Contemporary Buildings Research Articles

Courtyard Existence between the Past and the Present, Case Study: Central Region, Saudi Arabia

The courtyard is one of the architectural features used in ancient times for many purposes, such as climate modifiers, as a place for family gatherings, and as a playground for children. Over time, the courtyard gradually disappeared, and it no longer has a special presence in residential buildings. The study deals with exploring courtyards in the old and modern buildings in the central region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was characterized by its strong presence in ancient times. Therefore, the paper holds seven case studies to compare the most important features in commons, middle, and contemporary houses. The research reaches the truth of the extinction of the courtyard and its replacement by other elements that negatively affected the social, ecological, and economic aspects of Saudi residents, and assures the dependence on mechanical treatments that harmfully distressed the building energy likewise affected the social aspects at the level of family and society alike. Courtyards with environmental design basics provided high energy efficiency to building through daylight and ventilation which helps in decreasing electricity and HVAC loads. This paper invites researchers and builders to reuse the courtyard or the Patio concept again as a design tool in contemporary buildings to save future resources and maintain sustainability principles.

Circular economy in the heritage conservation sector: An analysis of circularity degree in existing buildings

The construction and building sectors are responsible for a large part of the consumption of energy and natural resources. The concept of the circular economy, a closed-loop system that uses waste as a resource, can be used as a strategy to mitigate this consumption by preserving and reusing historic buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding them. In this paper, a quantitative analysis of the application of the circular economy to existing buildings and their preservation is conducted by examining the extensive literature on the circular economy approach and field studies to define and determine the degree of circular economy and contribution to environmental benefits. The study showed the importance of restoration, continuous use, rehabilitation, and renovation of historic buildings. It also showed that the most important parameter that determines the proximity to the circular economy is a constant use that adapts over time. In addition, the use of the building and its old traditional systems in multiple functions and by different users also increases and promotes the circular economy. The conclusions also highlight the need for concrete assessment parameters and appropriate indicators of the degree of circular economy in historic buildings, so that it might be possible to learn from these structures for contemporary buildings.

Evaluating the Impact of Vernacular Façade Design on Indoor Thermal Performance in Malaysia’s Modern Masjids

Accessing buildings for evaluation on architectural concerns are raised as some designers create the call to revive indigenous architecture when a trend of adopting foreign or international architectural style is widely spreading. The quests for cultural identity in Malaysia towards sustainable contemporary buildings require research of past achievements. Vernacular masjid is known to adhere to principles of passive design as the key to thermal comfort. Researchers posed questions on the extent of flexibility in vernacular architectural concepts, concerning design adaptation on modern masjids for optimal thermal performance. This experimental research aimed to evaluate the outcome of modern masjid façades designed with the vernacular concept in Malaysia. In the literature, research brings together variables such as building height, façade shading, serambi openings, as well as materials and construction details. A quantitative analysis led this investigation through observation and field survey on stratified random samples of modern vernacular masjids in Malaysia. Air temperature and relative humidity were recorded using a MIC-98583 sensor with ±0.6 °C accuracy in temperature and ± 3 % accuracy in relative humidity. Wind speed was measured using an AVM-305 sensor with ± 0.2 m/s accuracy. The empirical finding highlights serambi opening-to-wall design as the most significant element of vernacular architecture found in building façade that influences indoor thermal performance in modern vernacular masjids. The result could become an extremely useful guideline for designers to create the sustainable design in the future.

Recupero e valorizzazione dei mercati ittici: un patrimonio architettonico e sociale da conoscere e riqualificare

The building heritage of the 20th century characterises many Italian cities and inevitably defines much of their conformation. The economic boom and the desire for social redemption in the post-war period, as well as the real need to rebuild parts of cities affected by conflict, led to the construction of a wide variety of infrastructures and buildings. The latest ones, designed for different uses, differ from the rest of the historical heritage, both for the use of modern materials and for the proposal of innovative forms. The aim of the following contribution is to investigate the current and complex issue of the recovery of modern and contemporary building heritage, focusing on the productive buildings conservation and valorisation, which due to their architectural quality and appropriate location deserve to be known and returned to the inhabitants. The following contribution illustrates two significant case studies of modern fish markets in Italy.

