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Architects have increasingly turned to Machine learning techniques to streamline various aspects of the architectural design process. Although ML excels at discovering intricate patterns, predicting architectural design parameters through ML remains relatively unexplored. The complexity of the design process entails aspects that affect the form generation process. This paper investigated the feasibility of a framework that employed ML algorithms to predict numeric values for creating 3D models. A single villa was designed parametrically to generate hundreds of samples ensuring a human-centered design process. Four datasets were created from the samples for predicting form and windows parameters. Various regression and classification algorithms were applied, with ensemble learning methods demonstrating impressive performance across all datasets. Regression tasks achieved high R2 of up to 0.97, 0.79, and 0.99 while the best classification algorithm achieved 98 % accuracy. These findings underscored the potential efficacy of the framework in predicting architectural parameters, contingent upon well-designed datasets. [Display omitted] • Machine learning approaches can serve as human-centered in architectural design. • Creating a numeric data set of architectural parameters requires being thoughtfully designed with correlated variables. • Machine learning models can find the patterns and predict the building's parameters with well-developed data sets. • Ensemble learning models can give high accuracy and R2 scores in problems related to predicting architectural parameters. • Utilizing machine learning in the form generation phase can automate the design process giving precise parameters values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of a project, architects convey design ideas via quick 2D diagrams, front views, floor plans, and sketches. Consequently, many stakeholders have difficulty visualizing the 3D representation of the building mass, leading to varied interpretations thus inhibiting a shared understanding of the design. To alleviate the challenge, this paper proposes a deep learning-based method, Vitruvio, for creating a 3D model from a single perspective sketch. This method allows designers to automatically generate 3D representations in real-time based on their initial sketches and thus communicate effectively and intuitively to the client. Vitruvio adapts the Occupancy Network to perform single view reconstruction (SVR), a technique for creating 3D representations from a single image. Vitruvio achieves: (1) an 18% increase in the reconstruction accuracy and (2) a 26% reduction in the inference time compared to the Occupancy Network on one thousand buildings provided by the New York municipality. This research investigates the effect that the building orientation has on the reconstruction quality, discovering that Vitruvio can capture fine-grain details in complex buildings when their native orientation is preserved during training, as opposed to the SVR's standard practice that aligns every building to its canonical pose. The code is available here https://github.com/CDInstitute/Vitruvio. • We introduced a learning-based method for single perspective sketch-to-3D applications in the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. • We adapted a previous state-of-the-art Conditional Variational Autoencoder (Occupancy Network) to scalable datasets. • We showed qualitatively and quantitatively how the building orientation affects the reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design process requires coordination between professions that have different ways of seeing. Using ethnographic data from a building project, this paper explores how architects and engineers mobilize visual objects to coordinate their professional visions around a design issue. The findings articulate the visual practices whereby design professionals move from a fragmented towards a shared professional vision. In this move, they cease looking at the design issue from within their disciplinary perspective, and begin taking inspiration from each other's. They further adjust the emergent shared professional vision, by iteratively narrowing and broadening its focus. The paper contributes to the practice perspective in design studies, explaining how different ways of seeing are coordinated through practical engagement with visual objects. • Design professionals from different disciplines have different ways of seeing. • Shared professional vision is built through engagement with visual objects. • The move to shared professional vision is performed in the non-digital space. • The adjustment of shared professional vision is performed in the digital space. • Shared professional vision can be iteratively narrowed and broadened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heritage areas fall under many urban pressures, due to the disparity between its old physical structures and their inhabitants' needs. However, heritage assets represent the main potential for such areas to achieve urban development. Architects play a pivotal role in materializing these potentials, through their role and practices, which serve as the cornerstone of the development process. This paper outlines a framework for architects' intervention, in order to attain the prospects and improvements of a sustainable community development, and achieve the goals of revitalization in heritage areas. To achieve its goals, this paper investigates three aspects of architect's intervention in heritage areas: Physical, Economic and Social Revitalization. In addition to these aspects, the framework covers the practices and indicators followed by architects to achieve sustainable community development. Finally, the applicability of this framework is investigated using the outcomes of the heritage conservation and community development project initiated by "Friends of Historical and Public Gardens Society" (FHPGS) in (Al-Darb Al-Ahmar district, Historic Cairo). