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It was understood that various studies were carried out on the strength, permeability, durability, increasing the thermal performance of lightweight concrete facade panels, and sustainable and energy‐efficient concepts. It was observed that fiber was added to the mixture to improve the properties in question. However, it was determined that contradictory results were obtained due to the large number of active parameters and whether the fiber was distributed homogeneously in the matrix. In this study, the effects of fiber type, length and usage rate on the strength, energy absorption capacity, elasticity modulus, water absorption, and thermal performance of lightweight concrete mixtures were investigated. For this purpose, three different types of fibers of different lengths: polypropylene (3, 6, and 12 mm), glass (13 and 25 mm) and polyamide (6 and 12 mm) were used at 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of the total volume. It was determined that the mixture containing 0.25% polypropylene fiber with a length of 3 mm exhibited the best performance in terms of both mechanical and thermal properties. In terms of these features, it was understood that the mixtures with 12 mm polypropylene with a usage rate of 0.75% and 6 mm polyamide fibers with a usage rate of 0.50% had the weakest performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper focuses on technological evolution applied to sports architecture, considered as urban infrastructures. A field of research – that has not been given its due importance both by architectural historiography and by technological culture – despite the fact that sports architecture has always represented privileged places of formal, technical and engineering experimentation. Some design experiences in the field of sports venues – from the twentieth century to the contemporary age – have instead represented significant steps of technological development. In particular, the latest generation of sports infrastructures, represent the architectural typology where it is possible to find, concentrated, paradigms such as those of resilience, flexibility, sustainability technologies for adaptive skins and many others innovative parameters.

This article focuses on the respondents' reactions to window views in dense urban environments. A representative sample of multistorey buildings in residential neighbourhoods in close-up window view was observed. To test the respondents' reactions to window views and the influence of various architectural features, the data was collected with an online questionnaire. The respondents were selecting a reaction to an individual window view, evaluated features and defined causes for their decisions. Results were analysed with descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test was used to analyse the relationship between the variables. The research indicates that window views in densely build urban environments that restrict the building from the context of the space received predominantly negative reactions, but due to various features and causes. As a general rule, the restricted window views increase importance of architectural details, increase importance of surface treatment of façades and decrease importance of the façade geometry. Specifically, the research indicates that the age of the respondents and the way they spend their day does not significantly influence their tolerance to unfavourable window views. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Any scientific activity or instrumental application involving façades--such as research, design, evaluation, and decision-making--requires a comprehensive set of criteria to cover all expected requirements. This highlights the necessity of a study to explore, gather, and organize a holistic set of criteria for the evaluation, study, design, and decision-making regarding façades. Moreover, establishing a comprehensive list of criteria is essential but insufficient on its own. It is equally important to achieve a mutual understanding of these criteria, providing experts and researchers with a common language and understanding regarding façades. Although various criteria have been mentioned in different façade-related research, a summary study to gather, organize, and reliably define these criteria is needed to improve the logical applications of façades and facilitate mutual understanding. This study aims to take the first step in meeting this requirement by describing each criterion relevant to façade assessment. In this context, a systematic library-based research approach was employed, reviewing 71 related papers. Criteria were then extracted using an exploratory study based on open and axial coding methods. Ultimately, 42 criteria were identified and organized into five primary categories: environmental aspects, social impacts, economic aspects, efficiency and effectiveness, and technical aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The facades of buildings stand as one of the most influential aesthetic elements in urban and rural districts, serving as a boundary between exterior and interior while historically expressing various cultural and climatic functions. In Mazandaran Province, Iran, historical and rural areas have often been overlooked, leading to inappropriate approaches in reusing and renovating these buildings without considering their values. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the facades of various historical and rural houses to provide a solid foundation for architects dealing with their reuse and renovation or the design of extensions to the existing buildings. In addition to discussing practical applications, this paper offers a methodological approach for scholars active in the field of rural architecture. The research method includes an analysis of several historical houses, drawing from both literature and field studies. The formal approach has been chosen to align with the research goal. The sixteen selected cases are situated in the historical and rural districts of Alasht, Lafour, Qaemshahr, each built in different historical periods of Iran. Given that many historical houses in this area are not officially listed as heritage buildings and no data regarding them are available, the researchers conducted field surveys and interviews with residents to collect the necessary information. The investigation focused on facade elements, including the pattern of openings and the materials used in the selected houses. This research led to the documentation of the facade shapes in the rural areas of Mazandaran Province, highlighting the necessity of documentation to establish a knowledge base before reuse, renovation, or design within these historic regions. This approach could serve as a model for other regions and countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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One of the key concerns for present-day society is the need to build the environment in which we live in a sustainable way, using green solutions, but without losing the aesthetic values. The following study proves that, when applied in the right way, façade graphics support sustainability. Art glass placed inside the envelope significantly influences a number of aspects related to how a building functions, improving the quality of a given architectural space's properties. Façade graphics have a considerable effect, as they control the intensity of light penetrating to the interior and provide support sunlight protection. Façade graphics act as a cover that controls how images filter through from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside. The graphics may be used to show messaging directed at the public. Art glass located in the external partition has a significant impact on several aspects of the functioning of an architectural object. In the preliminary examination, a few factors that determine the scope of such effect were identified, including the structure of the glass layer and of the image. The objective of this publication is to determine to what degree the structure of an image on glass, and the artistic means associated with it, influence the scope of the visual effect of a glass partition, as well as its functional properties, and how important for the reception of architectural space are the artistic values of glazing, in terms of its form, dynamics, composition, and colours, as well as the means by which the applied image impacts its surroundings. These means result from selection of suitable execution techniques and strategies for shaping the partition. The research concerns aspects of interconnection between graphics and the architectural space; its artistic, compositional, integrating, and covering role. The work is important in further research on the use of facade graphics in the utility and visual aspect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building façades represent one of the most critical elements affecting a city's quality of life, and they impact the country's economic income by attracting visitors. However, performance data on façades are limited or incomplete, making it challenging for designers to evaluate their effectiveness in energy efficiency, thermal performance, durability, and other key performance metrics. This paper presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating and prioritizing material selection criteria in building cladding, establishing the relationship with available alternatives, and integrating decision-making processes with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to automate the Value Engineering (VE) concept. The material selection criteria from the literature and international standard manual were identified, and their criteria weight was then evaluated using SWARA (stepwise weight assessment ratio analysis). Additionally, WASPAS (weighted aggregated sum product assessment) was utilized to evaluate the alternative cladding materials based on the defined criteria and their associated quality weight (QW). The life cycle cost (LCC) of the alternatives was computed. The VE was computed and then ranked based on the QW and LCC of the alternatives. The procedure was connected to the BIM model to automate the assessment, specifying the necessary parameters and the BIM computation. A case study of an office building façade was conducted to validate the proposed framework. In this study, the significant criteria were durability, wind load resistance, and thermal insulation. This approach enables executives to evaluate cladding selection, ensuring efficient decision-making processes. The proposed method and its results were subjected to expert testing, and the satisfaction rate exceeded 80%, confirming the framework's reliability in evaluating alternatives. This paper enhances the understanding of material selection methodologies and provides a valuable contribution to the field of construction management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Value engineering analysis is a methodical approach used to find and eliminate superfluous expenses within various domains such as projects, processes, and the construction industry, with the aim of improving both quality and performance. In order to achieve a harmonious equilibrium between time, money, and quality, the present circumstances and methodologies within the construction sector of Myanmar necessitate a substantial amount of dedication and exertion. Due to this rationale, value engineering (VE) is an established management approach that facilitates the enhancement of project value and the realization of cost savings in construction projects. The objective of this study was to identify alternative materials that are more cost-effective than the original design for the exterior of the hospital building, while ensuring that the chosen materials retain their inherent value. Based on the findings of the study, the implementation of value engineering techniques resulted in a cost reduction of up to 7.6 percent for the façade work. This research assesses the financial benefits derived from the use of Value Engineering (VE) in a six-story hospital located in Yangon. The study specifically focuses on the utilization of materials of intermediate grade for the facade construction. This research endeavor aims to contribute to the existing corpus of knowledge on value engineering by conducting a comprehensive analysis of a specific case study.

