Architectural Form Research Articles

A Pathological Diagnostic Method for Traditional Brick-Masonry Dwellings: A Case Study in Guangfu Ancient City

Many regions of the world have traditional dwellings, which not only represent the main form of residential architecture, but also carry the local vernacular culture, display the region’s unique architectural style, materials and technology, and have important historical and cultural value. Due to environmental factors, traditional dwellings often suffer from architectural damage that threatens the stability of their structure and affects their esthetics value, resulting in a significant number of abandoned and demolished houses. In order to scientifically and effectively solve the damage problems of traditional dwellings, based on the theory of architectural pathology, the following diagnostic method for damage manifestation and the characteristics of traditional houses is proposed: “Architectural Pathology Appraisal–Pathological Environment Analysis–Mechanical Properties Testings”. The traditional dwellings in the ancient city of Guangfu were used as a case study for the practical application of the methodology for analyzing the main types and causes of the damage of the dwellings by examining the damage information of the dwellings, collecting the environmental data of the damaged walls, and testing the mechanical properties of the damaged walls. The results show that the main damage type in the ancient city dwellings of Guangfu is dampness damage, with corrosion deterioration, wall alkali flooding, and the moisture infiltration phenomenon as the manifested symptoms, and the damage is mainly concentrated in the lower part of the wall. In addition, the humidity and moisture content in the lower part of the wall is higher than that in the upper part of the wall, and the compressive strength of the damaged part of the wall is lower than that of the undamaged part. The humid environment of the old town contributed significantly to the destruction of the dwellings, and water intrusion led to a reduction in the strength of the dwellings’ bricks. Through the diagnostic method of building pathology, the causes of Guangfu dwellings’ damage are identified, and scientific and targeted damage intervention suggestions are made. This is expected to provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of building pathology in the ancient city of Guangfu and serve as a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology in traditional dwellings in other areas.

Multi-objective optimization framework based on review of form-finding of architectural parametric forms

Parametric architecture has played a vital role in architectural design in recent times. Research on early form-finding of architectural forms represents a notable area of study. Despite the significance of energy performance, digital fabrication, and aesthetics as design objectives, there is a lack of a comprehensive framework that integrates them in the form-finding process. To address this gap, this research conducts a systematic review of previous studies on form-finding and optimization of architectural forms, focusing on the three aforementioned objectives. Then, based on the analysis of the selected studies, the research proposes a multi-objective optimization framework for form-finding of architectural parametric forms, considering energy performance, digital fabrication, and aesthetics. The framework comprises five phases: form generation, multi-objective optimization, aesthetic evaluation, geometry rationalization, and digital fabrication of a prototype. This framework is usable by any architect, regardless of their programming knowledge, and is applicable to any new architectural design.

The Trình Tường house of the Bố Y People in Vietnam: A Study on Cultural Heritage and Traditional Architecture

The Trình Tường house (similer Earthen-Walled house), a distinctive architectural form of the Bố Y people in Vietnam, has embodied both cultural and spiritual values, reflecting their ethnic identity. However, modernization, climate change, and the development of tourism have placed immense pressure on the preservation of this traditional architecture. This paper aims to analyze the cultural and architectural values of the Trình Tường house in the modern context while proposing solutions for its preservation and promotion as a cultural heritage. The research was based on qualitative methods, including field observation, semi-structured interviews with Bố Y community members, and comparative analysis of traditional architecture from other ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia and worldwide. The findings revealed that the Trình Tường house was not only a physical structure but also a cultural and spiritual symbol, connecting people with nature and belief systems. However, pressures from modernization and climate change have compromised the sustainability of this architecture. The study contributes to cultural ecology theory and offers specific policy recommendations for preserving the Trình Tường house, ensuring the Bố Y people’s cultural identity, and paves the way for future research on traditional architectural conservation in the current context.

