Contemporary Design Practice Research Articles

THE MAIN TRENDS AND DIRECTIONS OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION OF THE HISTORICAL ENVIRONMENT

Objective: The purpose of this study is an attempt to reveal and analyze the modern trends and directions of the sustainable development and regeneration of the historical environment from the point of view of the harmonious combination of new and historical architecture and to define some methodological principles of its design at the different hierarchical levels. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in a thorough literature review that examines existing research and is based on international scientific publications, reports, scientific papers. Diverse practical materials in the area under study were used as well as own experience in designing urban complexes and buildings in the historical environment. Methods: This study is based on a set of scientific research methods, using an extensive review of literature, Internet resources, and the views of stakeholders. Preference was given to methods such as comparative analysis, synthesis, generalization, complex and systemic approaches. Results: Research identifies key areas of the development and regeneration of the complexes and buildings in the historical environment, which can be divided into several directions. The features, conditions, and directions of such implementations on various examples are examined in this study. Some methodological principles of designing in historical areas at different hierarchical levels are considered. Research Implications: Implications of the study: The results and recommendations of this study will be useful for contemporary design practice, may increase awareness of project management in the field of architecture and urban planning, and help to manage practice in this field more effectively.

Materializing responsible futures: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of circular design experiences in construction

Reimagining design as a transformative practice for realizing a circular built environment is both urgent and important. Many of today's resource problems can be traced back to the way constructions are being designed. The adoption of circular design practices may alleviate these problems. Most previous research has either mapped the boundaries of contemporary circular design practices or pushed those boundaries with new interventions. The lived experiences of designers are, however, often overlooked. Little remains known about what it is like to be engaged in and how to ‘live through’ circular design. This study therefore seeks to understand the practice from the perspective of designers themselves. Through applying an interpretative phenomenological analysis to unstructured interview data collected from ten frontrunning Dutch designers, it explores both the what and how of circular design. Four emergent themes were found that illuminate the experience itself. Circular design is, accordingly, interpreted as a practice which: proclaims responsibility towards the Earth, materializes future-oriented solutions, deals with a multi-headed monster, and involves orchestrating a design ecosystem. These themes are illustrated with narrative accounts of designers' actual experiences. The rich, in-depth insights offer ample learning opportunities to better understand and facilitate unfolding circularity transitions. Circular design is, as such, theorized as a vital practice that can shape the built environment through materializing responsible futures.

Computing Typology: Generative Design for Creating Housing Solutions from Type Analysis in Bogota

AbstractThe article delves into the integration of a typological discourse within contemporary design practice, offering insights into a generative system aimed at processing design scenarios from typological analyses. By identifying architectural types within the context of Bogota’s periphery, this research showcases the potential of computational methods to formalize typological principles in design. It also explores the possibilities of digital design to facilitate the production of customized housing solutions on a mass scale. This study contributes to the debate about the role of typology in design practice, highlighting the possibilities inherent in leveraging computational tools to enhance architectural synthesis. Additionally, it investigates the potential of a digital design framework to offer alternative solutions to the housing crisis, addressing the growing demand for affordable, high-quality housing in Latin America.

Incorporation mechanism of traditional Chinese garden elements in modern urban landscape design: an exploratory analysis based on grounded theory

ABSTRACT Following China’s reform and opening up in 1978, the image of European and American city construction has shaped China’s modern urban environment, but the creation of Chinese cities’ original intrinsic cultural landscape has been neglected. This leads to a break in the inheritance of garden culture in contemporary public and open urban landscape design. This study investigates the process of integrating traditional Chinese gardens into contemporary landscapes using grounded theory. In this study, In Vivo Coding is utilized to conduct a thorough analysis of textual materials through a three-step process: Open Coding, Axial Coding, and Selective Coding saturation test. The identified data are meticulously coded and summarized, culminating in the construction of a theoretical model. The study revealed that the incorporation of traditional Chinese garden elements in contemporary urban landscape design involves several key aspects: firstly, employing the traditional layout and spatial form of the entire design site; secondly, integrating modern public landscape design scenes with traditional garden design concepts to evoke a distinct Chinese ambiance; furthermore, utilizing both modern technology and materials alongside traditional techniques to create multi-dimensional elements within the site. The present study systematically synthesizes and examines the incorporation of traditional Chinese garden elements in contemporary urban design across six dimensions. This research offers a theoretical framework for the preservation of traditional garden culture and its integration into modern landscape, as well as furnishing mechanisms and methodologies for integrating traditional culture into contemporary landscape design practice. This research provides a valuable reference for preserving and practically implementing traditional garden elements in contemporary urban landscapes.

