Modern Design Research Articles

China's subtropical architecture: environment, nationalist reconstruction and an anti-Beaux-Arts architecture in modern Canton, 1840–1948

This article contributes to the existing accounts of modern Chinese architecture in the late-Qing and Republican Canton by offering a nuanced interdisciplinary narrative on the rise of modernist architecture specifically addressing the subtropical environment. Based on archival materials from China and the UK, it moves beyond the standard narrative of modern architecture in pre-1949 southern China as the product of adaptive absorption of Beaux-Arts tradition by the first generation of US-trained Chinese architects, to scrutinise the trajectory of subtropical architecture in relation to the colonial network, medical discourses, and KMT's nation-building efforts in the regional, state, and transnational contexts. Through in-depth case studies of sanitary improvements of town planning and housing schemes in modern Canton, it shows how the environmentalist doctrines of prevailing medical theories reshaped Chinese elites’ understanding of public health and human body, thus resulting in the introduction of a series of new building bylaws based on sanitary calculations of sunlight, fresh air, and water that profoundly influenced Canton's built environment. It demonstrates how these new understandings and practices, albeit failed to improve the well-being of the impoverished mass, gave birth to an anti-Beaux-Arts architectural pedagogy at the earliest technical school of South China, which largely challenged the predominant Beaux-Arts doctrine promoted by the Nationalist Government. It contributes to not only existing literature on the history of modern Chinese architecture but also recent scholarly attention devoted to the climate-responsive architecture against the global backdrop of climate change.

Just What Is a “Right-Wing Space?”: Revisiting a Debate About Architectural Theory and Far Right Populism

This article analyses the debate about the relationship between the rise of the far right and the built environment in Germany. Four distinct arguments are identified and evaluated: the development of a critique of architectural modernism by far-right intellectuals; the rehabilitation of Nazi architects and theorists; the creation of spaces for right-wing prefigurative politics; and, lastly, historical reconstructions as a factor in the rightward shift of political culture. The article claims that all these arguments have some validity, but that only the last points to a development with wider political impact. It also argues that there has been a shift from a critical understanding of reconstructions to an uncritical one, and that uncritical reconstructions can facilitate a rapprochement between centre-right parties and intellectuals and far-right figures.

Quantitative assessment of neurodevelopmental maturation: a comprehensive systematic literature review of artificial intelligence-based brain age prediction in pediatric populations

IntroductionOver the past few decades, numerous researchers have explored the application of machine learning for assessing children’s neurological development. Developmental changes in the brain could be utilized to gauge the alignment of its maturation status with the child’s chronological age. AI is trained to analyze changes in different modalities and estimate the brain age of subjects. Disparities between the predicted and chronological age can be viewed as a biomarker for a pathological condition. This literature review aims to illuminate research studies that have employed AI to predict children’s brain age.MethodsThe inclusion criteria for this study were predicting brain age via AI in healthy children up to 12 years. The search term was centered around the keywords “pediatric,” “artificial intelligence,” and “brain age” and was utilized in PubMed and IEEEXplore. The selected literature was then examined for information on data acquisition methods, the age range of the study population, pre-processing, methods and AI techniques utilized, the quality of the respective techniques, model explanation, and clinical applications.ResultsFifty one publications from 2012 to 2024 were included in the analysis. The primary modality of data acquisition was MRI, followed by EEG. Structural and functional MRI-based studies commonly used publicly available datasets, while EEG-based studies typically relied on self-recruitment. Many studies utilized pre-processing pipelines provided by toolkit suites, particularly in MRI-based research. The most frequently used model type was kernel-based learning algorithms, followed by convolutional neural networks. Overall, prediction accuracy may improve when multiple acquisition modalities are used, but comparing studies is challenging. In EEG, the prediction error decreases as the number of electrodes increases. Approximately one-third of the studies used explainable artificial intelligence methods to explain the model and chosen parameters. However, there is a significant clinical translation gap as no study has tested their model in a clinical routine setting.DiscussionFurther research should test on external datasets and include low-quality routine images for MRI. T2-weighted MRI was underrepresented. Furthermore, different kernel types should be compared on the same dataset. Implementing modern model architectures, such as convolutional neural networks, should be the next step in EEG-based research studies.

