Contemporary Architectural Design Research Articles

The Impact of Digital Parametric Design on Contemporary Architectural Design

The Impact of Digital Parametric Design on Contemporary Architectural Design

Innovations in architectural and environmental design: From methodologies to technology and cultural sensitivity

This comprehensive paper delves into the multifaceted world of contemporary architectural and environmental design, exploring an array of methodologies that emphasize sustainability, technological innovation, and socio-cultural integration. It begins by discussing the Integrated Design Process (IDP), which fosters early-stage collaboration across various disciplines, illustrated by the example of Seattles Bullitt Center. The paper then explores the principles of Biophilic Design, highlighting its positive impacts on human health and well-being, as seen in Singapores Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. The concept of Adaptive Reuse is explored next, emphasizing its role in sustainable urban development, with the Tate Modern in London serving as a case study. Further, the paper examines Green Building Technologies, Digital Design and Simulation Tools like BIM, and Smart Building Systems, showcasing their contributions to sustainable and efficient building management. The final sections discuss the importance of Community Engagement, Cultural Sensitivity in Design, and Inclusive Design, stressing the need for architecture that resonates with community values and is accessible to all. Through these discussions, the paper provides an insightful look into the current trends and future directions in architecture and environmental design, advocating for a holistic approach that balances functionality, sustainability, and cultural relevance.

Improvement of Traditional Energy-Saving Cold Alley Spaces: Case Study of Shixiangyuan Garden Renovation and Expansion Project in Guangzhou

Traditional cold alleys have the ability to adapt to hot climates with cooling and insulation, which is a traditional design method that conforms to sustainable development. Due to the limited depth of space and the adoption of mechanical ventilation in most contemporary architectural design, this passive energy-saving method is gradually being ignored. In this study, we use ventilation measurement and simulation to explore the characteristics of ventilation performance in the cold alleys of the renovation and expansion project of Shixiangyuan Garden. The research, using anemometers and thermometers for measurement, aims to explore how Shixiangyuan Garden can utilize its existing environment and improve it to adapt to local conditions, and also discusses the methods of increasing the number of air vents to improve the overall ventilation performance of the alleys, as well as the effects of form changes caused by utilizing water and plants to supplement the soft interface. Although many studies have explored the mechanisms of cold alleys in traditional architecture, few have discussed the variance of cold alley forms that could adapt to the limited depths of newly constructed buildings. This study attempts to explore the potential for this through simulation. The purpose is to find new ways to inherit the sustainable advantages of cold alleys in new projects.

Place and Independence Are Formed by Moving Furniture

In contemporary architectural design, a noticeable trend emerges in the meticulous planning of common areas, with an emphasis on fostering the free movements of users within these areas. It is important to consider the architectural elements that influence user behavior in these environments. Previous studies have delved into the relationship between architecture and user activity, often through questionnaires and activity surveys conducted in arbitrary spaces. However, such data are discontinuous and only capture a portion of the space. Therefore, in this study, continuous and extensive recordings were performed in an arbitrary space using a video camera to capture the entirety of the area. Consequently, we were able to comprehend the relationship between architecture and people’s activities and observe the formation of user autonomy through their decisions to rearrange furniture. Furthermore, an “Open Pose” system was used to detect people and generate a user stay distribution chart. This was achieved by converting it into a plan view using perspective projection transformation, thereby obtaining objective data automatically. Consequently, we verified the feasibility of conducting visually comprehensible processing using tools like “Open Pose”, which was used in one segment of the experiment.

Climate Adaptation Analysis and Comfort Optimization Strategies for Traditional Residential Buildings in Hot-Summer, Cold-Winter Regions: A Case Study in Xuzhou, China

Climate change and the energy crisis have catalyzed the architectural industry’s consideration of green and energy-efficient buildings. With the continuous deepening and expansion of research, people have gradually realized the reference value of the passive design strategies embedded in traditional residential buildings for contemporary architectural design and renovation. This paper takes the traditional residential buildings on Hubu Mountain, Xuzhou, as its research object, and explores their thermal and wind environment characteristics through field investigations and software simulation analysis. It is found that Xuzhou’s traditional houses have good temperature regulation, with fluctuations of about 5 °C indoors and 10 °C outdoors in summer and about 7 °C indoors and 12 °C outdoors in winter. Their form, material and structure are well adapted to the local climate. There is also a need to optimize the buildings’ moisture resistance and ventilation for better comfort. Subsequently, this study analyzes the climate adaptability features in traditional building construction techniques and then extracts climate adaptability methods, proposing targeted optimization and renovation suggestions, aiming to contribute to the sustainable development of architecture and ecology.

