School Of Architecture Research Articles

Exploring enjoyment while playing “Temple Lego”: A virtual reality cultural heritage serious game for architecture students

Serious games are generally considered to induce positive effects in the areas of learning motivation and learning gains. Yet few studies have examined how these factors are related specially in the context of visual aesthetic studies. Therefore, an empirical study was conducted to test the relationship between anticipated enjoyment and willingness to play, as well as between game enjoyment, self-reported cognitive and motivational learning gains and test results. In an explorative study, 25 students from undergraduate course in architecture school played the learning game Temple Lego. The results of pre-test and post-tests were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. The analysis showed that anticipated enjoyment played only a minor part in students’ willingness to learn with serious games. Of greater importance was the students' expectation that the learning game would be easy and instructive. There was a correlation between enjoyment and the post-test scores to continue being engaged with the subject matter of the game. We discuss the findings and pedagogical implications that can be applied to developing serious virtual reality (VR) games to learn about similar historical structures and contexts which is novel and sparsely explored.

ENSINO INFANTIL CONTO DE FADAS, A INFLUÊNCIA DO AMBIENTE FÍSICO NA FORMAÇÃO HUMANA

This project will address the interference of School Architecture in the psychological and human development of students, applied in an Early Childhood School Education with capacity for 200 students, in the city of Toledo – PR. Using theoretical and bibliographical research, case studies and related works, it will be possible to propose a work that meets the educational needs, not only of Toledo, but of all future preschools. The project aims to fill the gaps in quality school institutions. It is a project that aims to create environments adapted to the needs of children, taking into account their ergonomics, development and their perceptions, using the available tools of architecture to achieve better learning conditions. Always prioritizing playfulness, children’s ergonomics, school neuroarchitecture and the Montessori method, in an inspiring project, seeking better school performance in a safe, dreamy,welcoming and neurostimulating environment.

Biases shown by juries during architecture design assessment sessions

ABSTRACT The interaction between teacher and student in an architecture design studio is an important part of the teaching/learning process because it generates a kind of conversation that solidates the ‘learning by doing’ of teaching. This paper attempts to closely examine the jury system during the design assessment session. By monitoring the jury examination of several architectural schools’ fifth-stage graduation projects this paper highlights the various biases that are present during those sessions. The results revealed that most biases that appear during the assessment sessions are those that primarily occur when jurors focus their attention on one or two options despite the presence of other options. Early identification and disclosure of jury panels, together with the strategic scheduling of evaluation sessions, can alleviate biases that emerge during jury assessments and potentially convert those biases into beneficial and constructive inputs for the student's projects.

Exploring Playful Hybrid Teaching Practices in Higher Education

The Playful Hybrid Higher Education project [https://playhybrid.education/], based in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary (Canada) and funded by the Imagination Lab Foundation, explores how play and creativity can be integrated into hybrid classrooms, particularly in response to the shift to blended learning during COVID-19. Through interviews and surveys with Canadian higher education stakeholders, the project aims to provide urgently needed best practice guidance to enhance staff competency and improve student outcomes. This paper presents the preliminary outcomes of the project, with a specific focus on (re)imagining a creative blended university that fosters student success. By sharing initial findings, the paper offers inspiration on how playful and creative approaches can enrich the hybrid learning experience, ultimately contributing to a more engaging and effective higher education environment.

