PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES 2024
THE 9th INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES
EDITORS: Dr Tamás Molnár, Dr Aleksandra Djukić, Dr Aleksandra Krstić-Furundžić, Dr Eva Vaništa Lazarević, Dr Gabriella Medvegy, Dr Bálint Bachmann, Dr Milena Vukmirović, Dr Péter Paári, David Ojo
PUBLISHER: © University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
PUBLISHER RESPONSIBLE: Dr Gabriella Medvegy
PLACE AND YEAR: Pécs 2025
ISBN: 978-963-626-395-9
ORGANIZERS
PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES 2024
KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGIES TO ACHIEVE LIVEABILITY
EMPHASISING HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN
CONFERENCE PROCEEDING OF THE 9th INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON PLACES AND TECHNOLOGIES
CONFERENCE ORGANISERS
University of Pécs - Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology
University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture and Professional Association Urban Laboratory
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Founding members of the Organizing committee
Dr Aleksandra Đukić
Conference Director, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Milena Vukmirović
Conference Executive Coordinator, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Eva Vaništa Lazarević
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Aleksandra Krstić-Furundžić
University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Associate members of the Organising committee
Dr Tamás Molnár
Regional Director, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
Dr Gabriella Medvegy
Dean, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
Dr Bálint Bachmann
Head of the Breuer Marcell Doctoral School, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
Judit Zoltai
Assistant to the Dean, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
Dr Péter Paári
Assistant professor, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
David Ojo
Assistant Lecturer, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Nikola Mitrovic
Researcher at the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Balázs Gaszler
Technical Supporting Staff, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
Balázs Szentei
Technical Supporting Staff, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Pécs, Hungary
WORD
OF THE CONFERENCE DIRECTORS
On behalf of the Organizing Committee of the International Academic Conference on Places and Technologies 2024, consisting of the PT Conference founding members, Dr Eva Vaništa Lazarević, Dr Aleksandra Krstić-Furundžić, Dr Aleksandra Djukić, and Dr Milena Vukmirović, and the host members, Dr Medvegy Gabriella, Dr Molnár Tamás and Dr Bachmann Bálint, we are very pleased and honored to realize the ninth season of PT Conference, done in collaboration with the University of Pécs – Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture and the Urban Laboratory Belgrade.
The Places and Technologies Conference has a tradition. The first conference was held in 2014 in Belgrade at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture with the aim of finding ways to improve places, the second was held in 2015 in Slovenia in collaboration with the University of Ljubljana, with the main topic concerning healthy cities, the third was held in 2016 in Belgrade at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture and was dedicated to the technologies for the creation of a cognitive city, the fourth was held in 2017 in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Architecture and was devoted to urban and rural synergy, and the fifth was held in 2018 in Belgrade at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, whose focus was the presentation and identification of new knowledge in the field of high technologies, which can be applied in the creation of adaptable cities. In 2019 the sixth conference was the first that was held at the University of Pécs – Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology with the main topic focusing on the possibilities how to turn the built heritage into the places for future generations. The seventh and the eighth conference was organized by the founders, by the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture.
Each conference resulted in very reputable scientific conference proceedings, and all previous proceedings are available on the conference website. In addition to these, it is important to point out some other valuable results. Two notable results of the 2014 Conference include valuable publications Keeping up with technologies to improve places published by Cambridge Scholar Publishing and Elsevier’s Energy and Buildings Special Issue on Places and Technologies. Regarding the results of the Conference in 2016, we point out to the publication of papers by Elsevier’s Energy and Buildings International Journal and Facta Universitatis, Series Architecture and Civil Engineering Special Issue, as well as the book Keeping up with technologies to create cognitive city published by Cambridge Scholar Publishing in 2018. Regarding the results of the Conference in 2017 the book Urban-Rural Synergy Development through Housing, Landscape, and Tourism is in the process of publication by IGI Global. As for the PT conference held in 2018, in addition to the published proceedings, the planning of other publications is in progress. All these publications were based upon the evaluation of the most outstanding submitted papers from our conferences. This has proven to be a strong incentive and motivation for all professors from the Organising Committee of “Places and Technologies”, as well as for the members of the International Scientific Committee and all participants.
The Ninth International Academic Conference on Places and Technologies will be hosted on July 08 and 09, 2024 by the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Pécs, the oldest university of Hungary that was founded in 1367. Keeping up with technologies to achieve livability emphasizing human centered design is the leading idea-motive of the
conference. Livability is a topic that is getting increasingly important as the number of humans on the globe continues to increase. The rapid urbanization phenomenon necessitates that various possibilities for affordable types of living and challenges of the livable urban environment are themes that should be widely discussed with an interdisciplinary approach. The aim of the Places and Technologies 2024 conference is to discuss methodologies and urban, architectural, or structural design ideas that can help increase the livability of the built environment.
Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Djukić, Dipl. Eng. Arch. University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Serbia Director of the Conference
Dr Tamás Molnár, DLA Habil., Dipl. Eng. Arch. associate professor, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Hungary
Regional Director of the P&T Conference
SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE
Dr Laura Aelenei
Researcher at the National Energy and Geology Laboratory (LNEG), Lisbon, Portugal
Dr Bálint Bachmann
Professor and Head of Marcel Breuer Doctoral School at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Melinda Benko
Professor at BME in Budapest, Faculty of Architecture, Hungary
Dr Ágnes Borsos
Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Fernando Brandao Alves
Assosiate Professor at the FEUP Porto, Portugal
Dr Ana-Maria Branea
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Polytechnic University of Timisoara, Romania
Dr Christine Chaloupka-Risser
University lecturer in Traffic Psychology, Vienna, Austria
Dr Milena Dinić Branković
Assosiate Professor at the University of Nis, Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Serbia
Dr Grygor Doytchinov
Professor at Institute for Urban Design, Technical University of Graz, Austria
Dr Vladan Đokić
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Aleksandra Đukić
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Daria Gajić
Associate Professor at Univesrity of Banja Luka - Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Banja Luka, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Dr Bob Gidings
Professor Emeritus at the Northumbria Univesrity Faculty of Engineering and Environment, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Dr János Gyergyák
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Miklós Halada
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Cenk Hamamcıoğlu
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Department of City and Regional Planning, Yıldız Technical University - Istanbul, Turkey
Dr Jelena Ivanović Šekularac
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Arch. Milena Ivkovic
Founder of Placemaking Western Balkans, Serbia and Nederland
Dr Krisztián Kovács-Andor
Associate professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Aleksandra Krstić-Furundžić
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Jugoslav Joković
Assistant Professor at Faculty of Electronic Engineering, University of Niš, Serbia
Dr Sladjana Lazarevic
Associate Professor at Faculty of Architecture and Design, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
Mr Vladimir Lojanica
Professor and Dean of the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Ognen Marina
Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University Skoplje, North Macedonia
Dr Lucia Marticigh
Professor at University RomaTre, Faculty of Architecture, Rome, Italy
Dr Gabriella Medvegy
Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Arch. Ljubomir Miščević
Professor at University of Zagreb – Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb, Croatia
Dr Miloš Mladenović
Associate Professor of Spatial Planning and Transportation Engineering at the Aalto University, Finland
Dr Tamás Molnár
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Pál Németh
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Florian Nepravishta
Professor at Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës, Albania
Dr Juan Luis Rivas Navarro
Professor at University of Granada Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Granada, Spain
Dr Boris Radic
Associate Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Darko Reba
Professor at Faculty of Technical Science, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
Dr Donát Rétfalvi
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Ralf Risser
Principal research fellow at FACTUM, Vienna, Austria
Dr Lina Seduikyte
Professor at Kaunas University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kaunas, Litvania
Dr Svetlana Stanarevic
Professor at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Security, Serbia
Dr Ljupko Šimunović
Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Dr Olja Čokorilo
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Miroslava Raspopovic Milic
Professor at the Metropolitain University - Faculty of Information technologies, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Francesco Rotondo
Assosiate Professor at Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
Dr Alenka Temeljotov Salaj
Professor at Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Dr Katerina Tsikaloudaki
Professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Dr Theodoros Theodosiou
Professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Dr Stefan van der Spek
Associate Professor at TU Delft, Delft, Nederland
Dr Aleksandra Stupar
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Eva Vanista Lazarevic
Professor at University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Gábor Veres
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
Dr Milena Vukmirović
Associate Professor at University of Belgrade - Faculty of Forestry, Belgrade, Serbia
Dr Bora Yerliyurt
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture, Department of City and Regional Planning, Yıldız Technical University - Istanbul, Turkey
Dr Erzsébet Szeréna Zoltán
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Hungary
TIME TABLE
DAY 1
8th July 2024
8:00 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 9:30 Opening ceremony (A007)
9:30 - 11:00 Keynote presentations (A007)
Dr. András Reith Ph.D. - ARCHITECTS: BLESSING OR CURSE?
Associate Professor at the University of Pécs CEO of ABUD
Prof. Arch. Adolfo F. L. Baratta Ph.D. - HUMAN(USER)-CENTERED DESIGN VS HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE
Associate Professor at Roma Tre University
Expert for the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
11:00 - 11:30 Break
11:30 - 13:00 Conference sessions 01
- Urban design and planning for a better liveable urban environment session I (A007)
- Adaptable, resilient, and sustainable architecture session (A015)
- Architectural design session I (A017)
- Image, identity, and quality of place session I (A019)
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 15:30 Conference sessions 02
- Urban design and planning for a better liveable urban environment session II (A007)
- Preservation of built heritage session (A015)
- Architectural design session II (A017)
- Image, identity, and quality of place session II (A019)
18:30 Conference Dinner (for those who registered)
DAY 2
9th July 2024
8:30 - 9:00 Registration
9:00 - 10:30 Keynote presentations (A007)
Olga Mihalikova - EMBRACING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS TO FOSTER LIVABILITY: EVOLVING ROLE OF ARCHITECTS AND THEIR CURRICULA
Chair, European Network of Architects Competent Authorities
CEO, Slovak Chamber of Architects
Secretary General, Institute of Slovak Chamber of Architects
Prof. Dr. Gábor Zoboki DLA habil. - RICHTER CENTER
Full Professor at the University of Pécs
ZDA Lead Architect
10:30 - 11:00 Break
11:00 - 12:00 Roundtable (A007)
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 14:30 Conference sessions 03
- Urban design and planning for a better liveable urban environment session III (A015)
- Adaptive reuse and Image, identity, and quality of place session (A017)
- Architectural design, Building Structures and Construction Technologies session (A019)
14:30 Closing Ceremony
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Kondor Tamás
Juhász Hajnalka
Kalkán Dóra
Varga Dániel
Gyergyák János
Borsos Ágnes
Rácz Tamás
Medvegy Gabriella
Loddo, Gianraffaele
Ludoni, Daniela
Fülöp László
Loch Gábor
Goriel, Wafaa Anwar Sulaiman
Zoltán Erzsébet Szeréna
Molnár Tamás
SCHIZO-ARCHITECTURE:
Makri, Athanasia
Gourdoukis, Dimitris
INTEGRATING
Abu-Lail, Dana Maher Ayoub
Zoltán Erzsébet Szeréna
FEASIBILITY
Fu Ziqiang
Rétfalvi Donát
ASSESSING
Brkanić Mihić, Ivana
Koški, Danijela
Zečević, Timon Blaž
PARTICIPATORY
Finucci, Fabrizio
Masanotti, Antonella G.
Mazzoni, Daniele
Ramos González, Nicolás
Varga Konrád
Osman, Mahmoud
Kisander Zsolt
Medvegy Gabriella
Borsos Ágnes
Bittner Zsófia
Lovig Dalma
Medvegy Gabriella
Gács Boróka
Borsos Ágnes
Paári Péter
Halada Miklós
Széll Attila Béla
Széll Judit
Perényi László Mihály
Tošić, Jovana
Vrdoljak, Ivan
Miličević, Ivana
Calcagnini, Laura
Trulli, Luca
Accolla, Carolina USER-CENTERED
Baratta, Adolfo F. L.
Mariani, Massimo
Tonolo, Marina
Djukic, Aleksandra
Marić, Jelena
Lazarević, Eva Vaništa
Mitrović, Biserka
Antonić, Branislav
Jović, Emilija
A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: THE ARCHITECT’S PERSPECTIVE
Dányi Tibor Zoltán
THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT AND FACULTY WELL-BEING: A STUDY OF ZAGREB ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS’ COMFORT IN THE 2023-2024
Muraj, Iva
INVESTIGATING STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING THE PROSPECTIVE URBAN HOUSING IDENTITY AND LIVEABILITY IN THE CITY
Tomajian, Haik
Gyergyák János IN SHORT OF SPACE, SHARE SPACE AND SHARE POWERS TO CREATE BETTER PLACES
de Haan, Pieter
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE REFURBISHMENT OF MONGOLIAN HISTORICAL WOODEN
Gombo-Ochir, Enkhjin
Molnár Tamás
CULTURE CENTRES AS PREVIOUS POINTS OF CULTURAL DIFFUSION – CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF SPATIAL
Jezdimirović, Dimitra
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES FOR RURAL SETTLEMENT
REGENERATION: A CASE STUDY OF THE VILLAGE OF MEDNA ��
Guzijan, Jasna
Đukić, Aleksandra
Cvijić, Siniša
Malinović, Miroslav
THE PRINCIPLE OF PERMEABILITY AND ABSORPTION OF THE CITY AS A POSSIBILITY OF CONCENTRATION OF MEANING �����
Alihodžić Jašarović, Ema
Milićević, Nemanja
Magarò, Antonio
Dukić, Anđela M.
Molnár Tamás
Špirić, Ana
Đukić, Aleksandra
Mitrović, Nikola
Djukić, Aleksandra
Stamenović, Pavle
Anja, Ljujić
Stojanovski, Mihajlo
Korobar, Vlatko P.
Igić, Milica
Dinić Branković, Milena
Đekić, Jelena
Ljubenović, Milica
Mitković, Mihailo
Khadra, Lujain Ben
Gyergyák János
Pál-Schreiner Judit
TRANSFUSION OF THE CRITICAL URBAN THEORY AND MANFREDO TAFURI’S CONCEPTUALIZATION OF CRITICAL ARCHITECTURE
Cingel, Ivan
Jurković, Željka
Lovoković, Danijela
ACTION PLACEMAKING IN BELGRADE, SERBIA: GARDENING AS A GAME-CHANGER OF AN ADAPTIVE URBAN SYSTEM
Stupar, Aleksandra
Mihajlov, Vladimir
Simic, Ivan
Grujicic, Aleksandar
PLENARY LECTURE
ARCHITECTS: BLESSING OR CURSE?
Reith András1
University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, reith.andras@mik.pte.hu, reith.andras@abud.hu
ABSTRACT
The program for the UIA World Congress 2023 includes: Climate adaptation, Health, Inclusivity, Partnerships of change, Resilient communities, and Rethinking resources. The program does not feature “Architectural Beauty”. This is because being “just” beautiful is no longer sufficient; much more is needed. But what exactly is this “much more”?
The first step is to acknowledge and admit that architects have a significant opportunity and impact in their hands, which can be both a curse and a blessing depending on how we use it. Where do you want to belong?
Today, professions shaping the built environment, including architecture, have significant technological support. As a result, beauty can also be good - provided we make the right decisions. Across all areas, from small-scale interior design and family house interventions to urban design and various levels of spatial design, tools are available to measure and control the effects and extent of interaction. What is architectural design? It is interaction design, with all its elements and cross-effects (interactions) from the economy, through nature, to humans. This profession carries responsibility.
Architects like to shirk responsibility. However, in the end, it is we who draw and sign the plan. We must be aware that the construction industry is responsible for 50% of global resource usage. E.g. every time we sign a new construction project instead of a renovation, we create a 50% larger carbon footprint compared to renovation. Covering the roof with solar panels won’t really help with this.
However, good and happy decisions have never been made out of guilt. We should be proud that we have such significant capital in our hands, with which we can manage well. Let us change our design methodologies, professional practices, and educational formats to ensure this profession is a blessing in all aspects because being beautiful is no longer enough.
Keywords: Sustainable Design, Resilience, Interaction Planning, Integrated Design Process (IDP), Regenerative Architecture
INTRODUCTION
Climate change is widely regarded as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, with far-reaching implications for ecosystems, economies, and societies. Among the many sectors contributing to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the built environment plays a pivotal role. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (2022), buildings and
1Corresponding author
construction are responsible for approximately 38% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions, highlighting the significant impact of the architectural profession in shaping sustainable futures. Architects, as key decision-makers in the design and development of built environments, have both the responsibility and opportunity to influence how these emissions are addressed through thoughtful design choices, material selection, and planning strategies.
Sustainability in architecture extends beyond the simplistic notion of reducing energy use or choosing eco-friendly materials. At its core lies the understanding of complex interactions between nature, the built environment, and humans - an “interaction triangle” (Figure 1.) that forms the foundation of sustainable design thinking (Reith & Brajkovic, 2021). This triangle underscores the need to balance environmental integrity, human well-being, and economic viability. Nature provides essential resources and ecosystem services, the built environment modifies these resources to meet human needs, and humans, in turn, shape both nature and the built environment through their behaviours, policies, and cultural practices. Failure to consider these interactions leads to designs that, while possibly visually appealing, may be environmentally harmful or socially disconnected.
Architects have the capacity to influence sustainability at various scales of intervention. At the component level, decisions regarding e.g. material selection, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and façade design can significantly reduce a building’s embodied and operational carbon footprint. For instance, choosing low-carbon materials or implementing advanced glazing systems can enhance energy efficiency and reduce lifecycle emissions. At the building scale, passive design strategies, high-performance building envelopes, and integrated renewable energy systems contribute to reducing operational energy demand. Neighbourhood and city-scale interventions offer further opportunities for impact, through urban planning that promotes walkability, green infrastructure, and decentralized energy systems. Extending beyond the urban fabric, architects can engage at regional and global scales, addressing issues such as land use, resource management, and climate resilience planning (United Nations Environment
Figure 1: The interaction triangle (Reith 2020)
Programme, 2022).
The concept of sustainability can also encompass social sustainability, making it even more relevant for architects. The fundamental purpose of their work - designing for and with humans. Architectural design is inherently an act of interaction design, encompassing economic considerations, ecological impacts, and human experiences. Yet, in many cases, the human element remains underrepresented in the design process. Projects may prioritize aesthetic values, or client demands at the expense of occupant well-being or community needs. Humancentred design, which considers how built spaces affect health, productivity, and social cohesion, is essential for creating environments that are not only sustainable but also liveable and equitable.
Sustainability has even broader implications for architects than are often underestimated or overlooked. Each new construction project contributes to resource depletion, habitat loss, and increased carbon emissions. For example, opting for new construction instead of renovation typically results in a 50% higher carbon footprint, underscoring the importance of adaptive reuse and lifecycle thinking. While technological solutions like solar panels or green roofs are often touted as quick fixes, they cannot compensate for poor foundational decisions in planning and material use. A more profound shift in design methodologies and professional practices is necessary - one that prioritizes long-term environmental stewardship over short-term gains. The UIA World Congress 2023 program, which focuses on climate adaptation, health, inclusivity, resilient communities, and resource rethinking, notably excludes “architectural beauty” as a theme. This omission reflects the evolving understanding that visual appeal alone is insufficient in addressing contemporary challenges. The question arises: “What is this ‘much more’ that architecture requires today?” The answer lies in adopting a holistic, systems-thinking approach that acknowledges the interdependencies of environmental, social, and economic factors. Architects must embrace their dual role as creators and stewards, recognizing that the choices they make have lasting impacts not only on individual buildings but also on broader ecological and societal systems.
Positive change is achievable through a combination of innovation, responsibility, and collaboration. Architects have access to advanced digital tools and data-driven methods that enable more precise evaluations of environmental impacts. Technologies like Building Information Modelling (BIM), Building Performance Simulation and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) offer insights into how design decisions affect energy use, emissions, and resource consumption across a building’s lifecycle. However, technology alone is not the solution- It must be complemented by an ethical commitment to sustainability and a willingness to challenge conventional practices.
This paper seeks to illuminate the complex role of architects in the climate crisis, exploring how design decisions across various scales can contribute to climate-positive and energypositive outcomes. By examining key factors and strategies, it seeks to inspire architects to make informed, responsible choices that enhance both environmental health and human wellbeing. Ultimately, the profession faces a pivotal question: “Where do you want to belong?” Will architecture be a blessing, driving positive change and fostering resilient communities, or a curse, perpetuating unsustainable patterns of consumption and waste? The answer lies in the decisions we make today, shaping the environments of tomorrow.
THE FUTURE OF ARCHITECTURE IS REGENERATIVE - FOUR PILLARS FOR SHAPING THE FUTURE
The concept of regenerative architecture expands beyond the principles of sustainability by focusing not only on minimizing environmental harm but on actively restoring and enhancing natural and social systems (Mang, P., & Reed, B., 2012; He, Q., & Reith, A., 2022). Unlike restorative architecture, which aims to return degraded environments to their previous states, regenerative architecture seeks to create systems that thrive and improve over time, benefiting both the environment and human societies. In this discussion, four fundamental aspects are explored as pivotal in shaping a truly regenerative architectural practice: understanding humans, embracing systemic thinking through multiple scales, learning from nature by implementing nature-based solutions (NbS), and applying the Integrated Design Process (IDP). Each of these pillars offers significant opportunities for positive impact while also presenting distinct challenges.
1. UNDERSTANDING HUMANS: THE NECESSITY OF A USER-CENTRED APPROACH
Architecture is fundamentally about designing spaces for human use, yet there is a persistent challenge within the profession: the limited integration of human behavioural sciences such as sociology and psychology. Architects often prioritize the demands of investors or clients over the actual needs and behaviours of end-users—the individuals and communities who inhabit buildings and cities daily (Gehl, 2010). This disconnect can result in environments that are aesthetically appealing but functionally inadequate or socially alienating. By collaborating with sociologists, psychologists, and anthropologists, architects can gain deeper insights into how people interact with spaces, how cultural and social contexts influence spatial use, and how design can enhance well-being and productivity (Lawson, 2001). Understanding human behaviour informs decisions that promote inclusivity, comfort, and community engagement, which ultimately lead to more successful and sustainable projects. Integrating this knowledge into practice offers architects the chance to create innovative solutions that balance user needs and investor goals, inspiring designs that prioritize both functionality and human well-being.
2. EMBRACING SYSTEM THINKING: DESIGNING ACROSS SCALES
Buildings do not exist in isolation; they are components within larger ecological and social systems. Regenerative architecture requires architects to adopt a systemic perspective that considers multiple scales - from materials and components to entire cities and regions (Reed, 2007). At the smallest scale, material choices significantly affect a project’s embodied carbon footprint and resource use. Selecting low-carbon, locally sourced materials can reduce environmental impacts while supporting regional economies. At the building scale, integrating passive design strategies and high-performance energy systems can lower operational emissions. Expanding to neighbourhood and city scales, urban planning decisions regarding transportation, green spaces, and energy infrastructure shape the long-term sustainability of urban environments (Ratti & Claudel, 2016).
System thinking also involves understanding the dynamics between people, groups of buildings, and broader urban systems. For example, energy communities can share renewable energy resources, creating semi-autonomous, resilient neighbourhoods (European Commission, 2020).
Urban agriculture initiatives offer exciting opportunities to enhance food security and strengthen community bonds. With thoughtful planning and collaboration, architects and planners can harness these solutions to transform urban spaces, overcoming challenges like regulatory hurdles and coordination complexities to create thriving, self-sustaining communities.
3. LEARNING FROM NATURE: IMPLEMENTING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Nature-based solutions (NbS) harness natural processes to address environmental challenges while delivering social and economic benefits (Cohen-Shacham et al., 2016). In architecture, NbS can reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and enhance urban biodiversity. Bioclimatic design strategies - such as green roofs, living walls, and natural ventilation—mitigate heat islands, manage stormwater, and provide psychological benefits to occupants (Dunnett & Kingsbury, 2008; Ulrich et al., 1991). Urban greenery can also foster community interactions and cultural identity, which are essential components of resilient neighbourhoods. Integrating nature-based solutions (NbS) into urban environments opens up inspiring possibilities to enhance ecological health and community well-being. With creative planning and strong collaboration, architects can overcome spatial and maintenance challenges, turning short-term investments into lasting environmental and social benefits.
4. INTEGRATED DESIGN PROCESS (IDP): A HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR HIGHPERFORMANCE PROJECTS
The Integrated Design Process (IDP) serves as a synthesis of the previous pillars while offering a comprehensive framework for delivering sustainable and regenerative projects. IDP is not a new concept (CIB, 1999; IEA, 2001); it has been employed for several decades to improve project outcomes by fostering collaboration among architects, engineers, consultants, clients, and end-users from the earliest design stages. Despite its longstanding existence, IDP remains underutilized, even though contemporary building and urban design challenges demand holistic and multidisciplinary solutions more than ever.
Unlike traditional linear design methods, which often involve isolated decision-making within separate disciplines, IDP encourages iterative, collaborative discussions that consider the interplay of systems, human behaviour, environmental context, and economic factors. By integrating insights from various fields early in the design process, projects can achieve higher energy efficiency, better resource management, and enhanced occupant well-being. For instance, designing a building’s HVAC system in tandem with its architectural form and material selection can lead to significant reductions in both operational and embodied carbon emissions. Likewise, community stakeholders’ involvement ensures that projects meet local needs while fostering a sense of ownership and social cohesion.
IDP is particularly valuable in addressing the complexity of contemporary building requirements, which often involve stringent energy codes, carbon reduction targets, and resilience planning. Moreover, the process aligns with regenerative principles by considering how buildings interact with natural systems and human communities at multiple scales. The use of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) further enhances IDP by enabling detailed simulations and data-driven decision-making.
Implementing IDP offers immense benefits, and with clear communication and collaboration, diverse teams can unlock innovative solutions. While upfront costs and longer design phases
may arise, they are often outweighed by long-term savings and superior project outcomes, making the shift toward integrated approaches both worthwhile and rewarding.
In conclusion, IDP embodies the convergence of understanding human needs, embracing system thinking, and leveraging nature-based solutions to create highly efficient and sustainable environments. Its comprehensive nature makes it a vital tool for architects seeking to move beyond superficial sustainability toward genuinely regenerative design practices. If adopted more widely, IDP has the potential to transform how buildings and cities are conceived, constructed, and operated - ensuring that architecture becomes not just a blessing for present generations but a legacy of responsible stewardship for the future.
CONCLUSION
Architecture today holds the power to be either a blessing or a curse - a duality underscored by the profession’s significant role in shaping the built environment amid a climate crisis. With buildings contributing nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, architects face both a responsibility and an opportunity to drive transformative change. Moving beyond aesthetics, regenerative architecture can restore natural systems, enhancing human well-being, and designing for longterm resilience.
Central to this approach is understanding the “interaction triangle” - the dynamic relationship between nature, the built environment, and humans. Architecture has the opportunity to balance the needs of both end-users and investors by embracing human-centred design that considers behaviour, comfort, and social inclusion. Simultaneously, adopting system thinking enables architects to design across scales- from material components to entire urban ecosystems - maximizing resource efficiency and fostering synergies between buildings, communities, and environments.
Nature-based solutions (NbS) further reinforce this regenerative vision by reducing energy demands, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity. Despite implementation challenges, their long-term benefits in promoting resilient, healthier environments are undeniable. Complementing these strategies, the Integrated Design Process (IDP) offers a comprehensive framework that unites these principles through early, interdisciplinary collaboration. Though well-established, IDP remains underutilized, despite its proven capacity to deliver highly efficient, contextually responsive projects.
Ultimately, architects face a pivotal choice: continue conventional practices focused on immediate returns or embrace a regenerative paradigm that prioritizes planetary and societal well-being. The tools and methodologies are available - what remains is the collective will to act. By centring human needs, leveraging natural systems, thinking across scales, and adopting integrated processes, architecture can become a catalyst for positive change. The question “Architects: Blessing or Curse?” is thus answered by our decisions today, shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
REFERENCES
• Reith, A., Brajković, J. (2021). Scale Jumping: Regenerative Systems Thinking within the Built Environment. A guidebook for regenerative implementation: Interactions, tools, platforms, metrics, practice. COST Action CA16114 RESTORE, Working Group Five: Scale Jumping, printed by Eurac Research (Bolzano, IT)
• United Nations Environment Programme. (2022). Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction.
• Mang, P., & Reed, B. (2012). Designing from place: A regenerative framework and methodology. Building Research & Information, 40(1), 23-38.
• He, Q., & Reith, A. (2022). (Re) Defining Restorative and Regenerative Urban Design and Their Relation to UNSDGs—A Systematic Review. Sustainability, 14(24), 16715.
• Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for People. Island Press.
• European Commission. (2020). Energy Communities: Delivering Energy Efficiency and Social Innovation.
• Dunnett, N., & Kingsbury, N. (2008). Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls. Timber Press.
• CIB (International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction). (1999). Agenda 21 on sustainable construction (CIB Report Publication 237). Rotterdam: CIB.
• International Energy Agency (IEA). (2001). Annex 40: Commissioning of buildings and HVAC systems for improved energy performance. Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems Programme. Paris: IEA.
• Lawson, B. (2001). The Language of Space. Architectural Press.
• Cohen-Shacham, E., Walters, G., Janzen, C., & Maginnis, S. (2016). Nature-based solutions to address global societal challenges. IUCN.
• Ratti, C., & Claudel, M. (2016). The City of Tomorrow: Sensors, Networks, Hackers, and the Future of Urban Life. Yale University Press.
• Sanoff, H. (2000). Community Participation Methods in Design and Planning. Wiley.
• Viljoen, A., & Bohn, K. (2014). Second Nature Urban Agriculture: Designing Productive Cities. Routledge.
• Ulrich, R. S., Simons, R. F., Losito, B. D., Fiorito, E., Miles, M. A., & Zelson, M. (1991). Stress recovery during exposure to natural and urban environments. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 11(3), 201-230.
HUMAN(USER)-CENTERED DESIGN VS HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE
Baratta, Adolfo F. L.1
Roma Tre University, Department of Architecture, Largo Giovan Battista Marzi, 10, 00153 Rome Italy, adolfo.baratta@uniroma3.it
ABSTRACT
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires all that have ratified it to “promote research and development of universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities” and to encourage the conscious design in the development of inclusive solutions. The design of accessible and usable spaces, which puts people and the user at the center, is crucial since the most advanced research identifies disability as a condition determined by the relationship between the person’s health status and the environment in which that person lives. This is to say that condition is the product of health factors, which determine functional limitations, and environmental factors. In short, fragile people in fragile spaces. It can be deduced that accessibility and usability pertain to the attitude of spaces, goods and services to be used. This entails that they are identifiable, reachable, understandable and independently usable, under conditions of comfort and safety, by all.
Accessibility and usability are two key concepts that express the ability of an environment to ensure independent living for everyone. They pertain to inviolable personal rights, such as freedom of movement and self-determination, and are one of the indicators that measure a community’s level of social inclusion and quality of life. What is happening in our cities, however, often contravenes to these principles. Indeed, in order to prevent the occurrence of undesirable behavior, it is becoming increasingly common to implement hostile design strategies. These strategies are designed to introduce solution that make uncomfortable or, in some cases, impossible the use of urban furnishings and equipment. The hostile architecture wants to keep out of some places people who rely on public space more than others, such as homeless people and young people, turning our cities into inhospitable places not only for the recipients of such closure, but for everyone.
Keywords:Person, Environment, Human Centered Design, User Centered Design, Hostile Architecture
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Vulnerable user identifies a category of people affected by a fragile condition associated with increasing risk or an overt permanent or temporary disability. In detail, Pope Francis, in his apostolic letter Vos Estis Lux Mundi (You are the light of the world), defined a vulnerable person as “any person in a state of infirmity, physical or mental deficiency, or deprivation of personal liberty which, in fact, even occasionally, limits their ability to understand or to want or otherwise resist the offense” (Pope Francis, 2019, Article 1, paragraph 3). This term, which would probably be better expressed as “people made vulnerable” so as to make explicit the external influence on the individual’s condition, includes a very broad spectrum of people. Italian law defines a person with a disability as “one who has a physical, psychic or sensory impairment, whether stabilized or progressive, which is the cause of difficulties in learning, relationships or work integration and such as to determine a process of social disadvantage or marginalization” (Law 104/1992, Article 3).
According to the International Classification of Functioning, disability and health, World Health Organization (WHO) disability represents “any limitation or loss (resulting from an impairment) of the ability to perform an activity in the manner or to the extent considered normal for a human being. Disability represents the objectification of impairment and as such reflects impairments at the level of the person. Disability refers to functional abilities expressed through acts and behaviors that by general consensus constitute essential aspects of everyday life” (WHO, 2001).
THE CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF DISABILITY
The evolution of the concept of disability corresponds to the cultural view that varies in different cultural and social contexts. Whereas in the past the person with a disability was seen as needing institutional help and medical care, slowly the view has shifted to the disadvantaged status of a person with a disability, which “is not an objective fact that belongs to people with disabilities, but is a social relationship, a relationship between the functional and social limitations that people may experience and the inclusion responses that society offers to their special needs” (Sedran, 2003, p. 13).
If we shift the paradigm from being people with disabilities to becoming people with disabilities, two concepts are reinforced:
1. That we all have been, are, or will be people with disabilities.
2. That the condition of disability is determined not only by physical issues, but also by environmental, social and economic factors.
Humans recognize themselves through the relationship they establish with the physical and emotional environment within which they move.
The translation of the term “comfort” in the German language is behaglichkeit, which contains within itself the word hag, meaning hedge: the etymology refers to the image of a protected, confined space within which the person can live and realize himself or herself in safety.
This means that a person’s well-being is determined by the boundary conditions, which are subjectively perceived and processed by the person. It follows from this that a person, albeit without a disability, may be in a hostile environment and not be able to perform a given activity just as, on the contrary, a person with a disability may be in an inclusive environment and be completely at ease.
On equal individual terms, therefore, the more inclusive the environment, the greater the person’s ability to self-determine his or her own existence: this indicates that by increasing the
accessibility and usability of an environment, it is possible to act positively on the well-being of the individual person and the growth of society (Baratta and Calcagnini, 2023).
The new conceptual model of disability starts from at least three categories of models that establish the magnitude of disability that afflicts a person:
- Medical model, which identifies disability with a pathological condition.
- Social model, which attributes the cause of disability to the environmental context.
- Biopsychosocial model, which identifies the limitations of the previous two models and introduces the perception of the individual facilitating the first edition of the International Classification of Functioning, disability and health (WHO, 1980).
It follows from the above that the synthesis is to define the conceptual model of disability that considers, at the same time, factors related to the person’s health and factors related to the environment. Thus, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of disability as the product of the variables consisting of the health limitations (motor, visual, hearing, cognitive, communication deficits, etc.) and the environmental variables identifiable in the barriers (physical, cognitive, communication, sensory, perceptual, cultural and social).
D = fs (Lv; Lu; Lmo; Lme; Lc) x (Eph; Es; Ei)
where:
- D is the magnitude of disability.
- fs is a function of the variables consisting of the health limitations dependent on visual impairments (Lv), hearing impairments (Lu), movement limitations (Lmo), memory loss (Lme) and communication problems (Lc);
- fa is a function of the environmental variables identifiable in physical (Eph), social (Es) and institutional (Ei) barriers.
Figure 1: Disability as a product of physical and environmental condition.
THE DEFINITION OF BARRIER, OBSTACLE AND SOURCE OF DANGER
This approach leads to a consideration of the concepts of barrier, obstacle and source of danger. In particular, it is possible to define:
• A barrier as something that prevents the performance of a normal activity.
• An obstacle as something that generates difficulties in the performance of an activity.
• A source of danger as something that may allow an activity to be carried out, but at the risk of one’s own safety.
It is evident that these three conditions can also coexist in the same solution just as it is evident that the three conditions are generically referred to as barriers.
The term “barrier” derives etymologically from “bar”, and indicates precisely a barrier that interrupts, temporarily or permanently, by its presence or absence, an action. Its association with the adjective “architectural” brings this term explicitly back to the built environment. It follows that, in detail, possible barriers can be declined according to the following model:
• Physical barriers understood as situations that prevent the free and autonomous mobility of anyone and, in particular, of people with temporary or permanent motor disabilities.
- Cognitive and communicative barriers understood as situations that limit or prevent the comfortable and safe use of spaces, equipment and services to whomever due to an unclear and immediate transmission of information to anyone and, in particular, to people with cognitive disabilities.
• Sensory and perceptual barriers understood as the absence or inadequacy of accouterments and markings (wayfinding design) that allow orientation and recognizability of places and sources of danger for anyone and, in particular, for people with sensory disabilities.
Figure 2: Physical barrier.
• Social and cultural barriers understood as the absence of social equity and selectivity, lack of sensitivity that leads to discrimination and social exclusion to anyone and, in particular, to people with disabilities.
USER-CENTERED DESIGN
With reference to computer science, in 1977 Rob Kling published the text “The organizational context of user-centered software designs,” in which the U.S. professor proposed a greater focus on the interface between machine and user, which is identified as introducing the concept of User-Centered Design.
User-Centered Design is a process and design approach in which the user is profiled, and the design is calibrated to the needs, desires and limitations of a specific user.
Over the last two decades, research and design of health and care spaces have changed consequent to a direction called “humanism in health care” (Alastra, 2020), a new approach to care that considers a broader framework of a person’s needs.
The principles of User-Centered Design applied to the healthcare space (so-called PatientCentered Design) contribute to this design evolution by expanding the technological culture of design from a specialized to a holistic view. Indeed, they make it possible to place at the center of the design process the interaction between the patient, with his or her capabilities and limitations, and the environmental context, where spaces play an active role in contributing to the user’s quality of life and the healing process (Del Nord and Peretti, 2012; Bosia and Darvo, 2015).
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN
In the 1950s, starting with the reflections of psychologist Carl Rogers (Tartaglia, 2023), approaches termed Person-Centered Care were developed; the resulting scientific and cultural debate led to the definition of Human-Centered Design. In recent years, the User-Centered Design approach has been supplanted by Human-Centered Design because of its all-encompassing vision that allows diversity and uniqueness to be governed without a simplification or trivialization of problems, but by changing the reference context of design action that sees the human being as the generating element (Tartaglia, 2023).
Figure 3: Joe Colombo. Smoke glasses. Arnolfo di Cambio 1964. The Italian designer thought of this glass in order to simultaneously smoke and drink while engaging one hand -- a successful example of User-Centered Design.
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The change of definition makes it possible to clearly mark the shift from a vision based on target groups to an approach in which human beings, in their complexity and variability and breadth of needs that are not only functional in nature, become the center of a holistic design activity (Giacomin, 2014) capable of contemplating the different facets identified and defined by the social sciences.
The Human-Centered technique starts from the concept of environmental and psychophysical well-being by establishing a correlation between person and environment aimed at healing their conflicts: it is a design approach that puts the person at the center.
Human-Centered Design is a design approach that involves people in observing the problem within the context, brainstorming, conceptualizing, developing and implementing the solution. This approach focuses on people, their needs, and, by applying ergonomics principles and usability techniques, improves human well-being, accessibility, and sustainability while counteracting adverse health and safety effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Accessibility and usability are constantly evolving areas of research and design, linked to the cultural and social growth that these issues have been able to solicit at the private and public, individual and collective levels, not without encountering obstacles because “even today guaranteeing or not guaranteeing inclusion means guaranteeing or not guaranteeing people’s rights and their self-determination” (Baratta, Conti and Tatano, 2023, p. 10).
In this sense, the use of a User-Centered Design approach first and then a Human-Centered Design approach has fostered the conditions so that each person will be able to do, to the extent and in the ways possible, what others can do, realizing the same opportunities for fruition for the widest possible range of people.
Figure 4: The Omero State Tactile Museum in Ancona has been set up so that blind and visually impaired people can touch and understand art (www.museoomero.it).
The future will see scholars direct research toward solutions that can match the scale of the person (microscale) with the scale of the environment (macroscale), moving toward Human&Environment-Centered Design.
REFERENCES
• Alastra, Vincenzo. 2020. Umanesimo della cura. Creatività e sentieri per il futuro. Lecce: Pensa Multimedia.
• Baratta, Adolfo F.L., and Calcagnini, Laura. 2023. “Persone con disabilità.” In Manifesto lessicale per l’accessibilità ambientale. 50 parole per progettare l’inclusione, edited by Baratta, Adolfo F.L., Christina, Conti, and Tatano, Valeria. 226-232. Conegliano: Anteferma Edizioni S.r.l.
• Baratta, Adolfo F.L., Christina, Conti, and Tatano, Valeria. Edited by. 2023. Manifesto lessicale per l’accessibilità ambientale, 50 parole per progettare l’inclusione, Conegliano: Anteferma Edizioni S.r.l.
• Bosia, Daniela and Darvo, Gianluca. 2015. “Le linee guida per l’umanizzazione degli spazi di cura”, Techne, no. 9: 140-146.
• Del Nord, Romano and Peretti, Gabriella. 2012. L’umanizzazione degli spazi di cura. Linee guida. Rome: Ministry of Health.
• Kling, Rob. 1977. “The organizational context of user-centered software designs.” MIS Quarterly, no. 4: 41-52.
• Giacomin, Joseph. 2014. “What Is Human Centred Design?”, The Design Journal 17, no. 4: 606-623.
• Papa Francesco. 2019. “Vos Estis Lux Mundi”, Apostolic Letter in the form of Motu proprio. may 7. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/it/motu_ proprio/documents/papa-francesco-motu-proprio-20190507_vos-estis-lux-mundi.html.
• Law of February 5, 1992, n. 104, “Legge-quadro per l’assistenza, l’integrazione sociale e i diritti delle persone handicappate”.
• Sedran, Daniela. 2003. Il Disabile. Persona o risorsa. Perugia: Morlacchi Editore.
• Tartaglia, Andrea. 2023. “Human/User-Centered Design.” In Manifesto lessicale per l’accessibilità ambientale. 50 parole per progettare l’inclusione, edited by Baratta, Adolfo F.L., Christina, Conti, and Tatano, Valeria. 190-193. Conegliano: Anteferma Edizioni S.r.l.
• WHO. 2001. International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Accessed November 13, 2024. https://icd.who.int/dev11/l-icf/en.
EMBRACING
LIVABILITY: EVOLVING ROLE OF ARCHITECTS AND THEIR CURRICULA
Mihalikova, Olga1
European Network of Architects Competent Authorities, CEO, Slovak Chamber of Architects
Secretary General, Institute of Slovak Chamber of Architects, Námestie SNP 18, 811 06, Bratislava, Slovakia, mihalikova@komarch.sk
ABSTRACT
The architectural profession in Europe is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and changing societal needs. With over 620,000 architects and 150,000 architectural practices contributing to a €21 billion turnover, the sector plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment. This paper explores the evolving role of architects, focusing on the integration of new technologies and sustainable practices to enhance livability. It highlights key statistics on the profession, including the growing number of female architects, the internationalization of practices, and the increasing emphasis on sustainable design. The paper also discusses the importance of architectural quality, as outlined in EU policies, and the shift from human-centric to life-centric urban planning in light of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Keywords:Architects, Sustainability, European Architecture, Quality of Design, Climate Change
INTRODUCTION
The architectural profession in Europe is at a crossroads, shaped by rapid technological advancements, the urgency of climate change, and evolving societal expectations. This paper examines the current state of the profession, its challenges, and its future directions.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY
The architectural profession in Europe is characterised by a diverse range of activities, with 56% of architects primarily engaged in private housing work and 62% focusing on building design. The profession has reached a record high in full-time employment, with 86% of architects working full-time. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of female architects, who now represent 46% of the workforce, marking a 10% rise. This shift has
1Corresponding author
been accompanied by a reduction in the gender pay gap, which now stands at 17%, half of what it was in 2012. Additionally, the profession has seen a decline in unemployment, dropping to just 2% in 2023, a notable improvement from 7% in 2020.
INTERNATIONALISATION
The internationalisation of architectural practices is another key trend, with an average of 2.5% of the total turnover of practices coming from projects in other countries. Approximately 7.5% of architectural offices operate internationally, and 19% of architects have considered working abroad, though many cite personal, practical, or relocation issues as barriers. Furthermore, over 20% of architects have gained part of their education abroad, reflecting the growing global interconnectedness of the profession.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The regulatory framework for architects in Europe is governed by two key directives: the ‘Architect’ Directive’ (No. 384/1985) and the ‘Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications’ (No. 36/2005). These directives ensure that architects who are fully qualified in one EU Member State have access to practice in all others. The framework emphasises learning outcomes, skills, and knowledge, providing a standardised approach to professional qualifications across the EU.
SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
Sustainability has become a central focus in architectural practice, with nearly half of architects frequently incorporating sustainable concepts into their designs to create low-energy buildings. Among these, 16% focus on nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB), 12% on Circular Design, and 9% on Plus Energy Buildings. These practices reflect a growing awareness of the need to address climate change through innovative and environmentally responsible design. The integration of sustainability into architecture is not only a response to environmental challenges but also a way to ensure long-term economic and social benefits.
QUALITY OF ARCHITECTURE
The quality of architecture is a multifaceted concept that encompasses several key dimensions. Architectural integrity requires that projects be capable of stimulating, engaging, and delighting their occupants while maintaining environmental and economic sustainability. Projects should also demonstrate flexibility for future use and be detailed with rigour. Usability and context emphasise the importance of architecture responding generously to the public realm, contributing to the community, and addressing accessibility and social factors. Finally, delivery and execution focus on the project’s ability to meet the client’s brief, stay within budget and timeline, and provide value for money. The EU has increasingly prioritised architectural quality, as seen in initiatives like the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture (Mies Award) and the New European Bauhaus.
FROM HUMAN-CENTRIC TO LIFE-CENTRIC PLANNING
In the context of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, there is a growing need to shift from human-centric to life-centric urban planning. This approach seeks to balance ecological and human values, addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Multidisciplinary research highlights the importance of creating urban environments that not only meet functional and economic demands but also promote social interaction and a sense of belonging. High-quality design solutions are essential in achieving this balance, as they connect people, foster social interaction, and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.
CONCLUSIONS
The evolving role of architects requires a holistic approach that integrates technology, sustainability, and quality design. By embracing these principles, architects can contribute to a high-quality living environment that meets the needs of both people and the planet. The presentation concludes with a call to action for architects to lead the way in creating sustainable, inclusive, and culturally significant spaces.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author would like to acknowledge the contributions of the ACE (Architects’ Council of Europe) and other organizations whose studies and reports provided valuable data and insights for this presentation.
REFERENCES
• Davos Declaration 2018. Accessed March 3, 2025. https://davosdeclaration2018.ch/en/
• EUmies Awards. Accessed March 3, 2025. https://eumiesawards.com/
• Mirza & Nacey. 2022. ACE Sector Study. 2022. Accessed March 3, 2025. https://ace-cae.eu/ it/publication/ace-sector-study/ .
• Report of the OMC (Open Method of Coordination) of EU Member State Experts, 2021
• Royal Institute of British Architects. 2030 Climate Challenge. Accessed March 3, 2025. https://www.architecture.com/about/policy/climate-action/2030-climate-challenge?srslti d=AfmBOopwNopcvK93cLSSKCj4Pkhzozc4QF96H1ot0OntclQetsV4-KR_
• UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Accessed March 3, 2025. https://sdgs. un.org/goals
RICHTER CENTER
Zoboki Gábor1
University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, ZDA-Zoboki Építésziroda, Zugligeti street 3., 1121 Budapest, zoboki.gabor@mik.pte.hu, zda@zda.hu
ABSTRACT
The architecture of the Richter Center reflects the company’s dynamism and community orientation – A new era for Richter Gedeon
Designed by Zoboki Design and Architecture, the new Richter Gedeon headquarters marks the beginning of a new era for the company. This building not only pays homage to Richter’s history and tradition but also stands as an outstanding example of modern architecture, blending functionality, sustainability, and distinctive form. The aim of constructing this new headquarters was to create an inspiring and efficient workplace that reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and community values.
Richter’s tradition and vision
The Richter Center is located along Gyömrői Road, on a historical site that has been continuously expanded over the decades. Following a deliberate land use strategy, the company revitalises its original factory sites on the north side of Gyömrői Road while gradually developing the south side based on a long-term master plan created by ZDA 20 years ago. The new building, positioned centrally on the southern site next to the Chemical Research and Office Building, bridges the noble past of the company with its future developments.
Keywords: Gedeon Richter Plc., Gábor Zoboki, sustainability, innovation, architecture
1Corresponding author
Figure 1:Operational side view of the Central Office Building (source: Zoboki Design & Architecture photo: Dániel, Dömölky)
THE THREE PILLARS OF THE CONCEPT
The architectural concept is built on three main principles: functionality, innovation, and moderation. These goals guided every step of the design process, ensuring that the building meets user needs while being aesthetically outstanding.
• Functionality: The initial phase of the design process focused on shaping the interior spaces to maximally support the efficiency and well-being of employees. Offices, meeting rooms, and communal areas are designed to be humane and ergonomic.
• Innovation: The building’s form, appearance, and the modern architectural technologies and materials used all reflect the company’s values and future-proof nature.
• Moderation: The building’s exterior appearance is elegant and refined. The use of materials and the design of the façade are both modern and timeless.
The architectural concept aimed to combine the highest level of interior functionality with a unique exterior appearance. The connection between the new Center and the 2007 Chemical Research and Office Building, also designed by ZDA, is ensured by the conference unit. The central spaces of the buildings are linked by a generous bridge that unites research and corporate management both functionally and symbolically.
The façade reflects the two fundamental elements of research and development: invention and strict regulation. Each element is part of a rule-based system, yet they all take on unique forms. Viewed from a distance, the building appears as a unified work of art, while up close, the creativity and precision in the fine details are revealed.
The undulating forms run through both the interior and the exterior spaces. This sense of flow is also reflected in the grand central space of the building: with the virtuoso stair structures it not only serves circulation but it is also a place for communication and meetings. While the arrangement of the interior spaces serves the daily life of the employees in a humane way, the exterior represents Richter’s brand identity.
Figure 2: Interior (source: Zoboki Design & Architecture photo: Dániel, Dömölky)
THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING
At the beginning of the design process, the focus was on functionality and the optimal arrangement of the interior spaces. A number of interviews were conducted and discussions were held with the employees of Richter before the start of the design process. Community spaces and workspaces support one another in the building, ensuring the availability of colleagues and equally supporting collaboration and work processes that require focus.
The well-lit atrium – the central space of the building – is both generous and humane in scale. The dynamic forms of the atrium and the stair structure merge into one as they connect interior and exterior spaces, creating a notion of continuity.
Ergonomics and acoustic comfort were key considerations in the design of workspaces. This is also supported by the natural materials and the colours used in the interior spaces, contributing to a calm and inspiring work environment. The combination of wood, glass and render create a modern yet warm atmosphere that is in harmony with the exterior of the building.
Community spaces – the atrium, the connected cooperative and relaxation areas, the restaurant and the cafe – have a friendly and welcoming vibe, which is ideal for informal collaboration.
ICONIC APPEARANCE
The undulating shape of the façade is strikingly effective from an aesthetic standpoint, symbolizing the company’s dynamic and innovative perspective, but it also serves a functional role. The boundary between the fully glazed lower communal floors and the upper, more enclosed workspaces defines the wave form. In the atrium space, the glass surfaces created by the wave provide visual connections between the interior and exterior spaces. The more
Figure 3: Façade louvers (source: Zoboki Design & Architecture photo: Dániel, Dömölky)
enclosed façade of the offices, protected by louvers, ensures ideal natural diffuse lighting for the interiors, promoting a pleasant and energy-efficient working environment. The use of different materials and forms creates a combination of unity and individuality, where each element is part of a larger system but also has a distinct character.
SPECIAL CHALLENGES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Creating the expansive communal spaces required the development of several large-span structures, which were challenging from a structural perspective. The building’s steel beams and glass pillars are of such dimensions that they required special technology to implement.
Figure 4: Interior (source: Zoboki Design & Architecture photo: Dániel, Dömölky)
Additionally, various technical challenges had to be overcome in terms of sustainability, such as the heat absorbed by large surfaces. Special and precise design was essential to ensure ideal and humane interior comfort. The heating and cooling surfaces had to be harmonised with the workspaces’ acoustic and natural and artificial lighting conditions in the dynamically differentsized spaces within the building.
The louvers forming the undulating façade are all unique, yet they follow a uniform rule set, providing aesthetic and structural coherence. Achieving these virtuoso forms necessitated a new type of parametric tool-based collaboration between architects and engineers.
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
The dynamic and striking forms serve the principles of environmentally conscious building design. The building’s energy efficiency is supported by innovative technologies and solutions, such as ground probes that significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. These probes utilise the Earth’s thermal energy to provide winter heating and summer cooling, minimizing the building’s energy requirements. In addition to natural diffuse light, the building employs energy-efficient lighting systems that contribute to sustainability.
Green roofs and water features improve the building’s microclimate and enhance local biodiversity, increasing insulation and reducing energy consumption. The rooftop garden actively contributes to sustainable water management by collecting and reusing rainwater within the building.
Incorporating sustainability aspects into the design and construction process has resulted in the Richter Center being not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable in the long term. The building’s design and the applied technologies ensure that this unique office building operates with a reduced ecological footprint, setting a precedent for future architectural projects.
The sustainability solutions in the building not only protect the environment but also reflect the company’s social responsibility, strengthening Richter Gedeon’s commitment to future generations. The building symbolises the effort to harmonise sustainability and innovation, creating a workplace that inspires and sets an example for the community.
PAPER
STRUCTURAL DESIGN STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
Nenadović, Aleksandra1
PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, Serbia, aleksandra@arh.bg.ac.rs
ABSTRACT
One of the key aspects that is considered when designing building structures is related to climatic conditions. Current design standards for structural design are based on the assumptions of stationary climate conditions observed in the past. However, scientific community indicates that climate is changing, meaning that climate conditions of the past will not be representative of those of the future. The requirement to ensure liveability, which includes building users’ safety, and the uncertainty of future climate poses a challenge to structural engineers, because adaptation to climate change will require more than meeting the minimum requirements of current standards and regulations. As part of a new structural design paradigm, understanding of magnitudes and consequences of the future extremes is needed, which will be the basis for development of appropriate engineering practices and standards. Still, until these practices and standards are established, structural engineers need to apply strategies which will make building structures more resilient. This paper analyses the structural design strategies to address climate change, that is, strategies that anticipate and plan for immediate and future impacts of climate change. The present analysis pointed to the necessity of applying observational and adaptive approach to the structural design in order to respond to the changing needs in the context of future climate uncertainty.
Keywords: Climate change, Building users’ safety, Resilience-based structural design, Adaptive approach
Topics: Adaptable, resilient, and sustainable architecture
INTRODUCTION
The structural engineers design building structures that should have a long service life (Orcesi et. al., 2022). One of the key aspects considered during design is related to climatic conditions. This suggest that the planning and design of new building structures should account for the climate of the future (Croce et. al., 2018). Current design standards for structural design are based on the assumptions of stationary climate conditions observed in the past. However, scientific community indicates that climate is changing, meaning that climate conditions of the past will not be representative of those of the future (Athanasopoulou et. al., 2020; Ivanov et. al., 2022; Saback et. al., 2024). Securing the users’ safety (Nenadović and Milošević, 2022)
1Corresponding author
poses a dilemma and challenge to structural engineers, because adaptation to climate change will generally require more than meeting the minimum requirements of current standards and regulations (Croce et. al., 2019; Mladenović and Ćirilović Stanković, 2020). As part of a new structural design paradigm, understanding of the magnitudes and consequences of future extremes is needed. Until new practices and standards are established, structural engineers need to apply strategies which will make building structures more resilient to future weather extremes. This paper analyses the structural design strategies to address climate change, that is, strategies that anticipate and plan for immediate and future impacts of climate change. This resilience-based structural design should reduce the impact from changing climate and hence reduce physical, social, and economic losses (Hao et.al., 2023).
CLIMATE CHANGE OF INTEREST TO STRUCTURAL DESIGN
The assessment of climate change, based on observations and global climate models of future weather and extreme events, indicates changes in all physical influences of importance for building structures: temperature, precipitation and wind. In the context of the above, numerous multidisciplinary research projects have recently been launched in Europe with the aim of investigating the possible effects from future climate extremes on structures. In Central and Eastern Europe, an increase in warm temperature extremes and a decrease in summer precipitation are primarily observed (Anders, 2014). Nevertheless, in some regions, regardless of the global trend of temperature growth, a larger amount of snow was observed compared to previous periods, especially in the mountainous and colder areas (Croce et. al., 2018; Ivanov et. al., 2022). The increase in snow load could have a significant impact on the structural safety, if not considered (Saback et. al., 2024). In that context, it is suggested that a European project on snow load map, taking into account the climate change implications, shall be started (Croce et. al., 2021). When it comes to thermal impacts, researchers are developing thermal design maps (Athanasopoulou et. al., 2020), taking into account the “factor of change” that uses differences between simulated current and future climate conditions derived from climate models (Croce et. al., 2021a). Climate scenarios provide an increase in the yearly maximum daily mean wind velocity and increase in extreme wind speeds (Steenbergen et. al., 2009). Also, recent studies reveal a distinct connection between the earth’s climate and its tectonic activity (Masih, 2018; Maji et.al., 2021), especially in areas that are already seismically active. An increase in seismic activity is noticeable (N1, 2024), which only complicates the problem of already observed seismic vulnerability of existing buildings in Europe (Palermo et. al., 2018). Based on the observed changes, the numerous authors emphasize the need for ad hoc strategies for future adaptation of design loads, in order to improve the climate resilience of structures and infrastructures. Also, they emphasize the necessity of improving the standards, that is, the current definition of climatic actions in structural codes (Croce et. al., 2019). The territory of Serbia is also exposed to various types of natural hazards. There has been a trend of increased air temperatures, accompanied by a redistribution of precipitation. Since the year 2000 until the end of 2023, material damages caused by the extreme weather events in Serbia have been estimated at a minimum of 6.8 billion euros, of which droughts and high temperatures are responsible for more than 70% (United Nations Serbia, 2024).
Most of engineering standards use stationarity approach which rely on historical data. This approach does not accurately reflect the future climate risk (Global Resiliency Dialogue, 2021; Croce et. al., 2018). Bearing in mind the currently significant changes in the expected loads, it is necessary to work on creation of standards for climate-resilient infrastructure (Committee on Adaptation to a Changing Climate, 2015). EU adaptation strategy also identified standards as important to guarantee the resilience to climate change of infrastructures across Europe (European Commission, 2017; CEN/CENELEC, 2022). Projects and their results, related to the improvement of standards, which is a relatively slow and extensive process, can certainly serve as guidelines for the work of structural engineers in practice. Many countries are working on changing the standards, which incorporate considerations of future climate scenarios, on a smaller or larger scale (Global Resiliency Dialogue, 2021). Within the European Union, work is being done on the second generation of Eurocodes, i.e. amendments addressing relevant impacts of future climate change. Key changes in Eurocodes, to be addressed as a revision, concern the following: actions from snow EN 1991-1-3, wind actions EN 1991-1-4, thermal actions EN 1991-1-5, actions due to atmospheric icing EN 1991-1-9 (Malakatas, 2023). The introduction of a ‘scaling factor’ for climate actions is suggested, which is more challenging for wind actions because of different storm types and less established research on different types, such as thunderstorms. There is no consideration of adaptation of exposure or durability factors as part of the Eurocodes. This should progress to ensure structural durability proportional to exposure to climatic actions (European Commission, 2017; Sousa et. al., 2020), bearing in mind that climate change causes accelerated deterioration (Sousa et. al., 2020). The research on blast resilience of structures is still in its early stage (Hao et.al., 2023). There is also increased risk of compound hazards or combined effects of different weather and climate impacts, which should be addressed (Wu et. al., 2023). Standards should provide sufficient guidance for the standard users to be able to look at more localized climate change projections to provide localized responses (CEN/TC 250/SC1.T6, 2021).
STRUCTURAL DESIGN STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE
Adaptation to climate change will require more than meeting the minimum requirements of current standards and regulations, due to overall level of safety below acceptable levels with increasing climatic loads. The aim is to provide increased resilience of long-life structures to climate change consequences, that is, to immediately adapt design strategies for foreseen climate change effects rather than excessively investing into upgrading of insufficiently durable and unreliable structures in the future (Orcesi et. al., 2022). Bearing in mind the above, the use of project-specific design is encouraged. An example of this approach is Arup, which proposes a framework for owners, architects, and engineers to implement resilience-based design for earthquakes, floods and extreme windstorms (Arup, 2024). The mentioned approach to adaptation to climate change is also being pushed by European financing institutions (European Financing Institutions Working Group on ACC, 2016), with the aim of integrating climate change information and adaptation in project development. In general, structural engineers themselves notice that the risk of climate change brings resilience to the top of the agenda (Institution of Structural Engineers, 2018), in order to respond to extreme weather events and shifts in averages (Ayyub, 2014). “It will be key to introduce (structural) resilience into the dialogue with clients and collaborators, to integrate it into briefs and build into future designs” (Institution of Structural Engineers, 2018).
The foregoing requires modification of design strategies in order to deliver climate change resilient building structures. The key elements of adaptive approach to climate change in structural design are analyzed and synthesized (Figure 1). Adaptation requires the following:
• Climate change analysis from the initial stages of planning and design.
• Coordination across multiple sectors and a wide range of public and private stakeholders (European Commission, 2023).
• Design for full life which can often be significantly longer than design life, based on reconsideration of the following key aspects: construction, renovation and removal practices (CEN/CENELEC, 2022).
• Risk-based planning and design, that is, proactive vs reactive management, so that less reactive recovery is required. The aim is to assess the impact of climate change in terms of the most important threats- What can happen?, probability of occurrence- How likely is it to happen?, possible effects- If it does happen, what are the consequences?, and finally define adaptation measures for individual risks in order to reduce vulnerability (Committee on Adaptation to a Changing Climate, 2015; Mladenović and Ćirilović Stanković, 2020; Ayyub, 2014). It is a risk analysis that consists of risk identification, risk analysis, risk evaluation and risk mitigation. Adaptation should be grounded in the available scientific understanding of climate change risks, impacts and vulnerabilities (Committee on Adaptation to a Changing Climate, 2015). Aiming to account for these aspects, it is, therefore, necessary to rely on climate projections, resulting from appropriate global or regional climate models, which currently are the major source of knowledge about future climate change (Maraun, 2016). Climate risk data should be communicated through the use of maps with zones or contour line maps. One of the major goals is to determine specific relationships relating hazard levels and key structural vulnerabilities to climate change effects. The key potential impacts and consequences are: increase in temperature extremes - thermal expansion, reduction of stiffness; heavy rain risk - overloading, substructure erosion, landslides; increase in snow load and ice formation - overloading; increase in wind speeds - overloading; increased flood risk - landslide activation, soil erosion; increased forest wildfires risk - thermal expansion, reduction of stiffness; acceleration of seismic activities - overloading; increase in temperature and relative humidity - reduced durability. It should be kept in mind that multi-hazard analysis should be carried out during design (Hao et.al., 2023). In order to better identify vulnerabilities related to climate change, it is useful to perform local surveys of built structures, which is a good basis for corrections in the design of new structures.
• Low-regret strategies and robust design. The uncertainty associated with future climate is not completely quantifiable and therefore it will require engineering judgment. Decision methods that account for uncertainty may be employed, such as robust decision making. This approach identifies robust alternatives that do well across a range of possible future conditions. The methodology reduces subjective assessment in the decision-making process (Penadés-Plà et. al., 2020; European Financing Institutions Working Group on ACC, 2016). The goal is to create structures whose damage is limited to an extent that is in reasonable proportion to the cause (Stochino et. al., 2019; Noroozinejad Farsangi et. al., 2019). The second generation of the Eurocodes tends towards strengthening of requirements for robustness (European Commission, 2024; Formichi, 2023), which refers primarily to ductility and redundancy in order to avoid brittle failure or premature
formation of unstable mechanisms (Formichi, 2023). The structure should undergo inelastic deformation without collapse, that is, form a global plastic mechanism (Bisch, 2023). The connections between structural elements must be treated with special attention in order to ensure the above (Chapman, 2001). The appropriate protection, dependent on exposure, should be considered in order to ensure the long-term durability and reliability of structures (Sousa et. al., 2020). Special attention should be directed to fire resistance of the whole structure, especially in the case of non-standard and complex assemblies (Purkiss, 2007). It should be kept in mind that a measure that helps one hazard does not solve another (Hao et.al., 2023). Generally, a structure should be designed and constructed to sustain all actions and influences likely to occur during its intended life with an appropriate degree of reliability and in an economical way (Croce et. al., 2019).
• Adaptive and flexible solutions. Engineers will not be able to predict every potential condition for future building structures. The aim is to alter design now to be able to make further alterations later (CEN/CENELEC, 2022).
• Dissemination of improved practices. The engineers should publish case studies of the application of observational and adaptive approach and the resulting structural performances during extreme events.
Figure 1: The key elements of adaptive approach in structural design (Source: Author’s own work).
The key elements of adaptive approach in structural design indicate a further increase in
complexity in efforts to respond to the challenges of climate change, especially considering the insistence on the robustness of structures, which may result in increased consumption of material resources and greater economic expenses. The above is particularly problematic in the context of sustainable development. Balancing goals when it comes to responding to the challenge of accelerated climate change will be one of the most complex tasks facing structural engineers and all participants involved in building design process. The close cooperation of all
involved parties, as well as the education of engineers (Martin et. al., 2022; Axelithioti, et. al., 2023) and all involved stakeholders will be the key basis for the implementation of the above.
CONCLUSIONS
Adaptation to climate change requires development of a new structural engineers’ paradigm, as an approach that should be considered as a continuous learning process. The aim is to promote cooperative research involving climate/structural engineers to gain an adequate, probabilistic understanding of the magnitudes and consequences of future extremes and to develop appropriate structural engineering practices and standards based on the above research. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. All known mechanisms should be used for integrating adaptation: legislation, strategies, research, standards, building codes and additional policies. It is also necessary to work on improving the education in structural engineering, which will include the adaptive approach to climate change. This is especially important because incorporating climate change into engineering practice will require informed engineering judgment to balance costs and potential consequences of failure.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This research was funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, grant number 451-03-68/202014/200090. The research was done under the research lab of the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture—Laboratory for Innovative Structures in Architecture (LISA).
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CLIMATE-MIGRATION - THE POSSIBILITIES OF ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTURE
Kondor Tamás1
Associate professor, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, 7624 Pécs, Boszorkány street 2., kondor. tamas@mik.pte.hu
Juhász Hajnalka
PhD student, University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Marcel Breuer Doctoral School, 7624 Pécs, Boszorkány street 2., hjuhasz91@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Today, we live in an accelerated phase of climate change. Due to global warming, climatic zones are in constant motion. The hot zone climate is expanding, while the other zones are shifting and transforming. To mitigate the negative effects, it is essential to reduce harmful emissions, which also includes reducing the ecological footprint of the construction industry. Architectural solutions are needed today that are able to pass on climate-specific and proven (experienced) or newly formulated experimental solutions to areas with changing climatic conditions. The focus of the article is on the building materials used in Hungary, especially wood. The study discusses the quantified advantages of natural building materials in its comparative analysis.
Keywords: Climate-migration, Climate change, Global warming, Adaptive architecture, Sustainability
Topics: Adaptable, resilient, and sustainable architecture
INTRODUCTION
According to observations examining the last 150 years, compared to the pre-industrial level, human activity has clearly caused an acceleration of global warming. The global surface temperature measured between 2010-2020 increased by more than 1°C compared to the years 1850-1900. The most intense period of this increase was in the last 50 years, which was primarily caused by the increase of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. [1]
The global warming and cooling have alternated periodically since the formation of the Earth. These different temperature conditions resulting from natural processes cause climatic changes, for which the environment prefers natural adaptive behaviour. Currently, the difficulty is the acceleration of the warming process, because the ecosystem cannot keep up with this accelerating rhythm.
The human-caused effects of the observed warming were already recognized by Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius at the end of the 1800s, according to which the use of fossil fuels
1Corresponding author
increased in connection the industrial revolution, that was one of the effects of the increased level of the global carbon dioxide concentration. According to his calculations, doubling of CO2 concentration could raise the Earth’s surface temperature by 4°C. This number is very close to the values estimated by today’s researchers at 2-4.5°C, which shows that natural systems are not able to respond to the sudden change caused by human activity with a similar speed, nor to handle it within a human time scale. [2]
Ecosystem and human vulnerability are dependent to each other and it follows that we are highly sensitive to climatic dangers and the increasing extreme weather events. This has made it increasingly urgent to make effective adaptation plans, the practical application of the plans helps to mitigate human-generated climate change.
The focus of the article is related to architecture. One of the consequences of global warming is the change and shift of climatic zones, which requires strategies to mitigate warming and adapt to change. Regarding the correct answer, the use of natural building materials according to the characteristics of a given location can be an effective part of the solution. In terms of reducing harmful emissions, the ecological footprint of the construction industry largely depends on the types of the materials to be installed, their production and transportation characteristics. Whether it is a new construction or the renovation of an existing building stock, it is crucial to examine the ecological features of the materials being designed to achieve carbon neutrality goals. The comparative analysis of this article presents the quantified advantages of natural building materials.
THE EFFECT OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ON THE GLOBAL WARMING
According to the 2023 summary report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on global climate conditions, limiting human-caused global warming requires zero net CO2 emissions. The level of CO2 emissions and greenhouse gas emissions measured in this decade until reaching net zero emissions will largely determine whether warming can be limited to 1.5°C or 2.0°C in the future. [3] In whatever way and scale we will be able to slow down the warming, climate migration has already brought a visible change in our climate, which must be responded.
In the current situation, most of the reasons can be traced back to the changed or unsustainable level of energy consumption, the solution of energy production focused on fossil energy sources, self-centred lifestyle, production and consumption habits, as well as the increase of the mobility needs. Taking into account the sectoral distribution of polluting emissions, in 2019 approximately 6% (3.3 GtCO2-eq) [3] of global GHG emissions came from the buildings sector, which represents one of the most significant sources of CO2 emissions, along with the transport sector and industrial production. Regarding Hungary, in 2020 the GHG emissions from the operation of the building stock represented 17% (10.9 million tCO2-eq) [4] of the country’s gross emissions. Approximately 80% of this came from residential buildings, while the remaining 20% was the emission value of public buildings. [4] Reducing this high level of harmful emissions is an essential task for positive change. Furthermore, climate change-resistant development must include adaptation to the changed conditions, which requires the rethinking of the tools of architectural design.
ARCHITECTURAL POSSIBILITIES OF ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE MIGRATION
Decisions and actions taken in order to promote sustainable development will have an impact on our present as early as the 2020-2030 decade, as well as on the centuries to come. Because the roots of ecological architectural responses to climate conditions - regardless of geographical location - always go back to the solutions of vernacular architecture in the first step, so we have set ourselves this direction. How can experiences dating back several centuries be made a part of contemporary architectural solutions and how can the solutions used in warmer climates than ours be passed on together with climate migration?
Inherited knowledge was based on the experience of observing nature and the laws of physics, but without the knowledge of modern sciences - which are now an extra tool in our hands - it served adaptation, in order to ensure the ecological cycle. The basis of vernacular architecture is the harmonious coexistence with the environment and the creation of balance. Man built and operated his home designed for the local climatic conditions from the natural building materials found in the immediate environment, promoting natural renewal and keeping recycling in mind. A natural home that was sustainable with dimensions and provided optimized comfort.
In fact, nothing has changed in the expectations regarding the ecological sustainability of the built environment compared to the previous principles of 100-200 years ago. What has changed is man, his level of needs, his knowledge, the technology available to him, and the local climate.
The question is whether we are able to combine these in such a way to restore the balance between man and nature? Our aim is to show within a series of articles that this is possible if the basic principles, the available knowledge and the technological background are organized with the help of ecological thinking.
In this article, the basis for examining the feasibility of climate-positive architecture is the use of natural building materials as a tool of reducing the ecological footprint.
USE OF NATURAL BUILDING MATERIALS
The use of locally available natural building materials in traditional architecture was partly justified by limited resources. In other words, the need and the opportunity created the ecological solution. They built from materials found in their narrow environment. [5] Natural building materials were used with CO2 sequestering ability, there was no harmful environmental impact from transportation, packaging, waste and polluting emissions, just renewable material use.
All this has changed nowadays, natural building materials have been pushed into the background in most cases. What can be traced back to the causes? A change of scale took place in the urban systems, in the quantitative demand of the raw materials and in the production efficiency, in addition, the expectations of structural parameters increased and the regulatory environment changed, etc. Technological development not only expanded the portfolio of building materials in the direction of artificial building materials that can be produced on industrial scale, but also solved the difficulties from transportation. It made the uses and production locations of the building material independent from each other. Polluting emissions generated during the production of artificial building materials and their transport increase global warming and its risks, such as the collapse of the natural systems of a given location. Adapting to a changed climate is unavoidable. However, the climate-positive architecture can manage these harmful consequences and restore local natural systems by re-interpreting the basic principles of vernacular architecture and with the use of the technological knowledge that we have.
The study analyses material use at the scale of residential building design. During the analysis of the material usage, layers of five external wall structures were compared, where all of the wall structures had the same heat transfer coefficient of 0,16 W/m2K. The five wall structures are the followings: 1.: with reinforced concrete wall structure; 2.: multi-cellular (hollow-core) clay block wall structure; 3.: solid wood wall structure; 4.: rammed earth wall structure; 5.: wooden frame light-weight wall structure with natural materials. The layer structure of the 5th wall is the same as the layer structure of the wall of the HUNGARIAN NEST+ sample building at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2019 competition, implemented by the SomeShine team of University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (UP FEIT) / University of Miskolc / Blida University. It is also the same as the layer structure of the wall of the sample building implemented by the Lungs of the City team of UP FEIT at the Solar Decathlon Europe 2022 competition. The only difference was in the design of the external, ventilated wooden cladding, because in the 2022 competition it was already made of recycled or reused solid wood terrace cladding, so the ecological footprint was further reduced there.
1. 2. 3.
Reinforced concrete wall Multi-cellular clay block wall
• 0,3 cm universal white base plaster
• 20 cm reinforced concrete wall
• 28 cm mineral wool thermal insulation
• 4 cm aluminium frame (ventilated air gap)
• 1,2 cm cement fibreboard
• 1 cm universal white base plaster
• 38 multi-cellular clay blocks
• 0,5 cm air-tight base plaster
• 20 cm mineral wool thermal insulation
• 4 cm aluminium frame (ventilated air gap)
• 0,5 cm aluminium sheet
Solid wood (CLT) wall Rammed earth wall
• 20 cm solid wood (CLT) wall panel
• 22 cm mineral wool thermal insulation
• 4 cm wooden frame (ventilated air gap)
• 1,5 cm plywood facade cover
• 2 cm adobe plaster
• 60 cm rammed earth
• 37 cm soft timber-fibre thermal insulation
• 2 cm universal white base plaster
Wooden frame light-weight wall structure
• 0,3 cm adobe plaster
• 2,2 cm adobe fibre board
• 5 cm soft timber-fibre thermal insulation
• 1,2 cm OSB building board
• 20 cm cellulose thermal insulation (embedded in wooden load-bearing structure)
• 1,2 cm OSB building board
• 6 cm hard timber-fibre thermal insulation
• 4 cm wooden frame (ventilated air gap)
• 1,5 cm plywood facade cover
In the case of the different main walls, we got compared about the total thickness of the structural layers projected on 1 m2 surface, their specific heat storage mass, and their CO2 equivalent. This last-mentioned value provided the basis for comparing the GHG emission numbers of the materials to be installed, showing the level of global warming potential of the different layer structures. The values of the specific heat storage mass were determined using the WinWatt thermal engineering design software [7], in accordance with the Hungarian 9/2023. (V. 25.) ÉKM Decree. [8]
In the comparative summary, it can be clearly seen that the CO2 equivalent of the structures using natural materials is 12,5-30% of the multi-cellular clay block structure, and it is just 0,020,05% of the reinforced concrete structure. Among these, the emission value of the wooden frame light-weight structure wall layer is the most favourable, which is just over 1 thousandth of the ecological footprint of the reinforced concrete structure. In the comparison of the three layers built from natural building materials, the rammed earth wall structure has the second lowest emission value and the best in specific heat storage mass, but at the same time, it is not an economic solution due to the thickness and difficult implementation of the entire structural layer.
4. 5.
Table 1: Layers of the different types of wall structures
In terms of area utilization, the lightweight wall layer structure again gives the most favourable value. Its cross-section gives a net gain of 12 cm (22% gain) compared to a reinforced concrete wall structure, while a net gain of 22,5 cm (35% gain) compared to a multi-cellular clay block structure. The same analysis gives the following indicators for the CLT wall layers: its crosssection provides a net gain of 6 cm (11% gain) compared to the reinforced concrete-based structure, while compared to the ceramic-based structure, it provides a net gain of 22,5 cm (25% gain).
In terms of specific heat storage mass, the CLT structure is the best among the light-weight construction solutions, even better than the multi-cellular clay block structure, but because of the large demand for wood, it is more difficult to produce in industrial quantities in Hungary.
Name (of the analysed external load-bearing wall structure)
[7]
[9] 1. Reinforced concrete wall structure
2. Multi-cellular (hollow-core) clay block wall structure
3.
5. Wooden frame light-weight wall structure (SDE19 Prototype Building)
Another great benefit of the natural building materials usage is that, when examining the entire life cycle of a material, they are able to remain in circulation longer than most of the artificial materials, which have a linear lifetime. The longer the time spent in the cycle, the more they are able to relieve the natural systems of exhaustion, since they provide an opportunity for the natural re-production of a given raw material over time, so their use requires less energy and it is also more sustainable. When examining the properties of a building material, it can be an advantage if the given raw material also has CO2-binding capacity, so it can contribute even more intensively to the mitigation of harmful emissions, which is closely related to the Earth’s surface temperature in the future. The results of the table clearly show the advantages of using natural building materials over artificial ones. However, the emissions generated during the transportation of materials required for the construction of structures also have a significant impact on the environmental footprint of an investment. Therefore, it is an important design principle to prioritize the use of locally available natural materials in order to reduce transportation distances.
Table 2: Summarized data about the calculated characteristics of the different types of wall structure
WOOD AS BUILDING MATERIAL IN HUNGARY
In the construction industry striving for climate neutrality, the use of wood as a raw material is gaining ground. In its strategy of European State Forests 2024+, published in the first half of 2024, it draws attention to resilient, well-managed, multifunctional forests, which are essential for addressing the challenges of climate change. [10] In Hungary, the National Forest Strategy, in its chapter on rational forest use, states as one of its goals the creation of industrial tree plantations, which would increase forest areas and the supply of wood as a renewable resource. [11]
The most common natural building materials in Hungary are various wood products. According to the database of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, in Hungary at 2022, in terms of natural building materials, industrial wood extraction (i.e. the net amount of wood above the cutting board without stumps) was nearly 3 million m3 (2 900 991 m3), which is almost the same annual amount when looking back at the previous 5 years. Of this, in terms of tree species groups, the amount of so-called softwood tree species was the highest (1 460 108 m3, e.g.: oak, tan, beech, hornbeam, acacia, etc.), followed by hardwoods (752 586 m3, e.g.: poplar, willow, etc.) and finally, the lowest extraction was from conifers (688 297 m3, pines). [12] The quantities can be partly traced back to the composition of Hungary’s current forest population, in which deciduous trees make up the larger proportion. However, considering architectural use, pine materials are used to the greatest extent. The long, straight trunk is easier to work with, than the branched, deciduous trees. Its growth index is considered optimal among tree species. Its favourable strength and elasticity properties compared to its weight, its technological gluing ability and the degree of geometric deformation after installation, as well as its controllability, have also helped the spread of building wood produced from coniferous wood over the years. On the other hand, due to the climatic conditions transformed by climate change (such as the increasing frequency of warmer periods with a lack of precipitation) and the newly appeared pests, most of the conifers in the Hungarian forests are not suitable for building wood. The areas of pine forest are decreasing and their survival is in doubt. (It should be noted that this problem also affects other areas of Europe that currently still have large pine forests, or will affect them as global warming progresses). Overall, the country’s timber consumption is not limited to domestically extracted quantities. In 2022, the import volume was 2 068 817 464 kg (approximately 3 400 000 m3) [13], which exceeds the domestic industrial timber extraction volume. The largest quantities were imported to Hungary by Austria, Germany, Croatia, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine. The summarised volume from these countries represented 74.12% (1 533 414 419 kg) of the total imports. [13] All of this, considering the distances, means a transport circle with an average radius of 500 km in the case of countries neighbouring Hungary, but beyond this, a multiplied distance should be calculated (and of course, the length of the real delivery routes will be different, giving a larger value).
In order to reduce the high proportion of imported goods and its associated environmental consequences, the goals of the Hungarian National Forest Strategy include the use of locally harvested wood. This could significantly reduce transportation needs and, with it, CO2 emissions, furthermore renewable local use would also increase the added value of the material. [11] In addition to the rise in use of industrial wood, this can help the wider use of building products from other renewable (and/or natural) raw materials in the construction industry.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, we can say that in terms of reducing the ecological footprint of the construction industry and the correct response to climate change, the use of natural building materials and solutions that passively support energy consumption can give architecture a big step forward. The article presents the quantified advantages of natural building materials, where the values in the table comparing wall structures with different layers clearly show the positives of their application compared to artificial ones. In addition, in terms of reducing the ecological footprint of the construction industry and responding appropriately to the migration of climate zones, the use of natural building materials in accordance with local characteristics can be an effective part of the solution. The results obtained could be exponentially improved by domestic production of natural building materials and government support for their application. Partly in order to equalize market dominance, partly in order to positively influence our own immediate environment and global climate conditions.
Figure 1.: Transport distances relative to Hungary for the most significant timber importing countries in 2022
REFERENCES
• BAUSOFT Pécsvárad Kft. 2024. “WinWatt Épületfizika program.” (translated by the author: BAUSOFT Pécsvárad Kft. 2024. “WinWatt Building Physics software.”) Accessed January 19, 2024. http://www.bausoft.hu/. Cited in text: [7]
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• EUSTAFOR (European State Forest Association). 2024. ”European State Forests 2024+.” Accessed July 1, 2024. https://eustafor.eu/uploads/EUSTAFOR-Forestry-Strategy-2024_ online.pdf. Cited in text: [10]
• Földművelésügyi Minisztérium Erdészeti és Vadgazdálkodási Főosztálya. 2016. Nemzeti Erdőstratégia 2016-2030. Budapest: Magyarország Kormánya. (translated by the author: Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management. 2016. National Forest Strategy 2016-2030. Budapest: Government of Hungary.) Cited in text: [11]
• Green Policy Center. 2023. “Szektorális javaslatcsomag a 2030-as magyar klímacélok teljesítése érdekében: 7 javaslat az épület-szektor fenntarthatóbbá tételére.” (translated by the author: Green Policy Center. 2023. “Sectoral proposal package to meet Hungary’s 2030 climate goals: 7 proposals to make the building sector more sustainable.”) Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.greenpolicycenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ GPC_01_Epuletszektor-javaslatok-13042023.pdf/. Cited in text: [4]
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2023. Sections In: “Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report.” Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC. doi: 10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647. Cited in text: [3]
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DEFINING NEW PURPOSE FOR EXISTING BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT OF MISINA TETŐPONT
Kalkán Dóra1
PhD Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, kalkandori97@gmail.com
Varga Dániel
PhD Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, vdani2297@gmail.com
Gyergyák János
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, gyergyak.janos@mik.pte.hu
Borsos Ágnes
Full professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, borsos.agnes@mik.pte.hu
Rácz Tamás
Assistant professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, racz.tamas@mik.pte.hu
Medvegy Gabriella
Full professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, medvegy.gabriella@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
The City of Pécs has implemented a sustainable urban development strategy which includes the rehabilitation of the former Misina restaurant and its surroundings, now called Misina Tetőpont, between 2021-2023. The city actively engaged residents in the project design through community planning, resulting in the creation of a “family and active Misina” that meets their needs. The “family Misina” is a space focused on family togetherness and related functions. Meanwhile, the “active Misina” is an exercise and hiking center for sports and nature enthusiasts. The project takes a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of tourism and recreation, ensuring sustainable operation. Throughout the rehabilitation process, sustainable architecture principles have been carefully considered.
