Spatial Design Research Articles

Development, Reliability, and Validity of the Influences of Digital Technologies on Human Behavior in Public Space Scale Tested by Spatial Design Experts

Development, Reliability, and Validity of the Influences of Digital Technologies on Human Behavior in Public Space Scale Tested by Spatial Design Experts

Protests in urban environments: review and research agenda

Abstract Although knowledge about the role of space in the field of social movement studies is already well established, it is rarely discussed within the framework of urban spatial design (with some important exceptions). We consider not only how political power is related to architectural design in urban environments but also how it is performed (and contested) during protests within these spaces. We argue that urban spatial planning should address the dual nature of street demonstrations. Public assemblies are seen as symbols of democracy, but they are also disruptive and may turn into riots. This tension is evident along two design lines: facilitating and obstructing street demonstrations in a built-up urban environment. In our essay, we show that street protests are an immanent part of neoliberal democracy, and that cities cannot avoid street demonstrations or simply exclude them in the design process.

Typology of Informal Learning Spaces (ILS) in Sustainable Academic Education: A Systematic Literature Review in Architecture and Urban Planning

Informal learning spaces (ILS) offer unique opportunities for students to interact and develop skills in a more social, resilient, and sustainable environment. However, there is a lack of a definitive typology for ILS and related design factors and outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the typology of ILS in academic education, including relevant design factors and positive outcomes from architectural and urban planning perspectives. A systematic literature review was conducted on articles published between 2004 and 2024 from four databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insights, and IEEE Xplore. The included articles are in English and based on empirical data published in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on informal learning and its settings. A total of 37 full-text articles were included in the descriptive review, from which two categories and six types were identified: private indoor quiet space, semi-private/semi-public indoor space, public indoor space, public sustainable space, public outdoor space, and comprehensive space. The results also revealed seven categories of factors affecting these types of ILS: personal aspects, spatial design, physical settings, resources, social aspects, natural environment, and perceived environment. Furthermore, these ILS significantly contributed to five categories of positive outcomes: learning efficacy, socialisation, refreshment and relaxation, health outcomes, and sustainable development. Therefore, this SLR significantly contributed to the definition and typology of ILS in sustainable higher education.

The Impact of the Built Environment on Students' Social and Cultural Sustainability in Educational Campuses: Istanbul Okan University Case

It is common knowledge that well-functioning buildings improve our lives, communities, and culture. This paperdescribes the intricate relationship between architecture, spatial design, and the sustainable well-being ofeducational institutions. How physical spaces impact social interactions, foster cultural exchange, and contributeto long-term sustainability is explored. Social sustainability, which aims to define, organize, and develop sociallife based on humans and their relationships/interactions in social life, requires a versatile and well-understoodrelationship between the built environment and society. By combining qualitative research, user surveys, andarchitectural analysis, this paper provides actionable insights for enhancing the social and cultural sustainabilityof educational campuses.It is extremely important to evaluate the spatial quality of the built environment interms of students' sense of belonging, social ties, sense of community, trust, and physical well-being when usinguniversity campuses for students coming from different cultures, different cities/countries, and differentprofessions. This study, which will focus on Istanbul Okan University Campus as a case study, will propose anoriginal evaluation framework that relates the functional quality of the campus’s-built environment to variousspatial qualities at different spatial levels for evaluating social sustainability in campus life.

“Buddhist-Christian Style”: The Collaboration of Prip-Møller and Reichelt—From Longchang Si to Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre

Buddhist architecture plays a crucial role in traditional Chinese architecture, representing the localized adaptation of Buddhism, a foreign religion, in China. Historically, abundant materials, including paintings, photographs, and texts, demonstrate the longstanding interest of visiting Christian missionaries in Chinese Buddhist architecture. As their understanding deepens, Buddhist architecture becomes a valuable reference for the Sinicization of Christian venues in China. Unlike the “Chinese Roof with Western walls style” or “mixed Easten and Western façade style”, Tao Fong Shan represents a “Buddhist-Christian style”, with its success rooted in the similarity of life and spatial modes between Buddhist and Christian monasteries. Using Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre as a case study, this article examines the localization construction of Christian architecture. It explores how Norwegian missionary Karl Ludvig Reichelt (1877–1952) and Danish Christian architect Johannes Prip-Møller (1889–1943) collaborated to establish a Christian center targeting Buddhists. Through an in-depth study of Prip-Møller’s field research in the 1930s, especially his analysis of Longchang Si, the article investigates how Tao Fong Shan learned from it and transformed its spatial characteristics to achieve a localized sense of space perception through site selection, layout, and spatial design. It ultimately aims to influence the beliefs of Buddhists within the local context.