Clustering and optimization of nodes, beams and panels for cost-effective fabrication of free-form surfaces

Free-form surfaces are increasingly used in contemporary architectural designs for their unique and elegant shapes. However, fabricating these doubly curved surfaces using panel and frame systems presents challenges due to the shape variability of nodes, beams and panels. In this study, we propose a mesh-based computational design framework that clusters and optimizes these components together, reducing the shape variety of elements for free-form surfaces. Our method employs a vertex-based similarity metric to partition panels into user-defined groups and clusters beams based on edge lengths. A box-constrained optimization is introduced to achieve congruent faces and matching beam lengths while considering various functional constraints. Additionally, connection holes on node surfaces are clustered and optimized to allow their use at multiple locations. The practicality of our approach is demonstrated through the design and construction of a full-scale pavilion, resulting in a significant reduction in the shape variety of building elements.

Human behaviour simulation for promoting usefulness and user-centric values in parametric design

Although contemporary architectural design education adopts the parametric design approach, which involves complex iterations between the arrangement of form components and building performance, this method limits students' exploration of the optimal matches between generated form and the behaviours of prospective users. Therefore, as a solution, this study hypothesises the effects of human behaviour simulation on students' exploration of user-centric values in the parametric design process. This paper compares the self-evaluation scores of 90 undergraduate students before and after simulation. Data were collected during an authentic digital design course that examined shopfront façade prototypes. Statistical analysis and interpretation indicate that simulation better facilitates students' search for matches between initially value-isolated forms, created using a parametric design tool, and useful user-centric values. However, simulation is not relevant for discovering unexpected forms. This study addresses the unknown affordances in simulation when assigning user-related value to form generation that lacks value.

KAWASAN WISATA TEPIAN SUNGAI BUAYA SEBAGAI FASILITAS REKREATIF EDUKATIF KABUPATEN BULUNGAN KALIMANTAN UTARA

According to the Provincial Government of North Kalimantan, it has an area of 13,182 km² with a population of the entire district of 701,814 people (results of the 2020 Indonesian population census). The Crocodile Riverside Tourism Area located in downtown Tanjung Selor Hilir, North Kalimantan. It is planned as a place to visit tourism and take advantage of the potential of fishing villages by improving fishing facilities. The Crocodile Riverside Tourism Area is designed to apply a RecreativeEducational approach. Contextual Architecture is defined as the process of designing a building, which takes into account the existing site conditions. The purpose of the Contemporary Architecture Design for the Tanjung Selor Hilir 2 Riverside Crocodile Tourism Area project in North Kalimantan is planned to apply the Contextual Architecture Approach.

Perceptions and Reuse of Concrete Building Structures

Concrete has gone through significant changes in popularity in the United Kingdom. This paper explores factors associated with shifts in the perception, and reuse of concrete buildings. and how these changes have influenced the use of concrete in Architecture and Design in the UK. The popularity of concrete has fluctuated over the past few decades. This is driven by a combination of cultural, aesthetic and sustainability factors. In the 1980’s and 90’s fairfaced, textured, bush-hammered concrete acquired a reputation which took some three decades to reverse. UK public opinion on concrete ‘Brutalist’ buildings of these decades is mixed, but tends to often be negative, where terms used include ‘Depressing’, ‘Hideous’, ‘Monstrosities’, ‘Eyesores’. There is currently a growing appreciation for the history and cultural significance of concrete and specifically ‘Brutalist’ architecture. Although these buildings were previously despised, they are now recognised as part of the UK’s architectural heritage and efforts are made to preserve them for future generations. Buildings and complexes, which were once run-down urban environments, are now changed into more desirable housing complexes often leading to drastic social changes in the area. Concrete has been generally seen as a material that has significant environmental impact, especially in terms of carbon emissions. Concrete’s durability, thermal mass and fire protection properties paired with advances in technology that can improve the appearance and consistency of finishes, have all improved the popularity of concrete. Strides are also being made to improve the sustainability of concrete constituent materials. The positioning of concrete as a sustainable, energy efficient building material that can also have an aesthetic appeal, combined with its versatility and durability, make concrete once again a popular choice for contemporary architecture and Interior design.