Keywords: sustainable, community planning, adaptive reuse, rehabilitation
Topics: Adaptable, resilient, and sustainable architecture
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
In the history of architecture were not common to completely demolished existing building until the end of 20th century. The term “construction waste” did not exist. Building materials were produced and incorporated only with great effort in the past.
To minimize transport costs, building materials, construction methods, and labor markets were determined by local resources, operating as a closed system. Consequently, responsible behaviour was required from both users and owners in managing the natural deterioration of the building stock. The common interest was to ensure that the life cycle of the existing building stock was as long as possible, with the invested energy being considered. This could be achieved through different methods, with several recycling options available. Integrating existing buildings or parts of buildings into the new one was considered the most basic method, or, as a last resort, the use of the building material produced in a new building. The complete demolition of buildings and their treatment as waste was not a sustainable option. In contemporary building practice, the relationship has been reversed in several respects. A significant additional financial cost can be seen when using existing building stock compared to a new building. In fact, the problem is that building new is too cheap. The perpetuation of existing assets is seen as a difficulty rather than an opportunity by the building industry and the architectural profession, and it is easier to have buildings demolished.
The condition of the former Misina Restaurant and its surroundings have been severely declining since the late 1990s. By 2021, the structural framework of the building remained intact, and the deterioration was complete. Demolition seemed inevitable, but the Municipality of Pécs, recognizing the symbolic nature of the place and the building, attempted to save it. The city, with the involvement of architects, residents, and local people in business, treated the restoration as a community task, similar to the approach of past centuries. In addition to an overview of the building’s history, the following sections describe the design principles and the project’s potential impact.
TECHNOLOGY HISTORY REVIEW
Hungarian Television began broadcasting in 1957, fulfilling one of the political decisionfrom 1952 to establish it. The Hungarian Postal Service was responsible for setting up and operating the system, while the Television Department of Hungarian Radio was in charge of broadcasting. After the initial experimental transmission towers, the country’s first transmission tower was completed on Széchenyi Hill in Budapest in 1958. The distribution of the channels was limited to the capital and its surroundings, but the needs for it spread to the country’s cities. In 1959, a lightweight transmission station was built on the Misina roof in Pécs, the first of its kind in a rural town, thanks to a community effort.
The following towers of a building type in the country:
1. Miskolc, Avasi TV tower and lookout - KÖZTI, 1962-1966
2. Sopron, TV tower - POTI, 1968-1970
3. Zalaegerszeg, TV tower, lookout tower and cafe - 1970-1973
4. Pécs, TV tower, lookout tower and bistro - POTI, 1968-1973
The Dunántúli Napló wrote in 1966 that a new TV tower could be built in Pécs. According to the plans, the transmission tower and its surroundings will be supplemented with additional functions to serve tourism. The tower will contain a bistro level in 70-metre-high. A separate building will house a restaurant and bar, and the plan also includes landscaping. The total planned cost of the project is HUF 43 million, of which HUF 3 million has been earmarked for the creation of the Misina Restaurant.
MISINA RESTAURANT
Construction of the building began in 1971 during the construction of the TV tower. The KissJózsef lookout was demolished, the foundations of which were extended to create a building with solid walls and a mixed pillar and girder construction. The demolition of the former lookout tower may have raised social opposition since it was a joint project of the Mecsek Association and the town’s civic associations at the beginning of the 20th century. However, the new building complex and its services compensated for the losses. The restaurant building was opened in 1974 and soon became a key venue for tourism and social life in Pécs.
Decline
The building was attractive for tourists, with a 130-seat restaurant and a 50-seat espresso bar. The exterior of the building could be more varied due to the crude appearance of the repetitive reinforced concrete frame structures and the concrete panel cladding. To balance the exterior, period furniture, objects, and finishes were used in the interior. The floor plan functioned in a well-structured, clean system. Large expanses of glass and open terraces ensured that the natural environment prevailed in the consumer spaces.
However, the structural design did not meet the stringent technical standards of the time, resulting in technical and structural deterioration of the building, as confirmed by subsequent excavations.
In the 1990s, the building was privatized, and the number of customers declined. Maintenance needed to be addressed, and the building became aesthetically obsolete due to operational problems and changing functions.
Applications
The restaurant building remained unused after 2010 and was not renovated as part of the European Capital of Culture program, cause exponential deterioration. 2016, the municipality applied for non-repayable funding under the Operational Programme for Regional and Local Development (TOP). The building would have been renovated as a visitor centre, with an ice rink and mini-golf course on the roof. After the start of construction, the renovation was left incomplete due to unforeseen deterioration of the structure.
The unfinished building was a landscape pocket for visitors for the next three years. In 2020, the municipality launched a competition with community participation called Misina Ideas Fair to find a new, sustainable function for the building. The competition was not primarily aimed at finding technical and architectural solutions but at exploring the users’ intentions. The 35 ideas received resulted in 3 concept designs, “Active,” “Family,” and “Interactive” Misina. After consultation with the public, the “Active” and the “Family” Misina were merged, and a concept plan was drawn up. The plan made it possible to obtain financial support, European Union funding, in the framework of the TOP grant. Following the architectural design, construction has started, and the building will be handed over shortly.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The involvement of the urban community provided essential answers to the needs of the people of Pécs. Contrary to the individual ideas of the previous operating period, the design of the new functions according to the needs ensures the survival and use of the building.
The concept of “Active Misina” includes the development of a touring centre that serves the needs of people interested in physical activity. The basement will have separate changing rooms and shower rooms, with free use of lockers for valuables, regardless of opening hours. The ground floor has a hiking and sports shop, a rental zone, and a service area.
The design elements from the “Family Misina” competition are outdoor and indoor spaces for active and passive relaxation that respond to the everyday needs of family people, with a higher quality. A canopy pergola and an outdoor playground with a variety of playgrounds and sports equipment on the south side of the building will complement the building.
The reception area of the New Misina Centre opens onto the TV Tower, with a bistro and outdoor terrace. The ground floor includes general washrooms and toilets, a club room, and other operational areas. The functions that fill the upper floors are intended for temporary use. The first floor was the leading consumer level of the former restaurant and will be replaced by a multifunctional space for civic and civic events. The use of the rooftop level aims to take the consumption and catering experience to a new level with the so-called Skybar, which will welcome guests in the summer.
In addition to rethinking the Misina Restaurant building, the renovation also included landscaping on the Misina Roof to make the building complex an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.
OUTDOOR SPACES
The rehabilitation of the former Misina restaurant and its surroundings, the Misina Rooftop project, addresses the need to satisfy tourism and recreational activities in a complex way to ensure sustainable operation. With the development of the new tourist centre, Mecsek Park Forest is taking the relationship between nature and people, primarily the people of Pécs, to a new level. The tourist centre is primarily due to the natural environment, trees, and forests, whose beneficial effects are significant in the face of climate change. The oxygen-producing capacity of trees is significant, but their ability to process carbon dioxide plays a more significant role. A well-known problem is the greenhouse effect, which causes carbon dioxide accumulation and global climate change. The decreasing CO2 processing capacity of vegetation contrasts with the rapid CO2-increasing effect of combustion processes. (A 50-year-old tree produces 50 kg of oxygen and processes 68.75 kg of CO2 in one growing season.) In addition, trees sequester pollutants, improve the climate, protect against noise and vibrations, provide habitat for foreground habitat, enhance the landscape value of the environment, and provide recreational benefits for people.
„Active Misina”
The “Active Misina” is a centre of movement and hiking, where lovers of sport and nature are served. In the development, the elements of the project will be distributed proportionally between the interior and exterior spaces so that in addition to the interior service areas, there will be movement and sports areas for almost all ages in the natural space south of the building. The program elements to be designed in the outdoor spaces will include, in addition to the café terrace, movement and sports surfaces for all ages, sports equipment, and a bicycle repair point.
„Family Misina”
The “Family Misina” is a family-centered space where family togetherness and its associated functions are at the forefront. The former Misina restaurant building has been converted to meet the needs of families looking for active and passive recreation, with four levels of function groups created on the building’s interior, transitional, and exterior terrace levels. A unique feature of the building is the canopy walkway on the first level, allowing people of all ages to experience the natural environment. The new family space will make Mecsek Park Forest a multi-age meeting and recreation space for families. The program elements to be designed will include a canopy, multi-age meetings, and recreation spaces.
Project elements
The complex environmental improvements of the project include the adult and children’s playground, pedestrian and barrier-free walkways in the immediate and more comprehensive surroundings of the building, the fire water reservoir, the bus terminal, the electric car charging station, the CCTV system, the separate waste collection and composting, the renovation of the asphalt road and parking lot, and the covered bicycle service point, wash, and storage.
Outdoor open spaces have been equipped with street furniture and equipment for recreational and tourist purposes, in harmony with each other and in a way that blends in with the surroundings.
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The planning area is part of the geographical sub-region of the Mecsek and Tolna-Baranya Hills of the Mecsek Hills. The forest covers nearly 70% of the area, most comprising indigenous tree species. Many of these associations are found only on the Misina roof.
The design principles for the development of the Misina Rooftop were defined to create a coherent, uncluttered, environmentally friendly community space, considering the value of the forest. Before the intervention, the fragmented system of plots in the area was visible and organized, with a new image of the unified landscaping. The external spaces complement the two main functions, the TV Tower and the former Misina restaurant, with thematic areas. Almost wholly merged, the two most prominent zones are the adult and children’s playgrounds in a well-shaded, wooded natural space south of the building. The design of the canopy and the equipment installation were primarily concerned with maintaining the amount and position of the vegetation.
IMPACT
The rehabilitation of our buildings goes beyond sustainable architecture and complements it. The new center will serve real societal needs by ensuring the permanent use of the building. Community involvement and its success can reinforce responsible user behavior, preserving the building’s integrity. The retained building will provide continuity to the group of buildings on the Misina roof. It strengthens local ties and creates a link between the past and the present.
By recycling building materials, previously installed resources and energy are reused locally, replacing new products and reducing CO2 emissions. Disposing of existing materials as nonconstruction waste further reduces harmful impacts and pollution. The employment of local entrepreneurs and labor is vital in stimulating the micro-economy. In addition to the fact that the renovated building has been designed to meet the needs of residents, a positive impact on the dynamic development of tourism can be expected.
The surviving building bears the architectural hallmarks of an earlier era and the design intent. Learning about these can be an essential lesson in the design process, as well as understanding and creating a harmonious intersection between old and new. The impact of the renovated building is also expected to be an increase in footfall, which will result in increased demand for the TV tower in the immediate vicinity of the building. The tower’s condition has deteriorated significantly over the last 50 years without significant intervention. The refurbished restaurant building could act as a catalyst project for the need to renovate the deteriorated building.
CONCLUSIONS
The political and economic impacts of the present era have highlighted the simple fact that nonrenewable energy sources found in nature are finite. Conscious use of existing buildings helps conserve the energy invested, minimizing consumption. A significant change in the building industry is needed, with the World Green Building Council reporting that the production and operation of buildings are responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. If the trend continues, by 2060, the floor area of new buildings will reach 2.5 trillion square meters, approximately double the floor area of the current building stock. Conserving energy by conserving and utilizing existing building stock could be a step towards sustainable architecture.
The reuse of the Misina Restaurant building and its surroundings can be an example. The country’s building stock is estimated at approximately 4.5 million buildings, which will only increase, but this is not a necessary trend. Making use of the existing building stock has a major role to play in mitigating this.
The massive increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide gases mentioned above is one of our time’s most significant global challenges. This is leading to an increase in the average temperature of the Earth, i.e., global warming. Climate strategies are helping cities prepare for climate change by protecting their built and natural assets through innovative, sustainable, energy-efficient developments that are healthy, green, and liveable. The responsibility to achieve this is shared. Mitigating climate change requires not only a city government that takes the lead in climate protection but also responsible, proactive city residents and cooperating businesses.
In addition to the renewal of the physical environment, it was paramount for the city of Pécs to be revitalized so that it would be suitable for families and young people to spend their leisure time in a useful, relaxing, and well-being environment. All this while meeting environmental sustainability requirements and contributing to creating an urban green environment and its economic maintenance.
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• Blog: Dániel, Kovács. 2013 04.04. “Pécs legendás bulihelyszíne előtt tisztelegve Magyarország legismertebb adótornyait gyűjtöttük csokorba”, accessed 2024.05.07. https://web.archive.org/web/20140104101358/http://hg.hu/cikkek/design/15574negyveneves-a-pecsi-tevetorony
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• Internet source: No data available about writer and date. “Misina Tetőpont” https:// peoplefirst.hu/directory/akadalymentes-pecs/misina-tetopont-csaladi-es-mozgaster/
ELECTROCHROMIC GLAZING: ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND COMFORT
Loddo, Gianraffaele1
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2 - 09123 Cagliari, Italy, grloddo@unica.it
Ludoni, Daniela
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, via Marengo 2 - 09123 Cagliari, Italy, dlludoni@alice.it
Fülöp László
Professor emeritus, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, fulop.laszlo@mik.pte.hu
Loch Gábor
Assistant lecturer, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, loch.gabor@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
Solar control in buildings is a major issue both in the heating and the cooling season. As the convective heat losses as well as the thermal energy required for ventilation is being reduced, the ratio of the internal heat and the solar irradiation is increased. The requirements in the heating season and in the cooling, season are different, in fact just the opposite. They called solar gain and internal gain in the heating season as opposed to solar load and internal load in the cooling season. Therefore, fixed solar control devices (e.g., overhang) are not suitable, especially not suitable in case of low energy buildings since they have a limited effect for solar control. What is a proper solution for solar control is a moveable shading device outside of the glazing. However, the external mechanical moveable shields are exposed to wind and other extreme weather condition and might get stuck or even break. Regular maintenance is required. This is a problem, especially in case of high-rise buildings. Electrochromic glazing changes the transmittance properties as electric voltage are applied to the terminals. The solar transmittance can be changed from very little to very high value providing the optimal transmittance for any circumstances without any moving mechanical parts. The operation can be controlled by a computer program, but the user has the option to override it temporarily. Applying electrochromic glazing has some additional advantage, e.g., better thermal and visual comfort. The paper introduces the tests made at the University of Cagliari using two test cabins, one fitted with normal, the other with electrochromic glazing. Comfort testing including a thermal manikin is a common task of the research groups at the University of Cagliari and that of the University of Pécs.
Keywords: solar control, electrochromic glazing, thermal comfort, comfort tests, thermal manikin
Topics: Adaptable, resilient, and sustainable architecture
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The theme of sustainability, as underlined by the world conferences on environment and climate (Kyoto97 and Millennium Declaration 2000) and by the EU directives (2023/1791) has now become one of the major challenges for the planet’s future. Significant funds have been allocated and will be increasingly allocated in the future, it is also true that it is appropriate that the interventions are coordinated and that important resources are not wasted on secondary objectives or with negligible effects compared to the desired results and impacts. The strong commitment required by the EU to achieve energy efficiency within a few years, in much of the existing and new building heritage, will require a significant sacrifice, not only economic, by nations, communities, production organisations and private citizens. Earth Overshoot Day, which identifies the exhaustion of renewables that the earth can regenerate, is gradually moving for 2024 it is calculated for July 25, brought forward by 2 months in the last 25 years: there is no room for further delays in interventions.
CONSTRUCTION SUSTAINABILITY AND COMFORT
According to 2023 EU data, buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 38% of greenhouse gas emissions: these include what is due to construction, use, renovation and demolition. approximately 75% of the existing heritage is inefficient with very different situations from country to country concerning location, building typologies and materials used in the various construction traditions and techniques. To simplify is extremely complicated, but it is still possible to make some hypotheses that can help us frame the problem: analysing the components that make up individual buildings, they contribute differently to dispersion. Roofs, casing, and fixtures each have an impact: fixtures constitute a prevalent part and therefore focusing attention on these components is essential for achieving the set objectives. Intervening on fixtures is generally simpler than intervening on other factors (especially in the vast field of energy recovery of existing buildings). Fixtures are one of the most expensive building components and have the greatest impact on efficiency. In the case of new construction, costs are well distributed and have little effect on the total fee. In retrofits, especially in the case of partial interventions, the effect may be higher and with longer payback times. In this regard, to accept the considerable sacrifices required for the client rapid and tangible results must be achieved, such as energy savings as non-quantifiable advantages in terms of comfort and wellbeing inside the buildings.
FIXTURES AND THEIR COMPOSITION
External frames, in their basic configuration, are made up of fixed and mobile frames, panelling and shading systems. Now as far as frames are concerned, production has reached, in the various materials, a high level of insulation: thermal cutting is now a consolidated technical standard. The panelling, if only for its prevalence in the surface of the single frame, represents the subcomponent on which it is possible to have a decisive and even more performing impact. The current IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) panelling is produced in two versions: static and dynamic.
First, the low-emissivity version (IGU LE), makes up the common double or triple-insulated glass units. The second, to which Electrochromic glass (IGU EC) belongs, can reversibly change colour or transparency upon the user command.
ELECTROCHROMIC GLASS
Research into obtaining a glass capable of reversibly modifying its transparency and colour has been carried out in the aerospace, aeronautical and automotive sectors. EC IGUs have a composition like that of LE IGUs. The panels have a total thickness of approximately 26 mm and are made up of an external sheet of laminated glass (tempered glass + PVB film + annealed glass = 7 mm), a gas-filled cavity (12 mm) and a tempered internal sheet (6 mm). The Electrochromic film composed of 5 layers is deposited on the internal surface of the external sheet: the passage of a light current in these layers activates the transfer of electrons which causes the reversible oxidation-reduction reaction responsible for the change in transparency and colour. The version with Tungsten, when switched from OFF to ON, takes on a blue colour. The transition can be made at the user’s choice in four stages, uniformly from 0% to 100%, the time depends on the dimensions and the surrounding conditions and is, on average, between 1’ and 2’. The maximum size of the IGU EC, in the rectangular configuration, is 1,500x3,050 mm: triangular or trapezoidal shapes are also produced. The panels relate to a cable to a management system that regulates the operation based on the activation option chosen.
[W/m2K]
(Off) – 0.08 (On)
In 2009, the Department of Architecture of Cagliari signed an agreement with Sage Electrochromics® (USA), which produces and markets EC IGUs. The first EC panels arrived in September 2010. To compare the internal conditions, and therefore the performance of the LE with that of the EC, two test rooms were built between July and November 2011 on the terrace of the Department. The 2 test rooms (hereinafter referred to as EC room and LE room) have a balloon frame structure and are identical in size (4.00x4.00x3.00 m), materials, size and position of the openings and orientation: they are approximately 20 m apart. The base is raised on wooden beams and composed of a concrete slab (50 mm) and polystyrene panels (30 mm). The walls are made of wooden frames and a casing formed (from inside to outside) by: OSB panel (2.5 mm), rock wool mat (180 mm), OSB panel (2.5 mm), polystyrene panel (50 mm), thermal insulating plaster (3 mm). The construction system adopted has allowed the window surface to be increased over time, in both rooms, from 2.12 m2 to 5.75 m2. The roof is flat, slightly inclined, ventilated and waterproofed. The window frames are made of painted aluminium with thermal break. The average transmittance complies with the limits set by Italian standards: walls
Table 1: Performance comparison TEST
0.17 W/m2K, flat roofs 0.26 W/m2K, and floor 0.36 W/m2K.
The Southeast and Southwest facades are the only ones with windows. In Each room are instruments for continuous detection and recording every 15 minutes of: internal dry bulb temperature, relative humidity and incoming global solar radiation. The instruments are positioned in the geometric centre of the rooms and at a height of about 70 cm from the floor. The sensors measure the temperature between -20 °C and +80 °C with an accuracy of ± 0.30°C and humidity between 5% and 98% with an accuracy of ± 2%. The pyranometer measures incoming global solar radiation between 305 and 20,000 μW/m² with an approximation of 10 μW/m².
The switch-on and switch-off times are chosen based on the solar map (Cagliari = 39°13′N 9°07′E) considering the orientation of the facades: the phases are managed, remotely, with software patented by Sage through a control unit to which the panels are connected. There is no air conditioning or ventilation system in the test rooms nowadays. Further steps of the experimentation are planned in the future: the test rooms will be integrated with lighting and mechanical and natural ventilation systems to create a realistic configuration in which work or living activities can be assumed. side months
Table 2 - Scheduled switch-on times, during the year, for EC windows on SE side and SW side.
The output of the instrumental data recorded in the EC and LE rooms is inserted into Excel tables, which allow the data to be reworked and the results to be presented in graphs. The data collected since 2011 constitute a vast repertoire: as an example, we show those of July 19, 2023 (the hottest in the last 13 years in Cagliari). The following were considered: internal and external temperature and incoming solar radiation. The resulting thermo-hygrometric index THI is calculated. The THI reliably approximates the Thom discomfort index, excluding the wet bulb temperature from the calculation but, unlike this, the THI directly arrives at a climatic classification. Despite the simplification used since the THI is used for open environments but
Figure 1: EC Test room: façades SOUTHWEST and SOUTHEAST (left), Testing with thermal manikin (right)
still very shaded and protected from the wind, so like a confined area, its use gives an order of magnitude of the level of discomfort. The equation applied for THI is:
THI°C = Ta – (0.55 – 0.0055 x Hr) x (Ta – 14.5)
Where Ta is the air temperature, Hr is the relative humidity in %. For the warm meteorological phases only, the classification obtained is reported in Table 3
Let’s examine Graph 1 if we take into consideration the period between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hottest hours of that day, we note that the temperature trend in the LE room is entirely in the maximum discomfort level (3) while the line representing the EC room is in level 3 only between 0.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. EC and LE rooms are far from the 0-comfort level since, as mentioned, there is no air conditioning and ventilation system.
In Graph 2, the thermal phase shift is represented based on the temperatures: as can be seen, in the LE room the phase shift is practically = 0 while in the EC room, it is approximately 60’; considering that the envelopes are identical, the entire phase shift value is to be attributed to the contribution of the EC IGUs.
Table 3: THI Classes
Figure 2: Graph 1 Thermo Hygrometric Index (THI) trend.
Figure 3: Graph 2 Internal temperature trend and thermal phase shift.
Graph 3 demonstrates the fundamental characteristic of EC glass: the ability to significantly shield incoming solar radiation, which translates into a significant decrease in internal temperature, as shown in graph 2, with a max Δ of 11.71°C. The data registered over the years highlights the same trend, confirming the same result. The graphs show that EC glass in the OFF phase, from 7 p.m. to 10 a.m., behaves like LE glass. The two rooms differ only in the type of IGU, so all the differences detectable inside them are attributed solely to the different performances of EC and LE glass.
4: Graph 3 Solar Radiation trend.
Lower internal temperature values allow significant reductions in both energies spent on cooling in the summer period (when the greatest differences are recorded in the EC – LE comparison) and CO2 emissions, co-responsible for the greenhouse effect, with the advantage of environmental sustainability. EC glass is activated with great benefit in the hot season. For residential typologies, with current finishes, a Unit Construction Cost of approximately
Figure
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
€2,000/m2 is considered; if we assume a surface area of 80 m2 (an apartment with living room, dining room, 2 bedrooms and bathroom) we obtain a Total CC of €2,000/m2 x 80 m2 = €160,000. For houses, the regulations require window surfaces of at least 1/8 of that of the floors: we must therefore have 10 m2 of windows.
The window cost is the sum of the cost of the glass panels and the frames (only the cost of the glass varies). We ponder an average cost of €100/m2 for the supply of LE IGUs and €550/m2 for EC IGUs with a difference of Δ = €450/m2. The cost, for 10 m2, would be €1,000 and €5,500 respectively with a higher cost, for EC IGUs, of €4,500 and an impact of only 2.8% on the CCT in the face of a significant decrease in the energy required for annual air conditioning, normally estimated at 40 kWh/m2, and the consequent reduced CO2 emissions. The prediction is that as quantity of glass increase, the unit price will decrease.
A further benefit is the shielding effect of ECs against the action of solar radiation that causes the decay of furnishing and accessory materials: studies demonstrate the notable contribution of ECs to the attenuation of fading both in residential typologies and in buildings of historical architectural interest where valuable internal finishes (frescoes, furniture, carpets, parquets, etc. are located. On the weak points, we can consider two aspects: the first concerns the care that must be taken in the use and management of ECs, which requires users competent to understand their operation (or entrust it to competent people). The second aspect concerns the low level of brightness of the rooms in the On phases: in reality, this problem is only sensitive if the windows have a single orientation, in this case, a mixed composition of the panels could be carefully considered, using LE glass in the upper part of the frames. The option to modulate the intensity of the EC glass colouring also allows for mixed configurations to be adopted by choosing from four intensity levels between 0% and 100% depending on the orientation and the activities placed within the environment.
THERMAL COMFORT TEST WITH THERMAL MANIKIN
The thermal comfort tests applying a thermal manikin has been carried out from 01 and 02 June 2022 as a joint project of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs. The thermal manikin was installed in the EC glazing fitted room (test cabin) on the 1st of June and in the LE glazing fitted room on the 2nd of June. Luckily, the ambient temperature and the solar radiation were very similar on those two days, so there was no need to repeat the tests.
The human size thermal manikin is made by PT Teknik (Denmark). The body is divided into 22 individually controllable parts. Each are heated to temperature specified by the test mode. The manikin accurately measures the skin temperature and heat-loss, and calculates the equivalent temperature, clothing values as well as thermal sensation indices PMV/PPD.
The PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) is an index that predicts the mean value of the votes of a large group of persons on the 7-point (from -3 to +3) thermal sensation scale based on the heat balance of the human body. In a moderate environment, the human thermoregulatory system will automatically attempt to modify skin temperature and sweat secretion to maintain heat balance. But individual votes are scattered around this mean value, and it is useful to be able to predict the number of people likely to feel uncomfortably warm or cool. The PPD (Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) is an index that establishes a quantitative prediction of the percentage of thermally dissatisfied people who feel too cool or too warm. At least 5% of the people is expected to feel uncomfortable. When comparing the thermal comfort test results, it is quite apparent, that the PPD (dissatisfied)
is high in both rooms most of the times, however in the EC fitted cabin the comfortable period is much longer. There is a period when the percentage of dissatisfied people is around 5% that is the lower value can be achieved as opposed to LE fitted cabin where the lowest value is 22% for a short period of time. The difference of PPD is the largest during early afternoon. The ratio of PPD (how many times is larger in the LE fitted cabin compared to that of the EC fitted cabin) is higher than 6 for two short period of time, but higher than 5 all morning to early afternoon. It means that the number of dissatisfied people is 5 times, 6 times more in the LE fitted cabin.
5: Graph 4 Comparison of comfort in test cabins fitted with EC and LE glazing for 23 hours.
Please note that there is no ventilation in the test cabins and the thermal mass is small. As a consequence, the temperatures and the number of dissatisfied people is higher than would be in a room with controlled ventilation and/or higher thermal mass. On the other side, the internal heat load what the test instruments develop is lower than the usual internal heat load comes from people, lighting and technology. Further step is to make tests in real rooms.
CONLUSIONS
ElectroChromic glazing is an effective tool for solar control especially for high-rise building where installing and maintenance of motorized automatized mechanical shading device is difficult and expensive. Due to simple installation and easy control, EC gazing is a good solution not only for high-rise buildings.
The long-term monitoring applying temperature and solar radiation measurements reveals huge temperature differences between the two test cabins as well as the short-term thermal comfort comparable tests made with thermal manikin proves the tremendous advantage of the EC glazing. EC glazing improves thermal comfort due to reducing the room air temperature as well as reducing radiant solar load in summer. As the energy consumption in summer is rising, the importance of shading is rising too in order to reduce the energy consumption of cooling. Both thermal and illumination comfort improves due to automatic shading control. There are some additional advantages of the EC glazing due to better illumination. Mechanical shading e.g., louvres cause glare by light and dark stripes at certain positions. EC protects furniture and paintings against fading.
Figure
REFERENCES
• ASHRAE 55 and ISO 7730 standards
• Cakó, Balázs, [et al.]. 2021, “Measuring the effects of heated windows on thermal comfort.” Pollack Periodica
• Casini, Marco. 2018. “Active dynamic windows for buildings: A review”. Renewable Energy 119: 923-934.
• De Bleeker, Henry, [et al.]. 2012. “MFREE-S Closed Cavity Façade: Cost – Effective, Clean, Environmental”. Proceedings 9th CTBUH, Shanghai, 310-318. Chicago: Wood, T. Johnson.
• Frattolillo, Andrea, [et al.]. 2019, “Heating and cooling loads with electrochromic glazing in Mediterranean climate” On ENERGY AND BUILDINGS. Amsterdam: Elsevier BV.
• Frattolillo, Andrea, [et al.]. 2019, “The energetic characterization of solar-control environments”. On TeMA Vol 5, No 1 (2019). Bologna: Università di Bologna.
• Kamalisarvestani, Masoud, [et al.]. 2013, “Performance, materials and coating technologies of thermochromic thin films on smart windows”. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 26: 353-364.
• Loddo, Gianraffaele, [et al.]. 2012. “Behaviour of Electrochromic Glass in the Mediterrean Area”. Proceedings Challenging Glass 3, Delft, 957-970. Amsterdam: IOS Press BV.
• Sbar, Neil L., [et al.]. 2012. “Electrochromic dynamic windows for office buildings”. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment 1: 125–139.
• Sanders, Helen, [et al.]. 2009. “Electronically Tintable Glass: The Future of High Performance Façades is Hire”. Proceedings Glass perfomance Days, 280-284. Tampere: GPD and Glaston Finland Oy.
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TO SUSTAINABLE PRESERVATION: ENHANCING ADAPTIVE REUSE AND SPATIAL CONFIGURATION OF ERBIL CITADEL’S HISTORIC HOUSE
Goriel, Wafaa Anwar Sulaiman1
PhD Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, Wafaa.anwar.sulaiman@gmail.com
Zoltán Erzsébet Szeréna
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, zoltan.erzsebet@mik.pte.hu
Molnár Tamás
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, molnar.tamas@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the sustainable reuse of built heritage within the context of Erbil Citadel’s historic houses. It provides an All-inclusive study about rehabilitating built heritage concerning Erbil Citadel’s historic houses. It explores how adaptive reuse can balance the need to retain historical authenticity with the desire to satisfy modern requirements. The study aims to recognize these historical buildings’ architectural and functional determinants and suggest optimal restoration approaches. From a multidisciplinary perspective, the study broaches architectural considerations, restoration technologies, sustainable methodologies, and tangible reuse scenarios that respect the sociocultural realities of the site. The results also hope to build upon the global conversation regarding heritage and assist architects, policymakers, and conservationists in ascertaining how to balance past and present inbuilt heritage restoration.
Keywords: Spatial, Heritage building, Adaptive reuse, Sustainable Conservation, Configuration
Topics: Adaptive reuse
INTRODUCTION
The sustainable reuse of built heritage, particularly within historical contexts such as Erbil Citadel’s architectural fabric, is a pressing challenge in contemporary architectural and restoration practices. This study addresses the complex problem of reconciling the need to preserve historical authenticity with modern functionality and sustainability demands.
1Corresponding author
Specifically, the research investigates how architectural and spatial elements of Erbil Citadel’s historic houses can be adapted to meet contemporary needs while respecting their cultural and historical significance.
The primary goal of this research is to develop innovative and practical strategies for the adaptive reuse of historical structures. These strategies aim to balance tradition and modernity by integrating sustainable methodologies, restoration techniques, and architectural analysis. The study seeks to answer the following research questions: How can the architectural and functional elements of Erbil Citadel’s historical houses be effectively analyzed and adapted for modern purposes? What restoration techniques and sustainable approaches can preserve historical authenticity while accommodating contemporary use?
This study’s theoretical framework draws from interdisciplinary literature on heritage conservation, sustainable design, and adaptive reuse. References include works on architectural preservation methodologies, sustainable urban development, and cultural heritage management. The term “shape configuration” (as elaborated in the Contextual Overview section) describes the underlying rules, principles, and elements influencing spatial and architectural design. It encompasses aspects such as building configuration, the arrangement of interior spaces, and the overall aesthetic coherence of historic structures.
RELEVANT STUDIES: CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND
Shape configuration grammar is a computational formalism that enables the synthesis and analysis of designs through changes in shape structures (Reis et al., 2022). The system’s flexibility is essential because it supports ambiguity and emergence in design exploration. Moreover, their use emanates from creative fields such as architecture and design. This systembased implementation needs to adhere to fixed structures in the designs. (Lee et al, 2015) The fixed structure is finite and can limit the expression of the structure in design expressions. (Oberhauser, et al, 2015) This system method was identified and validated in studies on design constraints and generative evaluation methods used in the design. Space Syntax methods create comprehension. (Vermaas, et al, 2021) In the architectural scenario, the shape configuration grammar of Erbil Citadel is a rare study area that is more applicable to traditional courtyard housing studies. “Research in Erbil Citadel Town deals with the structural behavior under seismic action.” (Paio et al., 2015) The shape configuration grammar of Erbil Citadel is the subject of architectural discourse, especially related to the traditional courtyard houses. As captured by research work, the structural behavior of Erbil Citadel Town is concerned with seismic action. (Erbil Citadel restoration, 2015)
All these varied studies combined contribute to the understanding and implementation of shape formation grammars in architectural design, such as historical and modern urbanistic environments.
Therefore, the conversion of historical spaces in Erbil Citadel integrates syntactical rules and shape configuration grammar into a single entity. This connection is essential to maintaining the urban identity and architectural value of traditional cities, including the old neighborhood of Erbil. Furthermore, hybridization is vital to maintaining and developing the embodiment of tradition and modernity in constructing cities to ensure sustainability and continuity. (Haseeb et al., 2023) (Mankuri et al, 2022)
Thus, adaptive reuse in traditional cafes inside the citadel indicates the humbleness and spatial identity of such historical spaces that could be deprived of their functional use and architectural
value. (Agha et al., 2004)
Moreover, the conservation of Erbil’s traditional sectors emphasizes the shift from dead heritage to living heritage. Therefore, preserving unique historical monuments and architectural structures in the city is critical. (Al-Barzngy et al, 2023)
On the other hand, the post-war reconstruction phase in Erbil represents the city’s struggle to maintain its place identity in the face of rapid urban expansion and globalization. This clearly outlines areas where urban planning should be anchored. (Almukhtar et al,2019)
ERBIL CITADEL HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Erbil citadel appears continuously inhabited from the beginning as much as the prevailing. The citadel’s written history starts to evolve in 2300 BC, and the surface unearths of Ubaid- duration potted indicate that its miles are at least 6,000 years. Antique and an in advance might no longer be unexpected; both the dimensions of the infirm and the permanence of its existence demonstrate the likely maintenance of the profession from its foundation to the prevailing. The citadel is consequently a unique testament to the origins of urban authenticity. (D. al Yaqoobi et al., 2016)
The belongings sit on archaeological information in which excavations at the site started underneath the High Commission of Erbil Citadel Revitalization (HCECR) monitoring. The broader placing maintains an important archaeological capability that contributes to the resort’s historical authenticity. The urban structure of the previously fortified settlement of the Ottoman duration is preserved enough to permit its understanding and appreciation. Demolition and abandonment are no longer accompanied by the aid of replacements with contemporary, incompatible substances, leaving the substance and layout of the historical metropolis extraordinarily preserved, notwithstanding that substances from existing buildings have been used to erect transient housing with the aid of inexperienced persons who occupied the site for more than one a long time. (D. al Yaqoobi et al., 2016). See Figure 1 Figure 1: Proposed schematic of Erbil Citadel Spatial Structure. Source: Author
METHODOLOGY AND METHOD
This paper uses a holistic methodology to study Erbil Citadel’s historical houses’ spatial configuration and adaptive reuse potential. This method combines site-specific observations, architectural study, and computational tools for testing spatial properties and informing restoration strategies. A brief description of the methodology components is as follows:
• Case Study Approach
The Erbil Citadel represents the main study area, where the work demonstrates a detailed
investigation of the Hashim Chalabi House, converted into the Kurdish Textile Museum. This retrained house will be used as a single case study of adaptive reuse work on the historic site.
• Site Observation
Using direct site observation, the architectural and spatial components of Hashim Chalabi House are documented. This will help you consider the building’s physical attributes and historical features and how they have adapted functionally. This observation became a crucial data point for understanding the context and cultural significance of the space.
• Shape Configuration Concepts
Thus, the shape configuration concept explores the rules, principles, and attributes that describe the historic house’s spatial organization and design unity. This includes studying the ideal building form, the internal organization of spaces, and how the design’s polarity between symmetry and non-symmetry exists.
• Space Syntax Analysis
The spatial characteristics of the case study were investigated using space syntax analysis. This is done using DepthMap software, which can quantify syntactic metrics such as integration and connectivity. These layers reveal relationships and paths through the historic house.
• Syntactical Values – Integration and Connectivity
Based on the generated metrics, we have obtained quantitative data about the integration and connectivity of the houses, which are fundamental for investigating the performance of the reused house. These syntactical parameters are used to evaluate the efficacy of the designed space and its ability to preserve historicity and contemporaneity. This linkage helps ensure that research goals, methods, and results interrelate. The combined qualitative and quantitative analysis presents a balanced view of the sustainable reuse of historical houses that ensures their cultural and architectural heritage. See Figure 2 Figure 2: Paper Methodology Scheme. Source: Author
The Erbil Citadel Pattern provides inherent geometric forms that shape the citadel and become fundamentally the circulation system, the building of social organizations, and the defense
principles for the citadel. See Figure 3
These concepts are:
1. Triangular Layout: The citadel’s triangular layout serves as a fundamental geometric shape, optimizing protection by presenting clean sightlines and minimizing susceptible angles of assault. This shape allows for the efficient distribution of protective structures, with the apex pointing toward capability threats.
2. Spherical Circulation: Circulation inside the citadel follows a concentric pattern, with slender streets and alleys radiating outward from the significant center. This layout facilitates efficient movement throughout the citadel while improving protection because
the concentric layers create natural limitations against invaders.
3. Organic Road Network: Notwithstanding the geometric pressure of its universal layout, the citadel’s street community is well-known and shows an organic quality, adapting to the site’s natural topography. This flexible technique for urban planning reflects the realistic considerations of social interaction and alternate inside the citadel.
4. Hierarchical Organization: Hierarchy shows how form parts of a space are installed based on their importance. In constructing a layout, hierarchy can be displayed in many approaches, like how certain parts stand out more or how public and Private areas are split aside. The shapes of the internal spaces and fortified walls showed its order of command. The heart of it, with its strong partitions and key buildings, stands for the middle of power and rules.
5. Symmetry and Sense of Balance: Symmetrical arrangements of gates and partitions contribute to an experience of stability and harmony inside the citadel’s layout. This symmetry no longer complements its aesthetic enchantment but reinforces its protective competencies by ensuring uniform insurance and reinforcement alongside its perimeter.
6. Compact Footprint: Houses inside the citadel function with a compact footprint, maximizing land use performance inside a confined city environment. This layout allows for denser settlement styles, promoting social interplay and socially.
7. Mud-Brick Structure: The most crucial use of mud-brick construction in residence layout reflects the availability of neighborhood substances and conventional constructing strategies. Rectangular shapes and simple geometric bureaucracy characterize those structures, emphasizing the practicality and simplicity of construction.
8. Clustered Layout: The Citadel’s houses are clustered in shape alongside alleys and streets, forming the neighborhoods that represent the citadel outline. This gives the residents a sense of gathering and improves their social life in the citadel.
9. Courtyard Outline: Several Houses have courtyards as the center of their spacing, trying to create a private and common area for family activities and social gatherings at special events. It is also considered a focal point in most citadel houses.
10. Defensive Characteristics: While houses can no longer possess massive defensive fortifications, their design often carries features of acquiescent protection, reminiscent of thick walls and small-sized windows, to discourage intruders and provide an insurance plan against external threats.
11. Limit Verticality and Alteration: In the abstract, these initiatives entail a comprehensive exam of the castle’s structure’s conceptual and tangible elements, from associating its aspects to the geometric principles underlying its design. This analysis facilitates uncovering the added meanings and intentions behind the citadel’s spatial organization and actual characteristics.
REUSED HOUSE: HASHIM CHALABI HOUSE KURDISH TEXTILE MUSEUMGENERAL BACKGROUND
The house constructed in the 1930s represents the most recent addition to the Citadel’s architectural landscape. Before removing its top floor, this mansion stood out as the sole, inner house visible beyond the confines of the Citadel perimeter. Situated on an irregular triangular plot, it was integrated with a pre-existing wall on the northeast side. The front wing of the house features a semi-basement area, while the courtyard is enclosed by a gallery supported by steel columns on the west and north facades. Notably, the columns on the ground level are enveloped in plaster. (D. al Yaqoobi et al., 2016) Although the striking undulating facade was dismantled in the 1980s, ongoing restoration efforts are underway thanks to a collaborative initiative involving the Governorate of Erbil and the German Government. (D. al Yaqoobi et al., 2016) See Figure 4 & Figure 5
Figure 3: Site Observation - Erbil Citadel Spatial Structure. Source: Author
Figure 4: Reused House in Erbil Citadel – from residential to Textile Museum. Source: Author
UNDERSTANDING OF THE SAMPLE’S MORPHOLOGY THROUGH SPACE SYNTAX ANALYSIS
Space syntax is a technique that has advanced in the Bartlett Unit for Architectural Research to describe and analyze styles of the architectural area- each on the building and concrete stage. The idea is that, with a goal and particular description technique, it inspects how nicely environments pictures, thoroughly bearing on social variables to architectural forms. (Hillier et al., 1983) Also, the evaluation regarding convex spaces and axial lines, as spaces and pathways for mastering, will offer a thorough expertise of the pattern’s morphology and finish on the relevance of global and nearby syntactic measures closer to allocation and spatial cognition (Hillier & Hanson, 1984).
The selected Sample for application and evaluation is a Reused House for a Museum. The construction shape follows simple geometric strains and small openings; the facades are
Figure 5: A- House’s Ground Floor Plan, B- House Location within the Citadel. Source: Author
typically mudding brick, and few decorative elements stimulated with conventional Islamic architecture are probably introduced to the facades.
The DepthMap software was used to analyze the reused house and the spaces according to the measurement of syntactical properties, as shown in Figure 5. The layout study showed that the main central area, the courtyard, has the highest connectivity and integration values. That means the integration core is the best area for being seen and is of high quality for being understood cognitively. It is also the expression of interventions in the house layout. In addition, the courtyard layout adds depth to the spaces and includes the intensity of the whole conjuration system. The accessibility and movement values have been measured through the convex and axial maps, and all values are displayed for each space in the house. The axial Map constitutes the longest and the shortest line and routes to be seen and to move within the spatial layout. This indicator for each space specifies the degree of integration of the system advocated by space syntax theory. figure 5
Visibility measures are analyzed through the Visibility Graph evaluation of the vision pattern created by the prevailing spatial layout. Every cellular grid represents the extent of visible connectivity and integration of the configuration. Finally, the evaluation and analysis run for measurement, integration, and connectivity within the spatial system. The connectivity indicated a wide variety of space values with a Maximum of 1722 and a minimum connection equal to 31. Meanwhile, the integration was 3.617 for the minimum and 23.219 maximum for the visibility graph analysis, and it was presented through a coloration scheme from red to blue for all values. For the Axial Line Map, the values showed a dramatic change from mini 1 to 11 Max for the connectivity space in the system. On the other hand, the integrated spaces values begin with 1.485 for the lower integration and 10.405 for the highest integration for the spatial configuration. See Figure 6, Table 1
Number of Space Integration
Table 1: Integration and Connectivity Values – Using DepthMap Analysis. Source: Author
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This study gives a detailed understanding of the spatial and functional dynamics of the Hashim Chalabi House in the Erbil Citadel. It discusses the challenges and opportunities for adaptive reuse in heritage conservation. For this reason, the results of the space syntax analysis, syntactical values of integration, and connectivity suggest opportunities to preserve historical spatial packages while opening them to new, more practical operations for contemporary use. Such an understanding of movement patterns and usability is based on evolutionary ideas around architectural elements, including symmetry, the arrangement of interiors, and the configuration of buildings.
The combinatorial spatial elements enable successful adaptive reuse while preserving historical authenticity. For example, the integration and connectivity values show how the context shapes the historical layout in a way that can cater to traditional needs while also capturing contemporary functions, thus preserving the content’s heritage and cultural substance. The results highlight the value of using tools such as DepthMap and space syntax analysis to quantitatively evaluate the spatial performance of reused heritage structures. The findings also highlight the broader dilemma of reconciling historical preservation work with modern functionality. They argue that planning for sustainable reuse must be founded on a context-specific understanding of such spatial configurations, which must consider the meaning of such reuse for surrounding communities. By taking such an approach, restoration activity respects the structure’s historical and contextual significance while allowing for adaptation to current needs.
In summary, the research provides significant scientific insights into its methodology and
Figure 6: A: Integration HH – B: Connectivity – Using DepthMap Analysis. Source: Author
elaborates on the Erbil Citadel case study. Based on on-site observations, shape-inviting ideas, and computational tools (DepthMap), the study proposes an adaptable model for analyzing and using positive heritage buildings for sustainability and cultural identity.
This accomplishes adding to the current corpus of knowledge by linking theoretical perspectives of heritage conservation with a pragmatic adaptive reuse approach. Moreover, this case study of the Hashim Chalabi House provides a site-specific approach that adds richness to the global discussion of heritage preservation and adaptive reuse.
CONCLUSION
This study aimed to explore the sustainable reuse of built heritage within the context of Erbil Citadel’s historical houses, explicitly focusing on the Hashim Chalabi House, repurposed as the Kurdish Textile Museum. The research sought to balance the preservation of historical authenticity with the demands of modern functionality through a multidisciplinary approach that combined site observations, shape configuration concepts, and space syntax analysis.
The methodology adopted in analyzing and adapting these buildings shows a way of maintaining the culture and history associated with them while making them useful for contemporary society, answering the research questions very well. The syntactical analysis aspect of this research applied syntax analysis and DepthMap software, which produced important spatial configurations that facilitate integration and connectivity, thus enabling the successful implementation of adaptive reuse of historical space without compromising their heritage greatness. The importance of these findings is their applicability to broader heritage conservation beyond just here at Erbil Citadel and out there. The users are permeated with their replicability in evaluating and using the existing built remains, which will also speak to the conversation on sustainable heritage conservation. It emphasizes the need for quantitative and qualitative approaches to create adaptive reuse strategies for heritage buildings that consider and pay tribute to historical and functional layers.
It shows that heritage conservation requires interdisciplinary approaches, combining cultural, historical, and technical perspectives. The results support applying advanced analytical tools like space syntax to derive restoration regimes, ensuring that adaptive reuse strategies are anchored in the spatial operation.
Future work could extend the analysis to other houses in the Erbil Citadel to validate and finetune the proposed approaches. Additionally, exploring the role of community engagement in adaptive reuse processes could provide further insights into heritage preservation.
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SCHIZO-ARCHITECTURE: SUBJECTIVITY AND RISK IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Makri, Athanasia1 Independent Researcher, Greece, athamakri@gmail.com
Gourdoukis, Dimitris School of Architecture AUTH, Greece, dgourdoukis@arch.auth.gr
ABSTRACT
Recent developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence are challenging all preconceived and established modes of operation in contemporary societies. Social structures can no longer be defined through standard procedures where everything is under surveillance and operates according to norms. At the same time, the rise of AI challenges subjectivity and its production. Architecture – itself a mode of production of subjectivity – could not remain unaffected: AI tools are threatening to render the traditional concept of the architect as something almost irrelevant to the current condition.
The above observations are taking place within a social reality that is characterized by constant uncertainty, which disrupts the social structure while producing a society of risk. Such a condition – when it becomes constant – produces fear. Fear of becoming risk is a socio-political concern, even though the threat is still hypothetical. Nevertheless, knowledge about risk can generate new possibilities and opportunities.
Technology – AI included – is often presented as a solution against those ‘social malfunctions’. At the same time however, it poses the danger of establishing a constant condition of uncertainty by removing most aspects of the production of subjectivity – or by replacing them by artificial ones.
The proposed paper claims that the concept of schizophrenia, as developed by Deleuze and Guattari, might provide for architecture a way out of the destruction of the subjectivity that AI produces. Schizophrenia is understood in that context not as a clinical condition, but as a revolutionary one. By favoring constant change and movement, and the production of desire, schizo-architecture might provide an alternative to the homogeneity that is produced by AI and a weapon against its totalitarian nature. The subjectivity of the architect is produced through a critical approach to risk and the conscious change it brings about in an unpredictable future world.
Keywords: Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Risk, Schizophrenia
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Technological developments have always had a defining role in shaping their contemporary social and political reality. Artificial Intelligence (AI), as an increasingly developing technology today, is therefore taking part in that process, with its share in it increasing exponentially. More often than not, applications of AI are employed in order to augment human activities, improve their effectiveness, reduce their weaknesses and guarantee a smooth and increasingly fast implementation. At the same time, it becomes obvious that AI is able to innovate and become inventive in its proposals (Leach, 2022). Although the innovating or inventing applications are still far fewer than the auxiliary ones, one can imagine a very near future where AI will become a defining factor of societal development through its ability to go beyond human thinking. Subjective inventiveness in that sense might be considered conventional compared to the technological inventiveness that might arise in such a fashion (Leach, 2022). Inevitably, that situation brings into play the position of the (human) creative subject. Depending on the point of view, that could be understood as a promise or a threat, however, the question remains the same no matter what the approach is: Is the production of subjectivity compromised in contemporary societies by the rise of AI, and if so, what could be an appropriate alternative path?
Along with the above observations, come the danger of technological absolutism, where all decisions - and by extension all authority - are taken away from the modern subject. Again, it is a matter of perspective to say if that authority is transferred to AI, or to the corporations or individuals that have control over AI’s protocols. The sense of danger that arises might be easier to trigger reactions in relation to what most probably should not be done or should be avoided, however, as is always the case it is much harder to see in that condition the steps that could be followed to navigate ourselves through the danger of the technological totalitarianism that emerges. Whatever the direction that we decide to follow however, it becomes clear that traditional production processes - including architecture - are changing fundamentally while we are at a loss as to the direction of that change. Under that status of uncertainty, desire, as a revolutionary and creative force, is often suppressed to maintain and sustain order and organization. If we limit the discussion in the field of architecture, a first step to take would be the realization that this repression of desire, poses the risk of results exhibiting an alarmingly high homogeneity and undifferentiated repetitiveness, that threat to reduce architecture to the automated applications of techniques of producing forms that are devoid of meaning. Of course, our technologically intelligent future cannot be rejected or avoided, nor would it make much sense to deny the technologies that we have at hand. In other words, the human subject can never live outside the technological space defined by our societies. The human subject and technological developments move side by side and they always influence each other (Matzner, 2019). Therefore, humans are called upon to reinvent themselves within this new reality to maintain their uniqueness and creativity. Towards that end, we propose the concept of schizophrenia here, as a maybe unlikely but at the same time very potent idea that can transform our point of view and our modes of operation, through, with, towards technological intelligence. Following the approach of Gilles Deleuze & Felix Guattari, Schizophrenia is not understood here as a mental illness but as a more abstract concept. It does not concern another view of reality – neither as a distortion of it. Instead, schizophrenia is understood as a concept that describes the production of desire as a subjective creative condition within our reality. Building upon the concept of schizophrenia as described by Deleuze and Guattari, the concept of schizo-architecture is introduced as an alternative creative process within the current technological totalitarianism. The purpose of schizo-architecture is obviously not to solve all
social dysfunctions, nor does it claim to do so better than technologically driven processes; in fact, it is not opposed to them, it can be developed through them. However, it does attempt to propose alternatives to the homogeneity produced by technology. In other words, it tries to disrupt current operational protocols of the technologies applied to the creative process and invent new ways to use them. It aims to reveal the problem where the problem cannot even be posed.
SUBJECTIVITY
As already illustrated, rapid advances in technology and recent developments in the field of AI are calling into question the established ways of functioning in current societies. Social structures and relationships can no longer be defined through older processes, where everything is under control and control itself becomes as the key function of most aspects of our lives. Earlier developments of technology already enabled our transition into the “societies of control (Deleuze, 1992). However, now that Artificial Intelligence has penetrated every aspect of our lives in a way that is not necessarily perceived by the subjects, that transition is concluded. The concept of the ‘societies of control’ fully describes our present. AI is, in that sense, almost immaterial: it cannot be seen, has no form, and no material substance, but is a high intelligence contained in almost everything (Leach, 2022). It reorganizes our lives in a more automated way, influencing decision-making and action-taking. We could claim that we are moving towards a society of automation.
Nevertheless, the automation of decision-making threatens to replace the self-identified subject with an artificial one. The artificial subject can act autonomously and make decisions without control, in order to complete tasks on behalf of human subjects. However, its effectiveness is a reflection of its sole aim, which is to achieve its specifically defined goal. This process carries many risks, as the artificial subject does not – and cannot – put up any resistance since it constantly complies with the outcome (Davis, 2020). Because it is programmed to make decisions quickly, derived from large data sets and probabilities, it condenses the creative process into the result. It suppresses any desire by enforcing compulsive pleasures, acting as a completely submissive version of the human subject (Parisi, 2019). AI exposes human consciousness to an automated techno-decision-making infrastructure, revealing all possible versions. The human subject is encapsulated in a bubble of false satisfaction, obsessively preserving the non-conscious, the non-desired, that which will not destroy its techno-social future. Therefore, it would seem that we are close, if not to the death of the human subject, then certainly to the emergence of a non-human subjectivity (Davis, 2020). The subject is not always self-identical. In the era of AI, the subject becomes a hybrid of human subject and technological actor (Matzner, 2019), engaging in an interactional relationship for shared decision-making rather than a subject-object relationship. The new subject is being transformed by and with AI, which participates in the decision-making process. It is already very clear that AI cannot be understood as a tool. If something is superior to AI or human thinking, it is “human + AI” (Leach, 2022). In this way, both technology and the human subject are involved in the production process of creating the new (Davis, 2020).
Despite speculations about the death of human subjectivity, advanced technology is contributing to the creation of a new, essentially liberal status of the subject. On the one hand, AI is much more objective, rational, and multitasking. On the other hand, the human subject has prejudices and weaknesses. In this framework, technology can play a complementary role. Thus, while high
technology threatens the autonomous subject, the subject-technology relationship strengthens rather than undermines the liberal status of the subject (Matzner, 2019). Eventually, it becomes clear that within this restrictive and authoritarian framework created by advanced technology, a highly liberal and subjective relationship can emerge.
In conclusion, the user is no longer a machine operator but an author (Parisi, 2019). The subject is neither imprisoned in the new reality of AI nor a misguided user who decides to connect occasionally. The user remains in charge of the outcome, intervening in the process until he or she decides that it is complete (Leach, 2022). In this context, the architect does not use technology as a tool but as an “invisible assistant” (Leach, 2022). If we accept that approach, we could argue that AI allows us to become more creative architects. Along this line of thinking, the efficiency and speed of AI can free the architect from all the time-consuming tasks, providing enough time to engage with the most critical part of the architectural process. For example, if AI can instantly adjust the building schedule or urban planning regulations, in theory, it provides the architect with more free time to experiment and interact more with the project. After all, the architectural process is not only about functional solutions but above all about maturity and maturation. The architectural process often requires us to “step away of it” and rethink the project. The architectural design needs time for the experiments to mature. In this way, AI contributes more to the process of experimentation than to the final result.
RISK SOCIETY & OPPORTUNITIES
Apart from the actual content of technological change, its pace is also very important: technological changes are happening so fast that they cause fear. The rate of growth is faster than the subject can assimilate. For this reason, change is often perceived as a disaster or loss. The loss of the previous situation is more frightening than the enjoyment of the new. At the same time, the secretive way AI is developed produces a pervasive feeling of insecurity and threat. Information and knowledge are comforting, while their lack leads to speculation and imaginary scenarios of the coming evil. This sense of threat is admittedly contrived and arises from our tendency to approach change with a strong anthropocentric motivation (Davis, 2020).
Taken as a whole, the picture that emerges is of a world extremely insecure about advanced technology. Therefore, risk becomes a public context of reference. We can refer to this as the “Risk Society” (Adam, 2000). Risk expresses a constant threat, describing a threatening future that results from various possibilities. Advanced technology contributes significantly to this, as a science of prediction and possibility. Risks are mathematically defined by probabilities. Technology not only reveals all possible risks but also suggests and necessitates decisions that will ultimately address the risk.
It follows, then, that the risk society defines both desire and fear. It suppresses desire through fear, validating it through predictions and probabilities. The repulsion of desire is achieved by creating an contrived desire that ensures the maintenance of order and homogeneity. Fear extends to suppress any change or unrest. On the other hand, desire is a revolutionary force that reconstructs and reconstitutes. As such, it creates a constant anxiety of overthrowing the existing order. Therefore, it is important for any organization not only to suppress desire but also to present negative conditions such as oppression and subjugation seem desirable. In this context, where desire is expressed as a secondary expression, a distorted view of reality and
9TH
creation is presented.
Conversely, a society based on knowledge about risk has new possibilities and opportunities. This study therefore, investigates how, in this fear-generating context of risk, the subject can use technology in the creative process as an element of possibilities and new perspectives. However, the subject has an inherent tendency to integrate change and shows extreme convenience in adopting technology, making it resemble a “natural born cyborg” (Leach, 2022). Furthermore, AI can reveal scenarios and suggestions that a human may never have thought of, naturally limited as they are by their ideas and prejudices. This way, AI broadens human horizons and ways of thinking. Ultimately, AI can act as an extended intelligence for the human rather than as their replacement.
SCHIZO-ARCHITECTURE
To avoid the homogeneity and absolutist character of advanced technology in architecture, as described above, the concept of schizophrenia is proposed. Schizophrenia is not to be understood as an existing feature of technology, but rather as a deviation that allows desire as a creative condition. Artificial Intelligence, while appearing to be able to do everything, cannot define desire. It can assess what is desirable through a system of evaluation but this remains a speculation. What is proposed does not necessarily follow that it is desirable. Conversely, what is desirable is not necessarily predictable. We do not desire something because we prefer it to something else. Desire is free, pure, and subjective. For this purpose, the concept of schizo can be valuable. A schizo is not someone or something that merely desires but that which also introduces desire into a different system. In the advanced technological reality we inhabit, to maintain our ability to create and express ourselves through it, we have to become the schizo. Schizophrenia expresses the production of desire at the edge of socio-technological production. Schizo transcends this boundary (Deleuze and Guattari, 2023), allowing the escape of those who can no longer create within the context in which they find themselves (Deleuze and Guattari, 2023). Those who fail to break through due to fear succumb to a pattern of oppression under the totalitarianism and homogeneity of technology. The concept “schizo-architecture” is coined here, a synthesis of schizophrenia as the production of the desirable within the field that tends to repress it and architecture as a primarily productive process of subjectivity and meaning. Schizo-architecture cannot be reduced to patterns of repetition of past forms or uniformity and absolute standardization. Schizo-architecture can cause fissures in the absolutism of technological production. Architecture does not consist of an optimal program of solutions that technology can offer but in the architect’s intentions to produce meaning.
The automation of the production process both embodies and suppresses desire. Advanced technology, with its mechanism for data retrieval and transmission, predicts and directs behaviour, undermining desire. The architect can no longer create through a system of possible outcomes and proposed solutions. The enforcement of choosing between possible propositions suppresses his creativity. In contrast, the schizophrenic process is not restrictive, it excludes no terms. The schizo is the one who rejects the automatons of the self. The schizo becomes progressively determined through the process rather than self-determined through the potential options he or she is asked to decide upon. The subject is therefore not limited to one or the other term or their combination. It remains in the division without overcoming it. It neither widens nor bridges distances but surpasses them (Deleuze and Guattari, 2023).
Schizophrenia is a process but not an aim, a production but not an expression (Deleuze and Guattari, 2023). Creativity is what fuels the design process. Creativity exists in the vision, feeling,
and desire of the creator. No strategy or design tool, no matter how effective, can guarantee it (Leach, 2022). In addition, the utilitarian policy of AI focuses exclusively on the outcome over the sensitivity of the subject who actively participates in the process. With the sole purpose of accomplishing the task, AI has no concerns or preferences in production. In fact, the production process is not a matter of sophisticated ideas but of calculating complex statistics (Matzner, 2019).
CONCLUSIONS
Ιn today’s world, where challenges are admittedly numerous and people are becoming increasingly sensitive to environmental, social, political, and ethical issues, traditional methods of response and operation are failing. In this context of change, it is imperative to reinterpret the role of the architect-creator and the architectural process. In the reality of risk, the current design strategies that prioritize user-friendly functionality and satisfaction are insufficient (Rive, 2017). These strategies frequently neglect to address the inherent challenges or opt to meet the requirements with superficially attractive solutions. Instead, a schizo-design approach is required. For Nelson and Stolterman, design has an ethical responsibility to provide intentional change in an unpredictable world (Rive, 2017). Schizo-architecture can become a tool for managing and disclosing change, integrating it into a world of possibilities rather than maintaining a false social cohesion. As Francois Roche points out, the central issue of architecture remains the “distortion of reality” within the techno-socio-political context (Saunders, 2017). AI, through a schizo-fueled approach, can significantly contribute to this direction of a more honest and ethical architecture, which reveals problems instead of covering them up through architectural form.
It is in that context that AI can play a crucial role by “equipping” the schizo-design process. Watanabe introduces the concept of “Architectural Intelligence”, emphasizing that the partnership of architecture and technology can lead to more desirable results overall (Watanabe, 2021). He refers to architectural projects interacting with their environment in real-time and under real conditions, thanks to advanced technology. Finally, AI’s predictive capabilities could contribute in a way that does not consolidate the project but leaves it open to interact and record its surroundings.
In conclusion, based on the points already mentioned, the architect is not devoid of subjectivity and creativity but acts collaboratively with technology for architectural production. Therefore, a continuity is sought between the desire of the subject-creator and the optimized possibilities of technology, placing the architect in a position of ‘liberal autonomy’ (Matzner, 2019). Ultimately, the subjectivity, desire, and rationality that constitute an architectural creation are activated more effectively through the partnership between humans and technology.
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• Adam, B. 2000. The Risk Society and Beyond. Critical Issues for Social Theory. London: SAGE Publications
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INTEGRATING ARABIC ARCHITECTURE PRINCIPLES IN CONTEMPORARY OFFICE BUILDINGS TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABILITY AND ADAPTABILITY
Abu-Lail, Dana Maher Ayoub1
PhD Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, danaabulail@hotmail.com
Zoltán Erzsébet Szeréna
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, zoltan.erzsebet@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
Arabic architecture which is characterized by intricate geometric patterns, climate responsive design and cultural significance provides valuable insights on creating structures that are architecturally aesthetic as well as ecologically sensitive. The research investigates the possible benefits of incorporating Arabic architectural methods like natural materials, courtyard designs, and passive cooling strategies in offices to maximize sustainability. On this line, the study provides useful strategies for assimilating those methods into contemporary office buildings using case studies and design guidelines to facilitate a fusion of tradition with innovation. This promotes built environments that are sustainable and adaptable. The investigation indicates a way towards achieving urban environments that are more ecologically aware as well as culturally significant thereby advancing knowledge on how traditional aspects might affect contemporary architecture among others.
Keywords: Arabic architecture, Office buildings, Adaptation, Integration, Sustainability
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
ARABIC
URBAN DESIGN
In most areas of the Arab world, the extreme weather makes it necessary to design materials and building shapes that are well suited to the surrounding environment. The first stage of thought was city planning. The fundamental construction principles in hot-arid zones are minimal summer sunlight exposure, compactness, and shadow. To offer a shadowed arrangement of narrow avenues and small areas in between as patio-like places, a compact layout for groups of buildings is necessary. Traditional adaptations to climate include arcades, colonnades, cantilevered structures or building components, membranes, and tiny enclosed courtyards. Even bigger open areas for people should be closed off inward-looking and shaded for most of the day. In order to reduce the thermal load on the building envelopes, the traditional Arab city’s urban fabric is dense, and the buildings are incorporated into one complex structure that makes it difficult to tell apart individual buildings. This is done to avoid strong summer sun and provide protection from sandstorms and high temperatures. Due to the organic nature of the urban fabric of old cities, most plots were asymmetrical. The typical rectangular courtyard was the initial structure to be created to achieve the inside courtyard, which was the main architectural element for traditional buildings. The courtyard was to be surrounded by hallways and rooms after that. By modifying the depth of the walls, which may be utilized as shafts, service spaces, niches, cupboards, or permanent furniture, the uneven shapes and unfavourable angles were altered (Gut, P., & Ackerknecht, D., 1993).
PLACEMENT AND ORIENTATION
The primary goal of choosing an appropriate structure orientation for a hot environment, where the majority of the Arab nations are located, is to reduce the interior daytime temperature and provide a shaded outdoor residing area. The orientation of the buildings and their extended outdoor spaces is defensive in nature against wind-borne sand. In order to design any site, it is necessary to establish the location of the sun at all times of the day and in all seasons, as well as the most common wind direction, particularly during the warmer months. Yet, there will be wind shadowing from groups of buildings and reflection from nearby structures (Ajaj at el.,2014).
TRADITIONAL DESIGN METHODS
The traditional design principles that prioritize seclusion and protection in homes are also applicable and adapted for office spaces in Arab regions. Office layouts, spatial configurations, and architectural features are influenced by these concepts to create environments that promote productivity and well-being for employees. Similar to residential architecture, offices often feature central inner courtyards that are exclusively accessible to employees. These courtyards serve as multifunctional spaces, providing solitude, shade, and environmental
benefits. Tall walls, broad eaves, and strategically placed vegetation help to shade the courtyard and regulate temperature, ensuring optimal working conditions throughout the day.
In hot regions, like many Arab nations, the courtyard operates as a natural temperature regulator in three stages over the 24 hours. During the night, the courtyard fills with cool air, which then circulates through adjacent spaces placed around the inner courtyard, providing a refreshing environment for the morning then as the day progresses, direct sunlight illuminates and heats the courtyard, initiating convection currents that enhance comfort levels within the office building. By late afternoon, the courtyard functions as a chimney, expelling warm air and further facilitating airflow within the building. As the sun sets and the workday is over, the courtyard releases accumulated heat into the night sky, contributing to a rapid decrease in temperature and creating a comfortable atmosphere using natural ventilation methods to cool the building for the next day. Additionally, the strategic placement of buildings and shading elements helps to minimize sun exposure and maximize the cooling effects of the courtyard throughout the day. This thoughtful integration of traditional architectural principles into office design ensures that employees can work efficiently and comfortably, in any weather conditions (Ferrer, F., Jaime, J.; 2010). Overall, the adaptation of traditional home design concepts to office spaces in Arab regions marks the importance of creating environments that prioritize both productivity and well-being, while also embracing the unique climatic challenges of the region.
MATERIALITY AND CONSTRUCTIONAL ENVELOPE
A typical building’s envelope acts as a strong barrier from the most severe weather conditions. It offers a filtration that suitably alters the environment so that the inside circumstances are more tolerable. The primary purpose of the building envelope is to prevent heat from escaping by reflecting sunlight as effectively as possible, reducing heat intake to maintain a cool interior, and preventing excessive solar gain. In traditional architecture, the building envelope was made of local building supplies that were suitable for the surrounding environment, whether in terms of their physical characteristics, climatic circumstances, or the construction methods used by the culture that created this architecture (Ajaj at el.,2014; Ragette, 2003).
Stone, brick and wood are long used traditional construction that almost always natural, therefore they usually have little stored energy and harmfulness. Traditional construction materials often come from the region and are more adapted to the climate; as a result, they passively and naturally generate a pleasant interior atmosphere. They are ecologically sustainable, recyclable, reusable, and low in embodied energy (Ajaj at el.,2014; Ragette, 2003).
BUILDING ELEMENTS IN TRADITIONAL ARABIC HOUSES
Openings and windows are vital for ventilation and natural lighting, but summer heat absorption should be kept to a minimum. If openings were present on west sunny side , they should be as tiny as possible in sunny regions, insulated from direct radiation, and high up on the walls to avoid ground radiation. As for the walls of living spaces used during the day should be composed of materials that store heat to act as insulators, whereas the walls of spaces used at night should have a low heat capacity. Different roof configurations are feasible or might have been used
traditionally; that is mostly influenced by local resources and technical capabilities that will serve the sustainability of the building (Ajaj at el.,2014; Ragette, 2003).
SHADING
Solar radiation contributes significantly to the heat that a structure accumulates. Higher air temperature, radiant heat, and glare are all effects of this radiation. Sufficient shading significantly lessens these impacts. The difference in sun angles between the winter and summer solstices increases with the distance north or south of the equator. Fortunately, winter sunlight enters south-facing rooms more profoundly during a time when heat is required. But in the majority of the Arab Region, shade from the sun’s direct rays is preferred from April to October. As so the utilization of extensions and cornices, whether on outside facades or within courtyards, is the most significant of them. Traditional homes utilize the roof garden to reduce direct sun exposure and the cloister (covered walkway), which shields the outside walls from the sun. The quantity of shadow depends on the building’s size and design. Big areas of the shadow may be found in traditional buildings, particularly in locations where the structure rises more than one storey(Ajaj at el.,2014; Fathy,1986; Ragette, 2003). The Mashrabiah, which has five functions, is one of the most extraordinary shading apparatuses. Various situations that call for a focus on one or more of these functions have led to the development of various patterns. These include limiting the amount of light that enters, regulating the flow of air, raising the humidity of the air current, lowering the ambient temperature of the airflow current, and preserving privacy. Each Mashrabiah design is chosen to serve some combination of these purposes. The diameter of the balusters and the diameters of the interstices (the gaps between adjacent balusters) are modified in the design. The shading systems of the contemporary structure were also created with inspiration from the Mashrabiah. The purpose of the shades’ design, like that of the Mashrabiah, was to block the sun while still producing exquisite patterns of light and shadow (Ajaj at el.,2014; Fathy,1986; Ragette, 2003).
NATURAL VENTILATION METHODS
Ventilation is crucial and has to be controlled for maximum effectiveness. The traditional design used evaporative cooling to produce suitable interior climates, and one of the methods of passive cooling used was natural ventilation. Traditional buildings were built with the direction of the wind in mind. Cross ventilation through the small opening in walls allow the air circulation to happen through the rooms then to the inner courtyard as well. While the primary natural ventilation features—wind towers, Barjeels, Malqafs, or badgers— due to the size of opening in some situations, that along with the courtyard and air pullers provides a complementing natural ventilation system for the building (Ajaj at el.,2014; Fathy,1986; Ragette, 2003).
The fountain holds a significant position in the Arab culture, akin to the fireplace’s role in other regions, albeit with contrasting purposes of cooling and heating.
Traditionally, in Arab architecture, the fountain was situated at the centre of the courtyard, with the Iwan or residential areas facing towards it in houses. The object in question consistently possessed a symbolic configuration, taking the form of a square and featuring an inner basin fashioned in either an octagonal or hex decagonal shape. Consequently, the tangible sky is brought into close proximity with the Iwan through the representation of the sky in the form of a water basin. Following subsequent advancements in the design of Arab dwellings, the notion of a courtyard featuring multiple Iwan underwent a transformation into the qã’a concept. The central location of the fountain in this configuration serves to showcase its aqueous display while simultaneously augmenting the ambient humidity through the incorporation of air (Ajaj at el.,2014; Fathy,1986; Ragette, 2003).
IMPORTANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CONTEMPORARY OFFICE BUILDINGS
In the modern office building design context, sustainability is an essential element when planning as it fills a huge part of the changing needs and demands of workers and businesses. That also proposes the ecological balance and usability of the structure, guaranteeing that office buildings can continue to operate effectively and efficiently over time without causing significant expenses. Energy-efficient design techniques are crucial to consider as they can lower energy usage and maintenance costs while prolonging the life of a building. Furthermore, adding sustainable elements to offices like natural ventilation lighting and vegetation enhances the ecological balance and fosters a healthier work environment for workers (Dreyer et al. , 2021). Additionally, it is evident that flexibility is a key component of contemporary office buildings allowing spaces to change to accommodate tenants evolving needs. While maintaining sustainability goals this adaptability factor permits long-term building usage and could accommodate a range of office types. Furthermore, when designing a modern office building the intersection of sustainability and cultural considerations is crucial. Office spaces contribute to equitable and sustainable futures when sustainability imperatives are integrated with social justice and equity. In order to shape sustainable outcomes that represent the various viewpoints and needs of the community stakeholder engagement and continued participation are essential (Dreyer et al. , 2021).
Sustainability in modern office buildings includes behavioural patterns and organizational changes in addition to environmental concerns. The actions and experiences of an individual are influenced by building features which in turn promote sustainable practices and an organizational culture of sustainability. Office buildings can encourage sustainable practices and spread values of environmental stewardship and community involvement by incorporating thoughtful design elements like centralized staircases and welcoming common areas(Dreyer et al. , 2021). In order to maintain modern office buildings resilience adaptability and ability to support the health of their occupants and the environment sustainability is essential to their design operation and cultural ethos.
1.AD CLASSICS: INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE / ENRIQUE JAN + JEAN NOUVEL + ARCHITECTURE-STUDIO
Construction time: 1981-1987
Built area: 16917m2
Site area: 25263m2
The Arab World Institute- INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE (IMA) was founded by 19 of the Arab League nations in collaboration with the French government early in 1980s, after Jean Nouvel and Architecture-Studio won a competition to design the building. This project was a component of the Grands Projects program, which the French government launched with the intention of achieving significant developmental goals. The main goal of creating this establishment was to provide a space aiming to promote the cultural ties between France and the Arab world, which was successful as the popularity of the building rose drastically among both locals and tourists in the area after the big opening(Ateliers Jean Nouvel. n.d.; Winstanley,2011; Institut Du Monde Arabe, 2016). The plan follows the contour of the road, reflecting the shape of the river in addition to the height and design of the building which are intentionally made to blend in with the surrounding landscape, as it is located at the outskirts of Paris by the Seine River. The main buildings surround an inner courtyard; the northern block has nine stories, while the southern one has eleven(Ateliers Jean Nouvel. n.d.; Winstanley,2011; Institut Du Monde Arabe, 2016). A paved square serves as a distinct space, separating it from the neighbouring Jussieu University and the main building volume. Paving that is inspired by the design of the facade enhances outdoor spaces even more. The subtle illumination coming from within the building at night is enhanced by the soft ground lighting. Inside, the area has been given life by a number of features like a restaurant, museum, library, offices, and a hall. A multi-story glass lobby, covered by a steel lattice, features exposed elevators within. The library and the northern section of the fourth floor exhibit escalating heights from floor to ceiling coupled with several terraces and mezzanines(Ateliers Jean Nouvel. n.d.; Winstanley,2011; Institut Du Monde Arabe, 2016). Jean Nouvel’s careful attention to facade details is a defining characteristic of his work, and this project is no different. The IMA’s smart, convertible sunshade on its southern facade is both a feature and an inventive element. Nouvel’s design for this system was highly praised for its authenticity and for bringing out the best in the mashrabiah, a core component of Arabic architecture. Nouvel aimed to give residents privacy and shade by taking inspiration from the ancient lattice constructions that have been common in the Middle East for centuries (Ateliers Jean Nouvel. n.d.; Winstanley,2011; Institut Du Monde Arabe, 2016).
This system comprises numerous light-sensitive membranes regulating the influx of light into the building. A dynamic geometric pattern that creates a play of light and space emerges through different lens stages. Squares, circles, and octagonal shapes are created by fluid movements that simultaneously alter light. Spaces both inside and outside experience a great deal of modulation. While these optical devices contribute to stunning aesthetics, they also serve functional purposes, aiding in environmental control by mitigating solar gains through aperture adjustments(Ateliers Jean Nouvel. n.d.; Winstanley,2011; Institut Du Monde Arabe, 2016).
2.AL BAHAR TOWERS: RESPONSIVE FACADE / AEDAS
Construction time: 2009–2012
Built area: 56000m²
Site area: 100080m²
Aedas’ Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi are a great illustration of how traditional Arabic architectural concepts can be adapted to achieve contemporary sustainability objectives. The 29-story twin towers, which were finished in 2012, contain offices for the Abu Dhabi Investment Council (Cilento, 2012). The towers’ most innovative feature is their dynamic shading system, inspired by the traditional mashrabiah, which combines cultural aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The façade consists of over 1,000 computer-controlled shading panels that respond to the sun’s position throughout the day, reducing solar heat gain by 50%. This system contributes to a 40% overall reduction in energy consumption and drastically lowers cooling energy demands (Cilento, 2012. and WikiArquitectura, n.d.). The panels minimize the need for an artificial cooling system, maximize natural lighting, and reduces glare. Therefore, the building saves an estimated 1,750 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy per year, which is the same amount of energy used by about 200 houses (WikiArquitectura, n.d.). These actions also reduce carbon emissions, which is in line with the sustainability objectives of the project. The facade highlights both environmental advantages and cultural heritage as the dynamic outcome of light and shadow created by the mashrabiah-inspired panels enhances the thermal comfort of the occupants and reflects Arabic architectural designs. The Al Bahar Towers serve as an example of how innovative climateresponsive design can address the challenges presented by severe weather conditions while preserving and being inspired by cultural customs. This approach demonstrates that cultural significance and sustainability can most likely be the best suitable type of design for each region.
DESIGN GUIDELINES TO INTEGRATE ARABIC ARCHITECTURE METHODS IN MODERN OFFICE BUILDING DESIGN TO INCREASE SUSTAINABILITY
Mashrabiah Screens:
Mashrabiah screens can be redesigned in a modern way using materials like glass, metal, wood, and different composites. They have clean, simple lines that go well with contemporary architectural designs. These screens retain their classic capacity to block direct sunlight and promote natural ventilation (see figure 1.). Automated systems and movable shaders are integrated into designs to improve functionality by providing more control over light intake to the building and natural ventilation. Visual integration is accomplished by incorporating geometric shapes or patterns that are inspired by the traditional Mashrabiah designs to enhance and design the visual design of the building. The interesting designs are highlighted by way of diffusion the lights make, creating a fascinating visual interaction inside modern architectural settings(AL-Ubaidi,2021; Kibert et al. , 2002; Shahda et al. , 2021).
INNER COURTYARDS:
Inner courtyards are frequently used in modern architectural plans, they are viewed as adaptable, multifunctional spaces that can be utilized for recreational pursuits, social events, or group projects. Natural lighting and natural ventilation are a huge benefit that building embracing inner courtyards can use as they allow a balance of airflow and sunlight into the building through cross ventilation and light from different sides through placing windows and skylights around it, while this still maintains the privacy and feeling of security for the building (see figure 2.). Inner courtyards could be designed with biophilic elements to create a dynamic area that serves multiple functions while embracing Arabic architecture principles. Common areas that are connected to natural elements and give a sense of safety and comfort for the workers encourage employee productivity and well-being(AL-Ubaidi,2021; Shahda et al. , 2021).
Figure 1. Mashrabiah Illustration of light and Privacy. Source: (Authors, 2023).
Figure 2. Inner Courtyard Illustration of sky opening and shadow. Source: (Authors, 2024).
FOUNTAINS:
Fountains are designed to be well integrated to the area they are placed in specially when it comes to office buildings. Several benefits can be the outcome of using them. Water-saving techniques like recirculating pumps, filtration systems, and rainwater harvesting should be used to maximize sustainability in water usage. High durability, low maintenance requirements, and environmentally friendly elements are a priority construction of fountains, which are in line with initiatives to reduce environmental effects and improve the design’s overall sustainability. they are also used as natural air conditioning through the evaporation of water, the ambient temperature and humidity can be reduced to a comfortable level through the fountain’s ascent which is effective in reducing the price of mechanical cooling systems. In addition, it can help with sound reduction and noise cancellation using the masking effect of the water source running to reduce the noise impact of the urban environment; locating the fountain from the side of the road or working section creates an acoustic space that will block and allow you to focus due to the flow of water(AL-Ubaidi,2021; Kibert et al. , 2002; Shahda et al. , 2021).
WATER WELLS:
The water wells in today’s modern architectural designs make up various kinds of elements full of cultural importance, which in turn make them very useful components. To improve usability and produce a captivating atmosphere, these wells’ integrated seating, shading structures, and lighting fixtures should be thoughtfully designed. By combining them with rainwater harvesting systems, they enhance sustainability by collecting and storing the rainwater for uses other than consumption, like toilet flushing and watering plants. Surrounding the wells with permeable surfaces facilitates groundwater recharge and aids in effective stormwater management. The water wells, which use building materials and design patterns influenced by traditional Arabic architecture, convey a strong sense of existence and cultural identity within the architectural landscape, could resonate with office workers and tenants as they are infused with meaningful elements and possible cultural symbolism(AL-Ubaidi,2021; Kibert et al. , 2002; Shahda et al. , 2021).
THE EFFECT ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY:
The integration of traditional Arabic architecture designs significantly enhances energy efficiency in buildings while preserving cultural identity. This architectural feature not only improves thermal and visual comfort but also aligns with sustainable development goals in urban planning specially in the Middle East region (see table 1) (Abuhussain et al., 2022; Mohamed, 2017).
Table 1. Summary of Arabic Architectural Feature effect on Energy Efficiency, Environment and Sustainability. Source: (Authors,2025 ; Adapted from Abuhussain et al., 2022; Mohamed, 2017).
Arabic Architectural Feature Energy Efficiency Impact Environmental Benefits Sustainability Contribution
Mashrabiah 5.7% reduction in monthly cooling load and 14% reduction in operative temperature
Inner Courtyards energy consumption cab be reduced by 9-33%
Reduces the need for air conditioning, lowering energy consumption.
Enhances passive cooling and thermal comfort.
Provides natural ventilation, reduces need for artificial cooling, improves indoor air quality. Minimizes energy use by promoting natural airflow and light.
Fountains reduction in cooling load Uses water evaporation to cool air and improve thermal comfort.
Enhances building microclimate and promotes water conservation.
Water Wells Reduces reliance on external water sources for cooling Uses natural evaporative cooling to lower temperatures in hot climates. Contributes to sustainable water management and cooling.
Solar Shading 77.8% reduction in peak solar gain
CONCLUSION
Minimizes the use of cooling systems, reducing energy costs.
Optimizes energy efficiency by limiting heat exposure.
Incorporating Arabic architectural principles into the design of modern office buildings presents a viable way to improve sustainability and adaptability. Office space comfort, energy efficiency, and general well-being of workers can all be enhanced by architects using features like complex geometric patterns, inner courtyard designs, and passive cooling techniques within their designs. The research shows how integrating modern architectural practices by embracing the use of traditional Arabic architectural methods can positively influence our modern-day architecture and help us create built environments that are both humane and environmentally friendly.