Review: Hidden Cities: Urban Space, Geolocated Apps and Public History in Early Modern Europe, edited by Fabrizio Nevola, David Rosenthal, and Nicholas Terpstra

Review: <i>Hidden Cities: Urban Space, Geolocated Apps and Public History in Early Modern Europe</i>, edited by Fabrizio Nevola, David Rosenthal, and Nicholas Terpstra

Learning from Tradition for Future: Green Building in Kano State, Nigeria

Green building can be considered as a building design through a method that is environmentally friendly in both construction, usage and energy consumption. Culture is yet to be included into the sustainable development pillars making it the fourth pillar of sustainability after social, economic and environmental aspects. Traditional Architecture can be regarded as beliefs, customs, or ways of life (culture) in building construction that have existed for a long period and involve the art of designing, planning, and traditional building style. These traditional buildings were copied and used in contemporary buildings in Kano state, Nigeria. Therefore, most of the contemporary building design and structure has their roots in a traditional building. Nigeria’s traditional buildings across the country were affected by climate and landform all over the geographical zones, which were recognised to demonstrate a detailed solution to the building’s culture, socio-economic, local technology and climatic condition of the environment. This study compares the past and the current building style based on the façade or floor-plan pictures, and green or sustainable building using relevant kinds of literature of Hausa traditional building around Kano state. It is concluded that Hausa traditional architecture should not be forgotten, rather it should be encouraged and improved based on green sustainable features, traditions and enhance the durability of the building materials. It is recommended that culture should be include into the pillars of sustainability so as to make sustainability complete especially in the field of building construction. Lastly, further research is recommended in order to explore ways of improving the quality of the local building materials and the methods used during the construction process.

A Comparison of Traditional and Contemporary Buildings by Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Emission: A Case-Study from Tabriz-Iran

It is evident upon a comparison between the examples of contemporary and traditional buildings that climate-responsive building design strategies of traditional buildings finds increasingly lesser use in contemporary architectural designs and that traditional building culture has begun to disappear. Due to the increasing building stock with the expansion of city centers over the years, a higher amount of energy is required for heating, cooling, and ventilation, which leads to a higher amount of greenhouse gas emission. The ever-increasing greenhouse gas emission is inevitably involved in the emerging global climate crisis. The present study investigated the climate-responsive design approaches adopted in traditional and current buildings in Tabriz, Iran. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of passive system strategies used in the design of traditional buildings in Tabriz on energy efficiency and to analyze current buildings in terms of annual energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions with a view to the changing building stock both architectural and mechanical design terms. The results of the study suggested that transferring the climate-responsive architectural design experiences of the past builders to new generations was crucially important and that it was necessary to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in newly constructed buildings by means of energy efficiency regulations and building standards as promulgated by the government.

Vernacular Features in Rural Housing of the Aurassien massif between Traditional Practices and Bioclimatic Aspect. Case study of Ain Zaatout (Algeria)

The rural habitat in the Aures region is an excellent example on vernacular and human architecture. It reflects how inhabitants of this region responded to their requirements in an ingenious way and how local builders have succeeded to respond to challenges of climate, building materials and cultural expectations despite the particularly harsh environmental conditions of the Aures. The aim of this study is to determine the strategies used in vernacular constructions to deal with the severe climatic conditions that prevail in the Aures region. Precisely, rural dwellings in Ain Zaatout village (Beni Ferah) were studied to emphasize the importance of the architectural properties of the traditional houses in terms of thermal performance and climatic adaptability. In this regard, an extensive literature review was carried out on previous studies that investigated the Aures settlements. Accordingly, a comprehensive knowledge on typical Aurassien village and various data including spatial organisation, architectural characteristics and construction materials and techniques have been gathered. Based on this background, a qualitative analysis supported by field measurements was conducted. Then, two representative houses were selected as case studies for monitoring comfort parameters in summer period. Finally, the traditional and contemporary houses were compared in terms of their thermal performance. Through this study, the most frequently used strategies and their effectiveness were derived. The results indicate that vernacular rural habitat in the Aurassien villages is creatively adapted to the environmental conditions and uses various climate responsive strategies. The study additionally reveals that vernacular constructions in the Aures are more adapted to the climate constraints and social needs than contemporary residential buildings. These results were confirmed by hydrothermal values where main indoor temperature in a traditional rural house was less than external values by 3 °C and more humidified, while in modern house indoor temperature records were more than the exterior by 1°C. Thus, vernacular climatic responsive strategies must be considered as a reference for nowadays environmental issues in rural areas. Moreover, they can be feasible for contemporary buildings and, consequently, they could contribute greatly towards improving indoor thermal comfort whilst reducing buildings energy demand.