АРХІТЕКТУРА ВІЙСЬКОВИХ МЕМОРІАЛІВ. ДОСІВІД ЇХ ПРОЄКТУВАННЯ В УКРАЇНІ І СВІТІ

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical prerequisites for the formation of memorial architecture and modern trends in the design of memorial objects, in particular military cemeteries, which reflect the memory of historical events and fallen heroes. Special attention is paid to the experience of creating such objects in Ukraine and abroad, covering memorial complexes in Kyiv, Odesa, Cherkasy and Lviv, as well as in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany and the USA. The study covers architectural and artistic-aesthetic solutions of memorial complexes, which embody not only historical memory, but also function as symbols of national identity and cultural identity. Particular emphasis is placed on modern approaches, dominated by minimalist and supremacist solutions, which create an emotional and spiritual atmosphere for visitors, helping not only to honor the memory of the fallen, but also to gain a deeper understanding of one's own national belonging. The authors analyze the examples of design of memorial objects developed by the Lviv School of Architecture, in particular, the Department of Architectural Environment Design, in the form of educational, research and competition projects. These projects have the potential for the further development of the national architecture of memorial-monumental design, in particular in the context of commemorating the fallen military and civilians in Ukraine's current war against Russian aggression. Examples of the renovation of memorial objects, developed within the framework of bachelor's and master's programs, were studied, in particular, projects of military memorials in Lviv and other cities of Ukraine. Emphasis is placed on the combination of architectural, cultural and national aspects in the creation of memorial objects that serve not only as places of memory, but also as symbols of national unity and identity. This work emphasizes the importance of an architectural approach to the preservation of historical memory, contributing to the formation of new cultural symbols and the revival of national heritage through monumental and memorial design.

Unearthing the Genizah of the Jewish Community in Figuig

Abstract Within the framework of an agreement with the National Institute of Sciences of Archaeology and Heritage (insap) of Morocco and with the Municipality of Figuig, a multidisciplinary team of Moroccan and French researchers, led by Saghir Mabrouk (insap), Laurence Gillot (mcf Paris Cité, umr 8210 anhima), and André Del (Paris Val-de-Seine School of Architecture, evcau) has carried out inventory, research and valorization of the heritage of the oasis of Figuig since 2005. In this context, excavations were conducted in the mellah of the qsar Loudaghir, one of the quarters inhabited by the Jewish community which left in 1970. The discovery of manuscripts in the genizah of the mellah has led archaeologists to refer to palaeographers and epigraphists to inventory, study and preserve these manuscripts. This article accounts for the dialogue established between archaeology and philology.

Competencias investigativas a través del trabajo de fin de carrera en arquitectura

INTRODUCTION. In architecture, research and architectural design represent a complementary relationship, which is particularly evident in the final project (TFC). OBJECTIVE. This study aims to identify the research process and areas of interest of the TFC, using the School of Architecture at the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Loja UIDE-L, as a case study. METHODOLOGY. Through qualitative analysis and bibliographic comparison, TFC projects from 2018 to 2021 are examined, categorizing areas of interest and contrasting research processes. RESULTS. The final projects (TFC) bridge theory and practice through the resolution of projects that are framed within a real and contextual problem. Regarding the investigative process, site analysis involves applying scientific information-gathering techniques. In other cases, experimentation or simulation is part of achieving results. Thematic trends are evident each year, primarily responding to social contexts. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. The TFC is not limited to the design exercise; it also relies on scientific production to generate knowledge to solve problems related to humanity and the built environment.

Распространение христианства в Абхазии в позднеантичный и средневековый периоды по данным пространственного анализа памятников в ГИС

The article is devoted to the analysis of the spatial location of temples in Abkhazia and reconstruction based on the results of the ways of penetration and spread of Christianity in different chronological stages: the period of late antiquity and the first penetration of Christianity into the territory of Colchis (IV–V centuries); the period of maximum Byzantine influence in the era of Justinian the Great and the period that following it (VI–VII centuries)—the period traditionally considered the stages of the official adoption of Christianity in Abkhazia; and the period of the maximum flourishing of the Abkhazian kingdom. The analysis is carried out on the basis of a GIS created by the authors, according to field surveys, including 149 temples. The conducted spatial analysis allowed us to answer the questions of how quickly Christianity began to spread across the territory of Abkhazia, which areas turned out to be the most susceptible to the new religion. It was traditionally believed that Christianity entered Abkhazia with the Roman military, through the fortresses of the Pontic Limes, built along the coast. However, the analysis showed that the trade caravan routes were also an important way of spreading Christianity. For the same reason, we see several hotbeds both in the west of the republic and in the east. But in the center, where the Bzyb ridge blocks access to the main passageways, traditional religion has been preserved for longer, almost two centuries. This factor influenced the spread of Christianity in the subsequent period. In general, the Justinian period was characterized by a significant increase in the number of churches, on the one hand, the standardization of its external form, on the other, and on the third, the complication of the liturgical service, which was reflected in the more complex organization of the internal space of churches. In the subsequent period, these trends are intensifying. Separate architectural schools are emerging. Thus, the spatial analysis of both the location of temples and the distribution of certain architectural features in space reflect the processes of Christianization and development of the Church, which was not reflected in written sources.