Research and Application of Chinese Auspicious Animal Images in Contemporary Clothing Design—Take “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” as Research Example

This thesis aims to investigate the auspicious animal images in “The Classic of Mountains and Seas”, exploring the profiling features and evolution of the auspicious animal patterns through cross verification of images, literature and cultural relics, and based on the research, the images are applied on the China-Chic clothing design. Ancient Chinese took the auspicious animals as things of blessing, which were endowed with many beautiful meanings to express our ancestors’ longing for a better life. Based on the concept of innovative design derived from the traditional culture, this thesis takes the images of auspicious animals in “The Classic of Mountains and Seas” as its research object to analyze their origins and evolution in China-chic fashion and, together with the case study of modern clothing design and a certain extent summary, to promote the inheritance, development and application of traditional culture in modern social life. The thesis will delve deep into the cultural connotations and aesthetic characteristics of the auspicious animal images, analyze and investigate the types, characteristics and implied meanings of such image to extract representative visual element symbols, which are then integrated into the modern fashion design, fulfilling the inheritance, development and application of traditional culture in modern social life.

Integrating Modern Design and Sustainability in Healthcare Architecture: A Comparative Case Study of Sri Lanka's National Nephrology Hospital and the UK's NHS New Hospital Programme

Hospital architecture has evolved significantly, influenced by advancements in medical science, technology, and societal needs. This paper examines the historical progression of hospital architecture, highlighting modern trends such as patient-centred design, modular construction, sustainability, and digital integration. It emphasizes the relevance of these trends to Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), focusing on the China-Sri Lanka Friendship National Nephrology Hospital (NNSH) in Polonnaruwa. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing historical data, literature reviews, and case studies from developed and developing countries, primarily focusing on the NNSH and the UK's NHS New Hospital Programme (NHP).The NNSH exemplifies innovative hospital design, incorporating energy-saving technologies, climate-responsive features, and disaster resilience. It functions as a community hub, promoting health education and outreach. Insights from the NHP emphasize the integration of digital solutions, standardized designs, and sustainable practices, which are pivotal for enhancing healthcare infrastructure in LMICs.Strategic recommendations address challenges such as cost constraints, infrastructure gaps, and technical expertise in LMICs, including digital transformation, net-zero carbon strategies, green practices, and adherence to standardized guidelines. This comparative study underscores the importance of adaptable and sustainable hospital architecture in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in Sri Lanka and other LMICs.

Design Methods of Aluminium Pin-Ended Columns with Topology-Optimised Cross-Sections

This paper presents a numerical study of topology-optimised pin-end aluminium alloy columns using finite element analysis (FEA). The FEA models integrate geometric imperfections and material nonlinearity, and are validated against experimental findings from the existing literature. ABAQUS v.6.15 (release 2020) is used in preparing the FEA models and obtaining the analysis results. Furthermore, modern design methodologies including Eurocode 9, the direct strength method (DSM), and the continuous strength method (CSM) are employed to assess the maximum load capacity of such columns. Parametric investigations encompass diverse parameters such as varied cross-sections, column lengths, and global and local imperfections. By analysing a total of 288 FE models, incorporating 16 column cross-sections across two lengths with nine distinct imperfections, this study compares results with those derived from modern design methodologies. Thus, this research elucidates the behaviour of novel cross-sections and the application of contemporary design techniques in their analysis.

The Design and Development of Dabujiang Patchwork Embroidery for Modern Bags

Background and Aim: Dabujiang patchwork embroidery, an intangible cultural handicraft with the longest heritage in southern Hunan, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its unique characteristics. However, these products are facing a situation of decline because they cannot meet the needs of modern people. The objective of this research article is to design and develop modern bags featuring Dabujiang patchwork embroidery patterns for women in contemporary society. Materials and Methods: This research is a combination of qualitative research and quantitative research. The qualitative research method was used to study the color, pattern, and meaning of characteristics from 54 pieces of 6 theme categories of Dabujiang product pictures. Interview intangible cultural inheritors, designers, bag shop owners, and women consumers to understand modern women's design needs for women's bags. Combining the characteristics of the Dabujiang pattern characteristics with the needs of modern women, the design and development of six new Dabujiang women's bags based on 6 theme categories. Through 424 questionnaires for women to assess the women's favorite new bags and analyze the reasons women like and find out the future trend of women's bag development. Results: The results of the research revealed: 1) The patterns based on the six categories have different symbolic meanings respectively and they are mainly bionic and geometric patterns. The lines are curves, and the layout is generally symmetrical and balanced. 2) There are 11 kinds of common colors and mainly based on the five orthodox colors of Chinese tradition. The main colors are red, blue, yellow, black, and white, representing the five traditional Chinese elements, which extend different meanings. 3) Through interviews find out young women prefer large bags of bag 1 style, the Morandi color scheme, and meanings of happiness, love, career success, luck, wealth, and beauty. Consequently, the researcher designed six bag styles based on bag 1 style and six theme categories to meet the needs of modern women associated with these six meanings. Questionnaire responses from 424 young women showed that 23.58% favored the Phoenix pattern bag style, making it the most preferred among the six new bag designs. This style showcases a phoenix motif in blue, white, and black colors, symbolizing career success. Conclusion: The findings indicate that modern women highly value career success and self-worth, prioritizing independence over traditional roles. This conclusion mainly stems from the transformation of modern women's roles and the awakening of self-awareness. In addition to assuming the role of mother in the family, modern women also play the role of professional women in society, and more and more women regard career success as their pursuit goal. In the context of the changing identity and goals of modern women, the products should be designed that meet the needs of modern women based on their needs, combined with the symbolic meaning of cultural patterns. For future product development, incorporating symbolic patterns that align with the career aspirations of modern young women is recommended.