A LETTER FROM SPECIAL EDITION EDITOR IN CHIEF - DR. DEEPASHREE CHOUDHURY

Dear Readers and Contributors, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the special edition of the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Aspects of Built Environment (ICoMABE) 2024. This special issue, curated to coincide with the conference held from June 20-22, 2024, brings together pioneering research and innovative practices in the fields of architecture, urban planning, material technology, and pedagogical advancements in spatial design. The tracks covered in this edition—ranging from sustainable urban development and smart city designs to cutting-edge building materials, disaster-resistant structures, and pedagogical innovations—reflect the breadth of the built environment’s challenges and opportunities. As we navigate the evolving landscape of our cities, these topics are not only timely but critical for shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. The built environment is facing an era of unprecedented change, driven by rapid urbanization, climate challenges, technological advancements, and evolving societal needs. ICoMABE 2024 serves as a timely platform to address these critical issues through a multidisciplinary lens, bridging the gaps between architecture, urban planning, construction technologies, and design education. As we confront the challenges of sustainable development, carbon-neutral construction, and the demand for smarter, more inclusive cities, this conference has become a significant gathering point for professionals, academics, and innovators committed to shaping the future of our built spaces. The need for such a conference is underscored by the increasing complexity of today’s urban environments. The convergence of design, technology, and sustainability is no longer optional but essential in creating resilient and equitable spaces that meet the demands of diverse populations. ICoMABE 2024 emphasizes not only the exploration of innovative solutions but also the importance of integrating sustainability into all aspects of planning and development. By bringing together thought leaders from across disciplines, this conference fosters the exchange of knowledge and ideas necessary to address the multifaceted challenges facing the built environment today. The discussions and research presented here aim to shape policies, inspire groundbreaking designs, and influence future practices in creating livable, sustainable, and future-ready environments. ICoMABE 2024 has provided a platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to share their expertise, and I am excited to present the key findings, insights, and discussions that emerged from this event. The articles selected for this special issue highlight the multidisciplinary nature of the built environment and emphasize the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to foster meaningful change. This edition includes thought-provoking explorations into sustainable urban design, innovations in material science, and the integration of technology in design education. As editor, I have been privileged to work closely with the authors, whose contributions have demonstrated outstanding originality and relevance to the global context of our built environment. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the contributors, reviewers, and the organizing committee of ICoMABE 2024 for their unwavering support and dedication. I hope that this special issue will not only inspire future research and innovation but also serve as a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and students in our field.

Agricultural Engineering Vocational School in Aceh Besar with Behavior Architecture Approach

Currently, Aceh Besar District has a PP Negeri Saree Vocational School in the agricultural section in Saree Aceh Besar, but this school only studies agricultural information. The condition of Aceh Besar District shows that their land use majority is used for agriculture, animal farming and husbandry, fisheries and paddy fields, farm, and other plantations. Abundant natural resources are not processed into a good business due to a shortage of human resources in the field of agricultural engineering. Therefore, it is necessary to include an Agricultural Engineering in those vocational school with aims to create human resources in the field of agricultural machinery and agribusiness. The object design location is on SIM Airport Street, Gani, Kec. Want Jaya, Aceh Besar. The classification of the Agricultural Engineering Vocational School includes the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Agricultural Product Processing Agribusiness. The approach of behavior architecture into the design is behavior setting in completing spatial design, spatial cognition in completing circulation, and environment perception in completing image or building appearance. The analysis used is functional analysis, site analysis and user analysis. The Agricultural Engineering Vocational School in Aceh Besar is designed on an area of 14,950 m2 with multiple building masses. The ground coverage area (KDB) is 40% which is 5,980 m². The facilities in the building meant to support students in the learning process and as well as supporting facilities, those facilities are practice rooms, namely rice threshing machine engineering rooms, rice processing , rice polisher machine, hand tractor, technology for processing agricultural products, quality testing and quality control practice room.