Integrating health in urban planning curriculum across Indian planning institutes

Urban planning significantly influences the physical and health profile of urban environments. This paper explores the critical nexus between urban planning and public health, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate health considerations into the urban planning curriculum in India. Current urban planning courses often overlook public health aspects, resulting in a disconnect that could hinder the ability of urban environments to meet the health and well-being needs of their populations. Through a comprehensive review and analysis of curriculum data from selected Indian institutions of national importance—including the School of Planning and Architecture, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, and National Institute of Technology, Bhopal—this study identifies significant gaps in the inclusion of health-related content in urban planning education. The analysis reveals a low occurrence of health-related themes within the planning curriculum, with essential topics like public health history, environmental health, and health impact assessments seldom addressed. To bridge these gaps, the paper suggests incorporating mandatory health-focused courses, such as Health Impact Assessments and public health fundamentals, into the curriculum. It also recommends interdisciplinary collaboration with public health professionals to enrich planning education. By restructuring the curriculum to include more comprehensive health-related education, future urban planners can be better equipped to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes in rapidly urbanizing spaces. This research not only sheds light on current educational inadequacies but also proposes actionable steps towards a more holistic integration of health and urban planning disciplines.

The epic and poetics of the Travesía as a space of resistance in design Education.

This paper explores the concept of "Travesías" as a profound pedagogical practice within the School of Architecture and Design at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, which operates as a crucial form of resistance in design education amidst contemporary cultural and structural shifts. As a professor deeply involved in these journeys, I argue for the retention and adaptation of three foundational principles that ensure the continued relevance and transformative potential of the Travesías. These principles—Observation, the Work (Obra), and the Epic of the Commons—are essential in navigating the changing dynamics that challenge traditional educational models. As the primary mode of engaging with the world, observation encourages profoundly personal and reflective interaction with the environment, fostering a unique and profound understanding and expression. The concept of the Work transcends conventional outputs of design and architecture, advocating for a creative process that emphasises gratuitousness and poetic engagement over utilitarian and commercial objectives. Lastly, the Epic of the Commons highlights the importance of collective creation and shared experiences, pivotal in forming a cohesive educational and creative community. These principles are increasingly vital as the Travesías confront the commodification of education and the pervasive focus on individualism and specific competencies driven by market forces. The paper calls for a dialogue among global design educators to discuss adapting these principles to contemporary needs and explore new methods that respect and rejuvenate the foundational ethos of the Travesías. This dialogue is crucial for developing a "third way" in design education that integrates the poetic with the practical, ensuring our pedagogical approach remains innovative, inclusive, and deeply humanistic. Through this exploration, we invite a rethinking of design education that emphasises collective well-being, creative freedom, and a deeper engagement with our time's cultural and ecological contexts.

New museum construction in Irkutsk

The article presents an analysis of the city museum policy used as a basis for a proposal for the construction of modern museums in Irkutsk. The article provides the results of the research activity of the working group “Architecture of new museums in the modern city” at INRTU and the conclusions about the expediency of building new museums in the centre of Irkutsk. The following projects made by students of Irkutsk architectural school as final qualifying works are considered: the project of reconstruction and expansion of the museum of regional studies on the basis of the historical building of the VSORGO Museum (Artem Zyubr), the project of the museum building for the geographical and historical collection related to the North American discoveries of travellers and merchants from Irkutsk (Nikita Sobolevsky), and the project of the new building for the Museum of Asian Art (Alisa Valeeva).