REFERENCES
• Abuhussain, M. A., Al-Tamimi, N., Alotaibi, B. S., Singh, M. K., & Elnaklah, R. 2022. “Impact of courtyard concept on energy efficiency and home privacy in Saudi Arabia.” Energies, Vol. 15(15), 5637. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155637
• Ajaj, A., and F. Pugnaloni. 2014. “Re-Thinking Traditional Arab Architecture: A Traditional Approach to Contemporary Living: Semantic Scholar.” International Journal of Engineering and Technology. Vol. 6(4). August. http://dx.doi.org/10.7763/IJET.2014.V6.714
• AL-Ubaidi, S. 2021.” Architectural Elements & Their Functional and Aesthetic Role in Arabic Architecture in The Islamic Era. Kufa Journal of Arts” . Kufa Journal of Arts. Vol. 1(48), July 13. (695–724). http://dx.doi.org/10.36317/kaj/2021/v1.i48.550
• Ateliers Jean Nouvel. n.d. “Arab World Institute (AWI).”. Accessed 9 May 2024. www. jeannouvel.com/en/projects/institut-du-monde-arabe-ima/
• Cilento, Karen. 2012. “Al Bahar Towers Responsive Facade / Aedas.” ArchDaily. Last modified September 5. Accessed January 18, 2025. https://www.archdaily.com/270592/ al-bahar-towers-responsive-facade-aedas. ISSN 0719-8884.
• Dreyer, Bianca Christel, et al. 2021. “Fostering cultures of sustainability in a multi-unit Office Building: A theory of change.” Frontiers in Psychology. Vol. 12, 10 May https://doi. org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624311
• Fathy, H., et al. 1986. “Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture : Principles and Examples with Reference to Hot Arid Climates: Semantic Scholar.” Natural Energy and Vernacular Architecture : Principles and Examples with Reference to Hot Arid Climates | Semantic Scholar.
• Ferrer, F., Jaime, J. 2010. “Courtyard housing: environmental approach in architectural education”. (839-856).
• Gut, P., & Ackerknecht, D. 1993, “Climate responsive building,” Design for Hot Arid Zones, SKAT.
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• Kibert, Charles J., et al. 2002. Construction Ecology: Nature as the Basis for Green Buildings, Spon Press. London: (54–76).
• Mohamed, H. A., M. 2017. “Screening & Mashrabiah New Applications as Smart, Green, and Unique Identity Factors.” Vol. 1(1), p.10. https://doi.org/10.21625/ARCHIVE.V1I1.118
• Ragette, Friedrich. 2003. “Traditional Domestic Architecture of the Arab Region.” Google Books.
• Shahda, M., & Noseir, S. 2021. “Traditional Environmental Treatments in Arab Architecture: As a Guide to Contemporary Architecture”. Port-Said Engineering Research Journal. Vol. 25(2). August 15. (38–52). http://dx.doi.org/10.21608/pserj.2021.72763.1106
• WikiArquitectura. n.d. “Al Bahar Towers.” WikiArquitectura. Accessed January 18, 2025. https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/al-bahar-towers/.
• Winstanley, Tim . 2011. “Ad Classics: Institut Du Monde Arabe / Enrique Jan + Jean Nouvel + Architecture-Studio.” ArchDaily. Last modified October 2. Accessed May 1,2024.www. archdaily.com/162101/ad-classics-institut-du-monde-arabe-jean-nouvel.
FEASIBILITY STUDY OF RENOVATING GENERAL WARDS IN CHINESE COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE CENTRES BASED ON ASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGY
Fu Ziqiang1
DLA Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, 851177786@qq.com
Rétfalvi Donát
Full Professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, retfalvi.donat@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the world at the end of 2019 had a long-lasting impact on people’s psychology and behavioural changes, and although the outbreak in China was relatively stable and the prevention and control policy was optimised to “Category B management”, It is also through this outbreak that some of the deficiencies in China’s response to large-scale infectious diseases have been exposed, a challenge that is particularly notable in the face of the contradiction between insufficient resources in infectious disease wards and the needs of a large number of patients.This urgently requires the healthcare system to optimise healthcare resources in response to the challenge of patient surge.
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using prefabrication techniques to retrofit general wards into infectious disease wards in community Healthcare centres in China, focusing on efficiency, typology, and compliance with medical safety standards.
Keywords: Assembly technology, Community Healthcare Center, General ward, Infectious Disease Ward
Topics: Architectural design
1.INTRODUCTION
Although the current COVID-19 outbreak is over, its impact has been profound. The pandemic highlighted our healthcare system’s inadequacies, particularly in handling infectious disease outbreaks. Early in the pandemic, China’s Community Healthcare Centres played a crucial role in primary care. On February 17, 2020, the State Council issued guidelines that included suspending non-emergency services to prevent crowding[1] . However, these centres, lacking space and isolation facilities, struggled during large-scale outbreaks, increasing pressure on the healthcare system.
1Corresponding author
China’s assembly building technology has evolved since its introduction in the 1950s. After stagnating in the late 1970s to early 1980s, it revived in the 1990s with policy support. Now widely used and advanced, it has promising future prospects[2].
Pioneering phase (1950s)
Development phase (1960s-1980s)
Low phase (1980s-early 2000s)
Upgrading phase (2008-2013)
Rapid development phase (2013-present)
Borrowing from the technologies of the former Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe, the material basis for factoryization and mechanization was initially established.
A variety of assembled building systems have been rapidly developed, gradually realizing the shift from manual production to mechanized production
The development of the industry has entered a low ebb due to the emergence of poor seismic performance, waterproofing, soundproofing and other problems. In addition, a large number of cheap laborers entering the city for employment, coupled with the emergence of cast-in-place concrete mechanization and other factors led to the large-scale development of cast-in-place construction mode.
With the aging of China’s population, the number of migrant workers in the construction industry to reduce the number of labor costs continue to rise: advances in construction technology for the development of assembled buildings Mo Ding foundation; in addition to environmental protection policies tend to be more stringent, assembled buildings ushered in a new opportunity.
Central and local governments continue to introduce relevant policies to vigorously promote the assembly of buildings; coupled with the increasingly mature development of assembly technology, the formation of such as assembled frame structure, assembled shear wall structure, and other forms of building technology, China’s assembly of buildings into a period of rapid development.
Table 1:China’s assembly building development history (source: the Authors)
Central and local governments continue to introduce relevant policies to vigorously promote the assembly of buildings; coupled with the increasingly mature development of assembly technology, the formation of such as assembled frame structure, assembled shear wall structure, and other forms of building technology, China’s assembly of buildings into a period of rapid development.
2.PROBLEM STATEMENT
2.1 Hospital bed shortage exposed healthcare system weakness. During the epidemic, the healthcare system faced a severe shortage of beds, highlighting the inadequacy in emergency response capacity. The initial challenge in China was the inability to provide timely treatment due to the lack of hospital beds. This strain underscored the limitations in healthcare resource allocation and emphasized the need for rapid deployment and optimal utilization of resources like beds, equipment, and personnel. Enhancing the flexibility
and scalability of the healthcare system and establishing an efficient emergency response mechanism are crucial for improving public health safety preparedness.
2.2. COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE CENTERS GENERALLY DO NOT HAVE DEDICATED INFECTIOUS DISEASE WARDS.
In large-scale epidemics, most Community Healthcare Centers are suspended due to inadequate capacity to handle outbreaks, which exacerbates the burden on the healthcare system. This suspension wastes healthcare resources and poses a challenge to maintaining regular medical services while addressing emergent infectious disease needs. Establishing facilities that meet infectious disease management standards and enhancing CHCs’ capabilities in prevention, control, and emergency response are urgently needed to improve public health security.
2.3. FEWER CASES OF CONVERSION OF GENERAL WARDS TO INFECTIOUS DISEASE WARDS USING ASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGY
Most improvement projects in healthcare focus on quality, safety, and process automation rather than using assembly technology for ward renovations. For example, projects improving adverse event reporting and reducing costs through process enhancements did not involve assembly technology[3]. Consequently, cases specifically applying assembly technology to upgrade general wards are rare. This indicates significant potential for further exploration and development in using assembly technology to quickly and cost-effectively enhance healthcare facilities.
3.RESEARCH QUESTION
3.1.Do primary medical and health care institutions have sufficient space and resources for renovation?
In China, primary medical and health care institutions refer to comprehensive community health service centers, community health service stations, township health centers, and village health clinics (or township health centers).
3.1.1 Comprehensive Community Healthcare Centers: These community hospitals are an essential part of primary medical and health services and are usually located in the central areas of cities or towns. They possess relatively large building areas and resources, including medical facilities, diagnostic and treatment equipment, and staff. Therefore, these hospitals typically have ample space available for renovation and are equipped with comprehensive facilities and equipment, facilitating the modification and configuration of wards[4].
3.1.2 Community Health Service Stations: These medical institutions are typically located in urban communities or rural areas and provide basic medical and healthcare services. Due to their relatively small size and limited facilities and resources, renovations can be challenging. It may not be possible to re-plan and adjust the existing space to accommodate the facilities and equipment needed for infectious disease wards, making it difficult to meet prevention and control requirements[5].
3.1.3 Village Health Clinics (or Township Health Centers): These types of medical institutions are usually located in rural areas and are the primary providers of basic medical and health services for rural residents. Due to geographical conditions and economic limitations, these clinics have limited building space and resources, similar to community health service stations, making renovations difficult[6].
In summary, comprehensive Community Healthcare Center, with their ample building space and medical resources, are the most suitable type of community hospital for renovation.
3.2
HOW FEASIBLE IS THE STRATEGY OF USING ASSEMBLY TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFORM GENERAL WARDS INTO INFECTIOUS DISEASE WARDS IN CURRENT AND FUTURE LARGE-SCALE INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS?
Before proceeding with renovations, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive survey and assessment of the ward’s layout, equipment, ventilation system, etc., to determine what aspects need renovation and optimization. Additionally, considering that different infectious diseases may have different transmission routes and prevention and control requirements, renovations should be tailored to the specific characteristics of the infectious diseases.
Infectious disease control involves medical safety and sanitary standards, so it is crucial to follow national and local laws and regulations during renovations to ensure that the renovated wards meet relevant standards and requirements, safeguarding the safety and effectiveness of the medical process.
Overall, these are the prerequisites for remodeling Community Healthcare Center wards into infectious disease wards. Only by meeting these prerequisites can the renovation process proceed smoothly and ultimately achieve the goals of improving the efficiency of medical resource use and ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff.
Figure 1: Chinese Community Healthcare Centers (source: the Authors)
4.RESEARCH METHODS
This study focuses on exploring the feasibility of using prefabricated technology to retrofit general wards in Chinese Community Healthcare Centers (CHCs) into infectious disease wards. To ensure the depth and breadth of the research, we adopted the following rigorous academic methodologies:
4.1. LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK CONSTRUCTION
The study systematically reviewed academic literature on prefabricated construction technology, design principles of infectious disease wards, and the optimization of medical resource allocation. By thoroughly analyzing the theoretical foundations, we constructed a theoretical framework that highlights the potential application scenarios and advantages of prefabricated technology in retrofitting Community Healthcare Centers for infectious disease control. This framework provides a solid theoretical foundation for subsequent empirical research.
4.2.COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
To further validate the advantages of prefabricated technology in CHC renovations, the study employed a comparative analysis method. We selected public spaces such as sports venues, conference centers, or hotels that are similar to Community Healthcare Centers in terms of geographic location, scale, and patient flow as comparative objects. By analyzing the differences in spatial layout, medical resource allocation, and infectious disease prevention capabilities, as well as public perceptions and attitudes towards their roles in disease prevention, we highlighted the unique advantages of Community Healthcare Centers as candidates for retrofitting into infectious disease wards. Additionally, we compared different Community Healthcare Centers in terms of renovation conditions, needs, and outcomes to identify more universal and practical renovation solutions.
Through comparative analysis, we not only confirmed the feasibility and advantages of prefabricated technology in retrofitting Community Healthcare Centers for infectious disease control but also identified potential challenges and constraints in the renovation process. These findings provide strong support for the development of scientific and reasonable renovation strategies and policy recommendations.
5.FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS
5.1. Technical feasibility
Technical feasibility is a crucial aspect when assessing the remodeling of general wards into infectious disease wards in community hospitals. This involves determining whether existing technologies can meet the needs of the remodeling, including aspects such as building structure, equipment, and ventilation systems.
Firstly, from a structural standpoint, general wards in Community Healthcare Centers are typically designed for general medical services and require modifications to meet the specifics of infectious diseases. This might involve adjusting the room layout, such as adding isolation
areas or partitions, as well as antimicrobial treatments for walls and floors to ensure the space meets infectious disease prevention and control standards,According to relevant data, walls and floors that have undergone antibacterial treatment can reduce bacterial survival rates by over 90%[7]. Additionally, it is important to consider whether the remodeled wards can accommodate a sufficient number of infectious disease patients while ensuring the efficiency and safety of medical staff.
Secondly, the aspect of equipment and facilities is also a consideration for technical feasibility. Community Healthcare Center are usually equipped with basic medical equipment, but remodeling into infectious disease wards may necessitate the addition or upgrading of certain pieces of equipment to meet the diagnostic and monitoring needs of infectious diseases. For example, air disinfection systems, protective gear, and medical waste processing equipment may be required to ensure safety and hygiene standards during medical procedures,The relevant data indicates that an efficient air disinfection system can reduce the concentration of bacteria in the air to less than one-tenth of its original level[8]. The layout and connection of the equipment also need to be considered to enable effective use by medical personnel. Furthermore, the design and modification of the ventilation system are vital aspects of technical feasibility. The ventilation system in infectious disease wards needs to effectively control air movement to reduce pathogen transmission. This may involve adjustments or upgrades to the existing ventilation system to enhance air circulation and filtration efficiency. Additionally, implementing negative air pressure isolation to prevent air from the inside and outside of the ward from mixing is crucial to reduce infection risks.
In conclusion, from a technical feasibility standpoint, remodeling Community Healthcare Center general wards into infectious disease wards is achievable. Through thoughtful design and modifications, the requirements for infectious disease control can be effectively met, improving the efficiency of medical resource use and ensuring the safety of patients and medical staff. However, it is necessary to fully consider the limitations of existing technologies and the actual conditions of the remodel to ensure the smooth progression and success of the renovation efforts.
5.2 FEASIBILITY OF TARGET MODIFICATIONS
The “Community Healthcare Center Construction Standards” (Construction Standard 1632013), edited by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, shows that the largest proportion of community health service centers have a building floor area between 1,000 to 2,000 square meters, accounting for 28.92%. Community service centers with a building floor area greater than 3,000 square meters make up 22.54%, and community health service stations with more than 500 square meters account for 7.88%[9].
2 Composition of building floor area of different types of Community Healthcare Centers (source: the Authors)
According to statistics from the former Ministry of Health, by the end of 2022, there were 239,139 beds in Community Healthcare Center and stations, with an average of 25.82 beds per center and a utilization rate of 69.6%. Additionally, a baseline survey by the former Ministry of Health’s Women and Social Affairs Department on 28 cities that are key contacts for the construction of community health service systems revealed that, on average, each community health service center serves 40,000 residents (permanent population), has an average of 25.2 beds, and 0.63 beds per thousand people. The setting of beds in community health service institutions mainly considers factors such as the service population, health service demands, service radius (a walking distance of 15 minutes in densely populated urban areas), regional health planning, and policy factors. The area of premises allocated per service population is standardized as follows: 1,400 square meters for 30,000 to 50,000 people, 1,700 square meters for 50,000 to 70,000 people, and 2,000 square meters for 70,000 to 100,000 people[10]. In summary, these standards demonstrate the relationship between the spatial scale of Community Healthcare Center and their service capacity. Centers larger than 1,000 square meters account for 63.52% and are capable of serving a larger population and are typically equipped with more comprehensive medical facilities and services. Therefore, focusing on Community Healthcare Center larger than 1,000 square meters can enable more effective resource utilization, enhance service quality and efficiency, and meet the medical and health needs of a larger population.
6.ADVANTAGES OF RENOVATION
Renovating general wards of community hospitals into infectious disease wards, as opposed to transforming other structures like sports arenas, convention centers, or hotels into temporary epidemic medical spaces, offers a range of advantages:
Figure
6.1 PROFESSIONALISM AND MEDICAL SAFETY
Renovating Community Healthcare Center general wards into infectious disease wards has clear advantages in professionalism and medical safety. These facilities already have established medical infrastructure like operating rooms and isolation wards, making it easier to meet medical safety standards. This ensures proper air circulation and disinfection, crucial for controlling infections and protecting patients and staff. In contrast, buildings like sports arenas lack such facilities, making community hospitals a more suitable choice for such renovations.
6.2 INTEGRATION OF MEDICAL RESOURCES
Community Healthcare Center typically have certain medical personnel and equipment, including doctors, nurses, and medical instruments. In contrast, other buildings may lack these medical resources. By transforming community hospital general wards into infectious disease wards, existing medical resources can be integrated and utilized more quickly, providing continuous medical care to infectious disease patients. This improves the efficiency of medical resource use, reduces resource waste, and ensures that patients receive timely and effective treatment.
6.3 CONTINUITY OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
Renovating Community Healthcare Center general wards into infectious disease wards helps to maintain other routine medical services for community residents during epidemic control. Community Healthcare Center play a crucial role in the community medical system, providing essential medical services to residents. During an epidemic, the continuity of services provided by community hospitals is especially important; it can minimize the impact on regular medical services and ensure the health needs of residents are met. This also helps alleviate the pressure on other medical institutions, achieving a rational allocation and use of medical resources.
6.4 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION ADVANTAGES
Community Healthcare Center, located near residential areas, offer convenient access compared to remote locations like sports arenas. Transforming their general wards into infectious disease wards improves patient access, reduces long-distance transportation risks, and ensures timely treatment during epidemics. This geographic advantage aids in controlling the spread of the epidemic.
Overall, renovating Community Healthcare Center general wards into infectious disease wards has clear advantages in professionalism, convenience, and continuity of services. However, there may be disadvantages in terms of space scale, renovation costs, and flexibility. Therefore, specific renovation strategies should be considered based on the actual conditions of the community hospital, the severity of the epidemic, and available resources.
CONCLUSIONS
Existing general wards in community Community Healthcare Centers can be quickly transformed into isolation wards for infectious disease management using assembly technology. This conversion is technically feasible, leverages existing resources, and enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Remodeling these wards increases their capacity to handle largescale outbreaks, ensures continuous services, and improves emergency response flexibility. Additionally, converting wards provides professional treatment without disrupting regular services, reduces patient transportation risks, and aids in epidemic control. Comprehensive planning, considering technology, resources, regulations, and community needs, is essential for sustainable development of the medical service system. However, despite achieving positive theoretical results, this study encounters certain challenges in terms of actual project implementation, which constitutes the main limitation of this research. Specifically, due to various reasons such as insufficient funding, policy constraints, or difficulties in community coordination, the transformation plan proposed in this study has not been successfully translated into a practical project. This implies that we are unable to fully evaluate the long-term operational effects, social impacts, and actual benefits to patients following the transformation.
REFERENCES
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• [8]Feist, W., Pfluger, R., & Hasper, W. (2020). Durability of building fabric components and ventilation systems in passive houses. Energy Efficiency, 13(8), 1543-1559.
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ASSESSING THE ADAPTABILITY OF APARTMENTS TO CHANGING NEEDS OF ITS RESIDENTS:
CASE STUDY OF OSIJEK
Brkanić Mihić, Ivana1
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimir Prelog St. 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, ibrkanic@gfos.hr
Koški, Danijela
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimir Prelog St. 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, dkoski@gfos.hr
Zečević, Timon Blaž
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimir Prelog St. 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, tzecevic@gfos.hr
ABSTRACT
A home is more than a mere shelter, it provides a sense of personal security, privacy and personal space, plays a major role in the physical and mental health of its occupants and affects their productivity, happiness and life satisfaction. Since people spend a large part of their lives in their homes, now even more than before due to the events caused by the last pandemic with all aspects of life taking place within their own four walls, it is essential to assess the extent to which the current living environment meets the needs of the occupants. This is especially true with regard to the new requirements for living spaces and exploring the directions of their further development in order to provide them with a high-quality, healthy and adaptable space that meets all their housing needs. The aim of the study is to analyse the spatial characteristics of the apartments and to examine the different possibilities of their spatial organisation. The study was carried out on the basis of the floor plans of the 53 most frequently represented tworoom apartments in the city of Osijek, which were built between 1960 and 1990 and make up a total of 4,045 of apartments or almost 10 % of the total building stock. The study examined apartment floor plans, spatial organisation, the most important interior and exterior spaces of the apartments as well as the flexibility and adaptability of the apartments. The results indicate that for a large number of apartments, there are only limited options for adapting them to the requirements of modern living.
Keywords: housing design; apartment layout; spatial characteristics; adaptability; flexibility
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The home provides a sense of personal security, privacy and personal space and plays an important role in the physical and mental health of residents (Akbari et.al, 2021), influencing their productivity, happiness, life satisfaction and overall quality of life (Reyes et.al, 2022). The spatial characteristics of an apartment, especially its floor plan (layout), have a long-term effect on the residents, as they are determined by the building structure or technical infrastructure and are difficult to change; in contrast to the colours of the walls, furniture and appliances, which residents can easily redesign or upgrade at any time according to their personal preferences (Bao et.al, 2023).
Previous studies show that the demand for the functional versatility of living spaces is high (Bao et.al, 2023), and emphasize that apartments are often less versatile due to lack of space, restrictive or poorly designed floor plans and insufficient natural light (Bettaieb and Alsabban, 2021). Lu et.al. (2023) point out that apartments should be designed with flexible partitions to create auxiliary rooms such as kitchen or toilet, leaving a large space in the middle for flexible partitions or foldable furniture. Researchers recommend design strategies that maximize spacious, flexible apartment floor plans (Kleeman and Foster, 2023), emphasizing that large, flexible and multifunctional living spaces are more important than ever (Adeeb Fahmy Hanna, 2023) and that housing can introduce more zoning and outdoor space to ensure flexible and adaptable areas that make housing more sustainable and adaptable to change (Capolongo et.al, 2020).
Private outdoor spaces have a positive impact on residents’ perceptions of quality of life and housing satisfaction (Kennedy et.al, 2015). To be perceived as such, outdoor space must be large enough to accommodate a range of functions and activities, receive sufficient sunlight and be easily accessible from living spaces (Mollaei et.al, 2022). Important characteristics of the apartment in terms of its quality are flexibility and adaptability. In this paper, these terms are defined based on Zeković et.al. (2023). Flexibility is achievable with the level of architectural treatment and allows the space to endure small, continuous changes that respond to the changes that might occur in the future, while adaptability depends more on the potential of structural and technical production, which is susceptible to cultivation but allows residential and spatial changes on a large scale. In the paper, the apartment is considered flexible if its floor plan organization can be changed by rearranging furniture (replacing rooms) or by minor construction works such as moving partitions, while the apartment is considered adaptable if its spatial organization can only be changed by major construction works affecting the load-bearing structure (e.g. replacing a load-bearing wall with a beam).
With people spending around 90% of their time indoors and 45% in their homes (Jara-Baeza et.al, 2023), and due to the events triggered by the last pandemic, where all aspects of life (including work, learning/schooling, food provision and extracurricular activities) have been concentrated within the boundaries of an apartment (Kleeman and Foster, 2023), and the definition of apartment is being redefined (Lu et.al, 2023) the issue of housing quality has become more important than ever. In the wake of the above events, but also due to the new demands of modern life, it is important to evaluate the extent to which the current living environment meets the needs of residents and to continuously update the design of the apartments to adapt to the changing life (Bao et.al, 2023). The aim of this study is to analyse the spatial characteristics of the apartments and to examine the different ways in which they can be spatially organized in order to determine if they meet today’s housing needs in terms of flexibility and adaptability. Another objective was to determine the extent to which the outdoor spaces of the apartments meet the minimum requirements of the residents. The preliminary study was conducted on
the basis of the floor plans of two-room apartments which are the most common in the city of Osijek according to the 2021 census of the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, and make up 52.5% of all housing units. Database contains 53 apartment floor plans that represent 4.045 apartments built between 1960 and 1990 in various neighbourhoods of city of Osijek and account for almost 10% of the city’s total building stock. The study examined apartment floor plans, spatial organisation, the most important interior and exterior spaces of the apartments, as well as their flexibility and adaptability. In research, a distinction is made between two types of outdoor spaces of the apartment: loggia and balcony. Loggia is an outdoor space inserted into the floor plan of the apartment and delimited on three sides by partitions or load-bearing walls, while a balcony is a space whose surface protrudes from the volume of the apartment building and is delimited on one or two sides by partitions or load-bearing walls.
METHODOLOGY
The apartment floor plans included in the study were selected from previous study (Brkanić, 2018) based on their size (only two-room apartments with living room and one bedroom were included) and year of construction (1960-1990). The floor plans of the apartments were taken from the project documents for residential buildings available at the Croatian State Archives in Osijek and digitally redrawn using the AutoCAD 2023 software package. From the total sample of 53 floor plans, which were first analysed according to their most important spatial characteristics (room size, spatial connections and communication, presence of outdoor spaces), 30 floor plans were selected to test flexibility and adaptability. Their size is between 50.94 and 60.94 m2 or +/- 5 m2 in relation to 55.94 m2, the average size of the two-room apartments in the sample, which is due to the comparability of the apartments, as the larger apartment is likely to be better than the significantly smaller one. To determine whether the apartments would be flexible and/or adaptable, authors attempted to redesign internal configuration of the apartments with i) small, non-structural interventions (by moving the partition, removing the partition, adding or removing doors in the partitions) and ii) significant structural interventions (by removing the load-bearing wall and replacing it with a load-bearing beam). Additionally, the usability of outdoor spaces was tested in a selected sample of 30 apartments based on the possibility of setting up a table with four chairs, considering the minimum usable space for movement, approaching and sitting. In the case of apartments with several outdoor spaces, only the one outdoor space with the largest dimensions was considered.
RESULTS
Spatial analysis of apartments floor plans
The study comprised 53 floor plans of two-room apartments with a size between 38.80 m2 and 84.57 m2. The average area of the apartment in the sample is 55.94 m2. Most apartments consist of a living room, a bedroom, a kitchen with dining area, an outdoor space in the form of a loggia, an entrance area/hallway and a bathroom. Only 39 apartments have a loggia (N=32) or balcony (N=6), while one apartment has both a loggia and a balcony. In two apartments, loggia is accessible from both the living room and the kitchen. Most of the outdoor spaces are connected to rooms used for socializing. All outdoor spaces have rectangular or square floor plans with different length and width proportions. The dimensions of the apartments’ outdoor spaces vary between 1.0 and 9.0 m², and most (N=24 or 61.54%) balconies or loggias have an
area between 3.0 and 6.0 m², while 11 of them (28.2%) are between 4.00- 5.00 m². The average size of a living room is 17.75 m2 within a range of 10.44m2 to 26.78 m2. The kitchens are between 4.5 and 13.80 m2, with an average area of 8.57 m2, while the average size of bedroom is 13.34 m2 within a range of 5.92 m2 to 19.01 m2. Further characteristics of the apartments are listed in Table 1.
Apartment Characteristics
The most common spatial organization of the apartment in the sample is an apartment with a central hallway from which the living room, kitchen with dining area, bedroom and bathroom are accessible, while the loggia and pantry are connected to the living room and kitchen (Figure 1a).
Table 1: Main characteristic of apartments in the sample (N=53)
Figure 1: a) Most common spatial organization (apartment layout in the sample): H – hallway; BT – bathroom; KT –kitchen; P – pantry; LR – living room; BD – bedroom; L – loggia; b) Most common apartment in Osijek: 1 – hallway; 2 – bathroom; 3 – kitchen; 4 – pantry; 5 – living room; 6 – dining area; 7 – bedroom; 8 – loggia.
The apartment in the sample that was built the most times in the city of Osijek is a two-side oriented apartment with 59.67 m2, where the bedroom is entered through the living room (Figure 1b). This apartment layout (in different orientations) was built more than 600 times in different neighbourhoods.
Analysis of flexibility and adaptability of apartment floor plans
As it is not measurable to compare apartments with 38m2 to apartments 84m2 only apartments that are +/- 5 m2 in terms of average apartment area (55.94 m2) in the sample were considered for the adaptability and flexibility analysis. Of the 30 selected apartments whose size lies within the defined interval, 23 apartments are flexible and/or adaptable, while 7 of them (Figure 2a) are neither flexible nor adaptable. Of the 23 apartments that allow a different spatial organization, 19 can be rearranged to obtain an additional room or a separate space for study/ work or sleeping, while in 4 only the functions of the rooms can be replaced or they can be rearranged differently. In the apartments where a room can be added, in 15 of them this can be carried out without affecting the structural system (only by moving the partition walls - Figure 2b), while in the other 4 apartments additional rooms can be formed only after the load-bearing wall has been replaced by a beam and partition walls have been installed (Figure 3).
a) b)
Figure 2: a) Non-adaptable and inflexible apartment in the Vijenac Dinare built in 1987; b) A flexible apartment with the possibility of creating an additional room in the Ljudevita Posavskog built in 1976
Apartment layouts that are not flexible or adaptable represent 360 apartments in the city of Osijek. The 15 layouts in which new room can be added with minimal non-structural interventions represent 1606 built apartments, and the layouts in which additional room or other spatial organization can be achieved through structural interventions represent 458 apartments.
OUTDOOR SPACES ANALYSIS
Out of the selected sample of two-room apartments (N=30), 7 apartments have no outdoor space (loggia, balcony), while 23 apartments have one or more outdoor areas. Of the apartments with an outdoor area, 3 have a balcony and 20 have a loggia. In order to examine the usability of the outdoor spaces, a table with four chairs was transferred to the floor plans, considering the minimum usable space for movement, approach and seating (total dimensions approx. 1.90x1.50 m according to Neufert E. et. al. 2012). (Figure 4).
The floor plans of loggias/balconies are divided into three categories: i) sufficient, ii) limited and iii) insufficient with regard to the possibilities for functional use of the outdoor space. The “sufficient” category means that a table with four chairs can be fully accommodated in the outdoor space, the “limited” category means that a table with four chairs can be accommodated, but with a minimally reduced usable area, while the “insufficient” category identifies apartments with insufficient area to accommodate a table with four chairs. The analysis of the use of the outdoor space shows that of the 23 apartments, 10 apartments are classified as sufficient, 4 apartments are limited and 9 apartments are classified as insufficient in terms of the possibilities for functional use of the outdoor space.
Figure 3: Adaptable apartment with the possibility of an additional room in Vijenac Ivana Meštrovića, built in 1962
Figure 4: Examples of: a) sufficient – in Jug II built in 1977, b) limited - in Bosutsko naselje built in 1974, and c) insufficient outdoor space – in Vijenac Ivana Česmičkog built in 1975
DISCUSSION
The aim of the study was to examine the spatial characteristics of apartments in the city of Osijek, built between 1960 and 1990, and to analyse the apartment layouts in terms of the flexibility and adaptability of their interior spaces and the possibilities of functional organization of their outdoor spaces in order to assess their suitability for the needs of modern housing (possibility of creating a work area, an additional work or sleeping space or another floor plan configuration). Although the apartments were built over a period of 30 years, the most common apartment type (94.34%) in the sample is an apartment with a central hallway and two rooms (a living room and a bedroom). The range of apartment sizes is significant, ranging from 38.80 to 84.57 m2. For this reason, only apartments in the interval between 50.94 to 60.94 m2 were considered for the examination of flexibility and adaptability. The percentage of apartment layout that are flexible and/or adaptable is relatively high, 23 out of 30 in the sample. The possibility of their remodelling lies in the addition of a minimum sized space for work or a one-person bedroom. The reason for the limited number of variants lies in the fact that apartments are organized around a central corridor, in 52.83% of the apartment layouts the living room and the kitchen are different rooms that are accessed directly from the corridor, and that plumbing and sewage are often grouped in one place in the middle of the home and form a spatial barrier. It is interesting to note that most of the flexible and adaptable apartments were built before 1980, despite the fact that apartments built after 1980 have a floor area larger than average. 6 out of 7 apartments that are not flexible or adaptable are oriented on two or even three side, but the position of their load-bearing walls and openings does not allow any other arrangement. Most apartments that are flexible and in which a new room can be added by simply moving or adding partitions were built between 1976 and 1980. In four apartments floor plans, a new room can be added through major structural work, just as many floor plans that can be adapted through major structural measure so that they can only be organized differently without adding a new room. For a large number of apartments there are only limited options for adapting them to the requirements of modern living by adding them a new work or sleeping area because they require minor non-structural or major structural changes that are complicated and difficult to implement. Also, where it is possible to add an additional room they are of minimal dimensions.
Out of 30 selected apartment layouts, 23 of them have outdoor space. Loggias are significantly more represented (N=20) in regards to balconies (N=3). Outdoor spaces (loggia and balcony) analysis has shown that all apartments (N=10) in the “sufficient” category have a size ratio of approx. 1.90x1.50 m or larger, with the shorter side being at least 1.50 m. The 10 “sufficient” and 4 “limited” outdoor spaces show that there are 60.87% apartments in the apartment layouts sample with outdoor spaces that can be used functionally to a greater extent, but the fact that almost 40% of outdoor spaces are insufficient in size and that 7 out of 30 apartments in the sample have no outdoor spaces is worrisome.
CONCLUSIONS
Although current research in the field of housing shows the need for flexible and adaptable apartment layouts due to a new lifestyle and changes in the way the apartment is used (with work, learning/schooling, food provision and extracurricular activities all in one place), the majority of existing apartments of the city of Osijek (built between 1960 and 1990) can only partially follow this trend. Despite a relatively high percentage of apartments that can be
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
remodelled to create additional space for working or sleeping, these changes are not sufficient, and these spaces are limited and of minimal size. A flexible space in the full sense of its definition is impossible to achieve because the existing apartments in the city of Osijek do not allow for such an organization. The reason for this is their typology, i.e. the vast majority of apartment layouts are organized around a central corridor from which all other rooms are accessed, with each room having its own function, but also due to the fact that most apartments consist of only two rooms (living room and bedroom) and have a minimal floor area. For this reason, it must be considered that such standards are introduced in new buildings through design guidelines in order to increase the number of apartments adapted to modern lifestyles. The presented research is an exploratory study and as such has its limitations. The limitation of the study lies in the smaller sample of apartment floors plans. This limitation should be considered in further studies in order to obtain more precise data.
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PARTICIPATORY
MULTICRITERIA EVALUATIONS: A HUMAN
CENTERED DESIGN AID TOOL
Finucci, Fabrizio1
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, fabrizio.finucci@uniroma3.it
Masanotti, Antonella G.
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, antonellagiulia.masanotti@uniroma3.it
Mazzoni, Daniele
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, daniele.mazzoni@uniroma3.it
ABSTRACT
Designing may be addressed as a decision-making process which involves the generation of alternatives whose evaluation allows the improvement of the final product. Participatory Multicriteria Evaluation (PME), such as decision-aid tools, implement a multi-dimensional approach considering the direct involvement of users, at the main stages of the evaluation, aimed at the shared selection of the project alternative based on predefined objectives and criteria. PME is an operational tool able to synthesise the rationality in decision-aid process and the inclusiveness of a participatory path in support of Human-Centred Design (HCD). HCD, such as multidisciplinary practice, aims to integrate multiple perspectives, to ensure people needs and to make the product accessible, understandable, and usable. The HCD approach shifts the focus from the product to the capabilities and limitations of human beings with their multiple characteristics, sensitivities, physical, mental, emotional and social needs that stand out each person. Recently, some studies demonstrated the need to develop an understanding of HCD in the built environment field, in order to design and produce inclusive spaces suitable for the majority of people. In this regard, the defining criteria stage in PME to aid HCD design practice is crucial regarding human variability, framed as the diversity that characterises each person and as an indispensable element for universal and inclusive design. The paper proposes a method design-aid based on the combination of multi-criteria evaluation techniques with those of participatory practice, which is defined as Participatory Multicriteria Evaluation (PME). This method involves the users themselves in the structuring of the evaluation process in an inclusive and participatory manner.
Keywords: Participatory Multicriteria Evaluation, Human Centered Design, Inclusive Design, Decision-aid Tool
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The concept of Human-Centred Design (HCD) can be defined as an approach to the design and development of systems and products that aims to improve their usability. This is achieved by focusing on human factors, ergonomics and specific knowledge related to usability (Bazzano et al., 2017). HCD has its origins in various disciplinary fields, and the field of transformation of urban spaces and architecture can now be added to this list, within which it has assumed significant importance (Jelić et al., 2016). The integration of ergonomics principles and human factors into the design methodologies of the built environment and public space is now a crucial element in the creation of person-centered environments (Eilouti, 2021). Indeed, the integration of human-centered design methods facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of user perspectives (Tvedebrink & Jelić, 2018) shifting the focus from the product to the capabilities and limitations of the human being. It is also important to consider that the quality of life is often linked to the quality of public space. This space must be well-designed, sustainable and capable of meeting human needs by improving the urban environment. The incorporation of user experience principles is becoming an increasingly integral aspect of the design of public spaces. This is evidenced by the emergence of a posture that considers emotions and sensations, creating multi-sensory environments capable of anticipating different needs and preferences (Cho & Kim, 2017). In this regard, it is evident that participatory practice, which entails the inclusion of users in the decision-making process, has innumerable advantages, particularly in the context of human, or user, oriented design. Participation encourages civic commitment, fosters a sense of belonging to the community, stimulates creativity, produces greater acceptance of transformations, and ensures that spaces meet the diverse needs of users (Pawlowski et al., 2017) however, the most significant benefit is the enhancement of mutual comprehension of the needs and preferences of others. The latter point renders participation an optimal decision-making environment for a human-centered process, as both approaches prioritize the individual as the primary decision-maker (Giacomin, 2014). Some HDC definitions recommend that the gravity center of the issue could be shifted towards participatory pathways, approaches that aim to shape participatory processes from an HCD perspective. This is to fully understand users’ needs, wishes and experiences, which often go beyond what users themselves initially recognize or express. In conclusion, these two domains are not mutually exclusive but, conversely, can result in a strategic complementarity that enhances the overall problem-solving process (Chen et al., 2020). In the context of urban areas, however, the participatory process still reveals some criticalities that arise from specific aspects, these include: i) the complexity of urban transformations is compounded by the intertwined dimensions of decision-making, including social, environmental, economic, and cultural factors. These factors often conflict with one another, yet the participatory environment fails to account for this complexity; ii) in many instances, the positions of stakeholders are strongly influenced by their specific interests, which can result in a polarization of behavior and a potential impasse in the decision-making process; iii) regardless of belonging to a specific category, individuals’ preferences with respect to the qualities and possible transformations of urban space are not always easily aggregated to form a shared collective preference. The methodology described is situated within the broad framework of Participatory Action Research (PAR), thereby linking the paradigm of participatory approaches to active involvement in the design and research practices of people with disabilities (Bruyere, 1993; Tewey, 1997; Cornish et al., 2023). A key benefit of PAR is that it fosters a more critical view of the world and a deeper understanding of the needs and rights of individuals with disabilities among all participants, including both university staff and community members. This, connected to the proposed methodology, may subsequently lead community participants
to critically assess their relationship with the researchers and/or sponsoring organizations. The solution hypothesis put forth in the paper assumes that these critical issues can be effectively addressed through the application of evaluation discipline. Indeed, multi-criteria evaluations allow the analysis and evaluation of different alternatives from a multi-dimensional perspective (thus considering complexity characteristics) and a multi-actor perspective (considering different points of view), thereby enabling the identification of shared solutions based on a logical and rational path. The paper aims to propose a method of design-aid based on the hybridization of multi-criteria evaluation and choice techniques with those of participatory practices: Participatory Multicriteria Evaluation (PME). This method involves the structuring steps of the evaluation being carried out by the users concerned in an inclusive and participatory process.
MULTI-CRITERIA EVALUATION AND PARTICIPATION: AN EFFECTIVE COMBINATION
The multi-criteria evaluation approach enables the identification of a preferred profile among the available solutions to a decision problem in the presence of multiple criteria and different impacts in their original dimensions (Rostirolla, 1998). In this context, the term “criteria” is defined as aspects or attributes of the evaluation, which can be part of macro-criteria or dimensions composed of indicators, measurement scales (quantitative or qualitative), and objective functions (positive or negative). The term “alternatives” is defined as solutions to the decision-making problem and can be compared through performance according to each criterion. Systematization is achieved by defining the criteria (in columns) and the alternatives (in rows), thereby creating an operational tool known as an evaluation matrix. The development of the evaluation matrix can be made explicit through a series of procedures, the techniques, to obtain a ranking of the alternatives. This ranking is drawn up based on the scores obtained by each alternative. Ultimately, the evaluation necessitates the identification of an objective and a decision point (which may be an economic operator, community group, technician, etc.). It may also be necessary to decline the evaluation into different scenarios, if required (Miccoli, et al., 2014). By the use of multi-criteria techniques, the problem is solved with a set of alternatives, possibly finite number of it, with the objective of identifying a scale of preference among them, by reading the response of each alternative to all the evaluation criteria set. Early multi-criteria evaluation techniques were characterized only by the principles of decision-making and did not consider participatory applications, as it focused on technical aspects and not on the representation of preferences. Urban issues, particularly those related to sustainability, have highlighted the aptitude of multi-criteria processes for structuring complex decision-making problems, and their scope of application has expanded from the mere aggregation of assessments of different criteria to a process capable of incorporating the legitimacy of the interests represented in the choice. To this end, multi-criteria evaluation has identified the participation of social actors as a crucial element for the inclusion of a diverse range of interests and viewpoints in processes (Barinaga et al., 2019). Concurrently, since the early 1990s, numerous countries have initiated the implementation of tangible forms of community involvement and participation in public decision-making processes (Finucci, 2011; Munda, 2004). Horelli (2002) defines participation as a social, ethical and political practice in which individuals or groups, with the assistance of specific tools, engage in the various stages of the planning, design or decision-making process with the objective of generating outcomes that align with the needs and interests of the participants. The involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders increases the probability of successful project implementation, as the inclusivity
of the process ensures that the voice of the community is heard, leading to more efficient and sustainable outcomes. As technicalities have become increasingly refined and classified by levels of community empowerment, the participatory approach has evolved towards other objectives. These include bridging the gap between decision-makers and communities, increasing awareness and consensus towards public decisions, redistributing knowledge in society, and addressing complex urban issues (climate change, mobility, sustainability, touristification, etc.). The convergence of these characteristics has recently prompted a surge in interest in the combination of these disparate methods, as evidenced by a growing number of theoretical and applied research works on case studies (Barinaga et al., 2019). The aim is to integrate the logic of multi-criteria processes with the capacity to construct representativeness, while maintaining the participatory process.
A PARTICIPATORY MULTICRITERIA EVALUATION METHOD FOR HCD PROJECTS
The paper proposes a methodological approach to multi-criteria evaluation based on a participatory process inspired by the European Awareness Scenario Workshop (EASW), a participatory method initially proposed by the European Commission’s Innovation Programme in 1994 (Andersen & Jaeger, 1999). The early EASWs were designed to enhance awareness of sustainability considerations in urban planning. In the specific case of the EASW inspired method proposed in the paper, the aim is to promote the centrality of HCD aspects in a design process, particularly for public spaces. The evaluators involved in the process are academics and researchers appointed by public administrations. Their role is to ensure a rigorous and scientifically grounded assessment, integrating both technical expertise and community-driven considerations into the decision-making process. The procedure, which is based on a multicriteria approach, is founded upon the following assumptions:
a. the participants, grouped into four or more stakeholder categories (SC), are composed of a minimum of four and a maximum of eight persons per category;
b. the temporal parameters of the process are clearly delineated and understood by all parties involved;
c. project scenarios are constructed by the participants themselves, with the support of the organizers and technicians of the participatory and evaluation process;
d. the dimensions of the evaluation, as identified by the participants and organizers of the evaluation process.
SETTING OF PARTICIPATORY MULTICRITERIA EVALUATION (PME)
The methodological approach is represented by a linear algorithm composed of three distinct phases. A) Input; B) Development; C) Output. Each phase is comprised of sessions, which are themselves structured according to a set of actions that must be carried out in order to complete the process (Figure 1). The iteration of phases entails the alternation of plenary and group work sessions (sometimes homogeneous and sometimes mixed) in accordance with the objective of the specific session. The initial phase, Input (A), encompasses two consecutive plenary sessions: Introduction (A1) and Presentation (A2). The initial phase is designed to facilitate a preliminary introduction to the participants, while the subsequent phase is intended to illustrate the overarching objectives of the process, the fundamental principles that will be employed, and the underlying rationale behind the process. Furthermore, participants are furnished with
the essential information required to enhance their understanding of the subject matter, the objectives of the project, the scope of the intervention, existing challenges, and the most pertinent data for the development of project scenarios. The second phase, Development (B), commences with the inaugural group session, designated as Category Scenario Building (B1), as the division of participants in this phase reflects their Stakeholder category. The anticipated outcomes of this session are the formulation of at least one project scenario for each stakeholder category. To this end, it is important that participants find the most suitable way to represent the preferred and shared design scenario within the category, with the support of a technician and a facilitator. In this way, each scenario will represent an ‘ideal’ or ‘optimal’ solution to the problem posed by each stakeholder category, even if they represent a compromise between the specific participants of each category, while remaining capable of reflecting their interests. This initial working mode, which is defined by interest group, allows the process to be generative of a user/ human centered design alternative, focused on the specific needs of a specific group, carrying the specific point of view of the group to which one belongs. Finally, this session establishes the fundamental characteristics of the design scenario that the group will present in the following session and how these meet the specific needs of the group. The second session of the same phase can be defined as Category Scenario Presentation (B2) and consists of each group giving back its project scenario in plenary session. The reunion of the groups in this new plenary allows the sharing of project scenarios and thus an initial clarification of the specific needs of each category. The whole assembly, in this way, becomes aware of the different points of view and needs of each group regarding the project.
Figure 1: General Outline of Phases, Sessions and Actions of the Evaluation Process.
The demand framework thus composed, and the initial solution hypothesis, emerge directly from the people involved in the process. The third session of the second phase is the Dimension Setting (B3), in which several thematic areas will be proposed and defined through which the alternatives will be analyzed and evaluated. Within these thematic areas will be placed the evaluation criteria, not yet defined in the process. The dimensions will then serve to structure a hierarchical dimension/criteria/indicator model, aimed at evaluating the performance of the scenarios. The last session of the phase, called Criteria Setting (B4), is first held in a plenary session, during which the coordinators of the evaluation process explain to participants the criteria most frequently used in the literature for evaluating projects similar to the one at the center of the process. Subsequently, the participants, again divided into homogeneous working groups, select and place each criterion within the dimension they consider most suitable to represent it. Following a literature review, this contribution proposes an initial review of the most relevant criteria in the evaluation of public space from an HCD perspective (Table 1).
n. Dimension Criteria
1 Area accessibility
Physical Accessibility
Urban Accessibility
Economic Accessibility
Digital Accessibility
2 Inclusivity Diversity
Transgenerationality
Interpretativity
3 Security Lighting
Garrison functions
Surveillance technology
Visibility
4 Comfort Convenience of stops
Quality of shading and shelters
Quality of furnishings
5 Functionality Spatial versatility
Vegetation areas
Services
6 Social interaction
Quality of meeting areas
Quality of spaces for community events
Functional hybridisation
7 Environmental sustainability Sustainability of materials
Sustainability environmental solutions
Waste management
Climate mitigation elements
8 Innovation Technological innovation
Creativity
Involvement
Flexibility
Description
Internally accessible to all user categories
Connection with other urban poles
Gratuity and presence of services at lower market rates
Presence of network connection
Capacity of the space to accommodate people of different cultures, genders and abilities
Capacity of the space to accommodate people of all ages
Capacity of the space to be easily interpreted
Presence of night lighting
Presence of functions distributed over time that guarantee safety and security
Presence of technological surveillance systems
Presence or absence of closed, hidden or blind spots
Presence and comfort of seating
Quality of shaded areas and possible shelter
Quantity, quality and accessibility of furniture
Capacity of the space to be suitable for multiple uses
Presence and quality of vegetation areas
Presence and type of services
Quantity and quality of meeting areas
Quantity and quality of spaces for large community events
Differentiation of different functions
Quantity of sustainable or recycled materials
Quantity and quality of solutions used
Quality of the waste cycle
Type of interventions to mitigate impacts
Presence of particular technological innovations
Capacity of the space to stimulate people's creativity
Presence of community management mechanisms
Capacity of the space to change configurations
Table 1: General overview of possible criteria to be adopted in the evaluation process.
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The last phase, Output (C), opens with a new session called Scenario Evaluation (C1), in which each group is required to qualitatively evaluate the performance of each scenario with respect to the criteria previously selected and assigned to the specific theme, with the possibility of further implementing the criteria and possibly, guided by the process coordinators, weighing the criteria they consider most significant. In this session, however, the group is characterized by the mixite of participants as it is composed of at least one representative from each stakeholder category. Indeed, if the first groups, those formed by subjects belonging to the same categories, were defined as interest groups, this second type of mixed group can be defined as a thematic group. If the work in the interest groups is useful to make the specific needs of each individual group explicit, the work of the thematic groups is aimed at harmonizing these preferences within the evaluation of the project scenario, with a view to a shared awareness of the needs of all, thus placing specific persons and users at the center. On the basis of a matrix consisting of the design scenarios as alternatives, the set of criteria belonging to a dimension and a possible weighting between criteria, the Scenario Evaluation session, carried out in thematic groups, will produce a set of Thematic Rankings, i.e. a preference of the alternative for each thematic group (Figure 2). The formulation of each thematic ranking is conducted using an ordinal scale, allowing for a structured comparison of the different scenarios based on their relative performance across the selected criteria. The thematic groups, focused on the specific topic, will evaluate the scenario on the basis of a set of criteria that mixes those proposed by the interest groups. It is in this interplay between one-sided and joint vision that preferences can harmonize towards a more shared solution which on the basis of this process can be defined human centered.
Figure 2: Workflow between Interest Groups and Thematic Groups.
Figure 3: Outline of the Scenario Evaluation phase. The output of PME
THE OUTPUT OF PME
Based on the results obtained and the intentions of the participants, the process can end in three alternative ways. The first is the possibility that the Thematic Rankings present a clear dominance of one alternative over the others, or, that participants recognize one thematic dimension as dominant over the others and decide to converge towards the scenario that best optimizes it. In such cases, the evaluation may conclude with the ratification of a Shared Validation, i.e., a plenary session in which participants converge towards the final scenario. In the event that the Thematic Rankings do not lead to a dominance of an alternative and that participants do not converge towards a solution, the group may propose two outputs: the first involves repeating the evaluation in an iterative manner starting from the redefinition of the scenarios. In this case, the objective is for each group to repeat the scenario construction and evaluation knowing the wishes, expectations and needs of the others. As an alternative to this reiteration of the sessions, the group may ask the evaluators to construct a Thematic Ranking matrix and develop (with equal weights between the thematic areas) a single final ranking. In all cases, the selected project scenario is the result of a collective and rational process, which placed the person at the center of a creative dialogic process based on choices and evaluations mediated by comparison with the positions and interests of the various participants. The selected project scenario is the result of a collective and rational process and would be presented during a final thematic group session, both verbally and graphically, to ensure a comprehensive and shared understanding of the selected scenario.
CONCLUSION
The hypothesis underlying the method presented is that an HCD process can be embedded within a PME process because:
• The inclusive component fosters the development of a sense of well-being, which entails the ability to recognize and incorporate diverse perspectives and a collective identity. This process acknowledges and accommodates the varied characteristics, sensitivities, and physical, mental, emotional, and social needs that distinguish each individual.
• The multi-criteria approach facilitates a structured and rational decision-making process by enabling the simultaneous evaluation of multiple options across different dimensions. These dimensions correspond to the diverse needs that an HCD process must address. The presence of experts who are familiar with the communication and relational modalities in consideration of persons with different disabilities (motor, cognitive, hearing, etc.) is of great importance. This is fundamental in the various discussion and presentation phases of the procedure. The integration of multi-criteria decision analysis with participatory techniques has proven its effectiveness in handling complex situations and ensuring that decisions are in line with community needs and preferences.
REFERENCES
• Andersen, I.-E., and Jaeger, B. 1999. “Scenario workshops and consensus conferences: towards more democratic decision-making”. Science and Public Policy, no. 26(5): 331–340.
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POST-DESIGN ADDITION OF BUILT-IN FURNITURE
Ramos González, Nicolás1
Assistant professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, ramos.gonzalez.nicolas@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to explore the relationship among interior architecture, built-in furniture, and the well-being of its inhabitants. This thesis seeks to understand and explain the roles played by these elements in contemporary architecture and demonstrates their relevance through a specific project. The experimental design project presented here confirms the importance of built-in furniture in interior domestic spaces as architectural elements that cater to individual needs and utilize spatial interstices effectively. The results of this study support the author’s perspective on considering these architectural components as solutions to various contemporary issues. This encourages reflection on key elements that can be integrated post-design to accommodate the new functions demanded by modern living. Moreover, these findings can enhance our understanding of interior spaces and inspire similar solutions.
Keywords: Interior Design, furniture design, built-in furniture, domestic spaces
Topics: Architectural design
INTRODUCTION
The notion that interior architecture spaces provide refugees from the outdoor world has been developed during the last few years. In my first conference, “Shaping Our Movements in Architecture” presented in PhD & DLA Symposium in 2020, I exhibited the importance of built-in furniture in interior spaces throughout different projects. And, how the incorporation of these elements can help to solve and support human activities.
Understanding the complexity of the relationship between interior architecture and built-ins is vitally important for the indoor environment shapes our lives. There is evidence that indoor spaces play a crucial role in modern society. Europeans and North Americans spend almost 90 per cent of their time inside and the United Nations estimates the indoor square meters will increase double worldwide (Anthes, 2020). There is a growing body of literature that recognises the importance of interior spaces and how affect human behaviour and physical and psychological well-being. Researchers have started to analyse the interior spaces and, since COVID-19 the focus has increased.
1Corresponding author
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
One of the several tasks that architects have is the designing of new buildings from scratch. In this case, the interior space arrangement can be thought of from the first phase of design. Image 1 shows the Boudoir in Villa Müller designed by Loos and it can be seen the built-in furniture conceived from the beginning of the project design.
Despite a large percentage of client orders being oriented towards the renovation of interior spaces, most of the cases are because of the new dweller’s needs or some other cases are to take advantage of spaces that have been underused since the conception of the project. Determining the impact of these unsolved areas in the interior layout depends on each project and individual wants. A proper interior-designed layout integrated with the furnishings and the space fulfilling human needs may play a major role in the development of activities and psychological health.
The point of this paper is to encourage thinking about the post-design add-on in the interior spaces. I will analyse the impact of built-it furniture on the interior domestic space through a built example designed recently. Therefore, this paper highlights the importance of these fixed pieces of furniture and their container space. This hybrid relationship furniture architecture gives the space a new identity and provides plenty of possibilities to arrange the interiors.
This paper has been divided into five parts. The first part deals with the introduction and explains the importance of the topic, it also states the purpose of this piece of writing. The second part is concerned with the methodology employed for this study. The third part contextualises the research by providing background information on the significance of the value and the author’s reasons for choosing this topic. The fourth section begins by laying out the theoretical dimensions of the research and follows with a discussion of the implications of the results. The final part highlights summarises and brings together the main points and includes suggestions for improvement in future directions.
DESIGN METHODS
Traditionally, various methods have been utilised in interior architecture and furniture design. Design research utilises techniques and approaches to answer questions through the form and seek constant improvement.
One of the challenges faced by the author and the client in this project was the physical distance. The project’s location is in Belgium, while the architect was predominantly in Hungary. However,
Figure 1. Interior Villa Müller. Prague, Czech Republic 1930.
distance did not hinder the project’s development at the end of the process. Initially, some methods required the author’s presence in situ, but subsequently, the designer adopted other methods to accommodate the distance.
In consequence, it can be categorized into two different stages of the design process from the point of view of the methodology used. Firstly, in the early stage of the design process where the researcher must gather information from the client that may help with the design of the architectural element. Shadowing and, a questionnaire were the methods used in Brussels. A literature review is always an effective approach, and it helps the researcher to set a design direction and collect ideas and inspirations.
Shadowing: The benefit of this method was to observe and gain a good understanding of the day-to-day routines of the client. This method was useful in identifying how the person was interacting with the interior landscape and furniture. Another advantage of using this approach was the recognition of the individual’s active hours during the day in the whole week during a month. That includes working days and weekends. Figure 2 presents the summary of this approach.
The most interesting aspect of this graph is the number of hours the client spends in front of the screen during the week, his profession requires him to be in front of his computer for a long period during the day, a minimum of 8 hours per working day and even the weekends he must work as well. Together these results provide important insights into the importance of having a comfortable working space and its location in the interior layout.
The questionnaire is one of the most widely used methods for identifying the client’s needs. The author had several opportunities to discuss the importance of the goals with the future user. The objectives were rated and compared, and they contribute to the architectural element design concept development.
Design process workshop: After identifying the customer needs and demands it is time to process them through the understanding of the space and shape. The piece of furniture must be a design expression of the client’s objectives in connection with the interiors. In order to help familiarise the client with the project design several plans were produced. Different representation techniques were used, according to the design process stage. Following this
Figure 2. Average client’s active hours.
documentation and ideas interchange, the project gradually developed the final form.
BACKGROUND
Even though I am an architect, I have worked closely with interior architecture for many years and I have designed pieces of furniture for different purposes and sizes. I always found the connection between architecture and furniture interesting and, according to my experience, several colleagues regularly deal with it in their projects as well. Moreover, after several years of teaching at University, courses such as Architecture Studio and Furniture Design Studio, I saw the students facing the same issue. Then, when I decided to choose my DLA topic I found a fascinating borderline in the specificities of the subjects, in this respect I decided to research this field. I am sure this research sheds new light on interior architecture.
The relationship between furniture and architecture has been widely investigated in my Thesis (Ramos Gonzalez, 2023) throughout several projects. The reader should bear in mind that the study is based on that work. However, the main topic covered in this paper is the impact of the staircase post-add furniture in the space of the flat in Brussels. Due to practical constraints, the previous work, was unable to analyse the effect of this architectural element in the space, because it still needed to be finished.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
During the development of the architectural element, several designs were proposed. The process was lengthy and often challenging. Various ideas were presented; however, due to the complexity of the space, economic factors and the client’s functional needs, finding a solution required substantial effort.
The most difficult element to manage was the insertion into the space of the piece of furniture. Traditionally the built-in furniture is used as a result of lacking square meters. There are plenty of examples, such as the walls being transformed into shelves, the beds hanging from the ceiling and, the tables unfolding from the floors. In the flat in Brussels, the floor is transforming into different architectural elements allowing the development of various activities. A good summary of the classification of built-in furniture has been provided in the work of Castelli Carral, Flain Ugolino and Naya Olsen (2018) where they introduced the concept of “Ceilings and floor articulation” among others. Their work explains the transformation of horizontal elements in the interior space.
Interestingly, these characteristics can be seen in our project through the resulting form. This articulation among the parts creates an interesting sculptural shape that fits into the space and provides support to the activities that were required to solve, such as working, storage and circulating.
This result may be explained by the fact that three elements were fundamental to the functioning of this architectural piece for the client. Consequently, a working area is associated with the window, a leisure area is connected with the lower level, and storage space and vertical circulation play an essential role in the design. The exploded axonometric in Figure 3 shows this distribution. It is necessary here to clarify the uses of the selected colours for representing the activities as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 3. Exploded axonometric of the final proposal.
Turning now to an analysis of the economic factor, contrary to expectations, the final project, as proposed and agreed with the client, exceeded the initially established budget. Because of this, the result of the built element differs from the project. Figure 4 reveals the built-in element from different points of view.
However, the final result still keeps the concept elaborated from the beginning, the three main functions (working, storage and circulating) established from the result of the questionnaire and shadowing. Those properties were solved successfully.
This project supports the concept presented by Castelli Carral et al. (2018) about the Parallel Obsolescence between the interior architecture (the inner envelope) and the built-in furniture. In the project presented in this paper, this temporal relationship manifests itself in the materials used in the new item and the solution provided to the details of the assemblies. These factors may explain the long-term use of the object planned. This is a positive value from the environmental perspective. The element was designed to last for a premeditated time. Further research should be undertaken to investigate the experience of other colleagues in Europe and the possible incorporation of this topic in Education. However, more research on this field needs to be addressed with production companies to analyse the possibilities presented in the context.
CONCLUSION
What, then, is this architectural element and, how might it be defined? Therefore, it is still being determined whether this piece is part of the floor or the wall, if this element leads down to the basement or is a space for working. Whether it limits the spaces or integrates them. As was explained by Scoffier (2020) in his conference about “the wall in architecture” this piece is the “being a world”, translated by the author from French “être un monde”. This definition intends to help me explain that this architectural element is, in turn, autonomous concerning the interior, and dependent on the activities carried out in the space. These activities are superimposed on the same piece and provide comfort to the inhabitant.
The present paper aims to examine, through a built example, the role of these architectural elements nowadays. This study set out to evaluate the influence of post-add built-in furniture in the interior space and how it can affect the well-being of individuals.
A possible approach that should be considered is the energy efficiency design for the future. A notable example of this was at the Venice Architecture Biennale, the curators of the Slovenian Pavilion introduced an extraordinary exhibition named “Entitled +/- 1ºC: In Search of WellTempered Architecture” where the aim was to get inspiration from European pre-industrial building techniques and interior sustainable design solutions. I found a connection in the relationship of these primary architectural elements constructed from natural materials that provide thermal comfort and materialise the interior environment.
From the spatial point of view, it may be a possible solution that resolves inadequacies in the interior space and takes advantage of each cube centimetre. This project illustrates how important it is to think about the interior space and how several functions can be provided through an item of built-in furniture.
This paper contributes to the understanding of the built-in furniture role and how important is its role in Architecture. A role that over the years has lost its significance in the domestic spaces. This research has thrown up many questions in need of further investigation. It would be interesting to compare experiences with other professionals and further develop this area.
Figure 4. Pictures of the project., Left: view from the top and the space., Centre left: overview from the top., Centre right: front view, door closed and view of the shelves., Right: front view, door open and view of the storage.
REFERENCES
• Athens E., (2020). The Great Indoors. Scientific American / Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Castelli Carral, L., Flain Ugolino, D., and Naya Olsen, S. (2018) Mueble in Mueble el encuentro entre arquitectura y mobiliario, (pp. 41 - 53). Universidad de la República, Montevideo Uruguay.
• Loustau, C., (1994) Vida y obra de Julio Vilamajó. Dos Puntos.
• Ramos González N., Medvegy G. (2020) Shaping our movements in architecture. 16th Miklós Iványi International Phd & DLA Symposium. Abstract book, (p. 35) Pécs: Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology.
• Scoffier R., Université populaire d’Architecture. (2020, 11, 18) Le mur - où commence l’architecture ? 1/4. Audio Podcast. Retrieved from: https://www.pavillon-arsenal.com/fr/ conferences-debats/cycles-en-cours/universite-populaire/9504-le-mur.html
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN TECHNOLOGIES ASSISTED BY PARAMETRIC DESIGN
Varga Konrád1
PhD Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, koni.varga@gmail.com
Osman, Mahmoud
Specialized lecturer, University of Pécs, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Department of Automation, 7621 Pécs, Boszorkány Street 2., osman.mahmoud@mik.pte.hu
Kisander Zsolt
Assistant lecturer, University of Pécs, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Department of Electrical Networkd, 7621 Pécs, Boszorkány Street 2., zsolt.kisander@mik.pte. hu
Medvegy Gabriella
Full professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Institute of Architecture, full professor, 7621 Pécs, Boszorkány Street 2., medvegy.gabriella@mik.pte.hu
Borsos Ágnes
Full professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, borsos.agnes@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
IIn this research, the emphasis is on the measuring device, Mimosa. Previously, it was designed and invented under the umbrella of the “Parameterized Comfort in Physical Spaces” research team at the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Pécs. The idea was to design an aesthetically pleasing measuring device for the research team’s “Comfort Map.” This research aims to examine and better understand Mimosa’s purpose as a device while also functioning as a design product. By increasing the measured parameters, we can get a more detailed state of the indoor workplace. Adding CO2 measuring to the existing sensors leads to an elevated form of data collection, which helps in the designing process of the workplace and gives more precise feedback on the current state of the indoor environment. This research also focuses on the shape and appearance of the Mimosa after upgrading it. This study aims to enhance the existing device further and create a product that most workplaces can use effectively.
Keywords: Parametric Design, Human-centered Design, Measuring Device, Comfort Parameters
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
A healthy and comfortable atmosphere for employees in an office environment is considered essential, and improving workspace conditions has been linked to improved overall well-being and productivity. The connection between comfort parameters and office productivity was explored. A study conducted in 2002 found that by improving the indoor environment, workers’ performance could be increased by up to 15 percent (Roelofsen, 2002).
The research conducted by the “Parameterized Comfort in Physical Spaces” research group, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Pécs, served as the basis for our study. This research group has developed an efficient method for computing the thermal parameters of the comfort map with a reduced number of measurements. The comfort map reveals the current variation in the measured values, and the four parameters—heat, natural light, noise, and air quality—can be displayed simultaneously. Additionally, an app is being developed, allowing employees to reserve their workstations while it displays the detailed collection of data.
It is crucial to present comfort parameters to users to increase their awareness of their environment. Numerous examples are described in the relevant literature, including thermal comfort parameters in the form of PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) trends. The computation or simulation of thermal comfort parameters from a small number of measurements in large spaces is documented in the literature (Fanger, 1982).
According to Nancy C. Morse (1997), “Satisfaction refers to fulfilling one’s needs, wants, and desires. Satisfaction depends on what an individual wants from the world and what is received.” The complexity of keeping employees satisfied and engaged has increased as many are no longer motivated by merely a competitive salary and benefits alone. It is understood that workplace well-being means employees are physically and mentally engaged with their work in the office. Improving well-being can lead to an increase in productivity, an improvement in employee engagement, and a decrease in absences. Investing in the well-being of employees can lead to an increase in resilience, better employee engagement, a reduction in absence, and an increase in productivity. Good working conditions motivate employees by providing safety, comfort, and motivation. Conversely, poor working conditions bring out a fear of bad health in employees. High correlations between room temperature, lighting, and relative humidity with healthrelated issues such as being stuffy, quickly tired, and difficulty concentrating, which affect employees’ productivity and work performance, have been found (Chua et al., 2016). Several human responses, including thermal comfort, perceived air quality, sick building syndrome symptoms, and performance at work, are affected by indoor temperature (Seppanen et al., 2006). Due to insufficient cooling or heating capacity, large thermal zones, improper controlsystem design or operation, and many other factors, thermal conditions are not controlled well in many indoor workspaces. Considerable variation with time is observed in thermal conditions inside buildings, e.g., as outdoor conditions often change. While the effects of temperature on comfort are broadly considered, more attention should be received to the effects on worker productivity.
Employees’ performance and comfort in the workspace are significantly impacted by lighting conditions. The light intensity, uniformity, and Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) of the indoor visual environment, which could affect employee performance, are influenced by the type of luminaires used. Light colour and temperatures influence alertness, cognitive effort, and work performance (Konstantzos et al., 2020).
Studies have shown that symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and irritation were experienced by individuals who reported annoyance with low-frequency noise. These symptoms could
decrease job performance (Nagai et al., 1989). Noise is frequently encountered by people in their daily environments. Background noise in buildings is typically a significant source contributed by HVAC systems. In office settings, workers’ annoyance and concentration problems can be caused by HVAC noise (Errett et al., 2006).
Researchers concluded that noise negatively affects cognitive performance, explicitly deafening intermittent noise. It has been found by Psychologist Nick Perham, who studies the effect of sound on how we think, that workers’ ability to recall information and even do basic arithmetic is impaired by noise in the office (Abdulgafar, 2019). Noise in the workplace can considerably impact employees’ concentration and stress levels. One of the significant dissatisfactions in employee well-being is conversational distraction. Moreover, stress levels can be increased by an utterly silent workplace.
To respond to the previous factors, a solution to increase employees’ awareness of the surrounding work environment was developed by indicating the IEQ (Indoor Environmental Quality) parameters in a simple form. In terms of comfort, it is envisioned to support individuals in achieving a state of physical ease and eliminating constraints with the assistance of the device being developed. The placement of the device is also seen as crucial, for the parameters vary depending on the volume of the area measured. A comparison of electronic solutions is deemed necessary to accomplish the designated goals.
ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS
A targeted set of specifications was adhered to during the hardware component selection process. These specifications included ultra-low power consumption, entire wireless operation, a small footprint, and sensors for measuring temperature, humidity, luminosity, and background noise.
The device was designed to operate entirely on battery power for an extended period without recharging or battery replacement, utilizing wireless ultra-low power technology. The compact size of the electronics allowed for effortless installation and positioning within the enclosure, resulting in a lighter overall weight.
Meeting these requirements proved to be a challenging task. A microcontroller with a built-in Wi-Fi protocol was required to control the sensors and easily send data to the server without needing an external Wi-Fi module. Therefore, based on the mentioned specifications, the ESP32 microcontroller was chosen. The ESP32 offers numerous features, making it the ideal choice for this use case.
The next step in the upgrade was the integration of a CO2 sensor. Carbon dioxide. The next step in the upgrade was the integration of a CO2 sensor. Carbon dioxide concentration is among the most essential properties of spaces. Working in an area with too much CO2 contention makes the work harder and dangerous to lives. Several studies show physiological changes caused by high concentrations of CO2. These changes are also causing a decrease in the functional abilities of workers (Vehviläinen et al., 2016). It’s safe to say that monitoring the CO2 concentration in indoor areas is yet another foundation for measuring comfort parameters. To address this problem, a CO2 measurer is placed beside the other sensors to get more accurate readings of the indoor workplace. The newly integrated sensor keeps all previously stated facts regarding the electronic solutions. Therefore, adding the new sensor to existing ones is easy without breaking up the connections.
Component Type
Microcontroller
Sensors
Servo Motor
Table 1: Electronic Components used
Components
ESP32 DEV KIT C
BME280
KY-038
BH1750FVI
SG90
Relevant Parameters
Built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Temperature and Humidity sensor
Background Noise sensor
Luminosity Sensor
Voltage: 4.8V - 6V
Angle: 0° - 180°
In the initial stage of designing a comfort-measuring device, the major challenge was deciding on its optimal placement, which was crucial for its effectiveness. The device’s design, including its shape and size, heavily depends on where it’s installed because it needs to capture temperature readings accurately. Typically, thermal sensors are installed on easily accessible walls to monitor indoor temperature and display it to users. The placement must be strategic to ensure accurate measurement, considering environmental factors, such as airflow from vents or proximity to heat sources. In office settings, temperature sensors are often placed near the return air inlet, though better positions might exist depending on room layout and nearby heat-emitting objects. Ideally, sensors should be positioned at the head level of seated employees for the most accurate perception of temperature. (Du et al., 2015).
Improving energy efficiency in buildings involves strategically placing light sensors to avoid excessive energy consumption. Researches suggests adequate light sensors for large spaces and specific work areas (Wagiman et al., 2020). Placement is critical, with a range from workstation surfaces to ceilings, typically favouring ceiling installation to prevent disruption of work activities. Additionally, the dimming level of lights can affect sensor readings.
The approach to sound sensing involves using a microphone that should not be covered, as this can distort noise measurements. According to the World Health Organization, “noise” is any unwanted sound. In offices, noise can reduce productivity and stem from external sources like traffic and internal ones like co-worker conversations and office machines. Accurate noise
Figure 1: General system design of the electronic components
measurement can be achieved by exposing the microphone’s critical parts. For thorough noise assessment in office settings, multiple microphones are recommended to capture individual noise sources, including air ventilation, to accurately evaluate the background noise (Al Horr et al., 2016).
The development of our measuring device was significantly influenced by analysing existing sensors, leading to a design where it shares placement with thermal comfort and light sensors at the workstation level - the optimal range from the ground to an average sitting person’s head. This decision not only maximizes temperature and humidity measurements accuracy but also aligns with the effective range for light sensors, allowing them to be housed together. Additionally, using microphones for noise detection complements this arrangement, ensuring precise dB readings without overcrowding, as each workspace will have one dedicated device.
DESIGN ITERATIONS
In the development of our project, we experienced challenges in sensor placement within the enclosure, leading to three main iterations of our design. Initially, we explored various sensors using a breadboard and the ESP32 dev kit, employing Arduino IDE for quick functionality tests. The second phase involved directly wiring three separate sensor modules to the ESP32, which proved tricky, especially in fitting them underneath the mimosa enclosure’s lid without interference. To address issues from the earlier iterations, the third phase saw us designing a custom PCB with CAD software. This solution integrated all sensors onto a single board with a unified connector for data transmission and power supply. Sensor placement was strategic: the light sensor faced upwards for direct exposure, while the enclosure’s lid featured openings to ensure the ambient light and air directly reached the appropriate sensors, allowing accurate ambient condition measurements.
PLACEMENT
In developing our project, we encountered challenges in sensor placement within the enclosure, leading to three main design iterations. Initially, we tested various sensors using a breadboard setup. The second phase required directly wiring sensor modules to the ESP32, which was difficult due to space constraints under the enclosure’s lid. To overcome issues faced in earlier iterations, the third phase involved designing a custom PCB with CAD software and integrating all sensors onto a single board with a unified connection for both data transmission and power supply. Strategic placement of sensors, including upwards-facing light sensors and openings in the lid for ambient conditions, allowed for accurate measurements. In designing our device, we prioritized making it compact, portable, visually appealing, and suitable for placement on workstations. Personal sensors are typically centred at the individual’s centre of gravity, but for optimal functionality, we found slightly raising them to work better. Our goal was to incorporate the device seamlessly into the office environment without it occupying too much space. Thus, the design mimics an office plant, blending aesthetics with utility. Special attention was given to the luminosity sensor, which calculates an average ambient light volume to ensure accurate readings, considering the diverse lighting conditions across different workstations. Ultimately, the device is designed to enhance workstations functionally and decoratively, offering flexibility in placement to accommodate personal preferences and workspace ergonomics.
MIMOSA
The Mimosa pudica L., also known as the sensitive, humble, touch-me-not, or shameful plant, is native to South and Central America but also grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, often as an ornamental plant. It thrives in full sun and partial shade and can be found in greenhouses for display, experiments, and research in non-native regions. This plant is notable for its reaction to touch and loud noises due to its sensitivity, which makes it an exciting subject of study. The presence of indoor plants like mimosa has been linked to enhanced healing in hospitalized individuals and increased employee productivity, emphasizing the importance of integrating natural elements into built environments for health and well-being benefits (Raanaas et al., 2015). The mimosa is a prickly, bushy shrub with bi-pinnate, dark green leaves and stems covered in sharp prickles, growing from 15 cm to 100 cm in height (Parker, 2017).
Examining the sensitiveness and movement of the mimosa plant leaves, we decided to use this plant as a foundation for our device. All four comfort parameters can be measured with a mimosa-like device. The movement of the leaves is an excellent opportunity to include in our design to show the change in the comfort parameter values.
MATERIALS
In designing an aesthetically pleasing ornamental device shaped like a plant, we used a container resembling a typical plant pot to encase the operating components. We chose plexi-glass for the enclosure’s top due to its transparency and the ability to customize colour and smoothness, incorporating holes for sensor exposure. While researching, we found that most office plant pots are ceramic, but for ease of serial production and considering factors like weight and assembly, we opted for recycled plastic. Plastic offers the added benefits of being colourable and 3D printable.
The core of our device features a stem that supports the leaves. Initially, we considered using 3D-printed silicone due to its desirable attributes, but challenges with precision in printing highviscosity silicone led us to explore alternatives. We discovered that some 3D printing methods offer materials with silicone-like qualities. Among these, fused deposition modelling (FDM) was selected for its cost-effectiveness and safety. FDM’s drawbacks include lower precision and limited colour options.
We chose thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for the stem material because of its balance between flexibility and durability, including high abrasion and oil resistance. TPU’s versatility makes it suitable for both consumer and manufacturing applications, as it withstands impacts and is resistant to many chemicals. Its hardness and elasticity can be adjusted through the 3D printing software. Our design efforts focused on understanding TPU’s behaviour to ensure the final product meets our needs, considering that elasticity varies with geometry and orientation. The stem’s design includes a hollow centre to accommodate a thin metal rod, which is actuated by small motors essential for moving the leaves.
Our device features leaves and stems made from the same material, designed to combine seamlessly. These components are hollow, with a metal rod running through them to allow motor-driven folding and unfolding, mimicking the movement of mimosa leaves. While the natural shape of mimosa leaves inspires our device’s leaves, they are significantly larger and lack the hairy texture of the actual plant, offering a balance between abstraction and realism. Using white TPU for the stems adds an abstract touch, making our device suitable for various office environments.
FINAL DESIGN
Our comfort measuring device is designed to mimic an office plant, fitting seamlessly on workstations with its compact dimensions of 225 mm in height and 127 mm in diameter. Its small size and plant-like appearance make it adaptable to various desk spaces and enhance indoor environments by promoting concentration, healing, and air purification. Styled in plain white for an abstract look, it measures comfort parameters while blending into numerous indoor settings.
The design features sensors that monitor comfort parameters, including temperature, humidity, noise, and luminosity. These inputs are signalled to the user through two “mimosa leaves” on separate stems, which move by folding or bending to indicate parameter status. If any parameter falls outside the acceptable range, the corresponding leaf folds, signalling an issue. One leaf is linked to temperature and humidity, while the other is connected to noise and luminosity. Erect leaves indicate that all parameters are within acceptable range. Using two leaves offers more precise feedback on the environment’s condition.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this device is needed in indoor workspaces to monitor comfort-related parameters, ensuring a healthy and comfortable working environment. Employees deserve to be happy and comfortable in the workspace, which will positively affect their productivity and help them gain satisfaction. This is equally valuable for the employer, ensuring an attentive and energetic workforce.
Our device is a visual notifying product with no built-in display; instead, the leaf movement is the only indicator for the user to indicate how healthy their environment is. The reason for that is that we do not want it to distract the user and draw their attention continuously.
Figure 2: Device with „good” and „bad” measured parameters
REFERENCES
• Journal article: Al Horr, Y., Arif, M., Kaushik, A., Mazroei, A., Katafygiotou, M., & Elsarrag, E. (2016). Occupant productivity and office indoor environment quality: A review of the literature. Building and Environment, 105, 369–389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. buildenv.2016.06.001
• Journal article: Chua, S. J. L., Ali, A. S., & Lim, M. E. L. (2016). Physical Environment Comfort Impacts on Office Employee’s Performance. MATEC Web of Conferences, 66, 00124. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/20166600124
• Journal article: Du, Z., Xu, P., Jin, X., & Liu, Q. (2015). Temperature sensor placement optimization for VAV control using CFD–BES co-simulation strategy. Building and Environment, 85, 104–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.11.033
• Journal article: Errett, J., Bowden, E. E., Choiniere, M., & Wang, L. M. (2006). Effects of Noise on Productivity: Does Performance Decrease over Time? Building Integration Solutions, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1061/40798(190)18
• Journal article: Konstantzos, I., Sadeghi, S. A., Kim, M., Xiong, J., & Tzempelikos, A. (2020). The effect of lighting environment on task performance in buildings – A review. Energy and Buildings, 226, 110394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2020.110394
• Journal article: Nagai, N., Matsumoto, M., Yamasumi, Y., Shiraishi, T., Nishimura, K., Matsumoto, K., Miyashita, K., & Takeda, S. (1989). Process and Emergence on the Effects of Infrasonic and Low Frequency Noise on Inhabitants. Journal of Low Frequency Noise, Vibration and Active Control, 8(3), 87–99. https://doi.org/10.1177/026309238900800304
• Journal article: Parker, C. (2017). Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant). CABI Compendium, CABI Compendium, 34202. https://doi.org/10.1079/cabicompendium.34202Raanaas, R., Patil, G., & Alve, G. (2015). Patients’ recovery experiences of indoor plants and views of nature in a rehabilitation center. Work (Reading, Mass.), 53. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-152214
• Journal article: Roelofsen, P. (2002). The impact of office environments on employee performance: The design of the workplace as a strategy forproductivity enhancement. Journal of Facilities Management, 1(3), 247–264. https://doi.org/10.1108/14725960310807944
• Journal article: Seppanen, O., Fisk, W. J., & Lei, Q. H. (2006). Effect of temperature on task performance in office environment. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/45g4n3rv
• Journal article: Vehviläinen, T., Lindholm, H., Rintamäki, H., Pääkkönen, R., Hirvonen, A., Niemi, O., & Vinha, J. (2016). High indoor CO2 concentrations in an office environment increases the transcutaneous CO2 level and sleepiness during cognitive work. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 13(1), 19–29. https://doi.org/10.1080/154596 24.2015.1076160
• Journal article: Wagiman, K. R., Abdullah, M. N., Hassan, M. Y., & Radzi, N. H. M. (2020). A new optimal light sensor placement method of an indoor lighting control system for improving energy performance and visual comfort. Journal of Building Engineering, 30, 101295. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.101295
• Blog entry or comment: Abdulgafar, T. (2019, April 28). How Background Noise Affects Productivity. Krisp. https://krisp.ai/blog/background-noise-and-productivity/
VR-ASSISTED HUMAN-CENTERED SPACE DESIGN
Bittner Zsófia1
PhD Student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, bittnerzsofia@gmail.com
Lovig Dalma
assistant professor, Department of Interior, Applied and Creative Design, Boszorkány street 2, lovig.dalma@mik.pte.hu
Medvegy Gabriella
Full professor, Department of Interior, Applied and Creative Design, Boszorkány street 2, medvegy.gabriella@mik.pte.hu
Gács Boróka
Research associate professor, Department of Behavioural Sciences /University of Pécs-Medical School), boroka.gacs@aok.pte.hu
Borsos Ágnes
Full professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, borsos.agnes@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
The impact of the physical environment on people is significant, and the quality of its indoor spaces dictates its functionality. To kickstart the creation of design plan, it is essential to identify the user’s needs. This involves developing an interior design program and making crucial design choices.
The research is centered around a case study of a building renovation at the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Pécs. Once the design program was established, an interior design proposal was formulated to improve the functionality of the indoor spaces. The study aims to measure the practicality of the design choices proposed in the interior design plan. The research design follows a structured approach, starting with an evaluation of the current state of the indoor spaces. Afterward, the interior design is tested through virtual reality (VR) simulations to identify any potential issues and refine the design further. Finally, user feedback is obtained based on their experience of the implemented design. This approach aims to ensure that the final design is both practical and effective in meeting the user’s needs. Identifying these needs are important to initiate the creation of an architectural and interior design plan. The ultimate goal of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of these design choices.
Keywords: Virtual Reality, Human-centered Design, Interior Design
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The research focuses on the examination of human-centered interior design (Norman, D. A.2013). with the inclusion of virtual reality and the science of psychology. The study is presented through renovating the ’External Camp’ of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Pécs.
INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT
The university facility provides extracurricular education and accommodations for those coming to the campus. The facility is undergoing an interior redesign of living spaces, including three apartments reserved for instructors and a focus on the communal area. The first step in the design process involves examining the existing spaces and adjusting the function and purpose of the rooms based on current conditions. In addition to preservation, the design concept emphasizes incorporating the university’s identity and environmental considerations. The accommodations are intended for temporary stays, typically on a weekly rotation, to promote general well-being and ensure the same level of comfort for everyone, considering the site’s specific conditions. The aim is for sustainability in both operation and use. With these goals in mind, functionality and appropriate material use have been given priority. The design criteria include supporting ease of use, creating transparent and durable spaces, and using materials and furnishings that are easy to maintain and can be smoothly handed over during shift changes.