Size effect of bonded area for bonded joints between ETICS with an acrylic thin-film plaster and sheet metal component

The issue of anchoring sheet metal components has been part of construction practice for a very long time. Sheet metal components can be found on most contemporary buildings and due to the increasing thickness of insulation the possibility of anchoring to the supporting substrate is a problem. This paper discusses the issue of the bonded joint size dependence on the load capacity for fastening sheet metal elements to ETICS facades. A thixotropic silane modified polymer adhesive was used for this research. It was concluded that the size has a significant effect on the load capacity of the joint and their dependence was described.

“Greenlandicness” and Nation Building in Kalaallit Nunaat

Greenland is in the process of full de-colonization and is moving towards independence as the first Inuit nation-state. This trajectory, which is influenced by a widespread sense of nationhood, appears to set Greenland apart from other Inuit communities in the Arctic. This article investigates the nature and role of understandings of “Greenlandicness” in Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), as well as their effects on contemporary nation building and visions for a future independent Greenland. It explores past and current debates about collective identity in Greenland by analysing political discourses as expressed in mass and social media, Inatsisartut debates and official documents, and various statements by politicians, parties, and Naalakkersuisut. The discourse analysis is inspired by Wetherell and Potter’s social psychology approach to identity analysis, including their understanding of “interpretative repertoires” (1988). The article concludes that although Indigeneity remains one source of the perception of the inherent right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination, the stronger current in Greenland politics and collective identification is one of classical (European) nationalism. Further, it finds that a number of discursive repertoires exist, which can be thematically labelled: Kalaallit Indigenous nationalism, pan-Inuit Indigenism, post- and de-colonialism, (post-)modernism, traditionalism, and ethnic and civic nationalism.

Local behaviour of the connector with mechanical coupler and rebar anchor under tension load

In the past few decades, demountable connectors have often been used for connections in composite and mixed steel-concrete structures to reduce construction time and costs. Furthermore, the application of demountable connectors enables the reuse of structural elements in these structures, which leads to sustainable design and a circular economy. In this paper, the demountable connector is made out of two parts: (1) mechanical coupler and rebar anchor placed in formwork before casting the concrete element, and (2) steel bolt used for connecting steel to the RC element. Although this connector is increasingly being used in contemporary building structures, its behaviour in composite connections is still insufficiently defined. The paper presents the results of experimental tests and numerical analysis of the connector with a mechanical coupler, focusing on the local behaviour of the tapered threaded connection between the mechanical coupler and rebar anchor.

Reconstruction of the volume-planning parameters of schools using biophilic principles and techniques

The aim of the study is to approve the method of evaluation of school buildings, based on the use of space-planning parameters of objects, taking into account the principles and techniques of biophilic architecture. Objectives of the study: to evaluate typical projects of schools of the Soviet period, taking into account modern standards of ecological construction, requirements of bioclimatic comfort and biophilic principles, using space-planning parameters specified in the design architectural and construction drawings; consider this method as the primary step for the diagnosis of potential biophilic properties of buildings, visual connection with the environment; make a critical analysis and provide recommendations for the use of this method of assessment. The study of domestic and foreign experience in creating biophilic learning spaces showed that preliminary analysis of volumetric and planning parameters of school buildings, can be used to diagnose the potential biophilic properties of objects, such as the efficiency of daylighting, natural ventilation, visual connection with the outside environment. The study critically analyzes the plans, facades, and cuts of typical Soviet school projects from the 1960s-1970s based on contemporary building certification standards and principles of bioclimatic, biophilic architecture. The significance of the obtained results for architects and designers is that the proposed method makes it possible to give a quick initial assessment of the potential biophilic properties of an object during the development of school reconstruction projects on the basis of the volume-planning parameters of buildings specified in the project documentation without a full-scale survey.