Unleashing the Wild

Feral design aims to act as a transformative framework for design in the Anthropocene. This paper explores its potential to navigate the crises of modernity through a speculative deconstruction of three discrete case studies. Analysing said case studies of counter-culture movements’ operating at the fringes of the law reveals valuable insights into creativity, adaptability, and diffuse design capacity. The essence of feral design has been distilled into five principles, aiming to establish design methodologies. It calls for broader engagement from design researchers to expand the discourse and advance design practices in the Anthropocene. Feral design aims to act as a redirective practice that subverts modern design practice to enable its transition towards sustainment. By understanding the values embodied by different feral entities that respond to the collapse of traditional systems we can better understand how the principles of feral design can be embodied.

The Application of Secondary Effects in Optimizing Analog Circuits

Abstract. This study delves into the application of secondary effects, specifically body effect, channel length modulation effect, and subthreshold conduction effect, in the optimization of analog integrated circuits. The research highlights the critical role these effects play in modern circuit design, especially as device dimensions continue to shrink. Through a systematic analysis, the study presents key strategies for mitigating these effects to enhance circuit performance, reliability, and power efficiency. Notably, the implementation of a transient BD scheme in partially analog-assisted D-LDOs (Digital Low Dropout Regulators) has shown a performance improvement of over 10% compared to schemes without this enhancement, while also significantly reducing total coupling. Techniques such as DIBL effect compensation have proven effective in reducing load sensitivity and power consumption. This study provide valuable insights and practical approaches for the design and optimization of high-performance, energy-efficient electronic systems, making a significant contribution to the field of integrated circuit design.

Path Algebra-Driven Classification Solution to Realize User-Centric Performance-Oriented Virtual Network Embeddings

The intense diversity of the Next-Generation Networking environments like 6G and the forthcoming deployment of immersive applications with varied user-specific requirements transform the efficient allocation of resources into a real challenge. Traditional solutions like the shortest path algorithm and mono-constraint methodologies are inadequate to handle customized user-defined performance parameters and effectively classify physical resources according to these intricate demands. This research offers a new evaluation mechanism to successfully replace the aforementioned traditional path ranking and path selection techniques. Specifically, the proposed framework is integrated with optimization-oriented metrics, each indicating a unique aspect of performance for evaluating candidate network paths. The deployed metrics are then algebraically synthesized to provide a distinctive multidimensional description of the examined substrate resources. These primary and composite metrics adhere to the fundamental monotonicity and isotonicity properties of a Path Algebra; hence, the validity and optimality of the proposed evaluation mechanism is guaranteed by design. To tackle the complexity created by the variety of human-centric customization, a novel methodology that analyzes and determines the weighted influence of the synthesized metrics depending on the characteristics of the served user-centric application is also introduced. The chosen suitable weights address performance-oriented mission-critical tailored objectives for adaptive optimizations. Its innovative algebraic design allows it to successfully describe and rank candidate paths in a versatile way, whether in legacy or modern architectures. The experimental data of the first scenario show that 62.5% and 50% of highlighted path evaluations proposed by the shortest path and unidimensional constraint strategies, respectively, suffer from moderate performance-oriented values compared to the proposed framework. Likewise, the results of the second examined scenario reveal that the proposed composite metric yields more suitable path rankings by 50% in contrast to its traditional counterparts, rendering the contested evaluation mechanisms obsolete.