Bioclimatic design strategy of vernacular architecture in the south-east of China: a case study in Fujian, China

Abstract Vernacular architecture provides valuable insights into bioclimatic design, an integral part of the architectural design process. This study aims to investigate the bioclimatic design strategies used in vernacular architecture in southeastern China, with the goal of inspiring energy-efficient restoration and contemporary architectural design. Initially, the Mahoney Table was used to identify a priori bioclimatic design strategies, serving as a reference for the field survey conducted in three distinct landscape regions. Subsequently, a field survey was conducted to identify and summarize the characteristics of 907 vernacular buildings across 63 settlements, focusing on their bioclimatic potential and categorizing them into five aspects of bioclimatic strategies. The results revealed that bioclimatic design strategies vary in response to local conditions, deviating from the recommendations of the Mahoney Table. This underscores the significance of empirical studies on vernacular bioclimatic design strategies. The findings from this study have practical implications for guiding regional building practices in areas with similar climates and landscapes.

Failure mechanisms of hexagonal-shaped intra-module connections in modular steel building

Modular construction has gained popularity for its cost-effectiveness, time savings, and environmental benefits. This research delves into innovating modular buildings to enhance their aesthetic value in contemporary architectural designs. Traditional rectangular modules have lost architectural significance in the modern era. The study focuses on the failure mechanisms of hexagonal intra-module connections under nonlinear static analysis, aiming for advanced structural design and performance in modular construction. The study tested a control model, a Welded Flange Bolted Web (WFBW) connection, and three variations with different parameters: boundary condition, bolt arrangement, and steel grade. For the boundary condition, the tie constraint between the beam's flanges and the diaphragm was removed. Bolt arrangement was assessed with staggered and non-staggered bolts. Steel grade variations included S275 and S355. Results showed that the WFBW connection outperformed the Bolted Web (BW) connection in load resistance. The most damaged component was the beam, with bearing failure at the upper bolt hole. Non-staggered bolts exhibited larger displacements than staggered bolts. The study emphasized the significance of steel material strength in terms of stress and strain on bolt capacity. It highlights the importance of intra-module connections in modular steel structures and the need to consider design parameters carefully. The findings offer insights into improving modular connections' performance and failure mechanisms, facilitating the creation of aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound modular structures. This nonlinear static analysis aids in developing advanced modular construction designs, enhancing architectural significance in the modern era. By merging structural performance and aesthetics, the study promotes innovative modular construction to meet contemporary architectural demands.

현대건축공간에 나타난 자연광 활용특성 연구

With the pressing energy issues in modern society and the growing interest in renewable energy, natural light as an eco-friendly and renewable energy source has been widely recognized in architecture and spatial design. It is increasingly recognized that natural light in modern architectural spaces is not only a means of illumination, but also an important factor in shaping the space and expressing the architect's design ideas. This paper aims to discuss in depth the importance and characteristics of natural light in contemporary architectural space design, and to interpret the characteristics of natural light in the works of architect I.M. Pei. These findings provide ideas for future architectural design to efficiently utilize natural light to realize modern architectural spatial design. However, this study has the limitation that it mainly studies the natural light characteristics of Ieoh Ming Pei's architecture, and it is necessary to continue the research on natural light characteristics in architecture based on this in the future.

GLASS PARTITIONS FOR FIRE PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

The text discusses the principles of designing and implementing building structures using fire-resistant glass partitions. It presents the research conditions for these elements and their potential applications, emphasising the need to ensure people's safety and limit fire spread inside and outside buildings. The work showcases technical solutions derived from technical construction regulations and standards concerning the requirements of contemporary architectural design, especially for high-rise and multi-functional buildings, particularly those at high risk.

