Contemporary Design Research Articles

Contemporary Chinese Animation Design as a Reinterpretation of Traditional Cultural Connotations Based on Shadow Puppet Theater

Contemporary Chinese Animation Design as a Reinterpretation of Traditional Cultural Connotations Based on Shadow Puppet Theater

Revitalising Packaging Design of Children Food Brand for Marketing Strategy in China

This study examines the revitalization of packaging design for a children's food brand as a strategic tool for effective marketing in the Chinese market. With a focus on the dynamic landscape of consumer preferences and behaviors, this research underscores the significance of packaging design in capturing the attention of young consumers and their parents. By amalgamating culturally resonant elements with contemporary design trends, the study endeavors to uncover strategies that enhance brand visibility and engagement. The Chinese market, characterized by its rapid changes and distinct cultural nuances, necessitates a nuanced approach to packaging design. This study delves into the visual, sensory, and emotional aspects of packaging that contribute to brand perception. Through the analysis of case studies and consumer surveys, it elucidates the crucial role of colors, imagery, typography, and material choices in eliciting positive associations and fostering brand loyalty. The study recognizes the power of storytelling through packaging design. Children's food brands can leverage culturally relevant narratives and characters to establish an emotional connection with young consumers and their parents. This narrative-driven approach not only enhances brand recognition but also aligns with the Chinese value of family-oriented decision-making. This research highlights the strategic importance of packaging design in the context of children's food brands' marketing endeavors in China. By bridging the gap between cultural resonance and contemporary aesthetics, brands can create a lasting impact on consumers' minds. As consumer behaviors continue to evolve, an adept packaging design strategy can prove instrumental in navigating this dynamic landscape and achieving sustained market success.

Ecclesiastical Ergonomics? Human Factors in Traditional and Modern Sacred Architecture

Recent innovations in building materials, design methods, and construction techniques have allowed architects to experiment with new and daring architectural forms. While Modernist and Contemporary architecture may be innovative, its effects on human users tend to be mixed. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of traditional and modern styles of ecclesiastical (church) architecture in supporting certain aspects of human psychological and physiological well-being, namely restorative and focusing effects. A literature review was performed to identify spatial, lighting, and decorative design features thought to support these human factors, with a particular focus on the design theories of Biophilia and Prospect-Refuge. These features were compared to design aspects of traditional and modern church architecture. Traditional architectural styles were found to incorporate more features identified as supporting restorative and focusing effects than modern styles. Recommendations were developed for adjustments to church spaces to improve the subjective experience of visitors.

Knowledge Mobility and the Emergence of Contemporary Iraqi Architecture (1936–1958)

Planned by the British in the aftermath of World War I, the new state of Iraq—ruled by the Hashemite kingdom (1921–1958) under British mandate—emerged on the land of Mesopotamia and inherited its enormous cultural and architectural legacy. Colonial discourse was adopted by the British during the Hashemite reign to impose Western culture and hegemony. This paper reviews the impact of this colonial discourse in terms of Western architectural knowledge mobility on shaping Iraqi contemporary architecture in this epoch. The paper traces the education of nine notable early Iraqi architects with Western architectural academic backgrounds and studies 13 of their public buildings executed in 1936–1958, to reveal the stance of those architects toward this discourse and how their buildings connected to the legacy of Iraqi architecture. Findings rest on a style-coverage of the main local architectural legacy and Western architectural façade’s characteristics to detect and examine the nature and intensity of the transformations that the façades of these buildings exhibit compared to local traditions. Findings show that knowledge mobility helped develop certain types of architects’ responses toward local architectural traditions and colonial discourse that evolved through time during the study target epoch.