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.

Innovative Design and Application of Ethnic Cultural and Creative Products: A Case Study of the Zhuang Fu Rui Cultural Dolls

The distinctive attire of the Zhuang ethnicity is the most direct expression of its folk culture. The positive development and utilization of ethnic costumes can significantly benefit Zhuang folk tourism. Incorporating elements of ethnic costume culture, such as patterns, colors, fabrics, and decorations, into modern design can enrich the ethnic cultural connotations of contemporary design practices. This research project, taking the Zhuang Fu Rui cultural dolls as a case study, discusses the integration and continuation of minority culture with modern design. By merging Zhuang costume culture with "Fu Rui" culture, the study explores the incorporation of traditional cultural elements into modern design, aiming to preserve and promote Zhuang culture. Additionally, the paper uses case analysis to deeply examine the role of cultural and creative products in the inheritance of Zhuang culture, suggesting that products combining Zhuang culture with Fu Rui culture can effectively facilitate the transmission and spread of traditional culture.

A Comprehensive Framework for Integrating Robotics and Digital Twins in Façade Perforation

In contemporary design practices, the conflict between initial design approaches and subsequent manufacturing and construction stages presents a notable challenge. To address this disparity, our study aims to establish a comprehensive digital design workflow, bridging these gaps. The authors introduce a conceptual framework that seamlessly integrates the imperatives of LEED with the realm of robotic manufacturing, specifically tailored for construction sites. The proposed methodology encompasses four distinct iFOBOT modules: iFOBOT-environment, iFOBOT-design, iFOBOT-construct, and iFOBOT-monitor. The integration of these modules allows for a holistic approach to design and construction, fostering efficient collaboration between multidisciplinary teams. To validate the efficacy of the author’s approach, we conducted an empirical study involving the creation of a double-skin facade panel perforation using this integrated process. Initial findings emphasize the enhanced constructability achieved through simulated robotic interventions utilizing a heuristic function. Moreover, this research presents a functional prototype as a tangible embodiment of the method’s practical application and potential impact on the field of architectural design and construction.

Teaching Graphic Design for undergraduate students in Vietnam: a curriculum analysis

IntroductionThe present study aims to examine the effects of autonomy policies implemented after 2014 on the undergraduate education of Graphic Design in Vietnam. The focus is on how these policies have influenced the transition of curricular content from traditional print-based principles to modern digital design methodologies.MethodsThis study employs a targeted analysis of specialized knowledge courses within Graphic Design programs, tracing their progression from conventional design principles for the print medium to modern digital design principles. It includes a comprehensive examination of curricular adjustments made in response to the evolving digital landscape.ResultsThe analysis reveals a significant shift in the curriculum post-2014, from focusing predominantly on traditional design concepts such as typography, layout, and color theory to embracing digital design principles suitable for online platforms. These include responsive design, user experience/user interface, motion graphics, and animation. Empirical data presented in the study highlights the profound impact of increased institutional autonomy on this transformation.DiscussionThe transition to digital platforms marks a substantial development in Graphic Design education, aligning with the growing acceptance of interdisciplinary methodologies. The study discusses how these curricular changes are a direct response to the dynamic requirements of contemporary design practice, characterized by digital technology’s pervasive influence, interactivity, and sustainability considerations. The results emphasize the importance of adapting Graphic Design education to meet the demands of the modern industry, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to thrive in the digital age.