Coincidental values of responding to climate in contemporary Chinese architectural design

ABSTRACT Relying solely on equipment and uncritical adoptions of technological strategies to control climate conditions can result in problems of the detachment of climate from the architectural design process, monotonous forms and lack of regional characteristics. To address these problems that may arise in contemporary China, research on the coincidental values generated with the climate-responsive operations including expressions of aesthetics, culture, emotions, regional characteristic is of great significance. The paper examines coincidental values of responding to climate by analyzing architects’ text descriptions of 263 design works from the year 2000 to 2021. The results provide a framework of 27 types of coincidental values as references for climate-responsive architectural designs. Mechanisms of creating coincidental values and subtle regional characteristics are revealed through analyses of these 27 types. Based on these findings, the paper proposes suggestions for contemporary Chinese climate-responsive designs, calling for more various cultural expressions beyond traditional or vernacular cultures, more interactions with positive aspects of climate, and broader range of the compromise between human behaviors and climate conditions.

Another Chance: Adaptive reuse of the built heritage strategies for circular creativity

The study delves into the realm of adaptive reuse, exploring its potential in sustainable urban development, particularly focusing on public buildings within the cultural and creative sectors. Through a multiple case study analysis, both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to scrutinize design strategies and spatial transformations in recent adaptive reuse projects of existing structures. This research investigates the evolution of adaptive reuse, highlighting its historical and theoretical underpinnings, and subsequently examines contemporary approaches towards existing structures in cultural, creative, and public domains. The study findings reveal common characteristics and innovative design strategies employed in recent adaptive reuse projects, emphasizing the transformative potential of neglected or abandoned urban spaces. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology involving case study analyses and diverse data collection techniques, the research underscores the significance of adaptive reuse as an established practice in contemporary architectural and urban design. The article's contribution to the social and economic dimensions of urban development lies in understanding and promoting sustainable, resource-saving strategies. This work paves the way for future research, suggesting potential expansions in creating an 'atlas of adaptive reuse' and exploring comparative analyses between existing reuse and new construction, specifically focusing on public buildings with civic-cultural uses.

The Bauhaus Concept and Its Influence on Contemporary Architectural Design in China

This study employs the iconic modernist architectural landmark, the Dessau Bauhaus school building, as a case study. By scrutinizing the distinctive creative attributes of this architectural masterpiece, the study delves into the design tenets of Bauhaus ideology. Additionally, it conducts an analysis of the resonance between Bauhaus principles and the landscape of modern design in China. Building upon this foundation, the study embarks on a dialectical exploration, leveraging representative instances of contemporary Chinese architectural design, to meticulously examine the impact of Bauhaus on modern Chinese design, with a specific focus on the domain of architectural design.

CLASSIFICATION OF CONTEMPORARY HOUSING IN THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Preservation of historical buildings while accommodating modern housing is a difficult challenge in urban development. The successful integration of contemporary architectural design within the context of historic districts requires careful consideration of various factors. In this article, we present a comprehensive classification scheme for modern housing in historic buildings based on a careful analysis of practical experience and architectural principles. The classification scheme covers eight key features that serve as the main parameters for evaluating and classifying modern housing in a historical context. These features include project quality classes, floor plan, functionality, volume-spatial structure, construction method, furnishing materials, color scheme and approach to harmonization with the historical context. Classification signs are divided into different categories, sometimes into subcategories and cover the relatively maximum load of world experience in the design of modern housing in a historical context. The project quality classes are divided into mass housing and housing of increased comfort. Flooring is defined by three categories: low-rise, medium-rise and multi-story. Different forms of spatial and volumetric structure, which flow from different sections of the design and structure of quarters in the historical districts of the cities, are defined. Furnishing materials are divided into traditional, modern, and combined options. On the basis of historical architecture, coloristic categories are defined, which either repeat the historical colors of the city, or contrast against their background. Also, residential buildings are defined according to functionality, while multi-functional residential buildings are divided into several categories according to various variants of architectural and planning solutions of complexes. The last feature is the main feature in the case of determining the harmonization of modern housing with the historical context and is divided into 5 categories, starting from pseudo-historical design and ending with the contrasting formation of modern architecture.

