Architectural Space Research Articles

Carceral Soundscapes

My central research focus seeks to define a poetics of the carceral; to accomplish this goal, I study the relationship between inmate authors, the space of the prison, and the soundscapes their works create. My work builds on that of scholars like Nicole Fleetwood who have shifted conversations toward the materiality of the prison in recent years. My work emerges in conversation with this scholar, as I expand her frameworks to examine how the material shape of the prison is revealed through and imprinted on the work of incarcerated poets. In my paper, I argue that inmate authors articulate the prison experience in unique ways by reconstructing and experimenting with sound to push back against a dehumanizing carceral space. I begin by foregrounding the work of Reginald Dwayne Betts, as he uses the material prison to create soundscapes of his experience. His material use of legal documents and prison moderators creates a tension between the sounds the prison implicitly creates, and those Betts explicitly recreates. The sensory experience of prison, how it is heard and seen, and the recreations of that experience allow us to understand the architecture of carceral space. Ultimately, my paper identifies new directions for analyzing how inmate artists transform the experience of carceral space and inscribe the material life of the contemporary American prison into poetry.

Evaluation of spatial form and activation strategies of traditional villages using spatial information technology

Traditional villages are important carriers of regional cultural inheritance. The challenge of utilizing spatial information technology to protect and preserve the architectural spatial patterns and regional context of traditional villages has attracted significant attention. This study focuses on Biasha Miao village in Guizhou province, China, as the case study. Digital information technology was used to evaluate the architectural spatial texture and typical street space characteristics of different villages. Using the DepthMap model of space syntax and parameters such as integration, average depth value, and connectivity, the article examines the spatial form of traditional villages across three aspects: overall space, street space, and point-like public space. In the end, a spatial activation optimization strategy was proposed. The results showed that the spatial layout of buildings in different villages is closely related to the distribution characteristics of landscape elements such as landform, water system, and farmland, as well as residents’ production, lifestyle, and regional culture. Da village and Zaige new village are well-connected to the main traffic roads connecting them to the outside world, resulting in high spatial permeability and a more extroverted spatial development. Most public spaces are located near the main village road, offering good accessibility, or at the geometric center of the village, where they serve critical roles in cultural display and distribution. This study proposes targeted activation strategies focusing on road traffic, street layout, and spatial nodes to optimize and enhance the spatial quality of traditional villages, improve residents’ living environments, and provide practical guidance for the sustainable development of traditional village spaces.

The use of photobioreactors in façades for decarbonization process

The paper deals with the application of microalgae in building’s façade, regard to the broader project comprising the aspects of the environmental comfort of academic spaces and the energy consumption with on-grid photovoltaic generation, as well as the investigation of alternatives for the improvement of the performance of the building envelopes. Thus, its main objective is the application of interdisciplinary concepts involving Architecture and Biotechnology, as known by Black Ecologies, referring to an investigative interest to explore a new approach of nature, not only related to architectural space, but an emergent environmental focus. This relationship is performed by using photobioreactors with microalgae, installed on the façades of buildings for educational use. The present work presents the methodological outline of the research, based on literature review and case studies; complementary experimental methodologies are also presented to contextualize the subject and its application and feasibility. The current state of art showed an emergent approach in terms of international level, but in the Brazilian context any further research was identified yet. In addition to thermal and energy performance, the strategies will allow the process of sequestration of carbon dioxide and other GHG (greenhouse gases) that impacts on the process of climate change and can contribute to reach the sustainable development. This subject coincides with the discussions of the 2050 scenarios and emission reduction, which were faced at the recent COP-27 and its connections with an integrative way to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Architectural Dynamics in Tolkien’s Novel, The Hobbit: A Literary and Cinematic Perspective