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern architecture in Soviet Lithuania (1944-1990) is outstanding in the context of former Soviet Union. İt is distinguished for its contextual approach, link with the local tradition and regard to the natural environment. The paper discusses the premises under which modern Lithuania architecture was founded after World War II. The study is based on in-depth semi-structured interviews with the most influential architects, active at that time. The paper reveals: how the architects active at that time understand the phenomenon of architecture; their basic principles of architectural design; and the position of an architect in the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of implementing circular economy within the built environment, quantifying progress and performance towards this effort has posed a substantial challenge. In response, this paper reviews the current state of building-specific circularity indicators, creates a taxonomy, and integrates them within the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work, a commonly employed framework within the UK's built environment. Through a systematic literature review considering both academic and grey literature, 32 building circularity indicators, developed by academia, consulting agencies, and governments, are identified. The first contribution of this study is the creation of a taxonomy of building circularity indicators, which classifies the identified indicators into 8 categories, such as basic characteristics of indicators, circularity level, and sustainability pillars. The second contribution of this study is the alignment of circularity within the stages of Plan of Work framework. It is revealed that the framework does not currently incorporate circularity, resulting in the proposal of a new Stage 8: End of Life to encompass demolition, disassembly, and deconstruction activities. Alignment of the taxonomy to Plan of Work framework provides a guide in utilization of building circularity indicators throughout the process of designing, constructing and operating building projects. • Building-specific circularity indicators are reviewed for the built environment. • A taxonomy of 32 building circularity indicators is created across eight categories. • A new Stage 8: End of Life is proposed for RIBA framework to enhance circularity. • The circularity indicators are integrated with the RIBA Plan of Work framework. • A traffic light approach is employed to guide the use of circularity indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contemporary workplace design, human performance is still limited to systemic exploration and rational trade-offs due to methodological issues. To resolve this problem, this paper investigates the effects of an agent-based simulation, equipped with anthropomorphic virtual users, on the design exploration of novice architects when designing collaborative workplaces. To achieve this aim, this paper developed a collaborative behaviour model of agents that computes visual inspiration and serendipitous encounters to conduct comparative lab experiments between non-use and use of this simulation. The resulting statistical analysis reveals that this simulation better facilitates novice architects' design exploration in terms of visual connectivity, collaboration supportability, workability, user satisfaction, and optimal trade-off. This paper addresses future studies for developing design methodology and advancing the agent-based simulation model in designing a highly collaborative workplace. • In designing highly collaborative workplaces, effects of agent-based simulation on the design exploration of novice architects were investigated. • A collaborative behaviour model of agents that computes visual inspiration and serendipitous encounters was developed. • Comparative lab experiments between nonuse and use of simulation were conducted. • Analysis revealed that agent-based simulation better facilitates novice architect design exploration and optimal trade-offs related to human factor-centric performances in workplaces. • Discovery- and data-driven design, facilitated by direct observation and holistic analytics using an agent-based simulation was interpreted as the reason. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concept is on the most important and primary elements during the design process. Through the history, nature has been always a source of inspiration for the human begin in different aspects of their life. Architecture interiors as one of the remarkable features in every society cannot be separated from nature. Nowadays architects and interior designers are constructing buildings without having a specific target or goal which decreases the value of the buildings. Various designers have been using concepts inspired from nature but still there are some missing parts in one of their forms, function, or structure. Therefore, the best solution for the architects and designers to increase the optimization in their design works is looking at the nature in every aspect deeper and try to apply them in their conceptual design of their project which is the heart of the design process while other architects have neglected concepts of nature despite that the surrounding environment and nature always influences human perception. The aim of this research is to understand the relationship between nature and human perception and the role that nature plays in architectural interiors to achieve buildings integrated with the surrounding environment. Also it draws attention of architects to nature and inspiration from nature in different perspectives. This paper presents projects having different concepts in architectural and interior design to make guidelines for designing buildings integrated with nature through example analysis. This paper concludes the importance of making a complete integration between the building exterior, interior and the surrounding nature by using a clear natural concept from the surrounding environment to be solving the design problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architects, engineers and contractors have been working with data for ages. What is new are the myriad ways they have to capture, analyze and apply the data that has been made readily available. Some practitioners and their organizations have balked at adding data to their repertoire, citing that they are unprepared to deal with data on top of everything else they have to contend with, including new technologies, work-processes and workflows. Data-centric organizations, on the other hand, have come to realize that capturing, engaging with, analyzing, and applying sustainability data in their projects is not “one more thing,” and have learned that to have the greatest impact, data cannot be added on top of an organization's on-going practices, but rather integrated into their pre-existing mind-sets and processes. This paper explores firms’ approaches and relationships to data, determining whether organizations are data-enabled, data-informed or data driven, or a hybrid, and how their approach can have an enormous influence on outcomes, especially where they pertain to sustainability. Likewise, many organizations remain document-centric, and are missing out on opportunities and greater gains that come with becoming data-centric. Innovative tools and insights to make the most of the data are already readily available. What has been missing, up until now, is an understanding of how others – academics and industry practitioners – are innovating behind the scenes to exploit these resources to great impact. Big data and predictive analytics are currently being leveraged across the globe to address wicked – complex and poorly defined – problems endemic of design and construction in the 21st century. Innovative results in leveraging data throughout the building lifecycle are a result of original research for a new book, “Data Driven Design and Construction: Strategies for Capturing, Analyzing and Applying Building Data,” (John Wiley & Sons, 