision, smart share, smart experience, smart recommendation.

Visual Art for People with Blind Disabilities: Return to Syncretism

The study is devoted to inclusion in art and design. Its aim is to identify certain forms and means that can significantly bring the experience of communicating with visual art to people with blind disabilities, as well as to find out the opportunities of creating unique inclusively oriented art. Research methods: general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, comparative, formal and phenomenological methods. Scientific novelty. As a result of comparative analysis of existing inclusive projects, as well as those forms of modern art that have actualised the experience of tactile perception at the time, approaches are identified that can correct the perception of art objects for people with visual impairments and use these tools to create a unique artistic product. Conclusions. The research identified three approaches to creating inclusive art projects for people with blind disabilities. The first one is a kind of “translation” of architectural forms into a language that is comprehensible for tactile reading of the model. The component of this language is size, which should be optimal for both touch perception and comprehension of the art work as a whole; therefore, the scale and preserved proportions of the elements, the texture of materials and forms, details that give uniqueness to a certain art work, are important. The second approach is a creation of adapted art objects that have a regulated relief texture applied using digital technologies. With the appropriate instruction or guidance, certain objects, line patterns and even colours can be identified. The alternation of textures of different densities and smooth surfaces allows to convey a message about colours, however, only a limited palette. In both cases, information is duplicated in Braille and equipped with a QR code with audio information. Nonetheless, both approaches are exactly adaptive products, which are certainly very valuable in terms of creating an understanding of visual art. Instead, the importance of another approach is highlighted. It is called a syncretic one in this research. To a greater extent, it corresponds to the essence of artistic experience, the deficiency of which, according to our belief, is also experienced by people with blind disabilities. Such an art work or trend claims to be not a model or a “translation” of some definite art object into the language of tactile sensations, but a unique work of art and design, universal for any person and, at the same time, marking the work with the presence of people with disabilities and being available for their perception.

Space of resilience: architecture, communication, and immersive experience in “St Sebastian: Plague Memory”

This paper examines St Sebastian: Plague Memory, a multi-channel audiovisual installation that redefines architecture through sensory and immersive media. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project unfolds in two phases: first, transforming the interior of the Museo dell’Arte Classica in Rome into an experiential environment that fosters resilience and communal healing, and later evolving into a façade projection for La Notte dei Musei. 1 Drawing on Mallgrave’s (2013) concept of the body as a neurological experience, the installation transcends traditional physical boundaries, establishing a dynamic spatial framework shaped by embodied interactions. By positioning installations as a form of architecture, this paper argues that ephemeral, sensory encounters can effectively address societal challenges through non-material engagement, offering a contemplative framework during crises. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates embodied cognition (Mallgrave, 2013) and affect theory (Brennan, 2014), this study illustrates how architecture emerges as a co-created perceptual field, formed and sustained through the dynamic interplay between architectural environments, bodily experience, mediated stimuli, and spatial consciousness.

A Pathological Diagnostic Method for Traditional Brick-Masonry Dwellings: A Case Study in Guangfu Ancient City

Many regions of the world have traditional dwellings, which not only represent the main form of residential architecture, but also carry the local vernacular culture, display the region’s unique architectural style, materials and technology, and have important historical and cultural value. Due to environmental factors, traditional dwellings often suffer from architectural damage that threatens the stability of their structure and affects their esthetics value, resulting in a significant number of abandoned and demolished houses. In order to scientifically and effectively solve the damage problems of traditional dwellings, based on the theory of architectural pathology, the following diagnostic method for damage manifestation and the characteristics of traditional houses is proposed: “Architectural Pathology Appraisal–Pathological Environment Analysis–Mechanical Properties Testings”. The traditional dwellings in the ancient city of Guangfu were used as a case study for the practical application of the methodology for analyzing the main types and causes of the damage of the dwellings by examining the damage information of the dwellings, collecting the environmental data of the damaged walls, and testing the mechanical properties of the damaged walls. The results show that the main damage type in the ancient city dwellings of Guangfu is dampness damage, with corrosion deterioration, wall alkali flooding, and the moisture infiltration phenomenon as the manifested symptoms, and the damage is mainly concentrated in the lower part of the wall. In addition, the humidity and moisture content in the lower part of the wall is higher than that in the upper part of the wall, and the compressive strength of the damaged part of the wall is lower than that of the undamaged part. The humid environment of the old town contributed significantly to the destruction of the dwellings, and water intrusion led to a reduction in the strength of the dwellings’ bricks. Through the diagnostic method of building pathology, the causes of Guangfu dwellings’ damage are identified, and scientific and targeted damage intervention suggestions are made. This is expected to provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of building pathology in the ancient city of Guangfu and serve as a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology in traditional dwellings in other areas.