Andrey Kryachkov. The man who created the city

Andrey Dmitrievich Kryachkov is an outstanding architect, the founder of the Siberian architectural school, whose creative path is closely connected with the foundation of the future administrative and cultural capital of Siberia. The author of most of the iconic historical architectural objects of modern Novosibirsk, Kryachkov largely predetermined the aesthetic code of the young Siberian city at that time, combining traditions and innovations in regional architecture of the first half of the 20th century. The architecture of Kryachkov in the modern appearance of Novosibirsk continues to play a significant city-forming aesthetic role.

The Influence of Traditional Architectural Elements on Modern Building Design

It is in this paper that an attempt is made to understand the influences of traditional architectural elements on modern building design, investigating how much these two seemingly unconnected entities share an interdependent relationship: architectural heritage and what are termed here as modern innovations. This paper carried out a deep dive into a large volume of reviewed literature, analyzing case studies and design techniques to help provide an answer to how architects manage to integrate traditional elements into their modern structures so that resultant buildings will be culturally resonant and functionally advanced. From the research, it can be understood that such kind of integration happens for several reasons: providing user comfort with cultural identity, ensuring sustainability through proper contextual orientation, among others. The most important findings are that the attainment of successful integration eventually depends upon the import that one attaches to authenticity and the local requirements that need to be fulfilled by each specific case—like those relating to building codes or public perception issues—as well as upon teaching these principles in architecture schools for future professional practice since this forms a fieldwide challenge in diverse aspects. It not only adds to the beauty and usefulness of architecture but also is very important in holding a culture’s identity and sustainable development. Finally, future research directions that might further explore the long-term impacts and potentials of this integrative approach in architecture are suggested.

Mechanical noise for architectural students

Noise control of mechanical equipment is one of the requirements established in energy certificates (LEED, BREEAM, WELL, etc.) as well as in different design standards or national codes. At the Higher Technical School of Architecture of Madrid, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), several courses are offered to students on the design of mechanical systems, from the selection of the equipment, its location, distribution, and its integration with the architecture. Its acoustic implications are not explained in any course. During the last year of the degree, in the course "Proyecto de instalaciones", (Technical Equipment Design) students are asked to fully integrate the building services (heating, cooling, ventilation, fire safety, emergency signals...) in one building designed by their own, and for the first time a 2-hour masterclass on mechanical noise for architects has been organized. In it, the main noise sources, design recommendations and the most common ways to attenuate and control it are addressed. The aim of this work is to share the learned experiences and discuss the next steps to be taken.

Soundscape Architecture: conceptual proposals for improving the urban soundscape through building in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Architecture students from the University of Florida School of Architecture developing architectural and planning strategies in response to citizen generated initiative to improve the soundscape at multiple locations in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Site analysis including citizen participation in sound walks, personal observations, photo documentation, precedent studies, acoustic measurements, geographical measurements, and municipal code studies was conducted. This information informed conceptual and schematic design proposals for urban architecture (buildings), at critical locations in the urban fabric that seek to provide strategies toward improving the soundscape while supporting high residential density, mixed-use, entertainment, and transit. The work includes 11 student project proposals spanning two academic semesters. The work illustrates integrated design proposals addressing aspects of urban soundscapes such as: vertical distance as effective sound abatement strategy; buildings as acoustic buffers from transit or noisy streets; building envelope systems that both limit sound transmission and absorb sound; sound diffusing buildings; parking or limited occupancy program as buffer spaces; and land development code adoptions that can facilitate future implementation of effective soundscape improvement strategies. This paper will demonstrate the design process, issues of concern, prioritization of issues per specific sites, and show illustrations to visualize a range of soundscape strategies as architecture.

Relaxed and flexible – what (else) happens when sofas enter everyday lives of schools?