An insight into architectural design studio education space from a "time" perspective

This study offers a comprehensive literature review of the evolution of design studio education, focusing on the integration of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies. The research explores current and future design studio models by examining the development of architectural design studio education and the importance of its physical spaces within a timeline framework. The literature review identifies key insights, analyzes patterns, and integrates findings to present a narrative of architectural education's historical evolution and prospects. The study highlights significant shifts in design studio education, moving from the traditional master-apprentice relationship to contemporary design studio spaces within architecture schools. It emphasizes the impact of social, economic, and technological developments on these models, particularly the shift to remote education necessitated by COVID-19. This transition highlighted the need for alternatives to physical studio spaces, directing attention to VR, AR, and MR technologies as potential solutions. Through a meticulous review process, this study examines how these emerging technologies can provide immersive and interactive learning experiences, enhancing flexibility and accessibility in design education. It discusses the benefits and challenges of integrating these technologies, considering their potential to function without needing a specific physical studio. Ultimately, this study contributes to the field by offering theoretical insights and practical guidelines for educators. It explores alternative models to enhance adaptability and addresses the implications of technological adaptation and crisis management. The findings enrich the academic literature and foster future research and discussion on the evolution of design studio education in the digital era.

Facade and Envelope Design in Architecture--The Evolution, Technological Innovation, and Visual Expression

This essay explores the evolution, technological innovation, and visual expression of facades and envelopes in modern architecture through the lens of three seminal case studies: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House, and Walter Gropius's Bauhaus School. These case studies highlight the transformative impact of architectural design principles on building aesthetics and functionality. The Notre Dame Cathedral introduced a revolutionary structural system that liberated the facade from its traditional load-bearing role, allowing for expansive stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings that set the stage for future architectural innovations. Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House exemplifies the minimalist approach, emphasizing transparency and the seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces. The Bauhaus School, under Gropius's leadership, merged art, technology, and craftsmanship, creating a new architectural language characterized by simplicity and functional beauty. Through a detailed analysis of these projects, the essay provides insights into the enduring influence of these architectural milestones on contemporary design practices.

Automated Defect Detection on Dry-Hanging Stone Curtain Walls through Colored Point Clouds

Stone curtain walls are widely used in contemporary architectures; however, their regular inspection is always labor-intensive, time-consuming, and hazardous due to the complex and enclosed spatial structure of these high-rise building enclosures. To address this issue, this study proposes an automated and novel inspection method, which is composed of the following three steps: First, we utilize 3D laser scanning technology to capture colored point cloud data of the stone curtain wall system; subsequently, by extracting and processing the integration of color and depth information, the stone panels and end sealants are precisely segmented; finally, various defects, such as cracks, unevenness, and irregularities, are automatically identified through artificial intelligence algorithms in a timely manner. To validate the proposed method, an on-site experiment was carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness in detecting multiple defects concurrently on stone curtain walls. The experimental results showed that our proposed method could provide a non-contact and automated inspection alternative for all the stone curtain walls with a high accuracy of anomaly detection, facilitating rational maintenance plans and strategies to ensure the safety and performance of these modern building enclosures.

Integrating art and culture into modern architectural buildings in Nigeria: The cases of Akure, Benin, and Ibadan

Modernism in architecture has witnessed the erosion of traditions, art, culture, and beliefs of Indigenous southwestern Nigerians in recent architectural developments. This phenomenon has stripped most modern buildings, especially in southwestern Nigeria, of their cultural values. This study delves into the historical context of Nigerian art and architecture, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift toward a more culturally inclusive approach. It investigates various strategies and presents examples of successful integration, including the utilization of traditional materials, incorporation of indigenous motifs, and collaboration with local artists and craftsmen. This research examines three cultural center buildings where the architects have endeavored to integrate the art and culture of the people of southwestern Nigeria into contemporary architecture. The case study method of inquiry was adopted for this research, combined with detailed observation and analysis of digital photographs of these buildings. The study highlights the relevance of art and culture in recent architectural developments in three southwestern Nigerian cities: Akure, Benin, and Ibadan. These cities were selected because of their historical backgrounds and rich cultural affiliations that reflect the art and lifestyle of their localities. The cases studied were cultural center buildings because these building types are purposely built to reflect the culture of the people. Findings from the study reveal that some modern buildings still imbibe the art and culture of the people, while others incorporate these elements in more subtle ways, such as mural paintings and relief sculptures on walls. These features connote cultural expressions and representations of Nigeria’s heritage, which should not be forgotten but preserved for future generations.