Multi-objective optimization framework based on review of form-finding of architectural parametric forms

Parametric architecture has played a vital role in architectural design in recent times. Research on early form-finding of architectural forms represents a notable area of study. Despite the significance of energy performance, digital fabrication, and aesthetics as design objectives, there is a lack of a comprehensive framework that integrates them in the form-finding process. To address this gap, this research conducts a systematic review of previous studies on form-finding and optimization of architectural forms, focusing on the three aforementioned objectives. Then, based on the analysis of the selected studies, the research proposes a multi-objective optimization framework for form-finding of architectural parametric forms, considering energy performance, digital fabrication, and aesthetics. The framework comprises five phases: form generation, multi-objective optimization, aesthetic evaluation, geometry rationalization, and digital fabrication of a prototype. This framework is usable by any architect, regardless of their programming knowledge, and is applicable to any new architectural design.

The Trình Tường house of the Bố Y People in Vietnam: A Study on Cultural Heritage and Traditional Architecture

The Trình Tường house (similer Earthen-Walled house), a distinctive architectural form of the Bố Y people in Vietnam, has embodied both cultural and spiritual values, reflecting their ethnic identity. However, modernization, climate change, and the development of tourism have placed immense pressure on the preservation of this traditional architecture. This paper aims to analyze the cultural and architectural values of the Trình Tường house in the modern context while proposing solutions for its preservation and promotion as a cultural heritage. The research was based on qualitative methods, including field observation, semi-structured interviews with Bố Y community members, and comparative analysis of traditional architecture from other ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia and worldwide. The findings revealed that the Trình Tường house was not only a physical structure but also a cultural and spiritual symbol, connecting people with nature and belief systems. However, pressures from modernization and climate change have compromised the sustainability of this architecture. The study contributes to cultural ecology theory and offers specific policy recommendations for preserving the Trình Tường house, ensuring the Bố Y people’s cultural identity, and paves the way for future research on traditional architectural conservation in the current context.

Conservation of Waterlogged Wooden Structures from the Late Bronze Age at İnönü Cave (Türkiye)

ABSTRACT During the excavations carried out in the İnönü Cave, located within the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye, four separate floor structures made of wood, dating back to the Late Bronze Age (1436-1123 Cal BCE), were unearthed. The way the corners of the structures are connected shows that the structures were built with the çantı or bell technique, a traditional nail-less wooden architectural form of the Black Sea region. Thanks to the wet and stable environmental conditions within the cave, the wooden floors have survived and are well preserved from the Late Bronze Age to the present day. This study presents the details of the conservation practices developed and deployed in order to ensure that the wooden floors are well protected and remain available for study in the short and medium term.

Применение цифровых двойников при исследовании исторических ландшафтов береговой зоны

The article considers natural-historical landscapes as valuable objects combining natural and cultural elements, which are located in a certain area. They reflect the interaction between human activity and the natural environment that has occurred over a long period of time. These landscapes may include: archaeological sites, various settlements, architectural monuments, small architectural forms, ancient parks and gardens, as well as natural components (e.g.: water bodies, landscapes). Natural-historical landscapes create a unique system, reflecting the history and culture of the territory and the population living there. The importance of their conservation, reconstruction and protection for historical and cultural heritage, tourism, education and research is emphasized. The authors propose an integrated approach to the study and conservation of landscapes and other natural and cultural sites, including legislation, education, research and the use of innovative methods such as digital twins. Various examples of preservation and study of natural and historical landscapes in the Kaliningrad region are presented. A prototype of the digital twin is built, on which the prognostic scenario of the territory development is modeled, taking into account the coastal protection measures and the development of tourist attractiveness of the area. The need to use modern technologies and innovations (borrowed from other industries) to better manage and protect natural resources and to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving natural heritage is emphasized. The digital twin is effective and most indicative for management decisions in natural resources management and for implementation by scientists in geo-ecological research.