Conservation of Waterlogged Wooden Structures from the Late Bronze Age at İnönü Cave (Türkiye)

ABSTRACT During the excavations carried out in the İnönü Cave, located within the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye, four separate floor structures made of wood, dating back to the Late Bronze Age (1436-1123 Cal BCE), were unearthed. The way the corners of the structures are connected shows that the structures were built with the çantı or bell technique, a traditional nail-less wooden architectural form of the Black Sea region. Thanks to the wet and stable environmental conditions within the cave, the wooden floors have survived and are well preserved from the Late Bronze Age to the present day. This study presents the details of the conservation practices developed and deployed in order to ensure that the wooden floors are well protected and remain available for study in the short and medium term.

Seismic response of a mid-story isolated stilted structure in mountainous areas

Research on the SSI effect on flat sites has yielded many valuable conclusions. However, current research on the impacts of various special local terrains on structural dynamics remains limited. For mountainous areas, it is common to construct houses in a multi-step, climbing, and laterally staggered architectural form that follows the mountain terrain. Only through the analysis of the combined action of the upper and lower parts can the seismic performance of this type of structural form be better revealed; considering the influence of SSI effects will be closer to the actual seismic effects. Therefore, to identify the damage factors of the mid-story isolated stilted structures under earthquakes and provide optimized design plans for the structures, six models are established considering three slopes and two types of foundations based on the engineering case in Chongqing, China. Through the elastic-plastic time-history analysis under earthquakes in the down and transverse-slope directions, concludes, compared with not considering SSI, the seismic response of the mid-story isolated stilted structures considering SSI in mountainous areas is amplified. With the increase of the mountain slope, the seismic response of the structures considering SSI increases, and the amplification coefficients are between 1–1.8. The amplification coefficients of the structures without SSI are concentrated around 1, which is less influenced by the slope. The damage to the stilted isolated layer is mainly concentrated in the column and the beam end, and the maximum seismic response appears in the short columns. The foundation soil stress increases with the increase of the mountain slope.

Small Architectural Forms in Tomsk Wooden Buildings in 19–20th Centuries

The paper considers small architectural forms in the wooden manor buildings of Tomsk late in the 19th and early 20th centuries and their impact on the historical image of the city. The paper also studies preservation of historical cities and loss of historical and architectural wooden heritage.Purpose: To identify the types of small architectural forms in the wooden houses of Tomsk and determine their role in the city image.Methodology: Historical photographs, drawings, and field survey of wooden buildings, archival documents and photographs by local historians P. N. Kokhanenko and R. Perushin, allowing to determine lost small architectural forms and systematize them.Research findings: Determination of small architectural forms in preserving individual history and culture of the historical city.Practical implications: The obtained results can be used to study wooden buildings of Siberian cities and develop projects for their reconstruction in Tomsk.

“Like a phoenix from the ashes”

The article presents selected forms of material commemoration of the raid on Würzburg on March 16, 1945, and the efforts related to the subsequent reconstruction. Models, paintings, monuments, small architectural and sculptural forms, as well as the furnishings and decorations of churches preserve the memory of the event that changed the city and its form. This text is a sketch and at the same time an element of broader research conducted by the author on the forms of storing memory in cities destroyed during World War II.

A cultural exposition model for interpreting architectural heritage: A study on Pingyao historical city

Architectural heritage, encompassing both its material and immaterial aspects, serves as a vital lens for understanding the historical, social, and esthetic values embedded in a society. As a reflection of cultural evolution, it offers insight into the architectural technologies, social structures, and collective memories of specific historical periods. This article investigates the architectural history of Pingyao historical city by employing theoretical perspectives that integrate material, social, and spiritual dimensions. The study demonstrates how the philosophy and cultural values of ancient Chinese society are reflected in the spatial and architectural forms of Pingyao. The material dimension considers how principles such as Feng Shui, numerology, and color symbolism shaped the city’s general layout and building designs. The social attribute addresses the influence of Confucianism on spatial organization, the use of culturally significant architectural elements, and the function of key structures in fostering social unity among the population. The spiritual aspect explores concepts of Eastern origin, such as Yin and Yang, the Five Elements theory, and the “Unity of Heaven and Humanity,” as these are incorporated into the city’s external architecture. Furthermore, it examines the influence of Buddhism and Daoism on Pyingyao’s architectural features. This comprehensive analysis reveals that Pingyao is far more than a collection of historic buildings; it is an intricate cultural artifact, offering a unique perspective on earlier stages of Chinese thought and society. Therefore, the preservation and study of Pingyao’s architecture offer a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of China’s architectural history.

