Large-scale Building Projects Research Articles

Imaging the Middle Ages: Twenty-First Century Revitalizations at Santiago de Compostela

Abstract: Since the Middle Ages, Santiago de Compostela has been home to one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations in Europe. Throughout its history, its success as a pilgrimage site has most often been signaled by large-scale building projects. This essay addresses how Peter Eisenman's Cidade da Cultura de Galicia (CCG), an architectural complex and cultural center overlooking Santiago de Compostela, mediates and responds to contemporary efforts toward the production and revitalization of the pilgrim experience within the city. While not as obvious as the interventions that occur along the route, the CCG is in fact a materialization of the goals of the revitalization initiative, a vision of secularized touristic pilgrimage for the twenty-first century, which is enacted through Compostela's successful image economy. The twentieth-century revitalization efforts are peculiar for the distinctive nature of their engagement with a medieval past, and the strong connections drawn between modern pilgrimage and its medieval counterpart. This article is concerned with the material evidence of competing interests in the revitalization process and specifically with how they relate to institutional interventions initiated by the regional government. The regional government's interests were often pursued in monumental form: in the late twentieth century, the Xunta operationalized a comprehensive cultural policy that was principally enacted in architecture. Examining the CCG's own past, as well as the medieval narrative of Compostela's history that it materializes, offers a new framework for understanding the role of built space in—and its relation to—the politics of pilgrimage revitalization within the twenty-first-century context.

Between Scholarship and Church Politics: The Lives of John Prideaux, 1578–1650. By John Maddicott

Maddicott ends this excellent biography of John Prideaux with some reasons why the subject has not been tackled before. But Maddicott also concludes, and indeed he makes evident throughout the work, that a biography of Prideaux was needed: Prideaux made a very substantial contribution to the intellectual life of his college (Exeter) through his 30 years as rector, and to the University of Oxford in the 27 years he acted as Regius Professor of Divinity and during the five terms he served as vice-chancellor. Maddicott’s account of Prideaux’s career shows that he was an able college administrator, increasing student numbers as well as raising funds and implementing large-scale building projects. He was a committed tutor, and he continued to oversee the education of undergraduates (particularly the nobly born) even when he held senior positions. He exerted an influence, often now invisible to us, on a number of the English clergy and ruling class. Through his act lectures and orations (delivered from 1616 until the 1630s and later printed), Prideaux was in a position to pronounce on what he saw as the orthodox divinity of the English church to one of the most important audiences for such a subject. He welcomed scholars from across Protestant Europe to Exeter College, and he gained an international reputation for learning. (The most complete printed edition of his works was published in 1672 in Zurich [p. 387].) Maddicott’s is a thorough and clear-eyed account of Prideaux, who was a commendable person in ordinary ways too, even if he was not without faults: from a humble family, he was lucky to find patronage that sent him to Oxford, but once there his hard work, tenacity, and ambition won him the fellowship on which his later career rested. Although as regius professor he could be an intemperate debating-opponent, this was mostly evident in the years when the ascendancy of Laud made Prideaux feel embattled.

The Making of a Byzantine Monastic Landscape

In this study, we present some results from the Mazi Archaeological Project (MAP), a diachronic regional survey in northwest Attica, Greece. We focus our discussion on the presence of the Middle Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Meletios and its relationship to local communities as well as to the surrounding natural and built environment. In doing so, we focus on three main strategies employed by the monastery: (1) large-scale building projects, (2) the redirection of movement in the area and (3) the exploitation of the natural environment and its economic resources. We also pay attention to the establishment of the paralavria (monastic dependencies) as a fundamental mechanism employed by the monastery to map its presence and influence and connect it to other sites of economic and religious importance in the region. We argue that the spatial, material and symbolic connections between the paralavria, the main monastery and key natural features in the area created a visually, spiritually and economically coherent and distinct monastic landscape.

One and Many: Parish Church Planning in Late Medieval England

Recurrent in architectural historiography is the notion that large-scale building projects in premodern societies were inherently elite undertakings. In One and Many: Parish Church Planning in Late Medieval England, Zachary Stewart examines a well-known but inadequately studied exception to this rule: themedieval parish church. He focuses on formally integrated parish churches built in England during the two centuries between the Black Death (1348–49) and the HenricianReformation (1534–47), a paradigmatic example being the grandmarket church of St. PeterMancroft inNorwich (ca. 1440–65). Analysis of the facture, form, and function of these buildings, whose flexible configuration can be compared to the modern “open plan,” suggests that they empowered a broad spectrum of individuals to negotiate the complex relations that defined the parish as a one-and-many social entity.