Parametric Architectural Design for a New City Identity: Materials, Environments and New Applications

In contemporary architectural Design, we speak of a parametric structural design. A design that integrates new functionalities crossed with the spatial geometry of objects. It has been considered structured because it optimizes combinations that integrate a minimum of materials and data to respond to functions, uses, and needs more adapted to a society in perpetual evolution. Parametric modelling allows the usability of new materials and the integration of new structures in a variety of design environments. This transdisciplinary research explores aspects of parametric modelling, a design method that creates digital models using algorithms and parameters. By focusing on the material and immaterial plurality of the designed space, this method enables the generation of complex and innovative forms that would be difficult to realize with traditional methods. Then, from a position that redefines the city as both a "medium" city and an "object" city, we explore the fields of application and novelties that are investing in the fields of architectural construction. We examine how parametric modelling can be used to create more sustainable and environmentally efficient buildings, using parametric processes, and optimizing the use of space. In this sense, our research will lead us to identify two aspects of parametric modelling: the conceptual parametric design aspect and the constructive parametric design aspect. Finally, the results of our research enable us to identify a design process that demonstrates the feasibility of using parametric modelling to generate viable, sustainable, and versatile spaces.

Creative Hub Planning in East Jakarta with Contemporary Tropical Architecture Approach

The achievements of the world’s greatest economic performance and great prospects due to the rapid development of the Indonesian economy can be realized through the creative economy sector. Creative economy is an economic concept whose products are produced from creativity, ideas, and human knowledge as its main assets. The government also contributed by issuing PERPRES RI No. 6 of 2015, which calls for encouraging, strengthening, and promoting the creative economy in an effort to increase national economic growth. Based on these problems, it is important that there is a creative hub as a center for creative economic activities in each community activity center that is able to lift and develop economic potential in each region, including East Jakarta. As one of the cities with the largest area in DKI Jakarta, East Jakarta has various potentials that should be developed. In planning and designing this architecture, the primary data collection methods were observation and interviews, as well as secondary data collection by document/literature studies. The data obtained will then be processed by descriptive analysis and data synthesis is carried out to develop problem solving in the design of various aspects of the approach. The creative hub plan that will be made in the form of a single building on an area of 17,874 m2 in East Jakarta with a contemporary tropical architectural design approach. Contemporary tropical architecture is oriented to the tropical climate, but has freedom of expression in its design to keep up with the times. This approach aims to achieve user convenience that supports the productivity of the creative community. One application is by using sustainable materials such as wood, natural stone, brick, concrete, bamboo, and so on. Thus, the planned creative hub will be able to provide solutions to all community needs while at the same time having a good impact on the surrounding environment.

Effect of memory on the contemporary architectural design concept

The human memory is the mental storehouse that preserves the events, facts, and dreams that happen to him in his life or his mind creates them. According to psychologists and sociologists, the memory pursued by human beings is linked to the mine of creativity as it generates special human emotions. Architects embodied the Double Code Theory through the content of their personal memories. They presented architectural formations that carried two meanings: the first is visible to the audience, and the other is hidden and related to the memory of the architect, where the architect relied on recalling events related to his memory. Architects recall their memories and work to recall their own memories and are inspired by their designs, as the architectural buildings become of historical, civilizational, and cultural value. Thus, the scope of this research belongs to the field of diaries of architecture, trying to unveil the secrets and intentions of architects who inspire their design concepts from the memory of civilizations and their own memories. This paper exposes the ideas of the most prominent designers who worked on buildings around the world, whereas the main aim of this paper is to re-read and interpret contemporary architectural languages that rely on memory in their design concepts to enable us to deconstruct and understand them from the perspective of memories of the past and to understand the intended message beyond, depending on methods of analysis by tracing particles, definitions, and theories through presenting a literature review to highlight what came in the precedent research in this topic. This research hypothesizes that the memory is the inspiration source for contemporary architecture. Throughout the paper, the analytical method investigates this hypothesis using certain parameters of analysis on three case studies, followed by a comparison to explore how each architect of these projects inspired his own memory to lead the design setting. One of the most prominent findings is the process of comprehending the design concept can’t be easy for visitors unless they make an intellectual and physical effort to disclose the secret of architect and truly detect the inspirational memory. Another important finding is that the memory of architect, implemented in the design ideas, always touches whether religious or political events or personal experiences.