Western architectural ornamental art in traditional Chinese architecture: a case study of Tengchong City based on interdisciplinary approach

ABSTRACT This paper explores a previously unrecorded style of East-West architectural ornamentation in Tengchong, Yunnan Province, China, overlooked in historical architectural studies. The aim of this research is to both document and analyze this unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural elements, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Initially, literary research identifies relevant sites, which are subsequently examined through field research to collect firsthand data on the local architectural decorations that exhibit this East-West synthesis. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates concepts from biology and statistics, the study views these architectural decorations as a living organism. This perspective allows for a detailed examination of how different cultural elements are incorporated into local architecture, analyzed quantitatively and statistically. Through this research, a qualitative description of these hybrid architectural elements is developed, further enriched by a quantitative analysis based on statistical methods. The qualitative aspect of the study traces the historical evolution of this East-West architectural form, observing changes in themes and structures. In terms of quantitative findings, a detailed statistical profile of these local architectural features is established, which supports the qualitative insights. Overall, this research sheds light on a neglected aspect of architectural ornamentation, presenting a thorough analysis of its development and current state through an innovative mix of qualitative and quantitative research techniques. This study not only provides new data but also opens up fresh avenues for future research on similar topics.

Kiln–House Isomorphism and Cultural Isomerism in the Pavilions of the Yuci Area: The Xiang-Ming Pavilion as an Example

The pavilion is a time-honored architectural form in the Chinese silhouette with strong regional characteristics. Its appearance and technical means are often adaptively combined according to the characteristics of local architecture. The “kiln–house isomorphism” is a unique construction technology of the Shanxi construction type in China. Therefore, the “kiln–house isomorphism” is generally adopted for the construction of pavilions in Shanxi. This study focuses on Xiaonanzhuang Village, Yuci District, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Taking the Xiang-ming Pavilion, the core building of the village, as an example, we analyze the architectural characteristics of the “kiln–house isomorphism” in the pavilion in this area, describe the general construction rules of the region, and conduct a deep investigation of the five “cultural isomerism” factors of the pavilions in the region, namely, geomancy, etiquette and music, beliefs, clans, and cultivation and study. The results of this research will enrich the regional knowledge of such pavilions and add new objects for the protection of local architectural heritage, providing a theoretical basis for the contemporary adaptive reuse of pavilions in the Yuci area from a cultural perspective.

Reconstructing the environment of historic cities. Methods of incorporating new objects into the historic urban fabric

The presented study is aimed at identifying factors that significantly influence the patterns of designed development in the existing historical urban environment. The paper reviews theoretical grounds and design methods of architects and urban designers exploring the practice of incorporating new architectural objects into a semiotic, morphological and functional context. The time frame of the study was determined due to the relevance of the issue. Actually, cities built before the 20th century are characterized by the cohesion of urban fabric, hierarchy of elements, calibrated silhouette and perception angles of the environment, while modern cities or modern inclusions lack these properties and look scattered and sporadic. The paper suggests two possible reasons behind that: the architects from before the 20th century appeared much skillful than their followers; or the professional architects and urban designers are consciously inclined to the separateness of buildings and their incoherence with the environment. The analysis revealed a number of approaches: three-part construction of architectural form, space as a structure of relations, formalization of the object to structural content, spatial structure of residential environment as socio-spatial bodies, spatial grids, continuity, coherence of the building fabric, navigation factor, formal similarity, relation to the urban framework.