The camp is located in Orfű, a small town near Pécs and the university itself, which is of tourist significance. A distinctive feature is the three artificial lakes created in the Mecsek mountains. The aim in designing the apartments was to create a uniform appearance that reflects the university’s identity and adapts to the ambiance of Orfű. In terms of flooring, a calm, idyllic milieu is echoed with the appearance of blue-gray shades reminiscent of the lakes. Besides visual appearance, durability and ease of cleaning are essential in material usage. PVC runs along the floors throughout the spaces for protection. Where necessary, it also extends up the walls, in addition to washable wall surfaces and ceramic wall tiles used as backsplashes in the small kitchens and as wall coverings in the bathrooms. In line with the concept, transparent and bright spaces are enhanced by continuous light fixtures from closed profiles and unique furniture throughout the apartment.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERIOR DESIGN AND PSYCHOLOGY
The translation of the text in the image is: “Decisions made during the interior design process were based on the preliminary design concept, user needs, and usage estimates. We aimed to improve spatial experience and optimize functionality. Fundamentally in interior design, we focus on aesthetics, but it may also be necessary to involve human experience and wellbeing, the experience of a space, into design processes. In this case, the goal is to create a vision understandable to everyone, while also creating a good feeling for the users (which isn’t necessarily explainable). ‘... according to the spiritual view of the relationship between environment and behavior, environmental problems should not primarily be addressed with standardized, technical solutions; rather, there is greater value in designing strategies tailored to individuals/communities, which can uphold the unique needs and identity of the specific user
group.’ (Stokols-1990)”
The next phase of the design process involves presenting the planned program in a virtual environment, where users observe objects, materials, and textures in 3D space from the perspective of spatial experience and functionality. The research underscores that visual commitment is just as important as psychological fidelity. This statement is supported by various studies, which suggest that the physical environment affects an individual’s psychological and physiological health (Connellan 2013, Daykin- 2018); in both existing apartments being renovated and the virtual, planned space, a fundamental question is what motivations and emotions they evoke in users. The design process is multifaceted, requiring the designer to consider users’ environmental perceptions. VR facilitates communication between parties and the reconciliation of different viewpoints. (Li, J.-2020) Comparing feedback with designer preferences helps advance the design process and, at certain stages, the realization of designer concepts from a user perspective. The study examines design decisions, suggesting that the layout of the rooms supports usage and positively impacts psychological well-being, all with the involvement of independent users (instructors and students). Typically, lay users and designers interpret spaces differently, but in this case, the study is conducted with architecture students or students of related disciplines.
Well-designed spaces can positively affect people’s well-being, reduce stress, and improve quality of life. Overall, architecture and interior design are not just about creating physical spaces but improving people’s quality of life; therefore, incorporating psychological factors into the design processes is essential. (Dull, A. -2009).
ASSESSMENT OF SPACES
We use the Environmental Semantic Differential Scale to study the interiors, endowing spaces with emotional and physical meanings. The test person must directly assess the spaces surrounding them on-site and in the VR environment and fill out the questionnaire. The examination of the relationship between people and the environment, in this case, arose from a collaboration, partly from an architectural and partly from a psychological perspective. We evaluate how spaces impact mental health and well-being with the questionnaire and then provide architectural responses.
In total, we plan to involve 20 people in the research. Before filling out the ESD questionnaire, we use the WHO-5 Well-Being Index as a measuring tool to assess the current mental state of respondents, which shows the influence on their responses to the questionnaire (examining well-being over the past two weeks). (Omani-Samani R-2019)
Over the last two weeks At no time Some of the time Most of the time All the time
1. ...cheerful and in good spirits?
2. ...calm and relaxed?
3. ...active and vigorous?
4. ...fresh and rested upon waking?
5. My daily life has been filled with things that interest me
1. Table (WHO Well-Being Questionnaire)
PROTOCOL
In this study, to demonstrate the VR experience, we used the wireless Meta Oculus Quest 2 device connected to Epic Games’ rendering program, Twinmotion. For uniform evaluation, participants view a static point, 360-degree panorama setting, and similarly assess the existing conditions from the same designated spot in the actual building parts. Community spaces and apartments are evaluated separately. The collection and analysis of information, sensations, and opinions are done by completing a randomized questionnaire of 18 opposing adjective pairs. In evaluating the interior spaces, participants must judge which adjective pairs are closer to their perception. (Naz, A.-2020)
relaxing irritating harmonious disharmonious varying monotonous calm restless dynamic static ordered disordered dirty clean identarian non-identarian unfriendly friendly stimulating sedated impresive unimpressive comfortable uncomfortable happy unhappy positive negative colorful colorless cozy unwelcoming dark light formal personal
2. Table (Opposite pairs of adjectives)
CONCLUSION
The assumption is that contrary to the current state, the planned state will better support usage, creating a sense of well-being among users. The final phase will examine the already realized state, comparing it with the current spaces to be transformed and the planned state examined in the virtual environment. Questions arise during the design concept, and their answers can be evaluated after realization. It is then that the seemingly correct decisions are confirmed. Depending on the evaluation and results of the questionnaire, this design support system could potentially be schematically applied to future projects
REFERENCES
• Connellan, K. (2013). Environmental psychology: Behavioral responses to physical settings. Wiley.
• Daykin, N. (2018). The role of the physical and social environment in promoting health, safety, and effectiveness in the workplace. American Psychological Association. https://doi. org/10.1037/0000035-000
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TARNAJOULE - AN ALTERNATIVE TO CENTRAL HEATING ON A VILLAGE SCALE
Paári Péter1
Assistant professor, University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, paari.peter@mik.pte.hu
Halada Miklós
Associate professor, University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, halada.miklos@mik.pte.hu
Széll Attila Béla
Associate professor, University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, szell.attila@mik.pte.hu
Széll Judit
Master lecturer, University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, szell.judit@mik.pte.hu
Perényi László Mihály
Associate professor, University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, perenyi.laszlo@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
Tarnabod is a village of 600 inhabitants in the south of Heves county. It is not connected to the natural gas network or district heating and is isolated in terms of energy supply, making it vulnerable in terms of security of supply. There is currently no possibility of laying a gas pipeline in the village, heating in winter is costly and causes significant air pollution. The aim of the study is to develop a consumer- and climate-friendly, innovative and sustainable financing model for the village through alternative energy supply systems that will raise the energy supply to the buildings in the village by at least one level. The solution at this stage is a woodchip heating centre which, together with the district heating pipeline that will also be built as part of the project, could provide a solution to the heating problem of the buildings that will also be upgraded as part of the project. An important element of the project is the hall building that will provide the heating. This will be achieved by demolishing an existing building and rebuilding it on the site, which is not common practice. This will be achieved by building a quarter of the original hall building in the first phase and then extending the heating system to meet the needs of future development, with the buildings connected to the district heating network. This article focuses on the experience of using recycled materials for the hall building, the problems encountered and the solutions to these problems.
Keywords: Tarnabod, Sustainability, Skeleton structure, Energy, Building materials
Topics: Architectural design
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The village is a traditional Hungarian village located about 40 minutes from Eger in Heves county. The local government and the Hungarian Maltese Relief Service, which is currently active in the village, have set up a district heating system based on biomass-fired renewable energy. As a first step, existing heating technologies will be replaced by district heating in institutions, community and educational facilities and offices (Children’s House, Medical Clinic, School buildings, Kindergarten buildings, Dismantling Plant, Playhouse-Canteen-Store, School and Mayor’s Office). All buildings will be supplied with environmentally friendly fuels. This fuel can be produced locally and is therefore a job-creating investment. The number of buildings connected to the scheme can be increased in the future to meet the needs of local residents.
EXISTING STATUS
A local contractor is also involved in the project, and a heating plant serving the district heating network will be built on a site owned by him. Several existing buildings are currently located in the planning area. On the side of the main entrance to the site is a former stable building, which follows the village layout, with a side boundary and a deep (50 m) extension into the site. The former stable building has been recently renovated and the street side of the building has been converted into offices, a meeting room, a toilet and changing block and a kitchenette. The remainder of the building is used as an electronics dismantling workshop. A warehouse is located parallel to the stable building at the end of the building which extends into the plot. In the centre of the plot are two halls built in 2019, a semi-open hall and an experimental concrete admixture plant hall, with free-standing construction within the building site.
Figure 1: site plan of the planning area
PLANNING PROGRAMME
The investor intends to build a new heating plant hall on the site. The investor’s requirements are that the new hall will house the wood-fired boilers that will supply the municipality with energy, their fuel storage, and the space needed for the production and storage of fuel.
In order to promote a sustainable approach and, of course, to reduce the investment costs of the project, the structure of the hall will be that of a previously existing hall building in Austria, which will be demolished and modified as necessary. The hall in question is a light steel frame with a double-girder design and a nominal span of 10.74 m. The two-bay hall frame has a gable roof design and the boundary structures are made of insulated sandwich panels. The final design of the project has been planned in several phases in order to ensure that the heating plant can be maintained for the village. Accordingly, only part of the previously purchased hall structure will be incorporated in the current construction. Thus, the two-bay hall in its present form will be a single-bay hall in the first phase, which will be significantly shorter than its final length. This geometry will be sufficient to supply the buildings listed above with the necessary thermal energy, but a later development will allow the connection of several buildings in the municipality and the possibility to increase the amount of wood chips produced.
Reuse of an existing structure
It is important to note that the reuse of an existing demolished structure in a new building is an eligible option. For these materials, there is no energy input in the manufacturing process, only the possible modification of the element before its installation. However, it should be taken into account that existing structures can cause constraints and problems during the design and construction.
In this case, the skeleton structure to be recycled was already on site before the design was started. But the steel elements did not have any design and testing documentation. So, as an initial step, the skeleton structure elements were surveyed on site. The survey was carried out using only conventional survey tools, which creates a potential for error before the design has even started and makes the construction more difficult. This can be avoided by using 3D laser scanning to measure the elements during the survey. This method has several advantages in addition to the fact that the finished 3D model will be accurate to within a fraction of a millimetre, as it allows us to measure and inspect the condition of each element. Conventional methods of surveying are not suitable for detecting deformations resulting from storage, dismantling or transport. Another potential source of error during construction is if the elements are found to have undergone some deformation, either before or during installation, between the time of demolition and re-installation.
There are several differences between the original design of the hall and the design of this project. The construction in several phases has been mentioned earlier. In the first phase, the first 5 frame stands will be installed. This will allow for the installation of a wood chip storage area of almost 30 m2 , which will feed the three boilers in the boiler room during operation. The boiler room will also be located under the 5 frame houses, where, in addition to the boilers, other fittings for the district heating network will be installed and the remaining space will be used for the preparation of the wood chips. In the first stage, only a small amount of wood will be produced due to the small space available. In the second phase, the hall will be given its original two-bay design, but in a shorter length. This means that the hall is mirrored along its longitudinal axis. This will allow doubling the number of boilers, the fuel storage area and the production space. In the third phase, the building will be extended longitudinally, thus increasing again the fuel production capacity of the site.
Figure 2: steel structure survey documentation
Figure 3: floor plan of current and future developments
Another important difference compared to the original situation is that the steel structure of the hall does not have the necessary headroom to accommodate the new function, so a 116 cm rise from the floor level is required. This change applies to the building as a whole for all three phases. It is a potential failure mode in normal situations where the reinforced concrete structure meets the steel elements, but in this situation the elevation complicates the design process.
The time elapsed between the design of the original building and the design of the new building when the demolished structure is re-installed creates a significant problem for the design of the new building. Even assuming that the condition of the steel elements is satisfactory (no corrosion, no deformation), the design specifications and structural standards have changed during this time. Therefore, a situation may arise where a previously built structure needs to be reinforced during reuse.
The loads and effects taken into account in the preparation of the structural design have been determined on the basis of the planned geometric dimensions according to the standards MSZ EN 1991-1-1, MSZ EN 1991-1-3 and MSZ EN 1991-1-4, according to the risk and partial factors prescribed in the standard. The design is based on the specifications and recommendations of the following structural Eurocodes:
MSZ EN 1990 series of standards Principles for the design of supporting structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1991 Effects on supporting structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1992 Design of concrete structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1993 Design of steel structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1994 Design of steel and concrete composite structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1995 Design of timber structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1996 Design of masonry structures
Standard series MSZ EN 1997 Geotechnical design
Standard series MSZ EN 1998 Design of retaining structures for earthquakes
Standard series MSZ EN 1999 Design of aluminium structures
Based on these, and when manufacturing and assembling according to MSZ EN ISO 13920, the
Figure 4: Reinforcement of existing structures
positional accuracy of the hole groups within a hole group is ±6 mm for the length tolerance and ±1 mm for the hole groups. This represents one of the critical points in the design of the support structure, which can hamper the construction process. This potential for error could be prevented by the 3D scanning mentioned earlier. Thanks to this reinforcement, the original weight of 4531 Kg of the steel structure (including the reinforcements of the main structure and the additional elements supporting the wall panels), as designed in the first phase, must be increased by 4424 Kg of new elements. Of course, part of this nearly 9000 kg of steel structure would have to be used for a completely new steel structure, so even if the total amount of steel for a new steel structure would be less than the current situation, the balance is still positive when looking at the ecological footprint of steel structure production.
During the design of the building, several options for fuel storage were considered. In the first option, the bottom of the containers was lowered from the original ground level to facilitate the loading of wood chips, but in this case the groundwater level determined by soil mechanics would be below the foundation level of the building. As a result, the storage area will have to be insulated with a retaining wall solution, increasing the construction costs and the potential for errors during construction.
Figure 5: Fuel storage 1st position
Figure 6: Fuel storage 2nd position
Therefore, it was necessary to place the containers at floor level and to lift the wood chips to the height of the filling openings when filling. In this way, the foundation level of the building remains above the water table in all cases. Based on the soil mechanics expertise, the reinforced concrete piers will be constructed with a monolithic Vb. point footing on the axis line of the reinforced concrete piers - compacted soil replacement layer, or with a monolithic Vb. footing slab running along the upper plane of the point footings. In the first phase of the substructure works, a 0,20 m thick layer of humus covering the ground surface will be removed and a socalled mirror plane will be created. In the second phase, the point foundations and base beams will be positioned and the working trenches will be raised, according to the design. In the third phase of the substructure works, the compaction of the earth under the point foundations and the replacement layer of soil will be carried out in 30.00 cm thickness, using a layer of compacted (Trρ=95%) clay material (e.g. basalt crushed stone), marked M-1.
The problem of placing the containers is of course not related to the recycled steel structure. These problems are entirely due to the characteristics of the planning area, they would arise with any chosen structural solution.
CONCLUSIONS
The project is the first step of a small-scale municipality with a small population towards the development of a renewable energy heating plant and district heating network, by reusing structural elements of a demolished hall, which is also promoted from a sustainability point of view. All this in an area where, until now, heating of individual buildings could only be provided by solid fuels, on a case-by-case basis.
It is clear from the foregoing that this solution has its difficulties and constraints (in addition to the specificities of the planning area) which had to be overcome during the planning phase in order to achieve a feasible end result that meets the needs. An accurate picture of the solution can only be determined once the construction has been completed. When the problems and additional costs of recycling will become apparent. These can be partly or fully addressed during the second and third phases of the design, depending on the nature of the problem. Overall, there should be a direction of travel that is supported, together with the potential problems that may arise as mentioned above.
REFERENCES
• Design documentation: Architect technical specification 4.p
• Journal article: Bhanu B., Lee S., Ho C. Henderson T. 1985, Range data processing: Representation of surfaces by edges, University of Utah, Department of Computer Science
• Standard series: EN1993-1-1:2005, Eurocode 3, Design of steel structures, Part 1-1, General rules and rules for buildings, European Committee for Standardization, Brussels, Belgium, 2005.
• Journal article: Fülöp L. A., Dubina D. 2004, Performance of wall-stud cold-formed shear panels under monotonic and cyclic loading, Part I, xperimental Research, Thin Walled Structures, Vol. 42, No. 2, 2004, pp. 321–338.
• Journal article: Matúš TKÁČ, Peter MESÁROŠ, Tomáš MANDIČÁK, 2018 TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING – EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR CREATING BUILDING INFORMATION MODELS, POLLACK PERIODICA - An International Journal for Engineering and Information Sciences, DOI: 10.1556/606.2018.13.3.7 Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 61–72 (2018)
• Journal article: Richard HONTI, Ján ERDÉLYI, Alojz KOPÁČIK, 2018, PLANE SEGMENTATION FROM POINT CLOUDS, POLLACK PERIODICA - An International Journal for Engineering and Information Sciences, DOI: 10.1556/606.2018.13.2.16, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 159–171 (2018)
• Internet source: TarnaJoule - Tarnabod Település Energiaellátásának Biztosítása Földgázhelyettesítő Alternatív Ellátási Módok Felhasználásával Accessed April 25, 2024. https://projektek.pte.hu/hu/hazai/nkfia/2020-313-zfr-tefh-2020-00005
(POETIC) QUALITY IN ARCHITECTURE: AI GENERATIVE DESIGN
Tošić, Jovana1
Professor of Vocational Studies, ITS – Information Technology School, Savski nasip 7, Belgrade, Serbia, jokica.in.wonderland@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Architectural quality is one of the main issues in contemporary architectural design. Also, an intriguing and challenging question is – how to achieve it. Architect Peter Zumthor states –“Quality architecture to me is when a building manages to move me,”. To him, a poetic quality in architecture matters the most. Therefore, the question could be reformulated: What is a poetic architectural quality, and how can it be achieved? Further, artificial intelligence platforms (textto-image AI art generators), such as Midjourney, DALL-E, Stable Diffusion, etc, are considerably involved in developing architectural design concepts, shaping architectural forms and details, and giving a space its character and spirit. This process is a coherent “dream” of an architect and artificial intelligence. The results are often unpredictable. Therefore, the process is largely intuitive, but the design base consists of cultural and historical references, art knowledge, and cross-references.
The paper will analyze how text-to-image AI art generators could improve architectural quality in terms of more poetic and less pragmatic architectural design. As Peter Zumthor claims, poetic quality in architecture refers to the architectural atmosphere. The analysis of selected examples includes two different groups of architectural design concepts to explore their parameters for generating an atmosphere. The first group include AI-generative architectural imagery of surreal interiors made by 3D artists and architects – AI influencers. The second group consists of two store interiors embodying AI-generative aesthetics but simultaneously providing bodily experiences. The aim is to define and think of ways to achieve and improve (poetic) architectural quality, build the architectural atmosphere’s particular experience using AI design generators, and explore different methods and techniques to achieve AI-generative aesthetics in interior spaces.
Keywords: AI generative design, Architectural quality, Poetic quality, Architectural atmosphere, AI-generated architectural imagery, AI-generative aesthetics
Topics: Architectural design
INTRODUCTION
In contemporary architectural design practice, text-to-image AI design generators, such as DALL-E and Stable Diffusion, but mostly Midjourney, are widely used by architectural designers to shape and improve concepts and ideas. The question is how these AI-generated architectural ideas influence the poetic quality of architecture and whether they could improve it. This also
1Corresponding author
brings up critical thinking concerning the virtual vs. bodily experience of architecture and interior spaces. The aim is to translate more poetic and less pragmatic qualities from AI-generated ideas into architectural and interior design concepts.
By previously established parameters of creating and recognizing poetic quality in architecture, selected examples of AI-generated architectural imagery created using AI text-to-image generator Midjourney are analyzed. The theoretical framework concerns interpretations of generating an architectural atmosphere by architects Peter Zumthor and Juhani Pallasmaa. Zumthor’s interpretation of quality in architecture is directly related to the atmosphere in architecture. Therefore, further in the paper, the examples of AI-generated atmospheric spaces are analyzed by parameters of generating an architectural atmosphere (in interior and hybrid spaces). The analysis of the AI-generated architectural atmospheric spaces concerns their aesthetic qualities, not their semantic base.
POETIC ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY: GENERATIVE ATMOSPHERE OR GENERATING AN ATMOSPHERE
Theoretical and practical work of both architects, Peter Zumthor and Juhani Pallasmaa, concern with quality in architecture. Their interpretations of architectural quality are similar, and they are related to the notion of atmosphere and its generation, thus to the building of (or generating) the atmosphere in architecture and experiencing it (multi)sensory. For Zumthor, poetic quality in architecture is what matters the most. He argues that ‘[w]e perceive atmosphere through our emotional sensibility – a form of perception that works incredibly quickly’ (Borch, 2006: 7). It means that atmosphere is a spatial-emotional phenomenon experienced affectively, by the first impression. When generating particular atmospheres in architecture, Zumthor includes material-haptic qualities, sounds, lights, temperature, smells, noises, colours. Architecture that has poetic quality and a particular atmosphere immerses itself into its surroundings, navigates the movement through space by seduction, creating a sense of discovery, a tension between interior and exterior, and different levels of intimacy through scale variation of spatial elements, and it is coherent (Zumthor, 2006). This leads to the conclusion that what quality in architecture represents is “far beyond form and function,” and “...It means acknowledging that buildings should not be conceived of as singular entities, but rather as parts of a larger atmospheric whole” (Borch, 2006: 15). To recognize quality in architecture, thus to feel an atmosphere of the space deeply means to identify/give a space its particular character. Also, the important definition of the atmosphere is: “Atmospheres are an ‘in-between,’ made possible by the (bodily but also social and symbolic) co-presence of subject and object” (Griffero, 2014: 121), which implies bodily presence for perceive the atmosphere of a particular space. When it comes to the manner in which we perceive the atmosphere, Pallasmaa claims that the atmosphere is simultaneously experienced by perception, memory, and imagination intertwined (Pallasmaa, 2017). AI-generated architectural imagery also has perception, memory, and imagination intertwined in creation and experience. It uses cultural and historical references as memory sources to create prompts, resulting in a coherent imaginative dream of a designer and a machine. Since “the result is a reality that is historical and meta-historical, real and unreal, utopic and dystopic” (Battelli, 2024: 50), this indicates that AI-generated architectural imagery, as an architectural atmosphere, is a phenomenon “in-between”. Referring to this theoretical framework on generating the atmosphere in architecture, the question is – how could this poetic quality in architecture be achieved and improved with AI design generators? To answer this question, firstly, the virtual experience of the atmosphere
of AI-generated architectural imagery needs to be analyzed by parameters of generating an atmosphere defined by Zumthor, and the parallel with bodily experience needs to be drawn (Tošić, 2023). Furthermore, an analysis of the examples of atmospheric AI-generated architectural design, reveals which architectural parameters could be used as prompts to create poetic spaces.
According to some research, AI architectural imagery can evoke specific emotional responses, mainly conveying positive emotions like joy (Zhang et al., 2024). Also, AI-generated architectural images of interior spaces are more effective in expressing emotions and conveying them to perceivers, compared to those of generated exterior (ibid: 3). Therefore, examples analyzed in the paper are AI-generated architectural interiors. The character of AI-generated architectural spaces could be commonly described as a hybrid, dreamy, yet familiar space. The atmosphere in these generated architectural spaces “becomes an integral part of an architectural narrative” (Battelli, 2024: 49). This implies that the atmosphere could be read (virtual experience) as an equivalent to physically being felt (bodily experience).
ANALYSIS OF THE AI-GENERATED ARCHITECTURAL ATMOSPHERIC SPACES
Primarily, the selected examples are divided into two different groups. The first group consist of the conceptual AI-generative architectural imagery of surreal spaces. All of the examples represent some type of interior space. The first two are more obvious, and the third one is more experimental – a hybrid space of merging elements of the interior into exterior settings. The most common method of AI-generated architectural imagery of interiors which significantly provoke emotions are those that “refers to the interchangeability of architectural scales where urban elements merge with interior spaces and vice versa” (ibid: 48), like the ones of the selected examples. Selected examples of AI-generated architectural imagery, with their profound emotional impact, are created with the AI platform Midjourney.
Criteria for selection and analysis of the AI-generated architectural imagery examples refer to:
• Strong first impression;
• Implementation of generating atmospheres parameters;
• The ability to evoke specific emotional responses;
• The potential to stimulate imagination,
• The interchangeability of architectural scales.
Feelings turned to stone: Haptic cave-like space
The first example is the dreamy space of a sea cave made with AI-generative tools by the artist Sara Shakeel (Figure 1). These AI-generated architectural imagery series have two titles: 1) “Untitled Gatherings”, and 2) “Feelings Turned to Stone” (Shakeel, 2024). At first glance, this space has a strong haptic appearance – a cave interior with many sculptures. The main detail that gives this space a utopian and surreal character is a large flamboyant chandelier, which gives the cave interior artificial light and mixes it with daylight. This mix of elements create mystic and sublime atmosphere. The tension between interior and exterior space is also strongly present. One of the most important atmospheric elements here is light; therefore, shadows create levels of intimacy in different parts of the cave. Also, this space is highly seductive since it navigates the gazing of the perceiver through haptic surfaces and sculptures.
Latent Landscape: Large-scale coziness
The second example is AI-generated interior spaces made by architectural design creatives from Ulises Studio (Figure 2). These spaces are titled “Latent landscape” (Ulises, 2024), which indicates that this dream-like landscape is hidden. Authors of this architectural imagery describe the space as a future space of enjoyment. The two most dominant elements of creating a particular atmosphere of these imaginative spaces are: 1) interchangeability of architectural scales – urban element (landscape – hills, grass) merge with interior space, and 2) tension between interior and exterior (large scale landscape that in some images looks infinite, yet it is closed space, an interior). The spaces are monumental yet cozy because of the material softness of the artificial, colourful landscape. This material provokes a haptic experience, also suggesting the soft and comfortable sound of the space, creating the synesthetic experience of this AIgenerated architectural imagery.
A home without a house: An atmosphere of a home
The third example of selected AI-generated architectural imagery is surreal installations in the natural surroundings of Arizona’s Desert, under the title “A home without a house” by Hassan Ragab (Figure 3). The title of this AI artwork suggests that these furniture and lighting installations create the atmosphere of a home without any architectural elements. These AIgenerated architectural imagery create an apparent tension between the interior (in the form of furniture installations that suggest a space of a kitchen and a dining room) and their exterior setting – a desert. These natural surroundings bring specific smells, sounds, and temperatures. The furniture is futuristic, and light creates a cosy ambiance. Also, the critical thought behind these spaces is that a home could be portable and that it could be anywhere, depending on the atmosphere. The leading poetic quality of this example is the fusion of house elements and its raw natural context.
Figure 1: AI-generated sea cave, author: Sara Shakeel
Figure 2: AI-generated landscape-like interior space, author: Ulises Studio
TRANSPOSITION OF AI-GENERATED ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTS INTO PHYSICAL SPACE
Firstly, further discussion of possible methods of translating and implementing AI-generated architectural concepts into physical architecture and materializing these poetic qualities in interior design to evoke bodily experiences includes the analysis of an interior project as a successful physical manifestation of the virtual concept of “dreamscape” space. Secondly, the reverse process of exploring the poetic qualities of an architectural space includes the analysis of an interior space that embodies AI-generative aesthetics but simultaneously provides bodily experiences. Most interior spaces with this type of aesthetics are contemporary retail spaces and stores. The main research question is – how are these poetic qualities achieved in these interior spaces through their atmospheric elements (textures, shapes, tactile material effects, material surfaces, lighting, and shadows)?
A successful and unique example of translating a virtual concept of the dreamy aesthetics of interior space into a tangible, haptic spatial experience is the Moco Concept Store, a retail space for the Moco Museum in Barcelona (Figure 4). The author of the virtual “dreamscape” space is Argentinian multidisciplinary digital artist Ezequiel Pini (Six N. Five). In collaboration with the Spanish interior design studio Isern Serra, the artist Six N. Five translated the virtual experience of his “minimal, surreal, and tranquil environments, pastel dreamscapes, and vivid, unthinkable architectures” (Gasior, 2022, para. 3) to physical authentic interior retail space. He shaped this concept from rendered drawings, which he created using CGI (computer-generated imagery). The main aim of this project, which was entirely created and shaped by using AI design tools, was to transform the original, virtual experience into a tangible, bodily, multisensory spatial experience, and the method to achieve the results concerns mostly materials surface treatment, shaping the constructive elements and details, and the concept of lighting. The atmosphere of the interior of Moco Concept Store is generated with pastel pink columns, walls, floors, and ceilings, their curved shapes with ultra-smooth surfaces, pink cylindrical plinths used to showcase products, spotlights, and dramatically backlit of niches. The transposition technique of the effects of material surfaces, such as in renders, involved traditional methods. Pink microcement is used to achieve the effect of uniform, ultra-smooth, haptic surfaces in the interior (Levy, 2023).
Figure 3: AI-generated hybrid spaces, author: Hassan Ragab
Another interior of a retail space that represents an AI-generative type of aesthetics and has an atmosphere of an immersive bodily experience is Maison Margiela’s concept store in Paris (but also Maison Margiela’s stores in London, Osaka, and Shanghai, with the same architectural language concept), an innovative architectural design project of a Dutch architect Anne Holtrop (Figure 5 and 6). This store interior is not an example of translating a digital into a physical concept. However, since the aesthetic is very AI-generative look-alike, analyzing a realization method could lead to ideas on achieving this AI-generative aesthetic and atmosphere in interior space. Material is the main architectural element used in creating an atmosphere, and it plays with textures and surfaces. The primary architectural technique is deconstruction. Shapes of columns, furniture, and details are asymmetric in form, while furniture incomplete rectangular forms based on paper cuts refer to the décortiqué technique, a visual language developed by fashion designer John Galliano (Gualandris, 2021). The most complex method in this interior design project is developing material texture effects, surfaces that “evoke the emotion of a hand-spun tactility” (ibid), following the idea that “one of the core elements are the gypsum casts in textile formwork,” and by adding that after removing the textile formwork, “the imprint of the textile remains visible on the surface of the walls and columns” (ibid). Also, the character of a space is shaped by plaster walls and columns, which appear as detached objects in space.
Figure 4: “Dreamscape” interior of Moco Concept Store
Figure 5: Columns in Maison Margiela’s concept store in Paris
CONCLUSIONS
To conclude, the results of the analysis of AI-generated architectural imagery of interiors with atmospheric (poetic) qualities could be divided into several intertwined themes:
• Method of generating an architectural atmosphere through text-to-image AI-design generators (which prompts to use for getting the parameters to build a particular atmosphere);
• Ways to achieve a virtual experience of AI-generated architectural imagery that provokes a bodily experience of the space character;
• New parameters that AI-generative design had brought that could be used in generating an architectural atmosphere to improve poetic quality;
• Methods of implementing poetic qualities in architectural design to improve social values;
• Exploring methods and techniques to achieve AI-generative aesthetics in interior spaces. Explorations of design possibilities through AI design generators (like Midjourney) go beyond a form shaping and detailing, suggesting a complex spatial experience. The architectural quality, as a unique and hybrid product of a designer and AI design platforms, lies in the endless possibilities of experimental methods of generating an atmosphere and their iterations.
Figure 6: Details and the atmosphere of Maison Margiela’s concept store in Paris
REFERENCES
• Book: Borch, Christian. 2014. Architectural Atmospheres: On the Experience and Politics of Architecture. Basel: Birkhäuser.
• Book: Griffero, Tonino. 2014. Atmospheres: Aesthetics of Emotional Spaces. Farnham: Ashgate.
• Book: Zumthor, Peter. 2006. Atmospheres: Architectural Environments. Surrounding Objects. Basel: Birkhäuser.
• Book chapter: Pallasmaa, Juhani. 2017. “O atmosferi: periferna percepcija i egzistencijalno iskustvo.” in Prostor vremena, edited by A. Selenić, & V. Đokić, 93-105. Beograd: Arhitektonski fakultet.
• Journal article: Battelli, Cesare. 2024. “AI and Synaesthetic Space: Architecture from Hybrid Visions of Intelligent Machines.” In Architectural Design, Vol 94, 3 (May/June): 46-53.
• Journal article: Zhang Z, Fort JM and Giménez Mateu L. 2024. “Decoding emotional responses to AI-generated architectural imagery.” Frontiers in Psychology 15 (March): 1-12.
• Conference paper: Tošić, Jovana. 2023. “Dream-like Spaces as Spaces of Likes: Towards the New Research Sources”, In EAHN 2022: 7th International Meeting Conference Proceedings, 289-300. Madrid: ETSAM School of Architecture of the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.
• Internet source: Gasior, Zuzanna. 2022. “Moco Concept Store by Six N. Five”, Thisispaper, 2 November. Accessed August 11, 2023. https://www.thisispaper.com/mag/moco-conceptstore-six-n-five.
• Internet source: Gualandris, Devid. 2021. “Abstract Furnishings and Natural Tonalities Inform The Interior Of Maison Margiela Shanghai”, Ignant, 17 December. Accessed May 11, 2024. https://www.ignant.com/2021/12/17/abstract-furnishings-and-natural-tonalitiesinform-the-interior-of-maison-margiela-shanghai/.
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ENHANCING ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION SHIELDING OF BUILDING MATERIALS: INSIGHTS INTO MECHANISMS AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS
Vrdoljak, Ivan1
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, ivrdoljak@gfos.hr
Miličević, Ivana
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 3, 31000 Osijek, Croatia, ivana.milicevic@gfos.hr
ABSTRACT
The increasing prevalence of electromagnetic (EM) radiation in our environment has raised concerns regarding its potential health effects. This paper investigates the mechanisms of EM radiation protection using building materials and the impact of EM radiation on health. Despite the lack of definitive long-term studies on the health impacts of EM radiation, the importance of proactive protection cannot be overstated. The paper describes the mechanisms of protection against EM radiation (absorption, reflection and multiple reflections) and gives a brief insight into the theoretical basis of EM protection of building materials. The paper also presents some positive examples of improving the EM protection of bearing materials such as concrete or clay brick.
Keywords: Electromagnetic shielding, health effects, absorption, reflection
Topics: Building structures and materials
INTRODUCTION
EM radiation is the phenomenon of propagation of electric and magnetic waves, or photons, which travel at a certain speed and transmit energy. An electric field is a term that denotes the space between two electrically charged bodies. When these charges are set in motion, for example, when current passes through them, a magnetic field is created. In addition to inevitable natural exposure to EM radiation, at the beginning of the 19th century electromagnetism began to develop intensively, which resulted in a large number of artificial sources of electromagnetic radiation. In today’s 21st century, life without artificial sources of EM radiation is almost unimaginable. These devices, which emit EM radiation, have become an indispensable part of our everyday life, facilitating many aspects of our lives. But with increasing exposure to EM radiation, there is also greater concern about potentially negative effects on human health.
1Corresponding author
Depending on the wavelengths and frequencies, the radiation is divided into: very low frequencies (1 Hz – 103 Hz), low frequencies (103 Hz – 105 Hz), radiowaves (105 Hz – 1010 Hz), microwaves (1010 Hz – 1012 Hz), infrared (1012 Hz – 1014 Hz), visible light (1012 Hz – 1015 Hz), ultraviolet (1015 Hz – 1017 Hz), x-rays (1017 Hz – 1019 Hz) and gamma radiation (>1019 Hz) (Hay 2013). It should be noted that in reality the boundary between types of radiation is not strictly and clearly defined. According to the work of Bandar, Carpenter (Bandara and Carpenter 2018), human exposure to EM radiation has increased in 60 years by 1018 times. The biggest increase is in the frequency range around 1 GHz. We distinguish between non-ionizing and ionizing radiation. Photons transfer energy. The energies of non-ionizing radiation (which we are exposed to much more than ionizing radiation) transmit energy insufficient to eject a particle from an atom. Non-ionizing radiation is radiation at frequencies lower than 3 000 000 GHz. Compared to non-ionizing radiation, ionizing radiation transmits much higher energy and ejects particles from atoms (thus the material becomes ionized), which is why exposure to higher intensities of this radiation can be very dangerous for health. A problematic factor with this type of radiation that causes concern among scientists is frequent and long-term exposure to this type of radiation.
IMPACT OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ON HUMAN HEALTH
Radiation with sufficiently high energy ejects an electron from an atom is called ionizing radiation. The danger of exposure to higher intensity of ionizing radiation on human health has been known since the last century. There is agreement that high doses of IR pose a great threat
Figure 1. Exposure to non-ionizing EM radiation (Bandara and Carpenter 2018)
to human health (Burgio, Piscitelli, and Migliore 2018). However, in everyday life we are much more often exposed to non-ionizing radiation, which does not have enough energy to ionize atoms. At almost every moment we are exposed to a complex network of electric and magnetic waves. Due to the increasing exposure to EM radiation in recent years, there is growing concern about the potentially harmful effects of long-term exposure on human health. Our everyday life is filled with devices that emit EM radiation, from mobile phones and Wi-Fi networks to household appliances and electrical installations. This constant presence of radiation sources has led to increased research into possible long-term health consequences. Fears include the risk of developing cancer, sleep disorders, headaches and other health problems. Although current research has not provided definitive answers, the need for further research and careful monitoring is becoming increasingly apparent to ensure the safety and health of people in an increasingly technologically connected world. Namely, some scientists in their works report a connection between the causative agent of EM radiation and the development of cancerous diseases. For example, in the study by Cardis et al. the risk of brain tumors was analyzed in relation to the amount of RF absorbed by the brain using a mobile phone close to the ear. The results were collected in five different countries: Australia, Canada, France, Israel and New Zealand. The results showed an increased risk of glioma formation (brain tumor) in long-term mobile phone users with high exposure to RF radiation. (Cardis et al. 2011). Furthermore, research by Khurana et al. (Khurana et al. 2010) analyzed ten studies that dealt with the risk of developing cancerous diseases for households located near base stations. Eight of the 10 studies reported an increased incidence of adverse neurobehavioral symptoms or cancer in populations living < 500 meters from base cells. In addition to the two mentioned, there are a large number of papers that also report the negative effects of non-ionizing radiation on health, some of which are listed here (Hardell, Carlberg, and Mild 2005; Sadetzki et al. 2008; Morgan et al. 2015; West et al. 2013). On the other hand, there is a large number of papers that do not find a correlation between long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation and an increased risk of developing cancerous diseases. For example, Bartsch et al. (Bartsch et al. 2002) in their experiment they exposed freely moving animals to a relatively low density GSM signal (900 MHz) that was applied continuously throughout the experiment. Based on the results of the experiment, the authors found no association between exposure to EM radiation and an increased risk of developing tumors. The authors Muscat et al came to the same conclusion (Muscat et al. 2000) in his work from 2001., a total of 469 men and women were examined for the connection between the use of a mobile device and an increased risk of developing brain cancer. The author’s conclusion was that, based on the results, there is no connection between the use of a mobile device and an increased risk of developing cancer. A solid number of papers with the same conclusion can also be found in the available databases, some of which are listed here (Zook and Simmens 2001; Anderson et al. 2004; Lönn et al. 2006; Richter, Berman, and Levy 2002; Zaki et al. 2020). Due to growing concern about the harm of non-ionizing EM radiation, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified very low frequencies as possibly carcinogenic in 2001. Ten years later, in 2011, the same agency added radio frequencies (from 300 kHz to 300 GHz) to the same group of potentially carcinogenic factors. (Repacholi 2003), (IARC 2011).
EM PROTECTION MECHANISMS
There are three ways that people can reduce their exposure to non-ionizing EM radiation:
• Time limitation – reduction of time spent in areas with high levels of EM radiation;
• Distance – just as the heat from a fire decreases with increasing distance, the dose of radiation decreases, with the square of distrance (r2);
• Protection – the use of walls or barriers with improved properties for EM protection, which can significantly reduce the spread of EM radiation;
Although the first two ways can be influenced mainly through a conscientious individual approach, the application of the third way, i.e. the use of elements with high protection against EM radiation, can significantly reduce people’s exposure in the long term. Such protective elements are particularly suitable for sensitive areas such as kindergartens, schools, maternity hospitals, hospitals and similar institutions.
Shielding EM fields can sometimes be a demanding task. The EM properties of a material are affected by many factors: material thickness, electrical conductivity, porosity, temperature, magnetism, etc. The overall protection against EM radiation consists of three factors: absorption (SEA), reflection (SER) and multiple reflection (SEM) within the material. When the incident wave comes into contact with the surface, a part of the radiation is reflected. The reflection of the incident wave after contact with the surface of the medium occurs after a significant difference between the impedance of the protective material and the incident wave. Reflection can sometimes be undesirable for the environment and people. This is why low reflection is sometimes attractive from a security point of view. Another part of protection against EM radiation is absorption. The thickness of the material plays an important role. The thicker the material, the greater the interaction between the waves and the material will be. After absorption of EM radiation, as a result of energy conversion (from EM energy to thermal energy), heat is generated. Multiple reflections have the least effect on EM protection. Materials that are more porous or layered will also have a larger multiple reflection component. If the absorption loss is less than 10 dB, the contribution of multiple reflections can be neglected. The total protection can be expressed using the expression:
SET=SEA+SER+SEM
SET - Total shielding
SEA - Absorption shielding
SER - Reflection shielding
SEM - Multiple reflection shielding
Figure 2. Mechanisms of protection against EM radiation
ELECTROMAGNETIC SHIELDING MATERIALS
Due to growing concerns, in recent years there has been an increasing number of scientific papers investigating different ways of improving existing materials with the aim of improving their properties to prevent the penetration of EM radiation. In construction, among the available bases, the greatest emphasis is placed on brick-based composite materials and cement-based composite materials when it comes to protection against EM radiation. In a 2011 paper, Bantsis et al used the waste material that forms on the surface of steel during the hot rolling process. They analyzed a sandwich system of three layers, where on the outer sides there were clay tiles with 15% or 20% admixture, while in the middle there was a mortar with Portland cement and 10% admixture. They also analyzed a brick wall with an admixture of 15% and 20%. The dimensions of the brick were 30 x 30 x 3 cm. The best protection result was achieved by the sandwich system with the addition of 20% admixture, which at a frequency of about 11.5 GHz provided protection of about 12 dB, while the highest protection of the composite brick wall was about 5 dB at a frequency of 9.5 GHz. The authors concluded that waste material from the hot rolling process can be successfully used to increase EM protection in frequencies from 8 to 12 GHz (Bantsis et al. 2011). In a 2013 paper, Bantsis et al. investigated the EM shielding effectiveness of clay-based ceramic products by adding electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) and potfurnace slag (LFS). The results showed that ceramic products with the addition of slag from the electric arc furnace are more efficient than ceramic products with slag from the pot-furnace in the analyzed frequency range of the X band (8-12 GHz). Other properties, such as water absorption, compressive strength and bending strength, did not decrease significantly (Bantsis et al. 2013). Vrdoljak et al. (Vrdoljak et al. 2022) in their work analyzed the influence of different nanomaterials on the EM shielding of clay samples in the frequency range of 1.5 GHz - 6 GHz. The tested nanomaterials are: Titanium dioxide, zinc ferrite, maghemite, antimony tin oxide and fly ash. The results showed that samples with the addition of antimony tin oxide (ATO) have the highest protection potential, while titanium dioxide, a crystalline form of rutile, also showed high potential in addition to ATO. In relation to clay composites, a much larger number of studies analyzing the EM protection of cement-based composites were found in the database. Nam and Lee (Nam and Lee 2016) investigated the effectiveness of EM shielding of mortars containing additives of fly ash, silicon dust and carbon nanoparticles. In part of the paper, the authors focused on the impact of increasing fly ash concentration on protection. The frequency range they analyzed reached up to 18 GHz. The results showed that the effectiveness of EM shielding increases with the increase in the proportion of fly ash, but this increase is significantly smaller compared to the addition of nanoparticles. Samples with the addition of fly ash showed the best efficiency at the highest analyzed frequency of 18 GHz. The greatest protection was achieved by mortars with the addition of fly ash in proportions of 50% and 75%. Micheli et al. (Micheli et al. 2014) studied the effectiveness of carbon nanoparticles and concrete in shielding against EM radiation for frequencies from 0.75 GHz to 1.12 GHz. Carbon nanoparticles were added to the concrete sample with a thickness of 15 cm in the proportion of 2.0% and 3.0%. The results showed the ability of EM protection of concrete with 3.0% carbon nanoparticles in the amount of 50 dB at a frequency of 1.1 GHz. It should be noted that the reference concrete sample had a protection against EM radiation of about 10 dB at that frequency.
CONCLUSION
Electromagnetic radiation is an inevitable part of our lives in the 21st century, and with the increase in the use of devices that emit this radiation, there is also a growing concern about
possible harmful effects on human health. Although high-intensity ionizing radiations are known for their dangers, non-ionizing radiations, to which we are much more exposed, also present potential risks. There are studies that show a link between long-term exposure to nonionizing radiation and an increased risk of health problems such as cancer, while other studies do not find such a correlation.
Given the uncertainty and varying study results, it is important to continue research to better understand potential risks and establish safety measures. To reduce exposure to non-ionizing radiation, measures such as limiting the exposure time, increasing the distance from the radiation source and using protective materials are recommended. Particularly interesting are materials with improved properties for protection against EM radiation, such as composite materials based on brick and cement, and additives such as carbon nanoparticles, which show significant potential in reducing radiation penetration.
Given the increasing presence of EM radiation in our daily lives, it is necessary to continue developing effective protective measures and conducting detailed research to ensure people’s safety and health.
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WAYFINDING AS A TOOL FOR INCLUSION. THE DESIGN RESEARCH FOR SCHUSTER PARK IN ROME
Calcagnini, Laura1
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, V. A. Manunzio 68L 00153 Rome, laura. calcagnini@uniroma3.it
Trulli, Luca
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, V. A. Manunzio 68L 00153 Rome, luca.trulli@uniroma3.it
Accolla, Carolina
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, V. A. Manunzio 68L 00153 Rome, car.accolla@stud.uniroma3.it
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of a research conducted within the Department of Architecture of Roma Tre University aimed at the definition of design strategies for a universal inclusive park. The research provided as case study the Schuster Park in Rome, located close to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. The results of the research are represented by design guidelines useful for the elaboration of the Technical and Economic Feasibility Project. The guidelines are an expression of design strategies such as wayfinding.
Wayfinding defines the ability to acquire knowledge of own position, direction, and attainment of the set destination. It represents the full ability of changing direction independently, in a familiar space or not. Wayfinding describes the integrated system between the individual sense of direction and the tools that enable people with different abilities to acquire the information to make this happen.
The wayfinding design strategies for the accessibility of Schuster Park have considered the complex relationship between the park and the city: in fact, the park is placed between different polarities of the city district affected by the Basilica of St. Paul, the city’s mobility systems, the Bambin Gesù Children’s Hospital, and some buildings of the Roma Tre University. This paper describes how the orientation system was defined by integral strategies based on Human Centered Design that involved, among other things, the realization of four different information totems with the aim of making Parco Schuster an accessible public space for all. The research, conducted in agreement with Fondazione Tetrabondi onlus, the Department of Human Neuroscience of Sapienza University of Rome, the Italian Association of Occupational Therapists, the AES Cultural Association, and the Order of Architects of Rome and its province, was developed through a participative design process that involved multiple stakeholders, including active citizenship of neighbourhood associations
Keywords: Wayfinding, Accessibility and usability, Human Centred Design, Schuster Park
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
This contribution presents the results of a research conducted within the Department of Architecture of the University of Roma Tre, aimed at defining design strategies for an inclusive universal park. These results are represented by guidelines useful for the elaboration of the technical and economic feasibility project. They are an expression of strategies aimed at making green public space accessible and inclusive and applied to the case study of Parco Schuster in Rome.
The article describes the design strategies adopted concerning wayfinding. The multiplicity of uses of the public green space and the complexity of the case study context makes the wayfinding strategies particularly interesting with reference to Human Centered Design (HCD) issues.
On the one hand, in fact and in general, green public space has enormous potential as a tool for climate change adaptation and mitigation as well as for the public benefits induced by the development of such spaces (Atiqul Haq et al., 2021) and it is a priority of European Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDGs) planning policies to provide safe and inclusive green and public spaces, in particular for children and people with disabilities. On the other hand, the public green space context is characterized by variability of use as residents need accessible green spaces for different activities such as exercising, relaxing and observing nature (Ugolini et al., 2020). Parco Schuster is a green space that, being located near the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, is configured as a space with different scales of use. In fact, the park lends itself, in addition to daily use, to an ordinary function, i.e. linked to the events that are organized periodically due to the park’s urban centrality and its characteristics, and to an extraordinary one due to its proximity to the Basilica and the Jubilee events.
The design strategies for wayfinding in Schuster Park have therefore required solutions that consider these complexities of use and the breadth of users that the size and character of the park attracts, characterized by an approach that has attempted to evaluate the multiplicity of variables that define the interaction between man and the environment.
WAYFINDING AND SOCIAL INCLUSION
The term wayfinding tries to define an integrated and multi-scalar system of technologies and solutions that aim to make each person autonomous within a space through his or her personal capabilities (Baratta and Calcagnini, 2023). This autonomy translates into the ability to understand the space, its connections and its recognizability, regardless of the user. The transmission of information, necessary for the understanding of the surrounding space, takes on specific declinations as in the case of specialized buildings, such as hospitals or airports, which in their complexity must succeed, by means of an accurate wayfinding system, in transmitting information to each person in the shortest possible time and with the least misunderstanding. Among the elements that characterize the wayfinding system and that, in contrast to enclosed spaces, characterize open spaces is the visibility factor (Van Nes et al., 2021), a factor that is significantly influenced by the width of the spaces, the trees and the spatial proximity of the user. The specificity and characteristics of each place, therefore, become the basis for the design of a complex system that must lead to simplification in spatial understanding.
The evolution in the design of the wayfinding system has matured with the understanding of urban complexity and the heterogeneous relationship it has with the users: it becomes decisive for the design of the system, to understand the reference users with their activities and flows
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
within a determined space, of investigation (Sorana, 2003). The design of a wayfinding system thus fits into the broader theme of social inclusion and environmental accessibility of places, contributing to personal self-determination and social cohesion. Ensuring a good spatial understanding system means always extending space to all people and conditions of their lives. An autonomous and collective understanding of space allows the individual person to be able to make use of the spaces designed for the community, fostering social development. Wayfinding in its complex articulation becomes a system determining social inclusion starting from the study and design of systems for different users with the aim of unifying the understanding of space to the community. The methodology of wayfinding design we applied is based on the wayfinding as process (Calcagnini, 2023). This design process translates into shared paths, spaces, equipment and services with the aim of increasing inclusion (Valente and Bosco, 2023) that cannot disregard the careful cognitive analysis of the context.
WAYFINDING AND CONTEXT
SChuster PARK, located within the 8th municipality of the Municipality of Rome, extends on the north-west flank of the Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura, one of the four papal basilicas in Rome. The park, in its present conformation, is the result of a project developed for the Jubilee Year 2000 with a total area of approximately 40,000 square meters between vegetation and mineral spaces (fig.1). The research developed strategies that led to the design of a wayfinding macrosystem aimed at defining orientation systems for a greater understanding of the park’s spatiality and the connections between it and the surrounding polarities. The design of the park’s wayfinding was conditioned by the functionality of the park itself. In fact, due to its proximity to the basilica nature, it will be subject to a strong increase in users and visitors in 2025, the Jubilee year. This characteristic has led to the development of complex wayfinding systems capable of keeping together not only the spatial factor but also various other elements such as the temporariness of the event and the co-presence of different flows characterized by different routes and programmes. The process of realizing a wayfinding system for Schuster Park began with the definition and understanding of the meaning of complex systems in articulated spaces. The park, located on the north-west side of the Papal Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, is characterized by a triangular shape and is part of a larger piece of urban fabric characterized by different polarities such as the new Rectorate of the University of Roma Tre, the San Paolo metro station and the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. The intrinsic nature of the park characterizes it as an important urban vegetation fulcrum for the entire neighborhoods. In addition to this aspect, the park has an ecclesiastical symbolic value, having been designed for the Jubilee of 2000 by Studio Insula and architect Francesco Cellini. The research conducted for the realization of a wayfinding system began with the analysis of the park and its relationship to other polarities. The urban quadrant was divided into macro areas of analysis (park-polarities), to operate and intervene on several scales: the first in a unitary vision and the second in an overall vision (fig.2).
The park is a city place, a public space in which social cohesion and unity are fostered through the realization of various activities (Lauria et al., 2020). In the case of Schuster Park, this function is compounded by the symbolic value it takes on in everyday life, on specific occasions and at major events such as the Jubilee. The imminence of the latter - the Jubilee year will begin in 2025 - has conditioned the design of wayfinding systems.
The wayfinding design was articulated in space and time considering the different flows of people that characterise the connections between the polarities and the park, evaluating the mobility within the park itself, and thinking about all these factors in function of daily, ordinary use, linked to events that periodically take place within the park (events, gatherings, etc.) and extraordinary use, linked to the Jubilee event. This last event, which will characterize the entire city of Rome, and particularly the four papal basilicas, including St Paul Outside the Walls, will have an enormous impact on its tourist flow. According to the forecasts of the NRR Observatory NRR and Giubileo Roma for the jubilee year, more than 35 million tourists are expected, with a 170% increase in tourist flow compared to previous years (ANCE, 2024). These data cannot but influence the planning strategies and the design of a wayfinding system that, as in the case of specialized buildings, must adopt a multi-level design to manage the different flows.
First and foremost, wayfinding systems must be able to guarantee the easy use of daily and common flows, understood as the spaces that connect the park to the underground station, the university buildings or the children’s hospital, and the flows that are only aimed at using and visiting the basilica and the park. The different users of the Schuster Park area, whether temporary (pilgrims or tourists) or permanent (inhabitants), in many cases use the same routes. The creation of a good information transmission and orientation system affects the reduction of sense-perception barriers making the space more inclusive. The Park, the Basilica and the different polarities constitute reference systems in this city quadrant, implementing orientation through a better legibility of the urban landscape. The polarities can contribute to the creation of a mental map, a necessary tool for spatial localization (Lynch, 1960). The Schuster Park wayfinding project, starting from the strong recognizable characteristics of these places, was structured and designed to ensure that all users in their different natures and states, whether
Figure 01. Schuster park, Rome (Italy). Author: Studio Insula.
psychophysical or emotional, can orient themselves in the city space.
THE PROJECT
The complexity of the urban quadrant in which Parco Schuster is inserted lies in the encounter between the historical pre-existence of the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls and the new polarities that attract different types of stakeholders and users, as well as involving the daily frequentation of citizens. To make the Park system and its vicinity legible, four coordinated elements are planned for orientation within the space. The signposts will be positioned at the three main entrances to the park, the end points of the routes that connect the park to the main polarities of the city piece, to encourage a primary cognitive appropriation of the space (fig.3). Inside, the paths and areas designated for specific activities, such as the current archaeological area and the playground, will be provided with signage. The placement of the totems is organized and densified according to the type of use of the park described above (daily, ordinary and extraordinary) (fig.4). This signage, which is clear and easily perceived even by the visually impaired, is characterized by a language made up of signs, pictograms and short words to help the user identify, in a manner consistent with all the forms of communication present, the entrances and exits, services, routes, and to recognize the location of the internal areas, as well as their function and subdivision.
Figure 02. Framing of the Schuster Park. Identification of polarities and quadrants of intervention and analysis.
The lettering and graphics will contrast with the blue of the background, chosen so as not to disturb users who are more sensitive to strong colors and to respect the insertion in a historical context, always supplemented by a QR Code through which it is possible to access a multimedia description of the area, in Italian, English and LIS, as well as alternative augmentative communication systems.
To ensure easy orientation for all types of users within the park, a tactile map will be provided at the entrance points, at a height of 90 cm from the walking surface with a 30° inclination to the horizontal plane (fig. 5). The texts in Italian, English and Braille characters will be accompanied by a simple graphic representation of the park, making the functions and areas of interest clear. Flag signs will be placed along the routes to facilitate orientation or recovery and mobility in total independence and safety (fig. 6). This element, intended to be read by users in a state of motion, has an overall size of 8 x 10 x 290 cm and is anchored to the walking surface by means of a special support. The main signposting, consisting of a box-shaped body measuring 8 x 80 x
Figure 03. Map of the layout of the different signposts in Schuster park.
Figure 04. Different types of use of Schuster park. routes at the urban and district scale.
190 cm placed at a height of 100 cm above the ground, will contain, starting from the apex, the name of the park and any coordinated graphics, indications of directions, in Italian and English, each associated with a pictogram and a directional arrow, a local map specifying the point in which one is located and a territorial framework placed below. A 20 x 10 cm plaque placed below will contain the same information in Braille characters in Italian and English. In addition, there will be a concentric elliptical element with a diameter of 80 cm and a thickness of 5 cm to signal the presence of an obstacle to blind or visually impaired users moving with a long white cane.
Figure 05-06. Implementation of tactile maps positioned at park entry points and flag signs at junction points.
Each point of interest, identified in the maps and signposts, will be marked by a sign lying parallel to the wall, identifying its intended use (fig. 7). To facilitate comprehension by all users, this element, measuring 60x40 cm, will be characterized by a textual indication supplemented by a function pictogram. Finally, as a cultural enhancement to places of relevance (e.g. the archaeological area in the park), a totem pole will be associated, aimed at quiet users (fig. 8). This type of signage, consisting of a 200x40x8 cm box element, will show, from above, images of the site, described in Italian and English, a general graphic support with a map of the entire park area and a specific one on the user’s current position. This will be associated with a tactile map, inclined at 30° to the horizontal plane, with a plan of the area described with Braille characters in Italian and English. These solutions, with inclusive design, have been specially developed with the aim of guiding the user through the park, avoiding his disorientation and rather favoring his autonomy in the various activities with which it can be experienced.
Figure 07-08. Elements of wall signage and realisation of a totem with tactile map and Braille language.
CONCLUSIONS
The strategies and tools implemented to make Schuster Park a universally inclusive park is the result of multiple factors, which, starting from an analysis of the context and the different types of users, have led to the development of an articulated and new wayfinding system. The design choices were characterized by the nature of the site, urban park and basilica park, and the temporal condition of the events insisting on it. The realization of an environmental information system connected with the city and its polarities allowed the reconnection of this public vegetation space with the surrounding urban fabric. The project was also developed with the twofold objective of guaranteeing the total autonomy and safety of the various users and increasing social inclusion and cohesion, determining factors in guaranteeing the quality of a public space. The development of pathway systems, integrated signage and totems was supported by the integration of new technologies and time-tested tools. The spatial organization of these elements characterizes the entire park in its urban extension. The desire and need to realize a wayfinding system that considers the different flows, jubilee and city, led to the integration of different language systems such as tactile maps, QR codes with multimedia descriptions in two languages, LIS language and alternative augmentative communication systems. The design of inclusive and accessible spaces today translates into a multi-actor process that in its individual instances, needs and competences must tend towards shared actions contained within a broader process aimed at the implementation of environmental accessibility in its different declinations, not least the social one.
REFERENCES
• Ance Roma- Acer. 2024. “Il giubileo a Roma: Previsioni da Record e Sfide per i Trasporti.” Last modified april 16. Accessed may 10, 2024. https://www.osservatoriopnrrgiubileoroma.it/ il-giubileo-a-roma-previsioni-da-record-e-sfide-per-i-trasporti/.
• Baratta, Adolfo and Laura Calcagnini. 2023. “Wayfinding.” in Manifesto Lessicale per l’Accessibilità Ambientale. 50 parole per progettare l’inclusione, edited by Baratta, Adolfo.; Conti, Cristina and Tatano, Valeria, 290-296, Conegliano: Anteferma Edizioni.
• Lauria, Antonio, Vessella, Luigi, and Mirko Romagnoli. 2020. “Spazio pubblico e vita in città. Sei sfide per una società che cambia.” Valori e Valutazioni, no. 24 (May): 131-149.
• Lynch, Kevin Andrew. 1960. The image of the city. Cambridge: The MIT Press.
• Sorana, Davide. 2003. “Orientamento e navigazione. La segnaletica visiva negli ambienti complessi.” In Persone “reali” e progettazione dell’ambiente costruito, edited by Lauria Antonio, 195-212. Santarcangelo di Romagna: Maggioli editore.
• Ugolini, Francesca et al. 2020. “Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use and perceptions of urban green space: An international exploratory study.” Urban forestry & urban greening, no. 56 (October): 126888.
• Valente, Renata and Roberto Bosco. 2023. “Inclusione”. In Manifesto Lessicale per l’Accessibilità Ambientale. 50 parole per progettare l’inclusione, edited by Baratta, Adolfo, Conti, Cristina and Tatano, Valeria, 194-199, Conegliano: Anteferma Edizioni.
• Van Nes, Akkelies and Claudia van der Laag Yamu. 2021. “Orientation and wayfinding: measuring visibility”. Introduction to Space Syntax in Urban Studies, (August): 87-111.
USER-CENTERED DESIGN IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES. THE CASE OF MAGGIE’S CENTRES
Baratta, Adolfo F. L.1
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, V. A. Manunzio 68L 00153 Rome, adolfo. baratta@uniroma3.it
Mariani, Massimo
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, V. A. Manunzio 68L 00153 Rome, massimo.mariani@uniroma3.it
Tonolo, Marina
Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, V. A. Manunzio 68L 00153 Rome, mar.tonolo@stud.uniroma3.it
ABSTRACT
In recent decades, research and the design relating to healthcare facilities have been changing as a result of a direction that is defined as ‘humanism in healthcare’, i.e., a new approach to care that takes into account a broader framework of human needs. In fact, healthcare facilities are no longer considered solely in terms of their primary function of treating illness, but also in terms of improving users’ psychological and physical well-being, to which the quality of the built and natural environment in which recovery takes place also contributes. The principles of Human(User)-Centered Design applied to the healthcare environment contribute to this design evolution by broadening the technological culture of the project from a specialised to a holistic vision. In fact, they make it possible to place at the center of the design process the interaction between the human being, with their capabilities and limitations, and the environmental context, where spaces play an active role in contributing to the user’s quality of life and the healing process.
Since 1996, the Maggie’s Centres have been taking shape in Great Britain, following the initiative of the writer and landscape architect Maggie Keswick. Maggie’s Centres are a network of care facilities for cancer patients, that recognise landscape, building and interior design as fundamental tools for the physical and mental care of their users. The Architectural Brief which guides their design, has been developed by focusing on the person and their physical, mental, and emotional characteristics, such as empathy, in an approach that can be seen as a forerunner of the more recent User-Centered Design.
The paper is the result of research that aims to provide an interpretation of the Architectural Brief of Maggie’s Centres to demonstrate, also through the most recent realisations, how these care spaces constitute a virtuous example of User-Centered Design.
Keywords: Maggie’s Centres, frail users, humanisation of care, architecture and wellness
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Human-Centered Design is a design method that starts from the definition of people’s needs to guide architectural-environmental choices. In his book “The invisible computer” [Norman, 1998], the American psychologist and engineer Donald Arthur Norman defines HumanCentered Design as “a product development process that starts with the users and their needs rather than with the technology” [Kesseler and Knapen, 2006, p.35]: it can therefore be said that the aim is pursued through a pervasive technology at the service of the user, so easy to use that it becomes invisible. Starting from the same assumptions, but delimiting one or more specific categories of users interested in the project, allows us to define the User-Centered Design approach.
The latter is the basis of the guidelines developed and collected by Maggie Keswick in her essay “A View from the Front Line” [1995] for the design of the Centres. Maggie’s Centres (Maggie’s) are non-residential social-health facilities that offer support to cancer patients, their families and friends: these facilities, set up and run by a charity founded by Maggie Keswick and Charles Jencks [Setola and Torricelli, 2020], are located close to cancer centres but are independent from the public health system: they offer services that complement those of hospitals, such as psychological assistance, social support, advice on work, nutrition and physical health [Butterfield and Martin, 2016; Frisone, 2021; Daryl and Roe, 2022].
It may be unnecessary to state that architecture does not cure cancer, but Maggie’s offer spaces where people become aware of their condition and are cared for, supported, and stimulated [Heathcote, 2006]. By placing the person at the center, each Maggie’s presents a more domestic dimension than typical hospital environments, as it aims to link the demands of humanisation with the knowledge gained from research [Del Nord and Peretti, 2012] and create atmospheres that counteract the anxieties associated with cancer treatment.
THE HUMANISATION IN HEALTHCARE SPACES
The scientific and technological progress that still characterises medical and healthcare institutions today has undoubtedly brought advantages and improvements in treating numerous pathologies. However, while this approach has provided significant support for health systems in terms of systematic efficiency and effectiveness, it has also led to an increasing focus on the “sick organ” as the only element to be considered, amplifying a process of depersonalisation of care that has not only affected the social sphere, but has also influenced the development of architectural and spatial models conceived from a purely functional point of view.
The shift from a biomedical to a biopsychosocial approach has introduced a multidimensional view of health, shifting the focus from the disease and treatment methods to the individual in their complexity [Del Nord et al., 2015]. A holistic view that no longer focuses on the disease, but on the individual as a person with psychological and physical characteristics, whose psychoemotional, physical, and sensory well-being is closely linked to both personal conditions and relationships with other users and the environment. The “to cure” action changes and opens up to the “to care” action through a unified process of humanisation of the healthcare paths and facilities by extending the functional framework of demands required from spaces. Humanisation thus involves various fields that are closely interrelated, including the medical and social sciences, the communicative relations between patients, family members or caregivers and healthcare personnel, which are directly related to the design of spaces [Del Nord and Peretti, 2012] and assume the function of an indicator of the quality of services and
performances.
Thinking of healthcare facilities as living spaces brings these spaces closer to the daily lives of users, and their well-being also includes environmental comfort, which considers and attempts to counteract those factors, known as environmental stressors, that can manifest themselves as sources of stress for users [Bosio and Darvo, 2015]. For this concept, architecture assumes an active role in the social-health context for the totality of its configuration, in relation to evidence that has been the subject of consolidated studies and experience in various ways. An adequate level of natural lighting and access to sunlight can reduce stress, increase relaxation, and sometimes reduce the period of hospitalisation (Figure 1). Similarly, the presence of vegetation has a positive effect on stress reduction through interaction with the user, and specific landscapes that include elements of the natural environment. The presence of an openness to vegetated outdoor spaces, as opposed to man-made contexts, can bring significant benefits to the recovery process. Endogenous factors include sound, since excessively noisy places are a source of discomfort, or wayfinding, given that spatial disorientation is a source of confusion and uncertainty, especially for those with psychopathologies. The interaction with the environment affects the users and thus also conditions the work and support flows, making it necessary to identify a spatial relationship between accessible “public areas” and “private areas”: the latter, in addition to providing greater security from the first phase of admission and reception, promote communication between patients, healthcare employees and other users in the affective sphere and, if designed and perceived in relation to the need for privacy, improve the results of care processes.
In this sense, social support for patients acts positively on the psychological aspects in response and reaction to circumstances marked by greater weakness, and the humanisation of the built environment, from the scale of the building to that of the individual space, offers universal
Figure 1: The waiting room of the Novak Center for Children’s Health in Louisville (US-KY) [@Brad Feinknop, 2018].
design solutions capable of enhancing the quality of care, well-being, and health status of all users.
THE MAGGIE’S CANCER CARING CENTRES
Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, non-residential social care facilities for cancer patients, their families, and friends, were set up in 1996 in response to the British National Health System (NHS) hospital environment, which was designed with functionality in mind rather than aesthetics and personal individuality. Maggie’s provides psychological and social support to complement conventional cancer treatment, recognising that architecture and landscape play an essential role in improving the psycho-physical well-being of its users.
Maggie Keswick, founder of the centres with her husband Charles Jencks, both leading figures in the world of architecture, developed the idea for the centres following a personal experience of illness. In her book “A View from the Front Line” (1995), she describes how hospital environments in the British NHS were not patient-friendly, creating feelings of anxiety and leading to difficult physical and mental conditions. She understands the importance of a humanised environment, based on the needs of the person, to reduce the anxiety caused by illness and to support people in the recovery process.
The Centres develop as an interface between the city, the hospital, and the person, classifying themselves as a hybrid building typology characterised by multiple and different functions, ‘a house that is not a home, a hospital that is not an institution, a church that is not religious, an art gallery that is not a museum’ [Heathcote and Jencks, 2015, p. 13]. The creation of these hybrid typologies is due precisely to the ongoing dialogue with cancer patients and all other categories of users, which places the person and their needs at the centre, resulting in the creation of welcoming and domestic spaces.
MAGGIE’S CENTRES ARCHITECTURAL AND LANDSCAPE BRIEF
Maggie’s are developed through three fundamental elements: the person, the client, through the Architectural and Landscape Brief formulated by the founder and updated over the years, and the sensibility of the architects chosen specifically for their ability to create stimulating spaces. The landscape, buildings and interior spaces must be a “beacon of hope” close to the hospital, a structure that intrigues by its appearance and does not intimidate those who approach the door [Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, 2015]. The design of the building, the study of the interior and exterior, materials, finishes, lighting, furniture, and artwork, all become central to the purpose of the services provided and themselves become supportive elements for patients [Heathcote and Jencks, 2015].
The brief, structured according to a User-Centered approach, together with the requirements and performance of each environmental unit, suggests the feelings that each environment must be able to convey to visitors, leaving the design solution to the architect. The brief also emphasises how the path between the hospital and the entrance to the Centre needs to be designed in such a way as to relieve the anxiety generated by the hospital atmosphere before arriving at the front door. The brief asks designers to consider solutions that encourage relationships between people, sharing and conviviality within the centres, as well as areas for individual retreat and privacy.
Most Maggie’s centres follow a hub-and-spoke plan, with contemplative and private spaces juxtaposed with areas for socialising, and a total absence of corridors and signages that could bring the spaces closer to hospital dimensions. At the heart of the Centres is the kitchen, a welcoming place where people can enter, listen, and leave without asking permission. Maggie
and Charles Jencks coin the term “kitchenism” to indicate the informality and strength that this pivotal space assumes to support the activities of a social and relational dimension among visitors [Setola and Torricelli, 2020]. Around the kitchen, a series of flexible spaces are developed, from smaller rooms for private consultations to rooms for group activities, of different sizes, in an attempt to meet all kinds of needs. These spaces should therefore have different degrees of flexibility to accommodate the individual choices of each patient, in terms of the need for intimate or collective spaces, stimulating the person to make choices in order to progressively acquire awareness and empowerment, two key elements in the battle against cancer [Frisone, 2024].
Another fundamental aspect is the dialogue between the interior and exterior spaces; in fact, architects and landscape architects are encouraged to work together from the earliest stages of the project. While sheltered indoor spaces, outdoor spaces allow users to perceive the passing of seasons, permitting them to be part of an ever-changing world at a time when illness seems to crystallise time. Indoor spaces should also have as much natural light as possible [Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, 2015].
THE SPREAD OF MAGGIE’S CENTRES
Maggie’s Cancer Caring Foundation was established in 1996 as a British NHS charity and since 2000, the centres have been approved facilities by the NHS Cancer Plan, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Cancer Reform Strategy (CRS). Their success is also due to their collaboration with specialised cancer hospitals and the network of services under the strategic care plans [Setola and Torricelli, 2020].
The years between 2001 and 2005 saw a rapid development of Maggie’s: the first centre built in Edinburgh doubled in size and three more centres were opened in Glasgow (2002), Dundee (2003) and the Highlands (2005). Maggie’s Dundee, designed by Frank Gehry, marked a pivotal moment in the charity’s history, drawing media attention to the centres and the psychological impact that quality architecture has on people with cancer [Heathcote and Jencks, 2015].
Figure 2: ground and first-floor plan [@EMBT, 2019].
Since Gehry, numerous designers have been invited to design a centre, including Zaha Hadid for Maggie’s Five (2006) and Richard Roger for the Centre in West London (2008). The success of the Maggie’s Centre Foundation lies precisely in demonstrating how an unconventional architectural organism can effectively challenge the traditional mechanistic view of health for the purpose of promoting a user-centered approach that focuses on the fundamental need
for synergy between functionality and aesthetics. Maggie’s embodies this new approach by providing not only a functional physical environment to support cancer patients, but also an architectural space that contributes to emotional and psychological well-being. Since 2009, growth has been exponential and by 2018, the charity’s five-year plan was to extend this service to other specialist hospitals, including those outside the UK [Setola and Torricelli, 2020]. Thus, by 2024, almost thirty buildings in the UK, Spain, the Netherlands, and Japan had been constructed always using the same brief. In a 2016 documentary for the BBC, Charles Jencks argues that the centres represent an experiment in which, following the same inputs and the same programme, different but beautiful and functional buildings emerge: “In mathematics you know you can’t have twenty different answers and they’re all right, like most professions, right? But in architecture it’s interesting that you can have this pluralism of answers” [BBC, 2016].
BENEDETTA TAGLIABUE Y JOAN CALLÍS – MIRALLES TAGLIABUE EMBT, MAGGIE’S KÀLIDA SANT PAU, BARCELONA 2019
Maggie’s Kalida Sant Pau is the first of the Maggie’s Centres built in Spain, specifically in the Sant Pau Hospital’s area in Barcelona, by the EMBT Studio. The small centre, built in 2019, is located between the 1930s hospital, a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism, and the new clinic completed in 2010 by Bonell&Gil-Rus: integration with the Modernist tradition was as well achieved thanks to the reinterpretation of the floral ceramics existing in the old hospital, which is also a source of inspiration for the plan with floral and natural forms [Baratta, 2020]. The building is organised on two levels of approximately 200 m2 each, but the presence of sinuous volumes makes it difficult to identify the dividing line between outdoor and indoor spaces (Figure 2).
[@Lluc Miralles, 2019].
The ground floor, at a lower level than the surrounding space, accommodates a series of flexible collective areas, around the double-height dining room, such as the kitchen, living room, library and a multi-purpose room; on the outside, this is marked by the presence of a compact wall, which, thanks to the only opening present, provides direct access to the hospital’s Oncology
Figure 3: The access to the Centre
Department (Figure 3). On the first floor there are rooms facing the double-height dining room on one side and the surrounding garden on the other (Figures 4 and 5). The garden has a steel pergola that aims to soften the presence of the surrounding hospital facilities and to ensure the respect of the privacy of the Centre’s users, without however hindering too much the entry of natural light into the interior spaces.
The Kálida Sant Pau demonstrates how dialogue and confrontation between different styles and epochs, interior and exterior spaces, compactness, and porosity, represent an added value for the structures’ purpose. The facade of the building consists of an exposed brick diaphragm with glazed ceramic inserts. The ceramic grid works together with the shading element to screen out sunlight, promote air circulation, and protect the intimacy of the interior spaces.
Figures 4 and 5: The socialisation spaces [@Lluc Miralles, 2019].
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
In the debate surrounding the importance of the built environment for user well-being, Maggie’s Centres represent a virtuous example of User-Centered process, design, and management, embodying the ideal prerequisites for achieving a shared vision rooted in architectural expertise and user experience [Vollmer, 2023].
The Maggie’s Centres serve as an emerging paradigm that can be integrated into the international landscape and extended to other care spaces, whether hospital-based or not, moving towards the concept of Human-Centered Facilities.
In this direction, Maggie’s model has been adopted as an example in Northern Europe, such as the Center for Cancer and Health in Denmark and the Instituut Verbeeten in the Netherlands, and its diffusion on a European and global scale in recent decades has demonstrated its effectiveness. A broader dissemination of this building typology, including for the design of centers supporting other chronic diseases, is desirable [Frisone, 2024], although in some countries the cost, particularly for management, might not align with the resources available to public administrations.
CONCLUSIONS
From the Filarete’s Major Hospital in Milan to Alvar Aalto’s Sanatorium in Paimio, over the centuries the most successful healthcare facilities testify to an extraordinary focus on the person, i.e. on the patients, their families, and social and healthcare employers. In this sense, first the Human-Centered Design method and then the User-Centered Design method demonstrate the benefits and impact of their application at the design stage on the health and well-being of users. The paper examined the User-Centered Design method in the design of Maggie’s, facilities that support hospitals in diagnosis and treatment by offering care for the psychological and social dimension of the person and revealed its impact on the design process and the humanisation of facilities, particularly when applied in facilities where the patient’s characteristics from a psycho-physical point of view are particularly delicate. The analysis of Maggie’s showed how the User-Centered Design method stimulated a critical, reflexive, and sensitive design, capable of creating environments that impact the performance of the healthcare location and the wellbeing of the users. Observing Maggie’s, it is evident how, in addition to the services offered, the beauty of the spaces and the attention to detail are able to contribute to the process of regeneration of the person, confirming the connection between architecture and well-being.
REFERENCES
• Baratta, Adolfo F.L. 2020. “Centro Kálida Sant Pau”, Costruire in Laterizio, 182, pp. 14-21.
• BBC. 2016. “Building Hope: The Maggie’s Centres Full BBC Documentary”.
• Bosio, Daniela and Darvo, Gianluca. 2015. “The guidelines for the humanization of care facilities”. Techne. Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, no. 9: 140-146.
• Butterfield, Angie and Martin, Daryl. 2016. “Affective sanctuaries: understanding Maggie’s as therapeutic landscapes”, Landscape Research, no. 41 (6), pp. 695-706.
• Daryl, Martin and Roe Jenny. 2022. “Enabling care: Maggie’s centres and the affordance of hope”, Health and Place, no. 78.
• Del Nord, Romano, Marino, Donatella, and Peretti, Gabriella. 2015. “Humanization of care spaces: a research developed for the Italian Ministry of Health”. Techne. Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, no. 9: 224-229.
• Del Nord, Romano, and Peretti, Gabriella. 2012. L’umanizzazione degli spazi di cura. Linee
guida. Roma: Ministero della Salute.
• Heathcote, Edwin. 2006. “Maggie’s Centres”, British Medical Journal, no. 333, 1304-1305.
• Heathcote, Edwin and Jencks, Charles. 2015. “The Architecture of Hope: Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres”, Frances Lincoln Limited Publishers, London.
• Keswick Jencks, Maggie. 1995. A view from the front line, Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre, Edinburgh.
• Kesseler, Ernst and Knapen, Ed. G. 2006. “Towards human-centered design: Two case studies”, The Journal of Systems and Software, no. 79, 301–313.
• Frisone, Caterina. 2021. “The Architecture of Care: The Role of Architecture in the Therapeutic Environment. The Case of the Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre”. PhD Thesis, Oxford Brookes University.
• Frisone, Caterina. 2024. “The Therapeutic Power of the Maggie’s Centre: Experience, Design and Wellbeing, Where Architecture meets Neuroscience”. Oxford: Routledge.
• Montacchini, Elena, and Tedesco, Silvia. 2015. “Field surveys for the humanization in hospital buildings: tools and case studies”. Techne. Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, no. 9: 208-215.
• Norman, Donald Arthur. 1998. The invisible computer. Cambridge (US-MA): MIT Press.
• Setola, Nicoletta and Torricelli, Maria Chiara. 2020. “Il potere curativo dell’ambiente: l’esperienza dei Maggie’s Centres”. Costruire in Laterizio, no. 182, 64-71.
• Vollmer, Tanja C., Lepik Andreas and Lucksch Lisa. 2023. Building to Heal. New architecture for hospitals, Berlin: ArchiTangle.
MEGA PROJECTS OR SUSTAINABLE PAVILIONS: HOW STUDENTS
PERCEIVE THE 2027 BELGRADE EXPO_METHODOLOGICAL
APPROACH
Đukić, Aleksandra
Full professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, Serbia, sandra@arh.bg.ac.rs
Marić, Jelena1
Assistant professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, Serbia, jelena.maric@arh.bg.ac.rs
Lazarević, Eva Vaništa
Full professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, Serbia, eva@arh.bg.ac.rs
Mitrović, Biserka
Associate professor, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, Serbia, biserka@arh.bg.ac.rs
Antonić, Branislav
Teaching assistant, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, Serbia, antonicb@arh.bg.ac.rs
Jović, Emilija
PhD student, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73, Belgrade, Serbia, minja1509@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The famous “EXPO” exhibition led by the French Bureau International des Expositions in 2027 will be organised in Belgrade. Significant investments, new construction sites, and recognisable mega-projects of architecture are integral to EXPOs worldwide. These exhibitions have greatly impacted city branding by developing urban landmarks, attracting millions of new tourists yearly. On that notice, with the aim of planning an alternative version of the exhibition “EXPO 2027 Belgrade,” we developed the task for students of the fourth year of integrated academic studies at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, in the academic year 2023-24. The total number of students engaged in this course is over 40. Students worked in groups and collaborated closely with mentors and associates during one semester of active teaching. The methodological process is based on the guidelines of the “RIBA - The Royal Institute of British Architects” methodology that starts from developing a vision and information base, then continues on extensive analysis and evaluation to create conceptual urban design solutions. Following this methodology, the students are introduced to creative techniques such as the superhero and lotus blossom method, which require thinking “outside of the box “and delivering fresh ideas with a critical approach towards practice examples. Student works represent original
1Corresponding author
visions for innovative sustainable concepts for an exhibition like “EXPO 2027 - EXPO 2027” and are presented as an attractive design and extensive program.
Keywords: Innovative Teaching Methodology; Architecture; EXPO 2027, Belgrade
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
EXPO EXHIBITION - SIGNIFICANCE AND TRADITION
It The Expo Exhibition represents a global cultural event that significantly impacts the broader social community. The event aims to raise awareness about contemporary societal challenges from the global development perspective by updating modern lifestyles and reevaluating cultural and sociological norms. “Expo” serves as a platform encompassing art, culture, education, and architecture media. Given the scale and organisation of this event and the field that the Expo exhibition location demands, from its inception to the present day, its influence on architecture and urbanism has been of exceptional significance. The first Expo exhibition was organised in 1851 in London, United Kingdom. For this purpose, a structure of significant dimensions was built considering the context of 19th-century architecture. The architecture itself, the use of new materials such as glass and steel, as well as the manner of conceptualising and implementing the idea, represented technological advancements, gathering groups and individuals striving for innovation. Until today, the event maintains this narrative. Contemporary Expo exhibitions bring together various nations from around the world, which during the exhibition represent, brand, and showcase themselves, thereby affirming their presence in the global market. Through their presented projects and pavilions, countries present their competitive advantages, culture, identity, heritage, tradition, and innovative achievements. Throughout history, the way participants conceive the exhibition itself, or the event, has changed, and thus, the experience and idea of this event have evolved over time. In the modern era, this exhibition represents a spectacle. Innovations with each new exhibition open up ever greater possibilities for achieving unique effects through the presentation of multimedia technological methods, through experiences of illusion and transformability. Indeed, architecture has become an integral part of branding for all Expo exhibitions, meaning architectural complexes and individual objects that emerge as products of this event become new urban landmarks of the city in which they are located. The setup of the Eiffel Tower in 1889 in Paris was part of the Expo event, marking the establishment of a new direction in Modern architecture. Today, EXPO exhibitions serve as different incentives for cities’ development, solving urban conflicts, and reviving obsolete, abandoned, or neglected urban areas. They also help revitalise cities and develop the infrastructure. Such global events can help improve a city’s image, stimulate urban development, or attract visitors and investment. EXPO events also have to demonstrate the lasting benefit of its investment and a true legacy for the local community, along with creating a city benchmark (City Destination Alliance, 2024). Numerous authors claim that more than other “spectacle” events, EXPO exhibitions leave an urban footprint behind in host cities. Achieving intangible goals such as reshaping urban image and positioning cities through global(istic) events has been and is on the agendas of national and local governments
and business leaders. EXPO districts are used to accelerate urban development by remaking urban districts and boosting commercial development, infrastructure, public spaces, and landmarks (Minner, J. S., Zhou, G. Y., & Toy, B. 2022).
Besides providing international interaction and communication, EXPO exhibitions and structures should promote awareness and innovation. Although highly costly, the Expo urban structures can affect the host city positively or negatively, so “event legacy” should be carefully anticipated, as it could have direct (spatial/physical or economic) or indirect effects (such as social, legislative effects and urban recognition). Architecturally, the Expo can bring a symbolic or monumental impact, and it has to be planned to create positive interaction with the surrounding urban space (Ece Kaya, B., & Erbaş, İkbal. (2022).
Expo exhibitions and events reflect the specificities of the given period and host country. A product of the long tradition of this event is the established and clear organisation and systematisation. Four types of exhibitions are organised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE): World Expos, Specialized Expos, Horticultural Expos, and Triennale di Milano. Specialised Expos can be visited for three months, and the host country (city) is obliged to organise the complex. This Specialised or focused Expo exhibition will be organised in Belgrade in 2027.