This study investigates the dynamic interplay between architectural elements and narrative construction in J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit (1937) and its cinematic adaptations directed by Peter Jackson. By focusing on both literary and cinematic mediums, this research elucidates how architectural elements contribute to world-building, character development, story progression, and thematic expression. The fantasy genre, with its potential for spatial constructs, provides fertile ground for this exploration. Through comprehensive analysis, it is revealed that Tolkien’s strategic use of spaces such as the Shire, Erebor, and the Woodland Realm enhances the narrative's depth and realism. These spaces are integral to the narrative, reflecting the cultural and moral attributes of their inhabitants and influencing the story's progression. In parallel, Jackson's films reinterpret these architectural spaces, employing cinematic techniques to amplify their visual and emotional impact. The adaptation showcases the integration of architectural elements with narrative and character development, creating a different kind of experience for viewer. This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from literary analysis, film studies, and architectural theory, to offer new insights into the significant role of architecture in storytelling. The research highlights how architectural principles are translated into narrative devices in literature and visual representations in film. The findings underscore the transformative potential of architectural elements in narrative construction, highlighting their importance as central components rather than mere background settings. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship between architecture, literature, and film, and calls for further interdisciplinary exploration to fully appreciate the impact of spatial dynamics in narrative art.

Historic street layout and its impact on shaping residents’ daily lives: insights from Sanxue Street, Xi’an

ABSTRACT Historic street layouts are integral to historic districts’ tangible cultural heritage and are intricately linked to the residents’ daily lives; however, existing studies have only examined their spatial aspects, primarily using quantitative methods. Conversely, studies on tangible cultural heritage’s impact on residents’ lives have principally employed qualitative methods. Therefore, this study bridges qualitative and quantitative approaches to propose a layout – daily life model, which explains the relationship between the layout of Xi’an, China’s Sanxue Street historic and cultural district, and its residents’ daily lives. A combination of space syntax and geographic information system-based land-use analyses revealed that eating, shopping, calligraphy, and transportation were the main activities of residents. Questionnaire responses from 335 participants validated the proposed model and confirmed its feasibility. When certain types of facilities are widely distributed in streets with high choice and integration, residents’ daily lives tend to involve the functions represented by them. Furthermore, calligraphy is an important part of most residents’ daily lives, regardless of the transportation mode used. This study contributes to the understanding of the effect of tangible cultural heritage, particularly street layouts, on residents’ daily lives in historic districts.

The impact of visitor attributes on the spatial experience in exhibition halls with background music

The exhibition hall is public architectural space with diverse forms, which serves as an exceptional research environment for investigating spatial experience. As a potent auditory stimulus capable of evoking emotions effectively, music exerts influence on behavioral responses in different contexts. However, the existing literature on interior space design rarely integrates soundscape considerations. Therefore, this study aims to explore the impact of tourist attributes-such as music learning experience, listening frequency, exhibition visiting motivation, personality traits, and neuroticism-on spatial experiences based on music perception and interior layouts. The background music is categorized into five sound conditions based on mode and tempo: no music, medium tempo in major, medium tempo in minor, fast tempo in major, and slow tempo in major. Meanwhile, the exhibition space is classified into four categories according to its interior layout: axis space, scale contrast space, shape contrast space, and flow space. The result shows that in different spatial environment with different music background, tourist attributes have different effects on the subjective spatial perception.

Medical practices in places of culture and intense architecture: how the visit experience changes.

Cultura di Base is an experimental project realised in Torino between May and October 2022. Some General Practitioners' offices were moved to cultural places of the city, such as museums, libraries, cultural centers, with recognised quality in terms of space design and architecture. The assumption to be tested is that "intense architecture offices" can improve the experience of the visit and possibly strengthen the relationship between patient and doctor. Our counterfactual impact evaluation, based on a quasi-experimental control group design, evidences a significant positive impact both on the perceptions of waiting time and on the post-visit psychological well-being.

Influence of Campus Outdoor Spaces on Students Behavior: Enhancing Social Interaction and Learning at An-Najah University

This study examines how the physical features of university campus outdoor spaces affect student behavior, aiming to promote social interaction and improve learning outcomes. Two central questions guide the research: how student movements relate to open space features, and how campus layout influences student circulation and interaction. By employing a mixed-method approach, including field observations and space syntax analysis, five areas at An-Najah University Campus are studied. The findings highlight the importance of these insights in urban design and planning, especially for teaching staff, students, and visitors. Results indicate that spatial layout and physical features significantly affect space usage, with students favoring areas with seating, shade, and social opportunities, adapting to informal setups when formal options are limited. Visibility is key, with students favoring spaces offering maximum visibility for seating. This understanding informs architects and planners in creating engaging campus environments for social interaction and learning.