Alexander Maksimovich Kolchin as a Church Artist of the Classical Era

New Age church art is one of the most dynamically developing areas of contemporary Russian art history. The constant process of reconstruction and restoration of churches requires a scientific approach and documentary substantiation. The artistic merits of church art in the Classical era are highly appreciated by specialists, but biographies of masters of mural painting and iconography are rarely published and are little known. The study of biographies and works of painters who devoted themselves entirely to temple decoration is important for compiling an objective picture of Russian culture of the 19th century.Alexander Maximovich Kolchin (1812-1866) was born and grew up in Yaroslavl, was on the staff of the bishop’s house masters, received the title of a non-class artist at the Imperial Academy of Arts (Academy of Arts) in St. Petersburg, worked in six rural and several urban churches in Yaroslavl province, renewed murals in Vologda and painted a new church in Kashin, Tver province. In this article for the first time all available information about the painter, scattered in different editions, is brought together; new archival documents are published and the artist’s work is analyzed in the context of classicism stylistics. Documents from the personal file of A.M. Kolchin from the Russian State Historical Archive are introduced into the scientific turnover, which inform that the master painted portraits from life, the whereabouts of which are still unknown. Although there are few surviving works by A.M. Kolchin, they demonstrate the high skill of the painter, which was documented by the exacting council of the Academy of Arts in 1853. A.M. Kolchin was distinguished by his knowledge of Old Russian sources of church art and full awareness of its theological and liturgical meaning; his fluent mastery of the basics of academic drawing and masterly ability to combine mural painting with architectural forms; a wide range of subject compositions and depictions of individual figures.The article allows to expand the corpus of information about the artist and his works, and this publication will serve as a basis for further research.

Enhancing the lateral performance of Chuan-dou timber frame infilled with vertical wood panels

Chuan-dou timber frame system represents a prevalent form of traditional wooden architecture, extensively employed in Southwest China. The wood infilling wall stands as a primary manifestation of infill wall construction in Chuan-dou timber frame system, and the existence of infilled walls significantly impacts the lateral behavior of Chuan-dou timber frames. In this paper, the internal force analysis of the timber frame specimen infilled with vertical panels (TFVP) had been undertaken by the credible finite element model, elucidating the detailed enhancement mechanism of wood vertical infilled panels on the lateral performance of the timber frame. 10 models with diverse geometric parameters were formulated to investigate the influence of geometric factors on the vertical panels, including width and thickness. The research findings showed that the presence of Dijiaofang and wood infilled walls could result in a substantial enhancement in the load capacities and initial lateral stiffness of the timber frames. Among them, the enhancement effect of Dijiaofang comes from half-tenon joints (HTJs), while the reinforcement of wood vertical infilled panels arises from the interplay between adjacent panels, as well as the squeezing and friction behavior between the infilled wall and Chuan-dou timber frame. Furthermore, the parametric analysis indicated that the geometry of vertical panels has discernible effects on the lateral performance of TFVP specimens.

Synergistic engineering of heteroatomic N-doping and PPy modification in flower-like vanadium sulfide anode enables stable sodium storage

Vanadium sulfide, an appealing anode candidate for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), still encounters considerable volume fluctuation and sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics, which inevitably gives rise to unsatisfactory rate capability and severe capacity decay. Herein, we successfully designed and constructed an outstanding sodium-storage feature and exceedingly stable anode for SIBs in the form of three-dimensional flower-like architecture composing of phosphorus doped VS2 wrapped by conductive elastic polypyrrole (PPy) layer (i.e., P-VS2@PPy). Through leveraging the multifunctional synergistic effect of composition and structure, involving enhanced electronic conductivity, reduced volumetric fluctuation, accelerated charge/ion transfer efficiency, and remarkable surface-capacitive behaviors can guarantee significantly enhanced electrochemical sodium-storage ability of P-VS2@PPy composites. As a consequence,such P-VS2@PPy is endowed with desirable rate characteristic accompanied with long-period cyclic lifespan (436.7 mAh/g at 20.0 A/g after 2600 cycles), which far outperform contrastive P-VS2 and pure VS2 samples. Meticulous kinetic analysis combined with theoretical simulations conclude that phosphorus doping and PPy coating have substantial effects on strengthening ionic and electron diffusion kinetics. Thorough examination and analysis of the insertion and conversion mechanisms of P-VS2@PPy was conducted through ex situ tests, revealing superior reversible phase transformation between original VS2, intermediate NaVS2, and final Na2S/V. Additionally, a practical application test demonstrates that sodium ion full-cell and hybrid capacitor based on P-VS2@PPy anode showcase significant capacity contribution and outstanding specific energy output, capable of effortlessly lighting up a LED screen.