In This Issue

Other| September 01 2020 In This Issue Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians (2020) 79 (3): 246. https://doi.org/10.1525/jsah.2020.79.3.246 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation In This Issue. Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians 1 September 2020; 79 (3): 246. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/jsah.2020.79.3.246 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentJournal of the Society of Architectural Historians Search In Reconstructing the Sacred Experience at the Sanctuary of Hekate at Lagina, Amanda Herring traces aspects of ancient worshippers' experience at this Hellenistic sanctuary. As the sanctuary was located 10 kilometers outside the closest city, Stratonikeia, most visitors would have traveled to Lagina only when they participated in state-sponsored festivals. Lagina represents the only monumental temple dedicated to Hekate and the only site at which the goddess had a central role in the local pantheon. The rites and rituals practiced there were thus unique to the site and required a specific type of architectural framework. Drawing on theories of cultural biography and experiential architecture, Herring argues that the complex's architectural design and sculpted decoration conveyed an intricate yet cohesive message of political and cultural alliances, a message made accessible via ritualized experience of the space. Recurrent in architectural historiography is the notion that large-scale building projects in premodern societies... You do not currently have access to this content.

Numerical evaluation of the behavior of ordinary and reinforced stone columns

Due to the lack of soil with sufficient load-bearing capacity and the ever-increasing number of large-scale building projects, methods for soil improvement have become vital. Among the conventional methods of soil improvement, the use of reinforced and ordinary stone columns is one of the most prevalent; this is due to its environmental compatibility and proven effectiveness. In this paper, the mechanical behavior of ordinary and reinforced stone columns was studied using ABAQUS, a finite element software. A3D nonlinear finite element model of the column-improved soft soil was built. The results of this work show that while the columns alone decrease the soil settlements, the combination with the geosynthetics additionally augments the effects. Parametric studies were completed to illustrate the effects column grouping on the design process. Thus, the effects of parametric exploration, including inter-column spacing parameters as well as the length and diameter of the stone columns, on the reduction of settlements and bulging were studied for different conditions.

Zwischen Dynastie, Kalifat und Scharia. Eine interdisziplinäre Betrachtung der Herrschaftslegitimation im frühneuzeitlichen Osmanischen Reich und der heutigen Türkei

This paper discusses types of legitimation in the Early Modern Ottoman Empire and their continuity in today’s Turkey under president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Proceeding from a theoretical examination of the concept of legitimation, this paper shows the diversity of legitimation strategies in an interdisciplinary analysis, accentuating those that Erdogan uses to consolidate his power and bring Turkey back “to former greatness”. As will be demonstrated, Erdogan utilizes particular forms, such as religious legitimation or large-scale building projects, in order to achieve legitimacy similar to that of the Ottoman rulers.

An analysis of the allocation of pertinent risks in the Zambian building sector using Pareto analysis

In most instances, the construction client allocates risk by selecting the methods for procurement, payment and the contract form. Nevertheless, how favourably the contractor views the risk allocation has a bearing on the project outcome. This research identifies the pertinent risks in the Zambian context and establishes how they are allocated in terms of types of contract clauses used and response mechanisms employed. A mixed-sequential approach was followed, comprising 15 semi-structured interviews, 198 questionnaire-survey respondents and document analysis (eight projects using various standard forms of contract). The respondents comprised of clients, consultants and contractors involved on medium- to- large-scale building projects. Findings show the pertinent risks in the industry were due to shortcomings of the design team and clients’ shirking. Using a Pareto analysis, a pervasive propensity was found for passive risk acceptance and wanton risk transfer by the client. Modifications were found, aimed at negating the clients’ responsibility for risk. The originality of this research lies in its methodological approach and its focus on how risks are allocated. Findings can help practitioners to better allocate risk and promote the achievement of desired project outcomes through careful selection and utilization of mechanisms, allocation of risk and use of contract clauses.

Measurement of Construction BIM Value Based on a Case Study of a Large-Scale Building Project

This study proposes a quantitative measurement method for the value of building information modeling (BIM) implementation during the construction phase of a large-scale building project. From the case project, 472 value-assignable BIM issues were derived, and they were quantified regarding various aspects, such as the BIM utilization value and BIM contribution value, using a contract budget (CB). It was found that BIM has contributed to identifying and/or resolving issues whose contractual values are as much as 15.92% of the total direct cost of the project. In addition, a survey of trade contractors was conducted to determine how much they think BIM has contributed to their works, which is defined as the BIM sensible value. It was also shown that the higher utilization and contribution of BIM were accompanied by a higher sensible value, which trade contractors experienced regarding the cost reduction and construction period acceleration.