Building sustainable mitigation through adaptive green open space on tanjung mas sub district

Abstract Mitigation is a step to reduce the risk of disasters in a particular area. Tanjung Mas sub-district is an area that has a high potential for land subsidence and tidal flooding because it is located on the North Coast of Java. Temporary evacuation points are urgently needed to protect residents from the dangers of tidal floods and distribute logistics from volunteers. Based on community preferences, the Green Open Space in Tambak Lorok are used as an evacuation point for flood disasters. The green open space, which was initially used for sustainable water absorption, was converted into an evacuation point as a flood disaster mitigation measure. This research aims to measure the suitability of green open space as a temporary evacuation site. The research method used is a Space Syntax approach and qualitative description analysis. Based on the results of the analysis, almost all the requirements for evacuation places by the green open space location. It is easily accessible because it is on the primary residential route, easily accessible by vehicles, and has building structures higher than the road. However, the area of green open space still needs to be increased for the minimum standard capacity per person. Apart from that, the infrastructure to support evacuation, such as electricity, communication equipment, or rubber boats, needs to be improved. The construction of green open space as a temporary evacuation site needs to be adjusted to minimum standards and the needs of the population. It is also hoped that the development of green open space will be the responsibility of not only the government but also cooperation between stakeholders. Green open space isn’t just for environment impacts, but can also increase the community resilience.

Investigate Sustainability Aspect in Spatial Configurations of Javanese Vernacular Architecture: Case Study of Joglo House

Abstract This research focuses on the unique spatial designs and variations found in the Joglo houses of Juwana, Pati, in Central Java, a region celebrated for its indigenous architecture. The Joglo house, a fundamental component of the Javanese cultural identity, is often inherited through generations without any formal written records, leaving its architectural details in scholarly discussions. The purpose of this study is to explore the spatial characteristics of spaces in the Joglo house that support the sustainability. The study employs the space syntax methodology to investigate the spatial interrelations among rooms in 16 Joglo houses then the 5 representative houses were picked to be analysed mathematically. By using the justified plan graph analysis, it identifies specific patterns and categorizations in the relationships between rooms, thereby uncovering the intrinsic architectural principles. The findings reveal that all the representative floor plans have a corridor as the most integrated space and there is a distinct separation between public and private spaces. This study bridges traditional knowledge and scholarly research, highlighting the intricate architecture and cultural significance of Joglo houses.

Integrating Streetscape Images, Machine Learning, and Space Syntax to Enhance Walkability: A Case Study of Seongbuk District, Seoul

As urbanization rapidly progresses, streets have transitioned from mere transportation corridors to crucial spaces for daily life and social interaction. While past research has examined the impact of physical street characteristics on walkability, there is still a lack of large-scale quantitative assessments. This study systematically evaluates street walkability in Seongbuk District, Seoul, through the integration of streetscape images, machine learning, and space syntax. The physical characteristics of streets were extracted and analyzed in conjunction with space syntax to assess street accessibility, leading to a combined analysis of walkability and accessibility. The results reveal that the central and western regions of Seongbuk District outperform the eastern regions in overall street performance. Additionally, the study identifies four distinct street types based on their spatial distribution: high accessibility–high overall score, high accessibility–low overall score, low accessibility–high overall score, and low accessibility–low overall score. The findings not only provide a scientific basis for street development in Seongbuk District but also offer valuable insights for assessing and enhancing walkability in cities globally.

Symbolism In The Mosques of Mimar Sinan: Inscriptions, Meanings, and Architectural Order

Architectural spaces not only consist of structural elements but also bear traces from the period in which they were built. These traces can be religion, culture, economy, power, technology, abstract concepts, or symbols. Worship places, in particular, contain diverse symbols and indicators due to their mission. Mosques specific to the Islamic religion also have various symbolic elements besides their original architectural features. It is seen in history that these elements are included in mosque architecture with abstract ornaments and calligraphy. In the mosques of Mimar Sinan’s period, the inscriptions mainly consist of Qur’ān verses. These verses are placed on many architectural elements, starting from the dome. The study aims to systematically question and reveal the relationship between these verses and the architectural elements where they are placed using the semiotic method. Five mosques, the richest in terms of the epigraphy program, were selected as samples for the study. All the inscriptions in the mosques were identified on-site, and their accuracy was ensured by comparing them with sources related to the period. In this study, the symbolism of the inscriptions in Mimar Sinan’s mosques, which has not been revealed before, is presented uniquely for each architectural element by reading them through the inscriptions and structural elements.

