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1 – 10 of over 2000Sanjana Moondra and Mohammad Amir Khan
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the UN in 2015 as an international call to action to end poverty, protect the environment, and ensure that everyone…
Abstract
Purpose
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were established by the UN in 2015 as an international call to action to end poverty, protect the environment, and ensure that everyone will live in peace and prosperity by the year 2030. (UNDP, 2015). Out of the 17 Goals, Goal 4 talks about “ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.” The SDGs are essential to architectural education since buildings account for 40% of extracted materials used in construction and 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. (Hendawy, 2023) To accomplish these objectives, the architecture curriculum must be up-to-date and efficient. It specifically takes into account the field of architecture. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for curriculum guidelines of B.Arch. design studios, focusing on the parameter designing for inclusivity (UIA2023CPH, 2020) of SDGs.
Design/methodology/approach
Models, approaches and theories of curriculum development are studied. An evaluation matrix is made to evaluate different curriculum framework for government colleges on their incorporation of SDGs. A survey/questionnaire and interviews with academicians from architecture are conducted to analyze the incorporation of SDGs in design studios and find recommended solutions for its incorporation.
Findings
Finally, this research paper proposes a set of Architecture curriculum guidelines based on the evaluation framework for B.Arch. and an exemplary curriculum design model for the Architecture design studio which is evaluated through the desk critique stage for analyzing its functionality and applicability.
Originality/value
Despite the emphasis on SDGs in the present scenario, the “Council Of Architecture (Minimum Standards of Architecture Education in India) Regulations, 2020” does not include or mention SDGs as a key aspect (Architecture, 2020).
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Nadia Alaily-Mattar, Vincent Baptist, Lukas Legner, Diane Arvanitakis and Alain Thierstein
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to propose a methodology to empirically investigate the longitudinal development of social media content concerning buildings…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to propose a methodology to empirically investigate the longitudinal development of social media content concerning buildings characterized by iconic architecture and second, to report on the application of this methodology.
Design/methodology/approach
We collected and analyzed empirical data of social media content shared via Instagram between 2011 and 2019 on 16 buildings that can be considered iconic architecture projects. Using an automated pipeline, we collected and processed 264,000 posts and 140,000 images from Instagram for the selected case studies. By studying the posting activity of Instagram users through time series analysis and conducting content analysis of the social media posts by means of both image classification and topic modeling, we report on the development of users’ capturing and reception of the selected case studies on Instagram over time.
Findings
First, we identify two distinct time patterns of social media content: instantly popular buildings whose popularity fades over time and buildings that gradually gain popularity over time. Second, we distinguish differences in the content of social media posts: some buildings are primarily covered for their architectural features and others for their cultural function and facilities.
Originality/value
Using empirical investigation of Instagram data on iconic architectural projects, we have identified a correlation: buildings primarily posted for their architecture are generally also the ones to gain instant online popularity that subsequently faded over time. In contrast, buildings primarily posted for their function and facilities slowly gained popularity on the social media platform over time.
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This paper develops an evidence-based conceptual framework for exploring the applicability of choice architecture in business relationships.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper develops an evidence-based conceptual framework for exploring the applicability of choice architecture in business relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical studies of choice architecture in various fields are systematically reviewed to identify choice architecture techniques; major resulting categories of techniques are then discussed for applicability to business relationship contexts, and avenues for research are outlined.
Findings
Managerial decision-making is potentially influenced by changes to choice contexts that (1 provide additional information from outside the choice context, (2) facilitate a particular way of comparing options, (3) present options in new ways, (4) rework the choice set, e.g. by adding options and (5) create internal states that push toward a target choice.
Originality/value
The paper introduces the concept of choice architecture to business relationships. It develops a taxonomy of choice architecture techniques to guide the exploration of choice architecture effects in business relationships.