The Architecture of Nation-building in Africa as a Development Aid Project: Designing the capital cities of Kinshasa (Congo) and Dodoma (Tanzania) in the post-independence years

After independence in the early 1960s, new nation states in sub-Saharan Africa started a long and often ambiguous process of nation-building. This process of nation-building was also literally a process of building as the newly independent states initiated large-scale building projects by which they aspired to represent their power in the urban space, as well as break with the material legacies of the colonial past. Yet, even though the new regimes strived for new norms and forms to express their identity as new and independent Africans states, because of a lack of expertise and funds, they mostly commissioned foreign architects within the framework of development programs, thereby clearly mirroring colonial practices. This article retraces the intricate web of foreign development experts and networks of aid underpinning the ‘architecture of nation-building’ in two post–independence capital cities: Kinshasa (DRCongo) and Dodoma (Tanzania). This comparative analysis brings to the fore the various motives behind the foreign investments in the African nation-building projects in an era dominated by Cold War antagonism, as well as the diverse strategies deployed by African states to turn the competing networks of Cold War solidarity to their own advantage. Considering the vast reliance on development aid, I argue that the ‘architecture of nation-building’ in Kinshasa and Dodoma is not primarily representing national identity, but is foremost an expression of the new ‘partnerships in development’ concluded in the post-independence years, as well as the failure of these partnerships in terms of achieving the initial development goals. Moreover, bearing in mind China’s role in the implementation, I state that while the ‘architecture of nation-building’ in both cities clearly represents the regime of development aid, it does so in a way that profoundly differs from what was originally intended.

Automated Time-Series Cost Forecasting System for Construction Materials

AbstractAs large-scale building projects increase in frequency, their construction costs become a matter of great concern, especially because of their lengthy construction periods. In particular, r...

What did you learn from practice today? Exploring experiences from a Danish R&D effort in digital construction

The Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) industry has been slow in turning the potential of Information and Communication Technologies into greater efficiency and productivity. This is a phenomenon which can be observed in many countries, and in Denmark this issue has been recognized as a major problem for the further development of the AEC industry. The public–private and nationally funded R&D program ‘Digital Construction’ was initiated in 2003 to establish a common platform for exchanging digital information and stimulating digital integration in the Danish AEC industry. This paper reports on the lessons learned from developing strategies, demands and guidelines in the ‘Digital Construction’ program and from adapting one of its ‘digital foundations’, the ‘3D Working Method’, to the design process of the large-scale building project ‘The Icelandic National Concert and Conference Centre’. The explorations are based on a process evaluation of the R&D program and a qualitative case study of the building project. The paper reports on identified factors enabling or hindering the adaptation, as well as on the benefits and challenges experienced from using and exchanging 3D object models according to the ‘3D Working Method’. The paper concludes that the adaptation has been successful due to the initial ambitions of the project actors. Nevertheless, there are still many challenges to be overcome. The findings indicate that the introduction of the ‘3D Working Method’ to the real-life project depended on the success of balancing an array of the factors identified across the R&D program and the different levels within the building project. Three especially crucial balancing acts are explored; first, the power of the ‘implementer’ versus the expected risk and benefits of implementation, second, the strategies and guidelines within the program versus the resources for learning and the organizational traditions for using digital tools, and third, the level of ambition versus the skills of the users and the potential of the technology to address real-life practice. Mastering these balancing acts requires a broad understanding of both the project and its context. The findings from qualitative and holistic studies as presented in this paper are valuable for building such understanding, and for further learning and improvement regarding strategies for integrating ICT in architectural and engineering practice.

Coordination Issues in Chinese Large Building Projects

After the year of 1990, many large-scale building projects mushroomed in China due to the increase of construction investments. From that time, many designers from the Western countries stepped into this new market to find new opportunities. Their appearance stimulated some positive changes of the local community, but also raised many concerns. The writer made a survey of seven projects in China designed by foreign design firms. Using the information from the survey, this paper evaluates the positive and negative effects of the foreign design on the Chinese construction market and the local community. According to the survey, one of the most conspicuous negative effects is the coordination issue between the foreign designers and the local project participants. This paper analyzes the different backgrounds of the Chinese and the Western construction industries as well as other factors that contribute to the coordination issue. It also evaluates and proposes some measures trying to solve this problem.

