Zhuozhang Li, Minna Sunikka-Blank, Ruchit Purohit
et al.
How can engagement practices remain open to new dialogues, issues and possibilities beyond existing hierarchies and often exploitative conditions? The acts of co-curation are investigated as a mode of community engagement, focusing on the Cambridge Room, an experimental urban room (UR) in Cambridge, UK. By examining three projects in one of the UK’s most unequal cities, this paper reflects on the forms and dynamics of community engagement and knowledge co-creation in URs, often seen as an alternative version to urban living labs. Drawing on emerging theories of care and civic empowerment within curatorial practices, this paper argues that co-curation in urban contexts functions as a practice of enabling, educating, critiquing and making public, reinforcing the civic dimension of participatory engagement. The Cambridge Room case study demonstrates how through co-curation URs can facilitate community-led initiatives, foster resource sharing and enhance collaboration across diverse demographic groups as multiple agents of care. At the same time, the case study reveals that co-curation faces critical challenges: building trust amid conflicting interests; engaging powerful yet underrepresented commercial stakeholders like developers; and generating robust evidence of impact through indicators including participation rates and influences on planning processes. Policy relevance Co-curation is an alternative methodological framework for community engagement, offering a critical shift away from outcome-driven and tokenistic strategies in current modes of public participation in planning. In the context of Cambridge, a priority area within the UK government’s growth plan where inequalities persist, the urgency of amplifying community voices, especially those of marginalised groups, and foregrounding local knowledge is increasingly pressing. The Cambridge Room case study suggests how co-curation can support more inclusive and flexible forms of civic engagement that document and mobilise diverse views of the city to inform policy discussions and decision-making. More broadly, within the context of URs and ULLs, co-curation can be seen not only as a method but as a political proposition that foregrounds care, dialogue, and resistance to fixed hierarchies and knowledge systems.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Jelena Ivanović-Šekularac, Neda Sokolović, Nikola Macut
et al.
Authenticity is a core principle in conservation guidelines and a key goal of heritage preservation, especially in Serbia, where many aging objects face ongoing deterioration. The subject of this study is the church within the Blagoveštenje Monastery complex in the Ovčar-Kablar gorge, built using stone from a local quarry at the beginning of the 17th century. The inclination of the structure, observed as progressively increasing over the centuries, raises important concerns regarding its stability. This research focuses on identifying the underlying causes of this phenomenon in order to support its long-term preservation. The methods used the study are long-term in situ observations including analysis, geodetic research, 3D laser imaging, geophysical, geological, archaeological research, evaluation of current condition, determination of structural failures and their cause and monitoring the structural behavior of elements. All methods were carried out in accordance with the definition of rehabilitation measures and the protection of masonry buildings. The main contribution of this study is identifying that the church’s inclination and deviation result from the northern foundation resting on weaker soil and a deeper rock mass compared to the southern side. The research approach and findings presented in this paper can serve as a guide for future endeavors aimed at identifying the causes of deformations and the restoration and structural rehabilitation of masonry buildings as cultural heritage.
Burcu Buram Colak Demirel, Yigit Can Yardimci, Hayrun Nisa Kurucay
The preservation of cultural heritage and the seismic resilience of historic buildings are crucial for maintaining social identity, particularly in earthquake-prone regions. This study focuses on the modeling of Sırçalı Kumbet, a Seljuk monument built in the 14th century in Kayseri province, located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, using survey drawings and analysis using the finite element method (FEM) to evaluate its seismic performance. The analysis indicates that linear elastic calculation methods can serve as an initial approach for evaluating such geometrically complex structures. The findings demonstrate that Sırçalı Kumbet exhibits substantial structural rigidity, reducing deformation and enhancing resistance to material fatigue during seismic events. Displacement and stress analyses under G+EQx and G+EQy loading conditions reveal that tensile and compressive stresses remain within acceptable limits, with localized exceedances occurring at specific points, such as cavity corners and wall bases. While these localized stresses are manageable, they highlight areas that require continuous monitoring and potential reinforcement to ensure long-term stability. Additionally, the study suggests that the integration of regular maintenance and targeted reinforcement measures can further improve the monument’s durability and minimize potential damage. This research underscores the essential role of the FEM in bridging the gap between cultural heritage conservation and seismic resilience. It provides a methodological framework for integrating architectural, restoration, and engineering expertise into comprehensive conservation strategies. Future studies should expand this approach to include various building types and material properties to enhance the development of preservation strategies.