Exploring the role of parametric architecture in building design: An inclusive approach

One of the design challenges that architects and designers encounter during the creation and design stage of structural concepts is the parametric optimization of an architectural object's form. It is a very time-consuming and difficult process to evaluate a building's energy performance as a design consideration in the early design stages. To solve performance-related design issues, a number of tools and techniques have been created during the past few decades, primarily employing multi-objective optimization algorithms. The ability to dynamically control geometry and components using parametric modeling enables the designer to simultaneously evaluate several alternatives. The system research in the fields of architecture and urban planning aims to provide the energy efficiency of a design while enhancing its performance features. Theorists' perspectives have recently overlapped and diverged over how to strike a balance between technological capabilities and environmental factors in order to create an objective architecture in terms of performance that is unconcerned with form without content. All of these factors combined to create a modern architecture that is conceptually distinct from earlier tendencies seen before the advent of digital technology. In this paper, the relationship between the parametric architecture and environmental friendliness on building design has been explored. In order to analyze the theoretical study data, this research paper aims to elucidate the key elements of parametric architecture. This paper also reviews the utilization of cutting-edge implementation techniques, contemporary building materials and digital design approaches resulted from the parametric design in the growth of architectural philosophy.

Risk management in civil engineering

Risk is involved in the whole lifecycle of a structure: design, construction, utilization, and demolition. There is a close connection between reliability and risk. Contemporary building codes introduce consideration of reliability in structural design. Here, the concept of risk takes into account the level of consequences of a failure. Structural engineers, who are used to deterministic calculation procedures, are often unfamiliar with the uncertainties associated with risk analysis. An overview of the basic principles of risk management in civil engineering is presented in this paper.

Brief Introduction to Properties of Wood and Application of Wood in Architectural Structures

Wood’s existence in earth is much earlier than human beings’ appearance, after thousands of years’ evolution, many kinds of wood are strong enough to support humans’ basic needs. Since the mid-20th century, scientists had made a great progress in chemistry and civil engineering, which made types of materials for architecture become abundant. However, despite of all the advantages that wood has got, the inflammability and mildew are the main reasons that wood cannot be largely used in the super high-rise building or huge building. The passage mainly introduced the excellent architectural properties of wood with detailed data, wood-based structure along with its characteristics and the typical wooden structures worldwide. From the current situation, wood is widely used in the medium and small-scale building for its good properties and well performance on many respects, including the ancient masterpieces. The typical and contemporary wood building structures system have shown the ingenious ideas and connotation within the structure. Furthermore, modified materials based on wood are developed to adapt the higher standards and requirements for architecture. In this way wood shall overcome the disadvantages of inflammability and mildew and other flaws due to congenital defects and acquired defects caused by environment. Finally, the thesis puts forward simple ideas on how to bring the superiority into full play and expects that the adoption of wood-based composite technology for the prospect of wood products in the construction industry.

산업화된 현대 흙건축 자재를 위한 표준시험법 고찰 및 제안

Purpose: Although no normative basis for earthen architecture has been established in Korea so far, this study aims to serve as a starting point for a long journey to obtain the legitimacy of earthen architecture by contributing to the establishment of standardized test types for earthen architecture. Method: In this research, 131 test methods for performance and quality of earth building among 24 earth building codes and normative documents (with additional 120 related regulations) being implemented in 11 countries and regions were categorized by the quantitative parameters revealing the properties of contemporary earth building, and were scrutinized. Result: First, it is imperative to define the properties and parameters to be verified, taking account the own feature of earth building materials and elements. In Korea, the properties of moisture as well as structural stability should be included due to its climatic characteristics. Next, it is necessary to select an appropriate parameters for verifying the performance of respective construction technique and material, and to apply or to develop an appropriate test method accordingly. Conventional test methods can no longer keep pace with the development of earthen architecture. In addition, it needs to consider whether and how to continue the field test, since it is no more effective in mass production system. Finally, it’s time to consider how to use stabilizer. This is more about the earth building industry than the standardized test methods. In any case, it is the essence how earthen architecture can be more prolific without losing the initial purpose.