ABSTRACT School environments in Finland are changing from traditional classrooms towards more flexible architectures. This change invites designers and commercial organizations to take part in re-thinking these environments by creating narratives of desirable educational environments. Their comprehensive furniture solutions promise flexible entities, including components that facilitate sharing and joining together. This article describes the school architecture reform from the perspective of one local school. We focus on an element emblematic of the planned relaxed learning environment: sofas, and discuss these using the philosophical concept of assemblage. We propose that arriving in the everyday life of a school the comfortable sofa – the promise of relaxation – also begins to participate in and to produce negotiations of power. Sofa becomes a participant in an assemblage of school: the sofa brings to surface relations that everyday life school assemblages already foster and sustain, making the negotiations of power in the school visible.

Adapting the Nigerian Architectural Educational Schools Curriculum Towards Global Competitiveness

Globalization refers to the increasing connectedness of nations and peoples around the world through trade, investment, travel, popular culture and other forms of interaction. Globalization through information technology has brought so many openings that are breaking down boundaries hitherto existing in the practice of architecture. To enhance his place in the global market, the Nigerian architect needs to improve his skills on information communication technology (ICT). This paper examines how ICT enhances the global relevance of the Nigerian architect. It also examines the effectiveness and deficiencies of the curriculum in the Nigeria Schools of architecture. The paper therefore advocates a review of the curriculum in the Nigerian Schools of architecture to position the Nigerian architect for global competitiveness.

Innovative Timber Upcycling: Digital Strategies for Prolonging Timber Lifespan and Promoting Reuse.

Abstract This paper explores the intersection of digital and ecological transitions, crucial for achieving the European Green Deal’s sustainability targets. The construction sector, traditionally reliant on a linear “take-make-dispose” model, is gradually integrating timber, favored for its lower environmental impact compared to steel and concrete. Our research enhances the reuse of timber from demolition sites, leveraging digital technologies to extend the lifespan of timber elements and improve its carbon sequestration capabilities. This research is part of a broader initiative, the DeDa research, at the School of Architecture and Design, University of Camerino, focusing on sustainable material management in post-disaster areas. These areas, seen as ‘material banks,’ pose unique challenges due to the abundance of materials that are difficult to manage. The research comprises three integrated phases: establishing a digital material bank of timber elements, design optimization with available elements and their automated assembly. This system is underpinned by an ecosystem of digital technologies, including photogrammetric surveying, computational design, and robotic manufacturing. Considering the currently low technological level of conventional building processes, this work maintains a highly experimental character. However, presenting this research provides an opportunity to explore how digital technologies might promote circular-based building processes and encourage a shift in perspective and practices within the building industry.

How Artificial Intelligence Could Affect the Future of Architectural Design Education

There is currently a high level of uncertainty about the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on architecture as a profession and consequently on architectural education. Some suggest that schools of architecture should prepare themselves for a dramatic reform that clearly integrates AI technologies into their study plans and pedagogical methods, while others argue that AI can’t fully replace the traditional methods and conventions in architectural education and that more time is needed to understand its potential impact in this regard. In all cases, AI is coming and will be soon or later an integral part of our work and teaching methods in architecture. This paper discusses this issue considering some AI applications in the different design stages from an educational perspective. The study concluded that there is an urgent need to explore and understand how AI could affect our educational systems and provoke changes in the architectural design process we currently follow. Quality assurance organizations should reflect this in their accreditation guidelines to offer the required guidance for the schools of architecture in this regard.

Iniciar un (des)aprendizaje del canon formativo desde los feminismos. Relatos desde las escuelas de arquitectura chilenas

This article presents the preliminary results of a survey that begins the work of identifying initiatives that, from Chilean architecture schools, open up possibilities for unlearning the educational canon. Just as we need to rethink how we inhabit and design, we must also review how we teach and learn architecture. The emphases of feminisms offer us some evident clues in two currently active initiatives identified in regional universities. The case of Mujeres Autoconvocadas FARCODI (MAF) encourages collective and interdisciplinary reflection, while the feminist initiative ProfesorARQ reclaims the narratives of female teaching, motivated by the concerns of current generations of students.