Promoting by Writing. The Role of Publication and Criticism in Shaping Graphic Design

This article attempts to analyse and critically discuss the evolution of graphic design promotion with emphasis on the influence of theory, professional criticism and publications on the development and perception of the discipline. It analyses the history of design from the epoch of mechanised production and invention of typographic print, through the development of theory and practice of typography, to the contemporary discourses and practices of design. Particular attention is paid to key figures and publications, which have had significant influence on the development of graphic design, such as the works of Joseph Moxon, Pierre Simon Fournier, Jan Tschichold, Beatrice Warde, as well as the later periodicals – “Graphis”, “Neue Graphik” and “Projekt”. Moreover, the text presents how the development of design theories and practices have been accompanied by the need for criticism and reflection over the role a applied graphics in the society, as apparent from such manifestos as Ken Garland’s First Things First and the activity of magazines, e.g. “Emigre” and “Eye”. There is emphasis on the meaning of attitudes and areas of designer’s operations, as well as their influence on contemporary design practices. The analysis highlights that the promotion of graphic design is not limited to visual aspects, but also includes a broad cultural, educational and social context, underlying its diversity and complexity. As the results of the analysis demonstrate, the discipline constantly evolves, responding to changeable social and technological needs, which contributes to its dynamic development and adaptation. Keywords: design promotion, history of typography, design criticism, graphic design theory, design practices evolution

New Possibilities for Spatial Research: Re-Animating the Built Environment Through Speculative Maps and Models

This article presents creative methodologies for studying the emotionally charged environment of school buildings, with particular attention to situated movements and modes of engagement after the Covid pandemic. Drawing on digital-sensory methods and futuring practices, developed in collaboration with staff and students in a UK secondary school, we present a series of speculative architectural models and living maps. Our approach is informed by Bruno Latour’s concept of the Terrestrial as a metamorphic zone that includes the built environment, with connections to contemporary architecture and design practices. We use techniques in speculative cartography and cosmography, creating maps and models that show how students negotiate the affective atmosphere and social-material ecology associated with school buildings.

Light formed through urban morphology and different organism groups: First findings from a systematic review.

The prevailing implementation and usage of contemporary lighting technologies and design practices in cities have created over-illuminated built environments. Recent studies indicate that exposure to electric lighting effects formed through spatial characteristics has visual, physiological, and behavioural effects on both humans and non-humans, such as wildlife. In order to gain a better understanding of the impact that electric lighting has on space and different organism groups, a comprehensive literature review was conducted applying PRISMA 2020 systematic review guidelines. Results of the searches from various databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, identified 5260 related studies. A total of 55 papers connected to four themes: (1) urban morphology; (2) human visual impressions; (3) ecological impacts; and (4) design approaches and methods were analysed with a focus on urban morphology. The review provided the following general findings: lighting properties alone are inadequate to depict visual impressions of pedestrians, patterns formed through light interacting with spatial characteristics can contribute to understanding how spaces are visually perceived and help characterising the exposure of wildlife organisms to potential disturbances.

Understanding historic buildings from an environmental perspective: Finsbury Health Centre – as an environmental rhetoric of modernism

PurposeThis paper aims to examine how the interrelation between architecture and the physical environment came to prominence and influenced the pioneering modernist architects to acquire the features of modern architecture that the British modernists later adopted. How the post-war urban poor of Britain, suffering from ill-health and dire need of sun, air and a good environment, played an essential role in alleviating the environmental concerns of the modern movement architects.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology of this research involves a comprehensive architectural analysis of the Finsbury Health Centre alongside an in-depth historical investigation of modernist design principles. This review article examines books, articles and some archival materials, such as recordings, pictures, etc. on the early phase of British modernism and its environmental dimension by looking at the works of historians, architects and critics.FindingsDesign based on modernist principles. While it can be seen as the political agenda of the Labor Party, this building was not only functionally efficient but also represented the biometric concerns of modern architecture with the most natural means.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this study provides valuable insights, it may be limited by historical documents and data availability.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this paper lie in its examination of the Finsbury Health Centre as a case study, shedding light on the environmental rhetoric of modernism in historic architecture. By providing a holistic assessment of the building’s environmental aspects, this research contributes to both architectural history and contemporary sustainable design practices.