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Annisa Ummihusna, Mohd Zairul, Habibah Ab Jalil and Puteri Suhaiza Sulaiman
Challenges of conducting site visit activities, a vital component of architecture learning during the recent pandemic have proved our unreadiness in facing the digital future. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Challenges of conducting site visit activities, a vital component of architecture learning during the recent pandemic have proved our unreadiness in facing the digital future. The lack of understanding of learning technology has affected the education experience. Thus, there is a need to investigate immersive learning technology such as immersive virtual reality (IVR) to replace students’ concrete experience in the current learning setting. This study aims to answer: (1) What is the influence of IVR in experiential learning (EL) in enhancing the personal spatial experience? (2) Does IVR in EL influence students' approach to learning during the architecture design process?
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted as an action research design approach. Action research was employed in the first-year architecture design studio by the lecturer as a practitioner-researcher. The personal spatial experience survey was performed in the earlier phase to identify the students’ prior spatial experience. Architectural Spatial Experience Simulation (ASES) a learning tool was implemented and assessed with Architecture Design Learning Assessment (ADLA) rubric, which was developed to evaluate EL and student’s approach to learning during the architecture design learning process.
Findings
The outcomes revealed that ASES as a learning tool in EL could improve the participants’ spatial experience, particularly those with minimal prior personal spatial experience. ASES was recognized to enhance the participants’ EL experience and encourage changes in student’s approach to learning from surface to deep learning.
Originality/value
This research benefits the architecture design learning process by offering a learning tool and a framework to resolve challenges in performing site visit activities and digital learning. It also contributes by expanding the EL theory and students’ approach to learning knowledge in the architecture education field.
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Safa A. Alhusban, Ahmad A. Alhusban and Mohammad-Ward A. Alhusban
This research purpose was to explore the meaning of historicism, architectural historicism, the architectural attributes, design principles, elements and ornamentations of…
Abstract
Purpose
This research purpose was to explore the meaning of historicism, architectural historicism, the architectural attributes, design principles, elements and ornamentations of churches in medieval Western architecture, and how they were reflected in contemporary churches' design in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used the historical descriptive–interpretive qualitative research method. Around 24 Western medieval churches were selected, studied and analyzed to explore the common design attributes of each historical era. The design attributes of each era were segmented under three categories: Design principles (plans' typology, facades, shapes, details, composition and building form), design elements (openings, towers and entrances) and ornamentation (sculptures, paintings and interior decoration). Additionally, three modern Jordanian churches were analyzed using the same method to compare with the historical churches through personal observations, field trips, researchers' memories, site visits, archival records, plans, images, books, slides, details and note-making. Different types of evidence were used, such as determinate, contextual and inferential. In addition, different tactics for analysis were used in analyzing the historical churches: site familiarity, use of existing documents, virtual and visual inspection and comparison with conditions elsewhere. Credibility was achieved when the results were reviewed and compared with the original and similar information.
Findings
Early Christian design principles, elements and ornamentations were reflected in Jordanian churches more than in Byzantine, Renaissance, Romanesque and Gothic. The design principles of Western medieval architecture were reflected in the selected Jordanian churches more than in ornamentation and design elements. Moreover, this research found that the highest reflection of Western medieval architecture on Jordanian churches was in designing the plans, which is a basilica with a central nave and aisles followed by opening styles, façade, shapes, entrances design, composition, painting and the minimum reflection was in sculptures. Additionally, there was no reflection on tower design and interior decoration.
Practical implications
This research encourages architects to enhance architectural historicism by focusing on historical styles in contemporary designs and using design elements, principles and decorations of historical styles in medieval architecture to enrich the variety and originality of architectural design and create new modern stylistic architecture. Architectural historicism increases historical self-awareness and helps a generation of architects to answer the question: In what style should be built.
Originality/value
Learning the design principles, not copying the past, is becoming a trend for most architects. Architectural historicism introduces new temporal elements, gives a new meaning and primary function to architecture to become socio-temporal and contextual contrast and reflects the essential points of references of the past through design methodology to express the present. The advantage of this research is to put an end to architects' role in syncretism and subjectivism. Instead, historicism architects equipped with the necessary knowledge and supported by the published research and inventors of historical architecture, can choose, imitate, adapt, borrow and use the correct historical forms that originated in a given period.