The Spatial Patterns and Architectural Form Characteristics of Chinese Traditional Villages: A Case Study of Guanzhong, Shaanxi Province

This study examined the decline of traditional villages due to urbanization, focusing on their spatial patterns and architectural characteristics in China, particularly in the Guanzhong region. Using ArcGIS tools, kernel density and nearest-neighbor analyses quantitatively assessed the spatial distribution of these villages at macro- and micro-levels. Additionally, 3D laser scanning was employed to qualitatively analyze architectural features. The study demonstrated that (1) traditional villages are unevenly clustered nationwide, primarily in the southeast and southwest, creating a “three cores and multiple points” spatial pattern. (2) In the Guanzhong region, traditional village distribution also shows clustering with diverse patterns, including regiment, belt, and point formations. Higher densities are found in the eastern and northern regions, while the west and south are sparsely populated. Most villages are located at altitudes of 501–700 m, on slopes of 6–15°, and near water sources. (3) The basic residential structures in Guanzhong included the single, vertical multi-entry, and horizontal coupled courtyards, as well as the vertical and horizontal interleaved layouts; these buildings typically featured the foundations and walls made of earth, stone, and brick, combined with various wooden frames and single- or double-sloped roofs. This study overcomes the limitations of the traditional literature and field surveys by quantitatively and qualitatively analyzing the spatial patterns of traditional villages and the architectural forms of residential buildings from an architectural perspective. It graphically presents the data to provide an efficient and practical theoretical basis for the heritage preservation and development of traditional villages.

MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS FOR ELEMENTARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOL FOUND IN THE AL-JABBAR MOSQUE: AN ETHNOMATHEMATICS STUDY

A meaningful learning process for students can be done by linking mathematics with real contexts and applied with approaches that are in accordance with the characteristics of students. Ethnomathematics studies include various forms of cultural products related to mathematical concepts and activities in the form of buildings, artefacts, social activities, or in various cultural products. In this study, mathematical concepts will be studied in the form of buildings architecture, namely the Al-Jabbar mosque. This research aims to find mathematical concepts in the Al-Jabbar mosque that can be raised in the learning process in the classroom. The method used is qualitative research. Data analysis techniques with literature study, documentation, field observation, and document analysis. The results of the study are many mathematical concepts contained in the Al-Jabbar mosque and can be raised in classroom learning, namely the concept of area under a parabolic curve, parabolic curve equation, integral, geometry transformation (rotation, dilation, reflection, translation), one-dimensional geometry concepts (point, lines and angles), two-dimensional geometry (various triangles, quadrilaterals, circles), three-dimensional geometry (Hemisphere, prisms, tubes), and number patterns. All concepts found are important materials in learning mathematics in elementary to secondary schools so that they can be integrated in the mathematics learning. Keywords: Ethnomathematics, Al-Jabbar Mosque, Mathematical Concepts, Elementary School, Secondary School.

Enhancing the lateral performance of Chuan-dou timber frame infilled with vertical wood panels

Chuan-dou timber frame system represents a prevalent form of traditional wooden architecture, extensively employed in Southwest China. The wood infilling wall stands as a primary manifestation of infill wall construction in Chuan-dou timber frame system, and the existence of infilled walls significantly impacts the lateral behavior of Chuan-dou timber frames. In this paper, the internal force analysis of the timber frame specimen infilled with vertical panels (TFVP) had been undertaken by the credible finite element model, elucidating the detailed enhancement mechanism of wood vertical infilled panels on the lateral performance of the timber frame. 10 models with diverse geometric parameters were formulated to investigate the influence of geometric factors on the vertical panels, including width and thickness. The research findings showed that the presence of Dijiaofang and wood infilled walls could result in a substantial enhancement in the load capacities and initial lateral stiffness of the timber frames. Among them, the enhancement effect of Dijiaofang comes from half-tenon joints (HTJs), while the reinforcement of wood vertical infilled panels arises from the interplay between adjacent panels, as well as the squeezing and friction behavior between the infilled wall and Chuan-dou timber frame. Furthermore, the parametric analysis indicated that the geometry of vertical panels has discernible effects on the lateral performance of TFVP specimens.