Go-Ahead Element of Domestic Architecture:Socio-Economic and Cultural Characteristics of the Residents in Benin

The domestic architecture of a traditional settlement is greatly influenced by the socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics of its residents.Benin City which is the focus of the paper is a case of a traditional settlement undergoing domestic architectural evolution with the changing times influenced by factors of growth and development.The paper has examined the effect of socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics as factors that partly determine the design,style,pattern,space use,organization,location and meaning as well as land use of the domestic architecture of Benin.The study employed the use of questionnaire administered to residents across the cross-section of the city.In the end,descriptive frequency tables were used to analyse the data collected from the residential zones in Benin.The research has been able to corroborate the theory that socio-economic and socio-cultural factors are some of the determinants/elements of domestic architecture of a people.

The Risk of Flooding to Architecture and Infrastructure amidst a Changing Climate in Lake Baringo, Kenya

Climate change has grown more apparent in recent years with people becoming more aware of its potentially disastrous consequences. Flooding is one of the many consequences of a changing climate in Kenya known to cause immense devastation resulting in the loss of lives and property. This paper discusses the risk of flooding in Kenya as one of the many outcomes of climate change in the face of urgency to adapt Kenya’s built environment to flooding which is likely to continue to prevail in the decades as a result of the looming climate change. It also sought to evaluate the physical, traumatic, and psychological effects on communities affected by flood events. This cross-sectional survey, both qualitative and quantitative in nature, executed between 13th January 2021 and 14th July 2021 with 132 respondents along the western shoreline of Lake Baringo, near Marigat Town focused on the flood levels, structures, their materials, and quantities. Results show that the area covered by Lake Baringo increased by 18% from 236 km2 to 278 km2. The depth of floods ranged from 0.3 m to 1.2 m and exceeded 1.6 m during heavy rainfall up to 3.2 m with homes completely submerged by the lake. Flooding was experienced more by residents living in low areas nearer to the shoreline of the lake as compared to those living on higher grounds. 100% of the structures didn’t have the architectural technology to withstand the impacts of flooding with 59% of housing made of corrugated iron sheets both on wall and roofing, 22% of mud houses roofed with either corrugated iron sheets, 10% being timber with thatch and only 8% stoned walled houses. This predisposed all the residents to the harmful impacts of flooding. Piled sandbags by locals as a mitigating measure proved inadequate to withstand the forces of the rising waters. Flood walls were built around local lodges near the lake but the rising water level quickly breached these defences. The study recommends that county and national governing authorities develop flood adaptation strategies for resilience. These include long-term land-use planning, the establishment of early warning systems, evacuation plans, identification of vulnerable or high-risk populations, measures to ensure water quality, sanitation, and hygiene. Flood-resilient architecture including stilt and floating houses that mechanically rise and fall with respect to the highest water mark are recommended during flood events. Bridges on swollen rivers and resilient construction materials like reinforced concrete are to be used for sustainable development for flood risk adaptation.

Spatiotemporal landscape pattern changes and their effects on land surface temperature in greenbelt with semi-arid climate:A case study of the Erbil City,Iraq

Urban expansion of cities has caused changes in land use and land cover(LULC)in addition to transformations in the spatial characteristics of landscape structure.These alterations have generated heat islands and rise of land surface temperature(LST),which consequently have caused a variety of environmental issues and threated the sustainable development of urban areas.Greenbelts are employed as an urban planning containment policy to regulate urban expansion,safeguard natural open spaces,and serve adaptation and mitigation functions.And they are regarded as a powerful measure for enhancing urban environmental sustainability.Despite the fact that,the relation between landscape structure change and variation of LST has been examined thoroughly in many studies,but there is a limitation concerning this relation in semi-arid climate and in greenbelts as well,with the lacking of comprehensive research combing both aspects.Accordingly,this study investigated the spatiotemporal changes of landscape pattern of LULC and their relationship with variation of LST within an inner greenbelt in the semi-arid Erbil City of northern Iraq.The study utilized remote sensing data to retrieve LST,classified LULC,and calculated landscape metrics for analyzing spatial changes during the study period.The results indicated that both composition and configuration of LULC had an impact on the variation of LST in the study area.The Pearson's correlation showed the significant effect of Vegetation 1 type(VH),cultivated land(CU),and bare soil(BS)on LST,as increase of LST was related to the decrease of VH and the increases of CU and BS,while,neither Vegetation 2 type(VL)nor built-up(BU)had any effects.Additionally,the spatial distribution of LULC also exhibited significant effects on LST,as LST was strongly correlated with landscape indices for VH,CU,and BS.However,for BU,only aggregation index metric affected LST,while none of VL metrics had a relation.The study provides insights for landscape planners and policymakers to not only develop more green spaces in greenbelt but also optimize the spatial landscape patterns to reduce the influence of LST on the urban environment,and further promote sustainable development and enhance well-being in the cities with semi-arid climate.