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Débora Domingo-Calabuig, Javier Rivera-Linares, Laura Lizondo-Sevilla and José Luis Alapont-Ramón
City planning and construction have embraced circular economy principles, converting them into various indicators. Particularly in the European context, the question “what…
Abstract
Purpose
City planning and construction have embraced circular economy principles, converting them into various indicators. Particularly in the European context, the question “what architecture for circularity?” is answered with policies focusing on techniques, materials and disassembling construction. This paper analyzes a new approach to sustainable design and explores the concept of Km0 architecture. The objective is to demonstrate the design strategies of a contemporary architecture based on local resources and knowledge, an architecture that works with the shortest possible loop in circularity, i.e. with the cycle that consumes the least amount of energy.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper presents two ways of understanding sustainability in architecture: the first as a result of policies and the second associated with the design and innovative-based New European Bauhaus initiative. Within the scope of this last understanding, the authors analyze three cases on the Spanish Mediterranean coast that have recently received media attention and prominence. The selection responds to a specific climate adaption through a certain typological and functional diversity of the works.
Findings
The studied cases exhibit a more equitable and cost-effective circularity based on the time factor, have long life-cycle designs and serve as repositories of cultural identity. Km0 architecture reduces emissions using local resources and mitigates environmental conditions by combining traditional and modern design strategies.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study the local understandings of the built environment that would ensure a more fair and inclusive European green transformation.
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Ali Pourahmad Ghalejough, Sadegh Abbasi Avval, Farzin Haghparast and Minou Gharehbaglou
User-generated content was explored to understand the public discourse surrounding the Vessel, a star architecture in New York. Through text analytics, the study aims to uncover…
Abstract
Purpose
User-generated content was explored to understand the public discourse surrounding the Vessel, a star architecture in New York. Through text analytics, the study aims to uncover topics, sentiments and themes in public opinion regarding this controversial building from social media data.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a big data and text analytics approach, employing topic modeling with the BERTopic technique, sentiment analysis with roBERTa and thematic analysis on 10,259 Reddit comments pertaining to the Vessel.
Findings
The comments were grouped into 20 topics and seven themes, shedding light on discussions regarding the Vessel’s philosophy of existence, critiques of the architect’s approach, evaluations of project success or failure and considerations of the project’s future. Negative sentiments dominate the discourse, reflecting widespread criticism and skepticism towards the project.
Research limitations/implications
The manual data collection method, due to API restrictions, precluded tracking evolving trends over time. Nevertheless, the study provides insights for architects, urban planners, policymakers and stakeholders involved in public space design and management, highlighting the importance of considering user feedback from social media platforms.
Originality/value
This study enriches our comprehension of how users perceive star architecture in the age of social media, focusing on hidden layers of discourse surrounding a controversial iconic building. By combining topic modeling and sentiment analysis, the study offers a novel approach to analyzing architectural public debates on social media platforms like Reddit.
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Büşra Topdağı Yazıcı, Nuran Irapoğlu and Hande Nur Güleçoğlu
This study aims to explore the impact of architecture on digital communication mediums, focusing on how social media shapes the public perception and discussion of architectural…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of architecture on digital communication mediums, focusing on how social media shapes the public perception and discussion of architectural spaces. It specifically examines the case of the Basilica Cistern/Istanbul, analysing social media interactions post-restoration.
Design/methodology/approach
Using newspaper archive scanning and survey technique, this study observed public content on Instagram focusing on the post-restoration period of the Basilica Cistern. 406 (283 valid) people who visited the Cistern and shared their experiences on Instagram between August 2022 and January 2023 participated in a survey. The analysis utilized Python for advanced correlation studies, enabling an in-depth exploration of the interplay between architectural features and social media sharing behaviours.