DESIGNING FOR THE SENSES: MULTISENSORY APPROACHES IN THERAPEUTIC CLINICAL SPACES

Spatial design significantly influences interactions with the built environment, engaging senses through visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. However, in therapeutic clinical settings, the sensory experience is often overlooked in favor of aesthetic considerations, limiting the understanding of user responses to spatial cues. This study investigates the role and impact of multisensory design on user responses in therapeutic clinical environments. By analyzing design parameters such as lighting, acoustics, materials, and textures, the research aims to establish a framework for creating therapeutic clinical spaces that prioritize multisensory stimulation. Through case studies, interviews, and surveys, the study assesses user perceptions and psychological responses to different sensory stimuli in clinical settings. The findings indicate a preference for environments that engage multiple senses, with factors such as layout, color tones, forms, lighting, and finishes playing crucial roles in shaping user experiences. The proposed framework offers practical guidance for designers and architects, emphasizing the importance of sensory design in enhancing interactions between users and clinical environments, ultimately contributing to a more holistic and immersive therapeutic experience.

장 이론(Field theory)을 이용한 청년아파트 입주자 커뮤니케이션 방법에 관한 연구

This study analyzes Chinese representative rental youth apartments based on Field theory, examining the correlation between these apartments and their fields. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of spatial design of projects on interaction patterns and communication modes among tenants through the field theory. First, it explores the relationship between Field theory's concepts and characteristics, applying the relationship between field capital and practice to rental youth apartments. It then examines how project background, space structure, and field relationships impact residents' social behavior. Findings indicate that the rules of the field in rental youth apartments influence social methods, with functional diversity, shared spaces, and enhanced transitions between areas increasing residents' social willingness.

Application Strategies of Spatial Refinement Design in Ancient Cities Supported by Digital Te—Zhaoyu Ancient City in Qixian County as an Example

Application Strategies of Spatial Refinement Design in Ancient Cities Supported by Digital Te—Zhaoyu Ancient City in Qixian County as an Example

Spatial Simultaneous Functioning-Based Joint Design of Communication and Sensing Systems in Wireless Channels

Spatial Simultaneous Functioning-Based Joint Design of Communication and Sensing Systems in Wireless Channels

Room-Temperature Sensing Mechanism of GQDs/BiSbO4 Nanorod Clusters: Experimental and Density Functional Theory Study.

Creating high-performance gas sensors for heptanal detection at room temperature demands the development of sensing materials that incorporate distinct spatial configurations, functional components, and active surfaces. In this study, we employed a straightforward method combining hydrothermal strategy with ultrasonic processing to produce mesoporous graphene quantum dots/bismuth antimonate (GQDs/BiSbO4) with nanorod cluster forms. The BiSbO4 was incorporated with appropriate contents of GQDs resulting in significantly improved attributes such as heightened sensitivity (59.6@30 ppm), a lower threshold for detection (356 ppb), and quicker period for response (40 s). A synergistic mechanism that leverages the inherent advantages of BiSbO4 was proposed, while its distinctive mesoporous hollow cubic structure, the presence of oxygen vacancies, and the catalytic enhancement provided by GQDs lead to a marked improvement in heptanal detection. This work introduces a straightforward and effective method for crafting sophisticated micro-nanostructures that optimize spatial design, functionality, and active mesoporous surfaces, showing great promise for heptanal sensing applications.

Multiple scenario land use simulation based on a coupled MOGA-PLUS model: a case of the Yellow River Basin.

Land use changes have profoundly influenced global environmental dynamics. The Yellow River (YR), as the world's fifth-longest river, significantly contributes to regional social and economic growth due to its extensive drainage area, making it a key global player. To ensure ecological stability and coordinate land use demand, modeling the future land allocation patterns of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) will assist in striking a balance between land use functions and the optimization of its spatial design, particularly in water and sand management. In this research, we used a multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with the PLUS model to simulate several different futures for the YRB's land use between 1990 and 2020 and predict its spatial pattern in 2030. An analysis of the spatiotemporal evolution of land use changes in the YRB indicated that construction land expansion is the primary driver of landscape pattern and structure changes and ecological degradation, with climate change also contributing to the expansion of the watershed area. On the other hand, the multi-scenario simulation, constrained by specific targets, revealed that economic development was mainly reflected in land expansion for construction. At the same time, grassland and woodland were essential pillars to support the region's ecological health, and increasing the development of unused land emerged as a potential pathway towards sustainable development in the region. This study could be used as a template for the long-term growth of other large river basins by elucidating the impacts of human activities on land use and rationalizing land resource allocation under various policy constraints.