From Winckelmann to Restoration of the Colors:Modern Architecture from Kodachrome to B&W

The restoration of modern architecture raises open issues starting from the interpretation of its original colors.The essay investigates the different approaches emerged by restoration works that have led to erroneous restitution of the building’s image.

A New Chromatic Vision:The Early Impact of Color Photography on the Representation of Architecture

The role of color photography in the representation of architecture is a subject little investigated by architectural historiography.The link between the color values of architectural design and its visual transmission in the early phase of modernism was certainly problematic.Color photography had an undeniable impact on architectural color in practice:color photographs in books and periodicals published between the 1940s and 1960s clearly influenced the use of color in architectural design.

Three dimensional discrete element modelling of the conventional compression behavior of gas hydrate bearing coal

To analyze the relationship between macro and meso parameters of the gas hydrate bearing coal(GHBC)and to calibrate the meso-parameters,the numerical tests were conducted to simulate the laboratory triaxial compression tests by PFC3D,with the parallel bond model employed as the particle contact constitutive model.First,twenty simulation tests were conducted to quantify the relationship between the macro–meso parameters.Then,nine orthogonal simulation tests were performed using four meso-mechanical parameters in a three-level to evaluate the sensitivity of the meso-mechanical parameters.Furthermore,the calibration method of the meso-parameters were then proposed.Finally,the contact force chain,the contact force and the contact number were examined to investigate the saturation effect on the meso-mechanical behavior of GHBC.The results show that:(1)The elastic modulus linearly increases with the bonding stiffness ratio and the friction coefficient while exponentially increasing with the normal bonding strength and the bonding radius coefficient.The failure strength increases exponentially with the increase of the friction coefficient,the normal bonding strength and the bonding radius coefficient,and remains constant with the increase of bond stiffness ratio;(2)The friction coefficient and the bond radius coefficient are most sensitive to the elastic modulus and the failure strength;(3)The number of the force chains,the contact force,and the bond strength between particles will increase with the increase of the hydrate saturation,which leads to the larger failure strength.

Diversity and Application of Herbaceous Flowers in Urban Road Greening in Hefei City

In urban road greening,the planting of ground cover flowers is essential,and herbaceous flowers are an important part.Through the investigation on the diversity of herbaceous flowers in urban road green spaces of Hefei City,the types,colors,application frequency and planting of herbaceous flowers in urban road green spaces were statistically analyzed,and the application forms of herbaceous flowers in the road greening of Hefei City were studied.The characteristics and problems of herbaceous flowers in the road greening of Hefei City were found,and some development suggestions were put forward.

AHP-based Landscape Value Evaluation of Perennial Flower Border Application in Hefei City

An analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was employed to establish a landscape value evaluation model for 20 common species of perennial flowers in the flower border of Hefei City.With the overarching objective of determining the application value of the flower border,10 evaluation factors were identified and subsequently classified into 3 distinct grades.Grade I(L>2.5)was defined as perennial flower resources with the highest development and utilization value,including only one species of Salvia farinacea.Grade II(2.0≤L≤2.5)was defined as perennial flower varieties suitable for most areas,encompassing 9 species of plants,such asTaraxacummongolicum.Grade III(L<2.0)was defined as perennial flower varieties with low application value,encompassing 10 species of plants,such asRuellia brittoniana,but lacking the value of further popularization and application.Consequently,the proportion of their application in the flower border should be reduced.The evaluation results can serve as a theoretical foundation for the implementation of perennial flowers in urban flower borders.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Application Value of Wild Flower Resources in Flower Border in Hefei City

In order to further understand and better develop and utilize wild flower resources in Hefei City,a comprehensive evaluation model of landscape value of wild flowers in the application of flower border was constructed by field investigation and analytic hierarchy process(AHP).The application value of wild flowers in Hefei was evaluated by selecting evaluation indicators from three aspects of ornamental value,adaptability and resource potential.

Research on Optimal Design of Campus Space Based on POE Concept: A Case Study of Anhui Xinhua College

Through the analysis of the overall landscape,revetments and roads and plant landscape,10 evaluation factors were determined.The comprehensive evaluation model for the campus space of Anhui Xinhua University was constructed by analytic hierarchy process(AHP).The results showed that revetment safety,road convenience,plant disease resistance and campus activity space were important factors affecting the spatial form planning of campus.Through the comparative analysis of the collected data,optimization suggestions were put forward to provide a basis for the establishment of“people-oriented”campus open space system.