Findings
The analysis revealed that historical significance, lighting elements, role as a photographic backdrop significantly influenced sharing behaviours. Correlations were found between specific spatial features of the cistern and various sharing motivations, such as communication with people, personal gain, and popularity. The study highlights a diverse spectrum of motivations among users, emphasizing the relationship between these motivations and spatial features.
Research limitations/implications
This study underscores the necessity for further inquiry into the intricate dynamics among digital communication, architectural spaces, and user motivations. Limitations include potential challenges in gathering data from social media due to concerns of cyber fraud and the misuse of hashtags.
Originality/value
This research offers novel insights into the interplay between digital communication and architecture. It underscores the potential of digital platforms as valuable data sources for architectural theorizing and practice, particularly in understanding how restorations and architectural changes are perceived and discussed in the digital space.
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Eman Abowardah, Wafa Labib, Samaher A. Fallatah, Amal Abdelsattar and Rouaa Atyah
The role of women in the architecture and design industry is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to increase the participation of women in the Saudi construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The role of women in the architecture and design industry is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to increase the participation of women in the Saudi construction sector. Saudi female graduates from architectural and design schools are currently working in most of the mega projects underway in Riyadh; however, they face certain challenges at the beginning of their working lives due to the gap between the skills acquired during an architectural and design education and those needed for employability.
Design/methodology/approach
This study evaluates the employability skills of Saudi female cooperative education (COOP) students and graduates from architectural schools in Riyadh. A quantitative approach is taken, and two questionnaires are administered: one for female COOP students and graduates from the college of architecture and design in one of the private universities in Riyadh and the other for employers from different architectural firms and governmental organizations in Riyadh. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the research data.
Findings
The research findings suggest that practical experiences and on-site observation activities should be provided, and sustainability solutions and applications should be incorporated into the curriculum to bring architecture education closer to the architectural profession and highlight the role of universities in supporting graduates' skills development.
Research limitations/implications
It is worth mentioning that the results of this study were based on the survey distributed to architecture and interior female students in a private university in Saudi Arabia. The number of students surveyed in this study is not large enough to generalize the survey results to the entire population of architecture and interior design students in the kingdom and in the world. The study will be extended to include more participants from male and female students in other universities in Saudi Arabia to investigate the gaps in employability skills in the field of architecture and interior design in the Kingdom.
Practical implications
The study has practical and policy implications for further development and upcoming challenges as the labor market seems to improve and innovate every day. The study suggests providing practical experiences and onsite observation activities and incorporating sustainability solutions and applications into the curriculum.
Originality/value
The originality of this study is that it focuses on the importance of some employability skills, such as research and budgeting aspects, Sustainability solutions and applications for students that have not been mentioned in the previous studies.
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This study aims to establish marketing practices which predict business performance of architecture firms within the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI) to address the sustained…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish marketing practices which predict business performance of architecture firms within the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI) to address the sustained poor business performance of firms, which affects allied professionals as many projects in the built environment depend on design proposals from architects.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey responses from 86 firms were used to model business performance measured as total revenue of the firms from 40 commonly deployed marketing practices in construction.
Findings
Two-thirds of the marketing practices most used by architectural firms were ineffective in predicting business performance. The model also explains up to half the variance in business performance (37.4–49.9%), supporting the view that marketing in the CI affects business performance. Researching client needs and competitors emerged as the only significant positive predictor of business performance (β = 0.827, p = 0.043). Using social media (β = −1.247, p = 0.004), regular participation in awards/competitions (β = −1.420, p = 0.013) and inclusion of political offers in bids (β = −1.050, p = 0.016) negatively predicted business performance.
Practical implications
Architecture and allied professional bodies in Nigeria need to rethink existing restrictions regarding marketing based on traditional code of ethics in light of present-day realities of digital and internet business environments. Principals and management of architecture firms require a paradigm shift in deploying the appropriate marketing practices, especially as it relates to research regarding changing client expectations and current competition within the NCI.
Originality/value
The study established marketing practices which model business performance and demonstrate their value in a framework for improving the financial sustainability of architecture firms within the NCI.
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