Ce travail questionne l’habitat traditionnel rural vernaculaire rural en pierre dans les massifs atlasiques marocains, en tant que production architecturale, mais aussi historique, sociale, anthropologique et patrimoniale. Une espèce de regards croisés scientifique sur quelques éléments incontournables de notre identité rurale nationale. Partant du constat d’un habitat en déclin, d’une composante patrimoniale mal estimée, nous avons cherché à comprendre les raisons derrières ce résultat, en se basant sur un travail d’analyse de sa situation actuelle, au vu des différentes problématiques, pratiques et réalités qui s’y rapportent. En travaillant sur deux études de cas, chacune représentant un massif atlasique(Anti-Atlas et Haut-Atlas), nous avons cherché à comprendre la relation de l’homme avec son espace et ses éventuelles variables diachroniques et diatopiques, dans le cadre d’une réflexion autour des questions relatives aux possibilités d’adaptation de cette composante patrimoniale rurale traditionnelle en pierre aux nouveaux enjeux et exigences de la pratique spatiale des espaces domestiques ruraux d’aujourd’hui.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Secret voting in democratic countries using computational intelligence and Blockchain Technology, the vote is a fundamental right in democracy to elect people’s representatives at various levels. Manual voting is tedious and error prone. E-voting systems replaced the manual voting systems to overcome illegal voting and malpractices. Due to growing cybercrimes, the existing e-voting systems are not ideal and face many challenges like authentication, privacy, data integrity, etc. This paper presents computational intelligence and Blockchain technology in developing secret e-voting systems. This paper addresses various issues not addressed by traditional and e-voting systems and proposes new voting using computational intelligence techniques and blockchain technology.
There are several kinds of compulsive usage of “a mobile phone” by youngsters around the world, which can be called mobile phone addiction/misuse. The more specific area of mobile usage is “WhatsApp’s addiction/misuse” which has prompted health officials around the world to consider this quickly expanding issue. The research study aimed to determine WhatsApp usage patterns among primary educators and students, as well as the influence of those patterns on their personal lives. From December 1, 2021, to May 1, 2022, A cross-sectional study was undertaken among primary educators and students of the Meerut region. The information was gathered using a standardized questionnaire. The sociodemographic profile, usage pattern, and impact are all included in the proforma. The overuse of WhatsApp has an adverse influence as well as an extreme effect on study time, educational achievement, and relaxation. Educators utilize WhatsApp groups for academic purposes, which disrupts and demolish their personal lives even after they have finished their professional work. WhatsApp users have enhanced their social lives in the virtual world. The findings of this research study are limited to the specific region and not generalized to other sectors and regions of the world. Further research can be carried out with more sample size considering different variables.
In this study, nanocomposite from the lemon peel was synthesized after precipitation nano iron oxides (LE-Fe3O4) by co-precipitation method and used as an important adsorbent in the adsorption process to remove the MB Dye from the aqueous solution in the batch study taking into account the parameters (pH, dose, initial concentration, and contact time). The optimum condition obtained from the experiment appears to be pH 8, 15mg\50ml dose, 50 ppm initial MB concentration, and 40 min contact time. Max adsorption capacity was 80 mg/g, and the adsorption experimental data best fitted with langmuir isotherm model indicating that the adsorption was monolayer.
Architectural Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, Shahbaa Ahmed Ali, M. Tayfun Yildirim
et al.
This research traces the study of the development of traditional housing in Baghdad in terms of the internal changes of housing and the impact of modernity on them in AL Adhamiya area in the city of Baghdad. where 6 houses from this area are selected as a non-comprehensive intentional sample to be studied, analyzed and compared to the rest of the pattern of the Modern residential period, based on detailed plans, pictures and illustrations. The main objective of this paper is to identify the process of transformation in the type, spatial and visual style of the houses through the application of comparative evaluation of different periods and to indicate the impact of modernity on the disruption or improvement of the houses in Baghdad in order to study the continuity of these patterns or ruptures among them. The conclusions are drawn to emphasize contemporary challenges
In this study, comparative investigations of a typical steel moment frame and a steel frame-braced core-tube structure, designed following different seismic codes, are conducted to evaluate the significant differences between the Chinese and the United States (US) seismic codes for steel buildings. The study outcomes can enhance the understanding of the differences in steel structure design between two countries, especially the differences in seismic performance. Specifically, the design outputs of the structural components, material consumptions, dynamic characteristics, and seismic loads were analyzed. Subsequently, finite element (FE) models based on the design outputs were established to assess the seismic performance and collapse margin. Furthermore, the local buckling effect of the steel components can be considered in the FE model, which can effectively predict the buckling-induced strength deterioration under excessive deformation. The comparison results reveal that, under the same design conditions in this study, both the strength requirement and deflection limit are critical factors that control the typical buildings design following the Chinese codes. However, the strength requirement is the primary factor that controls the design outcomes following the US codes. Moreover, the collapse resistance of the steel moment frames from both codes are similar, but the material consumption based on the Chinese design code is comparatively higher. In contrast, the material consumption of the steel frame-braced core-tube structures are comparable, but the collapse resistance of the US design code is better. Furthermore, the collapse analyses indicate that the local buckling effect could significantly reduce the collapse resistance.