Evaluation of Application Value of 30 Introduced Flowering Shrubs in Landscape in Hefei City Based on AHP Method

The application effect of 30 introduced flowering shrubs in landscape in Hefei City was comprehensively evaluated by the analytic hierarchy process(APH).A comprehensive evaluation model was established by using factors such as plant type,resistance and drought tolerance of introduced flowering shrubs.The results show that the application effect of grade-I introduced flowering shrubs(including 12 kinds,e.g.Lantanacamara)was the best(j≥2.6),and that of grade-II introduced flowering shrubs(including 14 kinds,e.g.Abelia×grandiflora‘Francis Mason’)was better(2.2≤j<2.6),while that of grade-III introduced flowering shrubs(including 4 kinds,e.g.Ligustrum×vicaryi)was moderate(j<2.2).The evaluation results can provide reference for the application effect of introduced flowering shrubs in landscape in Hefei City.

Bridge in Slany:A Conjunction of History,Modern Technology and Sensitive Architectural Approach

The revitalization of the historic centre of Slany(Czech Republic)dealt by architects-experts in a historic town focused on their theoretical principles and verified practice.The bridge U Brodu is the first project of the revitalization.

Circular and Adaptive Transformation of the Housing Stock towards a Regenerative Future

The transition from a linear economy to a CE(circular economy)has the potential to reduce resource use,environmental impacts,and waste in the built environment.Creating a CE in the built environment is therefore of fundamental importance to achieve a sustainable society.Through the application of a systemic approach that considers the building as a set of technological subsystems(e.g.vertical closures,roof,furniture,etc.),components(e.g.infill panels),and materials,this paper-starting from a review of the literature on the topic of the CE applied to construction-establishes a framework of circular design strategies and definitions that link the VRPs(value retention processes)framework,based on the R-imperatives,to the Design-for-X strategies.The first research objective is to develop a design tool for circular building components and technological subsystems.

Building Tresigallo:The City of Edmondo Rossoni(1933-1939)

Between 1933 and 1939 Minister Edmondo Rossoni transformed his hometown,a modest village,into a modern center of industrialized agriculture.Rossoni wanted to experiment a new economic,political,and social model within the Ferrara countryside and,at the same time,aimed to consolidate his power over the territory.The Minster asked the young and trusted engineer Carlo Frighi to give substance to his project.A provincial construction site was quickly transformed into a dynamic workshop that attracts many workers and involves designers and craftsmen from all over Italy.This has emerged from a bibliographic and archival survey that refocused the history of a town that still confronts,through its architecture,its history,and a difficult legacy.

Integration of Environmental and Social Values in Cultural Spaces:Sustainable and Inclusive Wayfinding Materials for Museums

In the context of use of large museum centers,numerous national and international methodological experiments show that the wayfinding project must consider the needs of both habitual users(user-centered design)and local communities(design for communities)and the importance of environmental protection(eco-design)as a priority interest of the community.This“double target”,“user-centered”and“environment-centered”can be applied during the selection process of materials to be used in the project.With respect to these possibilities,this contribution intends to present the results of research focused on material characterization of the reception and distribution spaces of large museum centers.This characterization is based on use of sensory materials and aims to evaluate their impact on the usability and sustainability of wayfinding systems.The paper directed towards a proposal for organization of integrated information on new generation so-called smart materials;within the design of a wayfinding system,these can balance the aesthetic-perceptual and performance and environmental impact,in order to allow designers to make informed decisions oriented towards inclusion and sustainability.The study was addressed by conducting two phases of systematic literature and library review of materials.The investigations conducted led to achievement of a first research result which consists in the identification of a“standard sheet”for the mapping and cataloging of the materials used for wayfinding.The“standard sheet”allows organizing the information on smart,sensorial,and eco-friendly materials,balancing the aesthetic-perceptive component with the performance on the environmental impact along the entire life cycle in a circular perspective.This tool could guide designers towards an environmental communication project oriented towards sustainability and is effective for usability and wayfinding.