“EXPO 2027” BELGRADE
As the Republic of Serbia’s capital, cultural, and social centre, Belgrade will host the Expo exhibition in 2027. In Belgrade, a specialised expo will be held, representing an event between two primary expo manifestations. The theme of the Expo 2027 exhibition is: “Play for Humanity - sports and music for all.” Official information from the Government of the Republic of Serbia states that the total area of the complex for this purpose will reach as much as 25 hectares. In contrast, the planned total gross area of the exhibition facilities will amount to 230 thousand square meters. In addition to the essential functions, a diverse set of compatible purposes is planned within the complex. All this information indicates that a project of these dimensions requires a characteristic and complex urban solution. The proposed version of the urban and architectural solution suggests the formation of a centralised complex with affirmative and striking content in a functional and aesthetic context.
In addition to the significance of the complex during the exhibition period, the process that follows and is recognised as the “post-expo” effect is important. One of the main ideas of the entire organisation of these events is to develop the infrastructure and urban matrix and expand and urbanise the city’s periphery. Significant new construction, large investments, and a massive influx of tourists are just some of the expected “consequences” of the Expo event. This is why the participation of urban planning and architectural professionals and the valuable stance of groups and individuals within it are crucial. Encouraging students from the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, to act on the topic with their ideas and knowledge is vital as an educational process, primarily including the research segment and then the creative or design process.
Figure1:Illustration 1: 2027 Belgrade Expo Fenwick Iribarren Architects, source: https://www.rts.rs/lat/magazin/ zivot/5217806/expo-2027-idejna-resenja-.html
EDUCATION PROCESS: STUDIO PROJECT “URBAN RENEWAL”
Education in the field of architecture and urbanism requires a specific, sensitive, and focused approach. Given the reduced level of attention and concentration of students on active teaching, as well as the modern way of life that includes a high level of stress and constant use of social networks and new technologies, it is necessary to creatively design tasks in subjects to improve student performance, as well as general interest in teaching and the quality of work (Collins & Amabile, 1999; Aljughaiman & Mowrer-Reynolds, E, 2005, Shaheen, 2010; Lin, 2011).
The educational model of “learning-by-doing” used in the studio is by far the most common model for students of architecture and urbanism, and it is closely linked to the development of the students’ expertise (Casakin, 2011). Although there are different opinions and criticisms about this method, its beneficial outcomes have been widely recognised. Considering it a core of the curriculum of higher education in architecture, Demirbas and Demirkan (2003) emphasise the importance of the studio. Joining theory and practice, the “learning-by-doing” process enables students to be engaged in solving problems while learning and adopting knowledge and skills. The studio in the field of architecture should comprise three parts: a)knowledge (theoretical part), b)skills (adopted by practice and demonstration, and c) creating/design. At the same time, students should have targeted practice in solving problems aimed at acquiring specific knowledge and skills and have training based on realistic case studies (Cropley and Cropley, 2010; B. Mitrovic, J. Maric, T. Vukovic, 2018).
This was a starting point for conceptualising the subject “Urban renewal Studio” in 2015 at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade. Within the subject “Urban Renewal Studio Project” during the 2023/24 school year, students practice elaborating concepts, proposing architectural-urban responses to the theme of alternative ideas for designing the “EXPO 2027” exhibition. The total number of students engaged in this task includes two “studio projects,” as the primary form of teaching at the Faculty of Architecture, with a total of over 40 students who collaborate with mentors and associates during 14 weeks of active teaching and afterwards. In this paper, we will present selected segments of works, namely students’ initial ideas and work on the concept.
METHODOLOGY APPLIED IN TEACHING
The methodological basis of teaching in the subject is based on the “RIBA - The Royal Institute of British Architects” methodology, which includes the following phases: (1) forming a vision and informational basis; (2) analysis and evaluation; (3) conceptual solution, and (4) design. The presented student works covered the first three phases, which were applied through the methodology of Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Đukić, consisting of the application of specific and innovative methods. These steps were creatively used in working with students through methods and techniques such as the superhero and lotus blossom method (Illustrations 2 and 3). With their help, students start their work primarily by defining the problems and potentials, all the way to developing conceptual solutions.
The superhero method is one of the preferred methods by students, and it represents a technique for identifying problems and potentials of the subject location by providing targeted and, above all, creative solutions. The main goal is to choose one well-known character (“superhero” or “supervillain”) and to imagine their thinking and feelings on a certain predefined problem in the city. Practically, to try and find a proper solution for the problem. This method can be arranged as a game with several players, where all of them try to solve an issue by taking the role of different superheroes and, finally, compare their solutions relating to their rationality or simplicity. This method is relatively simple. Nevertheless, it can be modified to be more complex with several steps. For this particular course the method was transformed in order to fit the work in an urbanism-related studio, and was adapted to involve an additional – middle step, where superhero or supervillain first choose exact superpowers and means to modify urban environment. Also, one of the goals of this method is to encourage students to take different characters and to think of a solution to rather rational, spatial problem with a completely different perspective. Also, this is one of the most interesting methods for the students, and the results of this method are often very playful and colorful posters (Illustration 2).
Illustration 2. Presentation of methods: ‘Superhero’ and ‘Lotus Blossom’ Methods. Studio Project ‘Urban Renewal’ Academic Year 2023-24.
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
The lotus blossom method is adapted to the specific form of teaching in this studio project and serves to define the concept through the accumulation of students’ ideas and visions. It is also a brainstorming technique that involves building different ideas around a central theme and then breaking them down into extensive sub-themes. The lotus diagram, also known as a map, consists of number of 3×3-square grids, with the main problem or potential in the middle of the square grid. This is one of the latest added methods to this course and is the last method students are working on before presenting their final concepts. Additionally, it requires cross-connection of different topics and teamwork in the classroom (illustration 3). As a result, from this method the student groups are developing both analytical diagrams and spatial distributions of identified problems and potentials, as well as the proposed interventions. After the implementation of all of the aforementioned methods students are ready to continue to the next phase and develop a unique concept idea, based on aforementioned extensive analysis and methods. In the course presented in this paper, students are divided into groups and, in the first part of active teaching, work on developing conceptual solutions on the assigned topic. After initial research, which consists of 1) accumulating knowledge about the principles, specificities, elements, and requirements of the EXPO event through examples of good practice and 2) analysis of the assigned location from architectural-urban and functional aspects, students present and justify their visions and conceptual solutions. Based on specific criteria, similarities, or differences between the proposed projects, ten student groups are divided into four thematic units representing groupings of student works. Selected segments of works are presented in the following chapter through predefined thematic units, more precisely through textual descriptions and graphic attachments.
Illustration 3. Presentation of methods: ‘Superhero’ and ‘Lotus Blossom’ Methods. Studio Project ‘Urban Renewal’ Academic Year 2023-24.
RESULTS OF STUDENTS WORKS
The results of students’ works have been selected and grouped into four thematic units. The works are grouped according to thematic framework and approach to work. Specific criteria have been established within each unit, defining the characteristics of thematic coverage and approach to student works. The units are divided into:
(01) Innovative Approaches in Design - AI Technology
(02) Sustainability, Ecology, and “Green” Environment
(03) Culture, People, and Architecture
(04) Mechanics and Mechanisation
(01) Innovative Approaches in Design - AI Technology - the concept of student work involves presenting a new way of evaluating urban-architectural elements; integrating artificial intelligence into the design and planning process; algorithmic representation explaining the process of transforming traditional architectural-urban elements into innovative approaches. (02) Sustainability, Ecology, and “Green” Environment - the concept of student work refers to some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals; the concept contains motifs related to the “green” environment, focusing on ecological justification, basic principles of a healthy city, as well as elements of preservation and improvement of public health and well-being of users, and potential contribution to environmental conservation. (03) Culture, People, and Architecture – the concept of student work relates to the sociological aspect of sustainability; the concept contains principles of preserving local culture, tradition, identity, and inclusivity and/or proposes solutions that would provide a social contribution (contribution to education, promotion of broader social values, preservation of material and immaterial heritage, etc.). (04) Mechanics and Mechanisation – the concepts of students’ work in this category are based on one of the branches of mechanics and/or develop solutions related to creating contributions to the development presentation of utilitarian properties of mechanisation. A brief overview of the units and student solutions is systematised through a table. Each of the four units into which the works are divided is presented through a graphical part (a collage of graphic attachments of individual groups from a specific unit) and a textual part (an explanation of the concept of each group from a specific unit).
(01) Innovative Approaches in Design - AI Technology – Group 1
Title: New Era / reTHINK_reLIVE_rePROGRAM
Keywords: transformation, digitalisation, reprogramming, metaverse, artificial intelligence, innovation, virtual spaces.
About the Concept: Reprogramming traditional urban models – aligning them with the needs of modern society and creating spaces for interactive integration of artificial intelligence into spatial frameworks. Architectural-urban elements undergoing transformation are divided into three levels: macro, meso, and micro. The first level involves traffic infrastructure elements, the second requires meeting places, and the third involves functional units – pavilions and other compatible contents.
EXPO 2027 would represent an experimental urban model driven by the development of artificial intelligence, thereby serving as both an artefact, attraction, and exhibit.
(02) Sustainability, Ecology, and “Green” Environment – Group 1
Title: PermaSync / Harmony of Permaculture
Keywords: permaculture, sustainability, modularity, ecological sustainability, green architecture, vertical gardens, nature-inspired solutions.
About the Concept: Integrating permaculture principles into the concept, alongside the fundamental principles of sustainable ecosystems aimed at maximising sustainable production of food, water, energy, etc. It would contribute to reducing the effects of centralisation and enhance the importance of the local community, representing a significant contribution to the further development of the location even after the manifestation itself. In spatial terms, the proposed microsystems would have a modular character and a forming principle that would be transmitted as a fundamental motif throughout the space.
(02) Sustainability, Ecology, and “Green” Environment – Group 2
Title: Healthy Cities_Sensory Architecture
Keywords: multisensory architecture, “green” environment, psycho-physical health and wellbeing, public health, comfort.
About the Concept: EXPO 2027 would represent a multisensory architectural-urban complex designed for the health and healing of users by applying the principles of a healthy city and the third goal of sustainable development. Activation of all senses in the experience of the built environment is one of the objectives of the concept.
(02) Sustainability, Ecology, and “Green” Environment – Group 3
Title: UrbanRural
Keywords: urban agriculture, ecology, education, green construction, and the concept of a green city.
About the Concept: The main motive is the symbiosis of urban and rural environments from the perspective of urban agriculture and open green spaces. Integration of elements such as linear parks and vertical gardens should be treated at various levels throughout the manifestation: experimental units, education, interactive pavilions, and other compatible contents.
(02) Sustainability, Ecology, and “Green” Environment – Group 4
Title: Networking
Keywords: network, connectivity, alternative transportation, sustainable development. About the Concept: Introducing the concept of networking on both a physical and metaphysical level. The goal is to create a travel experience through an infrastructure network of alternative transportation connecting various pavilions, symbolising meeting places at local, national, regional, and international levels. The desirable impact of this concept would involve strengthening international relations and social cohesion.
(03) Culture, People, and Architecture – Group 1
Title: Power of the Past - Radiance of the Future
Keywords: culture, heritage, folklore, tradition, history, identity.
About the Concept: The main motive is to preserve cultural and traditional values, promote the host country, its folklore, and abstract motifs, and translate them into an “architectural language” and then into space. Additionally, set up a parallel network to promote other cultural heritages worldwide.
(03) Culture, People, and Architecture – Group 2
Title: Education in All Dimensions
Keywords: education, multimedia, symbiosis, affirmation, identity, branding, tourism, exhibition, learning, multimedia.
About the Concept: Examining education through different levels: obstacles in the contemporary education system, new awareness of needs, multimedia approaches to education, and using
education to develop tourism potential. EXPO 2027 will be dedicated to knowledge about contemporary education, different types of informal education, and international experience exchange. Another concept segment would focus on accommodation capacity, tourism and hospitality development, and the use of the entire complex after the event – creating space that would represent an extension of the University of Belgrade.
04) Mechanics and Mechanisation – Group 1
Title: Wind of Change
Keywords: kinetics, wind, air, structure, transformation, adaptability. About the Concept: In spatial terms, the concept involves kinetic structures – pavilions and objects with kinetic facades, and their transformability is activated by air currents – the action of wind. This creates spaces and ambient entities of an attractive and dynamic nature. In terms of conveying the idea, it raises awareness of the possibilities and importance of renewable energy sources, as well as the principles of sustainability in the process of design and urban planning.
(04) Mechanics and Mechanisation – Group 2
Title: Mechanisation
Keywords: mechanisation, innovation, automation, technology, structure, urban patterns, attraction, tourism, transformation.
About the Concept: The main idea is to promote mechanisation in the 21st century. The focus is on aerospace systems. In spatial terms, this entails a complex dedicated to interactive experiences – learning about production methods, possibilities, innovations, and the creation process, as well as an entire infrastructure level equipped for presenting motor vehicles, aircraft, and machines of various new technologies.
CONCLUSIONS
The EXPO exhibition represents excellent potential for a city’s overall development and identity. However, it is important to note that the success of the EXPO exhibition depends precisely on adequate planning aimed at achieving lasting benefits for the city and its residents. If organised correctly, the EXPO 2027 exhibition can be a catalyst for changes that will contribute to the long-term development of the city, stimulate tourism, advance architecture, and affirm Belgrade on regional and international levels, considering its significance as a cultural, scientific, and economic centre in the region. Nevertheless, such events must be managed responsibly through a creative, dynamic, and attractive approach to planning and design. For this reason, developing an alternative approach to conceptualising the EXPO 2027 exhibition is an ideal theme for an urban design studio at the Faculty of Architecture in Belgrade. The current theme directly influences greater engagement and enthusiasm among students, reflected in highquality results both in terms of conceptualisation and spatial composition and design. Student works showcase a wide range of creative solutions, ranging from innovative approaches to planning and design based on ICT and artificial intelligence, which explore the concept of virtual space and address the challenges of modern society. A large number of student approaches are
based on sustainability concepts and sustainable development goals, with a particular focus on ecological sustainability, the use of alternative energy sources, and alternative transportation, as well as the basic principles and elements of the concept of a healthy and green city.
An analysis of the student proposals revealed that a significant number of projects focus on social sustainability and social responsibility, with culture, identity, tradition, and heritage emerging as key motifs. This analysis highlights that future professionals recognize the importance of these aspects in contemporary urban and architectural discourse. Promoting these ideas through research papers, publications, and exhibitions can contribute to establishing a research framework that supports the thematic objectives of the EXPO 2027 project.
Integrating these insights into the broader context of EXPO organization can significantly raise awareness about the participation of the wider public, thereby enhancing community engagement in the planning and realization of the event. Notably, the preservation and promotion of cultural and traditional values not only contribute to branding Serbia as a developing country but also strengthen the recognition of local heritage within a global context. In this way, EXPO 2027 has the potential to serve as a platform for emphasizing social sustainability and identity values, thereby enhancing Serbia’s position on the international stage.
Additionally, a significant number of works are characterised by a focus on social sustainability and social responsibility, where themes of culture, identity, tradition, and heritage are key motifs. Modern technology and aspects of the broader environment of the subject location have influenced topics related to the presentation of mechanics and mechanisation. In summary, student solutions offer innovative ideas that, although unburdened by complex planning and design processes in practice, still follow modern trends and challenges at a global level while providing exciting and dynamic content resembling the EXPO exhibition. EXPO 2027 can serve not only as a platform for promoting new technologies and scientific discoveries but also for exchanging ideas and experiences among participants from around the world.
REFERENCES
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A MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES: THE ARCHITECT’S PERSPECTIVE
Dányi Tibor Zoltán1
Assistant professor, University of Pécs,Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Boszorkány street 2., 7624 Pécs, Hungary, danyi.tibor@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
The study describes the architectural aspects of examining the communities of the outskirts of Pécs, a county seat in Hungary. Multidisciplinary investigations were carried out employing frameworks of social psychology and architecture aimed to find out how individuals living on the periphery of society designed and built their own homes that provide minimal comfort in order to avoid using homeless care systems. Studying these structures built by minority groups is also important because their construction and operation have a much smaller ecological footprint on the environment than those built using advanced technologies. The methods of presenting the simplest architectural solutions of the circular economy were documented with architectural survey drawings. Using qualitative methods such as interviews, observation and documentation, the study explores how participants used local materials, traditional techniques and their own creativity to construct affordable and functional homes. Their efforts represent a unique way individuals in marginalized communities develop survival strategies. Although the minority groups under investigation in the present study live hidden from a significant part of society, these case studies show an example of a possible means of dealing with social challenges in a regulated construction environment and a highly polarized society. As a result, the study provides insight into the potential of self-built apartments meeting the housing needs of low-income communities.
Keywords: homelessness, architecture without architects, social sustainability, circular economy
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
The housing crisis is one of the most pressing causes of social tension throughout Europe. According to the report of the European Union, homelessness, which is a serious symptom of the crisis, has increased 70% in the last ten years and the number of homeless people in Europe is estimated to be 896,430 (Homelessness in Europe). At the same time, according to surveys conducted in connection with the European Union parliamentary elections, the fight against poverty and social exclusion ranks second among the issues that concern European citizens (EU felmérés). To illustrate the income situation in Hungary, we quote the latest available data from the Central Statistical Office. According to them, the monthly net income per capita is less than HUF 111,000 (€285) in households representing half of the country’s population. In the
1Corresponding author
lowest income decile, the per capita income is HUF 41,204 (€106) per month. This is important information because according to the 2023 housing ordinance of the city of Pécs, social rental apartments cannot be rented out to those whose monthly income does not reach HUF 88,711 (€228) as a single person, HUF 70,969 €182) in the case of a two-person household, and HUF 53,227 (€137) in the case of a three-person household (KSH). All those who, based on their income, fall into these categories are at an increased risk of becoming homeless. Those displaced from the municipal social housing supply system will almost certainly not find rental housing on the housing market. Given that in the second half of 2023, an average of HUF 148,000 had to be paid for rented apartments in southern Transdanubia (Lakbérek alakulása).
IMPACTS OF THE LOCAL HOMELESS CARE SYSTEM
To address this global problem as it manifests locally, there are several organizations supporting unhoused individuals. For example, the Catholic Church, the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service and the TÁMASZ Foundation on behalf of the city. Among the services available to homeless people are, for example, day shelters, soup kitchens, night shelters, and temporary homes that can be used for a maximum of one year. The night shelter accommodation can only be used separately for men and women, the building must be left during the day, and personal belongings cannot be left there. It is not even guaranteed that one will sleep in the same bed two nights in a row. These circumstances also explain the fact that there are a significant number of homeless people who do not use the services of the Foundation and the Churches. They spend the night in parks, on the streets, in doorways, or in a covered place as a courtesy apartment user.
THE RESEARCH LOCATION
Pécs is one of the five largest cities in Hungary and the seat of Baranya County. In the city with significant industry and mining during socialism, socialist housing estates were built in the second half of the 20th century, which fundamentally determine the city’s current life and structure. To meet the needs of those living in apartments with a typically small floor area (40-50 sqm), hobby garden zones were established in the suburbs, but still close to the housing estates and within walking distance of them. Each hobby garden area has about 60-100 plots. Here, vegetables and fruit could be grown in spots of 400 square meters that could be rented from the municipality at a low price. Construction was not allowed here, only tool stalls of a few square meters could be established. From the 1990s, which was the period of political and economical system change in Hungary, the proportion of cultivated gardens declined significantly due to various reasons. According to 2018 data, only 19.1% of the gardens were cultivated for selfsufficiency or sale (Vasárus, 69). In accordance with national trends, most of the hobby gardens in Pécs have also become abandoned. During the same period, due to the closure of socialist industrial plants and mining, many workers became unemployed, which also led to an increase in the number of homeless people.
Among the unhoused populations seeking shelter outside the system are a small community who discovered the hobby gardens near the housing estates. These individuals typically moved into an old tool shed, or built a small shelter for themselves. These gardens currently cost HUF
5,000 (€13) per year, a fairly affordable price. The plots can only be accessed by dirt road, there is no piped water, electricity or natural gas. The people who live here sign a contract with the local government and pay rent for the land they use. According to the contract, no residential buildings can be built on the area. The size and function of the buildings that can be built here are limited. Those who live here in defiance of the regulations are doing it semi-illegally.
Informal housing is not a new phenomenon. The legalization or temporary tolerance of informal housing was already present in Roman law (Grashoff, Yang 7). While in many countries informal housing takes over the role of the state and represents an alternative to social housing provision (Gilbert 23), the residents of the hobby gardens around Pécs create an alternative to homeless care for themselves.
The purpose of the research is to investigate the community whose members try to provide for their own housing in an informal way in the former hobby gardens despite their very moderate income conditions. This paper is additionally motivated by factors including the scope of the crisis; the gap in measuring its extent; and the demonstrated rejection of homeless care methods. An interdisciplinary research group sought to understand some of the motivations behind the decisions and actions of people forced out of the housing market who reject the services of the homeless care system, while evaluating the material means by which these individuals express independent agency and take care of their own shelter.
THE RESEARCH METHOD
The research took place between February and November 2023. The members of the research team were architects, social psychologists and students. The lessons of the investigations from the perspective of the social psychologists have been published in a different article (Dányi, Müller, Bigazzi). At the beginning of the process, the TÁMASZ Foundation helped in the search for the people living in the gardens. During the winter season, they go through the places they know where people stay for long periods of time, in inappropriate and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Later, the people living there themselves recommended places that they thought were worth visiting. In this way, we also met people who are officially considered homeless, and the homeless service organizations are not aware of them. During the personal visits, it was examined what methods and techniques people with very limited financial resources can use to design and build their homes. They cannot pay for the services of architects and most of the time they do not have sufficient resources to buy and install building materials that meet the standards in their houses. The homeless people who move here do not want to withdraw from society, they do not live under the socially accepted and legally prescribed norms of their own free will. All of them have had events in their lives that led to the loss of their jobs (Dányi, Müller, Bigazzi 119). Without an income, they could not find adequate housing. Most people living here have personal experience of the living conditions in night shelters and transitional homes. Those who move here value the freedom of independent living more than the security of a night shelter. During the research, with the help of architectural survey drawings and sketches, the techniques used during the creation or transformation of self-made buildings were recorded and assessed. If the residents agreed, photographic documentation of the structures was also prepared.
SURVIVAL STRATEGIES/CONSTRUCTION METHODS
Depending on the habits of the people living here, their abilities, financial, family and work circumstances, we can discover different ways of survival strategies. The research so far has resulted in a survey of 15 homeless shelters. In this chapter, we present four of them. These examples well represent the solutions developed under different opportunities, conditions and circumstances.
In addition to the climatic conditions in Hungary, the greatest challenge is protection against winter frosts. Due to the fear of fire and smoke or carbon monoxide poisoning, many people do not dare to heat at night. A general characteristic of the buildings is that people prefer a minimum floor area due to winter heating. More functions are brought out into the open, such as cooking, eating, washing.
Some people don’t build anything, they just move into an existing garden structure or tool shed built by gardeners several years even decades ago. They have no personal belongings, they are heavily dependent on alcohol, their environment is neglected, they do not cultivate the garden (Figure 1). Their activities only serve to satisfy basic human needs. József has been living in the gardens for years, his parents already lived here and his two brothers also live in this area, but unlike József, they cultivate the garden and take much more care of the house. József’s main source of livelihood is street begging.
1: József’s household lacks all comforts, the garden is neglected (author’s own illustration)
The team involved in the project did not find a single building for which new raw materials were bought in a store. Even a few generations ago, rural architecture without architects was characterized by the use of natural materials, such as earth, clay, wood and reeds, found in
Figure
the immediate environment. The sources of local raw materials in the 21st century urban environment are primarily landfills. However, we also found examples of the use of local, natural raw materials. Antal (72 years old) cut down acacia trees from the nearby forest and built his structures from them (Figure 2). He does not use a stove for heating. The sleeping cabin contains only one bed, where he thoroughly covers himself with sleeping bags. Antal used layers of corrugated cardboard to insulate the walls. The stove for cooking is a separate structure. The dining area was also designed as a separate garden pavilion and there is also a small storage building. His regular monthly income is HUF 29,000 (€75). He goes to the soup kitchen to eat. He has been building his empire on this plot of land for several years. He used to live in similar conditions a few hundred meters from his current place, but that house was burned down. Instead of rebuilding, he decided to create an entirely new structure. He made everything by himself and his only tool is a small found bone saw. He cut down the trees with it and formed the knots of the wooden logs. He likes to be in his garden, he has planted a variety of flowers, and at the time of the survey he was working on the creation of a small garden pond.
The home of Lajos (age 60) illustrates creative solutions. The main raw material for his house is a collection of door panels from renovated apartments in the nearby housing estate. Lajos persistently collects and professionally stores this raw material, which is a defining element of his modular house. The width of the rooms is 2 meters in accordance with the size of the horizontally placed door leaves. In place of some door panels, he installed horizontal “ribbon windows”. The kitchen has a gas stove and a wood-burning stove, the smoke from which goes into a chimney built by Lajos, so the heating can be considered safe. The walls of the building are carpeted from the inside, and the outside is covered with weather-proof recycled PVC flooring.
Figure 2: Antal used recycled materials in. addition to the logs harvested locally (author’s own photo)
It is particularly noteworthy that, as a protection against soil moisture, the building was built on concrete blocks, elevating it to a height of about 20 cm from the ground. As he does not have a well in his garden, Lajos collects rainwater in barrels from the roof of his building, and brings drinking water from the nearby city public well in jugs using a handcart. The garden is beautifully cultivated, with vegetables, fruit trees and flowers. Lajos still has a collection of about 60 door panels, which he uses to develop and maintain his environment. His plans include the creation of a new storage room and a garden shower/washroom.
Figure 3: The module system of the house of Lajos based on the dimension of door wings (author’s own illustration)
János’s home is a great example of how the quality of available and accessible raw materials has a serious effect on the building built from it. At János’s last workplace, an old industrial building made of sandwich panels was demolished and he was able to bring some of the panels. He used to work as a construction contractor, assembling wooden houses, but lost everything due to an unfortunate contract and subsequent litigation. Based on his previous experience, he designed his house himself, cut the sandwich panels to size at his workplace and assembled them here in the garden with the help of his friends. His friends help him charge a car battery so he and his partner can use smaller electrical appliances. The 15-square-meter room is always warm in winter because it is heated. He covered the metal sandwich panels from the inside with plasterboard to make the atmosphere more pleasant. János has a small scooter, with which he fetches water from the public well. They used to garden, but they cannot do it anymore because of their health conditions. He also has plans for his house. He wants to cover the outside with styrofoam and plaster it to make it nicer.
CONCLUSIONS
The architectural survival strategies learned during the research draw attention to the fact that the proposals offered by homeless service organizations for dealing with the problems of homeless people do not always provide a satisfactory solution. The comfort of the hot water shower in the night shelters cannot compensate for the huts on the outskirts of the city, which despite lacking nearly all comforts, are places where couples can stay together, where pets are welcome, and where time with family members and friends can be taken at liberty and not monitored.
At the same time, it should also be seen that in most cases the people living here are not able to create safe conditions for inhabitation on their own. What is perhaps an even more
Figure 4: A house built from sandwich panels raised off the ground (author’s own illustration)
serious challenge is that the problems are inherited from generation to generation. It is very difficult to get out of this trap without outside help. On the other hand, this situation can be safe for residents who do not have a regular income, because they do not go into debt to utility providers.
These observations must be addressed in future research and design interventions, considering that architects have a moral duty to design safe homes for all members of society, including people in disadvantaged situations. An extremely important consideration of any future design approaches recognizes that these people create the conditions for their independent life, albeit unconsciously, while taking into account the principles of the circular economy.
It is clear the knowledge and experience accumulated by the people who lived in former hobby gardens and created homes can be applied to architectural and technical university educational participatory design projects in service of homeless people and organizations. Potential projects in this vein could test economical and ecological means for housing as prototypes for methods and tools to ensure independent housing for unhoused people is resilient, safe and sustainable. An ideal solution to explore would examine the nature of economic, social and community supports for people staying in the hobby gardens, and how they might live ecologically in offgrid homes with safe heating, lighting, cooking and cleaning facilities.
The present paper has aimed to provide a snapshot of the current state of how these dwellers have established a semblance of human living conditions. This cross-sectional analysis is planned to be revisited in the future to capture what, if any, plans they had at the time have materialized, making this study a longitudinal investigation. Lessons learned from the two approaches may shed light on the sustainability of these living conditions.
REFERENCES
• Dányi, Tibor Zoltán, Müller, Tündér Éva and Bigazzi, Sára 2023. “Lessons of Architecture Without Architects in Pécs, Hungary” in INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NEW TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN edited by Burcin Cem Arabacioglu and Feride Pinar Arabacioglu, 110-20. Istanbul: ICNTAD\
• EU felmérés: https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/ebsm/api/public/deliverable/ download?doc=true&deliverableId=91777
• Gilbert Alan 2020. “Illegal housing: The case of comparison” in Comparative Approaches to Informal Housing Around the Globe edited by Udo Grashoff 22-38. UCL Press
• Grashoff Udo, Yang Fengzhou 2020. “Towards critique and differentiation: Comparative research on informal housing” in Comparative Approaches to Informal Housing Around the Globe edited by Udo Grashoff 1-21. UCL Press
• Homelessness in Europe, the state of play: https://www.feantsa.org/public/user/ Resources/reports/2023/OVERVIEW/CH1.pdf
• KSH: https://www.ksh.hu/interaktiv/haztart_jov_tizedek/index.html
• Lakbérek alakulása: https://www.ksh.hu/s/kiserleti-statisztika/kiadvanyok/kshingatlancomlakberindex-2024-januar/tablamelleklet.xlsx
• Pécs lakásrendelet: https://net.jogtar.hu/jogszabaly?docid=a2300027.pec
• Vasárus, Gábor László 2018. “A LAKOSSÁGI SZUBURBANIZÁCIÓ SZEREPE A HAZAI VIDÉKI AGGLOMERÁCIÓK KÜLTERÜLETEINEK ÁTALAKULÁSÁBAN” Doktori (Ph.D.) értekezés, Szegedi Tudományegyetem
THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT AND FACULTY WELL-BEING: A STUDY OF ZAGREB ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS’ COMFORT IN THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR
Muraj, Iva1
Full Professor, Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, Kačićeva 26, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, imuraj@arhitekt.unizg.hr
ABSTRACT
Academic learning environments are places where university students get their educational knowledge. The teaching-learning processes and the student’s academic performance are directly linked to the real classroom conditions.
A severe earthquake hit Zagreb on March 22, 2020, and caused significant damage to the built environment. The building of the Faculty of Architecture located in Kačićeva Street was also damaged. Renovation works are underway and will be completed next year. The faculty operates in two locations on the city’s outskirts – Maksimir and Žitnjak. The paper examines the temporary, repurposed storage building called ‘Tekstilpromet’ in the Žitnjak business zone and explores the overall impact of space on students through different parameters. The research is focused on investigating the subjective well-being of the Faculty of Architecture students. By presenting the results of selected students’ works conducted in the master course Architecture and Technology 1 in the academic year 2023-2024, the paper discusses the project approach, gives all negative and positive effects of the space, and concludes with some lessons learned. The research aims to evaluate the parameters that normally affect the user’s comfort in the interior space (architectural characteristics, thermal, visual, acoustic, and respiratory comfort). Several diverse factors significantly influence the way students experience their new temporary space. These range from ‘class size’, ‘equipment’, ‘leisure time’, ‘service activities that contribute to the livelihood of the place’, to ‘interior climate’, which affect the overall experience of the interior space. The results show how internal conditions affect the students’ behavior. Buildings, even temporary ones, should be designed to assure users’ comfort. This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the influence of architecture on students’ work and how certain parameters affect the feeling of well-being and convenience in space.
Keywords: Temporary Building, Faculty Well-being, Students, Survey
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
The importance of the institutional environment in which the education of students takes place should be supportive and stimulating for young people. Institutional context refers to many variables that, in addition to the broader social environment, include the organizational,
1Corresponding author
personnel, material, and technical conditions in which the faculty works as a higher education institution. Many parameters influence the comfort of a space, and we can subconsciously process and evaluate them quickly. The dimensions of the space, the amount of natural and artificial light, the color of the interior (warm or cold spectrum), views, and equipment are just some of those parameters that make the difference between a pleasant and unpleasant space. Work environments can have a long-term harmful effect on health. This research aimed to determine the satisfaction of architecture students in Zagreb in the temporary premises of the faculty in different locations. Student satisfaction is an indicator of the success of the faculty’s work, and the expressed (dis)satisfaction can be reached most often through survey questionnaires on a certain sample of respondents.
The paper’s topic is the influence of space on architecture students and the presentation of how the change of faculty space affects students’ behavior and emotional state. All negative and positive effects of the space on students will be examined. Furthermore, the goal of the research is to find out the wishes and needs of students so that their opinions can be implemented in structuring new services. Namely, the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Zagreb is at a turning point in its development, as classes are currently being held at two temporary locations. In February 2025 a return and relocation to a renovated building which, due to its square footage and space organization, will enable a complete reconstruction of the previous way of working.
TEMPORARY LOCATIONS OF THE FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE
University studies in Architecture and Urbanism in Zagreb consist of three years of undergraduate and two years of graduate studies. 130 students enroll in the first year of study. The building of the Faculty of Architecture at Kačićeva Street 26 is temporarily closed due to complete renovation and repair of damage caused after the 2020 earthquake. The renovation of the building began in March 2023, and all activities and contents were first temporarily moved to Maksimir at the address Hondlova Street 2/1 in the business complex of the company Medilab. Due to the small capacity of the space, only some of the undergraduate students and the faculty management and administration are currently staying at that location. At the beginning of the 2023/2024 academic year, part of the undergraduate students and all the graduate students moved to a new space, in the Tekstilpromet building in Žitnjak at the address Grada Gospića Street 1a. The building of Tekstilpromet (a wholesale textile and clothing distribution company founded in 1949) is a commercial building and its original purpose was a combination of business, logistics, and storage space. The storage spaces on the ground floor and the first floor are being converted into faculty spaces for four faculties of the University of Zagreb: Architecture, Geodesy, Civil Engineering, and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture.
The location of the Tekstilpromet building in Žitnjak is in a significantly worse position, compared to the location in Kačićeva Street in the city center, but also to the location in Hondlova Street in Maksimir (Fig. 1). Apart from the Borongaj student campus, which is in the immediate vicinity, the environment is extremely unfavorable for students, consisting of industrial buildings of various companies (Pevex, Dukat, Ledo, Konzum, Badel, etc.).
DISSATISFACTION WITH SPACE
Immediately after the move of part of the classes to the Tekstilpromet building in Žitnjak, the student body conducted a survey about the working conditions in the new faculty premises, to which several hundred students responded. The building was not designed for the purpose that is currently taking place in it. All parameters of the learning and teaching space were rated by more than 200 responses as “extremely dissatisfied”.
The Tekstilpromet building as a faculty building does not have many advantages. The dissatisfaction of the students resulted in additional research as part of the regular graduate course Architecture and Technology 1 in the winter semester of the academic year 2023/2024. In the “User comfort” group, the basic theme is research into the relationship between users and the physical environment of the space in which they live. Numerous parameters of the indoor climate (thermal, visual, and air quality) affect user comfort and thus their behavior. The experience and observations of users (students) in a familiar environment represent an important part that contributes to a better understanding of space. Although there are various scientific methods for measuring the comfort of a space, they are not always sufficient parameters for testing comfort, because the subjective factor of the individual is not negligible and can significantly affect the outcome of the test. The method of subjective assessment of users (architecture students) - the survey method - was chosen as the method of research. In this context, two selected student works on the influence of space on user experience are presented below.
Figure 1. Zagreb, location of the buildings of the Faculty of Architecture: 1. Building in Kačićeva Street 26; 2. Building in Hondlova 2/1; 3. Building in Grada Gospića 1a
Kačićeva Street 26 Hondlova Street 2/1 Grada Gospića 1a, Tekstilpromet
1940: E. Šen, M. Kovačević 2002: MultiMedia Design 2003: B. Martinović
Building under renovation Temporary location Temporary location
In the city center.
Good public transport connections. Designed as the faculty building. Well-sized classrooms and lecture rooms. There is a model-making facility, canteen, and cafeteria.
Maksimir - a quiet environment, near the park. Good public transport connections. There is a model-making facility.
Car connections. Availability of parking spaces. Flexible space organization (large spans with high ceilings). There is a canteen and cafeteria.
Traffic jam. There is no parking lot or garage. There is no space for gathering and socializing. The crowd in the canteen. Originally an office building. Classrooms reduced to a minimum size. There is no space for gathering and socializing.
Žitnjak - an industrial zone. Infrequent public transport lines. Originally a storage space. There is no natural lighting or ventilation. The space causes discomfort. There is no model-making facility. Crowd in common areas (seats, canteen, etc.).
CASE STUDY 1
The seminar “Comparison of the comfort in AF buildings” was prepared by students Roko Gizdić, Tajana Falatec and Iva Žaja. The main goal of the research was to compare the premises of the Faculty of Architecture in Kačićeva Street, Hondlova Street and Tekstilpromet. The structure of the survey was compiled using an online Google form and consisted of five questions that were answered separately concerning the three locations of the faculty. The survey was answered by 93 architecture students from November 23rd to December 6th, 2023, who stayed in all three buildings during their studies.
The students’ results about the comfort of the classrooms in different locations confirm the quality of the classrooms in Kačićeva Street. According to the student’s responses, the lecture halls in Hondlova Street, although inadequately equipped, are more comfortable than the lecture halls in the Tekstilpromet building. These results confirm the importance of natural lighting and ventilation, which do not exist in Tekstilpromet, and significantly affect the comfort of staying in the space. The modest dimensions of the drawing rooms in the Tekstilpromet building cannot accommodate more than 10 to 15 people (and the groups have been increased to 18 - 20 students with a professor). As expected, staying in the drawing rooms in the Tekstilpromet building is very uncomfortable for students, primarily due to the lack of windows, but also the small dimensions of the drawing
Table 1: Comparison of the buildings of the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb.
rooms (Fig. 2). The drawing rooms in Hondlova and Kačićeva streets record much better results. It is interesting that for students the drawing rooms in Hondlova and Kačićeva Streets are not different in terms of comfort, although the drawing rooms in Kačićeva Street are larger, better designed, and equipped.
Students are dissatisfied with the accompanying content within the radius of the building’s location, even though the building has a canteen. The results were expected considering that the nearest coffee bar and bakery are a kilometer away from the building. The building in Hondlova Street records neutral results, better than Tekstilpromet because there is enough content within a gravitational radius of 500 meters from the building. The location in Kačićeva is significantly different from the previously mentioned two because it is in the center of the city, and its gravitational radius abounds with a much larger number of ancillary facilities that students use, stay, eat, socialize, or relax in. The Tekstilpromet building records better results than the building in Hondlova Street when asked about the possibilities of socializing and socializing students on the faculty premises. In Hondlova Street there is no space for socialization, while in the Tekstilpromet building, there are internal atriums and corridors that enable socialization and connection between students. It is important to emphasize that the Tekstilpromet building also houses students from other faculties (FSB, Civil Engineering, Geodesy). Students are satisfied with the possibility of socializing in the premises in Kačićeva. At the end of the questionnaire, a question was asked about how the space of the building itself affects their work at the faculty and their motivation to work while staying in the faculty premises, which brought the expected results. Students are not comfortable working and studying in the Tekstilpromet building. The building in Hondlova recorded neutral results, while the students confirmed that it was the most comfortable for them to work in Kačićeva. The obtained results are presented in graphs (Fig. 3). The results of the survey confirm that students cite the building at Kačićeva 26 as the best choice for teaching, the building at Hondlova 2 is rated as a mediocre choice, and the Tekstilpromet building is in last place with the most negative ratings. The results were expected since the building at Kačićeva 26 was built as a faculty building, i.e. it was designed following the needs of teaching. The building was not rated “excellent”, which can be attributed to the time of construction (1937-1940) when it was designed according to the standards of the time. The building at Hondlova 2/1 was not designed for teaching in its original purpose, and as a temporary teaching space, it was assessed as satisfactory. Despite the smaller dimensions of the drawing rooms (compared to the building in Kačićeva Street), the students defined the space of the drawing rooms as “pleasant”. Students have the most complaints about the lack of space for socializing and the availability of accompanying content.
Figure 2. Drawing rooms of the Faculty of Architecture in different locations: 1. Building under renovation at Kačićeva Street 26; 2. Temporary building in Hondlova 2/1; 3. Temporary building in Grada Gospića Street 1a.
Figure 3: Case study 1: The results of the student survey indicate the dissatisfaction of the respondents.
CASE STUDY 2
The research titled “AF (Dis)comfort” was conducted by students Dora Raić, Mia Matković and Marijo Joković. The survey of comfort in the interior of the Tekstilpromet building was conducted based on the subjective feelings of the respondents. The selected group of respondents were exclusively architecture students due to their interest in the space and staying in it. The spaces where students spend the most time were chosen for the research. These are lecture halls and drawing rooms as the nuclei of classes. Spaces for socializing are equally important and greatly contribute to the quality of residence and communication as a place for students to move, stay and meet. In addition to the parameters of physical comfort that are necessary for physical comfort in the space - temperature and air quality, natural lighting, and noise level, the equipment of the space was also examined (technical and social equipment). Technical equipment in the form of equipment determined by technical aids and social equipment in the form of equipment that contributes to the informal socializing of students. The structure of the survey was compiled using an online Google form and consisted of 6 simple YES/NO questions. 44 architecture students responded to the survey. The expected assumption that the current location of the Faculty of Architecture in the Tekstilpromet building will receive the worst grades was confirmed by the survey. According to the subjective experiences of the students, the temporary building is inadequate for teaching and working. A quarter of the respondents (3640%) consider the temperature in all areas comfortable. Most respondents (87-90%) rated the lack of natural lighting, air quality, and noise in all the faculty rooms as unpleasant. The technical equipment of the faculty premises was evaluated with only 6% positive answers, and the social equipment with only 2% positive answers (Fig. 4). According to the survey results, the entrance hall is the highest quality space. The results of the survey indicated that spaces for informal socializing and the equipment of the space significantly influence the level of comfort.
Figure 4. Case study 2: The results of the survey for the Tekstilpromet building.
DISCUSSION
Both case studies aim to evaluate the parameters that normally affect the user’s comfort in the interior space. Several diverse factors significantly influence the way students experience their new temporary space. These range from ‘class size’, ‘equipment’, ‘leisure time’, ‘service activities that contribute to the livelihood of the place’, to ‘interior climate’, which affect the overall experience of the interior space. The results show how internal conditions affect the students’ feeling of well-being and convenience in space. Buildings, even temporary ones, should be designed so that users’ comfort is assured. The only partially naturally lit space is the central hall. Such a space can cause health problems and changes in student behavior (sleepiness and productivity in lectures). Mechanical ventilation does not replace the lack of natural ventilation. Low-quality air flow in the room significantly affects the health, but also the efficiency of students in completing tasks. Students are also dissatisfied with the acoustics of drawing rooms and lecture halls and the noise from neighboring lecture halls, which results in less concentration of students. The dimensions and inflexibility of the space affect the comfort of the stay. Spaces that are too small cause a feeling of discomfort. Other facilities that affect student comfort include the absence of a model-making facility, the small capacity of the canteen to the number of students, poor internet signal, lack of other facilities (bakery, shop, etc.), and poor interior design.
The disadvantage of the research is its time limitation because the results lose their relevance over time. It is important to emphasize that the buildings being examined originally had a different purpose, so errors are possible during the survey. The students expressed the opinions and referred exclusively to their needs, i.e., the conditions that the building of the Faculty of Architecture should fulfil.
CONCLUSIONS
Observing the physical environment where students stay for several hours daily undoubtedly affects their satisfaction and work experience. Architecture students have their own experiences to feel the importance of designing by the purpose of the space. Moving and holding classes in temporary locations is a consequence of renovating the Faculty of Architecture building in Kačićeva 26. A temporary relocation lasting two years affects students’ activities and results. The experience of changing the study space for two generations of architecture students should be taken as a lesson for the future.
REFERENCES
• AfZg - Faculty of Architecture University of Zagreb, Graduate Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, Accessed May 10, 2024. https://www.arhitekt.hr/en/teaching/the-study-ofarchitecture-and-urbanism/.
• Gizdić, Roko; Falatec, Tajana, and Žaja, Iva. 2023. “Ugoda studenata Arhitektonskog fakulteta. Usporedba zgrada AFZG-a.“ / “Comparison of the comfort in AF buildings“, Final student seminar paper AT1 2023/24, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb.
• Muraj, Iva, and Stanka Ostojić. 2023. “An Environmental Quality Assessment of Office Buildings: The Impact of a Glass Façade on Users in Different Climate Contexts in Croatia” Buildings 13, 12: 3092.
• Raić, Dora; Matković, Mia and Joković, Marijo. 2023. “(NE)ugoda Af. Ispitivanje ugode i neugode arhitektonskih fakulteta. / “AF (Dis)comfort.“, Final student seminar paper AT1 2023/24, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb.
• Rodríguez, Carolina M.; Coronado, María Camila and Medina, Juan Manuel. 2021. “Thermal comfort in educational buildings: The Classroom-Comfort-Data method applied to schools in Bogotá, Colombia“, Building and Environment, 194: 107682.
• Students’ Council Survey of the Faculty of Architecture, 2023. University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture, Zagreb.
INVESTIGATING STRATEGIES FOR MAINTAINING
THE PROSPECTIVE URBAN HOUSING IDENTITY AND LIVEABILITY IN THE CITY OF DAMASCUS
Tomajian, Haik1
PhD student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, h.tumajian@gmial.com
Gyergyák János
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, gyergyak.janos@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the historical, cultural, and architectural aspects that contribute to the city’s unique identity. Starting with the ancient influences of Mesopotamian and Roman architecture, that narratively progressed through the Islamic era, where intricate designs and spatial organization principles influenced residential constructions. The Ottoman Empire’s rule introduced elements of Turkish architecture, blending with indigenous Syrian styles. During the French Mandate period, modernist ideologies emerged, leading to the incorporation of European architectural principles into Syrian urban planning. Post-independence, the current political ruling party regime promoted socialist ideals, resulting in mass housing projects and the proliferation of Brutalist architecture. Additionally, the interest rekindled towards the traditional Syrian architectural forms in the late 20th century, evident in contemporary housing developments, despite the Syrian crisis. However, the issue lies in the continued influence of late 20th-century architecture, without taking into consideration current social needs, sustainability, and adaptability. Moreover, this paper aims to provide insights into the Damascene architectural evolution, and delves also into the concept of liveability, focusing on the quality of life of the city’s residents to maintain prospective housing identity and liveability. It proposes inclusive strategies that balance modern development with consideration of the city’s identity. The paper tries also to contribute to an understanding of the complex dynamics that influence urban housing identity and liveability in Damascus city. Thus, it charts a path towards a more resilient and vibrant urban future for Damascus.
Keywords: Urban-Housing, Quantitative, Qualitative, Architecture-Identity, Place-Memory
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The city of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its rich history and unique architectural identity, is at the crossroads of modern urban development and preservation of its distinctive character. The rapid urbanization and population growth have posed significant challenges to the city’s housing sector, threatening not only the architectural identity but also the liveability of its urban spaces. This paper aims to investigate strategies that can help maintain the prospective urban housing identity and enhance liveability in Damascus. The urban housing identity of Damascus is deeply rooted in its historical and cultural context, characterized by traditional courtyard houses, narrow winding streets, and distinct architectural styles. However, the pressures of modernization and the need for new housing have led to changes that risk eroding this unique identity. Therefore, it is crucial to explore strategies that can balance the demands of modern living with the preservation of the city’s architectural heritage. Liveability, on the other hand, refers to the quality of life offered by urban environments. It encompasses various factors such as accessibility, safety, public amenities, green spaces, and social cohesion. In the context of Damascus, enhancing liveability means creating urban spaces that not only meet the residents’ basic needs but also contribute to their well-being and happiness. Through a comprehensive review of urban planning principles, case studies, and innovative solutions, this paper will propose strategies that can help maintain the prospective urban housing identity and improve liveability in Damascus. The city’s unique historical and cultural context, coupled with the pressures of modernization and the impacts of recent conflicts, have created a complex urban landscape that requires innovative and context-specific solutions. The findings of this research could provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in the city’s development and preservation efforts.
IDENTITY & LIVEABILITY AND THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FUTURE
The relationship between liveability, architectural identity in urban environments, and future is a complex and multifaceted one. Liveability in cities is closely tied to the architectural identity of urban environments. The architectural identity of a city can significantly influence its liveability by shaping the urban spaces and the experiences of its inhabitants (Yasser , M., 2021). Moreover, the preservation of historical architecture and the city’s cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining the city’s identity while ensuring its liveability. This balance between preserving the past and planning for the future is key to creating liveable cities that respect both their history and the needs of future generations (Roka, K. 2019). In “Merriam-Webster” Dictionary, Identity (ID) iden·ti·ty means “the distinguishing character or personality of an individual or a collective & the relation established by psychological identification” (Merriam-Webster). Whereas K. Lynch defines Architectural Identity as the distinct characteristics and attributes that define a specific location or structure. It encompasses the visual, cultural, and historical elements that make a place recognizable and unique. Moreover, the design of a city should reflect the unique culture and history of its community (Lynch, K, 1964).
Charles Correa, one of India’s most imaginative architects and urban planners, had a profound understanding of the 3 principles of identity in architecture. Firstly, he says that “Identity is a process and not a “found” object. It may be linked to the trail left by civilisation as it moves through history. The trail is the culture or identity of the civilization”. Secondly, he adds that Identity cannot be fabricated, and thirdly, he insists that identity is not a self-conscious thing,
“we found our identity by understanding ourselves and environment” (Correa, C., 1983). The main cause of identity through social sciences is protecting the collective character from the influence of globalization, and here we can differentiate 2 adjectives of identity.
A- The static adjective, that has been completed and happened in the past in a specific period or a specific location, or in a specific community.
B- The Dynamic Vision, that is still being gained and modified continually, therefore the original identity gains new characteristics over time (Abd AL-Kader, N., 1997). Therefor identity is an open project towards the future, and interactive with reality and history (Al-Alem, M., 1988).
Identity can be changed and gain new characteristics and lose others.
During the 20th century modernist architects went towards forgetting the past and adopting the new approach of mass production in their planning and architectural proposals. Which caused them to subtract the historical, cultural, and social dimensions from their work in architecture, resulting in a new model of architecture, shaped in the international style. And what helped in that is the interplay between urban components such as buildings and streets. They continually have been influencing the quality of city spaces, leading to varying degrees of liveability in and identity cities. The analysis of urban structure provides a method for objectively measuring these relationships to comprehend their dynamics. The concept of urban liveability refers to the capacity of city spaces to meet the wellbeing and quality of life expectations of its residents. The formation of liveable cities is underpinned by quantifiable spatial patterns (Roka, K. 2019). It involves considering various factors, including sustainability, cultural heritage, and the evolving needs of urban populations.
TIME TRACKING THE URBAN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN DAMASCUS
This part Studies the housing structure through history by time tracking the development of urban housing to come up with the identity criteria. In practice, three residential patterns can be identified in Syrian cities that are linked to social, economic, and technical developments: (Kandakji, L., 2013)
1. Traditional housing (until the late 19th Century)
2. Transitional period Housing (during the mandate period until independence 1920-1946)
3. Modern housing (from the era of independence until the present day)
Each of these models has its own design characteristics that reflect the developments and historical stages that the city has gone through. This study will help with the identity criteria.
TRADITIONAL HOUSING
The planning of the traditional Syrian city was influenced by customs and traditions based on religious legislation, through a set of regulatory texts that address building boundaries and settle disputes. That ensured the organization in the structure of the city, as there was no official government engineering planning for the urban space. The ancient Syrian cities were characterized by their continuous renewal and adaptation, to some extent, to the various social and economic changes to which they were exposed, as is the case in ancient Damascus and Aleppo, as both are still one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. That defined the morphology of the old city (Figure 1). This organic unit was harmonious with the customs, traditions, lifestyle of the residents, and their needs (Kassab, 2013).
Syrian residential architecture remains distinguished by several common factors, in that it contains internal courtyards that form a cohesive fabric, completely open to the inside, and at the same time completely closed to the outside. Many different influences—social, economic, and political—played a role in shaping the city’s urban fabric and the assembly of buildings within it, influenced from ancient civilization like Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman. The aesthetic form of the urban fabric has left its impact by defining it within the level of the neighbourhood and its organic alley system, as well as through the gradation and diversity of the “Skyline” of the fabric structure. That made the buildings connect to each other with harmony and form a unique background image for it (Hinterland) creating the unique image of the city. The traditional city is distinguished by its urban centrality, where the various activities and functions are arranged starting from the centre and heading outward according to the importance of these activities to the residents. (Kandakji, L., 2013)
The traditional urban house is characterized by its stone (Ablaq) construction and various configurations and consists mainly of a middle courtyard surrounded by rooms designated for daily activities. The number of internal courtyards is directly proportional to the economic situation of the owner. The importance of the privacy factor can be seen in the entrance, the separation in circulation of residents and visitors, and the separation between the sexes within the residence. Moreover, it considering the environmental and climatic aspects. The opening towards the green interior, provides coolness and humidity in the summer, while closing to the dry and hot exterior. The design concept of this housing type emphasizes the factors of protection, security, and privacy in accordance with the residents’ social and religious values. Housing During the Transitional Period
The various economic, social, and political changes that affected the structure and formation of families in Syria due to the move to live in new neighbourhoods, led to transformations in the use of land outside the Old City. This process of transition, especially for those with high incomes among the population, had an impact on the changes in the urban fabric, which occurred very quickly, making it closer to replacement rather than adaptation. However, Western modernity succeeded in Making radical changes in the prevailing social, economic, and cultural structures, which was directly reflected in residential architecture (Kandakji, L., 2013). Especially with the introduction of modern means of transportation (cars and trams) The grid method was followed in the planning study of the new expansion areas, in a gradual manner according to their importance. New sizes of blocks also appeared with the increase in the number of floors in one building, and this was accompanied by determining the general area of the partitions and the proportions of construction on them. The height of the building was also determined according to the width of the street to give a size consistent with the open space. The city
Fig1: Traditional Housing Fabric - Edwards, 2006, xviii
expanded towards the north and the west at this stage, and new areas were created. During the rule of the French Mandate a new planning policy was followed for Syrian cities. This policy was based on the French architectural model and the Western modernist style. The population of the city of Damascus at that time did not exceed 230,000 people. The year 1936 witnessed the development of the first Urban plan for the city of Damascus, by French engineers Danger and Écochard, after historical research, a population census, and an economic and social study (Almuhanna, 2017).
These new changes at the housing level led to a greater focus on the external aspects of life, which had a significant impact on the residents’ customs and cultural values. That led towards transformation from the opening towards the inner courtyard, to the opening towards the outer space. The architecture in that period was called the architecture of the thirties, and its buildings were distinguished by the beauty of their proportions. The accuracy and diversity of its details reflected the skill of the craftsmanship, creativity and ingenuity in implementing geometric decorations, and the emphasis on local privacy and preservation of identity. Its entrances also corresponded to the front facades of attached buildings influenced by the colonial style and the Art Nouveau school (fig2).
Residential architecture in Syrian cities witnessed an active architectural and urban movement after independence due to increasing population growth and migration to the local cities. The urban and architectural landscape diversified in which the economic and political factors took a greater share in shaping the features of the city. Housing continued to spread outside the old city and in expansion areas, and multi-storey buildings were constructed, often consisting of one apartment per floor (urban villas). The concept of functional separation (day/night) has also evolved in some apartments. In the fifties and sixties of the last century, these areas followed in their typology the European systems and styles prevalent in that period. Cement slab was used in construction instead of stone, which allowed the emergence of buildings liberated from all sides, with specific dimensions from the streets, and with fixed heights that reached 6 floors in some areas. These districts buildings were influenced by the “Bauhaus” school in terms of the shapes of its windows, the precision and simplicity of its metalwork (fig3), and the balconies that were also appeared with distinguished and special characteristics that were called the Damascene Bauhaus (Albadwan, G., 2009).
Fig2: 1930s Residential Buildings, in Damascus City, Al-Salhiyeh District Modern Housing
Things changed in 1963, as the ruling party made contract with French engineer Michel Écochard, who was one of the followers of le Corbusier, to prepare the second organizational plan for the city, and be the organizer of the planning period in Damascus (Almuhanna, S., 2017). He issued his own rules and policies, which was included in the current building system. His plan was based on the Fourth Ciam Conference in the functional separation, and included commercial and industrial areas, educational centres, parks, residential areas, etc. Basic conditions have been set for the heights of residential buildings in urban areas (fig4). These new planned areas where different than what Damascus was known for, what most distinguishes these areas is the height that exceeded 4 floors, sometimes reaching fifteen floors, built of reinforced concrete in the style that prevailed in the period of Western Brutalist modernism and Russian Constructivism in the world in the forties of the last century (ALbadwan, G., 2008).
More problems start to spread beginning with the fifties of the last century. for instance, in green, forested, industrial, or other areas that are not classified for residential purposes in the city’s general plan, “spontaneous growth areas” which in Syria are officially called “collective informal clusters areas”, were built without building permits. They developed, grew, and expanded to include large areas of the city. The Syrian crisis after 2010 made things worse, in terms of economic purchasing power, destruction of areas, densification of safe cities, and more spread of self-built informal houses. Despite all the changes in the economic and social
Fig3: 1950s Residential Buildings, in Damascus City, Abu-Rummaneh District (online)
Fig4: 1970s Residential Buildings, in Damascus City, Almazza District
structure, the production method has maintained its traditionality in terms of repetitive and monotonous modules with the aim of producing economical housing for the state, like, youth housing projects that have reached a very “modest” quality in terms of specifications due to the predominance of the cost factor.
Traditional Housing Transitional Housing Modern Housing
Fig7: Comparison between the Typology and the fabric between the 3 Housing periods of Damascus
METHOD
To develop strategies for maintaining housing identity and liveability in Damascus, this research adopts a methodology that builds upon Kristen Ring’s framework in “Strategies for Future Urban Living.” The approach combines a systematic literature review, analysis of existing urban strategies, and a comparative study of relevant frameworks like Ring’s and Pedersen’s. The parameters for analysis—cultural identity, liveability, and sustainability—were derived from the literature and refined through a comparative analysis of Pedersen’s framework. While Pedersen emphasized on specific aspects (Densification, Neighbourhood benefits, costs, special solutions, & forms of living), this study introduces additional improvements, e.g., integration of localized metrics relevant to Damascus. Table 1 illustrates these advancements. The foundation of this research lies in an extensive literature review aimed at identifying key parameters for analysing and improving urban living strategies. These parameters were informed by Kristen Ring’s framework and adapted to fit Damascus’s unique urban context.
STRATEGIES FOR FUTURE URBAN LIVING
The case of Damascus shows that dense urban development building structures have become increasingly important today, as they allow reducing the area required for transportation systems, as well as reducing the use of resources. However, this urban development must not negatively affect the living environment. The great challenge lies in how to build a compact, high-density city without losing the quality of living, the surrounding environment, and architectural identity, while obtaining a distinctive, high-quality architectural design with correct and intelligent placement of buildings in a way that achieves spatial quality and the maximum investment factor.
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Walter Gropius in 1930 discussed the urban condition and promoted the linear raw houses with a north-south orientation, in favour of big city quadrangles, and that will give equality between all residents in terms of circulation, sunlight, plot, and interaction. Through Gropius studies, the vision of achieving the same density in different residential forms comes, as the desire to diversify and increase densities. That caused a re-evaluation process of the forms of high-density housing and how to configure and shape them within the established plan. It is worth noting that it is possible to achieve a higher net density by using several general mass formations for residential buildings. This is illustrated by the work of the Urban Task Force, by Andrew Wright Group, which shows the potential for 75 housing units per hectare (fig6) (The Urban Task Force, 1999).
Fig6: Comparing Different forms of urban development of a density containing 75 housing units per hectare.
The following table1 shows the strategies based on multiple literature for maintaining liveability and sustainability in future urban living (Pedersen, p. 2009 and Ring, K. 2015, The researcher):
Architectural Urban Sustainable Psychological
Compactness Open Spaces Day Light Identity
Shared Spaces Walkability Wind Memory
New Forms of Living Mixed-Use Energy Human Central
Adaptability Variation in Context Costs Comfort
Human Scale Densification Orientation Belonging
Smart Design & Special Solutions Neighbourhood Benefits
Table 1: Strategies for future urban liveability and viability
CONCLUSION
Every innovation in architecture and planning, that is a result of a long process of continues building and structural formation should be studied carefully. Architectural Identity is one of the
essential intriguing factors for cities and urban settlements that make them more liveable and viable. There are a lot of cities gained its popularity because of the intriguing unique identity that they have. Some contemporary cities like Damascus that was special for long periods of time witnessed different direction with mass production policies that focused on quantity and didn’t consider the quality privacy and identity. Moreover, it can be noticed that the new city after the 70s has a lot of problems and lacks the liveability and viability feature more than ever. That’s why efforts should be put in the field of to gain as much possible knowledge using technology and new architectural solutions, taking into consideration the changing needs of society, humans, and globalization and its impact. To make dense cities better places to live in. Preserving the collective heritage includes the utmost benefit from it and purpose it as an active tool in development and artistic abstract, architectural, and urban creativity.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
The study highlights the important role of integrating Damascus’s unique history into future urban living strategies. By applying the research strategies urban living, such as adaptive reuse and contextual design, etc., the study demonstrates how important it is to preserve the cultural identity, and the local context of the place while accommodating modern needs. It also emphasizes creating multi-functional urban spaces that provide a framework for enhancing livability in Damascus, focusing on fostering community interaction, and neighbourhood benefits. The aim of the proposed strategies such as mixed-use developments, limiting vertical expansion and incorporating special solutions is to alleviate pressure on land use while increasing access to amenities.
These results synthesize the findings and the interplay between Ring’s, Pedersen’s, and the historical context, creating a strategy for maintaining housing identity and livability in Damascus. This also offers a holistic roadmap that ensures cultural, social, and environmental priorities are addressed. For policymakers, it aligns urban policies with heritage conservation and sustainability goals. For architects, it provides innovative design principles that merge tradition with modernity. For urban planners, it offers a framework to create efficient, livable, and resilient urban environments. This approach supports Damascus’s journey toward maintaining its identity while adapting to the demands of future urban living.
REFERENCES
• Abd AL Kader, N., The Problematic of Fabric and Style, The Arabic house, 1997 (Translated from Arabic)
• Al-Alem, A., 1988, Introductory Methodological Notes About Aljabery’s Criticism of Mind, Alwehda Journal, No 51 (Translated from Arabic)العالم،
• Albadwan, G., (2009), Contempory Architecture in Syria Between Theory and ApplicationDamascus City as an Example, ALfurat Journal for Research and Scientific Studies, No 6, pp13. (Translated from Arabic)البدوان،
• ALbadwan, G., (2008), The Syrian German Seminar: The Building Culture in SyriaExperiments from Germany, Damascus University, Faculty of Architecture, GTZ (Translated from Arabic),
• Almuhanna, S., (2017), Damascus the City of the Future, Damascus University, pp8. (Translated from Arabic)
(2017)،
• Correa, Charles. 1983 “Quest for Identity”. In Architecture and Identity, edited by Robert Powell. Singapore: Concept Media/Aga Khan Award for Architecture,.
• Kandakji, L., (2013), Design Transformations of Architectural Housing in Syrian Cities Since the Independence Period Until Present Day, PP4 (Translated from Arabic)قندقجي،
(2013)،
• Kassab, Alhusainy & Alfarra, (2013), Towards Socially Active Residential Environment in contemporary residential Architecture. (Translated from Arabic)
(2013)،
• Ring, K., 2017, Urban Living: strategies for the future, Jovis
• Lynch, Kevin, 1964, The image of the city, The MIT Press
• Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Identity”, accessed 5/28/2024 https://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/identity
• Pedersen, P., 2012, Sustainable Compact Cities, Arkitektskolens Forlag
• Roka, K. (2019). “Liveable City: Towards Economic, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Wellbeing.” In: Sustainable Cities and Communities. edited by: Leal Filho, W., Azul, A., Brandli, L., Özuyar, P., Wall, T. Cham. pp 1-13, Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Springer.
• The Urban Task Force, 1999, Towards an Urban Renaissance, Taylor and Francis Library, p35
• Yasser, M., Nicola, C., Antonella, V., Hocine, B., Marta, S., 2021. Cities’ Identity Through Architecture and Arts, Springer Cham
IN
SHORT OF SPACE, SHARE SPACE AND SHARE POWERS TO CREATE BETTER PLACES
de Haan, Pieter1
Knowledge Centre Shared Space, Westersingel 4, 8913 CK Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, pieter@kenniscentrumsharedspace.nl
ABSTRACT
With the growing need of mobility, the growing need for speed and grow of population in almost all countries in the world, a need for managing this mobility started at the first half of last century.
Macbeth, Act III, Scene 5: And you all know, security is mortals’ chiefest enemy
At first when cars came in and a difference in speed between cars and pedestrians became a safety issue, the solution was found in infrastructural measures. Separation for every mode of transport, if there was space.
Regulation started, laws, and training. Enforcement was necessary, new tasks for police and justice. Technology came in. With lights and signs, more and more technology became dedicated, priority rules and complicated computer controlled junctions. Counting of cars, cyclists and pedestrians. But urban design and architecture to develop cities and neighbourhoods came at a later instance. They need to go together.
These technological means are mostly one way communication. The system communicates one way with the public, not even with a person. They are treated as a group, all the same and without interaction. In the words of the famous Hans Monderman, founder of the idea of Shared Space: The greater the number of regulations, the more people’s sense of personal responsibility dwindles. Or: If you treat people like idiots, they will behave like idiots.
In Shared Space is no need for( advanced) technology. There is a need for dedicated urban design, and architecture. A complete design and architecture that elicits the desired behaviour. So architects, urban designers, traffic engineers and experts on human behaviour should work together in future cities.
In cities, villages and neighbourhoods, places where are more functions than only moving from A to B, the quality of the space should be a human place in stead of a traffic place. Places should be human, inclusive for all road users.
Keywords: urban design, architecture, communication, human places
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Cities have been from the very first years of our era the most important part as place of living, of political, economical and social life. Nations were less or none existent. Living and housing were concentrated in cities. Nowadays over 70 % of the world population lives in cities. In more developed regions it’s almost 80 % (Urban Population and Demographic Trends).
Jane Jacobs (1961) states this firmly:
She argues: that it is cities—not nations—that are the drivers of wealth. Challenging centuries of economic orthodoxy, in Cities and the Wealth of Nations the beloved author contends that healthy cities are constantly evolving to replace imported goods with locally-produced alternatives, spurring a cycle of vibrant economic growth. Intelligently argued and drawing on examples from around the world and across the ages.
Figure 1: A street to live and meet
City centres – certainly older cities – are dense. Activities, living, working and cultural events make it also vibrant places. It’s imaginable that movement there of people will be important. When functions in a city, are divers and popular, the drive to go and be there leads to pressure on the space.
This paper considers some of the implications of growing cities, growing population and the growing need for mobility. These implications can be the need for infrastructure, the differentiation in ways of mobility the rules and regulation. Maintaining rules with technology, fines and punishment, as well as psychology. Also the consequences of shortage of space, how to share space and even how to create better places.
One of the principles in the idea of Shared Space is that road users should (be able to) communicate and understand from “the other” what to do and to trust. This principle, where trust comes in the place from rules and regulation, maybe it can also be used in other domains. We see how the possibility of human communication from person to person disappears and how technology comes in the place, human places become traffic places.
Infrastructure
The old cities grew slowly. Infrastructure was not the most important issue. Places to cross rivers and roads to get in and out the city, but all on a human scale. One of the oldest roads is the Via Appia Antica in Rome. Clearly we see the narrow road, just enough for persons to pass each other or later for cars with horses. The measures of this road derived from the human scale. So we see mostly in those older cities a radial structure. This is clear for older cities with more and more density when leading to the city center. Later the radials became big roads and in newer cities i.e. Helsinki the radials were connected as a ring road.
(https://www.viamichelin.co.uk/maps/finland/_/uusimaa/helsinki-00100)
Cities developed on places that were advantageous for economical reasons, or save places (save for sea levels or drought, for possible enemies), or for infrastructural reasons. Geological circumstances offered sometimes fructuous and beneficial profits. But as cities became more and more built up, infrastructural needs became apparent. Footpaths became streets and streets became highways.
In the next picture we see a road, covered now with tarmac, where before there were bricks and before that it was an unpaved footpath.
Houses and farms were built in this case on a ridge of sand midst swamps and covered with peat. The sand ridge was formed in the times of the ice ages. There was in the last century a need for more space, so the road was broadened, because cars, first with horses and later motorized automobiles became a normal situation. So infrastructure as we see it now is the only consequence of human activities in the built environment. Off course apart from transport by air or over rivers and seas.
When, at the beginning of last century, motorized cars came into the public space and the speeds were low, almost like horse and cars, there was no need to make new rules. But speed differences with other road users were getting bigger and the number of automobiles grew also, a new era started. An era with dominance of cars and infrastructure changed also because of that. In short this is what happened and how we did cope with it:
• Rules and regulating
• Separation of cars, cyclists and pedestrians
• More legislation
• More signs
• More control
Figure 2: Via Appia Antica Rome / Figure 3: Helsinki from Google maps
Figure 3: Village Tjalleberd (NL). Google Streetview
• More police
• More examination and testing
• More education
• Severe fines and penalties
Still this is happening and everywhere. See last years WHO report: (https://www.who.int/newsroom/fact-sheets/detail/road-traffic-injuries)
• Approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
• Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years.
• 92% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries have around 60% of the world’s vehicles.
• More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
Probably the measures we take, the more rules we make don’t end this world wide crisis. It looks even if we accept it as a byproduct of our civilization.
More and more infrastructure has an enormous impact on land use. Land that’s needed for agriculture, for food and for biodiversity.
Apart from the still growing demand for more infrastructure and growing amount of mobility, there is also another consequence. The social aspects.
Infrastructure in urban areas has for sure these social impacts. It was Donald Appleyard in the fifties of last century who did a very well known research on how roads can split communities. In this picture it’s clear to see how the lack of relations between people on both sides of the street diminishes as a result of the traffic volume.
Figure 5: How traffic flow influences human contacts
Infrastructure in urban areas has for sure these social impacts. It was Donald Appleyard in the fifties of last century did a very well known research on how roads can split communities. In this picture it’s clear to see how the lack of relations between people on both sides of the street diminishes as a result of the traffic volume.
Even an extra demand emerges when the traffic flow grows, is that it looks obvious to widen the road and make more traffic, especially for cars, possible. and what we see then is that the traffic has more space, it even attracts more traffic, just because of that space and the illusion that it leads to less time wasted. a nice example of this was the discussion in Ljubljana about Slovenska Cesta. whether to put an extra lane or bring through going traffic more outside the centre and make the street more a street for people to go, to meet to shop and stay there. the decision was made to reconstruct as on the following picture.
Another example shows how different modes of transport ask for their own place and space in the public realm. When there is not enough space, we mostly see the more vulnerable road users are getting less space and are confined to the side of the roads, literally at the “side walk”.
Figure 6: Slovenska Cesta (Ljubljana). Before reconstruction
Figure 7: Slovenska Cesta (Ljubljana). After Reconstruction
SHARED SPACE A SOLUTION?
As mentioned in the title of this paper, that we need to share space when there is not enough space. After over 20 years of experience we found Shared Space as a viable possibility to get away from endless adding traffic measures into a space where not the traffic system is ruling, but human interaction, based on respect instead of rules. In a comprehensive publication, a lot of examples of Shared Space can be found.
HOW A WORLD OF TRAFFIC COULD CHANGE TO A WORLD OF PEOPLE
8:
before reconstruction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shared Space
We learned that Shared Space is not just take all the signs away and make it – as they say in the UK – naked streets. In the run of the years two important things were needed to make a space a successful shared space. First is the involvement of the users of that space. An experienced problem should not
Figure
Groningen
Figure 9: Groningen after reconstruction
automatically lead to a proven solution. Most times we see then that the guide books provide a standard design, i.e. a roundabout at an intersection. When road users or local residents get the possibility to make their own design, preferably with help of experts, the design will get an identity, it’s more or less “owned” by them. This means also that when the place has it’s own design, road users will behave more alert, they cannot rely on the standard behaviour according to a standard design. So they slow down and look around for possible things that can happen. We call this: “The risk balance”. The identity of the place can be strengthened by use of historical elements or landscape.
The second thing added to the idea of Shared Space is that scientific research is needed.
A study, was done in Japan at Tsukuba University Tokio, with a driving simulator about the influence of Road Surface Design on Vehicles’ Speed (Ozaki et al. 2017). This study revealed that diagonal intersection patterns on interlocking blocks led to a deceleration from 75 to 45 km/h. The highest speeds were found when the lining on the road was parallel to the driving direction. Now a next study, not published yet, focuses on influence on driving behaviour through coloured patterns. These kind of studies are very important, because it’s an enriching of the experiences found in the field with before and after studies at Shared Space projects. See figure 10, where already the principle of random lining was used instead of suggesting the road direction with parallel lines. Curbs, lampposts, trees sometimes suggest the direction for driving and so can accelerate the speeds, while in Shared Space the key issue is to bring speeds down, at least harmonize them for al road users. And we now know that the chance for fatalities is rising dramatically when speeds go over 30 km/h.
Here we see an attempt to bring speeds down with some distracting lines. The problem is that habituation happens for regularly road users. But the perspective, the trees and the other lines on the road point at a straight road.
Figure 10: Speed reduction only with paint? Picture PdH)
SHARED SPACE MUST BE INCLUSIVE FOR ALL ROAD USERS
Although we work together with groups for the blind and visually impaired people as well with organizations that advise governments and do research on how these people can find their way also in Shared Space, it’s still an issue when just communication is designated as how Shared Space works.
More information about research on the position for blind and visually impaired road users, can be found in the references of the library at the website: https://www.kenniscentrumsharedspace.nl/Publicaties
The psychological basis (Haan 2010) for the concept of Shared Space was revealed in an article also available on the same library.
CONCLUSIONS
Still we need to do more research on the idea of Shared Space. For instance we don’t know how the cultural differences in other countries need an adapted approach. Another question we cannot fully answer is the number of traffic flow that Shared Space can have. Although it started in not very busy places in villages and neighbourhoods. In the run of the years we could realize projects with more than 10.000 motor vehicles per day. The use of the adage Respect instead of Rules (Trust instead of Mistrust) could imply that this is valid for behaviour in urban situations, but could maybe also be introduced in other domains. These domains where rules are in the way and common sense is maybe a better and efficient way to reach goals.
Still a lot to do. And to remember Those who trust are oftener right than those who mistrust. Sir John Lubbock in: The use of Life (1894)
REFERENCES
• Haan, Pieter de. 2010. The psychological basis for the concept of Shared Space. https:// www.kenniscentrumsharedspace.nl/Publicaties
• Jacobs, Jane. 1961. The death and Life of Great American cities. Random House, New York. ISBN 0-679-74195-X.
• Lubbock, Sir John. [1984]. 2016. The use of Life. Leopold Classic Library
• Ozaki, Takuma, Sari Yamamoto, Makoto Itoh, and Masayuki Kawamoto. 2017. Influence of Road Surface Design on Vehicle’s Speed: Experiment Using Driving Simulator for Implementation of Shared Space. In Tsukuba Global Science Week 2017 Art & Design Session Proceedings, pp. 23-26.
• “Urban Population and Demographic Trends.” n.d. Data.unhabitat.org. https://data. unhabitat.org/pages/urban-population-and-demographic-trends.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE REFURBISHMENT OF MONGOLIAN HISTORICAL WOODEN STRUCTURES
Gombo-Ochir, Enkhjin1
DLA student, Breuer Marcel Doctoral School, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, goexaap.pte@pte.hu
Molnár Tamás
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, molnar.tamas@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
The architectural heritage of Mongolia, with its unique collection of historical wooden temples and monasteries, stands as a testament to the nation’s rich cultural and religious history. These structures, characterized by their intricate carvings, elaborate designs, and traditional construction techniques, have faced numerous challenges over the centuries, including natural degradation, climate adversities, and human-induced damage. Recent years have witnessed a surge in efforts to refurbish these wooden edifices, aiming not only to preserve their historical essence but also to imbue them with new functionalities that cater to contemporary needs. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the refurbishment processes undertaken in Mongolia, examining the methods, materials, and technologies employed to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic fidelity of these historical buildings.
Keywords: Mongolia, Monastery, Refurbishment, Mongolian Wooden Structure
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
Religious architecture plays a significant role in Mongolian society, particularly in shaping its cultural and spiritual identity. Historical temples and contemporary religious structures reflect the profound influence of Buddhism on various aspects of Mongolian life, including history, literature, linguistics, architecture, art, mathematics, and medicine. The prosperity and reputation of a temple were traditionally measured by the number of believers associated with it. Temples often became centers of activity, surrounded by areas of aristocratic settlement, provinces, or counties that provided favorable conditions for monks. Additionally, markets and blacksmith shops were commonly established near temples, gradually evolving into temple villages. Over time, some of these villages expanded into urban centers.[1] An analysis of Mongolia’s architectural remains reveals a sophisticated understanding of architectural theory, techniques, and principles. Historical buildings feature monolithic plans, carefully considered forms, and compositions, reflecting an adherence to principles such as
1Corresponding author
axis alignment, center, scale, rhythm, aesthetic ratios, and modularity. Educational institutions, such as Tsanid datsan (philosophical studies), Emchiin or Mamba datsan (medicine), Jud datsan (rituals), Duinkhor datsan (astrology), and Zurkhain datsan (astronomy), were integral parts of monastery complexes, further emphasizing their cultural significance. Over time, architectural engineering education was formalized in places like Ikh Khuree (modern-day Ulaanbaatar), Zayaiin Khuree, and Bereeven Temple, fostering skilled artisans and engineers.
The development of Mongolian religious architectural engineering began in the 16th century, driven by influential Lamaism Buddhist monks and nobles. Timber, masonry, earth, and stone were the primary materials used in constructing temples and monasteries. Notably, some earth and stone buildings associated with Chinese Han merchants and the Qing dynasty were also discovered throughout the country, showcasing diverse influences.
Key considerations in the construction of Buddhist temples in Mongolia included:
1. Choosing a location suitable for the climate and natural environment.
2. Designing a solid and flat plan centered around a focal point.
3. Ensuring precise connections between frame structures and adjacent parts.
4. Incorporating ornaments and colors rooted in traditions, rituals, and symbolism. [2] Temple plans varied according to the temple’s size, geographical location, local features, and the influence of prominent figures such as incarnations and living Buddhas. Proximity to natural resources for building materials also played a significant role.
The traditional framework of Mongolian architecture was primarily timber-based. These selfassembled timber structures were engineered to evenly distribute and withstand the building’s load. A distinguishing feature of Mongolian Buddhist temples, compared to Tibetan and Chinese counterparts, was the use of rows of columns extending from the ground floor to the roof. For example, the Janraisig Temple of Gandan Monastery features four central pillars that support square beams forming the roof. Columns were typically circular or square in cross-section. Unlike other architectural styles, Mongolian temples traditionally lacked ceilings, resembling the roofless design of traditional Mongolian homes (gers). This open structure was often used to house Buddha statues. Remarkably, traditional Mongolian wooden structures were constructed without nails or spikes, relying instead on intricate joinery techniques.
The Mongolian Cultural Heritage Protection Association has played a crucial role in refurbishing and protecting historical buildings since its establishment. Numerous refurbishment projects have been successfully completed in various provinces, contributing to the preservation of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
COMPLETED REFURBISHMENTS
The architectural techniques used to build Mongolian temples were unique and distinct from those in other countries. Within Mongolia, these techniques varied significantly depending on the geographic region. Transportation conditions, availability of a skilled workforce, and the construction period heavily influenced the methods employed. Temples in the Gobi Desert and Khangai regions, for example, exhibit distinctive architectural features and planning styles that reflect local environmental and cultural conditions.
The Mongolian Cultural Heritage Protection Center has been instrumental in preserving and protecting the nation’s architectural heritage. Numerous projects have been undertaken, often through collaborative efforts with institutions such as the Civil Construction Division of the State Institute of Architecture and Construction and the “Special Group for Restoration of Ancient Historical and Architectural Monuments.” Key restoration efforts include:
• Gandandegchinlen Monastery
• Dambadarjaalin Monastery
• Dashchoilin Monastery
• Chin van Khanddorj’s House
• Zaya Khuree in Arkhangai Province
• Tuvkhun Monastery in Bat-Ulzii Soum of Uvurkhangai Province
• Erdenezuu Monastery in Kharkhorin Soum of Uvurkhangai Province
• Baruun Zamyn military headquarters in Bulgan Province
• Baruunb in Selenge Province
• Amarbayasgalant Monastery in Altanbulag Soum of Selenge Province [3] Additionally, the temporary committee of the People’s Party in Altanbulag Sub-province of Selenge Province and the temporary government building were partially or completely rehabilitated.
REFURBISHMENT OF EASTERN SEMCHUN
The refurbishment of Eastern Semchun, a unit of the Zaya Gegeen Monastery complex, was carried out in two phases: 2009–2011 and 2015–2016. During the first phase, construction efforts focused on rebuilding inner wooden components, such as crossbeams, external columns, and doors, as well as reconstructing the rear wall, which had already collapsed (Fig. 1–2). In the second phase, restoration efforts concentrated on the roof, addressing discolored paintwork and facade elements. Floors and columns on both the first and second floors of Eastern and Western Semchun were also replaced (Fig. 3–4).
Eastern Semchun in 2009 before the restoration and after restoration of the 2nd floor in 2011 (fig.1-2)
The Eastern Semchun is under restoration in 2015 and the building after the restoration in 2016 (fig.3-4) Techniques
Used: The first phase focused on structural repairs, including the replacement of inner wooden members, external columns, and doors, along with the rebuilding of the rear wall. The second phase addressed aesthetic and functional aspects, such as roof restoration, repainting, and the replacement of floors and columns.
Investigation Results: Architectural surveys revealed significant deterioration due to environmental exposure and structural neglect. Detailed assessments allowed for accurate replication of traditional elements during restoration.
Cultural Role: Eastern Semchun, as a significant part of the Zaya Gegeen monastery complex, continues to function as a center for community rituals and spiritual activities.
Outcome: The successful restoration rejuvenated the site’s cultural importance, preserving its spiritual significance while encouraging tourism and local engagement.
INVESTIGATION OF A CASE STUDY
Tsogchin Dugan, the main temple of the Zaya Gegeen Khuree monastery complex, lacks exact historical records of its construction date. However, historical investigations suggest that it was built before 1715. Oral accounts collected during a 1991 study also provide some insights into its history. The temple could accommodate approximately 1,000 monks, reflecting its significance as a spiritual and communal hub. The Zaya Gegeen Khuree monastery complex itself comprised eight datsan (monastic units) and housed about 1,000 monks. Tsogchin Dugan featured 16 rows of seats, distributed across the eight datsan. A statue of the Zuu Burkhan occupied the highest seat at the back of the temple, flanked by statues of the sixteen Buddha disciples.[4]
Records indicate that Tsogchin Dugan underwent renovations in 1833 and again between 1915 and 1916. In 1938, B. Motto, Mongolia’s first architect and engineer, repurposed the building as the Cultural Center of Arkhangai Province. During this period, the number of hip roofs and upper-floor columns was reduced from 16 to 6, 12 rooms were constructed inside, and heaters were installed. Subsequently, the building served as a market and later as a warehouse. In 1993, restoration efforts for Tsogchin Dugan were initiated to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Arkhangai Province. The project, organized by the Secretariat of Arkhangai Province, received partial government funding and additional financial support from a fundraising campaign. The “Gurvan Tamir” company was contracted to execute the work. Unfortunately, the restoration was left incomplete due to theft of construction materials, including wood and bricks, which severely impacted the project’s progress. Efforts to protect Tsogchin Dugan continued, with the Land Construction Department of Arkhangai Province ratifying a design plan for a proposed “Nature, History, and Culture Complex of the Central Region of Mongolia.” A tender was announced to move the project forward, but it was ultimately unsuccessful. The incomplete restoration and unresolved challenges leave Tsogchin Dugan in a precarious state, highlighting the critical need for sustained efforts to preserve this important cultural and historical landmark. (Fig. 5-6)
Restoration drawing of Tsogchin Dugan in 1991 (fig.6)
The monastery was one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia during the country’s 300-year period of prosperity, from the early 1630s to 1937.