Extensive Exploration of The Preference Correlations Between Architectural Features and Musical Attributes

This study investigates the correlations between empirically-based preferences for architectural features and self-reported preferences for musical attributes. Altogether, 16 architectural attributes related to architectural complexity, indentation, symmetry, rhythm, pattern, and stress and 36 musical attributes of genres, perceived psychological attributes, Five Factors of Music, and 3-Factors are considered in the study, and their correlations are examined across 61 different demographic classes. In short, after gathering the data, Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis examined the existence of correlation, and Bonferroni correction screened the most reliable ones. Then, categorization and K-mean clustering methods summarized the outcomes to provide a holistic understanding of the discovered correlations. The former reflected a higher number of correlations within genre and FFM in music, and indentation, complexity, and symmetry in architecture. The latter presented interesting correlation trends, including between complicated music and complicated architecture, rap music and the existence of pattern in architecture, and mellow music and simple architectural forms.

Computational Design with Kurtboğaz: The Generation of Timber Structures with an Aggregative Design Algorithm

This paper investigates the form-finding capacity of the traditional timber-joint construction method, Kurtboğaz, aiming to explore new architectural forms and possibilities through computational design techniques to preserve vernacular construction methods and integrate them into contemporary architecture. It presents an Aggregative Design Algorithm (ADA) that creates different structures based on designer rules and simple assembly rules of Kurtboğaz, leading to unique emergent forms through random rule application. The paper also explores how reinforcement learning, a type of machine learning, can improve this design process through a theoretical framework. The study tries to use a rule-based generative algorithm to explore the modular and reconfigurable characteristics of the Kurtboğaz. The ADA enables random rule application, leading to diverse forms. However, several challenges may be encountered during the application of ADA because of its random aggregation, such as collision avoidance, structural integrity, boundary detection, and the optimization of structural parameters. The study suggests using Reinforcement Learning (RL) in the ADA framework to address these problems. Incorporating RL is anticipated to enable the algorithm to adaptively learn and optimize the form-finding process, enhancing the performance and applicability of the Kurtboğaz method in contemporary architectural practice. In the future, with this generative process described by the study, designs that create spatial differences with the help of walls, floors, and rooms on a human scale can be realized. The study also plans to explore the synergy between craftsmanship and digital fabrication in the future

Cultural rituality and heritage revitalization values of ancestral temple architecture painting art from the perspective of relational sociology theory

Recent research has primarily focused on the genealogical relationship between ancestral temple painting and its spatial carriers, highlighting a shift in perspective from artistry to symbolism to kinship. While some scholars have noted the influence of ritual culture on architectural painting, few have explored its kinship relationship with architectural carriers. By incorporating relational sociology theory, this study chronologically reviews events influencing the formation of ancestral temple ritual culture, constructs a developmental model, and conducts case studies on the ethicality of architectural painting art, thus establishing a relational sociology analysis framework. Findings: (1) Ancestral temple architectural painting exhibits the ethicality and educational value inherent in Confucian concepts; (2) Themes such as immortal life, literati and scholars, and common folk simplicity highlight the spiritual and material kinship of ancestral temple painting. The vocabulary used in titles such as "He (rapprochement-和)", "He (reunification-合)", "wealth (财)", "happiness (乐)", "blessing (福)", and "longevity (寿)" reveals a positive transmission of Confucian values; (3) The five main artistic expressions of ancestral temple painting are metaphor through objects (借物喻意), the personification of events (以人喻事), using the past to illuminate the present (借古喻今), expressing aspirations through objects (托物喻志), and pun-based symbolism (谐音寓意); (4) The decorative elements of ancestral temples correspond to the forms of their painting art, with the former extending the space of the tomb sacrificial system and the latter representing artistic inheritance. The development of ancestral temple architecture has formed dual developmental contexts centered on ritual culture and supplemented by academic dissemination, fluctuating with the status of Confucianism. The relational sociology model shows that the political aspects of ancestral temples form a sub-lineage of their ritual culture, closely linked to reforms in the educational system and transformations in building functions, further influencing architectural form and decorative art.