An improved method for statistics estimation of out-of-plane load resistance of masonry walls using design-code models and mechanics-based finite element models

The susceptibility of masonry walls to out-of-plane failure under seismic loading presents a significant engineering concern. In adherence to contemporary limit state design philosophy and as mandated by performance-based design guidelines, it is crucial to accurately estimate statistics parameters such as the mean and variance of out-of-plane resistance. To achieve this, two deterministic models are often considered within the Monte Carlo simulation framework: design-code models, known for their computational efficiency but potential for significant model error, and mechanics-based finite element models, noted for their accuracy but computational intensity. Relying solely on either model for statistics estimation presents challenges due to their respective inherent limitations. This study introduces an improved strategy that synergizes the strengths of both models, resulting in enhanced statistics estimators for the out-of-plane resistance of masonry walls. The proposed methodology involves the use of the control variate method by integrating numerous design-code model evaluations to boost computational efficiency while incorporating a limited number of finite element model evaluations to ensure accuracy. The constructions of the proposed estimators follow rigorous optimization procedures to minimize associated errors and variances. Theoretical derivations are provided for essential elements in the estimator constructions, such as model evaluation numbers for finite element and design-code models and control variate coefficients. Moreover, the accuracy of the proposed estimators is compared with that of the crude Monte Carlo estimator. A key benefit of the proposed estimators is their unbiased nature, and their accuracy is not compromised by the discrepancies between the finite element model and the design-code model. To demonstrate the practicality of these estimators, two case studies are illustrated: one focusing on unreinforced masonry walls and the other on reinforced masonry walls. The results indicate that design-code model-based estimators exhibit large bias, and compared to the estimators that solely rely on the finite element model, the proposed estimators achieve higher accuracy given the same computational budget.

Recalibrating Our Position

A review of Pari Riahi, Laure Katsaros and Michael T. Davis (eds), Exactitude: On Precision and Play in Contemporary Architecture, Amherst: University of Massachusetts Press, 2022, 216 pages, 38 illus. ISBN: 9781625346728. The book is a timely, well-crafted and wide-ranging collection of essays that stake out contrasting and, at times, contradictory positions toward exactitude in architectural theory and practice. Using Italo Calvino’s Six Memos for the Millenium as a starting point, the essays share a common goal of exploring how a critical understanding of the ethical and imaginative capabilities of exactitude can help us appreciate the agency of architects.

Decorative wood veneers as a medium for contemporary design: A review

The use of decorative wood veneers in contemporary design is increasingly emphasized as society becomes more aware of quality of life and environmental protection. This article explores in detail four key aspects of decorative wood veneers as a contemporary design medium: visual perceptual elements, multisensory interaction, sustainability and environmental impact, and technology and innovation. Through its unique aesthetic attributes and multisensory experience, decorative wood veneers enhance the aesthetics and user experience of interior design, respond to the global trend of sustainability, and promote innovation and environmental responsibility in the design industry through the use of environmentally friendly materials and advanced technologies. This article aims to provide insights for designers, researchers and related industries to stimulate further exploration of the application of decorative wood veneers in design innovation.