The main structure of Tsogchin Dugan is a two-story wooden building with a hipped roof and dark gray brick walls. Such style is not found in any eastern country, only in Mongolia. The most prominent feature of Tsogchin Dugan is the structure of the revolving sutra tunnel in the vast courtyard in front of the East Gate. The outer wall of the Tsogchin Dugan was plastered with white clay; The spaces between the columns of the roof tiles were filled with bundles of reeds and topped with blue roof tiles. Round gilded iron adorns the entire top of the roof tiles. The blue roof tiles are dark, lined in a row; A circular ornament is placed on the top and the
Practical survey drawing of Tsogchin Dugan in 1979 re-drawing by the Author (fig.5)
Frontal view a rear view of Tsogchin Dugan in 2017 sketch by the author (fig.7-8)
black and white combination is amazing. The hip roof of the upper floor is made of planks and dark gray roof tiles. Its spine is decorated with patterned panels, a stupa shaped Ganjir (gilded metal sculpture on the roof of a monastery), and two Jantsan sculptures, while its rock spine is decorated with animal figures. Jantsan is usually erected at the four corners of the flat roof and on both sides of the entrance. On the roof, instead of a ridge, Jantsan is rare. The rest has a wooden structure surrounded by brick exterior walls, giving the structure the appearance of a brick structure. The monastery is located on the lower slopes of Mount Bulgan in the north, and a two-lane road crosses the territory of the monastery in the west, and the western part of the monastery is badly damaged. In general, the building is quite damaged, likely to collapse, and livestock damage is high too. (fig.7-8)
The capitals and brackets at the top of each column in the front are decorated with reliefs, but in recent days all the reliefs have been scraped away, and traces are found of panels being pasted over to hide the design.
Tsogchin Dugan, which is the main building of Zaya Gageen Monastery, is a Tibetan-style building with 9 corners on the front and 10 corners on the sides. The temple building was irreparably damaged, leaving almost no structural elements except pillars and beams; part of the roof is completely gone. Because the building is damaged, there is a considerable risk of collapse and separation of members. Recording the current state of the building and taking measurements using remaining doors, windows, and other hands-on surveys is important to identify historical facts that will be needed in the future. (fig.12-13) According to the existing information and historical documents of the Zaya Gegeen Monastery, the building is a large and high-class building, but as the social conditions of Mongolia changed, the form and function of use was constantly changed. Therefore, a detailed study of the original style of the building before changing it is considered necessary to preserve the building for the future. Techniques Used: Comprehensive documentation, including architectural surveys and historical research, was employed. Earlier refurbishment efforts involved reinforcing columns and reconstructing the iconic hipped roof.
Front columns and upper-part structure. Joining of the beam between the plain columns of the lower story. Rakejoining of columns (fig.9-11)
Doorpost and supporting wood of the southern door, Details of the southern door`s design (fig.12-13)
Investigation Results: The investigation uncovered layers of alterations that had compromised the building’s original design. Reconstruction plans prioritized restoring these features while stabilizing the remaining structure.
Cultural Role: As the main temple of Zaya Gegeen Khuree, Tsogchin Dugan historically served as a vital spiritual and educational hub, accommodating over a thousand monks.
Outcome: While not yet fully restored, the investigation highlighted specific structural and aesthetic issues, laying a foundation for future work. The site’s potential as an educational and cultural landmark has been emphasized through ongoing restoration efforts.
Proposed Strategies for Mongolia
1. Integrated Documentation: Establish a comprehensive database to catalog wooden heritage structures, their conditions, and restoration requirements.
2. Artisan Training Programs: Develop initiatives to train local artisans in traditional woodworking techniques, ensuring the preservation of invaluable skills.
3. Sustainable Resource Management: Promote the cultivation and responsible harvesting of native timber to ensure a steady supply of restoration materials.
4. Community Engagement: Foster local participation in preservation efforts through educational campaigns and collaborative projects, strengthening communal bonds to heritage.
5. Legal and Financial Support: Advocate for enhanced legal frameworks and funding mechanisms to prioritize and protect wooden heritage structures.
CONCLUSIONS
The investigation and restoration of Eastern Semchun and Tsogchin Dugan have underscored the transformative power of heritage preservation. The detailed refurbishment of Eastern Semchun not only stabilized its structural integrity but also reinstated its role as a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub. This restoration has sparked local pride and increased community involvement, showcasing the temple’s renewed significance as a focal point for cultural and religious activities. The meticulous investigation of Tsogchin Dugan revealed the complexity of restoring such historically significant structures. While its full restoration remains a work in progress, the groundwork laid by the investigation highlights the importance of preserving authenticity while addressing structural challenges. The project has brought attention to the need for proactive preservation measures and has the potential to inspire future restoration projects. These efforts have had broader societal impacts, including fostering a deeper connection between communities and their cultural heritage, creating opportunities for local artisans, and enhancing tourism. By successfully integrating traditional techniques with modern conservation strategies, these case studies demonstrate how heritage preservation can simultaneously honor the past and contribute to the economic and cultural vitality of local communities
REFERENCES
• “Mongolian National Architecture” National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage in Korea & National Center for Cultural Heritage, Ulaanbaatar, 2018.
• Documents for Conservation of Architectural Heritage of Mongolia (in Mongolian), National Center for Cultural Heritage of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, 2020.
• Documentation of Mongolian Monasteries http://mongoliantemples.org/en/ (Last visited: 10.2022)
• National Center for Cultural Heritage of Mongolia http://ncch.gov.mn/immovable (Last visited: 10.2022
CULTURE CENTRES AS PREVIOUS POINTS OF CULTURAL DIFFUSION – CONTEMPORARY UNDERSTANDING AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE DYNAMICS OF SPATIAL TRANSFORMATION
Jezdimirović, Dimitra1
Faculty of Technical Sciences, Universtity of Novi Sad, Trg Dositej Obradović 6, Novi Sad, Serbia, dimitrajez@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Subsequent to the Second World War, there was an expansion of the construction of cultural centres on the territory of Yugoslavia, which contributed to the development of cultural life in rural areas. Cultural centres, built with a specific type plan and an eclectic style of facade treatment, are positioned mainly in the central zone of the village, thus representing a new point of reference in that populated place. By looking at the documents from that period, subsequent additions and expansions of these facilities were foreseen, which were not realised mainly for financial reasons. With the collapse of the state, cultural centres were closed and devastated. Since the construction of a new cultural institution is not foreseen in the villages, the residents are deprived of an important aspect of their lifestyle and well-being. At the same time, the nonrenovation of the cultural centres creates an inadequate image of the village. In the case study of the cultural centre in the village Kamenica in Serbia, the symbolism of the cultural centre as an architectural and social phenomenon, the possibilities of renewal that would encourage reinclusivity and functional decentralisation will be considered. Through the conducted survey, it will be seen how the inhabitants are connected with the abandoned cultural centres. An architectural and cultural analysis will be conducted in this case study. The goals of this research are to identify the image and identity of the place that the abandoned cultural centre forms as the central point of the village, as well as the possibilities of re-adaptation and strategic remodelling of cultural centres with the inclusion of the population and consideration of their needs from the cultural sphere in order to form a program of new cultural architectural settings.
Keywords: Cultural centers, Inclusion, Decentralization, Quality of place
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
Cultural centres on the territory of Serbia are closely related to the period following the Second World War, the formation of Yugoslavia and the introduction of the socialist political system. In accordance with the political strategies of the time, the construction of a large number of cultural centres was planned, and the special focus was on the construction of these facilities in less developed settlements. The reason was the perceived need for the existence of a central point
1Corresponding author
for the development of the cultural needs of the inhabitants. In addition to cultural and artistic content, cultural centres also organized entertainment events. In the first period of construction (1945 - 1950), it was planned to build 1600 cultural centres in rural areas. According to the available data, between 1100 and 1450 of these buildings were built. Although the planned objectives were not fully achieved, their construction represents an ambitious project for that period. The aim was to decentralize culture through the distribution of cultural objects, to affirm local communities culturally, but also politically. At the end of the 20th century, with the collapse of Yugoslavia, as a result of the transition and other political events, cultural centres in the countryside failed to survive due to unresolved legal issues and were dissolved. Residents also lose the right to use a large number of cultural centres, and these facilities become periodically devastated, even though they were built in representative positions. The subject of research in this paper is the identification of the image and identity of the place formed by the abandoned cultural centre. The Cultural Centre in Kamenica was selected for the case study. This cultural centre will be analyzed first from the architectural aspect, and then from the cultural aspect through the analysis of the results of the survey filled out by the villagers. Then, through a SWOT analysis, the possibilities and circumstances for the restoration of this cultural centre will be identified in accordance with the cultural and sociological significance for the residents. The results should suggest that the importance of becoming a cultural centre for residents of rural areas was once very high, and today, with their closure, residents are deprived of cultural, artistic, educational and entertainment facilities.
CASE STUDY - CULTURAL CENTRE IN THE VILLAGE KAMENICA, SERBIA
The Culture Centre in the village Kamenica, in Serbia, is analyzed in the case study method. Basic data and characteristics about the cultural centre and the village are given in Table 1. Due to the lack of original data and documentation on the construction of this cultural centre, the current state of the facilities is analyzed. For the purposes of the research, an anonymous survey was conducted that examines how the locals today perceive the cultural centre in their place and what is their interest in its revitalisation. Analysis of survey results will be given descriptively in a separate chapter.
Culture Centre in Kamenica
Construction period
Holders of the rights to the building and plot
The first period of construction of cultural centres (1945-1950)unofficial information
Social enterprise – Agro-industrial complex “Niš”
Type of right, form of property and share Property; social; 1/1
Location of the cultural centre in the village
The area of the plot of the cultural centre 3368 m2
The number of floors of the culture centre Basement + Ground floor + 1st floor
Floor plan shape
In the shape of the letter T, the floor plan thus broken creates a framed public space within the centre of culture
The surface area of the building 919 m2
Facade cladding
The facade is beige, geometrized plastic appears around the windows which further emphasizes them, stone is used only in the lower part - 50 cm above the ground, the pillars contain a simpler decoration and transition into an arched structure that emphasizes the entrance, the roof covering is tiles
Subsequent interventions in the building In the later socialist period, sanitary facilities were added
Current situation
Bad condition of the building: the wooden mezzanine structure is quite weakened, and part of the roof above the hall has collapsed
Distance of the village from Niš 7,8 km
Condition of the main access road Asphalted road in good condition
Public transport
There is public transport: 18 departures on weekdays; and 12 departures on weekends
Public services in the village Shops, primary school, ambulance
Number of inhabitants in 1948. 2044
Number of inhabitants in 2011. 1690
Age Index
40,7 years
Location analysis: The village Kamenica is approximately 8 km from Niš. According to its genesis, Kamenica is a non-planned village, and according to its morphology, it is compact. In relation to the number of inhabitants, it belongs to medium-sized villages. Since the village was built without planning, there is no clearly defined centre of the village, and at the same time, this was not achieved by building a cultural centre either. The original location for the cultural centre was the location of today’s infirmary, and in a topological sense, that location is closer to the central point of the village. However, tragic events involving young members of the National Liberation Army occurred at that location, leading to the decision to construct the cultural centre near the entrance of the village.
Functional analysis: The building is constructed in the shape of the letter T and is slightly recessed in relation to the access road. (Figure 2) In this way, a space is formed in front of the centre itself, which is intended for gathering outdoors, and which contains benches and a table, a children’s playground that was installed in the post-socialist period (there is no information about the original organization of the free space). The frontal wing, which is parallel to the direction of the road, contains the entrance, which also has the function of a buffet, a large hall and supporting rooms for performers. The wing, which was placed perpendicular to the direction of the road within its volume, contained a store, vertical communications, sanitary facilities (subsequently introduced), warehouses. On the first floor, there was a library with a reading room, an administrative block and one residential unit without a sanitary room. On the
Table 1: Data on the cultural centre and the village of Kamenica
9TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
basement floor, there were auxiliary and warehouse rooms. Cinema screenings, shows, dances, village meetings, and sections (folklore, archery...) were organized in the centre. The cultural centre contained a television, radio, record players. In 1989, the 180th anniversary of the Battle of Čegar was celebrated in this cultural centre.
Analysis of volume and materialisation: In terms of volume, the object does not give the impression of massiveness, but of “modest magnificence”. With its size, it stands out from the other residential buildings surrounding it and thus indicates that it has a certain significance for the place. The finish is in a neutral beige color and that way the geometric plastic that is placed around the window stands out. The entrance to the building is emphasized by a porch, arches that are covered with stone and reduced to decorated columns that hold the arches. Stone also appears in the differentiation of the basement zone. (Figure 1)
Current conditions: The cultural centre is currently abandoned. The store space was used until the mid-nineties, when it had to be closed. The cultural centre was opened, so some consumable inventory was taken away. What remained was a film projector that was obtained after the opening of the cultural centre, a television, several shelves, tables, chairs, but also part of the library’s literary collection, part of the archives of the culture centre’s activities, a certain number of bottles, pictures... Last year, a part of the roof was above the main hall. At the moment, there are no indications that it will be rehabilitated. (Figure 3)
Figure 1: Part of the front facade and damage to the roof (source: author), b) Detail of the entrance part (photo author: A. Janković)
Figure 2: The Layout of the Ground Floor and the First Floor of the Cultural Centre
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE AND THE ATTITUDE OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Data on the cultural centre and its meaning then and now for residents were collected through a survey conducted in the village where the analyzed cultural centre is located. The survey was designed as a questionnaire containing a standardized list of questions. Most of the questions were formulated according to the type of open answers so that the respondents had a free space to express their attitude towards cultural centres. Although the questions had open answers, the repetition of emotions and descriptions of the cultural centre can be observed. The aim of the survey was to gain insight into how the locals interact with the cultural centre and what kind of narrative they perceive.
According to the results of the survey, the older population group that participated in the activities and events that were organized in the Cultural Centre perceive this object and its devastated state very sentimentally. They feel a certain connection with it, because their family members participated in its construction and foundation. There is a sense of enthusiasm and pride in the material contribution to the development of the place where they live, even though they are aware that it is now clearly visible that the whole enterprise of massive construction of cultural centres was a political strategy, and that the voluntary work promoted was not entirely voluntary. The younger age group of residents does not know enough about the socio-political framework and conditions under which the cultural centre was built, but points out that they are aware that the locals participated in the construction, so following the example of the elders, they see the importance of the building. All interviewees agree that this state of cultural centre is unacceptable and that its devastation is a reflection of current socio-political aspirations. Emotions such as indignation and disappointment stand out because the space intended for the cultural activities of the residents today represents a ruined architectural structure that dominates the central and busiest part of the village. All respondents answered that they would like the cultural centre to be renovated and that they would accept participation in the renovation, if the process of its revitalization is started. The restoration of the cultural centre would also affect the restoration of the local identity that exists, but is currently stagnant and not clearly established.
Insight into the property status of the cultural centre is of crucial importance for the start of considering the renovation of the cultural centre. The Culture Centre was owned by the Agro-industrial complex “Niš”, which entered into bankruptcy proceedings after the collapse of Yugoslavia, and thus the Culture Centre remained as a “frozen material asset”. Cultural Centre in Kamenica is gradually getting into a very bad state, because the roof structure has recently collapsed, and the residents have no right to invest in its restoration. Also, residents believe
Figure 3: a) Appearance of the Hall in March 2022, b) Appearance of the Hall in July 2023 (source: author)
that they would take care of this building most conscientiously. This shows that the problem of ownership of cultural centres largely affects their current devastated state. There are currently no cultural, artistic or entertainment facilities in the village Kamenica. With the closure of the cultural centre, the residents were left without a space that was used for their gathering and socializing. During the active period, theatre performances (mainly amateur ones, with occasional but not frequent visits by professional theatres), cinema screenings, concerts, literary programs, entertainment activities such as dances and village meetings were organized in the cultural centre. The centre also contained a library and a store. Locals who remember those cultural and artistic programs say that it was at a satisfactory level compared to the current lack of cultural content in the village, but they point out that even then there could have been even more diverse content. In order to develop their social aspect of life, young people from villages generally go to the city where the offer of social and cultural programs is greater. However, all respondents agree that they would like, even though the city is close, to have such facilities in their place. As suggestions for new content, they state that, for the sake of easier organization, the old activities could be introduced at the beginning, and that later new and modern ones should be developed in accordance with the suggestions of experts. Also, they agree that a restaurant and a shop should be reopened in the cultural centre. There is more than one store in the village and therefore it is not necessary to have it in the culture centre, but the locals believe that since there is a space intended for that function, it should be used. It should be emphasized that the phenomenon of commercialization of culture, i.e. the predominance of commercial content, as well as the adaptation of the cultural centre in terms of functionality and aesthetics, must not be allowed. It is necessary to propagate noncommercialized content as occasional events such as organizing seminars, public discussions, humanitarian events, art colonies, workshops, etc... By combining different categories of events (cultural, artistic, commercial, non-profit, informative...) diversity of ways of participation and actions of the residents, which encourages dynamics and interaction. The aim should be to achieve a higher level of the cultural aspect of the life of the locals through adequate use of the cultural centre as an institution of importance for the place where it is located. Although Cultural Centre in Kamenica is in a bad state, the locals emphasize that they would rather have it renovated, than build a new one, due to the fact that the residents of that village themselves realized their construction, so from the aspect of respect and nostalgia, they should invest in their renewal. However, they consider that the final decision should be made by experts because they are aware that the financial investments in the restoration of their current state are very high.
Also, from the demographic aspect, it can be seen that the village of Kamenica has a noticeable demographic decline compared to the period when the cultural centre was built. However, due to the proximity to the city, many current residents decided to stay in the village. So, in terms of population numbers, the village still does not show any tendency of decline. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in their improvement. Especially since it does not belong to the category of small villages in terms of size, it is unacceptable that there are no cultural facilities.
SWOT ANALYSIS
In addition to analysing available data, the SWOT analysis method is also used to assess the problems and potential of the considered cultural centre. (Table 2) Strengths represent positive characteristics, values and potentials of the project. Weaknesses are features that the project lacks or are not at the required level to achieve the goal. Opportunities represent external factors
that can positively affect the realization of the project and the project’s goal, while threats are external factors that can “harm” or hinder the realization of the project’s goal, in this case the revitalization of the cultural centre. By looking at these factors, development guidelines for the restoration and reactivation of the cultural centre can be determined.
Strengths
- It represents the only object of cultural activity in the village;
- Accessibility and a short distance from the city;
- Prominent position in the urban matrix of the village;
- By arrangement and renovation, it can be an adequate space for the gathering of young people and children;
- It was built from traditional materials;
- The population recognizes the cultural centre as a part of their community because they or their ancestors built this object and in its active period it marked an important point of culture for the villagers;
- Employment, i.e. the opening of new jobs due to the activation of a cultural institution.
Weaknesses
- Due to socio-political changes, the cultural centre was abandoned and largely devastated;
- Most of the movable inventory and furniture was stolen or just taken from the buildings;
- Moisture and other inconveniences caused by abandonment have destroyed the original interior and with further deterioration tend to be completely unsafe for visitors;
- The legal-property status has not been resolved;
- A little information about the cultural centre itself, its original condition, activities and contents;
- Weak promotion and initiative of its renewal;
- High initial investments in its revitalization;
- Necessary regular financial investments in the “survival” and operation of the cultural centre after the reconstruction of the building.
Opportunities
- If the cultural centre is revitalized and offers adequate cultural and artistic content, with the interest of the wider environment in rural areas, financial resources can be obtained for the further improvement of settlements and centres of culture within them;
- Modernization, increasing and easier availability of modern technologies, and alternative sources of energy can facilitate the design and organization of activities in the centre of culture and the village;
- It is possible to achieve cooperation between neighbouring municipalities, and then also to achieve regional and international cooperation, mainly in terms of expanding the diversity of visitors.
Threats
- Insufficient interest of municipal authorities in investing in the development of cultural activities in rural areas;
- Weak financial support from the municipality and the state;
- Conflict of interests of the local community and potential owners of the cultural centre;
- Demographic decline in the last decade;
- Insufficient extension of the activation of the cultural centre and cultural activities in the countryside to a wider audience;
- Insufficiently developed awareness of the importance of the village and its potential.
Table 2: SWOT analysis
Based on this analysis, it can be seen that the cultural centre contains significant potential, but for it to be fully utilized, it is necessary to solve and rehabilitate all or most of the weaknesses it possesses. This mostly refers to the legal-property status and financial resources that are necessary to start moving into the process and realization of the revitalization projects of the cultural centre. The renovation of cultural centres would inevitably contribute to the development of the social aspect of life in rural areas because, despite the proximity of the city, the locals need cultural facilities in the place itself. The attempt and aspiration towards the networking of cultural centres would also be of importance, which would strengthen and spread the awareness of community, cooperation and socialization. Also, it is necessary to work on encouraging investment in rural areas, including cultural facilities in them. This can be realized through public promotion, education, organizing activities and events, and by finding adequate investors and funding sources that would support the revitalization project, and the population itself, through a previously conducted survey, certainly agreed that, in accordance with the possibilities, they would like to help the activation of the existing cultural centre. After the restoration conditions are met, the potential of the cultural centre itself, as well as the place and area where it is located, should be further developed.
CONCLUSION
The renovation, reactivation of the cultural centre and the return of cultural, artistic and entertainment programs and contents to the villages would significantly contribute to the quality of life of the residents in the social and cultural context. The quality of free time would become better, the frequency of gatherings of a larger number of people would increase, and the cooperation of the locals would be encouraged, thus the importance of the local community would be highlighted. From the urban-architectural aspect, the renovation of the cultural centre leads to a change in the ambience of the closer context of the centre. The visual and aesthetic component of the centre of the village would be improved, which further affects the psychological effect of residents and passers-by, it does not give the impression of insecurity and the need to move away from that area, but the building “calls” for interaction with its renovation. In relation to modern cultural contents, the current spaces should probably be added in the process of revitalization, but in relation to the area of the building, there is a possibility of fitting adequate functional units into the environment of cultural centre. Therefore, the program schemes and the available spaces of the cultural centre do not fulfil all the needs of contemporary cultural events, but they contain the continuity of existence as one of the central objects in the village, memory and sentimental experience of the past.
Demolition would negate and nullify the previous importance and integrity of the building that it had for that local community. Revitalization would not only achieve the reuse of the inherited spatial fund, but would also remodel the entire closer and wider context, if adequate measures are applied during the reconstruction process. In this way, the idea of continuity of development, affirmation and respect of previous ideas and implemented plans is extended. Therefore, the restoration of the cultural centre would lead to the prosperity of the village where it is located, and the residents would have the motivation to continue investing in their place. The previous analysis concludes that greater financial investment in culture in rural areas would significantly contribute to the improvement of the position of culture, the local community and the place itself in relation to various aspects.
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CREATIVE INDUSTRIES FOR RURAL SETTLEMENT
REGENERATION: A CASE STUDY OF THE VILLAGE OF MEDNA
Guzijan, Jasna1
Bosnia and Herzegovina, University of Banja Luka Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University camp Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovica 78 000 Banja Luka, jasna.guzijan@aggf.unibl.org
Đukić, Aleksandra
Serbia, University of Belgrade Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 73/11, 11000 Belgrade, adjukic@afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.rs
Cvijić, Siniša
Bosnia nad Herzegovina, University of Banja Luka Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University camp Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovica 78 000 Banja Luka , sinisa.cvijic@aggf.unibl.org
Malinović, Miroslav
Bosnia nad Herzegovina, University of Banja Luka Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University camp Bulevar vojvode Petra Bojovica 78 000 Banja Luka , miroslav.malinovic@aggf.unibl.org
ABSTRACT
While creative industries are typically associated with big cities, recent EU research shows that famous creative hotspots are located in rural areas. Creative industries serve an essential role in helping rural economies. Culture can play an important part, and so can offering creative courses in rural areas that are far from universities and cultural hubs. Rural areas boast a combination of natural and architectural heritage, which gives them an advantage in terms of quality of life and economic potential. Yet, most rural areas in Europe have been faced with economic, social and environmental problems, resulting in their devastation.
The village of Medna is located in the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad, the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This area has been continuously inhabited since pre-Roman times, as evidenced by many archaeological sites, the medieval stećci tombstone graveyards and the Prizren fortress. Also, the Roman Salona–Servitium road passed through the area. The village boasts fine examples of vernacular architecture, an important element of the local cultural identity. It is also known for its honey products and fruit brandy (plum, pear, apple). The area is faced with depopulation, a lot of the building heritage has collapsed or is derelict, and the extraction of ore in the village is leading to an ecological crisis.
This paper deals with the possibility of rural regeneration of the village of Medna by identifying its potential and proposing innovation economic activities to ensure sustainable development. It presents a project done with architecture students of the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy at Banja Luka University. The case study of village Medna focused on
1Corresponding author
the excellence of the preserved local cultural and natural heritage to identify the local resources – the area’s distinctive elements and characteristics – for creative economy stimulation. The Medna regeneration strategy involves raising the awareness of the local population about the value of the local heritage and disseminating this information to the wider community.
Keywords: creative industry, rural regeneration, village Medna
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
Human resources, material and non-material values, and traditional knowledge, as local advantages, can contribute to the economic development of a particular area. Patrick Geddes, a Scottish geographer, sociologist, pioneering town planner, and philanthropist conceptualized “think globally, act locally!” through his work in social sciences, believing that planning involves understanding the environment and empathizing with the characteristic life of a specific place (Verna Bar, 2019). Geddes emphasized the importance of local culture, community uniqueness, spirit of place, morphology, and environmental quality (Verna Bar, 2019). The economy in developed countries has shifted in the post-industrial period, where creative industries are becoming prevalent. Over the past two decades, the research on creative industries has increased, particularly in rural areas. Territorial development based on local resources can provide competitiveness and sustainability by developing creative industries. This paper explores the possibilities of revitalizing the village of Medna through creative industries, as was conducted with architecture students using culture and heritage as a basis for improving the quality of life. The village of Medna is located in the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad and represents one of the favorable locations due to valuable climatic, water, and ecological conditions, as well as rich architectural and natural heritage.
МETHODOLOGY
The paper examines the relevance of the topic at the global level and the significance of the creative industry for the development of rural areas. It analyses the historical development of the village of Medna, local characteristics, and material and non-material values. The research included fieldwork with students, interviews with residents, and document analysis. The second part analysed a case study through creativity and innovation, exploring opportunities for strengthening the local economy, new activities, and sustainable business while increasing the village’s attractiveness.
CREATIVE INDUSTRY IN RURAL ENVIRONMENTS
The term “creative industry” emerged in the mid-20th century, defined by UNESCO as “sectors of organized activity whose principal purpose is the production or reproduction, promotion, distribution and/or commercialization of goods, services, and activities of a cultural, artistic or heritage-related nature” (CISAC, EY, 2015). UCLG (United Cities and Local Governments) has adopted the document “Agenda 21 for Culture” for the implementation of cultural policies at
the local level, for the role of culture to be properly valued as well as properly integrated into planning (UCLG, 2015). The creative industry has been mainly associated with urban centers, while it remains insufficiently explored in rural areas (Munro, 2016; Borseková, Cole, Petríková, Vańová, 2015). The increased focus on research on the creative industries in rural environments can also be attributed to the closures and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic when cities were particularly affected.
Constant migrations from villages to cities have led to the increasing degradation of rural settlements. Cultural Action Europe organized a conference “Cultural Crops: Cultural Practices in Non-urban Territories” aimed at supporting and making visible the creative industry and creativity outside major urban centers (Cultural Action Europe, 2019). All these documents are encouraged for social welfare and community development. Creative people working in rural environments contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of the community (Munro, 2016). Reasons for the creative sector development in rural environments, based on research in smaller towns in Slovakia, include the beauty of the landscape, family visits, and architectural heritage (Borseková, Cole, Petríková, Vańová, 2015). The creative industry contributes to transformation or, rather, “repurposing of objects” (Munro, 2016), namely urban regeneration relying on local resources. Many European experiences suggest that promising results can be achieved through organized action by the local population, even when demographic and socio-economic conditions are not favorable. One such example is the rural area of Oldambt, in the Netherlands, which organizes four major cultural festivals (dance, music, literature, theatre, film, and visual arts). These festivals aim to connect culture, landscapes, and local stories and are initiated by the local population, following a bottom-up approach (Koreman, 2023). Another good example is the three mining settlements, namely Banska Bystrica, Bânska Štiavnica, and Kremnica, with the repurposing of objects through creative industries and cooperation between creative persons and local authorities (Borseková, Cole, Petríková, Vańová, 2015).
THE SETTLEMENT OF MEDNA
The settlement of Medna is a rural area located within the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The local community of Medna, comprising the villages of Medna and Okandžije, is the smallest organizational unit of local self-government (Udovčić, 2007). Considering this, the entire territory of the Medna local community was described as a unified organizational entity. According to the population census from 1991, the settlement had 791 inhabitants, while according to the census of 2013, it had 226 inhabitants (Statistika, 2013).
In the center of the settlement there is the House of Culture, along with an out-patient clinic, the local community office, and the Kovačević family house, where a tavern used to be located on the ground floor. The elementary school, built in the 1970s with a large gymnasium, is now abandoned. The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also located in the centre of the settlement. Residential areas are grouped in the vicinity, with each plot having a residential building and stables. All of this indicates a rich production and economic activity of the local population. Even though the village vitality has long passed, its history remains visible in its landscape and partially preserved architectural heritage.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
There are two theories regarding the origin of the name “Medna.” Some sources claim that the Turks named this place “Medina,” after the Arabic word for a fortified settlement since the locals still pronounce the name of this village as “Medina.” This claim is supported by the fact that not far from Medna, there is the medieval fortress of Prizrenac. The second theory suggests that the village was named after honey, which was abundant on a high rock near the village. The origin of the name Okandžije is related to the legend of the Black Queen (Udovčić, 2007).
Regardless of these legends that belong to the domain of intangible cultural heritage, it is evident that there are continuous traces of organized life in this area for more than 2500 years. This area was actively involved in the economic and administrative life of the Roman Empire. Soon, one of the main Roman highways in the Balkans was built here (Salona – Servitium) (Lovrenović, Halilović, Ćurić, 1973). There is a lot of material and written data for the period of the developed Middle Ages in this area since it belonged to the central parts of the powerful and for the development of medieval culture (Lovrenović, Halilović, Ćurić, 1973). The origin of Varcar Vakuf as a major place near Medna, now known as Mrkonjić Grad, is associated with the period of Ottoman Empire. This area experienced a certain revival during the Kingdom of SHS/ Yugoslavia, and after the Second World War, there was a large-scale population migration from this region to Vojvodina. This process is known as colonization (Rakita,2003). The population migration continued after the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s.
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AREA
The geographical area of the village of Medna is mainly covered by various karst relief forms such as basins, smaller and larger elevations, escarpments, sinkholes, coves, caves, and pits. The village developed around the valleys of the Medljan River and the Sana River. At the source of the Medljan River, there are several watermills built, which is a special attraction (Udovčić, 2007).
Although the surroundings of the village belong to a temperate continental and mountainous climate, the climate around Medna, along the Medljan River, is moderately mild and characterized by long vegetation periods (Udovčić 2007). In general, it can be concluded that the climatic conditions are favorable for habitation and agricultural development. Due to its geographical position, this is a meeting place for various plant species. The opening of the coal mine in Medna and the lack of environmental protection measures during exploitation have led to the degradation of water quality in local springs and rivers, inevitably threatening plant and animal life. The negative impact of the mine on the environment may also threaten the tourist potential of this settlement (BHRT Radiotelevizija Bosne i Hercegovine. 2024).
TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN MEDNA
The oldest trace of material cultural heritage in Medna is the Roman settlement near the village center and the site of Selište, where excavations date from the 1st to the 4th century BC (Valorizacija kulturno – istorijskog i prirodnog nasljeđa opštine Mrkonjić Grad, 2007). Medieval architectural heritage includes the fortress of Prizrenac, a medieval necropolis, and the site of a monastery from the 15th century (Valorizacija kulturno – istorijskog i prirodnog nasljeđa
opštine Mrkonjić Grad, 2007). From the Austro-Hungarian period, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been recognized as a cultural monument (Udovčić, 2007). A special place in the material heritage of Medna belongs to folk culture. On one hand, folk architecture is recognized as a specific form of traditional architecture that has developed over centuries under specific climatic and historical conditions. The characteristic two-story dinaric house is typical for this cultural landscape. The presence of cedar in Medna has allowed this material to be widely used for local construction (Udovčić, 2007). Medna is distinguished since its architectural heritage is of more recent origin.
The village structure is organized, and residential buildings are largely constructed in the post and petrail type, and using cedar. The remaining watermills on the Medljan River, with several picturesque rafts, have special architectural value. Due to the existence of this complex of elements that must be protected, the village of Medna is best preserved as a whole (Valorizacija kulturno – istorijskog I prirodnog nasljeđa opštine Mrkonjić Grad, 2007).
Apart from the story about the origin of the place name which is connected to honey, there is a legend about a rock that oozes honey. The most famous legend is the one about the Black Queen, who is believed to have been the daughter of the last Bosnian king, whose residence was in the fortress of Prizren, and the lost treasure she left behind when she fled from the Turks. Another interesting legend is related to the Rabbit Bridge over the Medljanka River. It got its name because the Turks paid a toll for the local Orthodox population to cross it. That was why people jumped over the river, and the Turks said that they “jump like rabbits” (Udovčić, 2007). In addition to legends, many folk customs and rituals are related to this region, which are now about to extinct. All the legends from the past tell us about the emotional attachment of the inhabitants to the place.
THE POSSIBILITIES OF REGENERATION FOR THE VILLAGE OF MEDNA
The village of Medna was once a prosperous area engaged in honey production, livestock breeding, and fruit growing, but has since declined. Based on interviews with residents, many interested entrepreneurs want to invest their resources in starting certain local product manufacturing or renovating residential buildings. The local authorities should conduct research among former residents of the village of Medna through social networks and collect data on their readiness to invest in this rural environment. Concrete actions can be organized based on the ideas and thoughts of both the existing population and those who have left the village. It is important to network rural areas with each other (in the case of Medna with Pecka, Baraći, etc.), and on the urban-rural relation (Medna- Mrkonjić Grad or Medna- Novi Sad, where a large number of descendants reside).
In addition to religious tourism, former residents of the village have started to revive their estates by breeding bees and producing honey, fruit brandies (plum, apple, pear), and dairy products. They have also started producing cosmetic products from medicinal herbs. For rural regeneration, a bottom-up strategy is necessary, meaning that the initiative should come from the local population. Research literature emphasizes the need to recognize the characteristics of rural settlements and identify local tangible and intangible resources. Researchers generally request “listening to the local population” (Duxbury, 2021). The focus is on creating workspaces, incubators, resource networks, and building community capacity. In this way, the architectural heritage becomes a hub or a workspace to support creative industries. To preserve the vitality of the village through research and creative development (Duxbury, 2021), the following is necessary: acceptance of local culture and a “sense of place,” encouragement and involvement
of the population in creation and work, development of infrastructure and cultural facilities for gatherings, organization of events and cultural events that encourage liveliness in the village.
PROTECTION OF FOLK ARCHITECTURE, AMBIENT, AND NATURAL VALUES
It is characterized by the use of local materials and the skills of local craftsmen, developed through the accumulation of experience over generations.
In addition to the valorized objects of folk architecture, several buildings from the early 20th century in Medna are not under any form of protection but are very interesting from the aspect of the development of architecture in Medna and have a certain potential for the regeneration of the place. Folk culture has a special place in the material heritage of Medna. On one hand, folk architecture is recognized as a specific form of traditional architecture that has developed over centuries under specific historical conditions and is the result of human activity in a particular climate. It is characterized by the use of local materials and the skills of local craftsmen, which have developed through the accumulation of experience over generations.
On the other hand, crafts and other handmade products such as weaving, knitting, carving, etc., represent a special segment of traditional folk creativity that can be engaged in when starting creative industries.
Figure 1: Folk Architecture - Kovačević House
Figure 2: Mills on the Medljan River
THE ROLE OF RURAL CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The natural environment, or rebellion against modernity, becomes the main driver of creative industries in rural areas (Borseková, Cole, Petríková, Vańová, 2015). Historic buildings also have their own stories from the past that particularly connect the population to these objects. For example, in the village of Medna, the Kovačević House, which had a tavern on its ground floor, is nostalgically remembered by the population. The House of Culture, which has changed its purposes over time, is remembered by older residents for dancing and music during so-called “dances” as part of the entertainment culture of the mid-twentieth century. Some households had their workshops, with blacksmiths being the most common. The restoration of mills on the Medljan River is also part of the development of the creative industries in the area. The rivers are particularly abundant in brown trout (Valorizacija kulturno – istorijskog i prirodnog nasljeđa opštine Mrkonjić Grad, 2007). The diversity of plant species favors the collecting herbs in the surroundings of Medna. This also favors honey production, especially considering the possibility that the name of the village is derived from the noun “med” (honey) since a recognizable brand of beekeeping products with a specific geographical origin could be developed. The village of Medna, due to its favorable climate conditions, can be used for the accommodation of athletes, hikers, and other recreationists. There are quality trails that can be arranged for hiking, mountain climbing (Mountain Dimitor), and cycling. It is also possible to organize various educational courses: mushroom picking, brandy making, honey preparation, medicinal herb collection, etc. Cultural tourism provides a platform for connecting culture, tourism, and gastronomy. The village of Medna celebrates its local church feast “Our Lady” on September 21, when a church service is held in the local church, gathering a large number of Medna residents
Figure 3: Map of cultural heritage in the village of Medna (drawing by 4th-year architecture students)
who currently do not live there. This event can be promoted as a certain type of village festival. Students have researched and analysed the location in their papers, proposing many new activities while preserving all the village resources. Promotions at the faculty and work with students, as well as all materials, will be useful to the local community to possibly implement some of the ideas. The creative industry helps strengthen the local economy, reviving old activities, and stimulating new and sustainable businesses.
CONCLUSIONS
This research aimed to focus more attention on rural settlements and the possibility of sustainable economies. The creative industry supports the revival of craft production and enables the opening of small creative enterprises. The establishment of a monastery in the village of Medna and a greater number of religious tourists could initiate the return of residents. Organizing events and gathering the inhabitants of the village of Medna within the village itself might enable investments and renovation of their abandoned homes. The initiative to revive social life and launch small creative enterprises must be initiated by the current population living in the village or the municipality of Mrkonjić Grad, following a proven bottom-up approach. Preserving the intangible heritage nurtured by residents who have left their homes gives hope for the revival of life in the village of Medna. Following the closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a particularly increased desire for a bohemian life and being in nature. The demand for plots has increased and is still present. The renewal of public facilities such as the Community Center and the elementary school for cultural events can attract other people to come and stay for longer periods or buy plots in the village and start new activities.
REFERENCES
• BHRT Radiotelevizija Bosne i Hercegovine. 2024. “Rudnik Medna kod Mrkonjić Grada zagadio vodotek rijeke Sanu.” Youtube. com. March 9. Accessed May 25, 2024. https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=74dOYGIN0uY
• Borseková, Kamila, Cole, David, Petríková, Katarína, Vańová, Anna. 2015. “Nostalgic Sentiment and Cultural and Creative Industries in Regional Development: A Slovak Case Study.” Quaestiones Geographicae, vol. 34, no.2 (April): 53-63.
• Culture Action Europe. 2019. “Culture Crops: Cultural Practices in Non-urban Territories”. Cultural Action Europe Conference, 23-26. October. Accessed May 15, 2024. https://www. igbk.de/images/projekt_uebergaenge/BtO_2019_Report.pdf
• Duxbury, Nancy. 2021 “Cultural and creative work in rural and remote areas: an emerging international conversation.” International Journal of Cultural Policy. Vol.27, no.6. 753-767
• CISAC, EY. 2015.. “Cultural Times: the first global map of the cultural and creative industries.” Economy of Culture, Cultural and Creative Industries. Accessed May 24, 2024. available at: https://en.unesco.org/creativity/files/ culturaltimesthefirstglobalmapofculturalandcreativeindustriespdf.
• Кoreman, C.J.Maarten. 2023. “Reinventing a Rural Area: A Case Study into Cultural Festivals in Oldambt, The Netherlands”. Sustainability. vol. 15, no. 8 (April).
• Lovrenović,Ivan, Halilović, Ibrahim, Ćurić, Alojz. 1973. “Mrkonjić Grad”. Mrkonjić Grad: Narodni Univerzitet Mrkonjić Grad.
• Munro, Ealasaid. 2016. “Developing the Rural Creative Economy “from Below”: Exploring Practices of Market - Building amongst Creative Entrepreneurs in Rural and Remote Scotland.” M/C Journal, vol. 19 no.3 (June): https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.1071
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• “Valorizacija kulturno – istorijskog I prirodnog nasljeđa opštine Mrkonjić Grad.” 2007. Banja Luka: Republički zavod za zaštitu kulturno istorijskog I prirodnog nasljeđa Republike Srpske. (In Serbian)
• Statistika. 2013. “Mrkonjić Grad – analiza.” Popis 2013 u Bosni I Hercegovini. Accessed May 23, 2024. http://www.statistika.ba/?show=12&id=20362
• Verna Bar, Elif. 2019. “Think Global, Act Local” in the Context of the Architectural Conservation” Conference: RSPG 2019- Revisiting Sir Patrick Geddes. Indore, India. Indore, India. Accessed May 24, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337672639
• UCLG. 2015. “Culture 21: Agenda 21 for culture.” United Cities and Local Governments. Summit in Marche 2015.
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THE PRINCIPLE OF PERMEABILITY AND ABSORPTION OF THE CITY AS A POSSIBILITY OF CONCENTRATION OF MEANING
Alihodžić Jašarović, Ema1
Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture University of Montenegro, Zmaj Jovina 265, 81000 Podgorica, emajasarovic@gmail.com
Milićević, Nemanja
Teaching Assistant, Faculty of Architecture University of Montenegro, Admirala Zmajevića, 81000 Podgorica, nemanjamilicevic93@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The spatial result of multi-decade processes in Montenegro is very heterogeneous, and levitates between the complete distortion of the city, spontaneous growth, up to its total destruction and mutation, which ultimately makes Montenegrin cities very disoriented today. The imbalanced state of cities is a product of irrational and unprogrammed urban policies, and the absence of integral reflection in order to plan the optimal future of the city. Respecting all the historical layers that had a formative role in the creation of the city’s identity, as well as the sedimented modifications of the space, it is necessary to create methods of mediation between them. Mediation can also be formulated as a method of overcoming existing, apparently intractable conflict spatial scenarios. Value compensation could be realized as a complex system of mediation on several levels. First of all, a methodological set of analytical processes determine the degree of “damage” to the city’s identity. Then its potential in the form of determining the coefficient of potency of the city in the part of the degree of absorption of meaning. Taking the existing state as zero, the one that was inherited, this method could represent an important factor in assessing how ready a city is to change, that is, how sensitized a city is to any type of change. The principle of permeability and absorption indicates the immune state of the city, the spatial and social potential, that is, the readiness of the city to develop. This represents a decisive moment in the determination of the city to build a new compensated identity and image of the city. Permeability in this sense refers to the filter that controls new “contents” that enter the city, while absorption represents the potency of society and space to accept or reject that idea that penetrates the city.
Keywords: mediation methods, permeability of the city, city absorption, principle of alternation
Topics: Image, identity, and quality of place
INTRODUCTION
This research resulted from significant socio-urban transformations of the Montenegrin city in a longer time perspective, which to a large extent deformed the city and decontextualized its primary identity. Noting the worrisome status of Montenegrin cities, in the following we will talk
1Corresponding author
about methods of mediation that can compensate for the destabilized system of mapped city identities, creating a new reputational discourse of cities. The methodology used to analyze the city does not ignore all its current problems, using the past using the “living heritage” method, while finding new principles of space activation in order to achieve a contemporary - affirmative identity of the city. Integrating different approaches in which the city is continuously preserved but also developed, in accordance with socio-spatial and economic capacities, complex methods of mediation can provide a conciliatory result, which will systematically redesign and redefine the decontextualized identities of Montenegrin cities.
BACKGROUND RESEARCH
In order not to interpret the city as an antiquities and museum space, it is necessary to observe it as a living organism prone to change, and in this sense, the principle of determining the degree - the permeability and absorption of the city, which is ready to use old and new spaces to concentrate the new socio - spatial sense. Accordingly, the principle of permeability and absorption indicates the immune state of the city, that is, the spatial and social potential, i.e. the readiness of the city to develop. This principle, as a type of mediation between the past, present and future, between the old and the new, as well as a type of communication between the users of the space and the space itself, represents a decisive moment in the determination of the city to build a new compensated identity and image of the city. Permeability in this sense refers to the filter that controls new “contents” that enter the city, while absorption represents the potency of society and space to accept or reject that idea that penetrates the city. This points to the fact that permeability and absorption do not always have to be synchronized processes, but rather the opposite. If one content enters the city, regardless of its quality, it does not necessarily mean that it will be successfully “absorbed” into the existing spatial and social fabric of the city. The reason for this is often the potency and level of the state of emancipation of society to accept changes in space, whether they are spatial - physical structure, or any kind of spatial intervention, of an ephemeral character. Successful urban policies have an imperative to examine the carrying capacity and needs of space and society, on a macro and micro level, controlling and strictly selecting all contents that penetrate the space, thus carefully creating a high-ranking identity of cities. A condition of such strategic policies is the permanent integration of citizens into the decision-making process. There are numerous examples of European cities that in recent years have created branding policies in this way, broadcasting a new contemporary city identity, and are considered very successful examples of the practice of selective permeability of content into the city fabric. As an important segment in the process of identity compensation, the principle of alternation is established, which proposes the surrender of marginalized and cancerous spatial situations to new potent contents, which can contribute to the creation of a better city identity. This does not mean only the brownfield concept of using outdated and dysfunctional industrial complexes, but the replacement of all those spaces that are rated as bad, in order to improve the communicativeness of the space, function and image of the city. By focusing in this way on built-up city spaces that lost their primary function during the transition process, and which possess serious spatial and social potential, the principle of alternation would precisely compensate for the new functional and spatial values of the place, thus communicating a new functional and social space. In this process, the elimination of the sentimental relationship to the past, which threatens the perception of current problems that are much more dynamically reflected, and create new spatial values, is of key importance.
METHODOLOGY
This theoretical aspect is based on the combination of several theoretical methods, based primarily on the qualitative approach to the interpretation of space. Methods tend to display how one new content can affect the change of socio spatial status of the city. In this sense, in addition to the historical analysis and methods of analysis, the main method is the method of a case study, which will show the processes that determine the new spatial and functional content of the city, affects its already built fundus, but also the way the company wants or does not want absorb. The generic method, which includes a historical method, will analyze the characteristic examples of spatial relationships, in the context of the permeability and absorption of the city. In this sense, as an initial research, an urban emptiness is set up, as a medium for the transformation of the city, and the chance for the new city capacity. The focus of research work is on the methods of mediation, of which, especially the method of alternation, as a form of urban reconstruction. In the summary of the conclusions, this work has a reprimanding character, in which the readiness of the city is accentuated to absorb new content, under the condition, that it will contribute to the creation of the new quality and identity of the city. Another important conclusion emphasizes a society that one new content needs to be absorbed and used as a new chance for the development of the city, unlike numerous examples that are in Montenegro, contrary to their giant ideas, others are unacceptable, today, leading the problem of the city. The aim of this paper is not only an overview of contemporary architectural responses, but also criticism of the planner practice so far, which indiscriminately misses the contents that aim to have personal profits, permanently devastating the city.
URBAN VOID AS A MEDIUM OF URBAN TRANSFORMATIONS
Particular interest within this paper belongs to the transformation of established spatial relationships, with an urban void (binding to the theoretical terms emptyness and nothingness), understands as a substantive absence within the city space, which in the process of growth and urban transformation of the city, It often becomes a platform for a new city program. The intention of research in this regard is directed to the search for the answer, how to input new content within the urban emptiness, can affect the change of established spatial relations, which is directly related to the permeability and then the absorption of the city. As such, urban voids can represent a platform for an event, or the potential for new urban transformation of the city, which can be called “Feeling The Void”. In his research, Rem Koolhaas is very involved in urban emptiness at the city level, and sublimates his conclusions in the book under the name S M L X L, where the cites the attitude that can become a basis of further reflection: “Where there is nothing is possible. Where there is an architecture nothing else is possible”(Koolhaas, Mau, Werlemann, 1995, P.199). Therefore, in the context of the theme and possible urban transformations of the city, the discourse of emptiness is recognized as important, which becomes a potential space for exploitation. The new facilities entering the urban area can be contrary to the formal seams and the characteristic morphological patterns of the city, changing the existing structure of urban space. Unlike the heritage built, the scheme generated by new types of public space are more flexible and divergent, and thus new content can be more effective in the process of creating the contemporary identity of the city, because such places can become new starting points in experiencing and perception. In order for the research to obtain its contextual, spatial and time framework, several examples will be shown below, who entered into a review of established
spatial relationships, pointing to the forefront of the need to transform the city, absorbing new content.
An example of mediation based on permits and absorption - acceptance of a completely new content that is very unexpectedly and quite roughly penetrated the traditional - historical urban core of the city, is Kusthaus in Graz (Austria) - Friendly Alien, as the locals of Graz call it. With a radical solution for the Kunsthall in Graz, the architect consciously wants to influence the strong immunity of the city, which was built by nurturing historical continuity. In tehir architectural concept, the authors includes the context in a completely different way than expected, rejecting all conventional categories. A very tight urban void of the city, as a typical space of urban blanks of a large density, is unexpectedly filled with content. The closeness of the city forms and the new megasructure is reflected in direct contact, in the physical touch of the intended object in the tissue of the city, which are raised together.
Acceptance of a “foreign body” that is completely contrary to the context, creating a new form of space communication, indicates primarily to the level of emancipation of the society that has accepted new content as an object that moderates new spatial values. Such a complex ‘organic whole’ is influenced by the withdrawal of the immune border between the city and the object, the past and the present, the inside and the outside.
Figure 1: a. Graz as an example of good permeability and absorption of the city b. Kunsthaus Graz, “friendly alien”, a new structure interpolated into the old city core; Source: a. https://lookingforstu.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ DSC_0485-e1366406340909.jpg b.https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ygnQBL21_XE/maxresdefault.jpg
One example, as urban and cultural policies of developed cities, decide on hosting temporal - multinational and multicultural international events are the Olympic Games, Capital of Culture or EXPO, using the opportunity to promote the city and its capacities, influenced by its future economy, visibility and reputation. Thus, cities have the opportunity to realize multiinterpretable seams, innovating and redesigning the existing urban space. In this regard, the absorption of meaningful content into existing city tissue can be consciously used as a powerful medium for the economic and cultural development of cities, and therefore the creation of its contemporary identity. Thus, the outside induced new content creates radical, controlled but also sudden changes within the city. An example, which is completely transfoming, the city of Baselon, in the period from 1986 to 1992, when the Olympic Games become a good excuse and a flood that has led to one biggest urban transformation in the country. The new concept has achieved a dialogue of the city with the seashore, creating the new quality of the city.
Figure 2: Barcelona: the coastal front under construction in 1990 and the Olympic village in late 1991 Source: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Mega-Event-as-a-Strategy-in-Spatial-Planning%3A-Qu-Spaans/ b88d8f728ee530e7fa710f01c40a5e5c479270a2/figure/0
The Paris Plan for Maintenance of the 2024 Olympic Games violates the trends of megaloma ideas so far and infrastructure and technological exhibitionism, which destabilism of the existing biorhythm of the city, and proposes a very simple, anticapitalist principle, accent of heritage to create significant and long -term legacy. All of this points to the fact that the city does not suffer strong, sudden and ad hoc by skillful intervention, which radically change his metabolism and a biorhythm established, but is the absorption of the city by which the city determines the degree of need to receive and miss new content and continue to live with it. Those cities that are very difficult to leak news into the existing city tissue, which reciprocally decreases and the level of readiness to accept new content by users are labeled as conservative, and their rigidity in the reception of diversity is reflected not only in the spatial level but also at the social level of the city. In this sense, they are often very homogeneous in their socio spatial identity expression. There is a difference to the cities that have been treated as protected spatial units of importance, and to which the introduction of content is strictly defined, censorship or even often and strictly forbidden. These are the most common cities or parts of the city under the protection of UNESCO.
An attempt to have a new physical paradigm through the architectural manifestation of great dimensions, there were also socialist governments in post -war Europe, providing a new physical paradigm for the new social order. The Montenegrin city, in its most valuable period of development, introduces the megestructure ideas to the scene at the time, not caring for the socio urban context. Ideological perceptions went beyond multiple expectations and needs of the city and society, thus very radically injected into their core, changing their proportions, and the volume of the city.
As the permeability is a process related to urban phenomenon, and absorption on the other hand is a social category, the issue of the general emancipation of society is raised, which expresses its willingness to accept new content, or on the other hand demonstrate resistance to something new. The construction of the Revolution Home (Marko Music, 1978-1989) in Niksic was a turning point in the city center and an example of convergence between architectural modernism and urban planning in the 1960s. In addition to the very interesting and complex ideological and conceptual backgrounds, this solution is especially interesting to see from the aspect of the introduction of a giant spatial structure into Urban Void. Such a almost fetishist approach to the creation of architecture, a strong concrete membrane, repeatedly overrides, the “load -bearing” capacity of the city. Such ideas promote the architectural language marked by an innovative and progressive form, whose structures, as a result, have a strong impact on the spatial and urban matrix of the city. The architect Mušič fills Urban Void, building a mastodont of a socialist project, which is never fully absorbed by the city users. We can say that
in the time of its construction it was much stronger than the willingness and potential of the society to accept such an architectural project. The consequence is an object that is never fully implemented, and therefore represents an unsolvable for years - a leading city urban problem. The city even more, in some ways, survived the trauma intervention imposed on it, indicating that the difference between the permeability and absorption of the city was high.
Figure 3: a. Dom revolucije, Nikšić b. content that has been permabilited into the city but not absorbed Source: a. https://www.antenam.net/ekonomija/72466-pocinje-rekonstrukcija-doma-revolucije-u-niksicu b. https://onogost. me/biznis/istorijski-dan-za-niksic-pocela-rekonstrukcija-doma-revolucije/
A similar example with a completely opposite outcome that appears in the same period of time (1977), is the Popmpidu Center in Paris (Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano), which caused reactions and general surprise, but also rejected by Parisians. The triumph of a megastructure experiment, it occurs primarily as an urban response to the urban void of the city. The success of this architectural solution is in the concept, in which the object becomes an urban event, not just the facility. Numerous articles in eminent magazines from this period indicate confusion and general dissatisfaction: National Geographic described the reaction as “love at another sight”, and the article in Le Figarou has announced that “Paris has his monster, just like the one in Loch Ness. “ Today, the Center Pompidu is one of the leading tourist attractions of the city, and a key marker of the modern identity of the city of Paris.
Figure 4: a. Pompidou Center in the context of the city of Paris b. Pompidou center, section, Source: a. https://www. interior.ru/art/303-tsentr-pompidu-40-let-glavnomu-muzeyu-sovremennogo-iskusstva-vo-frantsii.htmlb. https:// archeyes.com/the-centre-georges-pompidou-by-richard-rogers-renzo-piano/
On the other hand, Montenegrin cities today, we can say that they are very unleelned by permeable, and this is precisely what becomes a dominant problem in the urban policies of the city, because the question of the quality of the content that is “installed” in the conceptual and identity matrix of the city is raised. The spatial result that the Montenegrin
city emits today, to the most part is the result and reflection of what the continued wrong decisions of the assignment and retaining space for individuals to satisfy personal interests. For many years of uncontrolled and non -selective permeability has resulted in devastation and decontextualization of Montenegrin cities, with illegal content of the official Government of Montenegro are legalized. The uncritical public contributes to this, and the society that is to satisfy the personal interests, mostly economic, which are often directly related to the mass tourist offer, tend to absorb all those profitable facilities that will permanently devastate it. One of the current examples of uncontrolled urbanization and non -selective permeability under the pronunciation of key Government “development plans” are a serious threat to UNESCO status Boka Kotorska.
Kostanjica (Boka Kotorska), an example of the non-selective permeability of the city that causes the danger of UNESCO status Source: https://bokanews.me/upravni-sud-stavio-tacku-na-gradnju-u-kostanjici-koja-bi-kotor-izbacilasa-liste-unesco-a/
PRINCIPLE OF ALTERNATION- SUBSTITUTION AS A FORM OF URBAN RENEWAL
The principle of alternation, which is completely open from the point of view, is also very important in the context of the theme of the permeability of the city. This method for an alternative to one space can offer different intervention systems such as less radical, related to reconstruction and adaptation, to very restrictive, which involve the complete removal of existing content, with the aim of creating a completely new concept that will ultimately strengthen socio - spatial capacity of the city. Brownfield concept is just one of the principles of alternative, which could be understood as a planning stock of space that allows for the creation of brand new content in places that are marked in the city as’ wrong ‘’ and as such existing in space. This understanding of things can be interpreted as an urban renewal - urban regeneration, in order to achieve higher social interests and increase the quality of life in the city. Industrial areas are potentially classified as a convenient platform for the concept of sustainable development to improve the urban environment in economic, ecological and environmental terms. As such, they play a very important role in the redefinition of the socio-space identities of the urban areas in which they arise.
Figure 5.
Figure 6. a. Arsenal, Tivat, brownfield location of the former military shipyard b. Porto Montenegro, the most important European yachting destination Source: a. https://bokanews.me/porto-montenegro-nije-potisnuo-arsenal-iz-srca-2/ b. https://www.oceanindependence.com/berths/50m-berth-in-porto-montenegro/
The principle of alternation in this sense must very carefully observe the influences that new concepts affect the sensitivity of the context from the aspect of cultural heritage and its protection, because they are not necessarily positive, but on the contrary, radical changes can also have very destructive effects in terms of the spatial values of the city. An example of the impact of the construction and transformation of Porto Montenegra (the former Arsenal Military Shipyard in Tivat), to the development of the region, stimulized the hyperproduction of capacity construction, and led to the Kotor crisis position on the UNESCO list. On the other hand, an important segment of analysis is implications that the principle of alternatives has on society, which also have double effects, creating on the one hand new social and cultural content and new values of public spaces, while on the other, new content can produce phenomena of gentrification and social segregation , which can problematize the issue of ethics of a new city. Bilbao is an example of a city that has seen its prosperity in the construction and emancipation of the working class and the industrialization of the village, which from abandoned industrial zones became centers of creativity and capital. The original identity of the port industrial city, which experiences the urban and social crisis in the 1960s, the urban regeneration of the 1990s, introducing the non-conscient gigantic infrastructure of the Bilbao Museum, and accompanying infrastructure interventions, the city transfers into a complete tourist product, and gets a new identity. Meinstrim architecture, which peaks in the last twenty years, is precisely the identity without identity, enjoying the spatial excesses that have a frequent fetishist formalism and sensationalist architecture, which mostly neglects everything that is full of context in the full sense, producing Las Vegas Baby effect. The focus is a profit, and the effect that the city needs to achieve in the global network, building a new image of the city and an identity that has a sign of a tourist and market city.
city,
Frank Gehry, the
Museum Bilbao, 2010. Source: https://www. bilbaoport.eus/en/the-port-authority/photography/history/ b. https://divisare.com/projects/304078-frank-gehryguggenheim-museum-bilbao
An example of alternatives is present in cities that have suffered some kind of trauma, creating discontinuity in development, such as cities affected by war, earthquake ... Such cities, after disaster, in places of complete destruction, create a new spatial potential that leaves the possibility for missing new ones - alternative content. Examples of such cities are numerous, but it can be separated by Poznan in Poland, Berlin in Germany, Hamburg and many others, who, after the war, experienced complete reincarnation and regeneration by giving old spaces to new contemporary facilities, which have renovated the city and created a new identity.
Talking about the principle of alternative, as a method of mediation between old and new space, it is necessary to mention the interpolation method, as a new aspect of urban renewal, which is often used method in cities that possess a pronounced historical layer, but also the need for continuity of the city’s development development shifts of spatial and historical scenarios. In this regard, certain architectural positions in the city, within the built traditional city center, are replacing new contemporary architectural realizations. Such a process of seal of the city, It is the most sensitive design task, which aims to create in a given time, with a new solution becomes a mediator between the existing and the new, creating visual consent of the facilities, which contributes to the highlight of the existing ambience.
In Montenegrin cities, in the last years, there is a very present trend of interpolating new structures in the old city core, which mostly deform the existing picture of the city, and create new hybrid aesthetic and identity values of the city. Such an approach is legitimate with official planning documents. Interpolated architecture ignoring the context reflects the current state of society and the trendy manner of transition architecture, leading to a radical breakdown with a historical legacy, and by creating a discontinuity in the development of the city and its identity. In this way, the not selective and uncontrolled process of alternation, the traditional city was permanently devastated, in which the newly established architectural interventions continuously undo the inheritance values, creating a new acontextual and decontextualized space. Such an inappropriate architectural expression (a ,,Porto Montenegro,, style in a disgusting local interpretation), permanently devastating the integration of the city.
Figure 7. a. Bilbao industrial
1929.b.
Guggenheim
8. Examples of wrong interpolation into the old city core creating in the transition and non selective permeability, legitimized by planning documents, Podgorica 2024. Source: authors
Also, there is a negative trend of alternatives, which is focused on the complete replacement of the old for the new object, which result in a new commercial function, most often much greater dimensions and very discountable values of architecture. One of the numerous examples dating from 2019 is the demolition of the Multi -Gradated Hotel Ljubovic, notable architectural values, in exchange for a new residential complex, which threatened the quality of the existing space in all parameters and acted on the overall picture of the city. Such a principle offers nothing compensating, but opposite, such a model deds the original quality of the place, which also has memory values, abolishes the public content and spatial benefits of the city, creating it to investor programs that aim to have no other purpose except that relates to personal profit . Such a negative trend of alternatives in Montenegrin cities has led to the endangerment of the basic principles of the identity of the city, creating a completely new identity play about the city.
Figure 9. a. Demolition of the award-winning Hotel Ljubović, Podgorica b. New residential complex at the location of the Ljubović Hotel, 2024 Source: a. Foto: Filip Roganović, Vijesti b.https://investitor.me/2019/02/20/ljubovic-hillhomes-ovako-ce-izgledati-zgrada-koju-buric-gradi-na-temeljima-nekadasnjeg-hotela/
CONCLUSIONS
Noting a worrying position that develops Montenegrin cities, methods of mediations can be compensated by the destabilized system of mapping city identities, creating a new reputational discourse of cities. The methodology approaching the existing development of the city, not neglecting all its current problems, using the past by the Living Heritage method, finding new principles of space activation in order to achieve the modern - affirmative identity of the city. Integrating various approaches in which the city is continuously observed, preserved and developed in accordance with socio spatial and economic capacities, complex mediation methods can provide a reconcile result, which will systematically redesign and redefine decontextualized identities of Montenegrin cities.
Figure
REFERENCES
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COMPUTER VISION IN DESIGNING OF SUPPORTS AND AID FOR BLINDS AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Magarò, Antonio1
Roma Tre University, Department of Architecture, Piazza Orazio Giustiniani, 4 - Rome, Italy antonio.magaro@uniroma3.it
ABSTRACT
Worldwide, there are approximately 2.2 billion people with a visual impairment (WHO, 2019). Italian Institute of Statistic, ISTAT (2019) quantifies at 2.1% of the European Union’s population over-15, the people suffering from severe visual impairment. This percentage rises to 5.6% if only the over-65s are considered, and to 8.7% for the over-75s. The field of enabling and assistive technologies, such as those integrated systems that improve the functional capabilities of people with disabilities (Baratta and Magarò, 2023) is very active in responding to issues related to sensorial disabilities. Using the number of patents for measuring this activity, emerging enabling and assistive technologies, dedicated to overcoming vision deficiencies, see an annual increase of 27% (WIPO, 2021). However, although the field of artificial intelligence is also pervasive in contemporary lifestyles, technology transfer in the field of supports and aid design is held back by the difficulties of implementation in human-centred designed, wearable, and low-cost devices. This paper presents the first results of a research conducted in the Department of Architecture of Roma Tre University, with the aim of writing a set of operational guidelines to exploit open-source hardware and software technologies, for designing computer vision-based, wearable devices, to recognize objects, distinguish them on a display with highcontrast graphic, and send an audio-description to earphones.
Computer vision is that branch of machine learning that involves training a machine to see and distinguish images, simulating human understanding. At this stage, the most effective technologies are identified in relation to image capture and processing, as well as opensource software libraries for object recognition. In addition, their limitations and potential for working on wearable processors with low computing power are assessed. Finally, the feasibility of a prototype based on these technologies is described, and critical issues are identified, establishing methods and tools for overcoming them.
Keywords: Computer vision, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Centred Design, Blinds and visually impaired
Topics: New construction technologies
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The ICF model (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) published by World Health Organization (2001) classifies supports among environmental facilitators. They are devices that, when unavailable, contribute to hindering an individual’s performance, such as a barrier. The role of an aid must be to ensure as much autonomy as possible: starting from an enabling environment, the use of an aid must be the guarantee of active participation (Andrich, 2008). A visual impairment can be greatly amplified by the interface of a smartphone, even a very advanced one, just as it can be alleviated by oversized text and icons, perhaps on a low-performance device. The taxonomy of aid can be inferred from the International Standard ISO 9999: 2022, which identifies eleven classes. Although these constitute a normative and commercial reference, it has been under discussion for some years, partly due to the diffusion of new technologies. To the list summarized by the International Standard is referred the Italian regulations of the “Costs nomenclature of prostheses and technical supports”. It contains all supports that can be medically prescribed and should be subject to continuous revision and updating, especially with reference to cost and the introduction of new technologies. For supports not included in the nomenclature, it can avail of similarity practice. It involves the possibility of choosing an aid not included in the costs nomenclator, if it can be related to it by functional homogeneity. Technology transfer from ICT and robotics can be worked on, with the aim of creating systems that can be integrated with the most popular communication technologies. In recent decades, the research area of Computer Vision has experienced rapid development, leading to significant advances in real-world applications. Among these applications, embedded systems have emerged as a major development environment due to their increasing pervasiveness in a wide range of devices and applications, including robotics, autonomous vehicles, smartphones, security cameras, and many others. Computer Vision is a field of artificial intelligence that aims to teach computers to “see” and interpret the visual world as humans do. A key aspect of Computer Vision is the handling of images as input, since these constitute one of the main sources of visual information. In particular, the possibility of being able to harness large computing power in devices of an alltoo-small size enables the portability of many artificial intelligence applications, in the so called embedded systems. They offer several opportunities, for example, the ease of interconnection with other systems within IoT networks, as well as the possibility of creating isolated systems, as opposed to ordinary Internet-connected PCs, that can enjoy stability and security during object recognition operations. One of the issues to be addressed is power supply: computing powers, however high, may also be sufficient within certain limits; however, energy resources need to be optimized.
TOOLS AND METHODS
Deep Learning and Convolutional Neural Network
Deep Learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that relies on the use of deep neural networks for automatic learning of data representations. This approach allows machines to learn directly from data, without the need to be programmed to perform specific tasks. Deep neural networks, so called because they are composed of multiple layers of artificial neurons, can process complex data and recognize patterns and features hidden in the data. Because of their ability to learn hierarchical representations of data, Deep Learning has revolutionized several fields, such as
Computer Vision, natural language recognition, speech recognition, and many other applications that require advanced analysis of large amounts of data, in short time frames. The success of Deep Learning has been fuelled by the increasing availability of training data, the increasing computational power of GPUs (that better perform if compared with CPUs), and the continued research and development of new neural network architectures that are increasingly efficient and high-performance. Convolutional Neural Networks are a type of deep neural network architecture widely used in the field of Computer Vision. These networks are characterized by some important features that make them particularly effective in recognizing complex visual patterns. Convolution involves applying one or more filters (called kernels) to the input image to extract relevant features from it. During this operation, the filter moves over the entire image by performing multiplication operations between pixel values and filter weights and summing the results. This process creates a feature map that highlights the relevant patterns in the image. The goal is to reduce the complexity of the neural network and the amount of input data, so following convolution, a “pooling” layer is used to reduce the size of the feature map, with the advantage of limiting the “overfitting” problem (overfitting is when the computer “learns by heart”). After pooling, it is necessary to contemplate nonlinear correspondences. Therefore, an activation function is applied, which, by introducing nonlinearities into the network, enables it to learn from complex features. After a series of convolution and pooling layers, the network can include layers called “dense” or “fully connected.” Within these layers, extracted features are taken and are connected to one or more output units, typically used for object classification or detection. The most important features of Convolutional Neural Networks is the sharing of weights. So, the filters used during convolution are applied identically to different parts of the image. This technique reduces the number of parameters in the network and allows learning of position-invariant patterns, thus making the network more effective and robust. Because of these features, Convolutional Neural Networks have proven to be very powerful in the recognition of visual patterns, such as objects, faces, persons and more.
RUNNING CNN APPLICATIONS ON MOBILE DEVICES
MobileNets Models (Howard, 2017) represent a family of deep neural network architectures optimized for execution on mobile and resource-limited devices with the purpose of implementing tinyML (machine learning on small devices) systems. Developed by Google, these models are specifically designed to address computational efficiency and power consumption challenges, enabling the execution of advanced Computer Vision applications on smartphones, IoT devices and other embedded platforms. The distinguishing feature of MobileNets is the use of two main strategies: separable convolution, and variable stride convolution (Howard, 2017). Separable convolution divides the convolution operation into two separate steps: a convolution in depth and a convolution in space. This greatly reduces the number of multiplication and summation operations, thus reducing the computational load. Variable stride convolution, on the other hand, allows the size of feature maps to be controlled during the convolution phase, allowing further reduction in size and computation. The use of these strategies makes MobileNets much lighter than other CNN architectures, while maintaining high accuracy and excellent image feature learning. These models are particularly well suited for real-time applications, such as object recognition, image classification, and face tracking, where fast and efficient results need to be obtained on devices with limited resources.
MICROCONTROLLERS
Microcontrollers (Boldrin 2023) represent a fundamental class of electronic devices that play a crucial role in automation and embedded electronics. They are found in numerous everyday applications, ranging from home appliances to industrial tools, medical devices to automobiles, and are essential to the operation of a wide range of intelligent and interactive systems. These devices integrate (on a single board or chip) a CPU, a quantity of RAM and ROM memory, input/ output interfaces, and sometimes specialized peripherals. Their main characteristic is their autonomy and ability to perform predefined tasks repetitively and reliably, using few computing resources. The miniaturization of manufacturing processes has led to a continuous increase in the computational power of microcontrollers, enabling the implementation of sophisticated algorithms and advanced features, such as wireless communication, pattern recognition, and even artificial intelligence on embedded platforms. Microcontrollers represent one of the central elements of the ongoing technological revolution, as they underlie many innovations that have changed the way people live and work.
MACHINE LEARNING ON MICROCONTROLLERS
Machine learning plays a critically important role in microcontroller developments (Boldrin, 2023), as it offers solutions capable of overcoming the hardware limitations typical of such devices. This section will outline the main reasons why the application of machine learning is crucial in this context.
• Resource optimization: With the ability to implement lightweight and highly efficient machine learning algorithms, microcontrollers can handle complex data processing tasks while having limited computational resources and memory.
• Dynamic adaptability: Machine learning models can be trained to learn from input data in real time, enabling microcontrollers to adapt quickly to changes in operating or environmental conditions.
• Pattern recognition: The introduction of machine learning enables the development of algorithms for pattern recognition, such as facial recognition, speech recognition, or object classification. These capabilities make microcontrollers capable of interpreting and interacting with their surroundings intelligently and intuitively.
• Energy optimization: The design of lightweight, power-optimized machine learning algorithms enables microcontrollers to operate more efficiently, reducing power consumption and extending battery life.
• Time and cost savings: Using machine learning simplifies the process of developing sophisticated solutions on microcontrollers, reducing the time and resources required for manual design and implementation of complex algorithms.
• Decentralized intelligence: Integrating machine learning into microcontrollers enables intelligent systems to be built locally, reducing dependence on constant communications with remote servers for data processing. This improves system responsiveness and reduces the load on the network.
Machine learning is a key component in the development of smart, efficient, and effective microcontrollers, enabling the implementation of advanced and adaptable functionality in environments with limited hardware resources. This integration offers significant advantages and opens promising prospects for the evolution of embedded technologies in a variety of
applications.
SOFTWARE AND CODE LIBRARIES MOST USED
There are several open-source solutions and frameworks (Boldrin, 2023) for implementing machine learning models on embedded devices, with a focus on microcontrollers. Some of these tools have been specifically designed to reduce overhead and optimize execution on resource-limited hardware.
• TensorFlow Lite (TFL) represents a robust platform commonly used for training and deploying neural networks on mobile devices. TensorFlow Lite Micro (TFLM) is a dedicated version for microcontrollers, however, currently, its support is limited to specific hardware platforms and TensorFlow operations.
• Embedded Learning Library (ELL), developed by Microsoft, is an open-source alternative for performing machine learning on embedded devices, including Arduino and microbit. It provides a compiler that allows conversion of external models into binary code.
• Edge Impulse is a cloud service focused on developing machine learning models for edge devices. It offers an online training environment and allows models to be deployed on different platforms.
• Artificial Intelligence for Embedded Systems (AIfES) is a versatile library that supports a wide range of microprocessors. It can enable the training of neural networks directly on devices, although it is currently limited to feed-forward networks, with plans to integrate for convolutional networks.
• Seedot is a specific language designed for creating machine learning algorithms on microcontrollers, introducing search space reduction techniques and optimizations for computationally expensive operations.
• YOLOv8 (Ultralytics, 2024) is a Python module dedicated to training neural networks for computer vision, allowing models to be exported in different formats.
• MicroFlow (Carnelos, 2023), a neural model compilation framework written in Rust, is distinguished by superior performance in real-time inference, allowing embedded systems, including those with 8-bit architecture, to use less FLASH memory and RAM while still maintaining accuracy comparable to TensorFlow Lite.
These tools offer different options and approaches for developing machine learning solutions on microcontrollers, allowing technologies to be tailored to specific project needs.
EMBEDDED DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT FOR COMPUTER VISION
With the purpose of evaluating the best performing technology, in this research two platforms are compared. The first is based on the Xiao ESP32S3 board (Elettronica Open Source, 2023) which has a dual core microprocessor with speeds up to 240 Mhz, 8 Mb of PSRAM and 8 Mb of flash memory. In addition, this board offers the possibility of integrating an SD card with a capacity of up to 32 Gb.
The second platform is based on the Arduino Nano 33 BLE board (Elettronica Open Source, 2023). It allows for a less powerful development environment than its predecessor, however, overall, it promises to provide performance that is assumed to be superior.
The hardware is completed with the installation of two modules for image acquisition:
• ov2640 camera connected to the Xiao ESP32S23 processor: the ov2640 camera is a
compact and popular imaging module, often used in embedded and IoT projects. this camera offers up to 2-megapixel resolution and is capable of capturing images and video with amazing detail. its versatility makes it ideal for computer vision, surveillance, robotics, and more applications.
• OV7675 camera connected to Arduino Nano: The OV7675 camera is a compact imaging module used in various embedded applications. With a maximum resolution of 0.3 megapixels, it offers the ability to capture images and video with decent quality. Using less powerful boards such as the Arduino uno would have resulted in significant challenges and limitations. the choice to use higher performance boards such as the Xiao esp32s3 or the Arduino nano 33 BLE board is crucial to ensure efficient and accurate processing of Computer Vision data. For example, considering the Arduino uno board, which is characterized by an 8-bit atmega328p microcontroller and a clock frequency of 16 Mhz, there are significant limitations in terms of computing power and available memory capacity. the project requires handling complex machine learning algorithms and processing high-resolution images. the presence of a more powerful microprocessor allows these tasks to be addressed more efficiently, enabling optimal performance and reduced response times.
The 8-bit architecture of Arduino one significantly limits data processing capacity and accuracy in calculations. in addition, the small size of the SRAM, only 2kb, makes it complicated to implement machine learning algorithms and high-resolution image processing. Another critical issue is the limited compatibility with machine learning libraries and frameworks, which often require 32-bit architectures to function properly.
However, it is important to note that the evolution of machine learning technologies and algorithms is rapidly leading to increasingly optimized models that are compatible with lowpower devices. In addition, there are already projects and frameworks, such as Tensorflow Lite Micro and Utensor, that concentrate on producing extremely lightweight runtime cores and compression strategies to adapt machine learning models to embedded devices, including tiny 8-bit devices. These efforts aim to make machine learning more accessible even for less powerful microcontrollers.
SOFTWARE AND LIBRARIES CODE CHOOSE
The software used is classified according to two distinct processes namely the training of a neural network capable of recognizing objects and the actual implementation of an embedded system capable of real-time inference. For the training of a neural network and subsequent export of the generated model, it was decided to use Edge Impulse with its more accurate but significantly more memory-heavy counterpart Yolov8 (Ultralytics, 2024).
The use of Edge Impulse in the implementation of the neural network for an embedded system was driven by multiple technical and practical considerations. the Edge Impulse platform has been shown to offer a highly specialized and optimized ecosystem for the development of artificial intelligence models intended for Edge devices with limited computational capabilities. its all-in-one approach significantly simplified the development process, allowing the collection and labelling of training data within an intuitive and well-structured interface. this proved particularly beneficial in terms of time efficiency, allowing attention to be focused on the design of the model itself and its adaptability to specific embedded system needs. An additional benefit of using Edge Impulse was its simplified integration with libraries and frameworks widely used in the embedded ecosystem, allowing for a smooth transition from the development phase to the integration phase. this provided greater flexibility and ease in adapting the model to the
specific needs of the embedded system, without having to deal with additional complexity and technical challenges.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
The adoption of Yolov8 in the neural network training process was a tactical choice to address specific detection and classification challenges in Computer Vision. Yolov8, known for its high accuracy in real-time object detection, has demonstrated significant potential in increasing the performance of visual analysis. However, it is important to note that this choice resulted in a trade-off between performance and resource consumption. Models generated from Yolov8 are also 100 times larger in terms of memory than those developed through Edge Impulse. This consideration has proven crucial in the context of an embedded platform with limited computational resources. The significant increase in model size can lead to challenges in memory management and computational efficiency, compromising the ability of the embedded system to perform visual analysis smoothly and responsively. However, the decision to consider Yolov8 was driven by the need to maximize the accuracy of object detection, especially in complex scenarios where accuracy is a priority. During the development phase, the decision to adopt Arduino IDE as the main programming environment proved to be not only a pragmatic but also a strategically advantageous choice. This software, known for its intuitive user interface and large support community, proved to be instrumental in simplifying the process of loading programs on both the Xiao_ESP32S3 board and the Arduino Nano 33 BLE board. The familiarity of the Arduino IDE significantly reduced the learning curve, allowing us to focus more on designing and implementing the programs themselves, rather than overcoming technical obstacles related to the development environment. It should be noted that although it is possible to directly obtain precompiled firmware for both boards, this option introduces some important considerations. Although precompiled firmware simplifies the implementation process, it severely limits the ability to make project-specific customizations and adaptations. This restriction could prove binding in the future, especially if the need to further optimize programs or address particularly complex development situations arises.
In the context of Object Detection on embedded systems, optimization is critical to ensure efficient and accurate performance. On the hardware side, one possible improvement could involve the use of specialized hardware, such as hardware accelerators for deep learning (e.g., GPUs or dedicated AI accelerators). This would enable higher processing speed and the ability to handle more complex models. In addition, optimization of system architecture, including the choice of low-power components, can extend battery life for battery-powered devices. Expanding RAM memory to accommodate larger models such as YOLOv8 is another solution to consider even though it would run into generally more expensive systems. The system is currently in the alpha testing phase and is showing encouraging results for the realization of a first prototype by 2024.
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GLOBALIZATION AS A REDEFINING PRAXIS OF THE BUILT
HERITAGE OF BELGRADE
Dukić, Anđela M.1 PhD candidate, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Philosophy, Čika Ljubina 18-20, Belgrade, Serbia, iu.andjeladukic@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The announcement focuses on defining and analyzing the problems of globalization practices using examples of recent changes in the urban and architectural structure of Belgrade. Seen from the point of view of a wider sociopolitical and cultural framework, the dichotomies between the city cores and the newly created matrices will be explained while considering the plans for the next period. As established, historically grounded, and structurally justified spatial units are redefined through the processes of rapid changes, Belgrade’s architectural heritage successively disappears before the waves of investor urbanism. The focus of the research is based on selected examples from the 21st century in the form of case studies. Problems of denivelation, expansion, insertion into existing cores, security and infrastructural risks, as well as permanent damage to the city’s identification sights, will be shown. In line with the above, we will talk about the problems of protecting established spatial entities as well as individual buildings of eminent architects whose creative contributions marked the architectural history of Belgrade. In addition, we will discuss the lack of publicly available information about current projects that should be accessible to both scientific/professional, and wider social strata, and the consequences of this kind of non-transparency. The principles of anonymity, which make it impossible to see the author’s contributions to the project documentation, and the practice of participation in large architectural bureaus will be problematized. In this case, the focus will also be placed on the difficulty of applying the factual model to write subsequent papers, which further impairs the possibility of the next stages - valorization and comparison. Finally, we will discuss the perception of historiographers, publicists, and critics about current construction practices with emphasis on the need to deepen the issue of the architecture of globalization in scientific and professional circles.
Keywords: globalization, architecture, urbanism, Belgrade
Topics: Preservation of built heritage
INTRODUCTION
The communication-stimulating transcultural ideology and the practice of globalization limited by market criteria have a dual effect on contemporary architecture (Кадијевић 2019а: 116). The world becomes a global village by transposing from the position of complex cultural transfers facing outwards and inwards to the position of immersion in the mainstream of
1Corresponding author
global proportions. As a whole, global process, as machinery of rapid exchange of information, technological development, and mobility, paved the way for easier crossing of physical borders, simultaneously crossing boundaries in the field of architectural creativity (Majerska-Palubicka 2020: 1). By alienating architecture from the context of the nation in which it was created, its traditions and cultural roots, it moves from the position of particular identities to the position of supranational, supraregional semantic impersonality. The integration, standardization, and mass hyperproduction are promoted by the intensive development of capital, IT and communication technologies, leading to the unification and homogenization of patterns and models (Majerska-Palubicka 2020: 3). By attracting foreign investments, capital objects are realized. They permanently disrupt the matrices in which they are embedded – with their form, function, and often megalomaniac proportions and consumer identity (Кадијевић 2019: 65). The globalization practices occurring in Belgrade architecture can be adequately compared to those that are a recurring feature of other territories, such as the example of Lagos Island. The architectural domain of Lagos Island was historically influenced by a rich cultural transfer from Portuguese and British architectural heritage. This, in synergy with a rich local and indigenous Yoruba architectural style, has created a distinct cultural identity. However, growing globalization practices encapsulated through the change in material, architectural practices, and preferences have led to a steady decline and displacement of traditional architectural tendencies, primarily within urbanized areas (Owamoyo, Tabibi 2023: 2-4). As a result, the use of newer, modern, and contemporary materials such as reinforced concrete, steel, and glass has become much more prominent, resulting in the deferring of traditional materials. Design principles have become linked to, and are striving towards those viewed as Western architecture which are associated with modernisation and progress. As a result, traditional building practices are viewed as irrelevant and retrograde for an urban setting. However, the inadequate preservation of existing, traditional values and the implementation of globalization practices at the expense of the existing ones results in the gradational decline of the existing cultural characteristics of the local community and society.