Defining Digital Design in the National Collection

As the national design collection of the United States, Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City is dedicated to historical and contemporary design with a collection of over 215,000 objects. Since its founding in 1897 as the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration, its collection departments have been defined taxonomically by materials. In 2022, the museum created a new collecting department for the first time in its history, acknowledging that Digital collections represent a separate “material.” The introduction of a Digital department stakes a claim that digital design is itself a separate discipline with its own needs of collections management, curation, and conservation. Digital design as both process and product is now pervasive throughout design fields and the collection will continue to grow as the museum strives to represent contemporary design practice. While the museum’s early digital collecting came from a lineage of graphic design and typography, this article discusses the challenges inherent in developing new taxonomies, typologies, classifications, and collections management and preservation processes.

Innovative Application of the Artistic Modeling of Ancient Chinese Astronomical Instruments in Modern Design: A Case Study of the Armillary Sphere

Ancient Chinese astronomical instruments, exemplifying classical Chinese traditional artefact design, represent a perfect amalgamation of ancient China's advanced scientific and technological prowess with the aesthetic philosophy underlying traditional Chinese artefact creation. Their scientific and artistic values are considerable and should not be underestimated. This research introduces these instruments' concepts, design characteristics, and innovative application cases, mainly focusing on the armillary sphere from an artistic design perspective. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, literature reviews, and systematic analysis; the research examines the instruments' design features and cultural significance. The objective of the study is to highlight the armillary sphere's potential as a source of inspiration across various modern design domains, such as sculpture and installation, fashion accessory design and stage performance. The study concludes that reinterpreting these ancient astronomical instruments in modern design not only preserves cultural heritage but also encourages cross-border innovation. This fusion approach offers new perspectives for designers, blending traditional Chinese culture with contemporary design practice. Future research is suggested to explore the integration and wider application of ancient Chinese astronomical instruments in modern design.

Visualizing the Emotional Spectrum: Emotions and Lines in Contemporary Design Practice

Visualizing the Emotional Spectrum: Emotions and Lines in Contemporary Design Practice

Exploring Aesthetic Elements of Spring Imagery and Floral Design from Consumer’s Perspective

We investigated the aesthetic elements of spring imagery and floral design from the perspective of consumers and examined how these elements affected consumer preferences and satisfaction levels. Using the evaluation grid method (EGM) method and the Kano model, we delineated and appraised essential aesthetic components that are inherent in spring imagery. An IPA analysis was employed to deepen the understanding of their impact on consumer perceptions. The results indicated that the fundamental aesthetic elements of spring imagery, including rhythm, romance, a sense of happiness, and idyllic beauty, played a pivotal role in enhancing the allure of floral designs and boosting consumer satisfaction. The IPA analysis result underscored the significance of the vibrancy, vitality, and innovation in color schemes, which consumers particularly cherished in the context of spring imagery. Additionally, key qualitative elements such as 'Vibrant Colors', 'Sense of Rhythm', 'Thriving', 'Romantic', 'Energetic Imagery', 'Imagery of Happiness', and 'Poetic and Picturesque' were highlighted which have not yet been fully actualized in contemporary floral design practices. The results suggested future enhancements and offered a reference for floral designers to understand and meet consumer expectations related to spring imagery and create more captivating and satisfying floral creations. Furthermore, these findings provided theoretical and empirical foundations for academic research in related disciplines, enhancing the understanding of the critical elements in floral design.