J. Delaine, The Baths of Caracalla. A Study in the Design, Construction, and Economics of Large-scale Building Projects in Imperial Rome (Journal of Roman Archaeology Supplementary Series 25). Portsmouth, Rhode Island: Journal of Roman Archaeology, 1997. Pp. 271, 97 figs, 28 tables, 3 loose folding sheets. ISBN 1-887829-25-3. US$99.50.

J. Delaine, The Baths of Caracalla. A Study in the Design, Construction, and Economics of Large-scale Building Projects in Imperial Rome (Journal of Roman Archaeology Supplementary Series 25). Portsmouth, Rhode Island: Journal of Roman Archaeology, 1997. Pp. 271, 97 figs, 28 tables, 3 loose folding sheets. ISBN 1-887829-25-3. US$99.50. - Volume 89

The Baths of Caracalla: A Study in the Design, Construction, and Economics of Large-Scale Building Projects in Imperial Rome. By Janet DeLaine.

<i>The Baths of Caracalla: A Study in the Design, Construction, and Economics of Large-Scale Building Projects in Imperial Rome</i>. By Janet DeLaine.

THE GLAXO WELLCOME MEDICINES RESEARCH CENTRE: DETAIL DESIGN TO CONSTRUCTION.

Much of Sir Michael Latham's report, Constructing the Team, 1994, revolves around the issue of moving the whole construction industry forward. He suggests that better informed clients and non-adversarial contracts could unite the many participants in the construction process into a mutually educative team. The £500 million project for Glaxo Wellcome Group Research Ltd in Stevenage, opened in April 1995, tackled many of the points raised in Latham's report. The new laboratories are one of the world's most advanced pharmaceutical research facilities, containing more than 130 000 m 2 state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot plants, plus support facilities for 2000 scientific staff engaged in novel product discovery. The project shows how high-level information systems were developed to control every stage of the process and made it possible to foresee problems and avoid irretrievable situations. This attitude of prevention rather than cure produced positive knock-on effects at all levels. The methods employed to address health and safety anticipated much of the Health and Safety Executive's 1994 Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. The Glaxo Wellcome Medicines Research Centre project demonstrates that the implementation of many of Latham's recommendations on large-scale building projects is achievable and were in fact fundamentally part of the project's philosophy.

Diatomaceous soils: a new approach : Khilnani, K; Capik, M L Civ Engng, N YV59, N2, Feb 1989, P68–70

Diatomaceous soils are formed over long periods of time when the skeletal remains of plankton and other single-celled marine creatures sink and accumulate in lakes, estuaries and oceans. The skeletons retain moisture, which is enclosed in a clayey matrix. These soils exhibit high in-situ moisture content, typically between 40% and 80%, much higher than the optimum moisture content for use as structural fills. A new density criteria is being used in Southern California, where these soils are prevalent. This approach meets code requirements and saves time and money. Engineers in the past have used air drying to deal with this moisture content problem. Significant air drying, requiring discing and processing in large stockpile areas of several hundred acres was necessary to bring soils for large-scale building projects to compactable range. The operation was also time-consuming and costly. The new approach was extensively laboratory and field tested and accepted by building officials. Technical data are given, and the performance of test fills described in detail. The need for monitoring and more research is emphasized.

The Investment of Sir John Fastolf's Profits of War

If we may believe John Leyland, a tradition widely current throughout England in the 1530's attributed some of the costliest building of the later middle ages to warriors who had returned home laden with the spoils of France. Everywhere that the antiquary travelled, from Ampthill in Bedfordshire to Hampton Court near the Welsh border, from Streatlam in county Durham to Farleigh, Somerset, he was told of castles raised in stone and brick ‘ex spoliis nobilium bello Gallico captorurn’, sometimes of a whole mansion paid for from the proceeds of a single battle; and that not merely in the great days of Edward III and Henry V, but also when John of Bedford was ‘governor and regent’ of his dead brother's hard-pressed conquest. So Henry Vffl's subjects, not least those descended from the military captains of the Hundred Years War, were firmly convinced. Members of the Tudor nobility were willing, nay anxious, to swallow some very improbable stories about their family-origins and in a good many cases their faith in a particular forebear's achievement, indeed his very existence, may be open to question. But the fact remains that within a century of Bedford's death the spoils of France were generally regarded as at least a plausible explanation of a family's sudden wealth and of its capacity to embark upon a large-scale building project. There are signs that it had already won acceptance in the lifetime of Leyland's precursor, William Worcester, whose birth in the year of Agincourt and long residence in the household of Sir John Fastolf, the Regent's major-domo from 1422 to 1435, entitle him to speak with more authority.