A Study on the Space Syntax of the Location and Usage Rate of Children's Art Museums

A Study on the Space Syntax of the Location and Usage Rate of Children's Art Museums

Walking to School: What Streets Do Children Prefer?

Active school travel provides children with a daily opportunity to engage actively with their local urban environments. Despite widespread recognition that understanding the underlying factors of children’s navigation choices is crucial for developing effective environmental interventions to promote active school travel, there is limited evidence on children’s experiences regarding their school journeys. This is due in part to the fact that most studies rely on GIS-calculated routes which may not adequately represent children’s actual home-school journeys, and hence actual experiences. This study aims to identify specific environmental attributes influencing children’s navigation choices based on children’s (9–10 year olds) actual walking routes to school in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. 45 pairs of selected and avoided streets were compared using a range of urban form (e.g., street connectivity measured through space syntax variables) and street design (e.g., footpath width) characteristics. Statistical analysis highlighted significant design attributes as potential determinants of navigation selections. In-depth street-level observations provided insight into the urban character of these street pairs, identifying the environmental qualities that could offer opportunities for active and safe commuting among children. This study contributes to the literature by broadening our understanding of the environmental attributes that may promote active school travel. Our findings, based on children’s actual experiences, may also inform urban planners and designers on designing inclusive child-friendly cities.

Heritage Tourism Development Should Take Care of Industrial Heritage Protection: A Study on the Development Strategy of Industrial Heritage Tourism in Nanjing

The tourism development of industrial heritage is an effective way to activate cultural heritage and can provide new solutions for the renewal and protection of industrial heritage. This study focuses on the industrial heritage in Nanjing, aiming to explore its spatial distribution pattern, tourism development strategy, and sustainable development model. This study adopts a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, relevant information on 93 sites of industrial heritage type historic buildings in Nanjing is collected. Secondly, ArcGIS was used to visualize the evolution of industrial buildings and the spatial distribution of industrial heritage type historic buildings. Finally, the spatial analysis tools of ArcGIS and the accessibility analysis method in space syntax theory are superimposed to comprehensively analyze the spatial distribution pattern and traffic accessibility characteristics of Nanjing’s industrial heritage. The research results propose a specific plan to promote the value transformation of industrial heritage through tourism: based on the spatial distribution characteristics of Nanjing’s industrial heritage along the water system and traffic arteries, a tourist route of “multi-point, two-axis, one-center” is planned; the tourism development strategy of “point protrusion, linear links, and surface darning” is implemented; and a sustainable development model under the guidance of low-carbon environmental protection goals is explored. This study provides a reference for the protective development of industrial heritage and the expansion of tourism and opens up a new perspective for the regeneration and planning of other urban heritage.

Between Tradition and Modernity: The Sociospatial Dynamics of Japanese Residential Architecture from Pre-War to Present

This research examines the evolution of Japanese residential architecture throughout the 20th century, focusing on the transformation of house plans in response to changing societal needs. This study specifically examines how traditional spatial configurations adapted to urbanization, modernisation, and shifts in the family structure. By analysing house plans across three distinct periods—the pre-war and post-Kanto earthquake period, the post-war period, and the post-oil shock period to the present—this research illustrates the transition from detached houses to modern collective housing. Utilising a space syntax methodology, this research quantitatively analyses threshold spaces, circulation, and family gathering spaces to understand their social and architectural implications. Historical analyses are paired with a network analysis of selected house plans, highlighting the persistent significance of traditional elements such as the doma (vestibule) and the en-gawa (verandah) in contemporary designs. The findings demonstrate a significant reduction in the size and complexity of living spaces over time, reflecting broader trends towards efficiency and modernisation in public housing. This research contributes to architectural scholarship by providing a detailed account of how Japanese customary spaces have been reconfigured to accommodate evolving lifestyles, offering insights into the balance between tradition and modern living.