A study on ship hull form transformation using convolutional autoencoder

Abstract The optimal ship hull form in contemporary design practice primarily consists of three parts: hull form modification, performance prediction, and optimization. Hull form modification is a crucial step to affect optimization efficiency because the baseline hull form is varied to search for performance improvements. The conventional hull form modification methods mainly rely on human decisions and intervention. As a direct expression of the three-dimensional hull form, the lines are not appropriate for machine learning techniques. This is because they do not explicitly express a meaningful performance metric despite their relatively large data dimension. To solve this problem and develop a novel machine-based hull form design technique, an autoencoder, which is a dimensional reduction technique based on an artificial neural network, was created in this study. Specifically, a convolutional autoencoder was designed; firstly, a convolutional neural network (CNN) preprocessor was used to effectively train the offsets, which are the half-width coordinate values on the hull surface, to extract feature maps. Secondly, the stacked encoder compressed the feature maps into an optimal lower dimensional-latent vector. Finally, a transposed convolution layer restored the dimension of the lines. In this study, 21 250 hull forms belonging to three different ship types of containership, LNG carrier, and tanker, were used as training data. To describe the hull form in more detail, each was divided into several zones, which were then input into the CNN preprocessor separately. After the training, a low-dimensional manifold consisting of the components of the latent vector was derived to represent the distinctive hull form features of the three ship types considered. The autoencoder technique was then combined with another novel approach of the surrogate model to form an objective function neural network. Further combination with the deterministic particle swarm optimization method led to a successful hull form optimization example. In summary, the present convolutional autoencoder has demonstrated its significance within the machine learning-based design process for ship hull forms.

Revealing a Gap in Parametric Architecture’s Address of “Context”

“Context” holds a broad meaning in architectural discourse, and its definition and components have evolved over time. A comparison between contemporary parametric design and overall architectural practices reveals a contradictory connotation of context in these discourses. In parametric design, as it is currently practiced, the concept of “context” appears to have shifted primarily toward energy considerations and quantifiable parameters, neglecting the broader range of site forces. However, it raises the question of whether parametric design can still be considered contextual and sustainable design when it overlooks compatibility with broader contextual dimensions such as cultural, social, and historical forces. To answer this question, we establish a clear and comprehensive definition of “context” in overall architectural practices by exploring the different meanings and epistemologies of “context” in cultural, social, historical, physical, environmental, political, and economic domains. This process helps us determine which context components can be incorporated into parametric architecture and which cannot, thereby aiding in the integration of sustainability principles into parametric design. The results show that while physical and environmental components can be included in parametric architecture, intangible parameters such as cultural, historical, social, economic, and political aspects cannot be easily quantified and thus are difficult to incorporate.

Dalibor Vesely and the Model of the Late Baroque

This article explores the value and lessons of the late baroque for Dalibor Vesely as an example of the role that it played for many architectural educators in the 1970s and 1980s. It shows the specific roots of Vesely’s interpretation of the late baroque in the context of the influence of his mentors, the art historian Vaclav Richter, and the phenomenologist Jan Patočka whose thought positioned the late baroque in relationship to the crisis of modernity. It then shows how Vesely used the late baroque in his studio and seminar teaching in the 1980s at the University of Cambridge school of architecture, not only to develop his students’ historical and theoretical critique of modern architecture, but as a model for contemporary design practice, finding in examples of late baroque churches, such as Johann Michael Fischer’s renovations of the church at Zwiefalten Abbey (1739–65), an architecture of ambiguity, complexity, sensuality, imagination, and holism that could inspire contemporary architecture.

Evolution of Decorative Elegance: Rediscovering the Honeysuckle Pattern in the Caisson Ceilings of the Mogao Grottoes during the Middle Sui Dynasty

The Mogao Grottoes, situated in Dunhuang City, Gansu Province, holds significant cultural value as an iconic site of Chinese heritage. Among the intricate patterns adorning the caisson ceilings within these grottoes, the honeysuckle pattern stands out as one of the most popular designs. This paper propose an innovative redesign method the honeysuckle pattern specifically for the caisson in the Mogao Grottoes during the middle Sui Dynasty in order to better inherit the art of Dunhuang and meet contemporary aesthetic requirements. A literature review and case study were used to summarize Lotus pattern types and characteristics. It begins by providing an overview of the original honeysuckle pattern found in the caisson ceilings of the grottoes, followed by an analysis of the different decorative patterns on the borders of caisson ceilings in the early and middle Sui dynasties. Then, The paper proposes a novel design model for the honeysuckle pattern, drawing inspiration from historical designs and employing a combination of traditional and modern technology. Through this methodology, the paper concludes that the innovative honeysuckle pattern design for the caisson in the Mogao Grottoes successfully integrates traditional design elements with contemporary design methods. This design method not only reflects the historical context of the Middle Sui Dynasty but also exemplifies the potential of method in contemporary design practice.