Architecture Research Articles

Formulating architectural ethnosemantics as a new research method

Ethnography is one of the oldest methods in qualitative research rooted in anthropology. Considering that Indonesia is rich in the diversity of vernacular architecture and the culture of its people, ethnography, which means 'the study of culture', is often an option for architectural research. However, architectural research frequently only adopts the steps of the anthropological ethnographic method to reveal the cultural knowledge of a specific community; then, this cultural knowledge is simply applied to justify specific architectural works. This study aims to formulate a new architectural-ethnographic method. Of all types of ethnography, this study elaborates on ethnosemantics put forward by James Spradley. The rigorous analytical steps of ethnosemantic are then elaborated into a theory of architectural ordering principle based on the existential needs of architecture. The results of the study are expected to enrich architectural science, especially in terms of research methods. Thus, the results of this study can also improve existing architectural theories and practices, as well as become a source of new knowledge for the wider community.

Sustainable Construction Structural System on the Uma Lulik in Baricafa Timor-Leste

Abstract Uma Lulik in Baricafa Village is a traditional architectural work that represents the original culture of the Baricafa tribe. The structure and construction system of Uma Lulik looks simple, like most traditional buildings consisting of head, body and foot structures, but is able to survive and adapt to various changes in environmental conditions. The purpose of this study is to identify sustainable concepts in the structure and construction system of the Uma Lulik building. The research method uses a mixed quantitative-descriptive qualitative method. Observation and documentation were conducted on the building, including its structure and construction, through measurement and redrawing of the dimensions of the components and construction techniques. Interviews were conducted to explore understanding or knowledge, through informants and sources to find out explanations of technical aspects, cultural aspects, and environmental aspects. Data processing included analysis, conclusion and verification, and narration of research results. Analysis by interpreting the data, then verified both through theoretical dialog and other sources in the field. Finally, the last step is the research results in the form of qualitative narrative writing (descriptive-analytical). The results of the study indicate that there is a structural system that uses continuous joints reinforced with dowels, a placement system, ties with shaking joint construction and a knock down structure that has a high level of adaptation to local conditions both in material selection and design adaptation to the environment. By understanding the structure and construction system, Uma Lulik can be preserved as a valuable cultural heritage of the Timor Leste community.

A Study About Discourse Relationship Between the Design Concepts and Architectural Expressions of Residential Works by Steven Holl

The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between the contextually expressed design concepts and the corresponding architectural expressions in residential design by Steven Holl. His work utilizes motif ideas and incorporates experimental thinking into the central concept. The purpose of this project is to clarify the process of conception of discursive expressions and related motif expressions in residential design. This study focuses on 17 residential architectural works from 1975 to 2012 and categorize the elements that influenced the concept and the motifs of the works. It identifies how architectural expressions that reflect motifs influence specific concepts or motifs by KJ method and Matrix analysis. It has been found that the concept is composed of 15 elements from five context types. Motifs were extracted as the subjects. To find out how motifs are expressed, a survey was conducted on architectural expressions corresponding to the motifs. The architectural expressions could be summarized into five categories. A matrix diagram was created to explore the relationship between the architectural expressions corresponding to the motifs and the concept. It became clear that the there is a unique concept that incorporates cultural and art into the composition with architectural expressions. This research focuses on the discursive expressions described, and it is advantageous to elucidate the design theories spoken by architects themselves. Combining KJ method and matrix analysis with the discursive expression of the concepts of architectural works and how they are expressed is a new method for clarifying architects' design theories.

Traces of Aydın Boysan s Architectural Practice in an Industrial City: The Case of Kocaeli

Industrial areas within a city are one of the important components of urban memory, shedding light on the economic and social life, architectural design and building technologies of their era. However, modern research by architects on the industrialization process of Kocaeli, one of the most important industrial cities in Turkey, which has left important traces in the city, is insufficient. Leading architects of the period played an important role in the city's path to becoming an "Industrial City". Architect Aydın Boysan is a valuable professional who realized the pioneering architectural designs of his period in Kocaeli and made significant contributions to the city. Boysan, who designed many industrial buildings in Turkey, is the architect of four large industrial sites built in Kocaeli. These four buildings were not only important centers of production in their respective sectors for the country, but also unique representatives of modern architecture that was influential all over the world. It is an important responsibility of architectural historiography to bring these works of modern architecture, which shed light on an era, to the agenda and into the literature before they are lost. This study examines the structural, formal and functional characteristics of the facilities and their status today through Boysan's architectural identity and design approaches to industrial buildings. These facilities started operations in the 1960s, an important historical threshold in Kocaeli's transformation into an industrial city. Research on these representations of Boysan's unique modernist architectural style expands our knowledge about the production of the built environment for an industrial city and reveals traces of an important architect of the period.