A novel life-cycle analysis framework to assess the performances of tall buildings considering the climate change

Structural performance against wind hazards is necessary in modern tall building design, especially for structures in the region prone to tropical cyclones. In fact, wind-related failures and building life-cycle analysis (LCA) may be impacted by climate change on the increase of frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones. In this study, a novel LCA framework considering the climate change is proposed, which includes taking into account the climate change via the serviceability failure cost for the cases where the building vibrates exceeding the corresponding thresholds. In detail, the non-stationary Poisson process is used to model the occurrence and intensity of tropical cyclones, which in turn leads to the financial loss of the coastal building. Specifically, the vulnerability of the building is derived considering both the uncertainty of the extreme wind speeds in the tropical cyclone boundary layer and the fragility curve which includes the uncertainty from the structural damping ratio. To estimate the maintenance cost, the financial values associated with maintenance-related operations and the emission of greenhouse gas are combined. In order to illustrate the proposed LCA framework, a case study targeting a 240 m high benchmark building located close to the coast of Hong Kong is conducted. In addition, the sensitivity of the damping ratio, limit threshold, and climate change are assessed via the LCA results of the benchmark building.

AI-Based Controls for Thermal Comfort in Adaptable Buildings: A Review

Due to global weather changes and pandemics, people are more likely to spend most of their time in indoor environments. In this regard, indoor environment quality is a very important aspect of occupant well-being, which is often ignored in modern building designs. Based on our research, thermal comfort is one of the essential items in building environments that can improve the mental stability and productivity of the occupants if the building’s indoor environment is created in a way that meets the occupants’ comfort requirements. Buildings nowadays operate on adaptive or stationary models to attain thermal comfort, which is based on Fanger’s model of the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV). Based on the literature review, limited work has been carried out to enhance the quality of the inside environment, and most research work has been devoted to building energy management. Moreover, there have been no definite solutions so far that have the capability to detect the thermal comfort requirements of multiple occupants in real time. Modern buildings tend to operate on predefined set point parameters to control the indoor environment based on the measured room temperature, which can be different from the thermal comfort requirements of the occupants. This paper discusses the limitations and assumptions that are associated with the existing thermal comfort solutions and emphasises the importance of having a real-time solution to address the thermal requirements of occupants.

A Systematic Mapping Study and a Review of the Optimization Methods of Structures in Architectural Design

Structural optimization has gained popularity in modern structural design, helping to reduce material consumption while maintaining the structural performance of buildings. This process also significantly influences the architectural appearance, affecting various aspects such as cross-section sizing, structural forms, and the layout of structural members. Beyond minimizing materials or costs, structural optimization can serve as a powerful tool for making architecture more visually appealing. However, with the wide variety of structural optimization methods proposed, gaining a comprehensive overview has become challenging. To address this, a systematic mapping study has been conducted, focusing on methods introduced over the past decade. The relevant journal articles are categorized based on several factors, including types of optimization, materials used, structural typologies, areas of application, and optimization objectives. The results of this study provide both a broad overview of recent developments in structural optimization and valuable insights into research-rich and under-explored areas. Moreover, the paper discusses which types of structural optimization are more relevant when applied as part of the architectural design process. It is suggested that future research should focus on identifying gaps and challenges in effectively applying structural optimization to architectural design, thus enhancing both efficiency and aesthetic potential.

Antimicrobial activity, toxicity prediction, computational investigation, and molecular docking studies of 2-thiophenecarbonitrile

DFT and Molecular docking are pivotal computational techniques in modern chemistry and drug design. This work investigates the electronic structure and reactivity of 2-thiophenecarbonitrile (2TCN) with an emphasis on important factors such HOMO-LUMO energy gap, MEP, Mulliken atomic charges, natural population analysis, and Mutiwfn ELF, LTD, ALIE, and RDG analysis performed using DFT. The MEP and FMO studies were calculated in various solvents like acetonitrile, water, gas, and methanol. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant investigations revealed substantial activities by 2TCN. Additionally, molecular docking studies are performed to elucidate the binding interaction between the compound and target proteins, providing insights into its potential therapeutic mechanisms. The results demonstrate the binding energies, interaction residues, and the most favorable docking poses. This approach underscores the integration of theoretical and computational methods in advancing molecule design and therapeutic discovery.

Permeation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-laden leachate in landfills as an outcome of puncture failures of high-density polyethylene geomembranes

In response to growing environmental concerns regarding the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfills, this study explores PFAS permeation through pinhole defects of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes (GMs) experimentally. Specifically, this study aims to: (i) investigate the adsorption of PFAS onto HDPE GMs, (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of GMs experimentally in retaining PFAS-laden leachate in the event of a puncture failure, (iii) assess the critical conditions leading to puncture failure of GM using mechanical characterization testing with complementary finite element method (FEM) analyses with the input data from mechanical characterization. Our findings show limited intermolecular attractive interactions between PFAS and GMs, and surfactant properties of PFAS contribute to higher leachate permeation through pinholes. In general, highly fluorinated, short chain PFAS exhibit increased permeation rates, which was attributed to their size and greater propensity to align at the water-air interface. This study underlines the environmental implications of PFAS-laden leachates especially when there are no proper liner systems or leachate collection systems in place underscoring the necessity for modern landfill design and management practices to mitigate environmental risks associated with PFAS.