A NOVEL FRAMEWORK FOR THE APPLICATION OF TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION IN LIGHTWEIGHT STRUCTURES

Introduction: Topology optimization has been widely used in the fields of mechanical and structural engineering. In the field of architecture, especially in the context of lightweight structures, a strong understanding of programming is essential for meaningful involvement. The purpose of the study was to establish a fundamental framework that facilitates the seamless implementation of topology optimization in the design of lightweight structures by architects. Methods: This work employed a deductive approach to analyze six case studies that involve the application of topology optimization in various lightweight constructions. The analysis was conducted based on a predefined set of criteria. Additionally, the deductive technique was used to establish a framework for implementing topology optimization in the design of lightweight structures. Finally, the framework was used to create an optimized lightweight structure (a pentagonal Roman vault). Findings: An analysis of all case studies was conducted using two distinct processes: the form-finding process and the fabrication process. This inquiry aimed to determine the procedural framework involved in the design and fabrication process of each case study. The underlying framework was derived through an analytical comparison of these six case studies. This framework enables the production of an optimized lightweight structure. Novelty: This study presents significant findings on topology optimization and its use in lightweight structures, offering essential insights for architects seeking to create aesthetically pleasing and distinctive architectural forms that prioritize high stiffness and low mass.

PERCEPTIONS OF URBAN LANDSCAPE: A STUDY OF COGNITIVE MAPPING IN AIN BEIDA, ALGERIA

The urban landscape of Algerian cities features a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural forms, offering a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The heterogeneous nature of this terrain motivated us to investigate the cognitive representation of this scenery in the minds of the inhabitants of Ain Beida.The study emphasizes the cognitive map, which manifests as visual representations, such as drawings or images, as well as sensory experiences and memories that are gathered and stored over a period of time. The perception of this mental image varies among individuals and locations. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature to precisely identify the category under investigation and select a suitable approach for evaluating, comprehending, and interpreting the urban landscape of the above-mentioned city.An iconographic was employed as a research instrument selected to carry out a comprehensive survey with a sample of the population encompassing various socio-professional groups, with a primary focus on urban stakeholders such as architects, urban planners, and elected officials. The findings revealed a diverse range of mental maps, indicating the unique perspectives of each interviewee on their city.

Eschatologia Iranica I: From Zoroastrian Cosmos to Abbasid Madīnat al-Salām: A Journey through Utopia and Heterotopia

The history of imperial dynasties in West Asia is replete with examples of remarkable urban foundations. Two notable instances are the Sasanian Ardašīr-xwarrah and the Abbasid Madīnat al-Salām, which can be classified as cosmic cities or heterotopias. This article examines the utopian foundations of these heterotopias. To this end, it analyzes four religious and imperial spaces: the representation of the earth and sky in the Zoroastrian cosmography, Yima’s Vara according to the Avestan texts, Ardašīr-xwarrah, and finally, Madīnat al-Salām. This investigation aims to ascertain the extent to which the spatial characteristics of each of these spaces have been utilized in the production of the subsequent architectural forms. Similarly, it examines the development of the cosmological and eschatological paradise in relation to the Achaemenian and Sasanian royal gardens. The theoretical framework of this study is based on Michael Foucault’s notion of heterotopia, which has been further developed by Henri Lefebvre’s theory of space. The conceptual metaphor theory offers a cognitive linguistic foundation for elucidating the projections of utopias and heterotopias onto one another. To this end, the article focuses on the conceptual metaphor GOD IS A KING.