Deep Learning-Assisted Discovery of Analogy-Inspired Designs within Peter Collins Analogical Architectural Design Classification Framework

This study focuses on analogical reasoning and deep learning models to enhance the innovative design process in architecture. By constructing multi-layered artificial neural networks, deep learning can derive analogical predictions from structured data to solve complex tasks. Deep learning models interact with analogical thinking patterns in the architectural design process, enabling designers to analyze and draw inspiration from analogical design examples. This study aims to develop a deep learning model that categorizes architectural design examples into specific analogical design classifications. For this purpose, a model based on Convolutional Neural Networks was developed and coded in the Google Colab environment using a dataset of 29,596 visual images, employing Peter Collins' classification system of biological, mechanical, gastronomic, and linguistic analogies. During the training process, the model was trained on images classified according to biological, mechanical, gastronomic, and linguistic categories, achieving an accuracy rate of 98%; however, this rate was recorded as 86% during the testing phase. It was observed that adjustments in the learning rate parameter balanced classification accuracy and training time; lower learning rates reduced accuracy while extending training time. Despite the complexity of architectural images indicated by the 86% accuracy rate on test data, the study emphasizes the model's capacity to achieve accuracy above 95% when confronted with distinct architectural features. In this case, the model allows designers to discover which analogical classification the architectural work to be tested is designed according to, allowing them to develop creative solutions to new design problems. Additionally, this research establishes an interdisciplinary dialogue between artificial intelligence and architecture, providing a foundation for future studies.

Assembleia de Abrantes Headquarters Building by Raul Lino

The Assembleia de Abrantes building, designed in 1923 and intended as the headquarters of a recreational and cultural club, was one of the first and most relevant projects of Raul Lino (1879-1974) in that city. The building was classified in 2014. This paper proposes the study and interpretation of its main architectural and construction features, in order to understand whether there is a correlation between the Casa Portuguesa programme advocated by Raul Lino and the programme of this building designed to house a local club. The methodology that guided this study focused on the analysis of primary and secondary sources (drawings, written architectural documentation, correspondence between the client and the architect, books and other written publications), photographic and geometric surveys and their graphic recording. Existing architectural documents were analysed. The study was also based on Lino’s theoretical reflections on the function and materiality of Portuguese dwellings, published between 1918 and 1933. It can be concluded that there is a correlation between the Casa Portuguesa programme and that of this building, relating to the internal organization of spaces and construction systems. This work enabled the identification and aggregation of project documents dispersed across two documentary funds. The results obtained contribute to the documentation of preliminary studies for future construction work on the Assembleia de Abrantes Headquarters building. This work aims to make an additional contribution to the interpretation and understanding of Raul Lino's architectural work, focusing on the construction perspective.

Studenckie lata Kazimierza Osińskiego (1903–1908). Przyczynek do biografii

Kazimierz Osiński (1883–1956) – a resident of Przemyśl who devoted his life to his city, currently remembered as the creator and curator of the National Museum of Przemyśl District. He was an architect, museologist, social and cultural activist, regionalist, conservator, and World War I and II soldier. The article is about Kazimierz Osiński’s studies at the Polytechnic School and the Francis the I University of Lviv in 1903–1908. The author analyses the main aspects of Osiński’s studies: education per se, social and scientific activity, the development of the idea of antiques collecting (creation of the Osiński Museum) and the beginnings of his artistic and architectural work. The author puts forward the thesis that at that time, in Osiński’s personality, in parallel with the knowledge, he aquired, essential professional experience and strong, broad social, artistic and collecting passions as began to develop. All this intensively shaped his personality.