Enhancing Soft Skills through Generative AI in Sustainable Fashion Textile Design Education

This study explores the significance of incorporating soft skill training in fashion design education through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and examines various AI-based approaches for sustainable fashion textile design education employing a multifaceted methodology that encompasses empirical, quantitative, and qualitative methods. We investigate the aspects of Design Sprints, identify key soft skills that help students meet the complex demands of contemporary fashion design workplaces, propose a curriculum guide for AI textile design programs, and evaluate the soft skill training process. Participants included students who had completed basic fashion design courses over three to four semesters and had experience with the fashion design process. The findings confirmed that participants’ soft skills improved across four areas—digital competence, sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, problem-solving and thinking skills, and communication—through the AI-based fashion textile design curriculum. This study validates the importance of integrating AI technology into educational programs to enhance essential soft skills in the digital fashion industry environment. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity of developing AI technology-specialized design prompts while maintaining a balance between traditional design education and digital design education for sustainable fashion design education.

A Study on Ancestor Memory in Eastern Hubei Contemporary Architecture with Western and Chinese Styles

A Study on Ancestor Memory in Eastern Hubei Contemporary Architecture with Western and Chinese Styles

Research on the Implementation Strategy of Integrating Sculpture Design into Contemporary Art and Design Education in Colleges and Universities

Research on the Implementation Strategy of Integrating Sculpture Design into Contemporary Art and Design Education in Colleges and Universities

Integrating Underground Space into the Groundscape Resilience Concept

Underground space has always been used as a resilient solution in addressing the need for safety in terms of climate conditions and defense purposes. This research seeks to recognize the potential of the underground space in the city as a significant urban resilience strategy, with the aim of revealing how contemporary underground architecture is integrated with the public spaces on the surface and how this groundscape integration contributes to the quality of the use of the public spaces to achieve urban resilience. Public spaces have a crucial role in the environmental, social, and sustainable context of the city and are considered urban domains for spatial urban intervention that contribute to urban resilience in its broader understanding. Based on the review of underground space research and the comparative analysis of selected contemporary design projects, the research explores the integration of underground space in correlation with its utilization model based on contemporary design projects. The research results in the systematization of underground utilization among underground infrastructure, underground living settlements, and urban development to offer insights into the enhancement of resilience planning through the contemporary multifunctional usage of underground space. The contribution of this research is reflected in the methodology of developing the criteria for a groundscape resilience concept, in terms of perceiving underground space as an integral urban layer, its multifunctional utilization, and in terms of achieving urban resilience.

Integrating Sustainability into Contemporary Art and Design: An Interdisciplinary Approach

This study confronts the ambiguous concept of sustainability within contemporary art and design, seeking to define and operationalize it through an interdisciplinary lens. By synthesizing philosophical, technological, and artistic methodologies, this research utilizes qualitative analysis and detailed case studies to evaluate the sustainable attributes of modern decorative arts. Focusing on the integration of nature and technology, the investigation spans various artistic disciplines, critically assessing their contributions to sustainable practices. The results indicate that an innovative use of materials and avant-garde design approaches significantly advance sustainability, highlighting the role of contemporary art in promoting environmental consciousness and sustainability in policy-making. Conclusively, in this paper, a paradigm shift in art and design education and policy is argued for, advocating for a proactive engagement with sustainability that extends beyond traditional artistic boundaries, thus providing a framework for future sustainable development strategies in the arts. This study offers a comprehensive model for understanding and implementing sustainability that could influence future artistic and educational practices globally.

The Influence of Contemporary Architecture on The Shape of Library Buildings and Fine Arts Education Facilities in Surabaya

A library and fine arts educational facility is an educational place to gain knowledge and introduce fine arts. Through observations, the researcher identified issues in Surabaya's libraries, such as the monotonous building structures and unattractive spatial atmosphere. Meanwhile, fine arts facilities lack resources for making art, so the integration of a library and fine arts education facility is necessary in one location. In this building, visitors can not only gain knowledge about art but also increase their creativity by learning while making works of art with artists. It serves as a solution to increase the reading interest index and introduce works of art more widely.The application of a contemporary architectural theme is based on the expressive characteristics of educational and artistic buildings, following current contemporary characteristics. Qualitative research with a descriptive approach depicts the experiences in the field, which were then analyzed using parameters of the function and feasibility of educational and artistic buildings.The design of the library and fine arts education facility applies the contemporary architecture theme to the macro concept of recreational education to provide a special attraction to visitors.The shape design uses an attractive micro concept by giving the building an identity through variations of curved lines, geometric shapes inspired by a book, and bright color combinations derived from mosaic paintings.