Indoor Space Layout Design based on Differential Evolution Algorithm

To enhance the interactivity of spatial design, this study proposes an indoor spatial layout design method based on differential evolution algorithm, which combines backtracking strategy and reverse learning strategy to improve the interactive differential evolution algorithm. The experimental data demonstrated that the proposed method for indoor space layout design achieved an average user satisfaction of 81.7%, which increased by 16.8% compared with traditional interactive genetic algorithms. In addition, the improved human-computer interaction interface scored higher than 0.8 in terms of usability, reliability, customizability, and interactive feedback. This means that the improved interface can better meet user needs and provide a better user experience. This study shows that the indoor space layout design method ground on differential evolution algorithm and the improved human-computer interaction interface can significantly improve user satisfaction and user experience. This has brought more efficient and convenient solutions to the field of spatial design.

Parametric Design of Office Furniture Partition Space Integrated with the Interactive Evolution Algorithm of FNT and Tree Structure

Office furniture and its spatial layout design are playing an increasingly important role in improving work efficiency and employee comfort. However, the technology still faces some challenges. For instance, accurately simulating and evaluating the behavior and feelings of people in the office environment is difficult due to the high complexity of furniture spacing space design. It is important to address these issues. The study aims to explore the key technology and practical application of the parametric design of office furniture partition space based on the interactive evolution algorithm of tree structure. This paper proposes an improved version of the flexible neural tree model and corresponding algorithm. It also presents a design method based on the interactive differential evolution algorithm to optimize the automatic balance effect between global exploration and local development in the average shortening of the difference vector based on individual distribution. The results showed that all indexes were larger than or equal to other algorithms on 46 datasets. According to the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, the P-value was all less than 0.05, which is a significant advantage. Median, mean, and quartiles indicated that the overall performance of the algorithm was higher than the others. Furthermore, similarity evaluation-based Flexible Neural Tree algorithm had no outliers in the selected dataset, which also indicates the stability of the performance. The research results will support innovation and development in the field of office furniture design. This will promote intelligence, efficiency, and personalization in the design process, and meet the diverse needs of modern office environments.

Spatial design guidelines for waterfall tourist attraction: A case study in Wang Hin Lat Waterfall, Trang province

This article investigates the sustainable development of the Wang Hin Lat waterfall tourist attraction, focusing on spatial design and land use. A field survey collected physical data, including topography, tourist attraction resources, facilities, land use, and access while community needs were gathered through focus group meetings, and tourist behavior was observed. The analyzed data led to proposed guidelines for tourist attraction development, emphasizing area utilization, carrying capacity, layout plan, and management. Despite the waterfall's natural beauty and provincial popularity, deficiencies in infrastructure, utilities, facilities, and land use planning contribute to congestion issues. It is a small waterfall capable of accommodating a limited number of tourists. Recommendations for Wang Hin Lat waterfall development include clearly defining and prioritizing zoning for natural areas, recreation zones, service and office areas, shops, parking, and entrances. A suggested tourist limit of 300, with access control points, aims to manage congestion. Diversifying activities, such as promoting nature, culture, and lifestyle learning, developing nature trails, and establishing clear regulations, is essential for the sustainable coexistence of tourist attraction development and nature conservation.

Correlation Study of Commercial Street Morphology and Pedestrian Activity in Cold Region Summers under Thermal Comfort Guidance: A Case Study of Sanlitun, Beijing

Pedestrian vitality in commercial streets is influenced by various factors, among which the spatial form of the street and the resulting thermal environment have a significant impact. This study, from the perspective of thermal comfort, combines thermal comfort simulation with pedestrian simulation to establish an optimization model based on pedestrian vitality. The model aims to analyze and quantify the impact of street spatial form on thermal comfort and pedestrian vitality, providing a comprehensive evaluation of optimization schemes for commercial street spaces. Firstly, the study identifies the levels of spatial design parameters for commercial streets and generates optimized design scenarios for commercial street spaces. Using the simulation platforms Rhino 7 Grasshopper and MATLAB R2023a, a pedestrian simulation model guided by thermal comfort is constructed and validated against empirical data. Next, the influence of commercial street spatial design parameters on store visitations is assessed, identifying the most critical design parameters. Finally, design strategies for commercial streets are proposed based on vitality-oriented layouts. The results indicate that the spatial form of the street significantly affects store visitations, with the street width-to-height ratio being the most influential factor, followed by street orientation and interface form. NW-SE-oriented streets show a 47.2% higher Total Store Visitations (TSV) value compared to E-W-oriented streets, while E-W streets exhibit a Differential Store Visitation (DSV) value 4.47 times that of NW-SE streets. Streets with a W/H ratio of 0.25 have a 54.9% higher Total Store Visitations value than those with a W/H ratio of 0.9, and streets with a W/H ratio of 0.65 exhibit a Differential Store Visitations value 1.21 times that of streets with a W/H ratio of 0.25. Considering overall street vitality, the study recommends NW-SE- and NE-SW-oriented streets, with a width-to-height ratio between 0.25 and 0.4. The study also proposes strategies for the modification and expansion of streets in different orientations, providing the scientific basis and optimization recommendations for the planning and renovation of commercial streets in cold regions during summer.