Creating portraits of the cultures of countries in the holistic sense to enhance well-being and come to grips with the world’s most difficult problems

The article explores the significance of portraying the holistic cultures of nations as a pathway to addressing the world’s complex problems and fostering human well-being. While culture is often narrowly defined through arts, humanities, and history, the paper emphasizes a broader, holistic perspective, viewing cultures as “complex wholes” or “total ways of life.” This comprehensive approach incorporates values, traditions, customs, symbols, and the dynamic interrelations among their elements. Using symbolic representations, such as iconic architecture or artistic works, the article argues for their profound ability to capture the essence of cultures, as illustrated by examples like the Eiffel Tower for France or Gandhi’s use of homespun cloth in India.It is highlighted the potential of cultural symbols to inspire unity and understanding amid global challenges like environmental crises, economic inequality, and social tensions in the article. Furthermore, it is shown the importance of transitioning from an economically driven worldview to a culturally enriched one, prioritizing harmony between material and spiritual values. Through the lens of specific case studies, including Spain's cultural depth, the article illuminates how nations can leverage arts, heritage, and collective cultural identity to shape more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societies. This transformative vision emphasizes the role of governments, corporations, educational institutions, and individuals in cultivating cultures for a more harmonious global future.

Tales from the Green Line

Beirut, Lebanon, is a city marked by a complex and often turbulent history, reflected in the resilience and endurance of its built environment. The intertwining narratives of destruction and recovery are vividly embodied in the city’s architecture. This essay examines the adaptive reuse of Beirut’s iconic Egg Building, located on the Green Line that divided the city during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). As both a war ruin and cultural landmark, the Egg Building symbolises Beirut’s past turmoil and its aspirations for renewal. It encapsulates the multifaceted processes of post-war recovery and transformation. Drawing from the visionary ideas of Lebbeus Woods and the critical theories of Paul Virilio, this essay presents the Egg Building as a catalyst for narrative reconstruction in Beirut. Virilio’s analysis of war relics provides a framework for understanding the historical layers ingrained in the building, while Woods’s focus on unbuilt architecture offers a theoretical basis for redesigning its interior spaces to facilitate healing and revitalisation. Through the work of Lebanese architects and a third-year interior architecture design studio at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this essay explores how the Egg Building’s scars and stories can be woven into the collective memory of a city recovering from conflict. These unbuilt proposals illustrate how speculative interiors can inspire new narratives and contribute to Beirut’s ongoing regeneration by reframing the building as a domain of active engagement, where past traumas are negotiated rather than erased, and future aspirations are envisioned. Through experimental design approaches, these proposals empower communities to reimagine their urban landscape, turning a symbol of conflict into a living archive of resilience and possibility.

Penerapan Arsitektur Islam pada Bangunan Masjid At-Thohir di Depok Jawa Barat

Architecture is born from a creative and innovative design that responds to functional needs and architectural values that want to be communicated to its users. Islamic architecture as a cultural work of Muslims is based on the values of Islamic teachings and culture. Through understanding and interpreting architectural works, the values of Islamic teachings and culture can be recognized. This research takes as its object the At-Thohir Mosque which is located on Jalan Mochamad Thohir RT 01 RW 12, Tapos - Depok West Java 16457, opposite the At Thohir plaza. This mosque was built in 2018 and inaugurated on March 9 2022 by President Joko Widodo. This research discusses the application of Islamic architectural themes and their meaning. The use of Islamic architecture as an element or support for a building has a meaning that represents the function and values of the architecture. This research uses descriptive qualitative methods and data collection techniques based on observation, interviews and literature study. The research results show that the application of architectural concepts can be found in the use of domes, towers, Middle Eastern architectural styles, elements, ornaments and the meanings of mosques as places of worship and houses of God.

Influence of Detail Level in Acoustic Modeling of Heritage Buildings. Case of the Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia

Acoustic modeling of heritage buildings presents a significant challenge due to the architectural complexity of these spaces and the need to preserve their authenticity. In particular, the precision of the virtual model in historical environments largely depends on the level of detail applied during simulation. This study examines the influence of detail level in acoustic modeling applied to the Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia, a prominent example of Gothic civil architecture in Europe. Using ODEON software, three virtual models of the main hall were developed with varying levels of detail, from a high-precision model to a simplified representation. The results show that a highly detailed model increases computational costs, while a reduction in detail leads to greater dispersion in results, especially at low frequencies. This research highlights the importance of finding an appropriate balance in detail level, providing reliable acoustic estimates without compromising efficiency. These findings contribute to ongoing discourse on heritage conservation practices, emphasizing how simulation technologies can aid in preserving acoustic integrity while addressing practical limitations. The conclusions have implications for the application of simulation technologies in other highly complex heritage buildings.