A Survey of Bulgarian(National)Planning and Regulation Acts and Documents Concerning Urban Sprawl

In the last 20 years,the built-up areas of Europe have increased by 20%,while the population increased by 6% only.Given the fact that urban sprawl occurs when the rate of land-use conversion exceeds the rate of population growth,we can now talk about the existence of urban sprawl in Europe.In Bulgaria,during the period 2004-2012,the developers’interest in agricultural and forest lands located outside the development zones of different settlements increased in parallel with the construction development of urban areas,mainly around larger towns,resort and holiday areas.The low price of agricultural lands can be seen as one of the main reasons in this regard.The issues of the utilization of agricultural lands,their conversion into urban(construction)lands,and zoning have been defined by a number of national and local legal acts,which were passed and subsequently renewed/modified in a more recent period.The main act regulating the spatial planning and construction on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is the SPA(Spatial Planning Act).The ALPA(Agricultural Land Protection Act)and its corresponding regulations provide an appropriate legal basis for the protection of agricultural lands and their yield.Overall,as different acts and regulations concerning issues related to the conversion of agricultural,forest,and protected areas are not in conflict,they may be said to have been harmonized.There are,however,some points which leave possibilities for uncontrolled urban growth.

Evaluation of Textured Concrete as an Alternative for Stone as a Cladding Material

Along with the increasing demand on exterior wall cladding as a protective cover for the interior elements and an indicator for modernity and architectural innovation,comes the need to develop new cladding materials that can replace the old ones and overcome their setbacks.This paper discusses the possibility of replacing stone by textured concrete as a cladding material in order to overcome the main challenges faced stone cladding by comparing them together.The comparison was made based on the main requirements of the cladding materials namely:economic,environmental,social,functional and structural aspects.

Material That Talks:Material Use of Architectural Surface in Semiotic Implications

According to the language of post-modern architecture which Charles Jencks proposed in the 1980s,form has been very crucial for architectural language expression.However,many suggestions also imply that the material which is deployed for building is also significant in the linguistic expression of architecture.Based on this consideration,the material use of architecture will also contain semiotic implications,whether for architects or for social consensus.How the material talks and what it says are two questions that need to be clarified.To answer these two questions,some empirical works in architecture will be examined to reveal the messages which could be delivered in architectural materials.Before this,semiotic debates in architecture will be reviewed.Then,two empirical works,one in the West and one in the East,will be considered particularly for their material deployments on the surface(façade).Since the architectural surface is the most tangible part of architecture in terms of material use,the surfaces of both projects will be discussed in detail with their implications and the atmospheres which the materials formulated and created.This paper will conclude with a consideration of the possible implications from these projects and also the different expressions of material use,which will help us to rethink the expression of the material use of architectural surface.

Nag Mohashoy Temple Complex,Narayanganj:A Case Study of Adaptive Reuse for Hindu Religious Site

With an emphasis on the religious component of reuse potentiality,this study investigates the crucial nexus between spatial development and the conservation model for religious practice with socio-communal dimensions.Adaptive reuse is a critical tactic for global preservation and revitalization to elevate heritage sites in culturally significant locations but provides contemporary functions to them simultaneously.This study examines the various facets of adaptive reuse concerning the religious cultural heritage of suppressed minorities,stressing its insight and importance including the inherent cultural worth of ancient structures and difficulties through creative solutions to modify the temple with modern purposes.The research methodology approaches through an extensive analysis of the literature and case studies and ends with design interventions.It looks into the socioeconomic advantages of adaptive reuse in religious practice,such as the promotion of pilgrimage tourism,community revitalization,and sustainable development.The possible findings will emphasize the conversation on sustainable heritage management by combining theoretical frameworks with practical discoveries as an architectural project with certain concepts.

Effect of Lateritic Stone Aggregate and Coconut Husk Fiber on the Properties of Concrete

Natural stone aggregate forms the bulk volume of concrete and has contributed to the increased cost of concrete production. This has led to the search for alternate aggregates such as lateritic stone for concrete production. This paper investigates the engineering properties of concrete produced with lateritic aggregate (LA) as the coarse aggregate replacement and coconut husk fibre (CHF) as reinforcement. Natural stone aggregate was replaced by LA at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, with 0.25% constant CHF by weight. A mix proportion of 1:1.5:3 with a water-cement ratio of 0.6 was used for producing concrete. A total of 162 specimens (90 cubes and 72 beams) were prepared and tested at the 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of curing. The highest compressive strength was 43.36 N/mm2 (10% LA replacement) as compared to the control of 41.51 N/mm2. The 10% LA replacement obtained the highest flexural strength of 5.35 N/mm2 as compared with the 5.29 N/mm2 for the control. The water absorption of the concrete increased from 2.8% (control) to 3.57% (50% replacement LA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed micro gaps between CHF and LA concrete. The study, therefore, concludes that the use of LA and CHF positively influenced the strength properties of concrete. 10% LA replacement of coarse aggregate and 0.25% CHF is recommended to practitioners for use.