Decoding the architectural theory

Starting from the illustration of the definition and concept of the architectural theory, the author established his unique understanding about the framework of the architectural theory and the innovation of the architectural theory underlined by Chinese characteristics.

Reviewing Design References with Diagrams： A Metropolitan Performance Assessment Perspective

The announcement of major sporting events scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro in the coming years is now producing several radical urban transformations that are attracting the attention of renowned architects of the international circuit. All this is happening in a city where relevant architectural references have not been produced for a long while because of the prolonged economic crisis of the past. Despite these conditions, people were able to detect “invisible” design lessons to be learned in this city by sharing perceptual experiences with foreign observers who are, by definition, unaware of their preconceptions. This paper deals with the development of a strategy for re-presenting design references that are locally rooted and accessible for direct embodied experience. The strategy put forward a MPI （metropolitan performance index） drawn out from a bibliographical survey coupled with analytical spatial diagrams of different case-studies presented as a tour guide for the recognition of the architecture produced in Rio de Janeiro. It is believed that this strategy can favor the adoption of an eye attuned to contemporary theories especially interested in the spatial and programmatic concerns that today instigate the designer.

“Prototype”Analysis of Waterfront Spaces in Ancient Towns in South of the Yangtze River

On the basis of architecture typology theory, this paper explored the waterfront building layout and space in "Prototype", conducted a fi eld trip research on Ancient Fengjing Town, with empirical analysis on the impact of "Prototype" due to natural conditions in South of Yangtze River. This study also analyzed and verified the continuous space section presented as the main features of waterfront space by using visualized approaches.

Tectonics and architectonic quality in recently published Finnish log architecture:Corresponding architects’perceptions

Due to the global increase in wood construction,it is crucial for architects to understand wood.In Finland,log building,a special subset of industrially manufactured massive timber construction materials is experiencing a renaissance.Cultural aspects combined with newer technical developments make log a complex material from the viewpoint of architectonic expression.To inform practicing architects,the aim of this study is to explore how the tectonics of logs contribute to the architectonic quality of log architecture.Semistructured interviews among architects of twelve recently published log buildings are conducted.The results describe how architectonic quality is perceived among participants,and features of logs related to tectonics that they consider to be of importance in terms of architectonic quality.These features include the statics of log construction and log’s nature as a simultaneously insulating,load-bearing and visual material.Differences between industrial and hand-hewn logs,as well as other architectural aspects of using logs in contemporary architecture are discussed.Especially the“non-settling”log was perceived to have manifold implications for the architectonic possibilities of log architecture.The results are of practical importance to designing architects and the log industry.Theoretical implications include tangible information on architectonic quality and tectonics of log building.