2015.) Methods of Research: Because data driven design impacts so many facets of the building lifecycle, the research for this paper attempted to be as inclusive as possible. Using practice-based research and in-depth interviews with industry and academic leaders, the author relied on many sources, including first-hand interviews with 40 thought leaders in industry and education in the AECO industry who work day-to-day with data; with firm leaders and other industry executives at companies that range in size from sole proprietorships to large multinational organizations. The interviewee's responses were recorded, transcribed by the author, and condensed for publication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New technological and societal developments have entailed changes within the building sector; including building trades becomingacademically based, and the introduction of new building materials, new concepts and ICT-based designsand communication, traditional methods and organizations are being put under pressure. Thus, the two central actors involved inarchitectural competitions, architects and building clients, are continually influenced by such developments, interpreting and adaptingto changes according to their interests and horizons. During a project reviewing Nordic research literature on architecturalcompetitions, a series of interviews was conducted with building clients as well as architects, focusing on the impact of the above-mentioned changes within the building sector on architectural competitions as an institution. In the interviews, ICT and notleast BIM was a recurring theme that both parties saw as having a positive impact on competitions. But when looking closely into the answers, these revealed diverse understandings of how and why the impact of BIM on competitions could be said to be positive. The paper sheds light on the interaction between the actors (building clients, architects and client consultants) and the applied technologies (competition forms, ICT tools, directives) in architectural competitions in a theoretical actor-network perspective. The diverging understandings of the role of BIM are demonstrating one of many negotiations in progress in the network of architectural competitions. BIM is transformed from an inscription device visually representing the competition proposals to form an actant that challenges the very concept of architectural competition. The objective of the paper is to contribute to theunderstanding of BIM used in the kind of network that an architectural competition constitutes, and thereby give professionalactors a possibility to act on the basis of a wider understanding of interrelations mediated by BIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses patterns' progress and their presence in architecture throughout the 20th century until today, traveling through its controversial opinions and identifying its meaning and importance. Through descriptive and critical analysis approaches, patterns' roles in contemporary architecture and the meanings they hold and deliver to the public are criticized. Finally, a critical review of how architects are dealing with patterns nowadays is carried out, discussing the effect of patterns on the quality of creativity in the architectural practice and the messages it delivers accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various interactive optimization techniques have been proposed to simultaneously consider quantitative and qualitative goals in conceptual architectural design. However, more research is required to understand the effects of these techniques on design processes and outcomes at the building scale, when substantial building performance simulations are considered. This paper presents a design study involving 34 participants who engaged with live feedback from surrogate models of structural and energy performance, while producing conceptual building geometries in several digital design environments. This study reveals that performance-enabled environments tend to improve simulated design objectives, while designers often prefer more flexibility than traditional automated optimization approaches when given the choice. Together, these preliminary findings encourage further development of interactive approaches to multi-objective early building design. • Surrogate model based live feedback often improved simulated design performance. • Participants tended to prefer design environments with feedback but flexibility. • Interactive feedback and optimization did not noticeably reduce design diversity. • Interactive optimization techniques are still new to many architects and engineers. • Interface improvements for future design tools can help increase their accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the imagination of prominent architects and architectural theorists, the detail figures as both a promising and perilous element of built form. This paper explores the tension of the "make or break" qualities of the architectural detail(s) in the learning and doing of design, through an ethnomethodologically-informed ethnography of North American design-build architecture education. The discussion parses three episodes which highlight the generative qualities of the detail, in terms of its pedagogical value for architecture, and as a heuristic for the study of design practice. As both the material process of joining disparate elements, and a locus for complex social and professional relations and meaning-making activities, the assembly of the detail is inherently messy, though productively so. • Architecture emerges from complex social, communicative and material practices. • Collaboration in design-build architecture education relies on productive failures. • Professional lessons of design-build are most evident at the scale of the detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite its marked success in recent years, it is still not clear how Virtual Reality (VR) can assist architects at the early stages of ideation and design. In this paper, we approach VR to build and explore maquettes at different scales in early design stages. To this end we developed a VR environment where user interactions are supported by untethered, easy to operate, peripherals, using a mobile virtual reality headset to provide virtual immersion and simplified geometric information to create voxel-based maquettes. Usability studies with laypeople suggest that the proposed system is both easier to use and more effective [better suited] than current CAD software to rapidly create simplified models. Additionally, tests with architects have shown the system's potential to improve their toolset. This is partly due to VR combining real-time performance with immersive exploration of the content, where body-scale relationships become visible to support the creative process, allowing architects to become both builders and explores of spatial constructs. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Discuss opportunities of VR applied to early stage maquette building. • Highlights the relationships between human form and modeling at full scale. • Studies with laypeople show that VR can be an effective tool for conceptual design. • Professional architects are receptive to the introduction of VR in their practice. • Voxel-based maquettes are a valuable approach to VR concept modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper provides a means for improving the effectiveness of energy related decision-making during the design phase of a building. A review of the literature and discussions with experts revealed that several approaches for an Integrated Design Process for energy efficient buildings exist. However, most of these approaches are relatively abstract and philosophical in nature, and do not prescribe procedures that enable energy efficient design. This paper attempts to address this gap by proposing a comprehensive design process titled the ‘Integrated Energy-Efficient Building Design Process’ (IEBDP). This process provides a framework based on systems theory that facilitates the integration of various facets of the energy-efficient alternatives selection process. In addition, the proposed framework seeks to integrate state-of-the-art analysis tools and methods, to aid designers in performing holistic building design. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-attribute decision-making technique is used to resolve conflicts amongst diverging design goals. The proposed IEBDP framework was then used to design an office building, taken as a case study, in the composite climate of New Delhi, India. It was found that considerable energy savings could be achieved by following the IEBDP process. The benefits of this framework vis-a-vis traditional energy efficient design approaches were evaluated by comparing the design done through the IEBDP process with designs submitted by a group of practicing architects. The various designs were evaluated in terms of strategies adopted, the level of exploration as well as design integration, in order to validate the applicability and use of the IEBDP framework. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Communications for information synchronisation during the conceptual design phase usually require designers to employ more flexible and intuitive digital design tools. In developing such support tools, a case study research was initiated to first understand the current state of communication among novice design team members. The main purpose of the study is to understand the novice designers'' collaboration culture when working on conceptual architectural design projects. The overall case study research involves 1) ethnography for data collection and 2) artefact and protocol analyses for data analysis. This paper presents the latter data analyses based on the earlier ethnography results about novice designers'' conceptual design and technology design synthesis strategies. Data analyses on the characteristics of utilised external representation tools indicate that although conventional manual sketching is beneficial for providing rich intuitive design concepts, they have limitations when novice designers need to oversee complicated design problems. The study also found that although current conventional CAD tools are advantageous for detailed engineering design articulation, they do hinder novice designers'' creativity due to their intuitive ideation limitation. Based on these results, this paper discusses the identified advantages and challenges of current design media and then proposes an alternative VR-based design interface for enhancing cognition and communication among designers during the conceptual design phase. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the findings of a case study with building simulation using EnergyPlus dynamic thermal simulation software, in which wall insulation was varied together with cooling set-point temperature in a hot and dry climate of Botswana. Against the established norm that adding wall insulation reduces annual fuel consumption, it is shown in this paper that this is not always the case: there are instances where adding wall insulation directly increases annual fuel consumption. Initial cost of insulation aside, as the cooling set-point temperature is gradually increased, the building switches from an “insulation reduces cooling load” to an “insulation increases cooling load” behaviour. In other words, the well established knowledge that “the lower the u-value the better” gets overridden by “the higher the u-value the better”. We termed this a “point of thermal inflexion”. Simple graphical demonstration of the existence of this point is presented in the paper. According to the findings, design engineers and building economics related professionals who quantify investment on insulation can get disastrous results if they assume that all buildings behave pro-insulation since a building may behave anti-insulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper offers a speculative account of the way in which architectural design problems are ‘solved’, and of the significant ways in which such problems are constructed by the designers themselves. Deliberately retaining pro tem the traditional ‘problem–solution’ language frame, the paper questions this viewpoint by positing a distinction between two categories of problem: the ‘problem as given’ and the ‘problem as design goal’. While the first represents a conventional understanding of the problem presented for solution, the paper speculates that this is not the problem that the designer seeks to solve. A second category is therefore introduced to delineate the problem that is actually solved. This problem, termed the ‘problem as design goal’, is created by the imposition on to the ‘problem as given’ of a range of designer preferences, expectations and prejudices which not only define the ‘actual’ problem but, at the same time, establish the means and requirements for its acceptable solution. Such ‘problematization’, different for each designer and for each project, is posited as being central to architectural design, informing and constraining both the design activity and the final outcome in ways that are not determined by the brief itself. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the role of team learning behaviours in the performance of architecture teams. This is significant to architects because most architects work in project teams. Although there is a growing body of research on the behaviours of design teams, this survey is one of the first studies conducted specifically on the learning behaviours of architects working in teams. We conducted a survey with 105 architecture firms in Victoria, Australia to collect perceptions of team learning behaviour and team performance, then interviewed nine architects to explore their team learning practices. Results from the survey demonstrated that team reflexivity, error communication and boundary crossing behaviours were positively associated with team effectiveness and employee satisfaction. • We surveyed 105 Australian architects on their learning behaviours and performance. • Team learning behaviours were positively associated with team performance. • Such behaviours were team reflexivity, error communication and boundary crossing. • We interviewed nine architects to identify common team learning behaviours. • Learning behaviours were either project-specific or part of office procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines Parametric Design (PD) in contemporary architectural practice. It considers three case studies: The Future of Us pavilion, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Morpheus Hotel. The case studies illustrate how, compared to non-parametrically and older parametrically designed projects, PD is employed to generate, document and fabricate designs with a greater level of detail and differentiation, often at the level of individual building components. We argue that such differentiation cannot be achieved with conventional Building Information Modelling and without customizing existing software. We compare the case studies' PD approaches (objected-oriented programming, functional programming, visual programming and distributed visual programming) and decomposition, algorithms and data structures as crucial factors for the practical viability of complex parametric models and as key aspects of PD thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing trend among architects to utilize curved structural members as opposed to traditional straight structural members in the design of modern space structures. To handle the complex geometrical forms, new structural analysis methods are needed to accurately and efficiently analyze these structures. To address this issue, an isogeometric approach is presented in this paper for the formulation of finite elements for arbitrary spatially curved 3-D beams. These elements employ the same Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) interpolations as used in the CAD representations to interpolate both geometry and unknown fields in the finite element analysis, leading to a seamless transition between complex CAD models utilized by architects and the analysis models used by engineers. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated on a variety of curved structural geometries of varying complexities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architects are confronted with the priority of the early integration of natural smoke ventilation (NSV) and natural thermal ventilation (NTV) objectives in retail building designs due to several reasons including wide range of expertise and lack of fire safety knowledge. This paper presents the perception of fire engineers (FE) and building service engineers (BSE) regarding the conceptual priorities of the early integration for particular design decisions. This was achieved through surveying FE and BSE and conducting an analytical study using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. An experts’ panel was held for each profession for confirmation. The results showed that FE and BSE have agreed on the most and least crucial design decisions that should/shouldn’t require integration of NSV and NTV objectives in the early stages of the architectural design process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elevated urban highway reconstruction projects have complex geometry and limited space available, which may lead to spatiotemporal clashes. In addition, maintaining an acceptable flow of traffic without compromising safety in highway construction zones is another major issue for planners. This paper proposes a new method for generating and assessing reconstruction phasing plans and calculating the probability of stochastic spatiotemporal clashes associated with the optimal feasible phasing plan. A phasing plan assessment approach using a constraint-based system and 4D modeling is presented to define the feasible sequences in which the segments can be constructed or demolished. The result of this step is an optimal feasible phasing plan that meets a set of predefined constraints and creates no spatiotemporal clashes. This plan is then examined to calculate the probability of potential stochastic spatiotemporal clashes, which may happen when the variability of construction and demolition durations is considered, and to recommend the starting date of operations to minimize the probability of these clashes. The feasibility of the proposed method is explored through a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there are insufficient design decision making tools to support effective construction waste minimisation evaluation and implementation throughout all design stages. A limited but growing body of recent literature suggests that building information modelling has the potential to assist architects to minimise design waste on their projects. The research reported in this paper is the first attempt to develop a design decision making framework for improving construction waste minimisation performance through building information modelling. The potential use of building information modelling to drive out construction waste in building design was investigated through a questionnaire survey and follow-up interview with the top 100 architectural practices in the United Kingdom. An industry-reviewed ‘building information modelling-aided construction waste minimisation framework’ was developed based on the results of the literature review, questionnaire data, and interview data. The Framework is intended to act as an integrated platform for designing out waste decision making, by providing informed building information modelling-driven guidance to address waste causes throughout design stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to achieve outdoor thermal comfort it is necessary to understand the interactions between the prevailing climate, the urban form and roughness. The near surface boundary layer is directly influenced by local irradiative and convective exchange processes due to the presence of a variety of different surfaces, sheltering elements and obstacles to air flow leading to distinctive micro-scale climates. The paper presents a micro-scale numerical model for an outdoor urban form for a hot summer’s day in Al-Muizz street located at the Islamic quarter of Cairo, where a few studies have attempted to study these conditions in vernacular settings in hot arid areas where the continuously evolving urban patterns and shaded environments were perceived to produce more pedestrian friendly outdoor environments. In situ measurements are used to validate the ENVI-met results which showed an overall agreement with the observed ones, representing adequate mean radiant temperature (Tmrt) which is one of the most important meteorological parameters governing human energy balance and has therefore a strong influence on thermal sensation of the pedestrians using the open public spaces and generating a micro-climatic map as an initial step in addressing the urgent need for a modelling platform accessible to urban