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.

The Development of the Two-Dimensional Model of Emotion Based on Both Architectural Emotion Words and Design Elements in China

The purpose of this paper is to construct and validate a model centered on architectural emotion, to explore the role of emotion in architectural design, and to provide theoretical support for emotion-oriented design. This study collected 614 terms related to architectural emotion, screened 30 core terms, constructed a two-dimensional architectural emotion model, and verified the scientific and practicality of the model through three measurement methods. First, the one-dimensional scale analysis identified two dimensions of pleasure and charm, which portrayed the range of word variation; second, the Principal Component Analysis confirmed the periodic ordering pattern of words, which revealed its systematic relationship; and, lastly, the Multidimensional Scaling Analysis demonstrated the distribution of emotion words based on cognitive similarity in the multidimensional space. Based on this model, this paper proposes a three-layer circular model of “architectural emotion-architectural cognition-architectural elements”, which constructs the correspondence between architectural emotion and design elements, as well as how architectural cognition and architectural elements can synergize to create a spatial experience that triggers specific emotions. The model provides theoretical support for emotion-oriented architectural design and evaluation, and helps designers to better understand the relationship between emotion and space so as to create more valuable architectural works.

Place and Presence

The Norwegian architect Kjell Borgen enjoyed a successful career in the second half of the twentieth century as a partner in the Oslo architectural practice Borgen & Bing Lorentzen. Although he was based in Oslo, he also completed commissions in Sápmi throughout his career, from surveying vernacular Sámi architecture to designing works for Sámi clients. By focusing both on Borgen’s works both as a scholar of traditional Sámi architecture and as an architect working for Sámi clients, this text sheds light on his attempts to define what Sámi architecture is.

Andalusian and Classical Ottoman Mosque Architecture Features

Cultures have met and influenced each other throughout history, and new and original products have emerged. Andalusian works, which were formed under the influence of Islamic and Christian architectural culture in history, and Ottoman architectural works, which were put forward by considering aesthetics and symmetry, are worth examining and are the subject of many scientific studies. In this study, the characteristics of Andalusian and Ottoman mosque architectures, which represent two peaks in Islamic civilization, were examined and compared. There is a perfect harmony between the multi-column and horseshoe-shaped arches in Andalusian mosques, but this situation creates a dim image. In terms of external appearance, it is reported that the mosques face north, and there is one square-based minaret here. The minarets, which have survived to the present day, have the appearance of a high building and terraces on the upper parts used for observation purposes. In the Ottoman Empire, minarets were built more than once in mosques built by dynasty members and in sultanate mosques, giving the city an aesthetic appearance and being symmetrical with the mosque. In this study, architectural features of mosques in terms of columns, plan, facade arrangement, light order and amount, mortar figures, plant and flower figures, tile decoration, Kufic script, use of bricks, number of minarets, the shape of minarets, arch, color type, and construction process. These features were compared and discussed in the light of social and cultural effects. Keywords: Andalusia; Ottoman; Architecture; Mosque; Culture.

TRANSMISSION OF ANCIENT GREEK TECHNIQUES OF BUILDING ORDERS IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF KHARKIV IN THE INTERWAR PERIOD

The article presents the results of a study on the architecture of the interwar period in Kharkiv. The analysis focused on buildings of local historical significance, particularly those with facades based on the architectural order system. The selected objects included a residential complex with a store designed by architect O. Beketov and constructed between 1925 and 1936; the Metalist Stadium, designed in 1925 by architect Z. Permilovsky; the State Insurance Building, designed in 1927 by architects O. Molokin, H. Ikonnikov, and E. Lymar; and the ticket pavof the Metalist Stadium, designed in 1926 by Z. Permilovsky. The authors of the article analyzed the structure and proportions of the architectural orders used in these buildings, conducting a comparative analysis with ancient Greek architectural analogues to identify common features in the structure of the orders. As analogues, structures with similar proportions and architectural order systems were selected, including the Temple of Concordia in Agrigento (440 BCE), the Temple of Zeus at Olympia (5th century BCE), Temple F at Selinunte (circa 5th century BCE), and the Temple of Apollo at Delphi (circa 6th century BCE). The study employed comparative, structural, and compositional-proportional methods to analyze both the orders themselves and the elements of the selected buildings. Based on the analysis of the architectural orders of Kharkiv's buildings and the comparison with ancient Greek examples, it was established that during the interwar period, Kharkiv architects employed orders with proportions similar to those of ancient Greek temples from the Archaic period. Similarities were observed in the height of the orders, the columns, the ratios of the lower diameters of the columns, the heights of the entablatures, and the ratios of column height to entablature height. The analysis demonstrated a connection and transmission of techniques from ancient Greek craftsmen to the work of Kharkiv architects of the period. This area of research may be further explored, as the use of the order by Kharkiv architects in subsequent periods, such as after World War II, took on a different character and proportional relationships due to the different architectural challenges of that time. Keywords: order, column, entablature, entasis, module, proportions, colonnade.