MECHANISMS OF REDEFINING PRACTICES OF BELGRADE
Historically, the cultural identity of the capital was changing in many ways along with its spatial expansion and demographic massification. Architectural alterations caused by numerous factors resulted in the stylistic and nivelation unevenness of the built stock (Кадијевић 2017: 11). Neoliberal globalization encourages the development of the supranational architecture while simultaneously endangering and destructing the heritage of previous epochs with radical spatial interventions (Кадијевић 2019: 63). During the previous decades, transnational capital dictated the disintegration of established identity models, which further leads to the construction of iconic buildings with features of contemporary world architecture to improve their position on international markets (Кадијевић 2019а: 116). Popularized by propaganda machinery for years, architectural globalization has experienced a significant expansion in the recent period, whereby, in addition to modifications, it also carries the destructions of important urban matrices and individual buildings of eminent architects. A critical minority made up of architects, urban planners, architectural historians and theorists consistently resists these processes, but despite the efforts of the profession, globalism establishes the multiple unevenness of domestic architectural production, especially in larger centers, among which Belgrade stands out as the capital (Кадијевић 2019: 63).
In the case of rapid changes stimulated by globalization, infrastructure and urban design
are subject to frequent changes due to the complexity and mass construction production. Additionally, this leads to problems with security and public transport. Market and media manipulation largely set new benchmarks of civilizational success (Кадијевић 2019а: 118). The layered modifications include elements such as the reshaping of the street network, its edge and height regulation, as well as the rearrangement of squares and bridges (Кадијевић 2017: 14). Together with the denivelated architectural corpus, they are often not aligned with the matrix, which, on the other hand, often needs innovative changes. Due to the economic power of the marketing wing, globalist changes are accepted lightly regardless of the consequences for space. Uniform compositional models produce an artistically bare but technologically elaborate type of cost-effective architecture. They are opposed by the wing of the most prestigious architectural bureaus, which are allowed a certain amount of experimentation (Кадијевић 2019а: 117). Although architectural and urban transformations are inevitable, driven by changes in the field of politics, society, and technological progress, the most prominent changes in Belgrade’s recent history are the changes that occurred under the onslaught of globalization. Instead of the planned, socio-economically justified expansion of the city towards the periphery and the construction of new satellite settlements, Belgrade is rapidly becoming cluttered in the central zones. This is inevitably preceded by demolition practices, often applied against the until recently protected areas. Architectural heritage is successively disappearing under the onslaught of investor urbanism. Reaching record heights in the complexes of condensed housing and business units with a negligible percentage of green areas and cultural institutions, it irreversibly degrades and drowns in formal impersonality. Numerous results of contemporary architecture cannot be located in mental maps. The dilution and multiplication of established, to simulacrum copied design units, leads to identical solutions that can be placed in any city not because of their inherent belonging to the intended space, but because of the principles of supranational anti-identity conceptions. Stifled under the onslaught of popularization of large bureaus guided by the principles of anonymity, the author’s architecture falls into a crisis. Aesthetically simplified but marketing profitable assemblies dictate spatial-shaped dichotomies, additionally collapsing its principles. For complex tasks, foreign designers are hired almost as a rule, thus disputing the possibility of the contribution of domestic creators who could potentially adapt their creativity to local conditions. Leading experts in Serbian architectural historiography have timely noted that public tenders are not organized for the majority of new interpolations (Кадијевић 2019а: 117). The creative minority is in direct conflict with the neoliberal clientele.
CASE STUDIES
Based on market interests, globalism encourages economic inequality by building megaprojects, residences, and elite settlements (Кадијевић 2019: 63). There are more and more examples of the degradation of the semantic layer of the reading of contemporary Belgrade architecture, and the catchphrases elite, exclusive content, pure luxury, etc. are being imposed as leading values. With this, the urban fabric is marketed as a commodity, a means of capital inflow and outflow, intended for a small percentage of the bourgeois class. Websites dedicated to the residential complexes and their profiles on social networks propagate market-elitist rhetoric. Almost as a rule, the names of the architects responsible for the visual identity of the buildings are omitted. Placed on the Belgrade market, commercialism rapidly and unstoppably changes the identity layer of the city’s visuality, giving primacy to objects of consumption in contrast to organized culturally sensible urban entities. The hyperproduction of civilizationaly unnecessary objects additionally disintegrates the found matrices, manifesting in the form of advertising
cube-buildings and sprawling intrusive multi-story centers of consumerism. Presented as a city in itself, with dizzying internal intertwinings and manipulative patterns of imposed consumer movement, these objects perform their intended role within the cult of capital. They are therefore doomed to rapid obsolescence. By intrusive insertion during additions and changes to the found environment, the contents are consumed with the old, creating programmatically heterogeneous units that disrupt the ambient unit with silhouette, plastic, and polychrome accents (Кадијевић 2019а: 117). Examples of the aforementioned practices are read through the objects: Ušće Shopping Centre, Ada Mall, Galerija, Delta City, etc.
Marketed as desirable innovative content, globalist interpolations and new entities are in practice, during the implantation in protected historical zones, primarily carried out in an intrusive and degrading manner, as opposed to an acceptable model embodied in moderation and contextuality (Кадијевић 2019а: 118). This makes it even more difficult, and in many cases makes it impossible to carry out further protection of established areas and individual buildings of eminent architects who marked previous eras with their creative work. A typical example of this problem is represented by New Dorćol and the K-district, embedded in the area of the oldest layers of the city fabric. The gigantomania of these and similar buildings/ complexes directly destroys cultural assets and the legacy of civilization. Witnesses of past times are displaced and left in the shadows.
One of the extreme examples is the King’s Circle Residences. Due to its future construction, in August 2023 a corpus of buildings between Slavija Square and Manjež Park was demolished, among which were works by Milan Zloković and Stevan Tobolar. The official website carries the catchphrase Belgrade Will Never be the Same again, accompanied by an explanation of the idea of a unique vision of a residential-commercial building that combines the spirit of New York, London, and Paris. Due to the rapid changes in the city center, the recently approved and consequently started works on the construction of residential complexes in a wider area, such as two new ones in the immediate vicinity of the Julino brdo satellite settlement, often pass under the radar of criticism. Pale formalist copies of facade assemblies inspired by the architectural heritage of the leading capitalist powers are often used in the construction of new housing units. This phenomenon can be viewed as a certain paradox of the application of the model - the national identity of the area is not erased in the established disintegrating way, but the model of replacement with the national identity of other is applied.
Figure 1: King’s Circle Residences, source: https://beobuild.rs/shared/kings-circle-residences-kraljev-venac-11092301b.jpg
By implanting iconic objects into existing bodies, established focal points are replaced and new urban rappers are produced. One of the picturesque examples is the tower within the West 65 urban complex (2011-2021). This symptomatic antonym of the West Gate of Belgrade, as the second tallest building in Serbia, dominates not only the space of New Belgrade but also the overall vision of the capital. On the official website, it is stated that Belgrade has Pobednik, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, New York has the Statue of Liberty, the Rome Colosseum, and New Belgrade has WEST 65, which is an obvious attempt at auto-imposing the position of the landmark. Despite its striking dark cubic forms, the tower dissolves in the eye of the beholder in the form of an unnatural visual blob.
Figure 2: West 65 during the final phase of construction, source: https://www.west65.rs/en/west-avenue/newsavenue/zavrsava-se-izgradnja-west-65-tower-a2
In addition to all of the above, it is necessary to pay special attention to the Belgrade Waterfront (BW) project, which promotes the city with new supranational iconic megastructures. With them, it literally and figuratively obscures the previously built layers. The image of the city constructs the identity of the city space, its recognition, and its uniqueness. In the case of the gigantism of objects within the BW, it is placed as a visual obstacle in the landscape (Бојовић, Штрбац 2018: 236). Its hyper-intrusiveness places it in the area of non-urban transformation of the capital’s urban matrix (Кадијевић 2019а: 119). Violently interrupting the decades-long attempts to resolve the Terazije terrace, it is imposing itself as a new urban rapper and indicator of power.
Initially located in the narrowest zone of the Sava Amphitheater, it is actively expanding towards other matrixes. During 2012, it was propagated as a moderate project of P+4-6 floors, which was to be built in accordance with the parameters set by the General Urban Plan of Belgrade. On the contrary, at the moment of its adoption, it would be characterized by the gigantism of all elements of the urban structure (Бојовић, Штрбац 2018: 233). Typologically, according to the civilizational character, the BW project was assessed by the professional public as degrading to the ambient environment and the city as a whole (Bojović 2014, Kadijević, Kovačević 2016; Кадијевић 2017). In the first stages, it was condemned by the Academy of Architecture of Serbia, the Faculty of Philosophy, and the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (Kadijević, Kovačević 2016: 375).
Figure 3: Belgrade Waterfront, source: https://www.belgradewaterfront.com/
Symptomatically named Galerija, the shopping center embedded in BW is a pseudo-public space, whose primary purpose, in addition to its multifunctionality, is shopping and leisure. The commodification of the architectural fabric, which aims to increase consumer activity, additionally affects the loss of the city’s visual identity through drowning in universal iconography (Batarilo 2016: 138). Advertising material from classic billboards moves into the sphere of presenting content on facades, which degrades the form and function of consumer objects (Batarilo 2016: 139). By following the patterns of reproduction of the city in itself, in a manipulative way simulacrum of the urban, life and fantastic is created (Ђукић, Цветановић 2017: 231). In addition to the above, the interiors of common spaces within BW residential buildings are often of a sterile, cold, and corporate character, devoid of complex visual expression, as well as simple ornamentation and rhythm. The paradox of BW’s landmark - the Belgrade Tower is also noticeable. This is reflected in the fact that it, viewed from the east, from the position of the intersection of Kneza Miloša and Kralja Milana streets, is already hidden by other buildings within the newly built area.
Decisions on amendments to the Spatial Plan of the area of special purpose for the development of the coastal part of the city of Belgrade from 2020 and 2024 (Službeni glasnik Republike Srbije, 114/2020 and 31/2024), alarmingly expanded the territory of BW by 327 hectares. The plan includes land in public ownership, plots, and buildings under the state’s protection. During his visit to Belgrade in February 2024, the Mayor of Budapest Gergely Karácsony spoke about the negative impact of this project, expressing concern about a similar one being prepared in Budapest. Opposing it, he believes that a European city in the 21st century should serve the community, not the interest of investors. Professional and scientific organizations reacted to the changes to a great extent, and on April 23, 2024, a public discussion on the Belgrade Fair and the General Staff was held in the ceremonial hall of the Faculty of Civil Engineering in Belgrade. The initiative for the preservation of these cultural and historical monuments was launched by the Academy of Engineering Sciences of Serbia, the Academy of Architecture of Serbia, the Association of Architects of Serbia, and Sfera:Forum – a media platform for dialogue and promotion of architecture. This move was followed by the formation of a Working Group
that defined the Declaration on the fate of the Belgrade Fair and the General Staff. Made up and supported by representatives of institutions and organizations of relevant professions, the Working Group and the signatories of the Declaration are currently the focal point of resistance against destructive practices. On November 16th 2024, the Serbian government removed the protection from the General Staff building.
4 (left) Spatial Plan of the area of special purpose for the development of the coastal part of the city of Belgrade from 2020, source: Službeni glasnik Republike Srbije 114/2020.
Figure 5 (right) Spatial Plan of the area of special purpose for the development of the coastal part of the city of Belgrade from 2024, source: Službeni glasnik Republike Srbije 31/2024.
CONCLUSION
Timely criticism from experts and the general public is necessary to oppose the imposed globalist norms that erase all existing borders. The lack of historical distance greatly affects the perception of the architecture of globalization, therefore it is not possible to carry out a complete historiographical analysis and valorization. Acceleration of the passage of time additionally dictates the difficulty of precisely and exactly defining the impact of the above factors. In addition, the protagonists of globalization processes are still active. This does not mean that it is not necessary to write and think about the analyzed problems, on the contrary, but it is necessary to look at the mechanisms and principles that will be useful to future researchers and historiographers. There is no doubt that the current principles of lack of transparency, information of public importance, and the possibility of access to relevant data on significant developments in the sphere of architecture and urbanism inherently prevent the implementation of a factual-descriptive model, necessary for the implementation of a more complex methodology. In addition, it is necessary to nurture criticism of globalization’s restrictiveness due to the potential of a corrective factor that active participation in public and scientific discourse possesses (Кадијевић 2019а: 116). On the other hand, despite the reservations of institutions for the protection of cultural monuments on the territory of
Figure
Belgrade towards violent transformations of the urban fabric, their activity is essentially limited by legal acts that cover a level higher than their area. Indirectly, there are compromise solutions by competent institutions, which ultimately result in the irreversible demolition of buildings of civilizational, political, cultural, and aesthetic significance. Problems in architecture are and must be, a matter of public interest.
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MODERN HOME FROM A HISTORICAL SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE IN PÉCS
Molnár Tamás1
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, molnar.tamas@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
This paper has the aim to present those aspects that were considered at the reconstruction and the extension of a historical single-family house in Pécs. The site is in a monument area in the historical downtown of Pécs. The location affected the possibilities and the solutions that could be used during the design process of the otherwise not protected building. It was a main aim to reconstruct the openings of the street façade that was radically changed during the second half of the 20th century. Furthermore, by demolishing the earlier addition on the garden side, it was possible to establish a living area and in the rooftop a bedroom area that fulfils the nowadays requirements. The owners use the finished building happily. The project proves that even a historical building in a monument area can be turned into a modern single-family house by careful design considerations. The reconstruction of an old house into a new home is a reasonable and sustainable option considering the future of the built environment.
Keywords: heritage protection, reconstruction, extension, single-family house, Pécs
Topics: Preservation of built heritage
INTRODUCTION
The historical downtown of Pécs is in itself a unique place. The city exists since the ancient Roman times. Because of that, many historical monuments, buildings and artefacts can be found in the historical part of the city originating from different centuries. The World Heritage Site, the Early-Christian cemetery is located to the west of the Széchenyi square, the main square of the city. The designed building is standing at the end of the Mária Street, one of the oldest streets of the historical downtown that runs to the east from the main square. The building is facing the St Florian square. The old building is a historical building that is not protected. It is standing in a monument area in a closed row situation. The aim of the investor was to refurbish and extend the building and this way to turn it into a modern home. It was an important aim too to give back somehow that civic character to the building that it originally had.
THE EXISTING BUILDING
The St Florian square is practically the end of the Mária Street and at the same time, it is giving a village-like atmosphere to the neighbouring buildings. There are mainly single-family houses standing around the square. There are only a few apartment buildings nearby. The western neighbour of the designed building is a classicist house with two flats while there is a restaurant
on the eastern side operating in an old house. The plot and the building appear already on the 1912 dated historical map. The main question was exactly when the building was built. According to the records of the National Archive and certain historical books, the building was standing already at the beginning of the 20th century. Unfortunately, there were no exact records found about the construction of it. The historical data shows that the building was belonging for a certain while to the bishop who established small social flats in the courtyard for poor people (Madas, 1978). After investigating the site and the fence wall, it turned out that the existing addition to the main house can be one of the remained former social flats. There were other strange solutions on the main building. On the main street façade there were horizontal windows and a shallow garage door. In the plaster above the garage door there was a crack appearing with a curve. This suggested that the building originally had a gate with an arch above it. The entrance to the garden was similarly changed during the decades. The entrance staircase from the doorway seemed to be too long as it was ending in the doorway not next to it. There was a former cellar entrance opening from the doorway but it was documented that the cellar was filled up in the 1980s. (see Fig. 1).
Besides the records of the National Archive the only resource that could be used were the photos of the press. After many discussion with local photographers and checking the photograph archive of the Csorba Győző Library there were some historical pictures found. Unfortunately, none of them was showing the entire building. There were no pictures about the historical gate of the building. One of the old window was visible on one of the pictures but it was not known how many windows could originally have been there. (see Fig. 2).
Figure 1: Floor plan of the existing house with the additional volume (Plan by the Author)
(Source: Csorba Győző Library Archive)
The walls of the old building were partially made of bricks but some of them were a mixture of stone, brick and adobe. It turned out that the level of the floor was changed too. This was the reason for the too long staircase. The walls were dry so the building was altogether in a good condition. There was a small garden house standing on the other end of the plot that was used as a storage.
CHALLENGES AND REQUIREMENTS DURING THE DESIGN PROCESS
The main challenge during the design process was to figure out what will be the appropriate solution for the street façade of the building. The curve of the former arch was given that helped the design of the new gate. The only help for the size and the position of the windows were the historical pictures. There was an arched recess in the side of the doorway that was facing the neighbouring plot.
The investor wanted to establish a new modern home with three bedrooms in the attic, a workroom and a guest room in the ground floor and a spacious living room-dining room-kitchen space. Another requirement was to make it possible to drive with the car through the doorway into the garden (see Fig. 3-4).
3-4:
The authorities were just requiring two things because of the monument area. If there will be
Figure 2: Historical picture of the St Florian square. On the left the corner of the house is visible with a single window.
Figure
The ground floor and the attic floor plan of the designed building (plans by the Author)
anything newly constructed into the soil, there should be a previous archaeological investigation made and the colour of the main façade should be discussed and agreed on site before it will be finally made.
THE FINAL DESIGN
During the design process, all requirements of the investor and of the authorities were considered together with the aim to find the right solutions for the challenges of the existing building. After the construction works started, it turned out that the original entrance gate arch is not even a brick but a stone arch. This required the careful construction of the new reinforced concrete slab on the place of the former wooden slab. The old windows were taken out from the wall and it turned out that the place to where the new higher windows were designed were exactly that place where the old, historical windows were located. Because of the construction of the attic level, there was an attic wall constructed. This made the street façade a bit higher. Together with the high gate, the vertical new windows and the higher wall the building was again having the civic house character instead of the old small house look. (see Fig. 4-5).
When the staircase in the doorway was demolished, the old original staircase was found underneath. This showed that the estimation of the change of the floor height was correct. It could not be clarified why the arched recess was originally built in the doorway, as there was always a neighbouring house in the eastern direction. The last remained social flat addition was torn down and the house was extended until the former end of this addition. The main staircase was positioned directly opposite the main entrance. As it is in the middle of the building, it was designed with a gallery. Light comes from the top through a rooftop window. (see Fig 6.) Another specialty of the building is the wall with the inner window that separates the kitchen from the living room. This way there is enough light in the kitchen and it can be seen from there what happens in the living-room. (see Fig-7.)
Figure 4-5: The street façade of the building before (picture by the Author) and after the reconstruction (picture by Dr Péter Paári)
The master bedroom is towards the garden on the attic floor. In order to make it more comfortable a loggia was designed as a transitional space. The overhang of the roof protects it, this way it can be used even if it is raining (see Fig. 8-9).
The attic floor offers spectacular views. The towers of the church on the Király Street can be seen from the master bedroom while from another bedroom directly the Havihegy Chapel can be recognized in the cityscape. The level of the garden on the neighbouring plot is higher than in the garden of the house. A fence wall separates the two plots that is at the same time a retaining wall between the two gardens. It looked to be in a bad state but finally it could be cleaned and only small parts of it needed to be rebuilt. The garden house was reconstructed and turned into a garden storage and a sauna house.
CONCLUSIONS
It is a frequent question nowadays how far an architect is allowed to design new buildings. Especially in the case of dense historical downtowns, it is a challenge to find a place for a modern home. If the commissioner is willing to save a historical building by turning it into a contemporary home, the architect is lucky. This way there is the chance to save a piece of
Figure 6-7: The main staircase with the rooftop window and the partition wall with the inner window (pictures by Dr Péter Paári)
Figure 8-9: The garden façade of the building with the addition before the reconstruction (picture by the Author) and with the extension and the loggia of the master bedroom after the reconstruction (picture by Dr Péter Paári)
the built heritage with careful design considerations. In the current case, the building was not simply turned into a modern home that is happily used by the owners but at the same time the historical character of the original building could be refurbished too. More and more buildings should be built by reusing already existing houses in order to ensure a sustainable future for the built environment.
REFERENCES
• Madas, József. 1978 Pécs-belváros telkei és házai. Adatgyűjtemény. Pécs. Janus Pannonius Múzeum
URBAN COMMONING IN POST-SOCIALIST CITIES: THE CASE OF CIVIL INITIATIVE FOR PRESERVATION OF OPEN GREEN SPACE IN BANJALUKA
Špirić, Ana1
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, University of Banjaluka, 77 Vojvode Stepe Stepanovića Blvd. Banja Luka, ana.spiric@aggf.unibl.org
Đukić, Aleksandra
Full Professor, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja
Aleksandra 73/2, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia, adjukic@afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.rs
ABSTRACT
With the aim of continuous economic development and accumulation of capital, cities are facing intensive exploitation of resources within the framework of urbanization. The shrinking of open public spaces which became subject to privatization, affected the practice of urban planning which is often unable to offer alternative solutions for overuse of city territory and create liveable urban environment. In post-socialist cities the established capitalist principles of private ownership and market-lead processes of city-making have significantly influenced changes in urban development management. In conditions where local communities lack financial resources to implement public policies, the role of the private sector in urban development becomes dominant. Low level of participation of civil society in the decision-making process of urban planning frequently results in opposition to capitalist urban development and emergence of urban resistance movements.
A recent revival of the concept of urban commons in urban theory has brought a new insight into the topic of management of shared urban places through citizen participation and collective action. Urban commons may have transformative potential fundamental to sustainability, democracy and social equity and justice. This paper deals with the urban commons as a social practice (commoning), which offers new understanding of urban collectivities, urban governance and urban transformation. The aim is to re-examine the role of commoning in post-socialist urban transformation and to indicate an in-depth understanding how urban commons is protected in specific urban contest. The paper presents an action of civil initiative for preservation of green space in the residential area in Banjaluka. This example indicates the importance of informal and formal forms of self-organization of citizens for improvement of liveability of neighbourhood and preservation of community interests. Finally, the example indicates the need to implement local governance innovations based on lessons from commoning practice with the goal of achieving long-term social sustainability of post-socialist Banjaluka.
Keywords: urban commoning, post-socialist urban transformation, civil initiatives, Banjaluka
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The neoliberal competitive forms of urban growth and development consist primarily of attempts of cities to enhance their locality in the international competition for investors, advanced services, and megaprojects (Mayer, 2006). In literature, neoliberal urban development is qualified as a “growth-oriented by means of liberalization, deregulation and privatization of public goods and space and the outsourcing of public services” (Wehrhahn, 2015: 97). Furthermore, neoliberal urban politics reduces public governance and participatory options of the civil society, raises serious questions about democratic legitimacy, and usually increases social polarization (Wehrhahn, 2015). Therefore, in such uneven balance of power, needs of citizens are not recognized or are completely ignored, even in urban governance of democratically more developed societies. The shrinking of public spaces and their privatization, urban gentrification and allocation of finances, affected the practice of urban planning which became uncapable of finding solutions against the overexploitation of urban territory and social inequalities. Due to the inability of the neoliberal state and market to provide citizens with institutional support to meet their social and economic needs, alternative models of space production and organization are emerging. Within this framework, the phenomenon of urban activism and movements comes up to challenge neoliberal urban policies and their consequences (Mayer, 2007). In developed civil societies, civil engagement and awareness of importance of public resources and public goods in cities are important factors of urban governance. Citizens organize themselves worldwide to preserve shared urban spaces such as streets, squares, empty spaces as commons goods (Müller and Köpper, 2023). Urban civil society, which includes the private sector, community-based organizations, associations, and non-governmental organizations, is eager to take part in governance of shared urban commons and thus contribute to the more socially sustainable and just urban development, making interests of the weak and strong public more balanced.
The urban activism and citizens engagement in urban development processes, as well as alignment of interests of various actors, are particularly challenging in urban governance of postsocialist non-EU countries with less developed civil society. Post-socialist urban planning has been influenced by a slow transition from protected and highly directed economies to systems based on competition, international trade, and free markets (Keresztély and Scott, 2012). The reduced role of the state in the economic system, the established capitalist principles of private ownership and market-lead economy have significantly influenced changes in the management of urban development, which is mainly driven by short-term goals and private interests. The main development directions are defined by partial area plans, which are “easily modified without extensive legal wrangling to suit the aspirations of any private developer” (Hirt, 2012: 76). The emerging practice of developers “usually do not take care of social justice requirements, subject to which all citizens are entitled to have an access to basic urban services and resources and to enjoy a good quality urban environment“ (Cavric et al., 2008: 49). This often results in the emergence of urban activism and resistance movements against encroachment on shared urban resources. Over the years of social, political and economic transition various forms of movements emerged such as: organizations from former socialist regime, non-governmental organizations, local grassroots activism and mobilization through the social network (Jacobsson, 2015).
A polarization between top-down and bottom-up approaches to urban development and the increasing need for strengthening the social justice in urban governance, have placed the topic of urban commons as a priority on the urban policies agenda. Urban commoning is an emerging concept that describes collective governance of shared resources in the city
communities. This paper deals with the concept of urban commons as social practice of shared urban spaces governance. The aim of the paper is to provide new theoretical understanding of the urban commoning based on the social and political aspects of urban commons and their interpretations within the context of civil society and urban activism of post-socialist cities. The paper also aims to examine the role of urban commoning and citizen engagement in the preservation, use and governance of shared urban spaces. This paper is structured as follows. First, theoretical framework for studying the concept of commons and its implication in urban context is presented. Then, traits of civil society and urban activism in post-socialist cities are discussed as a context in which urban commoning is performed. Based on these theories a theoretical model of understanding of the urban commoning and its role in the protection and maintenance of urban commons is developed. This is followed by the case study of civil initiative for preservation of green public space in neighborhood Borik in Banjaluka. The qualitative analysis was backed by the collection of data on activities gathered from the civil initiative websites, social media posts and blogs, articles in local newspapers in addition to data obtained directly from members of the initiative. This initiative is an example of successful self-organization of citizens which managed to preserve green public space and thus became informal partner in governance of the disputed commons.
URBAN COMMONS: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
In last few decades, the commons has gained a growing interest in urban research theory as the most influential political paradigms that affected diverse social practices worldwide. The concept particularly gained popularity in the field of economics where many cases of collective governance of natural commons are studied outside the economic and social context of the state and the market. The most prominent author in this field, Elenoir Ostrom, defined commons as a shared resources and social practices maintained by communities in a sustainable way (Ostrom, 1990). In contemporary theoretic debate, the commons is a system consisting of a resource, its users, the institutions binding them and associated processes (Feinberg et al., 2021). So, the commons consist of three elements: resource, community and governance, whereby each element affects the others. Explaining these elements further, Tomašević and associates (Tomašević et al. 2018) claim that: resources can be material and immaterial values (common goods); communities are self-organized social systems in which users of common goods (commoners) share the same values, norms and needs; and governance is defined by rules and norms that are embedded in the practice of commoning. Eventually, this leads to the conclusion that the commons is a shared resource, co-governed by its user (community) in accordance with the community’s rules and norms (Bollier, 2016; Čukić and Timotijević, 2020b). Some authors emphasize the complexity of the concept introducing different forms of commons, such as: cultural, knowledge, markets, global, traditional, infrastructure, neighborhood, medical and health commons (Hess, 2008). Urban commons, a reviving concept in the urban theory, spreads across all these types and makes connection between tangible and intangible elements. It is apprehended as a shared material, immaterial or digital goods in urban setting, which consists of places, people and machinery, all bounded with institutions (Feinberg et al., 2021). Through the interaction of these elements and linking resource to its nearby community users, urban commons is produced and reproduced (Foster and Iaione, 2019).
The urban commons can take different forms of ownership. It is characterized by the rule of access, which might be restricted or shared. Furthermore, because of its specific access rules and property regimes urban commons might exist on public and private land. On the other
hand, the most prominent theory regarding property rights commons describes the set of legal rights associated with commons (Schlager and Ostrom, 1992). The theory distinguishes possible rights such as: access, withdrawal, management exclusion and alienation, and diverse key positions of actors such as: owner, proprietor, claimant, authorized user, authorized entrant. In addition, openness of urban commons is conditioned by commoners’ criteria of exclusion and inclusion (Feinberg et al., 2021).
Finally, the urban commoning refers to the collective governance of shared resources in the city communities (Ostrom, 1990; Helfrich and Bollier, 2019). The concept is based on the social aspect of participation, collective action and self-organization and it indicates collectively creating, using, and managing the commons (Linebaugh, 2008). Succes of the collective governance depends on the ability of commoners to participate in this process (Felstead, 2019). The clarification of this assumption is based on the Arnstein’s (Arnstein, 1969) concept of ladder of participation. Only on the rungs ‘citizen control‘, ‘delegated power‘ and ‘partnership‘ commoners are able to define their rules of action, and below these rungs in the zones of ‘tokenism’ and ‘non-participation’, they lack necessary control to define their own rules. In the former case, contested urban places are not considered urban commons.
The reexamination of the commons in urban studies gains more intention due to the urban processes dominated by capitalist interests and characterized by strong impacts of privatizations, enclosures, spatial control, compromised quality of urban life and inability to build new forms of social relations (a new commons) (Harvey, 2013). Within the context of capitalist urban development, cities become new fields in which people self-organize and fight for social justice and equality. Various forms of civic activities are emerging in response to the dominant power of state and market. Some authors state that in predominantly capitalist environment urban commons is produced by the practice of collective decision-making and cooperation, and it provides the material basis for the fostering of solidarity and sociability within the local community (Čukić and Timotijević, 2020a). Considering the above, it can be inferred that urban commoning is not just a collective practice of engagement of citizens into the urban processes, but the practice of reappropriation and transformation of the dominant power relations, and initiation of progressive social changes, aiming to produce new forms of urban spatiality.
URBAN COMMONING IN POST-SOCIALIST CITIES: BETWEEN NONCOMMONING AND PLACE-DEFENDING COLLECTIVE ACTIONS
In order to understand the concept of urban commoning as a social practice within the context of post socialist cities, it is important to elaborate the traits of the civil activism and citizens engagement as collective actions in urban development. Theoretical approaches in contemporary debate about post-socialist civil society refer to either the new opportunities of the post-socialist present or the remaining effects of the communist past on the transition towards democracy. However, civil society is defined as weak, meaning that it lacks power to promote and improve citizen engagement and mobilization in public affair as well as at the grassroots level (Bitušíková, 2015). Similarly, Howard (2003) argues that post-communist civil society is distinctively weak, characterized by low level of organizational membership and participation by ordinary citizens. Making research on collective pattern of (non)participation in voluntary organizations throughout post-communist Europe, Howard infers that variations in weakness among countries are relatively small. The same author discusses three main causal factors which back his main assumption about weakness of civil society in post-communist countries. The first one refers to mistrust of citizens in organizations even when participation
is voluntary. Second, many people find private and informal networks, that developed under communism and persist today in new institutional environment discouraging to join formal organizations. Finally, the disappointment of post-communist citizens with the new political and economic system, which hasn’t lived up to their hopes and ideals, caused them to withdraw from public activities. All three factors involve experiential reinterpretations of people’s past experiences within newly constituted institutions and have a negative effect on membership and participation in voluntary organizations (Howard, 2003). Besides, a state and economic system are the main elements of communist experience and its lasting effects. The main hypothesis is that a strong, active, and supportive state encourages the development of civil society. Considering many political turmoil and widespread corruption in branches of government in post-communist context, it is evident that state has not provided the necessary resources and support for civil society. Another prerequisite of strong civil society is a stable and functioning economic system, which enhances the material well-being of citizens. It implies that economic uncertainty and chaos, that have even increased since the collapse of communism, influence the weakness of civil society of post-communist countries (Howard, 2003).
The weakness of civil society has also been challenged by other researchers arguing that organizational membership is not the only aspect of citizen engagement in post socialist cities (Petrova and Tarrow, 2007). Petrowa and Tarrow (2007) indicate the significance of the level and frequency of citizen participation and the type of engagement in public politics. Besides, Císař (2014) clarifies the main rationale behind the phenomenon of low level of civic participation asserting that collective actions remained associated with communist system since previous regime relied strongly on political mobilization. Also, political freedom, as the main paradigm of post-communist society, is not understood as an opportunity to express social needs and participate in politics, but as an idea of freedom from politics (Císař, 2010).
Besides participatory activism that might be qualified as weak, other types of activism are present in post-socialist context literature: transactional activism (advocacy-based activism focused on inter-organizational networking), radicalism (extra-institutional activism) and civic self-organization (organization- independent and episodic) (Polanska Vergara, 2015). Similarly, Bitušíková recognizes two main categories of urban activism: “a) formal organizations and movement, or organized or semi-organized groups, organizations and movements with proactive strategies aimed at strengthening social capital by supporting citizen participation in various areas of urban development; and b) informal and ad hoc movements and initiatives, or protests and pressure groups and initiatives that mobilize citizens in the city’s public spaces against neoliberal politics, mainly through opposition to new construction and development projects with the aim of protecting urban heritage” (Bitušíková, 2015: 226). The informal and spontaneous selforganized urban grassroots activism arises in response to urban policy measures and manifests itself in proactive or reactive community initiatives, protest and petitions to protect public spaces, green areas or heritage sites (Bitušíková, 2015). Collective mobilizations around the resistance activities and movement are organized by dedicated individuals. Mobilizations tend to be numerous and small with protests and non-violent demonstrations as main actions. These informal movements challenge the city authorities’ non- transparent decision making in the sale of public property to private investors and aim to stop new development that would jeopardize public space and interests.
Considering the theoretical framework of urban commons and post-socialist context of urban governance and development, it may be concluded that urban commoning is complex concept that might have different character and form depending on whether it is developed as part of formal or informal planning and governing tools. In post-socialist urban planning medium level of participation (tokenism rungs) is represented (Špirić, Đukić, 2023), and it refers to the
informing and consultation through which people are allowed to hear and to be heard, but without any possibility of intervening. In this situation, commoners lack the necessary control to define their own rules of the urban governance, and the practice of shared collective actions and urban activism are rather qualified as non-commoning. This means that protection, use and maintenance of urban commons is not meaningful and doesn’t result in preserved social values and justice. On the other hand, urban commoning, as a part of informal tool in planning and governance, is a form of resistance to the prevailing forces of capitalist state and capital. Therefore, this place-defending collective action of governing the shared resources is characterized by great tension between bottom-up self-organized initiatives and local authorities and private capital. Through formal and informal civil initiatives and urban movements commoners manage to create and enforce their rules of governance, and therefore defend, use and maintain shared urban places. Regarding this, place-defending commoning in post-socialist cities seems to be an alternative practice of shaping shared places out of influence of state or market, and a new form of collectivity that results in new forms of social life.
THE CASE OF CIVIL INITIATIVE FOR PRESERVATION OF GREEN PUBLIC SPACE IN BANJALUKA
The green public space located in Vojvode Živojina Mišića Boulevard in neighborhood Borik in center of Banjaluka, has been an children’s playground for decades. This site next to the primary school “Branko Ćopić”, is known as the only green area in the neighborhood with a playground for children (figure 1). Even more, due to its specific morphology, this area is used in winter for sledding and children’s play in the snow. The story about civil initiative for preservation of this green space started in 2015 when proposal to change the Regulatory Plan of the Borik Housing Settlement was submitted by Orthodox church. The draft of the amendment to the part of the said regulatory plan envisioned that, an orthodox church with an accompanying building of over 1,000 m² would be built instead of a children’s playground and public green area. In July 2015, the City of Banjaluka adopted the Decision on referring for public insight the Draft Plan in Banjaluka.
Figure 1: Children’s playground in Borik, Banjaluka. Source: https://parkic.blogspot.com/2017/04/djecije-igralistezvano-crkva-otvoreno.html
On July 21, 2015, the draft of the new plan was exposed to the public insight and citizens first started expressing their dissatisfaction with the plan proposal via social networks. During the public insight Centre for the Environment organized the presentation of the Draft Plan within
the local community of Borik, presenting all relevant information on the amendments to the regulatory plan and collecting comments and suggestions from citizen. This happened after the representatives of the Spatial Planning Department had rejected to organize a public presentation of the planned changes. To inform the citizens of Borik about changes, representatives of the Centre for the Environment put posters in vicinity of the children’s playground and public green space, which turned out to be an effective strategy. The initiative “for Borik” emphasized that there is no need to build a new church on the only green public space in the settlement when there are three Orthodox religious buildings within one kilometre of the disputed location, and that new plan proposal is not aligned with strategic city documents. The citizens stated that the lack of parking space would be even more pronounced by the construction of the church. They finally concluded that voice of the citizens needs to be heard when decisions on changing the regulatory plan are made.
The collected comments and objections were submitted to the city authority, and in September 2015, a public hearing was organized in Cultural Centre of Banjaluka. It was attended by representatives of the city authority, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Institute for Construction “IG”, which drafted the changes to the regulatory plan, representatives of associations, large number of citizens of Banjaluka and over 100 citizens of Borik. During the public hearing, citizens expressed their views and concerns, and plan maker responded to their claims. Despite all this, not a single comment from citizens who opposed the plan proposal was accepted. Since the authorities did not accept the comments and suggestions of citizens, in October 2015 the Centre for the Environment, together with the citizens of Borik, launched the civil initiative “For Borik”. The initiative was formally created within a project Our space being implemented by the Centre at the time, which inter alia aimed at raising awareness and educating citizens for independent, equal and high-quality participation in urbanization processes based on the principles of sustainable development and offering professional and technical assistance to citizens to participate autonomously in the process of managing and using common spaces in the city of Banjaluka.
The main aim of initiative “For Borik” was to advocate for the annulment of the Decision on amending the Borik Settlement Plan and preserve green public space, regardless of which building should have been built on it. According to the Law on Referendum and Citizen’s Initiative of the Republic of Srpska, in order to implement an initiative citizens constitute an initiative committee of at least three members who have the right to vote. However, apart from the members of the initiative committee, the civil initiative “for Borik” consisted of three members as representatives of citizens of Borik, three members as representatives of the association “Hi Neighbour“ (Zdravo da ste) and one member from the Centre for the Environment. In order to make the coordination of the activities of the initiative more effective, regular weekly meetings were held, and most of the actions were carried out on a volunteer basis. In the period that followed, members of the initiative preformed many different activities to set aside Decision of amending the plan, among which the most important is collecting necessary signatures for the petition. Although the Law on Referendum and Civic Initiative of the Republic of Srpska proscribed the collection of 700 signatures, the petition was signed by over 5,000 citizens within 7 days, and it was delivered to the Banjaluka City Assembly. It is important to note that this was the first citizen’s initiative that was organized in accordance with the said legal framework and addressed one of the institutions of the City of Banjaluka. However, even though this law came into force in 2010, city regulations were not aligned the with the Law, which caused difficulties regarding getting permission for booths locations for collecting signatures, exemption from paying fees for booths, as well as the procedure of submission of the petition to the City Assembly itself.
In November 2015, at the first session on this issue, the Banjaluka City Assembly rejected the requests of the civil initiative. However, the citizens were not discouraged and didn’t give up their struggle. Bearing in mind the goals of the initiative and the needs of citizens, members of the initiative were motivated further, and they filed an appeal to Ombudsman for Children of Republic of Srpska. This was followed by an appeal to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Srpska, which represents the only legal tool to question the Assembly’s decision. Again, representatives of the initiative pointed out that they had difficulties when submitting the appeal, because the Supreme Court also did not align its procedures with the Law on Referendum and Citizen Initiative of the Republic of Srpska. However, in January 2016 the Supreme Court decided in favour of the citizens of the Borik settlement. The Court made its decision on the ground that the relevant parliamentary commissions did not give their opinion on the initiative objections. The Supreme Court did not consider the fact that all objections to the proposed plan raised by citizens were not taken into consideration in the assembly’s decision. The Supreme Court also explained that the City Assembly did not allow citizens and representatives of civic initiative “For Borik”, to participate in the debate and to present their views of the problem during the City Assembly session. This means that decision is based on procedural errors and not on the merits of the case. In May 2016, at the second session, City Assembly unanimously accepted the requests of the civil initiative “For Borik”. Having made this decision, City Administration initiated the analysis and valorisation of possible sites for the construction of a church in Borik. This kind of action was conducted for the first time, and citizens had opportunity to take part in making decision on the best location for the new church construction. The main conclusion is that this analyse should have been done before drafting a new plan. Eventually, when initiative accomplished its main goal and managed to preserve children’s playground and green space, in June 2016 representatives of the initiative arranged a meeting with citizens of Borik to present the steps that preceded the victory, the significance of the victory and the possibilities of future development of the playground. Also, the initiative continued its activities on the arrangement of the children’s playground and public green space. The further goal was to improve the quality of furniture and equip the playground with new equipment for children. Finally, the members of the initiative concluded that this all was a process through which they learned together how to be an active citizen and use the rights that are guaranteed by Constitution and legal framework. As a result of the initiative, a manual for citizens’ initiatives was written and published. The manual explains in detail every step that future citizens’ initiatives should take to have as few difficulties as possible in achieving their goal.
CONCLUSION
The aim of this research is to provide a better understanding of the role of urban commoning in the process of urban development of post-socialist cities. Regarding this, new theoretical model of understanding of the phenomenon of urban commoning and its role in protection, use and maintenance of shared urban resources is developed. The model is backed by theoretical framework of urban commons, urban activism and civil society in post-socialist social, economic, and urban planning context. Urban comomoning is either understood as collective practice in which commoners are not able to control their rules of governance (non-commoning), or placedefending collective action in which commoners, despite the prevailing forces of capitalist state and market, manage to create and enforce their own rules of governance, and thus protect, use and maintain urban commons resources. This action offers alternative to capitalist urban
governance. However, to prove the general understanding of successful urban commoning as place-defending action more case studies in Banjaluka need to be done. The model might be the framework for defining a set of attributes of urban commoning based on the social and political aspects of the commons. Considering external factors and internal challenges of commoning, the complemented model would be applied as analytical tool for mapping the attributes of urban commoning that may enhance or constrain sustainable governing of shared resources. The case of the civil initiative “for Borik” for preserving the green public space in residential neighborhood in center of Banjaluka is presented in the paper. This is an example how a green public space is transformed into the commons because the rules of its sharing and protecting are developed through collective action of the citizens (commoners). This is also an example how shared public spaces (commons) can be protected and maintained in specific context of post- socialist city. Besides, this case is a symbol of persistent activism and urban resistance of organized group of citizens of Banjaluka, who got support from other formal civil organizations. Members of the initiative were consistent, shared the same aims and supported each other in the group. Due to its formal constitution, a civil initiative gained more credibility in negotiations with city officials. Collectivity, as socialist legacy, was beneficial for collective defense actions because there was already mutual trust between members of initiative. This case showed that urban commoning has even potential to initiate applying new informal planning tool within formal planning system, such as making detail analyses of potential locations for church construction in Banjaluka.
The results of this research show that in the face of limited participation and capitalist principles of city development urban commoning is an alternative way to challenge development processes in post-socialist cities. Urban commoning plays an important role in strengthening the civil society and changing relations of power between the weak and the strong public. Furthermore, urban commoners are becoming more important actors of urban changes as they possess strong local knowledge, identify problems, challenge the decisions of the authorities, and become new informal partners in managing shared urban spaces. The co-design in public realm based on the mixture of user-driven, expert-driven and capital-driven ideas is learning process for all interest groups which provides promising development pathways.
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IMPLICATIONS OF EYE-TRACKING DATA FOR WAYFINDING AND URBAN DESIGN: THE CASE OF POST-SOCIALIST NEW BELGRADE BLOCK
Mitrović, Nikola1
PhD Candidate and Research Assistant, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia, nikola.mitrovic@arh.bg.ac.rs
Djukić, Aleksandra
Full Professor, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/2, 11120 Belgrade, Serbia, adjukic@afrodita.rcub.bg.ac.rs
ABSTRACT
Eye-tracking experiments have enabled the development of powerful artificial intelligencebased software tools, allowing in silico research into human pre-attentive processing of design solutions in public spaces. While commonly used by advertisers and retailers to drive consumption, these tools also hold the potential for creating better environments. A significant advancement lies in using eye tracking and simulation software to predict walkability in urban settings. By identifying hotspots where users fixate, and correlate with urban or architectural design elements, these tools can provide insights into potential walkability and offer guidelines for movement.
This paper examines wayfinding and urban design in one New Belgrade block in post-socialist Belgrade from the perspective of pedestrian users. The study area was selected based on visual and perceptual ambiguities that lead to wayfinding and orientation challenges for pedestrians. The researcher acted as a user, recording pedestrian movements through the block on video. The video recordings were then extracted into images and analyzed using 3M VAS software to detect visual interactions through heatmaps, hotspots, and gaze sequences. The results revealed various detections, from the impact of urban furniture and pavements to the positioning of benches and the use of colour or materials in public spaces. These findings suggest ways to modify environmental stimuli to enhance walking experiences. As a contribution, this research demonstrates how simulation design approaches in public spaces can guide transformations to create more liveable, legible, and safer environments for walking, particularly in the context of post-socialist transformations.
Keywords: eye-tracking, visual attention, predictive engagement, urban design, post-socialist environment
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
For decades, environmental psychologists have explored how pedestrians navigate new locations, a concept known as wayfinding. Recent advancements in biometrics, particularly eyetracking technology, offer substantial opportunities to enhance this understanding (Hollander et al. 2021). This paper uses eye-tracking emulation software to study human responses to urban design elements in the modernist New Belgrade blocks, aiming to improve the arrival experience by making people feel welcome, safe, and at ease.
Building on previous research that struggled to objectively measure feelings of welcome, safety, and ease, this study operationalizes these concepts using eye-tracking technology. An experimental research design reveals significant insights into the impact of urban design on wayfinding, with findings potentially applicable to similar locations worldwide (Hollander et al. 2021; 2023).
Key research questions include strategies for studying wayfinding, how people perceive and navigate the built environment, and what design interventions enhance pedestrian attention. The study reviews relevant literature, outlines data and methods, presents results, and discusses limitations and future research recommendations.
In an era where new tools enhance our understanding of how architecture and planning affect physical, mental, and social health, eye-tracking analysis—widely used in marketing—is being applied to urban design (Lavdas, Salingaros, and Sussman 2021). Technologies like EEG, facial expression analysis, and eye-tracking provide game-changing information about human behavior. This paper explores their power in assessing post-socialist heritage developments, particularly in terms of sustainability and healthy living, and provides new data on the unseen experiences that influence human behavior. Using 3M’s Visual Attention Software (VAS), this study measures unconscious visual responses to modernist heritage sites in New Belgrade, suggesting new parameters for quantifying development effectiveness and transforming neighborhoods to better meet human needs.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Eye-tracking
Recent studies have begun to assess eye movements involved in human gaze while examining images of outdoor urban landscapes or streetscapes using various eye-tracking tools. These studies have found that biometric tools offer significant opportunities to capture factors that influence how people engage with built environments.
Eye-tracking evaluates eye movements as a person gathers information from a scene, where the eyes fixate momentarily in a particular area and then saccade to the next fixation point. These patterns are influenced by both internal states (e.g., mental workload, frustration, uncertainty) and external states (e.g., salience and organization of a stimulus). Increased interest in a stimulus leads to more frequent and longer fixations, reduced blink count and duration, and changes in saccade duration and scan path length.
Hollander et al. (2021) used Visual Attention Software (VAS) to compare with lab-based eyetracking results on urban design perceptions, finding high consistency between the two methods. VAS has been accepted as a proxy for lab-based eye-tracking setups and may be useful for urban design and planning research.
Environmental psychologists have a long history of studying navigation in outdoor spaces
using direct observation, surveys, and interviews. Recently, technologies like virtual reality, agent-based modeling, and eye-tracking have enhanced scholars’ ability to understand and measure wayfinding (Hollander et al. 2021). Virtual reality simulations offer a lifelike option for measuring wayfinding. Eye-tracking evaluates eye movements, where eyes fixate and saccade based on internal and external factors. Increased interest results in more frequent and longer fixations, reduced blink count and duration, and variations in saccade duration and scan path length. Researchers studying decision support systems have used eye-tracking to gather visual information, providing valuable insights into human behaviour. Perceiving, navigation, and wayfinding in a built environment
Studies on environmental affordances have found that brightness and corridor width are significant factors in preference where also Sign design also plays a crucial role in navigation, with factors like sign detection, size, colour, and symbols impacting route decisions and attention. Imageability, the most important quality of an environment evoking strong mental images, is integral to urban design (Lynch 1960) Human faces, in particular, capture attention and evoke brain activation, suggesting that face-like elements in design could attract pedestrians (Lavdas, Salingaros, and Sussman 2021).
Edges in urban spaces, as highlighted by Lynch (1960), Alexander et al. (1977), and Gehl (2010), create desirable and inviting public spaces. Well-defined edges, compelling paving, and shrubbery frame pedestrian paths, enhancing visual appeal (Hollander and Sussman, 2021) where colours, fonts, and lighting also guide pedestrian attention, with contrast and vivid colours being particularly effective.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study focused on Block 23 within the Central Zone of New Belgrade blocks, where a researcher recorded videos (and extracted images) as a pedestrian user. The study area was selected based on visual and perceptual ambiguities that lead to wayfinding and orientation challenges for pedestrians. As one of the distinct spatial characteristics of a socialist city Hirt (2013) underlines visual monotony. She concludes that parts of socialist legacies, like the industrial giants of the past, maybe vacant and crumbling, but others, like the socialist mass-housing estates, continue to be in use. Mass-housing estates are not what they used to be: today, they accommodate a different population, they have a different land-use mix, their public green spaces have been taken over by new buildings and uses, and the once-plain buildings have been visually transformed by new extensions, colours, logos, etc. While walking through the block, the video was recorded at height of 160cm – average eye height for people (Emo, 2012). Images were extracted from videos in a standard framing and perspective, with minimum of 300 dpi resolution, consistent with requirements in other eyetracking studies. Every image represents the position of the pedestrian user in a walking route within a block structure where he needs to decide of his future direction of movement. The positions of selected images are shown on the map of the block (Figure 1). It could be grouped into three zones according to spatial configurational aspects between buildings, open spaces, and paths. The first group is images in the inner zone of the block (locations 1 and 2), and the second one images under/near the passages through the block (locations 3, 4 and 5) forming the buffer zone between inner and outer area of the block, and as a last one, third group images at the outer zones of the block (locations 6 and 7). Also, on the map (Figure 1), there is shown path intensity of usage according to previous research (Mitrović and Djukić 2024).
SOFTWARE FOR A SIMULATION APPROACH
All images in this study were analyzed using 3M’s Visual Attention Software (VAS), an AIbased tool that emulates eye-tracking by predicting initial viewer reactions to visual stimuli. VAS, developed by 3M Company, utilizes extensive eye-tracking experimental data to generate fixation-point probability maps and sequence estimations, revealing pre-attentive or “unconscious” processing with high accuracy (3MVAS n.d.). Originally designed for product design, advertisements, and signage, VAS is now being applied to evaluate and improve built environment designs (Lavdas, Salingaros, and Sussman, 2021).
VAS’s algorithm, grounded in 30 years of eye-tracking research, predicts human responses to visual stimuli within the first 3 to 5 seconds of viewing (first glance), during pre-attentive processing, with 92% accuracy, with the model developed by 3M neuroscientists and cognitive scientists using hundreds of thousands of data points from academic eye-tracking studies, and
Figure 1: Photo locations as a position of users within a pedestrian network of Block 23 (Authors, July 2024)
supplemented with data of 3M eye tracking studies (3MVAS n.d.; Visual Attention Software Support – Graphics and Signage | 3M US. n.d.). It provides graphic representations typical of eye-tracking output, such as heatmaps showing where viewers look most, visual sequence diagrams (gaze sequence) tracking eye movement paths, and regions of interest (ROI, hotspots) diagrams highlighting areas that draw significant attention. These outputs are generated quickly, in under a minute, once an image is uploaded to the 3M site.
For this study, both qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using VAS outputs. The qualitative review compared and contrasted heatmaps, ROI diagrams (hotspots), and other results across various images and urban environments. The quantitative analysis involved tabulating the first fixations and the strongest ROIs, indicating areas with a 70–96% chance of drawing attention in the first 3–5 seconds. The primary features of these red-outlined regions were recorded, and results are presented in tabular form without further statistical analysis due to the imprecise nature of this data collection method and the small sample sizes. VAS’s ability to predict user engagement with architectural designs, particularly building façades, is crucial for understanding everyday use and attachment. While VAS does not directly measure emotions, combining it with preference testing, such as facial expression analysis, can indicate positive or negative attachment (Lavdas, Salingaros, and Sussman 2021). This approach offers a new framework for evaluating the real-world impact of architectural design, which has previously been difficult to quantify.
STUDY AREA
Block 23 is a notable urban area within the Central Zone of New Belgrade, designed as a mirrored module of Block 21. It includes four residential towers, each 22 stories high, and two horizontal residential blocks, each 12 stories high. The block’s layout is rectangular, measuring 600x400 meters, and covers approximately 19 hectares. In total, the block contains 2,100 apartments designed for a population of 7,560, with a population density of 395 persons per hectare. Originally, it was developed by the Yugoslav People’s Army and later privatized in the 1990s (Jovanović 2020).
Block 23 was equipped with several supporting facilities: two kindergartens, an elementary school, and a local community center.
Although a hotel was planned, it was never built. Instead, an incomplete business building with a helipad was constructed in the 2000s. The towers in Block 23 have a frame structure made of columns, wall panels, beams, cerclages, and reinforced panels cast on site.
Block 23 is globally recognized as an icon of Brutalist architecture, often referred to as “concrete baroque” due to its unique facade elements forming a concrete grid. While the primary material is natural concrete, vivid colours were introduced through carpentry and locksmithing details. Today, Block 23 suffers from poor maintenance and dilapidation. Issues include damage to concrete elements (delamination and corrosion of reinforcement due to water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles), dilapidated flat roofs and terraces (significant damage due to exposure and lack of maintenance), arbitrary structural changes (unauthorized modifications to facades, roofs, and structural elements). Despite these challenges, the block has an active local community working to maintain its public spaces and address ongoing issues.
RESULTS
Firstly, there were described three types of 3MVAS analysis.
The heat maps present the information glowing bright red where people look the most, then fading to orange and yellow where they look less, and moving to green, light blue, then darker blue where people look least. Areas that will be ignored entirely appear dark grey or black (Figure 2 - top right).
The regions of interest diagrams (hotspots) suggest how effectively specific design elements work in the development, particularly how the other users, greenery or elements on facades attract attention (Figure 2- down left) and how lack of detail and simpler design of the transparent fences does not, which may fit the intent to camouflage in the rest of the area. The red outlined areas will likely get the most viewing (74% to 98%), with the areas outlined in yellow receiving moderate attention (58% to 63%). Uncalled-out regions, such as blank pathways will most likely be ignored in the first 3-to-5 seconds.
And, the last type is the visual sequence diagram (gaze sequence), which presents the overall scan path and track the most likely path eyes take looking at a scene emphasizing viewing order of several items from first to last one (Figure 2 - down right).
The results of the analysis are presented in three groups according to already mentioned zones of the block - inner zones, zone under/near the passages and outer zones.
Figure 2: Location 1 in the middle of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software. (top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
In the middle of the block in the inner zones, according to the analysis of heatmaps (Figures 2 and 3 - top right), the focus is on the upper part of the image where users look the most at other users and some facade elements such as bay windows, “pushed out” elements or passages. According to the analysis of hotspots (Figures 2 and 3 - down left), the edge between buildings and sky is highlighted (74%) with some elements of facades and greenery (50-69%), but the most attention was attracted by park pocket with crowding other users, urban furniture and details (94%). According to gaze sequence (Figures 2 and 3 - down right), the first noticed item is on the facade such as passage and “pushed out” element (on the red brick facade).
Figure 3: Location 2 in the middle of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software.
(top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
Figure 4: Location 3 under the passages of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software.
(top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
In the zone under/near the passages, according to the analysis of heatmaps (Figures 4, 5, and 6 - top right), the focus is evenly distributed across the image where users look the most at different elements such as text signs, graffiti, but also some of the specific shape elements –interesting candelabra ball. According to the analysis of hotspots (Figures 4, 5, and 6 - down left), the edge is formed in the zone of high contrast between dark and light areas so the most attention was attracted by the aisle (exit) on the other part of the passage, or the elements seen throughout the passage (70-95%). Also, there is already mentioned candelabra ball with a percentage of 75% and some elements with medium attention such as text signs or architecture elements (door) with percentage of 40-67%. According to gaze sequence (Figures 4, 5, and 6down right), the first noticed item is specific text or shape element such as candelabra, car (red and black colour), or sign for a dental office.
Figure 5: Location 4 under the passages of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software.
(top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
Figure 6: Location 5 near the passages of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software.
(top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
In the outer zones of the block, according to analysis of heatmaps (Figures 7 and 8 - top right), the focus is different and depends on viewing position – in the zone of parking area focus is evenly distributed across the image, while in the image of path near the edge of the block the focus is on the upper part of the image. Users look the most to the border between the ground and the sky, but also some parts of the cars and trucks – text signs (license plates), colour of light (red one) or car body (black one). According to analysis of hotspots (Figures 7 and 8 - down left), the most attention was attracted by cars on the parking in which way but it depends on proximity – if the distance is several meters the percentage is the highest (71%), while the situation where the distance is smaller, details was attracted in percentage between 53-57%. Also, the attention was attracted by some elements on façade, manly windows, glass or brisolei or “pushed out” elements like an air-conditioner (41-47%), or highly percentage of tree without
Figure 7: Location 6 at the outer zones of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software.
(top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
Figure 8: Location 7 at the outer zones of Block 23 with the full analysis output of the 3M-VAS software.
(top left): Original image. (top right): Heatmap. (down left): Hotspots. (down right): Gaze sequence. (Authors, July 2024)
leaves (76%). According to gaze sequence (Figures 7 and 8 - down right), the first noticed item is car or tree on the several meters distance.
In terms of the quantitative analysis, there were analysed 7 images from mentioned locations on map (Figure 1). In the next two tables, firstly there was isolated elements that most often appear as the subject of fixation on heatmaps (Table 1), and then there was listed percentages of hotspots of different elements on images in form of values on images and average value for every element (Table 2).
There were found “pushed out” element and windows (on a building facade) tended to be viewed first, the corresponding percentages of the images accounted for 71,43% and 42,88%, respectively (Table 1) and so on in order. Which means there were 71,43% of those 7 images showing the fixation points on “pushed out” elements and 42,88% of those images showing the fixation points on windows. Also, there are elements like greenery (trees), other users and text signs with high corresponding percentage of 57,14%.
In Table 2, firstly there were listed values of hotspots for each element which belongs to that region of interest, furthermore the average value was calculated. Highest average value has urban mobiliary with questionable percentage mainly due to position in region of interest of park pocket (Figure 3 – down left) where we cannot isolate it from other users and greenery.
Table 1: Total numbers and percentage of images in terms of fixation points on different elements
Elements
“Pushed out” element
70%, 94%
74%, 94%, 47%, 41%
79%
47%
Greenery (tree) 69%, 67%, 43%, 57%, 60%, 76%, 57%
Street lamp (candelabra)
Text signs (licence plate, marketing sign…)
Graffiti
84%, 49%
40%, 49%, 48%
Car 57%, 71%, 60%, 53%, 95%
Table 2: Percentage of hotspots of different elements on images (values and average value)
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS
Biometric tools such as 3M’s Visual Attention Software (VAS) offer valuable insights into how people perceive their surroundings, shedding light on hidden aspects of human brain architecture and visual biases. This study sought to determine what eye-tracking emulation software (VAS) can reveal about the qualities of building elevations. The findings suggest that VAS can establish new metrics for evaluating residential developments by identifying the regions that attract the eye during pre-attentive processing, before the conscious brain engages. According to the results of heatmaps, in the middle of the block in the inner zones the focus is on the upper part of the image comparing to zones near/under the passages where the focus is evenly distributed across the image or in outer zones where the focus depends on different factors such as position of cars and other elements. These results show us how much are these environments are not pedestrian-friendly, especially outer zones which are car-centric development prioritizing the needs of the driver impeded development of a sense of place on the street for pedestrians or anyone not in a car. According to the results of hotspots and gaze-sequence, it could be predictable movement of user and what would be their next move. It is evident that position of park pocket near path is attractor, but also some text signs and system of signage in the zone of passages could be helpful. Furthermore, the edge between sky and ground highly influences position of region of interest and scan path on images which make research in dilemma about the real influence of the stimuli in space. Colour and excentric shape surely attracts the attention, especially if the position of that element is in the clear part of the image (like the candelabra ball) or the
proximity play significant role (distance between user and cars).
Also, quantitative analysis refers to window as element that is fixated the most, but also urban mobiliary as the element with highest average value of percentages of hotspots. Nevertheless, problematic part of the software with detecting people in images (other users) could present unreliable results (Lavdas, Salingaros, and Sussman 2021). Especially if we want to evaluate the fixation of a specific element, but it is impossible to precisely determine it due to its position in the region of interest with other elements.
Future research should explore the triangulation of 3M VAS with other methods to measure and assess urban form. It is important to investigate how cultural factors influence visual perception and how eye-tracking relates to cultural constructions of place. Additionally, future studies should use a sequence of images to track and assess the chronology of eye movements, providing insights into how biometric tools impact urban form. While the current quantitative analysis indicates a promising relationship between urban form and eye-tracking emulation outputs, further research with larger samples and the use of inferential statistics is needed to rigorously examine these patterns.
This means developing future methodologies bridging urban design with other disciplines oriented to various metrics. Hence, this paper has a significant impact on dissolving gaps between environmental and cognitive psychology, and urban metrics by changing the environment through elements of urban design. These insights help in making decisions on how to read and analyse contemporary open public spaces, particularly in a post-socialist context.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This paper represents a simulation software approach that is part of an ongoing PhD research by Nikola Mitrović, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Aleksandra Djukić. The research aims to develop urban guidelines for liminal walking spaces that can improve the space in the function of pedestrian movement. The research was funded by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, grant number 200090.
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INFRASTRUCTURE SPACES: A HOLISTIC VIEW ON MULTI-SCALAR APPROACH TO PROGRAMMING UNBUILT ENVIRONMENTS
Stamenović, Pavle1
Assistant professor, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Architecture, bul. Kralja Aleksandra 73/II, Belgrade, Serbia, pavle.stamenovic@arh.bg.ac.rs
Anja, Ljujić
PhD Candidate, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Architecture, bul. Kralja Aleksandra 73/II, Belgrade, Serbia, 2023_41003@edu.arh.bg.ac.rs
ABSTRACT
This research investigates and evaluates the relationship between physical infrastructures of the 20th century and the infrastructures of the 21st century, perceived as networks and data clouds, in the context of enhancing the quality of built environments. The conducted research investigates the conflicted relation between the notion of infrastructure and landscape. Infrastructures connect and are networks of resources, production and commuting, whilst represent monofunctional hyper divisions - shifts in perception and movement of species, landscapes, environments, therefore habitats. The relational gap between the urban scale and its marginal spaces, existing as separate entities, positions infrastructure spaces as territory inbetween, and opens the discussion of its potential of future development. What is the possible added value to these utilitarian spaces to become places?
The aim of this paper is to propose a research position that perceives infrastructural spaces as unbuilt environments with potential for contributing to urbanity through different models of programmatic physical augmentation. By observing various spatial contexts such as quarries and gravel pits and instrumentalizing elements of viaducts, railway infrastructure, drainage and sewage canal networks and electric grids, this research proposes a new methodological apparatus and offers a holistic view on multi-scalar approaches to tackling shifting environments. Standing in the intersection of landscape, infrastructure and human-scale, this interdisciplinary research attempts to contribute to the ongoing discussion on liveability, by proposing and evaluating a methodological framework of design research which reformulates infrastructure space as a sophisticated instrumental mechanism with potential of generating new forms of urbanity and social dynamics. These conditions will be discussed through a number of student projects developed at University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture.
Keywords: Landscape architecture, Infrastructural landscape, Unbuilt environments, Urban territory, Design research
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Shifting environments of the 21st century exemplify the emerging dichotomy between the increasing ecological burden and the ever-growing urbanization and consumption-driven world (Harvey, 2008.). The overarching narrative of our dual actuality, illustrated by this juxtaposition places territory as a relevant notion in contemporary architectural discourse.
In regard to this condition, this research proposes a holistic viewport formulating the apparatus that attempts to articulate inherited infra-structures of 20th century cities, with the aim of exploring possibilities for improvement. What is the possible added value to these utilitarian monofunctional spaces, such as traffic corridors or drainage systems to become part of liveable urban space?
Infrastructural landscapes (infrastructure space) represent monofunctional barriers, disturbing the organic flow of (urban and natural) environments and species, and activities in an otherwise consistent urban or natural context. Standing as the intersection between the synthetic, manmade – constructed environment and the wilderness, these infrastructures lay in the interim between past and future use. The conducted research addresses the conflicted relationship between infrastructure and landscape, viewed in the binary classification system of natural and unnatural. This research is based on the proposition that these territories, defined as territories in-between, hold value and high potential for future reprogramming.
The intricate, complex relationship between infrastructure and landscape is investigated through the hybridisation of the two concepts seeking to redefine infrastructure as an architecture tool in the context of operatively redefining territory. Physical infrastructures as such stand as a testament of 20th century industrialization and development of cities.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
Infrastructures are understood as utilitarian systems existing as separate entities of the environment. Throughout the 20th century particularly, landscape, as we know it, underwent transformations into industrial, urban and waste landscapes (Nijhuis & Meyer, 2014.). Energy, road and resource infrastructures are constructed as part of environmental development, extensive economic growth and the arising production (Marx,1867/2004.). Landscapes, conditioned by these new demands, acquired entirely new characteristics and roles in regard to other urban elements. Due to their complex systems and spatial requirements, they have become integral parts of urban landscapes (Strang, 1998). In this context, the transformation of natural environments changes its course to become static and controlled artificial creations. In principle, the concepts of infrastructure and landscape are set within two opposing places – natural and artificial, organic and synthetic. Nonetheless, it is necessary to shift the scope of understanding so that these notions become complementary to one another. In regard to this, the concept of nature is what is real and existing as a precondition, while infrastructure is the artificial, implanted structures, and within its natural environment represent the possible - a potential of the environment (Deleuze & Guattari, 1987.). By considering these two concepts as a dialectical pair, a framework is obtained enabling them to participate in the transformation, not as opposing entities but as interdependent elements of the future.
Landscape is an expression of the dynamic interaction between ecological, social and economic processes. It is understood as a process, regarded as a holistic and dynamic system of systems (Zonneveld, 1995.). In this regard, projects in the landscape territory are architectural processes of strategizing future conditions and understanding landscape the core for exploring the
boundaries of the discipline (Corner, 2010.). The occurring dichotomy between landscape architecture – environment and the notion of autonomy in architecture, remains salient within contemporary discourse. This enduring divide is rooted in the architectural discourse following World War II, notably exemplified by the debate between Banham and Tafuri, as articulated by Gissen.
According to Banham, environment is external to architecture, enabling architecture to engage in a relation to technology and the overall setting of a given context. His concept of sublimation was generated by technology aligned with the post-war world – that transforms nature into a resource and urban space into an investment (Banham, 1969.). Holding the position that territory is a layered mechanism of processes and spatial conditions, enables architecture to disengage from this dialogue of conflict between autonomy and sublimation.
FRAMEWORK AND SCOPE
The contemporary context is double natured: the raising ecological concern serves as the metanarrative of the first decades of 21st century, while the ever-growing urbanization is consuming ever-more spatial resources. In regard to this condition, the scope of the elective course focuses on understanding of the concept of naturalness in the context of contemporary state of built environments. Namely, the scale of territories and infrastructures is juxtaposed to the singular small-scale architectural intervention: territories and infrastructures are investigated in the scale of an architectural fragment. In this sense, specific focus is not placed on the reading of the elusive notion of (urban) landscape, rather on investigative methods and techniques conducted during landscape architectonic procedures – narrative drawing (zoom-in) and analytical mapping (zoom-out) in particular. The proposed research by design method is based on simultaneous design procedures in opposing scales, assuming the overall significance of concurrent perception of the whole and its parts.
Conducted research represents the core purpose of the elective course Architecture of Territory conducted at University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the complex notion of territory through the use of analytical design methodologies. The focus of work is directed towards the archipelago of unbuilt territories within the wider metropolitan areas. Considered as a thematic whole, these unbuilt territories – infrastructure spaces – represent a significant and necessary spatial potential. Regarding the possibility of arising conflicting interests, infrastructure is established as crucial common ground. Unbuilt contemporary context of the city, the periphery and cities hinterlands - urban territory as a whole - represent significant and necessary spatial potential of the city. The urban condition studies territories in-between that lies in the interim between previous use, infrastructure systems of the 20th century and the emerging data infrastructures of the 21st century.
Architecture as a design related discipline offers the ability to formulate a research by design framework that allows for these relations to be investigated and reprogrammed. Students explore concepts, methods and techniques for a complete and sophisticated research framework offering a holistic approach to reprogramming infrastructure space.
METHODOLOGY
To achieve a thorough and comprehensive understanding of phenomena depicted in given contexts, it is imperative to analyse the nature of landscape. This entails simultaneous consideration of both natural and artificial structures, employing a chosen research position, operational scale and perspective (Carlson, 2006.). This approach effectively delineates the form, character, content and structure of the subject territory. Layering by means of mapping – enables the process of de-stratifying and layering to be back and forth, therefore give the opportunity for a more analytical process. The motion of zooming in and zooming out, through various analytical maps, gives insight into many scalar characteristics of the given territory enable the researcher to fully comprehend the conditions of the context. The applied methodological apparatus relies fundamentally on hybridisation of infrastructure spaces by adding a new programmed layer adding value to the usability of territories. Expanding the territories’ functionality at a both landscape and human scale, while addressing the ecological narrative, offers a guiding framework towards an improved liveability of inhabited environments.
RESULTS
The proposed methods show a diverse set of tools enabling architecture to demonstrate successful handling of conflicted interests. During the course of the design research studio in question, the scope was placed on the analysis of the landscape architectural design and research procedures. Results of the conducted course are presented through three distinctive research by design projects, offering a holistic approach to tackling shifting environments, with infrastructure spaces as their unique common ground.
SUŠICA (D)RAIN ON ME
DRAINAGE CANAL NETWORK
The subject location, taken for further research on the mosaic map of Kragujevac, is the approximate territory of the Sušicki stream- course from Šumaricko Lake to Lake Bubanj- together with the wider context, which we saw as a ridge - the new city center Center of Excellence. The problem is perceived at the ecological level along the course of Susicki stream, one of the most
Figure 1 : Sušica – (D)Rain od me – Students: V. Janković, J. Stakić, S. Spaić, J. Smiljanić
polluted tributaries of Lepenica River. Within this territory, a network of informal settlements was discovered adjacent to the stream, with their wastewater directly discharging into its flow. The modern aqueduct is the main conceptual feature of the proposal and has a spatial and programmatic role for the project. The proposal is focused on water purifiers designed in different scales on the territory, emphasizing the presence of water as an element of integration between the community, education and its territorial distribution. The aqueduct, would provide clean water, help the natural flow of water circulation, prevent drying / flooding of streams, serve for irrigation of vegetation and agricultural land on the edge of the wider aspect of the site, while at the same time representing a line park / green oasis.
TOPOLJAK NEW TRAJECTORIES TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
–
Trajectories –
Kragujevac, historically, occupied the position of industrial capital. Railway was developed in order to enable direct freight transport to industrial facilities across the country. The system was conditioned by the already existing railway station and was developing cyclically in relation to them. Presently, with the diminished railway operations and the city expanding beyond its previous boundaries, the infrastructure now serves as a tangible barrier delineating the divided urban landscape. The territorial scope represents unbuilt space between two city zones. Starting from the base of Košutnjak Park and following the course of the Lepenica River, analytical mapping was conducted to trace and mark problematic pedestrian crossing points at the intersections of pedestrian paths and the infrastructure. Results obtained were classified based on hierarchy of movement flow, in three categories: crossings connecting residential areas, within neighbourhoods and connecting individual building. The proposed interventions intent to facilitate everyday movements across the city and connect the city’s functions. The chosen method was bridging with perforated sheet metal constructions, modifiable according to the specific position and its requirements. This non-invasive approach apart from its utilitarian value, introduces a new ambiance within the space where nature meets infrastructure.
Figure 2 : Topoljak
New
Students: D. Fatić, B. Perečević, J. Pecić, Đ. Jovanović
The site location is defined as the territory between Lešće cemetery and the remaining built environment in Belgrade. The territory represents an infrastructure space housing a transformer station and power lines, situated within a zone of the city, that was previously on the outskirts of the existing urban landscape. Unplanned construction and the city’s expansion over the years have led to this area now being at the centre of human activity and life within developed urban settlements. The transformer station consists of 59 400kV poles, which, according to regulatory recommendations, are not intended for urban environments. The land within a 200m radius along the power line route, due to radiation, is suitable only for cereal and industrial crop production. The boundary of the radiation radius being mapped represents the direction and scope of the architectural intervention proposed by this project. With the idea of overcoming the conflict arising from the intersection between urban and toxic elements, the intervention suggests a kind of barrier. The project is conceived through the idea of a mechanism that almost autonomously controls the cultivation of industrial crops in that area, with minimal need for human intervention.
DISCUSSION
From the standpoint of rethinking infrastructure as an architecture – laboratory territory, the projects offer a sustainable and technological development proposal for restoring infrastructure spaces. Relevance of this research is embedded in the position that unbuilt – infrastructure spaces in relation to landscape can be redefined as an architectural tool in the context of operatively redefining territory. The projects develop a systematic approach to tackling a large-scale territorial scope by performing the motion of zooming in and out – the proposed interventions are designed in relation to both scales simultaneously, producing a human scale intervention.
The analysed intervention proposals simultaneously address three specific infrastructure contexts through the example of a polluted river, a railway crossing pedestrian corridors, and a transformer station emitting radiation (see Table 1). Addressing environmental issues such as pollution is a complex and layered task, which is a why a holistic approach is imperative. The concept of aqueduct developed for Sušice River tackles the issue of water pollution by instrumentalizing architecture tools to create a large-scale interface that holds the pipes, drainage and purifying systems while still offering and immersive experience for users. This approach covers the water process in its entirety showcasing how this expandable device can contribute to the reconstruction of the historical meaning of a city’s water heritage. The delicate approach to already existing landscapes, demonstrated through the application of steel
Figure 3 : Lešće – Nevermore – Students: J. Rajović, A. Jovanović, S. Savatijević, N. Radovcanović
construction bridges confirms the intervention’s quality in the context of programmatic layering. Furthermore, infrastructure space could be recognized as toxic territory, which besides being out of reach and physically inaccessible, is a safety issue. This shows that architectural construct can have a different role in the improvement of spaces by becoming an improved version of barrier rather than a bridge – showing that infrastructure in urban environment can have qualities of a place and be programmatically augmented without social interaction. The applied methodological framework has the ability to generate intervention proposals that transcend the spatial scope within which they are designed, by being flexible, therefore applicable to various different contexts. The comparative analysis presented confirms that infrastructure spaces can be instrumentalized and that architectural tools can be used as a means of addressing environmental issues. Architectural construct becomes a tool for articulating ideas addressing the notion of sustainability and reprogramming unbuilt infrastructure spaces.
Topoljak – New Trajectories
Kragujevac, Srbija
Transportation Infrastructure
Trespass
Sušica – (D)rain on me
Kraguejvac, Srbija
Drainage Canal Networks
Pollution
Spatial restriction Pedestrian paths, railway infrastructure and river intersecting at various position along the railway system River passing through city is contaminated due to wastewater from informal settlements
Potential Introduce new pedestrian paths that will intersect with the existing nature and railway setting
Proposal
A set of perforated sheet metal constructionsbridges, modifiable according to the specific position and its requirements
Create a new interface for the city and apply water purifying systems to help clean the river
An aqueduct emphasizing the presence of water as an element of integration between the community, that serves as a water purifier, helps the natural flow and serves as irrigation
Lešće – Nevermore Beograd, Srbija
Toxic Territory
Safety
Radiation of substation and poles in an urban context between the cemetery and informal settlements
Develop a solution that creates a barrier protecting the urban environments adjacent to the substation corridor
A cultivation mechanism that almost autonomously controls the growing process of industrial crops, with minimal need for human intervention
Table 1: Comparative analysis of the three projects based on the type of infrastructure space, potential and proposals presented
CONCLUSIONS
In contemporary contexts, as a system existing in our landscape, infrastructure is inexorably interwoven with our environment. It has potential in shaping architectural and even urban form. Infrastructure heritage of the 20th century has inherent spatial and functional order has tangible relations to the environment and holds potential to shape architecture and urban form, therefore creating new places. The proposed holistic approach offers a sophisticated framework redefining environment’s inter-relation, spurring a new dynamic between the built and unbuilt spaces - man-made landscapes and nature. It proves that 21st century infrastructure can shift the narrative of our dual actuality by introducing new programmatic layers enhancing liveability of the built environment.
REFERENCES
• Banham, R. (1969). Architecture and the Well-Tempered Environment. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
• Carlson, A. (2006). The Aesthetics of Environmental Architecture and Landscape, Territory, and Terrain. Building Material 13: 60–63.
• Deleuze, G., & Guattari, F. (1987). A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia. University of Minnesota Press.
• Easterling, K. (2014). Extrastatecraft: The Power of Infrastructure Space. London, UK: Verso.
• Gissen, D. (2010). Territory: Architecture Beyond Environment. Introduction. Architectural Design, 80(3), 8-13.
• Harvey, D. (2008). The dual nature of contemporary urbanization. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 32(3), 643-649.
• Marx, K. (1867/2004). Chapter 15, Sections 1-5. In Marx, K. (2004). Capital: Volume 1. Penguin Classics.
• Mumford, L. (1961). The urban development of infrastructure. The Journal of Regional Science, 3(1), 21-36.
• Nijhuis, S., & Bobbink, I. (2012). Design-related research in landscape architecture. Journal of Design Research, 10(4), 239-257.
• Strang, G.L. (1996). Infrastructure as Landscape [Infrastructure as Landscape, Landscape as Infrastructure]. Places, 10(3), 8.
• Tafuri, M. (1979). Architecture and Utopia: Design and Capitalist Development. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
• Zonneveld, W. (1995). Land Ecology. New York, NY: Wiley.
LIVEABILITY AND THE POPULATION DYNAMICS: THE CASE OF URBAN MUNICIPALITIES
IN NORTH MACEDONIA
Stojanovski, Mihajlo1
Assistant, Faculty of Architecture, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Blvd Partizanski odredi 24, Skopje, North Macedonia, stojanovskimihajlo611@gmail.com
Korobar, Vlatko P.
Professor, Doctoral School, Faculty of Architecture, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Blvd Partizanski odredi 24, Skopje, North Macedonia, vvpk@ukim.edu.mk
ABSTRACT
The urban municipalities in North Macedonia are losing population, except for the city of Skopje. Even in Skopje, which is composed of ten municipalities, three of them show a decline in the number of population. Similar is the situation with the rural municipalities where only seven show an increase in the total population, while all others are losing population. It is worth noting that these seven rural municipalities are located in the wider Skopje region and maintain intensive daily social, economic, and transport communications, confirming the unbalanced regional growth.
Over nineteen years, the period between the two censuses, the urban municipality of Aerodrom had the highest increase in population, in absolute numbers, amounting to 5,726 inhabitants. At the same period, the highest decrease in urban population was recorded in the urban municipality of Gostivar reaching 21,272 inhabitants. Although these numbers might not seem extremely high, for the relatively small-sized cities in North Macedonia, they are significant. About one-third of the urban municipalities have lost approximately 20% of their population with the highest percentage reaching 27.8%. On the contrary, the urban municipalities that have seen an increase in population have not surpassed 10%, with only one exception where the increase is 16.8%.
The primary interest of the paper centres on the population dynamics in urban municipalities and their consequences for the future development of cities in North Macedonia. It examines the cases of decrease in population and their consequences for the liveability in these cities. Considering the expected social, economic, and political changes, this situation will not change dramatically in the foreseeable future. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to adopt new approaches toward urban planning to embrace the new reality, through collaborative planning. The paper examines an alternative approach that should be implemented in the cases of a decrease in population, with the main goal of improving the liveability of cities.
Keywords: Population decline, Liveability, Collaborative planning
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The final decades of the XX century marked the end of the intensive development of Macedonian settlements which lasted several decades, from the end of WWII to roughly the beginning of the eighties. The development was characterised by intensive urbanisation processes, reflected in the constant increase of urban population and continuous spatial enlargement of urban settlements. It led to substantial improvement of all aspects of urban living spanning from the provision of new infrastructure and transport networks, new housing developments to the provision of green and grey public spaces according to the principles of Modern urban planning. The economic crisis of the late seventies and the eighties resulted in the first visible signs of the slowing down of this development and the deterioration of the existing urban spaces. The major societal changes at the beginning of the nineties, added to these processes through land ownership transformation, which required a new approach to urban planning. However, the inertia of the planning profession, the succumbing to the interests of big investors, and the poor financial condition of most of the urban municipalities resulted in further deterioration of liveability in the urban areas.
The first two decades of the XXI century witnessed a new tendency that requires a complete change in urban planning and development. The needed change is a result of the new population dynamics that for the first time after WWII saw a significant decrease in population growth, as well as substantial changes in the population structure with lower birth rates and a notable ageing of the population. These circumstances pose new challenges for the planning profession in the search for ways to improve liveability in the urban areas faced with a decrease in population size.
POPULATION DYNAMICS IN THE XXI CENTURY IN NORTH MACEDONIA
In the first two decades of the XXI century, according to the census data from 2002 and 2021, the total population in North Macedonia has decreased from 2,022,547 in 2002 (DZS. 2005) to 1,836,713 in 2021 (DZS. 2022). In other words, the country has lost over 185,000 inhabitants or 9,2 % of its population. However, this general tendency of population decrease renders itself a more complex process when we look at the dynamics of change in different age groups.
The only age group which has retained a similar population number is the age group from 50 to 54, which has lost an insignificant number of 2,000 inhabitants. Much more interesting developments are related to the younger and the older age groups. The age groups from 55 to 85 and more years have increased their contribution to the total population. However, the age groups from 0 to 49 have exhibited a sharp decline in the total population, as this cohort in 2021 has been reduced for over 350,000 inhabitants compared to 2002.
To get a more detailed insight in the dynamics of these age groups, we have split them into several subgroups. The one from 0 to 49 was split into three subgroups, from 0 to 14, from 15 to 29 and from 30 to 49. The first subgroup from 0 to 14 years has been reduced for almost 115,000 inhabitants. This decline can be explained by the reduced birth rate, but more significantly by the immigration of younger couples with children who are of age which corresponds to kindergarten and primary school attendants. The most significant decrease is within the age group of 10 to 14 years which comprises almost 50% of this subgroup. The second subgroup from 15 to 24 years has been reduced for over 154,000 inhabitants. One of the major reasons for this decline is the fact that at this age most of the persons are not committed in terms of their marital status and they decide more easily to look for better life conditions in more developed
countries. The last of these subgroups, comprised of 30 to 49 age groups, has exhibited a lower decrease of over 84,000 inhabitants. However, this subgroup represents individuals who are in the prime years when they can contribute to the economy and its decrease can have dire economic consequences.