designers, architects, and decision makers towards sustainable urban forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The site of the new Tallinn Town Hall designed by the BIG architects is situated to the north of the medieval city center on the edge of the green ring close to the waterfront. The goal is to create a new urban typology that combines the human scale and intimate experience of the medieval townscape, with the public space and municipal symbolism of the modern extension. The New Town Hall will be an open and permeable public institution, extending both town center and the green ring all the way to the water''s edge. The building will be created of a village of ten individual departments and two for common space and meeting rooms. Each department is accommodated in its own dedicated office building. A thirteenth building, the tower hosts the City Government, the City Council and the Council Hall on the top floor. The departments are grouped together to meet the programmatic requirements of adjacencies. The departments are consolidated in a village-like cluster, allowing them to perform as a single open office structure as well as ten independent departments. The departments are hinged on the corners and rotated to leave courtyards for daylight and views between them. The many generous openings also provide views to the public ground floor below as well as the sky above. The current paper gives an overview of the daylight modeling and facade design, describes passive architectural cooling strategies considered. Estonia is situated in latitude 59° which means that the solar angle of incidence is rather low from late autumn to early spring. The maximum solar angle of incident is just 7° in December 21st. Then at the other side the summer temperatures are of average 27°C which makes the shading strategies essential. The building is currently in detail design phase and the construction work will presumably start in early 2014. The building has been already shortlisted for a World Architecture Festival Award in the Future Projects and Competition entries category. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years, the study of indoor environmental comfort during the warm season has been one of the most attractive and hard tasks for architects and energy designers. Nowadays, thanks to the available high-performance utilities, the dynamic energy simulation of a building is relatively easy. Nevertheless, since it should simultaneously account for thermal, visual and air quality issues, a global approach, often neglected, becomes necessary. In the present work, an approach based on simple indicators calculated on a statistical basis will be presented; it can be useful for the simultaneous evaluation of the indoor thermal and visual comfort on a more comprehensive perspective, and it can be applied in any building energy analysis where a comparison between different solutions or strategies is required. At the end of the paper this approach is tested on a simple case study in order to show how the approach can be used to evaluate the influence of the size and the typology of a window on indoor comfort. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper contrasts two different paradigms of design thinking: the one of the dynamic thermal simulation tool users with the one of the building designer. It shows that, in theory, the two paradigms seem to be incommensurable but complementary due to differences in knowledge and praxis between the two professions. The author discusses these differences side-by-side based on a review of the design science literature together with an analysis of the basic structure and knowledge involved in existing thermal simulation tools. This discussion aims to unfold a set of insights into the type of approach needed to move this research area further. It highlights the modus operandi of the building designer rather than focusing on collaborative efforts and sets up the backgrounds for designers to learn relevant concepts of building physics in an environment in which they can experiment with these concepts as ‘craftsmen’. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The functional values and artistic charms of Shaanxi eaves tiles are mainly analyzed in this paper [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study develops a computational model of free-form shell generation in the design of roof structures that rely on the optimized behavior of the membrane theory of thin shells. For architects and engineers, the model offers a low cost, fast, and relatively easy design solution. A computational model for structural free-form shell generation is presented to simulate physical models of shell optimization. This method of designing optimized structures is based on mathematical programming combined with the finite element technique, and is inspired by the laws of nature and, in particular, by the Heinz Isler methods of designing shells using physical models. A flexible membrane is simulated automatically, initially in the horizontal plane surface, with any shape and boundary conditions, and able to carry several specified loads. The membrane under the action of these loads is deformed until reaching one of its equilibrium configurations, which defines the middle surface of the shell to be built. By the principle of minimum total potential energy, the positions of steady equilibrium of the membrane correspond to the local minimum points of the total potential energy function. When the total potential energy function does not exist, it is advisable to use an incremental Newton–Raphson-type method to find the solutions for the nonlinear system of equations given by the equilibrium equations of the membrane in the space. Structural analysis of thin concrete shells with the final shapes of the optimized membranes demonstrates which displacements and principal stresses are optimal. The computational method presented in this paper could be integrated, for example, with Contour Crafting (CC), a layered fabrication technology that offers the potential to construct full-scale buildings directly from three-dimensional computer-aided design models (3D CAD). Structural behavior is in accordance with the membrane theory of thin shells and aesthetic appeal is a natural consequence of the forms generated for applications in architectural design and civil engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a study that investigated whether computer generated representations are perceived as more credible means of communicating design than traditional forms of representations. Architects, other professionals, and elected members of the public assessed two computer generated and two hand drawn forms of representation using semantic differential scales. Results show that computer generated photomontage is perceived as the most credible and perspective drawing and as the least credible form of representation. Statistical analysis revealed a remarkable resemblance between the responses by the public and professionals and clear differences