Kouhei Kuwabara, Keita Yamazaki, Shigeo Suga
et al.
Abstract Although the use of cooling garments to prevent heat disorders has been increasing, the effectiveness of such garments at construction sites (CSs) remains underexplored. We investigated the relationship between the thermal environment at a CS and the physiological and psychological responses of workers wearing/not wearing ventilated work wear (VWW). The study participants were rebar placers and form workers employed at an outdoor CS. The thermal environmental conditions and the physiological and psychological responses of the workers were measured. The overall, chest, and forearm skin temperatures of the workers not wearing VWW were significantly higher than those of workers wearing VWW. To clarify the effects of VWW and working schedules on body weight loss (BWL), the BWL rate was simulated based on the evaporation rate according to a regression formula of measured data in an artificial chamber. The BWL during the late shift was higher than that in the early shift, causing dehydration in the afternoon. To prevent this condition, more water intake is required during the late shift.
Architecture, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Abstract Land scarcity in and around coastal cities is a growing problem in both industrialized and developing nations. The lack of development areas increases the tension between infrastructure needs, urban needs and nature – impacting both growth and quality of life. This study advocates that floating structures can offer a unique avenue to explore new and sustainable ways of addressing these issues. Recognizing that no comprehensive analysis or study on the legal requirements needed for the realization of such projects has yet been conducted, the study's first aim is to define the required design guidelines by synthesizing statutory requirements, building codes and international regulations. From a statutory perspective, these encompass two disciplines: civil engineering and naval architecture. To this end, a preliminary design of a Modular Floating Structures (MFS) module is presented, reconciling the design requirements of the two disciplines, in order to proof the feasibility of the MFS technology for urban use offshore. The study mainly focuses on structural and safety aspects, and sheds light on other crucial factors for offshore dwelling feasibility, such as occupant comfort.
Nicolas Francart, Mattias Höjer, Kristina Mjörnell
et al.
The sharing of indoor space can improve space and energy efficiency. The drivers and barriers to space-sharing initiatives are investigated from the perspectives of building users and building sector practitioners, based on interviews and a workshop. The role of energy performance metrics in promoting space efficiency is further analysed through a literature review. From the users’ perspective, space sharing can be understood through the interplay between tangible aspects ('e.g.' concrete benefits derived from sharing), organisational aspects ('e.g.' common decision processes and conflict resolution) and social aspects ('e.g.' group identity and consensus on appropriate behaviours). From the perspective of architects and property owners, shareable spaces require features such as flexibility and multifunctionality. The design of such spaces is limited by regulatory issues ('e.g.' building regulations poorly accommodate shared facilities) and business-related issues. One such issue is that building performance metrics normalised based on floor area do not incentivise the efficient use of space. A review of complementary metrics is provided, covering parameters such as number of users, layout, time of use, 'etc'. Each metric serves a particular purpose; therefore, a set of complementary metrics can be used to support decisions at different phases of the building’s life cycle. 'Practice relevance' Improving space efficiency ('e.g.' by sharing indoor space) is a key strategy to meet simultaneously the future demand for facilities in cities and fulfil environmental objectives such as a reduction of climate change impact in the building sector. A clearer understanding of the specificities of space sharing is provided from the perspectives of building users and practitioners. This will assist practitioners to understand the needs of other stakeholders. Regulatory and business-related barriers to space-sharing initiatives are highlighted as a first step towards overcoming these barriers. Guidance is provided on complementary energy performance metrics appropriate for space efficiency. These metrics can be used to support various decisions during the different stages of a building’s life cycle.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
The protection of historical constructions usually requires the concerted efforts of different specialists, together with the resource of new materials and technological systems to provide solutions to specific structural or architectural problems, also aiming at the improvement of the global performance of the construction. Similarly, great attention is paid not only to reliability of the intervention methods but also to the durability of the protection solution. This solution should also bemonitored and removed if required, according to the widely shared policy, aiming at avoiding inappropriate restoration operations on existing building, in particular in the case of historical and monumental works. Seismic events demonstrated that the adequate use of modern constructive systems, devices and materials provides a satisfactory performance, with very limited damage and lack of collapse. This evidence slowly started to produce a continuously increasing resource to more advanced technologies in the seismic protection of historical constructions, therefore acknowledging the good performance of innovative materials and further on, in a systematic process, by recognizing the potential advantages of using special techniques as an important part of the seismic resisting structural systems. This trend, initially restricted to new buildings for which a particular degree of seismic protection is required, represents today an emerging activity in the field of seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings, including those having monumental features and historical interest. The protection of historical buildings by reversible mixed technologies was the subject of the European research project PROHITECH, 2004–2008. The knowledge