Mapping the Pulse: Heterogeneous Impacts of Human-Scale Street Design on Urban Vibrancy in Four Chinese Metropolises

Urban vibrancy emerges from the complex interplay between individuals and public spaces. Recognizing the importance of capturing people’s experience and perception of streetscape and network configurations, this study investigates the relationship between human-scale street design and urban vibrancy in four Chinese metropolises: Nanjing, Wuhan, Xi’an, and Shenyang. Using a bottom-up metric framework with street view images and spatial design network analysis, this study assesses human-scale street design across five dimensions: reachability, betweenness, detours, aesthetics, and disorder. Multiscale geographically weighted regression is employed to examine how these design metrics spatially affect urban vibrancy during daytime and nighttime. The findings reveal the efficacy of enhancing street closeness and optimizing green spaces in promoting urban vibrancy. It further identifies mitigating strategies for reversing declines in urban vibrancy, such as addressing physical disorder and reducing street network severance. Additional analysis using a geographical detector explores the interactive effects of these elements, emphasizing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to urban planning. The comparative analysis across multiple cities amplifies the generalizability of the findings, offering actionable insights for adaptable, vibrancy-oriented urban planning.

Spatial Optimization for Energy Island Location and Cable Routing Considering Offshore Zoning

The energy hub concept presents a compelling opportunity to channel electricity from offshore wind farms to the grid, facilitating cross-border energy trading and conversion. However, one of the main challenges lies in the strategic identification of a suitable energy island location and the establishment of an interconnected cable routing path. Part of the complexity arises from the need to navigate offshore zoning regulations and accommodate various spatial uses within the offshore area. This paper exhibits a case study to explore the spatial optimization for a potential offshore energy hub in the North Sea. It aims at finding out an optimal spatial configuration of the offshore energy hub, such that the island location and the associated cable routing do not infringe upon keep-out zones while strategically positioning the hub closer to high-capacity wind farms. To achieve this goal, detailed geographical data incorporating offshore zoning information is leveraged for spatial optimization. The Dijkstra’s algorithm is then applied to identify the optimal island location and cable routing path. The effectiveness of this spatial optimization methodology is demonstrated through a case study involving offshore wind farm sites in the North Sea. Given the real geographical data, simulation results underscore the efficacy of the Dijkstra’s algorithm in determining the optimal energy hub layout. In particular, an optimal spatial design is achieved, based on cable lengths, asset capacities, offshore zoning and island/platform location for a potential offshore energy hub in the North Sea while ensuring compliance with keep-out zoning regulations.

The role of bromeliad structural complexity on the presence, spatial distribution and predator avoidance in Tityus neglectus (Scorpiones: Buthidae).

The spatial arrangement of organisms is significantly influenced by the structure of vegetation. Bromeliads, characterized by a remarkable architectural design featuring rosette-like leaf arrangements for rainwater storage, act as habitats for various organisms. These organisms use bromeliads for shelter, foraging, reproduction and the supply of nutrients and moisture. This study investigated how specific aspects of bromeliad structure, such as the number, width and length of leaves, impact the behaviour and distribution patterns of the bromelicolous scorpion Tityus neglectus. In the examination of 110 sampled bromeliads, 33 scorpions were recorded, resulting in an occupancy rate of 30%. The likelihood of scorpion occurrence was associated with the plant's structure. The length and coefficient of variation in the width of leaves appeared as the main predictors, positively influencing scorpion presence while the number of leaves exhibited a negative relation with scorpion occurrence. The distribution of scorpions was uniform across the spatial design of bromeliads. Furthermore, T. neglectus demonstrated the ability to utilize water accumulated in the bromeliad to evade potential predators, submerging itself for, on mean, almost 8 min. We concluded that bromeliad structure is essential in shaping the distribution patterns and anti-predatory behaviour of T. neglectus.