between these two groups and architects'' perceptions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Values play an integral role in design: they inform the kinds of trade-offs the designer makes when considering different solutions; they create a basis for the client to assess how a particular artefact may fit into their lives; and they are an important part of negotiating a common understanding in collaborative design settings. In this paper, we examine the interactions in meetings between architect and client to better understand how different values are brought into the design discourse. By analysing the verbal content and non-verbal communication between the architect and client, we identify patterns of discourse that imbue design problem-solving with the language and concepts that express values. From this analysis, we develop a theory of value transfer and describe the social mechanism that facilitates this transfer during design negotiation. This work provides an observational basis for understanding value transfer in the context of collaborative design and is relevant to design domains beyond architecture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper considers the response and failure characteristics of beams and arches constructed by bonding a layer of foam to a single metal sheet, thus creating a “Foam-Supported Sheet Metal,” or FSSM composite. The investigation was conducted from experimental and analytical/numerical perspectives. In the experiments, strips of Rohacell foam were bonded to straight or curved aluminum 2024 strips to construct the composites. The specimens were then supported at the ends and bent under a central load such that the foam was in tension. The results showed that significant increases in stiffness and failure loads could be achieved using this concept with relatively small weight penalty. Catastrophic failure occurred when the foam reached its tensile failure stress. Formulas to predict the bending stiffness and moment at failure of the composite sections were derived from beam theory and are presented. To predict the response of arches, a nonlinear finite element model was developed. The numerical results showed good agreement with the load-deflection responses and failure loads measured experimentally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present research work concerns development of regression models to predict the monthly heating demand for single-family residential sector in temperate climates, with the aim to be used by architects or design engineers as support tools in the very first stage of their projects in finding efficiently energetic solutions. Another interest to use such simplified models is to make it possible a very quick parametric study in order to optimize the building structure versus environmental or economic criteria. All the energy prediction models were based on an extended database obtained by dynamic simulations for 16 major cities of France. The inputs for the regression models are the building shape factor, the building envelope U-value, the window to floor area ratio, the building time constant and the climate which is defined as function of the sol-air temperature and heating set-point. If the neural network (NN) methods could give precise representations in predicting energy use, with the advantage that they are capable of adjusting themselves to unexpected pattern changes in the incoming data, the multiple regression analysis was also found to be an efficient method, nevertheless with the requirement that an extended database should be used for the regression. The validation is probably the most important level when trying to find prediction models, so 270 different scenarios are analysed in this research work for different inputs of the models. It has been established that the energy equations obtained can do predictions quite well, a maximum deviation between the predicted and the simulated is noticed to be 5.1% for Nice climate, with an average error of 2%. In this paper, we also show that is possible to predict the building heating demand even for more complex scenarios, when the construction is adjacent to non-heated spaces, basements or roof attics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years, hot-rolled elliptical hollow sections have attracted significant attention from engineers and architects owing to their complementary qualities of aesthetic appearance and structural efficiency. However, there is currently a lack of design guidance for elliptical hollow sections inhibiting more widespread use in construction. The present paper addresses this shortcoming for the fundamental loading condition of axial compression. Laboratory testing, numerical modelling and the development of design rules are described herein. The experimental programme comprised 25 tensile coupon tests and 25 stub column tests. All tested elliptical hollow sections had an aspect ratio of 2 and section sizes ranged from 150×75 up to 500×250 mm. Results, including geometric imperfection measurements and full load–end shortening curves have been presented. Non-linear finite element models were developed and validated against the generated test data. The validated numerical models were employed to perform parametric studies in order to investigate elliptical hollow sections of varying slenderness and varying aspect ratios. The resulting structural performance data have been used to establish a relationship between cross-section slenderness and cross-section compressive resistance, which demonstrates that the Class 3 slenderness limit of 90 from Eurocode 3 for circular hollow sections can be safely adopted for elliptical hollow sections based upon the proposed cross-section slenderness parameter. The equivalent semi-compact slenderness limit given in BS 5950-1, non-compact limiting slenderness in AISC 360-05 and yield slenderness limit given in AS 4100 are also valid. A modified effective area formula from BS 5950-1 can also be safely adopted. Further investigation into effective area formulations for slender (Class 4) elliptical hollow sections is currently under way. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents the cognitive activity differences of six expert architects when they design in blindfolded (BF) and sketching (SK) conditions. It was observed that all participants'' overall cognitive activity and perceptual activity in the BF sessions dropped below their activity in the SK sessions, approximately after 20min during the timeline of their design activity. This drop in performance can be explained by higher cognitive demands under BF conditions. In the absence of sketching, architects may experience an overload of visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM). We also tested whether this may have an impact on the linking of their design ideas. We previously reported that the intensity and the information content (entropy) of the idea development were not influenced by VSWM load. The reach of idea links was found to be smaller in the second half of the BF design sessions. Working memory limitations had an impact only on the reach of idea links. We discuss whether these differences are dependent on working memory limitations or idea saturation during conceptual designing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we question whether sketching is essential for conceptual designing. In order to test this hypothesis, we conducted think-aloud experiments with expert architects. They were engaged in two separate design processes: where they were not allowed sketch and where they were allowed to sketch. The comparison of design activities in these two conditions was based on a protocol analysis. The results show that there is no significant difference between sketching and not sketching based on three assessments: design outcome, cognitive activity and idea links. This case study shows that sketching is not an essential activity for expert architects in the early phases of conceptual designing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper is an investigation of the exchange of ideas and information between an architect and building users in the early stages of the building design process before the design brief or any drawings have been produced. The purpose of the research is to gain insight into the type of information users exchange with architects in early design conversations and to better understand the influence the format of design interactions and interactional behaviours have on the exchange of information. We report an empirical study of pre-briefing conversations in which the overwhelming majority of the exchanges were about the functional or structural attributes of space, discussion that touched on the phenomenological, perceptual and the symbolic meanings of space were rare. We explore the contextual features of meetings and the conversational strategies taken by the architect to prompt the users for information and the influence these had on the information provided. Recommendations are made on the format and structure of pre-briefing conversations and on designers'' strategies for raising the level of information provided by the user beyond the functional or structural attributes of space. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The computer software AUSSSM TOOL, originating from the methodology of the revised-architectural-urban-soil-simultaneous simulation model (revised-AUSSSM), was developed by adopting the graphical user interface (GUI) features to support users, who can use the interactive computer display for parameter settings, simulating, visualizing, and reporting the numerical calculation results instead of complicated programming. The purpose of the AUSSSM TOOL is to determine quantitative parameters such as air temperature, exhaustive heat from air conditioning systems, energy heat balance, etc. within the urban canopy structure, which data enables the evaluation of effects of urban heat island (UHI) in concrete terms useful to urban planners, architects, engineers, and so forth in the field of urban climatology involving building scale. In addition to conducting a full numerical simulation, in order to simplify a comparison among complex factors influencing UHI, numerical experiments based on Taguchi design of experiment theory (DOE) were carried out. The results of the numerical experiments were stored in a database and ready to be instantly grasped by any inexperienced user corresponding to their specified conditions. This paper describes the fundamental method of the revised-AUSSSM, the objectives of related software development, and the structures of the AUSSSM TOOL and the techniques comprising its algorithm to present the numerical simulation results in particular. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper introduces findings from the Recycling by Design Research Project (Phase I) (see note 111Note: Further information on the Recycling by Design Research Project, including all project reports, can be obtained from the website: http://www.recyclingbydesign.org.uk.). The importance of developing new markets for recyclate in the UK is first established. Selected research findings are then presented from a questionnaire survey response obtained from 539 architects and 142 designers, and follow-up interviews conducted with 20 of those respondents. These findings identified that UK architects and designers do not currently specify recycled products and materials, and that there are a range of obstacles to their doing so. A concluding discussion briefly examines the UK Government’s current position on addressing such obstacles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

3D modelling in the inception phase of architectural design is typically not supported in CAD. Moreover 3D modelling is still far from intuitive with the common interface techniques. This paper introduces a 3D modelling tool for architects, named DDDoolz, which is limited in its purposes but yet very powerful in its use. A cube is the basic drawing element to construct arrays representing building masses. Modification of the design is achieved by dragging sets of cubes, resulting in the creation or deletion of new cubes. Building upon the grid structure of DDDoolz, a design methodology has been developed. To analyse its strengths and weaknesses, DDDoolz is compared with traditional scale modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thematic architectural layouts of many of the iconic buildings around the world were inspired by images from nature. This architectural design task is often complex and challenging as it requires the creation of optimal architectural layouts that resemble the selected image from nature while complying with all owner specified space allocation requirements. To support architects in this challenging task, this paper presents the development of a novel methodology to support architects and designers in automating the generation of thematic architectural layout designs that are inspired by images from nature. The methodology utilizes image processing to segment the nature-inspired image and analyze the segmented image to generate regions using region and boundary extraction algorithm. The methodology also integrates two novel optimization algorithms that are designed to optimize room assignments in the generated layout to maximize compliance with designer-specified adjacency requirements and optimize room areas to maximize the functional and operational performance of the architectural layout. An application example was analyzed to illustrate the use of the developed methodology and its novel capabilities in automating the generation of optimal thematic architectural layouts that preserve the image theme while complying with room adjacency and rooms area requirements. • Automating the generation of optimal thematic architectural layouts from images. • Optimizing room assignments to maximize compliance with adjacency requirements. • Optimizing room areas to maximize layouts functional and operational performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]