on these technologies has progressed ever since the completion of the project, alongside with a growing interest and attention to the preservation and protection of historical constructions. The PROHITECH conference series, launched at the conclusion of the research project, has been an important platform for researchers, engineers, architects and other specialists to present and discuss a wide variety of topics related to the protection of historical constructions. The 3rd International Conference on Protection of Historical Constructions, PROHITECH ́17, was held in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 12–15, 2017. That conference was a great success, both in terms of the scientific quality and in terms of the organization, in charge of the Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, with the collaboration of the University of Naples Federico II, Italy. The 2017 edition followed the two previous ones, which were held in Rome, Italy, in 2009, and in Antalya, Turkey, in 2014. The topics presented and discussed during PROHITECH ́17 range from structural and earthquake engineering intervention strategies, materials and technologies; architecture and urban planning; and case studies covering different construction types and materials. More than 200 papers from 41 countries spread over 5 continents were accepted for publication together with 6 plenary lectures given by renowned and diversified keynote speakers. A selection of high-quality papers presented at PROHITECH’17 was made so as to make up this Special Issue of the International Journal of Architectural Heritage. The selected papers, significantly extended and subjected to further revision, focus on the protection of different types of structures, like bridges, temples, cathedrals and palaces, and materials, such as steel, concrete, stone, masonry, earthen, adobe and timber, in various regions of the globe. Some of the historical constructions presented and described in these papers belong to UNESCOWord Heritage. We hope that this Special Issue will further stimulate the cooperation among all involved stakeholders operating in the field of the protection of historic constructions. Special thanks go to the authors of the selected papers and to the Editors of the journal, Professor Paulo Lourenço and Professor Pere Roca for their support and availability to have a special issue dedicated to PROHITECH’17. Finally, we hope that the readers of the journal appreciate our effort and enthusiasm in the preparation of this Special Issue.
The Return of the Past: Postmodernism in British Architecture Sir John Soane's Museum, London 16 May–27 August 2018 Superstructures: The New Architecture, 1960–1990 Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia, Norwich 24 March–2 September 2018 Recent years have seen British architecture of the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s attract growing interest. The buildings of this period are becoming old enough to be the subjects of proposals for substantial remodeling or demolition, and so some of the key debates in contemporary British architectural conservation are concerned with them. At the same time, historians are increasingly keen to look beyond the trente glorieuses of the postwar British welfare state (i.e., 1945–75), which coincided with the high-water mark of modern architecture and planning. How were the architectural and urban principles of the previous three decades challenged and refined during the second half of the 1970s and the 1980s? Two complementary exhibitions mounted in 2018 explored this question, one showcasing the postmodern revival of historic forms and urban principles, and the other examining so-called high-tech architecture, which celebrated structural engineering and the use of mechanical services, fusing modernist enthusiasm for contemporary technology and flexible planning with an interest in nineteenth- and twentieth-century engineering accomplishments. The Return of the Past: Postmodernism in British Architecture , presented at Sir John Soane's Museum in London, was curated by Owen Hopkins, who had previously curated exhibitions dealing with subjects ranging from the work of Nicholas Hawksmoor to that of Alison and Peter Smithson. The show took place principally in the museum's two temporary exhibition galleries, but it began in the adjacent Yellow Drawing Room. There, items from the permanent collection were juxtaposed with those brought in temporarily for the show. One of the giant yellow “egg cups” from the roofline of Terry Farrell's 1983 TV-am headquarters building in London echoed the color of the room, into which were brought chairs by Charles Jencks and others, while the painter Carl Laubin's dramatic depiction of Jeremy Dixon and Edward Jones's reworking of the Royal Opera …
Manufacturers are moving toward 3D printing and CNC machining and 2D documentation, with traditional dimensioning and tollerancing becoming less relevant. MBD allows the addition of the dimensions and surface finishes that would have been traditionally communicated via 2D drawings. Existing electronic formats and viewers provided by most of the large commercial CAD-CAM products and electronic signatures legislation exclude, in most cases, the necessity of hard copy printing and the project data base is easely handled using the BOM structures. This papers will present the configuration of the model based definition and solution for linking the design knowledge content, using Autodesk Inventor®.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings, Engineering design
This paper presents a brief description of the novelty elements that come with Inventor Professional2020 compared to Inventor 2018 applicable in mechanical design. It should be mentioned that, some of the most common commands for 3D modeling and obtaining 2D documentation were chosen, in which the similarities and differences were studied, by applying them to the most representative pieces in [1], the specialized documentation. Works published by colleagues from the department [2], [3], [4], [5] were selected for the study. The choice of the two versions was based on the current situation of the existence of educational licenses for both versions in the Faculty of Engineering and Agronomy in Braila. The second part of the paper presents some aspects on how to achieve 2D documentation using Inventor Professional 2020.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings, Engineering design