Exploration of Modern Design of Traditional Ceramic Patterns Integrating Big Data and CAD Technology

Exploration of Modern Design of Traditional Ceramic Patterns Integrating Big Data and CAD Technology

Limits of Design and Technique: Lina Bo Bardi Staircases

Staircases, a part of architectural circulation and structure, can become a unique design value with the application technique that directs design and functionality. However, here, attention is drawn to the directive nature of the technique rather than its perception as a deterministic attitude in design. Bo Bardi’s architectonic approach has placed her in a distinguished position among modern architects. The effect of the architect’s staircase design and application technique on building tectonics is worth examining. Thus, this study aims to examine the staircases of Lina Bo Bardi, where design and technique are dissolved in integrity. Bo Bardi’s staircases were examined in terms of meaning, form, function, and technique, with classification for material use. In this context, unique situations were observed in the design and technical applications of reinforced concrete, wood, and metal materials used in stairs. The fact that the place, technique, and the architect’s thought guided the design turned the staircase into a symbolic value and has made the staircase the founding element of the space. This approach, which does not consider design and technique independently, creates a strong reference for today that structural elements such as stairs can be produced as symbols in space.

Accelerating Promotional Media on Social Media for Brand Awareness Forest Smoothie

With high deforestation rates, reforestation is important to restore the ecosystem. Forest Smoothie, an international beverage company with the concept of "buying a smoothie equals planting a tree", faced the problem of lack of brand awareness on Instagram. Observation shows that their Instagram feed is monotonous and inconsistent in design, typography, and colour. This research aims to redesign Forest Smoothie's social media promotion with a modern and attractive design, using bright colours, consistent typography, and illustrations that reflect the brand's character. Using the design sprint method, this research went through the understand, diverge, decide, prototype, and validate stages. The result is an Instagram feed template that effectively attracts audience engagement. Validation through questionnaires showed positive responses regarding the recognizable concept, colour, typography readability, consistency, and interaction.

Optimized bp Neural Network Based on Improved Dung Beetle Optimization Algorithm to Predict High-Performance Concrete Compressive Strength

In modern architecture, the structural safety of buildings largely depends on the compressive strength of high-performance concrete (HPC), which is determined by the complex nonlinear relationships between its components. In order to more accurately forecast HPC’s compressive strength, this paper proposes a prediction model based on an improved dung beetle optimization algorithm (OTDBO)-optimized backpropagation neural network (BPNN). Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is employed to determine the inputs for the BPNN, enhancing the computational efficiency under high-dimensional data feature conditions. To address the issues of local optima entrapment and slow convergence in the dung beetle optimization algorithm (DBO), four improvements were made to enhance its performance. In the initial population generation stage, the optimal Latin hypercube method was used to increase the population diversity. In the rolling stage, the osprey optimization algorithm’s global exploration strategy was introduced to improve the global search capability. The variable spiral search strategy was employed in the reproduction stage, and an adaptive t-distribution perturbation strategy was combined in the foraging stage to enhance the algorithm’s adaptability and search efficiency. The improved dung beetle optimization algorithm (OTDBO) outperformed other algorithms in performance tests on the CEC2017 benchmark functions. In terms of predicting the compressive strength of HPC, the XG-OTDBO-BP model developed in this study outperformed models optimized by other algorithms in terms of fitting outcomes and prediction accuracy. These findings support the XG-OTDBO-BP model’s superiority in the compressive strength of HPC prediction.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: FROM ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE TO MODERN ENGINEERING

The history of architecture has been molded with the development in modes of construction, reflecting the social, economic, and technological advancement of different civilizations. This paper discusses the chronological development of the various methods of construction from ancient architecture to modern engineering and cites some key milestones shaping today's construction processes. The study embraces developments throughout four major periods: early developments during the era of 'Masters of Structuring Matter', geometric and structural novelties developed during Gothic and then during the Renaissance, revolutionary industrial development throughout the 19th century, and technological and sustainable approaches of the 20th and 21st century. The paper highlights how iconic constructions, like ziggurats, Greek temples, Roman infrastructure, Gothic cathedrals, and modern skyscrapers, specify technology, culture, and architecture as being interdependent because of the characteristics which involve structure and materials. Results show that learning construction practices from the past not only brings new light to today's design but also presents new demands toward sustainable and resilient building techniques in facing challenges during modern times. Future research is likely to be more directed toward integrating traditional methods with advanced technologies for the development of new, environmentally friendly construction solutions.