Investigation of daylight performance in traditional residential buildings in the context of EN- 17037 standard - Sivas Hubiyar Korucu Mansion

Daylight is an integral part of our lives as the most important element in places. Efficient and appropriate use of daylight reduces the need for adequate illumination of the volumes and artificial lighting. Today, windows that are not designed correctly cause energy waste by increasing the use of artificial lighting instead of natural lighting. The seriousness of this situation is increasing today and regulations and standards regarding daylight use are published. The disappearance of this traditional Turkish architecture has also reduced the effective use of natural light. Study is focused on daylight penetration in traditional Turkish houses in the context of EN-17037 and a traditional Turkish house evaluated as case study. Natural lighting measurements of the selected building were calculated using the daylight simulation program, at 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 for the months of March 21, June 21, September 21, and December 21 under average sky conditions. In line with the results obtained from the simulation program, the illumination levels (Lux), daylight factor (DF) and daylight performance classification (%) of the spaces are presented. As a result of the evaluation made in the context of EN 17037 standard, attention was drawn to the importance of openings as windows in traditional Turkish houses. And additionaly, architectural similarities and differences with the contemporary building is highlighted in results.

The Role of Globalisation in Baku's New City

This article examines the construction of Baku city, which has undergone rapid change in recent years following the effects of globalisation, and where many new and iconic buildings have been built. These buildings have influenced the formation of Baku's new city image. The study focuses on how the texture of the newly built (2009-2018) contemporary buildings, primarily medium and large-scale projects, in intense development areas have affected the city's architectural identity.The selected 27 buildings were examined according to seven developed design criteria that examine the features affecting architectural identity. The results obtained with the findings are presented in the tables. Within the examination of the architectural development of Baku, the regions where the new buildings are mostly built, the west coast of the Caspian Sea and the urban development area Haydar Aliyev Street are discussed. While the still young 27-year-old republic focused on the intense modern city image, there were losses in the interesting urban and architectural texture during the period.

Sustainability assessment model for mass housing's interior rehabilitation and its validation to Ekbatan, Iran

Mass housing (MH) buildings from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, after decades of continuous use and inadequate maintenance, cause several sustainability issues and need rehabilitation. Most current conventional rehabilitation approaches have long been criticized because they consider neither sustainability requirements nor contemporary building standards. In this regard, the assessment and selection of suitable approaches for rehabilitating MH interiors, from a holistic sustainability viewpoint, is a crucial issue that faces several challenges since this is a multidisciplinary and multi-criteria process. On this subject, the present study develops a novel MCDM model based on the MIVES and Delphi methods for the holistic sustainability assessment of MHs’ interior rehabilitation considering involved stakeholders' preferences. This MIVES-Delphi model relies on a comprehensive literature review, experts' seminars, on-site surveying, LCA, BIM, user/expert-based questionnaires, bias reduction, and sensitivity analysis. The model was first applied in the Ekbatan MH case study, the largest MH in Iran, to assess the sustainability of four different interior rehabilitation scenarios, including three common rehabilitation scenarios plus an innovative one. Consequently, the new model was validated, and the most sustainable scenario was selected. The specific results regarding these scenarios' evaluation disclosed that none of the common rehabilitation scenarios could either meet the minimum sustainability target value or serve as proper solutions for MH's interior rehabilitation. Contrarily, the fourth scenario, with a global sustainability index of 0.71, could meet the standard minimum target. This outcome provides a possibility for innovative rehabilitation processes to have positive effects on increasing the sustainability performance in MH buildings.

Assessment of Natural Additives Modified Lime Mortars for Repair of Historic Structures with Strength, Durability and Microstructural Parameters

The contemporary building material despite the significance of cement in construction industry is the lime mortars because of its usage as a structural repair material around the ancient heritage structures. Though the significance of lime mortars lies in the fact of compatibility towards the existing ancient lime-based structures, the method of construction and material preparations are still undisclosed. In such a case, it is necessary for the researchers to analyze scientifically, the influences of various additives towards the performance of lime mortars. This paper tries to attempt two natural additives viz., gallnut (Terminalia chebula) and palm jaggery (Saccharam officinarum) as modifiers of mixing water in the preparation of class B hydraulic lime-based mortars through the process of fermentation. Based upon the trials, 39 mixes were considered with varying water to lime ratios and dosages of additives. Experimental tests such as workability, compressive strength, water absorption, acid resistance and NaCl cyclic tests were conducted along with SEM and XRD microstructural assessments. The maximum compressive strength achieved was about 4.3 MPa which is 200% that of conventional lime mortars. Jaggery and gallnut-based additives were efficient in various durability studies however the performance of jaggery is superior to gallnut in various aspects.