Nuevos palacios

Uruguay underwent a huge transformation process around 1900 that placed it as a modern, thriving and independent nation within the great world panorama. The architectural works produced in the country at that time were used as a demonstration of greatness, abundance and progress by advertising publications sent to Europe in order to attract potential visitors and settlers. This work addresses - through the look at the buildings portrayed in these publications - the role of architecture in the process of formation and consolidation of the republic. The analysis of the incorporation of these images is crossed by the conceptions of national identity, closely related to the modernization processes of the beginning of the 20th century. It is proposed to reflect on how the visuality of the architecture produced in that period - executed by the first professionals trained in the country - collaborated in the processes of national identification.

Numerical modeling for the structural analysis of the unbuilt Praça Maior design by Oscar Niemeyer for the University of Brasília

Many established architectural works follow the structural component as a guiding parameter of the project. The architectural works of Oscar Niemeyer are renowned for their seamless integration of structure and design – "once the structure is finished, architecture is already present, simple and beautiful" (NIEMEYER, 2002). The structural elements are deliberately showcased, adding to the overall aesthetic of the building. Niemeyer was responsible for Brasilia's most significant public buildings, including the National Congress, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Planalto Palace. However, there are numerous unrealized projects, preserved in history through sketches and even detailed plans. One such project is 1962 Niemeyer's design for the Main Square of the University of Brasilia, which featured a distinguished architectural complex composed of four blocks - Auditorium, Museum, Library, and Rectory. In this article, we explore the relationship between structures and architectural engineering by modeling structural systems and conducting numerical analysis using the software SAP2000. The main objective of this investigation is to determine how the structural system played a key role in the architectural conception of Oscar Niemeyer for this iconic project. The study aims to offer an analysis of the relationship between form and function, with a focus on how the structural elements of the project influenced its overall design and aesthetic result.

A Viagem Como Forma De Apreensão Da Realidade: Uma Experiência Na Contemporaneidade

This article explores travel as a pedagogical and aesthetic method in the field of architecture and urbanism, proposing an approach grounded in Baumgarten's aesthetic science and the experience of the Valparaíso School in Chile. By distinguishing between sensitive and intellective knowledge, Baumgarten laid the foundation for aesthetics as a science, enabling the application of its principles to diverse fields, including architecture. Through the methodological tripod – planning, action, and recording – travel is presented as a practice of sensory enjoyment, critical reflection, and the construction of an aesthetic repertoire. The analysis considers the exploration journeys of the 19th century, which combined sensory perception and scientific records, drawing a parallel with the Crossings of the Valparaíso School. Since 1965, these Crossings have merged poetry, architectural research, and the construction of ephemeral works, constituting an unorthodox form of teaching that transcends traditional academic travel. During the action phase, Poetic Acts and collective interventions are performed in public spaces, celebrating American identity and fostering cultural exchange with local communities. The recording of experiences, through drawings, diaries, and architectural works, consolidates learning and broadens participants' repertoires. The practices of the Valparaíso School illustrate how travel can serve as a contemporary tool for understanding geographic and architectural space, offering an alternative to the homogeneous and standardized thinking of modernity. By questioning traditional modes of apprehending reality, the Crossings reaffirm the relevance of aesthetic science as a mediator between the sensory and the rational, advancing an innovative and transformative pedagogical practice.

The principles of semantics in architectural works (by examining case studies of martyrs’ memorials

the principles of semantics in architectural works (by examining case studies of martyrs’ memorials