On Science Fiction, Heritage Architecture and Other Demons

This conversation with Moira Crone was inspired by her science fiction novel The Not Yet. The interview opens with a question regarding the capacity of architectural heritage to carry past and present values, as well as our stories, and help us make sense of the world. With an emphasis on the historic French quarter in New Orleans, Crone explains why the preservation of the city’s most famous neighborhood was necessary for the plot and how in reality this preservation takes place. She discusses the difficult and cruel history of plantation homes in Louisiana, as well as moments in which the strict racial hierarchies broke down, creating possibilities for different ways of co-existence among its inhabitants. Crone unpacks her ideas about archetypical architectural spaces like the theater, and the subversive role it can play in contemporary or imaginative societies. The interview concludes with a discussion about science fiction’s connections to architectural thinking and the author’s creative process.

An architectural design framework to promote healthy indoor-outdoor connections in Arctic housing

This research proposes biophilic intermediate spaces as a promising architectural solution to improve indoor-outdoor connections, occupant well-being, and energy efficiency in Arctic housing. Basic examples of intermediate spaces in Arctic housing models include porches and vestibules. However, the architecture of these spaces has not yet been optimized to adress extreme climatic conditions and occupants’ needs. Therefore, this research develops an architectural design framework to optimize the architecture of intermediate spaces for Arctic housing to meet occupants’ well-being needs and improve housing energy efficiency. The research methodology combines an archetypal approach, exploratory case study analysis, and scoping literature review. The archetypal study examines the historical development of Canadian Arctic housing models in Nunavut, revealing the typological evolution, features, potentials, and deficiencies of intermediate spaces in the Arctic. The study identifies of the main design variables and performance indicators of intermediate spaces corresponding to healthy and positive indoor-outdoor connections, thermal and visual comfort, and energy efficiency. A conceptual model of an intermediate space is then simulated as an exploratory case study for a public Canadian Arctic residential building. The architectural design framework is established based on findings from the literature, archetypal studies of Arctic housing, and simulation results of an integrated model for an intermediate space and a public Arctic housing model in Nunavut. The proposed framework includes main architectural variables such as physical adjacency, material, orientation, space depth, and transparency ratio which impact thermal, lighting, and energy performance. This design framework can serve as a reference for creating policies and decision-making processes that integrate biophilic intermediate spaces with Arctic building practices, contributing to Canada's strategic plan for energy efficiency and vegetable production in the Arctic.

Research on the Correlation Between Folk Beliefs and Temple Architectural Space: Case Study of Renwei Temple in Canton

Renwei Temple is the earliest recorded temple architecture established in the Cantonese region of the Song Dynasty to worship the Northern Monarch, one of the Taoist divinities. It is famous for its traditional folk culture activities such as the Northern Monarch's Birthday celebration. Renwei Temple showcases a paradigm of Cantonese folk temple architecture. It embodies the Chinese civilization's Taoist culture, philosophical thoughts and traditional activities, demonstrating the charm of architectural art in the Lingnan region. Through field investigation, interview and literature research, this paper conducts a case study of Renwei Temple in Canton, to reveal the internal relationship among religion, Confucian belief and architectural space of the Cantonese Temple, and to further explore the influence of the order of the relationship between God and Human, etiquette thought and social integration on architectural spatial characteristics in material aspect. It would help inspiring the restoration, renovation, innovation and inheritance of temple Architectures, or even the construction of public buildings in Cantonese region

Mapping the relationship between traffic accidents, road network configuration, and urban land use

Understanding the nature of traffic accidents in relation to urban access networks is crucial for building safer and more resilient cities. This paper examines the issue of traffic accidents through the lenses of urban configurational theory and urban land use. Three data layers were used in the study, including space syntax analysis conducted in Depthmap X, geotagged traffic accidents collected by the police department, and geotagged land-use data. The method involved superimposing these data layers and exploring potential correlations using a geographic information system (GIS). The findings indicate significant correlations between the spatial frequency of traffic accidents and the choice measure (at 2500 m), local integration, and active land use. The findings of this study can help inform planners and policymakers about the best location to implement safety measures to reduce the risk of traffic accidents in urban access networks.