Completely different is the situation with the age groups from 55 to 85 and more years, which have increased their share in the total population to over 169,000 inhabitants. Within this group, the two subgroups, from 55 to 64 years, who can still be employed, and from 65 to 85 and more years who are overwhelmingly retired persons participate with 40 and 60% respectively. It is interesting to note that the age group of 85 and more years has increased over 2,6 times, which is insignificant in absolute numbers, but certainly confirms the indisputable trend of ageing of the population (Fig.1).
The situation is similar when we look at the level of urban municipalities. North Macedonia has 34 cities, of which 33 cities are seats of corresponding urban municipalities, while the city of Skopje, the capital of the country, has a special two-tier local government represented by the city of Skopje and the ten municipalities which comprise Skopje’s urban area and its hinterland. The 33 urban municipalities have all experienced a decrease in population ranging from 2 to 27.8 %. Only the city of Skopje with its municipalities has shown an increase in the total population of 4.05%, which compared to earlier periods, shows a considerable slowing down of its population growth. Seven of the ten municipalities in Skopje have increased its population, while three have less population in 2021 compared to 2002. It is significant to note that the municipality of Centar, the only municipality in the country with solely urban population, has also shown a decrease in population, despite the intensive housing construction in the municipality in the last two decades (Fig.2).
Fig. 1. Diagrams showing population dynamics by age between the last two censuses in N. Macedonia from 2002 and 2021, according to the State Statistical Office. Source: author’s diagram.
Fig. 2. Diagrams showing population dynamics in different municipalities between the last two censuses in N. Macedonia from 2002 and 2021, according to the State Statistical Office. Source: author’s diagram.
It is also important to look at the population dynamics of the cities themselves, as thirty of them have decreased in population, while only four have increased their population. The data should be compared to the population projections in the adopted general urban plans. For example, in the General Urban Plan of Skopje, within its urban boundaries, the planned maximum number of inhabitants for the year 2022 was 634,200, while according to the 2021 census data, the entire number of inhabitants living within the total area of the ten municipalities of Skopje, which is larger than the Skopje proper area, was 526,502. The situation is similar in the planning documents for other cities, as most of them have been based on estimations for more intensive population growth; hence the planned area of these cities provides conditions for a larger population than the actual population registered with the last census.
The latest population dynamics are driven by complex factors, especially in the case of younger population groups. Although the primary reasons for emigration of these age groups are related to broader social and economic factors, the overall condition of the urban environmentс, their decline and the long period in which there are no clear signs of their improvement are cited among factors that also contribute to the decision to leave the country.
Hence, the steep decline in the country’s population and the underlying causes, call for a shift in future planning practices, especially in relation to aspects that can contribute to the liveability of cities. Emigration as a result of the search for better living conditions, encourages the understanding of the liveability concept within the context of Macedonian cities. The idea of liveability as a concept that connects multiple factors that simultaneously and regularly affect the human environment and its sense of comfort can be of substantial importance when it comes to dealing with the outflow of residents from the country. Indeed, the improvement in liveability alone cannot reverse these trends, yet it can play an important role in increasing the satisfaction with the urban living conditions.
Although liveability as a concept is not confined to physical space only, the overview which follows intends to highlight the aspects which are directly related to urban planning and could be affected by the procedural and substantial issues of the type of urban planning adopted.
MAJOR ASPECTS OF LIVEABILITY RELATED TO PHYSICAL SPACE
Despite its recent omnipresence in discussions of the contemporary urban condition, the term and concept of liveability have been present in academic debate and urban policy issues since the late fifties and the early sixties. The sociologist Groenman gave one of the first comprehensive definitions of liveability in 1959. For him, the concept of liveability referred to “conditions which need to be met in order that people and society are able to develop themselves according to reasonable standards” (Kaal. 2011). In the early sixties, a local political party in Vancouver, TEAM (The Electors Action Movement) made liveability its major policy issue, once it took over the municipal government. (Ley. 1980). Following these early examples, for a long period, liveability was dominantly an urban planning issue.
The efforts of TEAM 10 members were fully focused on creating liveable spaces, suitable for people. The idea of the street, which should be an extension of the home, “populated” by different residents, was perceived as a social incubator for spontaneous meetings, games, and forming common relationships between neighbours (Smithson. 1968). The quality of life was discussed by Jacob Bakema and Aldo van Eyck, who perceived the relationship between people and the built space as a basic element for achieving a higher life quality.
Safety was recognised as an additional factor that contributed to the liveability of cities and taking the street as one of its main elements, Jacobs (1961) wrote that street safety should be maintained by an “intricate, almost unconscious network of voluntary controls and standards among the people themselves”. To keep the streets safe by inhabiting them with people, they needed to be properly planned. In addition to the basic visual and spatial qualities, the richness of the program that the street can offer to different groups of visitors was another factor for its constant use. “A well-used city street is apt to be a safe street” (Jacobs. 1961).
In the 1980s, after Donald Appleyard used it in his book “Liveable Streets”, liveable became a catchword in urban studies and has gained importance ever since. Hence, several aspects, such as the quality of living spaces, safety, the human scale of spaces, and their social importance, placed people at the centre of the debate, gradually extending the meaning of the concept of liveability beyond the physical environment.
The narrative of humanised planning and architecture was continued by Jan Gehl. His attitude towards building liveable spaces was expressed in different scales. Starting with the large scale, he introduced the “life-space-building” principle of planning as a basic order to follow for shaping human-scale spaces that are pleasant for pedestrians who experience life on foot and view the city at eye height level (Gehl. 2010). However, he also wrote about the smallscale elements that create pleasant spaces, like the suitable lengths of pedestrian streets, the dynamic path of movement, the facades that shape them, the places for sitting on them as a factor of socialisation and the phenomenology of the sounds that define the character of the street. (Gehl. 2011). All those observations referred to the creation of a built environment that would contribute to a higher degree of liveability.
With the higher importance given to the natural environment in the past decades, in addition to the built elements that define the city, special attention was put on public greenery as an element that enhances the quality of the city spaces. Man’s relationship with open green areas is an inseparable part of his nature. The presence of greenery in the city enriches the possible activities of people in the city and represents space for physical activities, but also mental and psychological relaxation (Jabbar. 2021).
Contemporary researchers dealing with the topic of liveability introduce special categories and indexes that provide quantitative values for the liveability of cities (Mouratidis, and Yiannakou.
2021; Leyden et al. 2011). Moreover, the concept itself has evolved and liveability has been perceived as the sum of the socio-physical and socio-cultural factors that can improve and upgrade living standards of any space (Jomehpour. 2015). The Global Liveability Index Survey, prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit, ranks over 170 cities worldwide. Each city has been assigned a score for over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. (EIU. 2022). After an extensive review of literature on liveability, Davern, M et al. (2023), concluded that there are three critical factors for liveable communities. They define them as residents feeling safe, socially connected, and included; environmental sustainability; and access to affordable and diverse housing options linked via public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure to employment, education, local shops, public open space and parks, health and community services, leisure, and culture. They find these to be essential ingredients for a liveable community. In their integrity, they promote health and well-being of individuals, build communities, and support a sustainable society.
However, the concept of liveability, according to several researchers (Kovacs-Gyori. 2018; Mouratidis. 2021), needs to be considered through several different levels: at the macro-level which covers the city as a whole, the meso-level which is identified with the neighbourhood and the micro-level which refers to the lowest, human-scale interventions. Different levels show different aspects related to liveability. By descending to a lower level, the physical characteristics of the space become the dominant elements that define its quality. Hence, at lower levels aspects that are usually but not exclusively connected to urban planning appear to gain importance.
The urban planners and theoreticians of the second half of the twentieth century gave their opinions on the physical characteristics of space that contribute to experiencing it as a space with a high degree of liveability. Their conclusions on the question “What makes a city livable?” are ultimately not far from the essential aspects that define the same category a few decades later. What has changed considerably are the modes and approaches to urban planning aiming at achieving liveable spaces and it is here that we detect the area in which crucial improvements can be made influencing the liveability in urban municipalities in North Macedonia.
COLLABORATIVE PLANNING: A TOOL TO INCREASE LIVEABILITY IN CASES OF POPULATION DECLINE
Ever since the major societal change in 1991, after the dissolution of Yugoslavia, North Macedonia has retained its plan-led urban planning system with major legislative changes resulting from the reform in land ownership. Urban planning and development were delegated as major responsibilities to local municipalities. Hence, the entire field of planning and implementation depended on the local fiscal capabilities, although not all municipalities were granted fiscal autonomy immediately, subject to meeting certain criteria. For a long time, public involvement retained the form of public presentation of the draft plan, a stage at which interested stakeholders were able to challenge elements of the plan proposal. The decision on each objection remained with the municipality. This was a very limited and belated possibility for the public to influence the plan proposal. The initial phase, the so-called planning programme was not subject to public scrutiny but was reviewed and accepted by a professional body appointed by the mayor.
A further obstacle in safeguarding the public interest was the possibility of interested investors to bare the financial cost of plan preparation, which in practice often meant meeting the needs
of the investors, in many cases at the expense of public good, due to the limited influence of other stakeholders.
Attempting to improve the situation, the new law on urban planning established participative bodies composed of various stakeholders who live in the municipality selected through a public call. The composition of the participative body varies depending on the area covered by the plan proposal, while the members are chosen from the pool of stakeholders who live in this area. The participative body meets before the public presentation of the plan and its suggestions are reviewed by the municipality in cooperation with the authors of the plan. Although an improvement, this is far from what is needed to increase the transparency of the process and the involvement of stakeholders in it, which would lead to improvement of the living conditions in their neighbourhoods.
An early positive case when it comes to combined planning efforts in Skopje is the winning proposal of the competition for a conceptual urban plan of Aerodrom neighbourhood, in Skopje in 1974, made by the Yugoslav Institute of Urbanism and Housing (JUGINUS). This example shows the cooperative work of experts and members of the public in the early phase of the urban plan (Juginus, 1974). Being interested in satisfying the psychological aspects of organizing open space in the neighborhood units, the multidisciplinary team of JUGINUS proposed several ideas for a neighborhood unit that carry different spatial characteristics. These variants were evaluated by members of the public according to various parameters (organization, size, shape, height, natural character of the space, density of buildings, color, etc.) in order to define an ideal open space suitable for living (Fig.3).
The result of such joined efforts was a neighborhood unit that defined a specific spatial segment of the Aerodrom neighborhood which, at the time of its realization had been recognized as a “vision for a new humane settlement” (B. Kolev, 1975). These characteristics are still noticeable and relevant, even half a century later, with pedestrian streets and open green spaces continually being occupied by people, offering the opportunity for spontaneous meetings, socializing, playing and practicing informal sports. Unfortunately, this early example of public consultation was not followed by similar approaches neither in other cases of planning of housing developments, nor in planning in general.
Today, a major shift is required in the role and influence that could be exercised by members of the public in the entirety of the planning process. Having in mind that the planning professionals have not been faced earlier with the consequences of population decline and have always planned in circumstances of expected population increase and economic growth, it is of utmost importance to introduce new approaches to the current planning practice. It is our opinion that a version of collaborative planning will contribute to the improvement of planning documents, increase their relevance, and support their implementation.
Collaborative planning is not the magic wand, but if applied in consideration to the local circumstances and the character of the prevailing issues, it can contribute significantly to the improvement of planning and development in the local municipalities, by intensifying the participation of various stakeholders.
3. Diagrams showing members of the public using numerical scale to evaluate different types of neighborhood units according to specific aspects and parameters. Source: JUGINUS, 1974, Winning proposal for a conceptual urban plan of Aerodrom Neighborhood in Skopje.
In the late nineties, Patsy Healy, advocating for greater participation in the planning process, maintained that through participation individuals identify themselves with their environment, their setting, and the group they belong to. They become aware of common needs, identify with each other and eventually collaborate and take part in collective action to transform the place in which they live. Participation means collaboration among neighbours and it can provide helpful solutions to many of the challenges of accomplishing daily life (Healey. 1997).
Collaborative planning significantly shifts the entire urban planning paradigm from a hermetic
Fig.
professional and local government exercise into a participatory process in which various stakeholders search for a common solution facilitated by members of the planning profession and representatives of the local government. As Healy explains, this process recognizes the diverse ways of living that exist in pluralist societies, in contrast to traditional planning which focuses on scientific rationalism in a culturally homogeneous community with a common public interest (Healey. 2006).
Collaborative planning turns the stakeholders from outside critics into active participants in the planning process. As the number of participants increases, it is to be expected that the number of generated alternatives will be higher, leading to a solution through a consensus decision where the interests of involved parties are at least partially met. Furthermore, collaborative planning should facilitate the plan implementation, as the stakeholders have invested interest in it. As Gunton and Day (2003) mention, collaborative planning creates what has been termed “social capital”, or the development of improved skills, knowledge, and stakeholder relationships that benefit the community beyond the preparation of a specific plan.
Indeed, collaborative planning would often have to overcome obstacles that might arise from various sources. Two important ones are consuming substantial resources and time to bring together a large group of potentially antagonistic stakeholders, and the stakeholders willing to participate might not reflect the wider spectrum of the community interest. It is worth mentioning that in some cases, collaborative planning might not be the most appropriate approach, especially when dealing with environmental issues which are not suitable for consensus based mediated solutions. (Gunton and Day. 2003)
However, in our opinion under the circumstances of severe population decrease and the resulting economic decline, all stakeholders will seek to find the most appropriate solution to the current situation as an imperative mutual interest. This would be a motivating element that should increase the participation of a large number of stakeholder groups. As Ria-Maria Adams et al. (2023) mentioned the focus of cities with population decline should be oriented toward the people who are staying, considering them as active participants in their own fate and giving them the ability to influence their everyday lives by being involved in the collaborative planning process at different levels. Taking action in a local bottom-up approach, which relies on personal investment and the interest of individuals, will strengthen their sense of community building and responsibility for their immediate environment.
Planning a city that undergoes severe population decrease, or a shrinking city, differs from the planning of a city that experiences long-term growth. The past planning experiences were growth oriented and the planning tools used for growing communities must be adapted to be used in cases with severe population decline. Recent knowledge of planning shrinking cities shows that “best practices” while informative, cannot be copied as each shrinking city has its unique story and requires strategies and measures most suited to the local circumstances. This situation calls for a bottom-up approach and collaborative planning could yield better results than traditional planning approaches.
Hollander et al. (2009) suggest that there is a need to convince more planning practitioners that planning for shrinkage is an exciting challenge rather than a threat or something to be avoided. As we showed in the case of Skopje, the current General Urban Plan has been based on an expected number of inhabitants that is approximately 20 percent higher than the population registered in the last census. This means that the area covered with the plan, the services planned and the designated areas were planned for a much larger number of inhabitants, leaving a considerable spatial margin for a rethinking of the current planning strategy in favour of a smaller population but with higher standards and especially rethinking the strategy of environmental sustainability.
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In the case of Skopje, there is still a strong demand for land for the construction of apartment buildings, even though the number of dwellings is 25 percent higher than the number of households. However, there is still plenty of land that has not been used as planned and is available for different, new, and more appropriate uses. The situation with the general urban plans is very similar in other cities that have experienced population decline. They all face the challenge of how to re-plan their territories and reinvent themselves.
Cities that have experienced population decline and considerable economic decline face a situation where there is a lack of strong market demand and an abundance of vacant land. This situation creates unprecedented opportunities to improve liveability by redistributing land use and providing more sustainable services and infrastructure networks. This is especially true for green space networks and the natural systems in cities with a population decline. Capitalizing on this decline, setting aside land for recreation, agriculture, green infrastructure, and other nontraditional land uses will benefit existing residents and attract future development, enabling shrinking cities to reinvent themselves as more productive, sustainable, and ecologically sound places (Hollander. et al., 2009).
At the macro level, the general urban plans should abandon the current determinism and the reduced spatial flexibility, by moving towards a planning document that primarily deals with strategies. The highest benefits from collaborative planning should be expected at the meso and micro levels through the preparation of planning documents such as detailed urban plans. They deal directly with issues of mixed-use spaces, safety, high-quality public transport, the possibility of walking and cycling without the danger of cars, proximity to the workplace, good infrastructure, accessible and inclusive public areas, spatial aesthetics, and green areas, which contribute directly to the quality of urban spaces and are the most frequently encountered parameters in evaluating liveability.
The recent trend, especially in Skopje, of continuous increase of citizen awareness for the conditions of living in their immediate environment, the ever growing number of informal groups involved in urban space issues, the successful outcome of several citizen led protests and other actions related to the local conditions, as well as the relative success of independent groups for representatives in the local government at the last local elections show that the preconditions for a successful implementation of a system of collaborative planning are constantly gaining ground.
CONCLUSION
Planning in an environment of considerable population decline is new to the practice of urban planning in North Macedonia. The results of the latest census confirmed what was assumed for quite some time - a stark population decline. However, due to the planning system, these assumptions were not taken into consideration when preparing the recently adopted development plans based on old general urban plans that expected continuous population growth. Thirty of the thirty-four cities in North Macedonia showed a decline in population over the last nineteen years. This situation calls for a complete shift in the current urban planning approach based on the assumption of continuous population growth. It is our opinion that a suitable form of collaborative planning that will include stakeholders, professionals, and policymakers in the entirety of the planning process would produce better plans that take advantage of the new situation, turning the decline in population into an opportunity to improve liveability by redistributing land use and providing more sustainable services and infrastructure networks.
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IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC OPEN SPACES AS A TOOL FOR INCREASING LIVEABILITY IN RURAL AREAS
Igić, Milica1
Assistant, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, milica.igic989@gmail.com
Dinić Branković, Milena
Associate Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, milena.dinic@gaf.ni.ac.rs
Đekić, Jelena
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, jelena.djuric@gaf.ni.ac.rs
Ljubenović, Milica
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, milica.ljubenovic@gaf.ni.ac.rs
Mitković, Mihailo
Assistant, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Niš, mihailo.mitkovic@gaf.ni.ac.rs
ABSTRACT
Public open spaces represent important gathering places in rural areas and play a significant role in the social interactions of the rural population. There are different types of public open spaces, depending on their location within the settlements and their purpose. These spaces are characterised by spontaneous formation and shaping by the residents, they are used casually and often represent focal points in the settlements. There are also examples of planned open spaces where during the socialist period monuments were built honouring soldiers from different battles. Today, because of the lack of maintenance, most of these spaces are neglected, poorly properly equipped and in bad condition. Also, as in the case of urban, rural public open spaces face negative impacts of climate change which directly affects their quality and degree of use. Public open spaces in rural areas have a huge significance on rural identity and they play an important role in the socio-demographic, spatial and environmental structure of rural areas. This paper discusses different typologies of public open spaces in rural settlements on the territory of the city of Niš. This paper aims to investigate opportunities and challenges for the improvement of public open spaces in rural settlements and their impact on life quality. By revitalizing and improving the current state of public open spaces, it is possible to increase liveability in rural areas, promote rural territory as a decent place for living, and contribute to overall sustainable rural development.
Keywords: Public open spaces, Quality of life, Liveability, Sustainable development, Rural areas
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Rural areas occupy large surfaces and have a significant share within total territory globally. In Serbia, according to the definition of the Draft Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia (Draft Spatial Plan of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2021-2035., 2021), more than 90% of the country’s territory is rural. Rural areas are economically underdeveloped, natural landscapes are endangered and they face negative demographic growth, so studies regarding rural areas focus on their economic development, mainly on agriculture and land management problems. On the other hand, rural territory and quality of life are not in the research focus even though they are facing numerous problems and are triggers for migrations (Brauer and Dymitrow, 2014; Igić et al, 2020). The rural population represent one of the greatest resources of rural areas but because of the reduced life quality, its migration toward urban areas is expressed. One of the problems, besides the economy, is the territorial–spatial dimension of rural areas. On the territory of rural areas, there are public open spaces (POS) whose purpose is gathering and social interactions, but due to ownership problems and inactivity of the local community, they are neglected and underused. These areas were mainly planned during the communist era and there were very few or not at all interventions made till today, so their design is not up to date, they are poorly equipped and their current state is very bad. In Europe, POS in rural areas is subject to many renewal programs (Jaszczak et al, 2017), but in Serbia, that is not the case and there is a lack of initiatives regarding these spaces.
POS in rural areas in Serbia represent important places for residents to gather, they have historical, cultural and ambiental values. This paper discusses POS in rural areas, its current state and main characteristics in order to establish its typology. These spaces are very well located in the settlements, but they are in a very bad state, and their management is not efficient. Based on that, the paper aims to explore the possibilities for improving POS as a tool for increasing the quality of life in rural areas. The standpoint of this research is that by enhancing POS it is possible to positively affect the social structure of rural areas, liveability and improve the resilience of settlements. POS in rural areas have a key role in empowering the local community, increasing social contacts and positively affecting overall social life.
METHODOLOGY
The methodological framework in this paper is based on the analysis of the current state of the POS in rural areas and investigating opportunities and challenges for its improvement and impact on life quality. In the first part of the paper, the theoretical background will be set to determine the definitions of the POS and rural areas. Based on that, and an analysis of the current state of POS in rural areas, the context will be defined. The second part of the paper discusses different typologies of POS in rural areas within the selected examples. Opportunities and challenges for revitalizing and improving the current state of POS in the context of increasing liveability, are also discussed in the second part. To conduct a comprehensive analysis based on all specific characteristics of POS in rural areas, three settlements from the territory of the city of Niš were selected, based on their size and role in the settlements network defined by the Spatial plan (Spatial plan of the administrative area of the City of Niš 2021., 2011). The City of Niš is the seat of the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia - the most underdeveloped region in economic terms, whose territory is characterized by the highest share of rural areas on the total surface. Compared to the results of the previous censuses, the process of depopulation is pronounced in the villages on the territory of the city of Niš and the quality of life is on a low level. Based
on that, rural areas within the territory of the city of Niš and this Region were selected as good examples for research.
PUBLIC OPEN SPACES AND RURAL AREAS
According to the UN-Habitat (2015), POS can be defined as spaces that are in public ownership and for public use, that are accessible to all and can be freely used. POS can be categorized into streets, open spaces and public facilities. The purpose of POS is to boost interactions between people and they represent places outside the home and workplace. As important characteristics of POS, safety and security are recognized, along with vital infrastructure. POS are part of one of the sustainable development goals of UN-Habitats Agenda 2030 (2015) – within goal 11.7, which is oriented towards providing universal access to safe, inclusive, accessible, green and public spaces. Therefore, POS have an important role in rural territory and the identity of the rural population. They provide a surface for recreational activities, restore nature to build rural landscapes and improve spatial characteristics of rural patterns. The positive effects of POS are on the quality of life, especially on the mental and physical health of residents (Kabisch and Annerstedt van den Bosch, 2017). As the main characteristics of POS, inclusivity and accessibility, availability to all social groups and specific spatial forms can be recognized (Carmona, 2003). The definitions of POS mainly refer to urban areas since not much research has been conducted regarding rural areas. According to Carmona et al (2008), a broad definition of public spaces takes into account all surfaces built and the natural environment, both private and public, urban and rural which are characterized by free, but not obligatory unrestricted access. POS in rural areas are very specific, they are not very diverse and not well managed, but they represent an important connection to the tradition, and they are connected with surrounding natural landscapes (Soszyński et al, 2021). POS in rural areas have huge significance for the rural community, its purpose is to improve the quality of life, boost social interactions and contribute to creating and promoting local identity (Micek and Staszewska, 2019). There are different types of POS in rural areas – from those centrally located, to those located peripherally adjacent to the green areas on the outskirts of the settlements. Common for almost all of them is that they are planned to meet the needs of a large number of residents but mostly lack leisure activities. Rural areas occupy large surfaces, they are home to a significant percentage of the population, and they play a key role in food production. Rural areas have a long history and tradition, and they are characterized by rich natural resources and a healthy environment. Even though there is no universal definition for these areas, broadly used is the definition according to OECD where all the areas with a population density less than 150 inh/km2 are determined as rural. According to that criterion, rural areas in the Republic of Serbia occupy about 94.1% of the total territory and they are home to almost half of the total population (Draft Spatial Plan, 2021). Within rural territory in Serbia about 3/4 of total settlements are located. Rural areas in Serbia are characterized by rich natural diversity, very dynamic terrain, rich hydrographic network and cultural heritage, and all this represents their comparative advantages (Mitrović, 2015). On the other hand, they are facing a pronounced demographic decline (Statistical Office, 2023), their economy is underdeveloped and management of land and natural resources is at a very low level. Compared to previous censuses data, the number of rural populations is decreasing, and the reasons are an underdeveloped economy and a low quality of life (Babović et al, 2016). As the main resources in rural areas, rural population, natural resources and unique territory can be identified. Rural identity and ambient values represent one of their main characteristics. Unfortunately, due to a lack of adequate maintenance and low interest of the rural community,
common–public open spaces, are neglected, which has a negative impact on life quality, and social and environmental structure.
CHARACTERISTICS OF POS IN SELECTED RURAL SETTLEMENTS: SETTING THE CONTEXT
In order to explore the current state and determine the main characteristics of POS, three rural settlements on the territory of the city of Niš are selected. City territory is divided into five city municipalities, and according to the Statistical Office (2023), on their territory there are 69 settlements defined as “other” – according to the automaticity declared rural. Selected settlements are located within the City municipality Pantelej, where around 96% of the territory is declared as rural and which is home to about 1/3 of its population. Rural settlements Gornji Matejevac, Kamenica and Donji Matejevac are selected based on their role in the settlement network – Gornji Matejevac represents the centre of the community of the settlements, Kamenica represent the settlement with limited centrality functions and Donji Matejevac represents primary village and they both gravitate towards Gornji Matejevac. Also, they have different population numbers which categorize them into different types regarding size. The main characteristics and POS types on their territory are presented in Table 1.
POS in settlements set for analysis (Source: www.gis.ni.rs; Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, 2023; Spatial plan of the city of Niš, 2011; Authors)
*Results according to the latest census show population number together with the new weekend zone which is attached to the city territory – at the periphery of the village. Within the built area, according to the site visit and interviews with the residents, the estimation is that there are around 1000 residents who actively live in the village
Table 1: Main characteristics of
Except for the streets, which are defined by UN-Habitat as POS, within analysed settlements four types of POS can be recognized and ten subtypes among them are determined. By analysing these settlements on the field, it was evident that within one type-category of the POS, there are differences and there was a need to determine subtypes in order to take into account all the specifies of each space. Depending on the type of the settlement there are diverse public buildings and space adjacent to them is treated differently. POS within the school, kindergarten, infirmary and church are in better condition and are more monitored than those adjacent to the cultural centres which are not working. The squares in the settlements are not equipped and do not have the same function, so there was also a need to establish different types among them. All recognised types and subtypes are present within the settlement Gornji Matejevac, four types and seven subtypes are established in Kamenica, while within the primary village of Donji Matejevac, three types and five subtypes are recognised. The settlement with a “higher role” in the settlement network on the territory of the City municipality has more diverse POS types. Also, the disposition of the POS within the settlement territory is different. In the case of Donji Matejevac and Kamenica, all POS are located along main roads, while in the Gornji Matejevac, they are distributed within the entire settlement territory. Some of the groupings of different types of POS are observed in the central parts of settlements which are used more intensively than others.
DISCUSSION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POS IN RURAL AREAS
In order to explore opportunities and challenges for POS improvement, an analysis of each POS type and subtype within these three settlements was conducted. Characteristics of the POS differ not only between different types but also between different subtypes. The state of these POS is not satisfactory, and a lack of management is evident. For a comprehensive analysis, for each POS subtype main characteristics – social, functional, spatial and environmental were analysed (Table 2). The spatial scale was determined according to the criterion that POS with a surface less than 0.4ha is small, 0.4-1 ha intermediate and more than 1ha large. Depending on that, and the role of the POS in the settlement itself, functional categories of POS were determined: local and community POS (Rutherford et al, 2013).
POS type/subtype
Adjacent to the public building
Cultural centre
Small POS; Centrally located; Paved; No urban furniture; Sports field
Infirmary Small POS; Peripherally located; Seating area; Gated
School Small POS; Centrally located; Paved; Seating area; Gated
Kindergarten
Church *3 Churches in the settlementbuilt area
Small POS; Peripherally located; Seating area; Children’s playground; Gated
Small POS; Centrally located; Seating area; Gated
Community POS; Multipurpose area
Community POS; Passive recreation
Community POS; Recreational use
Community POS; Recreational use
Community POS; Multipurpose area
Intermediate use as a transit zone; High level of safety; State ownership
Occasional use; High level of safety; City ownership
Periodically use; High level of safety; City ownership
Periodically use; High level of safety; City ownership
Periodically use; High level of safety; Church ownership
No greenery; Low level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
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Adjacent to the monument Small POS; Centrally located; No urban furniture; Monument
Square With drinking fountain * 4 squares this type
With greenery * 2 squares this type
Multipurpose
Sports field with surrounding
Small POS; Located within the settlement; Paved; No urban furniture;
Small POS; Peripherally located; One has only a Seating area, other only children’s playground
Small POS; Centrally located; Small sports field
Intermediate POS; Centrally located; Sports field; Children’s playground; Seating area
Adjacent to the public building Cultural centre
Small POS; Peripherally located; Paved; Seating area; Children’s playground
Infirmary Small POS; Centrally located; Seating area; Monument
School Small POS; Peripherally located; Paved; Seating area; Sports field; Gated
Church Small POS; Peripherally located; Seating area; Gated
Adjacent to the monument Small POS; Centrally located; No urban furniture; Monument; Gated
Square Multipurpose Small POS; Centrally located; No furniture
Sports field with surrounding Intermediate POS; Peripherally located; Sports field;
Community POS; Unorganized green area
Local POS; Unorganized area
Local POS; Passive recreation
Local POS; Passive recreation and gathering
Community POS; Recreation and gathering
KAMENICA
Community POS, Multipurpose area
Community POS; Unorganized green area
Community POS; Recreational use
Community POS; Multipurpose area
Community POS; Unorganized green area
Community POS; Multipurpose area
Occasionally use; High level of safety; State ownership
Occasionally use; High level of safety; City ownership
Intensive use; High level of safety; One state and other city ownership
Intensive use; High level of safety; City ownership
Intensive use; High level of safety; State ownership
Intermediate use; High level of safety; Social enterprise ownership
Occasional use; High level of safety; City ownership
Periodically use; High level of safety; City ownership
Periodically use; High level of safety;Church ownership
Intensive use; High level of safety; City ownership
Greenery - grass; Medium level of maintenance
No greenery; Medium level of maintenance
Greenery - trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
Greenery – trees, bushes and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Greenery – trees and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Greenery - trees, bushes and grass; Low level of maintenance
Greenery - bushes and grass; Low level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Greenery – trees and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Intensive use; High level of safety; City ownership No greenery; Medium level of maintenance
Community POS; Recreation Periodically use; High level of safety; State ownership
Greenery – trees and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Adjacent to the public building
Cultural centre
DONJI MATEJEVAC
Small POS; Centrally located; Paved; No urban furniture;
School Small POS; Centrally located; Seating area; Sports field; Gated
Church Small POS; Centrally located; Seating area; Gated
Square With greenery
Sports field with surrounding
Small POS; Centrally located; Children’s playground
Intermediate POS; Peripherally located; Sports field;
Community POS; Multipurpose area
Community POS; Recreational use
Community POS; Multipurpose area
Intensive use; High level of safety; City ownership No greenery; Low level of maintenance
Periodically use; High level of safety; City ownership
Periodically use; High level of safety;Church ownership
Community POS; Passive recreation Intensive use; High level of safety; State ownership
Community POS; Recreation Periodically use; High level of safety; City ownership
Table 2: Characteristics of POS structure in selected settlements (Source: Authors)
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
Greenery -trees, bushes and grass; High level of maintenance
Greenery - trees, bushes and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Greenery –trees and grass; Medium level of maintenance
Through analysis, it was determined that all the POS can be categorized as small because their surface is less than 0.4ha. The only exceptions are sports fields in all three settlements, where there are adjacent areas which are used differently. Since the main road in the case of Kamenica and Donji Matejevac goes through the settlement centres, POS are mainly located centrally. In these two settlements, all the POS are recognized as community POS, while in Gornji Matejevac there are also local POS for some of the groups of houses. In these settlements, all the housing parcels are owned privately, and the observed POS are located adjacent to the street network, which also represents POS. Streets are narrow, and within regulation width, there are cases where there are no sidewalks. In Kamenica, there is no sewage system and it is not rare that wastewater is on the streets.
The purpose of POS is mainly for passive or active recreation and gathering of residents. Spaces adjacent to the school, kindergarten, church and infirmary (in Gornji Matejevac) are gated and they are freely used during working hours. Unfortunately, because of inadequate monitoring and inappropriate social behaviour, residents jump over the fence and use this area outside of working hours. In these POS there are signs of vandalism such are graffiti, damaged fences, urban furniture and lightning. Ownership status is different but mostly analysed POS are owned by the state or the city. These areas are maintained by the local population with their resources, and that causes inefficient and irregular maintenance. Space around schools, kindergarten and churches is better maintained because the employees in these institutions take care of them. Different POS are differently equipped but the equipment is in a bad state because it is not renewed frequently nor maintained adequately. One of the advantages of these areas is that they are accessible to all and there are no restrictions in their free use for all residents. To improve the current state of these spaces, it is necessary to first revitalize them. They are facing problems in all structures, which are a consequence of years of neglect and inactivity of the rural population. Cultural centres had a very important role in the communist period, they were the main points for gathering and social events. Their closing caused adjacent area marginalization even though they are located in the central part of the settlements. The fact that they are publicly owned can be used as an advantage and residents could apply for
different budgeting with projects for their reshaping and equipping. This would improve the activity of the rural community on one side and also create space for social interactions and gatherings according to local needs. All three settlements already have experience in applying for funding through different programs, which could be also used for the revitalization of POS. The identity and importance of the POS for the residents can be the main motive for activating rural communities to take measures towards POS improvement. POS in rural areas is not adequately equipped, many of them are only paved without greenery, and those with greenery are not maintained properly. During years of use, pavement is in a really bad condition which reduces accessibility for all the residents. Since one of the greatest threats of today is the negative impact of climate change, revitalization of these areas should consider using different solutions for adapting to them to create resilient places. Because of extreme weather events – especially overheating or heavy rainfall, these places often cannot be used. Inadequate rain runoff management is not efficient which also represents a limitation for POS. One of the tools to overcome these problems could be the use of nature-based solutions which could bring nature into the built environment and improve the quality of the place and intensity of use. The use of different materials and urban equipment can also contribute to the visual and functional improvement of these places. This could contribute to the improvement of thermal comfort during summer months. Since the rural environment is a synonym for healthy lifestyles and unpolluted landscapes, revitalization of POS can positively affect the health – both physical and mental of the rural population, and promote outdoor activities. Improvement of POS will undoubtedly contribute to the improvement of the environmental structure of rural settlements which is very important for overall rural well-being. Planning the revitalization of POS must be done locally and for each POS separately because their characteristics differ and there is no “universal” solution.
CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis of the POS structure, site visits and interviews with the local population, it is determined that these spaces play important roles in their social lives. POS in rural areas without doubt represent a significant element of rural identity and they are one of the key factors for improving quality of life. There are many causes for their current state, but these spaces have numerous potentials for improvement. This research points towards the importance of revitalization of these places to increase their use and in that manner contribute to the quality of life and territorial development. By using adequate solutions, it is possible to create liveable places which are resilient to today’s global challenges. Since the rural population represents one of the greatest rural resources, it is recognized as the main leader in the process of revitalization and improvement of POS. By improving POS in rural areas, it is possible to positively affect the social, functional, spatial and environmental structure of the rural settlements, and impact the migration process. Improving social contacts and common open spaces could contribute to the improvement of the identity of the place and create hubs for rural community interactions. To create liveable places for the rural population, it is important to improve rural territory, especially POS so that residents can connect to their surroundings and increase life quality.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This research was supported by the Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, GRANT No 7572, Reclaiming Public Open in Residential Areas: Shifting Planning Paradigms and Design Perspectives for a Resilient Urban Future - RePOS.
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URBAN RESILIENCE THROUGH SPONGE CITY ELEMENTS: A CASE STUDY OF PÉCS CITY SZIGETI DISTRICT
Khadra, Lujain Ben1
PhD student, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, ben.khadra@mik.pte.hu
Gyergyák János
Associate professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, gyergyak.janos@mik.pte.hu
Pál-Schreiner Judit
Assistant professor, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs, Boszorkány str. 2, 7624 Pécs, Hungary, pal-schreiner.judit@mik.pte.hu
ABSTRACT
In today’s world, due to climate change, short-term, high-intensity stormwater events are becoming increasingly common, posing a significant challenge for professionals. Such rainfall events, especially in urban environments where impermeable surfaces cannot adequately drain the water cause significant issues. The overload of the sewer system leads to strain on wastewater treatment plants while flooding on paved surfaces disrupts residents’ daily lives. A solution to these problems could lie in the concept of a sponge city. This concept, first applied in China and successfully adopted in several European cities, offers promise even in temperate climate zones. In the first part of the paper, we outline the main characteristics of the sponge city concept. After presenting several successful European projects, we explore how this method could be applied in the Pécs-Szigeti district. The paper examines how the sponge city concept elements could be utilized in the surroundings of five- and ten-story panel buildings, predominantly covered with paved surfaces, to create a more live able, sustainable environment.
Keywords: Urban Life Sustainability, Stormwater Management, Sponge City Program, PécsSzigeti District
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1. INTRODUCTION
Flash flooding occurs quickly after heavy rain due to climate change and poor drainage. Urban flooding is a major issue for cities, caused by rapid urbanization making land less permeable, leading to frequent floods and sewer overflows. Planners are working to mitigate these impacts. Flash flooding is becoming more common due to changing weather patterns (Nethmika, 2023).
1Corresponding author
in response, China has promoted “sponge cities” to sustainably manage rainwater and prevent runoff by featuring permeable roads, roof gardens, wetlands, rainwater collection systems, and green and blue spaces. This approach, similar to the Low Impact Development (LID) concept, uses green-gray infrastructure to manage stormwater, maintain groundwater recharge. Moreover, this approach also enhances infiltration, store water, delay the runoff and protect downstream water quality (Hamidi, 2021). By incorporating water retention strategies, cities can create microclimates that enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants, making urban environments more sustainable, resilient, and pleasant to live in.
2. THE SPONGE CITY PRINCIPAL CONCEPT
The Sponge City concept is based on three main goals: (i) promoting and advancing Low Impact Development (LID) principles to better manage urban peak runoff, which involves temporarily storing, recycling, and purifying storm water; (ii) improving traditional drainage systems (usually consisting of underground pipes and open channels) by integrating more flood-resilient infrastructure, such as underground water-storage tanks and tunnels, and elevating drainage standards using LID techniques to reduce excess storm water; and (iii) incorporating natural water features like wetlands and lakes into urban areas to achieve various drainage design objectives, such as enhancing ecosystem services. Simultaneously, the concept encourages the creation of additional artificial water features and green spaces to enhance the overall quality of urban life (Zhang, 2018). The Sponge City concept brings about positive changes in urban environments by providing benefits that surpass those of traditional drainage systems. It tackles multiple aspects, including flood reduction, improved water supply, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and other advantages.
2.1. THE SCALES OF IMPLEMENTING SPONGE CITY ELEMENTS
The implementation of Sponge City elements spans across various scales, each offering unique benefits to hydrology, water quality, and bio-ecology. See Figure 1.
The micro system level, Sponge City principles are applied on a smaller scale, focusing on the capture and management of rainwater to enhance water management and reduce flooding. This includes strategies like installing green roofs and rain gardens, which facilitate water infiltration, reduce surface runoff, increase evapotranspiration, and improve water quality while enhancing soil and vegetation (Qi, 2021).
The medium system, Sponge City elements are implemented on a larger scale within districts. This approach involves the construction of retention basins and pods to store and reuse rainwater, thereby mitigating flooding and enhancing water quality. These features reduce rainwater flooding by absorbing and slowing down runoff, promoting groundwater recharge, and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services while improving air quality (Qi, 2021).
On a broader scale, the macro system integrates Sponge City features citywide. This comprehensive strategy aims to capture, store, and manage rainwater across the entire urban area. By developing green infrastructure and enhancing the city’s drainage system, the macro system improves base flow and stream recharge, enhances hydrologic connectivity, and protects against flooding. Additionally, it contributes to water quality enhancement, urban-environment improvement, biodiversity conservation, erosion reduction, and supports a healthy urban ecosystem (Qi, 2021).
2.2. SUCCESSFUL, REALIZED EUROPEAN SPONGE CITY PROJECTS
Berlin faces increasing heatwaves and rainstorms, leading to a plan to install sponge city elements like green infrastructure and permeable pavements. This includes encouraging rooftop grasses, re-greening courtyards, adding ponds and wetlands, and using swales instead of storm sewers. A neighbourhood developed 20 years ago, with green roofs, deep soil layers, and a swale network, serves as a model. These initiatives are now being expanded citywide to enhance Berlin’s climate resilience (Fleetwood-Walker Michael, 2020).
Manchester City is enhancing flood protection and biodiversity by improving green spaces. West Gorton Community Park, showcasing Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS), features bioretention tree pits, community gardens, wildflower meadows, swales, rain gardens, and permeable paving. Opened in 2020, the park offers ecological and social benefits, increasing property values by £1.6 million, boosting biodiversity by 48%, and raising physical activity by 35%. It also reduced ground temperatures by an average of 5 degrees. This project demonstrates how green spaces can enhance flood resilience and mitigate heat stress (Ashden, 2024).
Rotterdam is advancing sponge city elements with the Sponge Garden project, which utilizes Soil Cubicles, Waving Wadi, and Depave Garden techniques. Soil Cubicles enhance water retention in characteristic districts, while Waving Wadi collects and retains rainwater for drought periods. Depave Garden reduces paved areas, possibly serving as planters. Like the Food Garden layout, the Sponge Garden features circular planting and a central meeting space, serving as a collective area for educational and professional visits (Holmes, 2022).
Figure 1: Sponge City Different Scale (Yunfei Qi, May 2021)
3. CASE STUDY, PÉCS-SZIGETI DISTRICT PROJECT
3.1.
The district details
The studied area is located within the Pécs-Szigeti district, bordered by Alkotmány Street, Petőfi Sándor Street, Nagy Jenő Street and Rókus Street. The area, with mostly late-1970s prefabricated concrete buildings, suffers from poor-quality construction, inadequate green spaces, overused vegetation, and non-functional public spaces mainly used for parking. The area also faces air pollution, frequent flash floods, and increasing heat waves and heat islands due to insufficient green areas. Within the area, the University of Pécs has several institutions, as well as kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and other service institutions. Within the framework of the project, we only dealt with prefabricated concrete buildings. The panel buildings examined were divided into two parts based on their location. Part A is in the southern part of the area, bordered by Nagy Jenő Street, Petőfi Sándor Street and Őz Street. We marked and numbered those buildings where section A includes four five-story buildings in this section with green color, and two ten-story buildings on the northern side of the area with purple color. Part B is located on the northern side of the area, bordered by Alkotmány-, Petőfi- and Zója streets. We marked five of the five-story buildings in this section with green color, and two tenstory buildings with purple color. See Figure 2. In the southern part of the planning area, within the area enclosed by Hungária Street and Nagy Jenő Street, we previously examined possible solutions on a micro level of the sponge city concept within the framework of the Green Gate project. In this research, the focus on a medium level by adding green spaces, creating rain gardens, green roofs, constructing rainwater collection tanks, and creating permeable surfaces to reduce flooding, while improving social and economic conditions.
Figure 2: Site Plan (Google Map)
3.2. GREEN ROOFS
Green roofs enhance water management by absorbing and retaining rainwater, thereby reducing storm water runoff, and promoting sustainable water use in urban environments. They are installed on building rooftops to create appealing green spaces in cities (Qi, 2021). Green roofs can vary in type—intensive, extensive, or semi—depending on surrounding conditions and cost. The extensively used type typically features a thin soil layer and is planted with sedums, which have shallow roots requiring minimal maintenance. Key components of an extensive green roof include a supportive roof structure, root-resistant waterproof membrane, drainage layer, filter layer (geotextile to prevent soil migration), planting medium, and appropriate vegetation (Bridges, 2020).
3.2.1. GREEN ROOF APPLICATION
As climate change leads to less frequent yet more intense short-duration precipitation, measurements from the green roof at the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, University of Pécs (FEIT, UP) Boszorkány Street Campus indicate runoff only happens after highintensity rainfall. Hence, calculations for extensive green roofs use precipitation with a 1% frequency and a duration of 10 minutes. In the examined area section B, 2316.9 m^2of roof area was calculated and an area of 1738.7 m^2for section A. In case of 1% frequency rainfall, the 4055 m^2 green roof can hold back 228 m^3/h rainfall runoff, thus preventing the development of flash flooding. Considering the average annual rainfall, the green roof retains 1365 m^3 of water, thus improving the microclimate in the area.
3.2.2. BIOSOLAR GREEN ROOF APPLICATION
A biosolar rooftop system, which integrates solar panels with a roof partially or fully covered in vegetation, significantly enhances panel efficiency and energy production. A research team from the Netherlands’ KWR Water Research Institute found that blue-green roofs (BGRs) can cool rooftop PV systems, reducing surface temperatures by up to 4.64°C compared to conventional roofs (BiRs) (Carrrol, 2023). Moreover, according to other case studies Plant growth was quickest and healthiest in the zones directly surrounding the solar panels, with several species doubling in coverage (Irga, 2023). In this paper the considered design includes solar panels covering around one-third of each roof. Therefore, the amount of runoff will decrease due to the reduction in area. In section B, the area allocated for bioswale placement was determined to be 1545m², which constitutes a quarter of the total roof area and an area of 1159 m² for section A. In case of 1% rainfall, the 2704 m² green roof can hold back 152 m3/h rainfall. Considering the average annual rainfall, the green roof retains 910 m3 of w While the biosolar system may yield a smaller reduction in runoff compared to utilizing the entire roof for greenery, its benefits in energy generation, cooling enhancement, and air quality improvement are significant. Moreover, its efficiency in generating energy can facilitate the installation of electric charging stations, further maximizing its utility and environmental impact.
3.3. PERMEABLE PARKING SPACE
Permeable pavement is a vital and cost-effective component of a sponge city system. It allows water to infiltrate surface layers, move into high-void aggregate base layers, and percolate to the subsoil for groundwater recharge. It will include changing the parking surface into a permeable material. In the project the parking area will be replaced with permeable material to ensure infiltration. The design of permeable pavements considers factors such as pavement scale, intended use (e.g., walkways or parking areas), and anticipated loads. It will be designed without reinforcement due to their low applied loads, eliminating the need for foundations. The parking area of 465 m2 in part A and 380 m2 in part B of the examined area. In Part A, we have increased the number of parking spaces compared to the current state, as we have also created a parking area on the north side, in front of the ten-story buildings. Thus, in this area, parking lots run around in front of the houses, enclosing the green area where we plan to create a rain garden. See figure 3. The number of parking spaces in Part B remains unchanged. With an average annual rainfall of 673 mm, 568m3 of precipitation falls on this surface per year. Considering the runoff coefficient of 0.25, 142m3 of rainwater per year can be collected from the area.
3.4. RAIN GARDENS
The rain garden serves as both a bio-retention system and a self-watering garden, playing a crucial role in the sponge city concept (Li, 2020). It reduces rainwater flow, mitigates pollution in waterways, and promotes groundwater recharge. By collecting excess rainwater from nearby building roofs and hard surfaces, it channels it through layers of vegetated sand for filtration. The filtered water is then directed into storage for potential reuse. This system temporarily stores the water and infiltrates it into underground drainage pipes and rainwater from the roof is received via downpipes (Capodaglio, 2020). The water may flood the garden surface immediately after rainfall, but for most of the year, the garden remains dry. The locations were selected based on essential features and considerations to avoid potential issues. The chosen areas for Section A and B in the central space between buildings see figure 3. These sites are ideal due to their flat, unused terrain. Additionally, the rain garden will enhance the aesthetics of the surrounding homes. The placement ensures that the rain garden is more than 3 meters away from building foundations and from utilities. Moreover, to prevent overflow and local
Figure 3: The implementation of permeable materials for the parking area (Author)
flooding during extreme events, the drainage pipe is linked to the public stormwater drainage system. Guidelines recommend that the garden area should be at least 2% of the effective drained area, which is calculated by multiplying the total area by a runoff coefficient based on the surface type. In section B, the permeable parking area covers 265 m², while the green area spans 515m². Therefore, with a total area of 980 m², a rain garden of at least 20m² is required, which could be implemented as two plots of 20m² each. For section A, the parking area measures 380 m², and the green area is 47m². Consequently, a minimum of 10m² is needed for the area, suggesting the implementation of two plots, each measuring 10m².
3.5.
Stormwater tanks
Storage tanks function as reservoirs to collect and store rainwater or storm water runoff for future use. These tanks are designed to address water scarcity, reduce flood risks, and promote sustainable water management practices, a typical rainwater harvesting system consists of various elements that channel storm water through pipes or drains, collecting it from a catchment area into storage tanks. In this project the suggested solution to manage stormwater will be using ASTAY XXL (12000L) rainwater collection tank that is available in Hungary (Hu, 2023), for sections A, an underground tank will be installed beneath the rain garden. See figure 3. The deeper placement helps avoid uplift issues in case of leaks, and manhole cover will provide access to the tank below ground. Similarly, for sections B, an underground tank will be placed under the central rain garden moreover, Roof runoff is directed immediately to underground storage, while parking runoff is conveyed through the site’s drainage network. The stored runoff is intended for local non-potable uses such as watering green areas. Based on local design criteria, the retention tank’s volume is sufficient to irrigate a green area of approximately 1000 m² and the minimum required tank volume for area more than 900 m2 is 12 m3 (Capodaglio, 2020). therefore, for section B it’s suggested to install two storage tanks each 12 m3 and for section A one storage tank.
4. Summary
In summary, our project operated at a medium scale with the aim of controlling flooding and enhancing sustainability. Elements from the Sponge City concept was incorporated, including green roofs implemented for both sections of the building. In section A, the parking area transitioned from asphalt to permeable material, accommodating additional parking spots, while in section B, the parking layout remained unchanged. Additionally, rain gardens were implemented in both sections, each with an underground water tank to collect rainfall and alleviate strain on the sewer system, particularly during heavy rain events. See figure 4.
CONCLUSION
Successfully implementing Sponge City elements requires a strategic approach that effectively integrates green spaces across various scales. On the micro scale, efforts focus on retrofitting and incorporating green infrastructure into the existing urban fabric. On the medium scale, planning new developments and urban renewal projects should include substantial green space allocations. By addressing both scales, cities can maximize the ecological, water quality, and hydrological benefits of Sponge City initiatives, creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments. Noticing the positive impact of innovative urban water management measures, particularly in rainwater control and enhancing liveability, turns our focus to Pécs. The aim is to explore how these new strategies can be applied in Pécs to improve water management practices and make the city of Pécs an even better place to live, where residents can enjoy a healthier, greener, and more vibrant city.
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Figure 4: Design Concept (Author)
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TRANSFUSION OF THE CRITICAL URBAN THEORY AND MANFREDO TAFURI’S CONCEPTUALIZATION OF CRITICAL ARCHITECTURE
Cingel, Ivan1
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimir Prelog St. 3, 31000 Osijek, icingel@gfos.hr
Jurković, Željka
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimir Prelog St. 3, 31000 Osijek, zjurkovic@gfos.hr
Lovoković, Danijela
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Osijek, Vladimir Prelog St. 3, 31000 Osijek, dlovokovic@gfos.hr
ABSTRACT
According to Henri Lefebvre (1970), we live in a world where urbanization has supplanted industrialization as the main driver of the economy. An unbalanced relationship of urban actors in shaping space within such a socieconomic paradigm is recognised by a considerable number of scientists. The disparity goes to the detriment of public interests and to the benefit of private ones. One of the consequences is converting of the architectural and urbanistic profession to a service industry, as a widespread uncritical servicing of power actors in space. In such circumstances, alternative possibilities of critical action within the realms of the profession are to be explored. Manfredo Tafuri takes up criticism of architecture as an ideology, ending in pessimism of finding that the language of architecture can not be critical. It should therefore stay silent, insisted Tafuri, invoking form without utopia. Architects and urbanists, however – if they want to be truly critical in their practice – should go the other route: from form to reform (1974). Instead of locking in the boudoir of formal or language games, devoid of socio-political engagement, we must – according to Tafuri – ask about the position of the architectural work within the production relations of the epoch. Situationist critique of commodification and imagistic aestheticization of the city develops in parallel. Lefebvre’s concept of the right to the city (1968) is widely recognized as the foundation of critical urban theory – with David Harvey as the most prominent representative. The paper examines the correspondence of critical urban theory with Tafuri’s concept of the substitution of form by reform, as its further articulation. It insists on the socioeconomic substrate of the contemporary urban form and urban planning, with focus on production relations and power relations in shaping spaces and their democratization.
Keywords: Critical Urban Theory, From Form to Reform, Architecture in Boudoir
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
The framework of the division into four groups of urban actors, i.e. political, professional, economic, and civil (Bassand 2001) can be analysed from the perspective of power dynamics and their impact on the shaping of space. The nature of the ongoing crisis in the post-socialist space space is described as an imbalance in favor of power actors (public authorities and private capital), to the detriment of public interests and excluded actors, coupled with the systemic conditionality of partial management of space, in the function of subordination to private interests (Mattioni 2003/2007, Svirčić Gotovac 2010). Such a condition manifests itself in the architectural and urban planning profession by decreasing its social relevance through widespread conversion into an unquestioning service to power actors. It is therefore necessary to examine alternative possibilities and articulations of critical action by architects and urban planners.
At the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, Manfredo Tafuri, an Italian theoretician and historian of architecture, offered one form of this kind of critical engagement, with his critique of architecture as an ideology and, in particular, his concept of replacing form with reform. Simultaneously, the field of critical urban theory is evolving as an interdisciplinary branch of science that addresses phenomena of space commodification inherent to post-industrial society. Architectural and urban planning practices that draw from critical urban theory, and especially its concept of the right to the city, represent another form of critical action from the position of the profession in regard to power actors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The paper’s main hypothesis is that Tafuri’s concept of critical action for architects and critical urban theory are highly compatible and that critical urban theory, that continued developing, is a more in-depth theoretical exposition of the issue in light of changed historical conditions. The secondary hypothesis holds that architectural and urban planning practices that, in their theoretical reflection, operate according to the tenets of critical urban theory, simultaneously represent the practical actualization of Tafuri’s concept.
The article will outline the foundational ideas of Tafuri’s concept. The foundational ideas of critical urban theory will next be presented. Their level of concordance will be ascertained by comparative analysis. Using the example of the Pula Group, which is a paradigmatic case of architectural and urban planning practice that explicitly referred to critical urban theory in Croatia, it will be demonstrated how such practices implement Tafuri’s concept.
DISCUSSION: MANFREDO TAFURI’S CRITICISM OF ARCHITECTURE AS AN IDEOLOGY
Drawing philosophically from the Frankfurt School’s critical theory, Tafuri followed Adorno’s concept of negative theory and resistance to commodification through the autonomy of art. He criticized the “avant-garde approach” in architecture for sublimating the collective trauma that “German sociologists” (e.g. Georg Simmel, Max Weber, Ferdinand Tönnies) had described. It was about processing the psychological shock that comes with capitalist commodification (conflated with the notion of reification). However, in contrast to its claimed emancipatory character, “modern architecture” processed it through ideological assimilation, obtaining the
traits of a “regressive utopia” (Tafuri 1998 [1969], 1976 [1973]).
FORM WITHOUT UTOPIA
Undertaking criticism of architecture as an ideology, Tafuri comes to the pessimistic conclusion that being semantically “silent” is the only honorable course for architecture. The lessons he had learnt from the fall and compromise of “modern architecture” troubled him, as did the futility of using its language to achieve redemption from the era of late capitalism (Tafuri 1976 [1973]). Tafuri feels sorry for the architects who must continue to design, because they are in a dreadful position: left to work with the fragmentary scraps of a language whose code has been lost, after the loss of all illusions. But reaching for semantic messages would be an even worse path: then we stumble upon the ostentatious spikes of a regressive utopia. “Today, he who is willing to make architecture speak is forced to rely on materials empty of any and all meaning: he is forced to reduce to degree zero all architectonic ideology, all dreams of social function and any utopian residues” (Tafuri 1974). Tafuri is not in principle against the use of architecture to advance social emancipation or utopia. Quite the opposite. It is just that the architecture is helpless in that regard when it comes to semantic superstructure and ideological meta-language. Through such means architecture inevitably turns into something contrary to its emancipatory idea. And if discussing society only manages to devolve into a regressive ideology, through “mystified attempts to ideologically dress up architecture”, not managing to be truly critical and negative, then it’s preferable to say nothing at all. To withdraw into a formal autonomy, lacking any political message, “bound to become pure architecture again, an instance of form devoid of utopia, at best sublime uselessness”. He named it form without utopia (Tafuri 1976 [1973]).
ARCHITECTURE IN THE BUDOIR
Architects from the New York Five group, led by Peter Eisenman, famously took Tafuri as their capstone theory. Through them, “Tafuri’s despair” – insight about failure of the modernist project and the distortion of emancipation into a dystopia – was codified as the basis of the so-called “critical architecture” of “architectural theory machine in the United States” (Ghirardo 2002). According to their stance, under such conditions one can only repeat the emptying of emptiness to the point of meaninglessness, signifying the impossibility of signifying. As a designer, Eisenman proposes reduction to architectural sintax, within Adornian idea of autonomy. It is a meta-architecture: it makes its theme and only real content out of the architectural language, but devoid of any semantics. Such a conception of criticality, however, falsified the meaning of Tafuri’s critique. He will say that they closed themselves in the boudoir, in “absolute ahistoricism” (Tafuri 1974). With their credo of autonomy of form as apoliticality, they misappropriated his pessimism as his last message, “while ignoring the political dimension fundamental to his critique”, as Ghirardo put it, enabling themselves to cheerfully build “for any multinational which issued invitations”. They used Tafuri’s concept of form without utopia – the insight that every architectural semantics ends up being instrumentalized by hegemony – “as an ideological mask for the complicity that exists between some highbrow architecture of the postmodern or deconstructivist variety and the vulgar commercial concerns of property developers” (Ghirardo 2002). When we talk about being critical, even in Adornian terms of autonomy of art, we necessarily talk – Hilde Heynen emphasized – about dealing with social
issues, being engaged, being political. From the circumstance that architecture, if it intends to be built, as a rule must be placed “on the side of money and power, thus supporting the status quo”, it will follow, points out Heynen, that architecture that has ambitions to be critical cannot reduce its critical content to “noncommittal commentary that only concerns the packaging of the building”. The key is in “critical treatment of social reality”; to ask yourself questions like: “’Who is building and for whom?’ ‘What is its impact on the public domain?’ and ‘Who will profit from this development?’” (Heynen 1999).
FROM FORM TO REFORM
As a major political issue of architecture – the criterion that makes something critically engaged or not – Tafuri puts forth the relationship of the architect towards his own role as a servicer of the status quo. For this purpose, he evokes Walter Benjamin’s essay: before we ask what is the position of the work in relation to the relations of production of the epoch – reactionary, if in accordance with them, or progressive, if in resistance to them – we must ask about the position of the work within the relations of production (Benjamin 1934). Instead of architects locked in the boudoir, “desirous of preserving a linguistic ‘aura’ for architecture”, we need, Tafuri insisted, those who will – “in contact with cooperative organisations or public agencies” – work on “radical modification of the social division of labour, and therefore of the task of planning and design”. He called it from form to reform, as “underground current, which as such is removed from the architectural discipline”, in the sense of not staying within its narrower framework and in the sense of renouncing “almost entirely the traditional baggage of values and judgments” (Tafuri 1974). He spoke about “architects without architecture” and “architect as producer”, advising the emphasis no longer on the production of form and language games, shifting to wrestling “with nearly intractable problems of affording housing or urban sprawl, energy crises” (Ghirardo 2002). He was looking for practices that would emphasize “structural considerations”, in Benjamin’s sense of position in relations of production. Valorization of architecture is impossible, according to Tafuri, without “economic cycle as the determining variable for any proposed structure”, “economic reading of building production”, addresing “material constraints which determine the production cycle itself” and “role of construction within the entire capitalistic system”. Any architecture must be asked “in what way will it […] be able to influence the relations of production”. Moreover, Tafuri believes that the history of modern architecture should be rewritten according to the criterion of answering Benjamin’s question. We should evaluate how architecture challenges the status quo, by examining how it is rooted in the relations of production and consumption, as well as one’s own role in them in relation to the power actors in the shaping of space.
Eisenman and others who closed themselves in the linguistic boudoir are not critical architecture precisely because they do not go against “varied interests which comprise the purveyors of consumerism, commercialization, and capitalist rationalization” (Tafuri 1974). Tafuri’s theory had to be sterilized and cleansed of its radical political program in order to be used as a call for dehistoricized autonomy of form and the futility of resistance, in order to codify the pseudocritical architecture of Eisenman and others. Tafuri, on the contrary, indicated that the only remaining options were “political ones”, to break free from “capitalism’s stranglehold”; certainly his message wasn’t that there were no choices left. “The lesson to be learned was not the impossibility of doing anything”, rather “that reforms needed to be extended with a coherent political strategy to the entire complex of institutions, and not only those involving architecture and building” (Ghirardo 2002 ).
CRITICAL URBAN THEORY
Critical urban theory is an interdisciplinary field of study that has been developing since 1968, related to student unrest throughout the Western Hemisphere (Rossi 2019). The criticism focuses on the hypercommodification of space that characterizes neoliberal model of urban development (Brenner et al. 2012). It highlights the structural conditions that lead to the imperative of profit commodification of space in post-industrial capitalism, superseding the use of space for social reproduction (Smith 2002).
THE URBAN PHASE OF CRITICAL THEORY
The field’s name refers to the Enlightenment concept of criticism (Kant, Hegel, Marx, etc.); more precisely, it refers to the term “critical theory”, introduced by Max Horkheimer as a research program of the Frankfurt School (Horkheimer 1937). The Frankfurt School philosophers brought to Marxist thought a departure from the orthodox position that privileges the ontology of the workplace as an omnipotent social conflict, but they did not pay much attention to the issue of the urban condition. Critical urban theory builds on it by positioning the urban question within the broader framework of critical social theory (Brenner 2009, Rossi 2019). Historical reflexivity is one of its essential characteristics. While the analytical apparatus of the Frankfurt School was formed in relation to the Fordist, Keynesian paradigm of capitalism, the post-Fordist, postKeynesian (neoliberal) paradigm is associated with the growing significance of the urban issue. Lefebvre’s insight that urbanization has supplanted industrialization as the driving force of the capitalist economy is a major reflective point of critical urban theory (Lefebvre 2003 [1970], Smith 2002). It is founded on the recognition of that historic turning point, which profoundly alters the society we live in (Postone 1993, Brenner 2009).
THE RIGHT TO THE CITY
The central concept of critical urban theory is also Lefebvre’s: the right to the city. For Lefebvre, “urban life has yet to begin.” It has not yet begun since the simulation of urban life that we experience in late capitalism is governed by the transformation of space into a commodity (as an exclusive good) and a spectacle, with aestheticization leading to anesthetization. The right to the city, he claims, is like a cry and a demand. The cry is a sensation of a human being in response to the alienation of existence in a commodified city, in the society of the spectacle. The demand refers to creating an alternative mode of urban life instead of escapisms (a return to the countryside, to nature, to the historical core – all of which “contradicts the right to the city”). The right to the city “can only be formulated as a transformed and renewed right to urban life” (Lefebvre 1968). David Harvey takes over and fleshes out Lefebvre’s concept. In his version, the right to the city refers to the democratization of the right to manage urban space. It does not only apply to access to public space, but above all to the right to decide what happens to the urban space around us, to participate in shaping it – and therefore shaping social relations also. It is a matter of disposing of surplus value, which in post-industrial society is no longer dominantly produced in factories but rather by the city. Harvey argues that the right to the city is constituted by establishing democratic control and management over the deployment of surplus through urbanization (Harvey 2008). It is conducted against the blows of privatization, or “accumulation by disposession” (Harvey 2003), as an insistence that the surplus created by
the city remain a common good and public property.
IMPLEMENTATION IN ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN PLANNING PRACTICE
Throughout the previous two decades, various alternative architectural and urban planning practices have emerged based on critical urban theory. In Croatia, the Pula group (Pulska grupa), along with the eponymous Right to the City (Pravo na grad), was a pioneer in this field. It was created in 2005 as an informal association of architects following a series of workshops and other actions centered on Pula’s urban space. The group explicitly referred to the concept of the right to the city and the tenets of critical urban theory for its theoretical reflection, while defining its activities as aimed at the reappropriation and defense of common space through the recognition of the city as a site of class conflict and citizen self-organization against the privatization of the city (Pula group, 2010). Architecture theorist Maroje Mrduljaš stated for the Pula group that their activity “demonstrates how the architects have to use different communication channels”. In addition to the problem diagnostics, “they project intelligent alternatives, negotiate with city authorities, organize exhibitions in galleries and advertise in daily newspaper”. Although political context they are working within, observes Mrduljaš, “shifts them into the sphere of utopia”, they actually act very pragmatically and decidedly and “their propositions are super-rational and made with a lot of engineering creativity led by empathy towards the needs of community” (Horvat and Mrduljaš 2008).
FINDINGS
In Harvey’s terms, “charting the path” for critical urban theory to be effective in social transformation requires understanding the nature of contemporary patterns of urban restructuring and then analysing the implications for action (Harvey 1988 [1973]). In Tafuri’s terms, we must seek “a precise sense of direction in action, a field of encounter and confrontation directed towards a greater knowledge of reality”, whereby the criticism of ideology should be “translated into an analysis of concrete techniques which will favor capitalistic development” (Tafuri 1974). While these initial points are merely slightly different formulations of the same starting point, subsequent trajectories will differ in their level of elaboration. In an overview of the “past four decades of vibrant theorizing, research, debate, and disagreement on urban questions under capitalism”, Brenner, Marcuse and Mayer establish five points that make up the common denominator of the critical urban theory program (Brenner et al. 2012, Parker et al. 2014). First: systematically analyzing the relationship between capitalism and urbanization processes. Which is still in the domain of Tafuri’s initial point. However, critical urban theory, thanks to decades of efforts by many researchers, has realized it in far greater detail. The four remaining points show the expansion and refinement of that initial program. Second point: understanding how the evolution of capitalist urbanization shapes sociospatial inequalities and political-institutional arrangements. Third: exposing the naturalization of marginalizations, exclusions and injustices that are inscribed in existing urban configurations. Fourth: deciphering the contradictions, crisis tendencies and lines of conflict within contemporary cities. Fifth: demarcating progressive, socially just, emancipatory and sustainable alternatives to contemporary urban life. In his review, Neil Brenner provides a succinct definitional answer to the question of what is critical urban theory and what are its characteristics (Brenner, 2009). In the first place: it
“rejects inherited disciplinary divisions of labor and statist, technocratic, marketdriven and market-oriented forms of urban knowledge. Which ideally corresponds with Tafuri’s request for “seriously challenging the present-day crystallization of intellectual work and therefore [...] challenging our capitalistic division of labor”. Brenner further points out: “Rather than affirming the current condition of cities as the expression of transhistorical laws of social organization, bureaucratic rationality or economic efficiency, critical urban theory emphasizes the politically and ideologically mediated, socially contested and therefore malleable character of urban space – that is, its continual (re)construction as a site, medium and outcome of historically specific relations of social power. Critical urban theory is thus grounded on an antagonistic relationship not only to inherited urban knowledges, but more generally, to existing urban formations.” Which directly corresponds with Tafuri’s request that the architect, in order to avoid being an instrument of regressive ideology, turn from the aesthetic and linguistic preoccupations of individual architectural works to the city and its material basis of construction (“as an entire production cycle rather than a single work is desired”) and interfere with the present interests of capitalist rationalization. According to Tafuri, architecture must be asked “in what way will it, insofar as it is a precise organization, be able to influence the relations of production”, with the need to delve into the socioeconomic basis of existing construction models (“wishing to discover the tricks of a magician, it is often better to observe him from behind the scenes rather than to continue to stare at him from a seat in the audience”). Brenner, finally, emphasizing the program’s insistence “that another, more democratic, socially just and sustainable form of urbanization is possible”, summarizes that “critical urban theory involves the critique of ideology (including social-scientific ideologies) and the critique of power, inequality, injustice and exploitation, at once within and among cities”. Explicating in this way for critical urban theory the same agenda of criticism of ideology that Tafuri used to declare his overall approach. While channeling the interdisciplinarity of critical urban theory into concrete forms of architectural and urban planning activity, the work of the Pula Group and related platforms manifests itself as a consistent practical actualization of Tafuri’s concept of a reformist instead of formalist approach. The key features are: critical approach to the capital political question of the profession (the answer to Benjamin’s structural question), treating the city as a site of class conflict, as well as going beyond the narrow domain of the discipline, with the actualization of Tafuri’s call to “architects without architecture”.
CONCLUSIONS
The comparative analysis of Tafuri’s concept of substituting form for reform and the tenets of critical urban theory validated the article’s main hypothesis: multiple congruences were established. It is not a coincidence, since both represent a critique of ideology following the Frankfurt School, through the problematization of the urban issue. While Tafuri’s demand for social reform through the revision of production relations in urban development has not been elaborated in greater detail, critical urban theory will fulfill all of its essential points over decades of activity and analytically elaborate them, referring to the contemporary postindustrial, neoliberal phase of capitalism. The secondary hypothesis was confirmed using Pula group as an example, identifiying its theoretical reflection as founded on critical urban theory with simultaneous practical professional engagement in accordance with all the postulates of Tafuri’s concept.
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ACTION PLACEMAKING IN BELGRADE, SERBIA: GARDENING AS A GAME-CHANGER OF AN ADAPTIVE URBAN SYSTEM
Stupar, Aleksandra
Full Professor, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73 Belgrade, Serbia, stupar@arh.bg.ac.rs
Mihajlov, Vladimir
Associate Professor, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra
73 Belgrade, Serbia, vladimir.mihajlov@arh.bg.ac.rs
Simic, Ivan
Assistant Professor, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra
73 Belgrade, Serbia, ivan.simic@arh.bg.ac.rs
Grujicic, Aleksandar1
Teaching Assistant, University of Belgrade – Faculty of Architecture, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra
73 Belgrade, Serbia, aleksandar.grujicic@arh.bg.ac.rs
ABSTRACT
Urban gardens have an important role in reconnecting nature and urban environment since their notion is related to culture and everyday life. Focusing on the Belgrade area of Donji Dorcol, the paper examines the application of the urban gardening approach, based on the synergy of dwelling culture and specific social and cultural needs of local inhabitants. Urban gardens in Belgrade are developed spontaneously (often illegally) as self-organized citizens’ acts. Nevertheless, they promote the values of an active relationship between users and immediate residential surrounding, contributing to the overall comfort of residents and their attitude toward the living environment. Also, urban gardens are not only the places for producing food in financially challenging times, but, above all, the specific nodes associated with socialisation and a “sense of home”. Recognising the benefits of urban gardens, while raising the awareness of this concept in a city, influences the upgraded perception of urban green infrastructure. Consequently, the effects of the action placemaking directed to the future creation of new garden spots could benefit the city on several levels - from the improvement of landscape quality, to the (co)creation and elaboration of an Adaptive Urban System for Belgrade.
Keywords: Urban Gardening, Green Infrastructure, Nature Based Solutions, Social Cohesion, Urban Resilience, Adaptive Urban System
Topics: Urban design and planning for a better livable urban environment
1Corresponding author
INTRODUCTION
Urban gardens have an important role in reconnecting with nature and urban environment contributing to the overall effect of green spaces to cities. In urban planning, green spaces are perceived as an element of green infrastructure (GI) and in the context of the European Union, GI is defined as a systemically planned network of natural and natural-close (created) spaces in an urban area. The values provided by GI, planned as a spatio-functional structure of a city, have an impact on the entire urban community creating a wide range of ecological, social and economic benefits (EU Commission, 2013). GI functions on multiple spatial scales - from regional and city level, to the level of urban districts and blocks - through various modes of implementation (e.g. green urban areas, community and private gardens, sports and leisure areas, allotments, trees, natural and semi-natural areas, high nature value agricultural areas, and blue elements). It also represents a good interconnection of these elements and multi-functionality, influencing both nature and society, as well as their mutual harmony within natural and urban ecosystems. The benefits of green infrastructure are reflected in the provided ecosystem services, including clean air and water, fertile and clean soil, pollination, but also social services such as recreation and biophilia, which satisfy a human need for contact and nature.
The implementation of the concept of green infrastructure is achieved through the Nature Based Solutions (NBS), which include a wide range of activities aimed at the protection, preservation, restoration, sustainable use and management of natural and altered ecosystems. The European Commission and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation define NBS as solutions for environmental, economic and social challenges and classify them in three basic types, according to the scale and type of ecosystems (Cohen-Shacham, E. et al., 2016). Type 3 refers to urban ecosystems, resulting in forests, parks, urban gardens, green buildings, bioretentions, etc. as the main forms of solutions (Eggermont et al., 2015). Among their numerous benefits, some could be especially underlined- e.g. air cooling, regulation of water runoff, carbon sequestration, strengthening of biodiversity, health and well-being of residents and water quality. Considering that climate change generates the biggest challenges to life quality, the greatest impact of NBS is related to flood mitigation and heat island effect (Cohen-Shacham, E. et al., 2016; Seddon et al., 2020). All these problems could be detected on both the global and local level, while and urban gardens represent one of possible (re)actions to the accumulated problems of urban life. Therefore, it is important to address the right motives for their establishment and maintenance (by citizens). The possibility of social contacts developed through greening activities should be also highlighted as a placemaking instrument for achieving the vitality of both green infrastructure and local communities, while strengthening their identity and well-being. In Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, urban gardening could be considered as an element of local life, emphasising the link between dwelling culture, the ecological/social needs of local communities and the dominant Modernism and Post-modernism planning paradigms. Belgrade’s urban gardens have been created and developed spontaneously (mostly illegally), through selforganized citizens’ acts. The lack of a systematic approach to managing these gardens could be noticed, as well as the absence of legislation on all levels (authorities, private or public bodies or even associations). Nevertheless, they have promoted an active relationship between users and surrounding, improving the living comfort and strengthening the sense of belonging, especially in the areas dedicated to working-class housing. Nowadays, urban gardens are gaining a new, very important role as an element of green infrastructure at the local level. They are a part of a broader strategy for adapting cities to climate change, while becoming one of NBS. Therefore, it would be beneficial to recognise the positive effects of urban gardening on Belgrade landscape and raise the awareness on their general impact.
In line with these initiatives, this paper will present the case of the area Donji Dorcol (Lower Dorcol), where the action (participative) placemaking was applied in a post-socialist surrounding, creating a new element of GI while promoting the social capital of civil society.
TOWARD NEW GREEN RESOURCES
Urban green spaces mitigate the effects of pollution and could reduce the impact of the urban heat island effect. Planting trees, flowers and other plants in available space also contributes to the overall quality and comfort. The benefits provided by green spaces could be classified as ecological/environmental (air quality, temperature regulation, precipitation management, biodiversity) and socio-economic (health and human well-being, involvement of local communities, improvement of aesthetic and cultural values), as stated by various authors (Seddon et al., 2020; Cortinovis et al., 2022; Kabisch et al., 2017; Raymond et al., 2017). One of the concepts that utilises a wide spectrum of NBS is Sponge city, which reduces the number of hard surfaces and increases the amount of absorbent land, particularly green space in order to decrease the severity and frequency of flooding events (World Future Council, 2016). Additionally, the mitigation of the heat island effect is also one of the frequently cited NBS benefits. Urban environments act as heat collectors, especially in summer, which has various consequences, primarily for public health. In the area of Dorcol in Belgrade, this effect is very pronounced due to the intensive development and traditional urban matrix that leaves sparse space for greenery. The evaporative surfaces of urban gardens release absorbed solar energy through the evaporation of water stored within material. As water turns from liquid to gas, thermal energy is absorbed from the surrounding and the surface is cooled (Heyes et al., 2022). Considering all these features of green spaces and their role in strengthening urban sustainability, the implementation of green infrastructure and the establishment of urban gardens have become important for the environmental transition of the city of Belgrade. The main strategic document represents the Action Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change, which was updated in 2023. It is the most comprehensive and detailed document on the city level, targeting climate change and the measures planned for adaptation. It recognises GI as the basic concept on several spatial scales - from the state, regional, city and municipal levels, to the level of neighbourhood (block/plot) (GBgd, 2015).
In the focus area of Donji Dorcol, the initiative of urban gardening has been in line with the agendas and strategies related to sustainable urban development, resilience to climate change and the implementation of both GI and NBS. Simultaneously, the results of the implemented initiative were used as a base for the Guidelines for the Action Placemaking of Urban Gardens in Belgrade, directly tackling the issues of redevelopment and the landscaping of urban blocks.
THE CASE STUDY DONJI DORCOL
Dorcol is a part of the central area of Belgrade, located along the right bank of the Danube. At the end of the 19th century its development was set by Prince Miloš Obrenović, defining it as a central commercial zone. The interaction between the residential part and the river was intensive during this development, reflecting in new, representative buildings in Cara Dusana Street. However, the construction of both a railway and a transit road interrupted this link in the early 20th century. Since then, the transit character of this area has increased, leading to a gradual degradation of urban and environmental quality. However, the adoption of the Plan of
the linear park (2021) marked the begging of a new period for Dorcol.
New environmental paradigms, which inspired this plan, also influenced the citizens’ initiative for urban gardening and the first action started in November 2018, in Donji Dorcol. The residents of the building in Dubrovacka Street No. 16, triggered the change in order to reduce communal disorder and crime, while increasing the safety and providing the adequate space for quality time and socialising. In January 2019, the Residents’ Assembly addressed the Municipality of Stari Grad during the competition entitled “The Old Town Thinks of Buildings”. As a result, in November 2021 the Municipality provided 70% of the budget needed for a new fence around the building plot. In April 2023 a sitting/gathering space was built and since then, the greening process has begun (Figure 1, 2).
Figure 1. The building plot in Dubrovacka street, No. 16, Donji Dorcol, Belgrade: Garden design proposal by Vladimir Mihajlov.
January 18th, 2019
December 15th, 2021
February 12th, 2022
July 14th, 2023
Figure 2. The process of transformation (2019-2023). Source: Authors.
Source: Kvart Dorcolski https://www.facebook.com/groups/390506711423261/
The process of community gardening in Donji Dorcol was based on a participative approach, which included a dialogue with stakeholders. The interactions and opportunities for further actions were observed, while the overall experience with the participatory design included the involvement of experts and demonstrated the capacity for self-building and a sustainable use of shared spaces. The citizens’ initiative was based on several objectives which directed the implementation phases.
The first step was related to the value and importance of green resources in the anticipated program of urban greening. In order to establish an urban garden, the plot in Dubrovacka street had to be enclosed and articulated by urban furniture and plants, which also required funding for the needed tools and materials (e.g. fences, tillage tools, folding chairs, adaptation of ground floors, garden shades, plants, jardinieres, future utility costs etc.). The second step was directed toward the maximisation of public participation at all levels of project implementation (including the local apartment owners, NGOs, lecturers, experts and students from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture which elaborated the topic though elective courses, workshops etc.). The third step was the development of institutional capacity and collaboration through the multi-tiered approach involving all users, governmental and non-government sectors.
The link with the University was established though the curriculum of the elective course Ecopolis, positioned on the first year of the Master’s program at the Faculty of Architecture. The focus of the course is placed on the ecological resilience of cities, covering fundamental theoretical models and design principles targeting urban ecosystems. The enrolled students learn about the essential role of green infrastructure in fostering resilient urban environments, with a particular focus on NBS. Since these solutions effectively address social, economic and environmental challenges, the case of Donji Dorcol was used as a polygon for exploring the integration of nature into both built environment and the life of local community. The students’ knowledge of urban design and materials complemented the information provided by local inhabitants’ and influenced various solutions for the communal space of urban garden. The features of biophilic design, sustainable development and circular economy through urban recycling and adaptive reuse of buildings were also included into proposals.
Figure 3. The Residents’ Assembly in the urban garden of Dubrovacka street, No. 16, Donji Dorcol (August 12th, 2023)
The consideration of all these elements and participants in the project of urban gardening generated several important outcomes:
• The enhancement of life quality for all users (inhabitants) by promoting an active relationship with immediate residential surrounding. This process enabled the increase of environmental awareness, improvement of everyday habits, public health and human wellbeing;
• The improvement of urban design by fostering a new GI network plan for Belgrade, which will address the problems of climate change adaptation (e.g. heat islands, rainfall drainage management) and provide guidelines for the future Urban Greenery Master plan;
• The academic involvement of different institutions related to urban planning, greening, urban biodiversity and biophilia. Their contribution had to be proactive, stimulating a participative placemaking, climate change adaptation, city resilience and flexibility.
CONCLUSION
The affirmative examples of the NBS application could be found all over the world although in Serbia they still have to be promoted. For example, China and its numerous cities strategically apply NBS and the project of urban gardens - Green Loops City (the winning proposal of the Danish practice ADEPT) represents an innovative and sustainable vision of development. It accommodates rapid urban growth while preserving the cultural heritage of Hengyang and its surrounding landscape. European cities also have many examples of NBS application, especially sensitive to social inclusiveness. Urban gardens in Barcelona follow this framework by stimulating the Nature-Based thinking on cities and encouraging inclusion of all groups in urban gardening, particularly residents older than 65 years and migrants. These activities follow the city’s Strategy for Urban Agriculture, strengthening sense of community and belonging. However, urban gardening is relatively new in Serbia even though some forms of this activity could be found during the 20th century. Currently, this activity is not regulated by legislation hence its status has to be defined in order to legally channel various initiatives. Consequently, the presented isolated civil initiative in Donji Dorcol was used as an input for a Draft for the Action Placemaking Guide for Urban Gardens of Belgrade. It targets three main areas of interest:
• Added value to urban green resources (through the implementation of urban green network)
The evaluation criteria include the following elements: the ratio of pervious surfaces, the share of evapo-transpirational surfaces, areas under treetops, vegetation structure of biotopes, visual quality, the condition of cultivation and maintenance. The indicators used for calculating the ratio/percentage of pervious surfaces, evapo-transpirational surfaces and the areas under treetops are quantitative. Some of the data are available in the Belgrade’s GIS of biotopes, indicating the change in the number and type of activities.
• Maximising public participation at all levels of project implementation The evaluation criteria include the number of participants – users and the multi-functionality of urban green network nodes. The preferred indicators are: the ratio/percentage of surface use and the number of elective courses, conferences, NGO initiatives. Monthly observations and photographing are necessary, documenting the process and changes.
• Multi-tiered approach involving cooperation with users, governmental and nongovernmental sectors.
Criteria for evaluation: number of institutional and non-institutional subjects involved, number of participatory activities, number of promoted/published/announced results. Monthly reports in this area are necessary, demonstrating the intensity and importance of particular activities. Although the number of urban gardening initiatives has to be increased and regulated in Serbia, the isolated examples represent a signpost for a further engagement of local communities, multidisciplinary experts, institutional and governmental entities, as well as the NGO sector. Although mostly based on personal enthusiasm, low-technological solutions/tools and limited resources, these activities gradually influence environmental awareness, stimulate community cohesion, facilitate inclusion and - in a long run, contribute to the quality of urban life, which has been frequently challenged by various ecological, social and technological disturbances.
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