Research on computationally generative design of woven braced structure based on fiber composite material in architectural design industry

ABSTRACT With the intervention of computer algorithm-assisted design in the realm of contemporary architectural design, architectural spatial forms and corresponding design methods have improved significantly. However, the limitations of material strength and plasticity impose certain constraints on the architectural design of the new century. Based on this occurrence, this paper studies the development of a computational generative design system for woven braced structure composed of fiber-reinforced materials. Through experimental data of material performance, the research firstly argues feasibility of employing fiber composite materials to braced structure. The conclusion is that the structure designed and generated could produce a support of 1 ton per ㎡. Moreover, based on the ant colony algorithm and the algorithm principle of cellular automata on the Java platform, the study designs a generative system with iterative computing of force as the major axis to achieve the self-organization and adaptability of the braced structure. Above all, this paper proposes a design strategy engaging with computational generative design approach, as well as a design attempt for the material and form of architecture.

A critical review of global best practices elements in digital technologies: Advancing a theoretical architecture for quality engineering

Technological advancements and changes in local, regional, and global markets have prompted organizations operating in the quality assurance environments to develop competitive strategies that enhance operational excellence and business sustainability. The current global norm is digital technologies as a key enabler of competitive strategies. The ability to develop and integrate digital into quality assurance environments is a challenge with considerable focus on the development of a theoretical architecture.This study aims at identifying elements influencing the adoption of digital technologies, through a review of global best practices applicable to the integration of digital technologies in quality assurance environments. This study further aims at the consolidation of all elements into the development of an contemporary theoretical architecture specific to the quality assurance environment.This qualitative study utilised a systematic literature review (SLR) of papers published from 2012 to 2022 to assess the elements influencing the adoption of digital technologies and global best practices in quality assurance environments. In addition, to ensure that the most relevant theoretical architecture was developed in this study, a Resource-Based View, together with Dynamic Capabilities theory, and Technology Acceptance Modelling are adopted to ground the study.Key elements influencing the adoption of integrated digital technologies are identified from the results obtained from the SLR. Furthermore, the SLR identifies several theoretical frameworks that combine business sustainability and quality assurance environments principles, with Digital Technologies. Based on the review outcome, a theoretical architecture is developed for adoption in a quality assurance environment for organizations operating in the service sector.This study provides a new perspective on the elements influencing the adoption of integrated digital technologies in a quality assurance environment advancing business sustainability. Further this study also exhumes the Implications with regards to a theoretical architecture for quality assurance organizations that seek to adopt integrated digital technologies and operate within a service.

Topological Interlocking Assembly: Introduction to Computational Architecture

Topological interlocking assembly (TIA) and computational architecture treat form as an emergent property of a material system, where the final shape results from the interplay of geometries and geometric interdependencies influenced by contextual constraints (material, structure, and fabrication). This paper posits that TIA is an ideal pedagogical tool for introducing students to computational architecture, and its theoretical foundations and design principles. Specifically, defining TIA as a material system provides a robust educational approach for engaging students with computation; fostering design processes through bottom-up, hands-on investigations; expressing design intents as procedural logic; understanding generative geometric rules; and exploring the flexibility of parametric variations. The methodology is detailed and illustrated through a design workshop and study unit from the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta. Four case studies of TIA—of tetrahedra, cones, octahedra, and osteomorphic blocks—demonstrate how these exercises introduce students to computational thinking, parametric design, and fabrication techniques. This paper discusses the advantages and limitations of this pedagogical methodology, concluding that integrating computational architecture in education shifts students’ design processes to investigation and innovation-based approaches, enabling them to address contemporary design challenges through context-driven solutions.