This paper details the comprehensive activities conducted in a laboratory setting to assess the structural health monitoring (SHM) of prefabricated building envelopes. Integrating sensors into building components like curtain wall facades poses challenges but offers opportunities for monitoring structural health, requiring compliance with regulatory standards. The research investigates the possibility of defining a kit of conventional and multi-parameter sensors integrated within the building envelope to monitor its behavior during the performance test conducted. The kit of sensors also includes Fiber Optic Sensors for effectively monitoring building envelope behavior and structural integrity. In this context, the European project InComEss (H2020-GA862597) aims to define a stand-alone solution for SHM using Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PE-EHS) for façade monitoring through FBG/FOS system. After analyzing the main façade structural stress, a series of FBGs, accelerometers, and force washers were integrated within a 1:1 scale façade prototype and tested in a laboratory following the test sequence parameters required by the curtain wall standard EN 13830. The data collected were analyzed with the aim of monitoring the façade behavior before and after the tests. The results show that the façade's performance passed the assessing test criteria without reporting any damages. In addition, the outcomes demonstrated the effectiveness of the defined kit of multi-parameter sensors for the building envelope's SHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Technical science & Technology series is the property of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Social stratification engenders intricate disparities within social strata, denoted as "differentiation" in accordance with Pierre Bourdieu's conceptual framework. Consequently, urban buildings exhibit diverse facades, thereby exerting a profound influence on the city's aesthetic presentation. This study elucidates the pivotal role assumed by architects in aligning residential building facades with the discernment of citizens, drawing from Bourdieu's differentiation theory. Employing an applied and qualitative approach, the research method underscores the purposeful nature of the inquiry. The findings of this research categorize the perspectives of most Iranian architects on the notion of "citizen's taste in residential buildings" into four overarching themes: "building structure," "facade harmony with climate," "facade alignment with building function," and "visual aesthetic appeal of the facade". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of New Architecture is the property of New Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Given the current emphasis on maintaining and inspecting high-rise buildings, conventional inspection approaches are costly, slow, error-prone, and labor-intensive due to manual processes and lack of automation. In this paper, we provide an automated, periodic, accurate and economical solution for the inspection of such buildings on real-world images. We propose a novel end-to-end integrated autonomous pipeline for building inspection which consists of three modules: i) Autonomous Drone Navigation, ii) Façade Detection, and iii) Model Construction. Our first module computes a collision-free trajectory for the UAV around the building for surveillance. The images captured in this step are used for façade detection and 3D building model construction. The façade detection module is a deep learning-based object detection method which detects cracks. Finally, the model construction module focuses on reconstructing a 3D model of a building from captured images to mark the corresponding cracks on the 3D model for efficient and accurate inferences from the inspection. We conduct experiments for each module, including collision avoidance for drone navigation, façade detection, model construction and mapping. Our experimental analysis shows the promising performance of i) our crack detection model with a precision and recall of 0.95 and mAP score of 0.96; ii) our 3D reconstruction method includes finer details of the building without having additional information on the sequence of images; and iii) our 2D-3D mapping to compute the original location/world coordinates of cracks for a building.

The lack of facade color control programs in urban planning policies in Iran and the choice of facade color based on the designer’s taste make it necessary to design façade colors based on scientific principles and users’ evaluations. In color studies, emotional scales have been used to describe color. Due to the relative nature of emotional terms and the lack of consensus on definitions of these scales under the influence of contextual factors and individual characteristics of users, there is a need to redefine these scales in the context of Iran.This study aims to identify and determine the scales and components to classify the color combination of the façade. For this purpose, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Twenty experts in the field of design and color participated in the Delphi survey, and the data were analyzed using the Q method. The finding presented three bipolar scales: temperature, harmony, and weight, to classify the facade color combination. In the next step, through semi-structured interviews with five architects and urban planners, components were determined to describe these three scales. Then, the authors of the study prepared a questionnaire to confirm the components completed by 20 former experts. Components affecting three scales and selected photos of each scale were extracted by analyzing data using the Q method in two steps. The quantitative values were collected through the color strip and HSL system codes of the final photos based on the percentage of color area in the façade, the number of hues, and their temperature, lightness, and saturation. Based on the results, the façade color combinations can be classified into eight treatments: cool-harmonious-light, cool-harmonious-heavy, cool-contrasting-light, cool-contrasting-heavy, warm-harmonious-light, warm-harmonious-heavy, warm-contrasting-light, and warm-contrasting-heavy, each of which can be defined using quantitative values.

Conservation of 20th century mass housing is discussed considering their heritage value. On the other hand, intervention might be required since they do not meet the today’s requirements and defect might have occurred. In that case, primary objective should be the managing of changes to sustain existing building stock. Within the study, the current situation of one of the modern period mass housing projects in Istanbul/Türkiye Selamsız Low-Cost Mass Housing was documented for interventions and defects on the front façade. Besides, determining the frequency of intervention and defects, examining relations between them and external factors, and identifying reasons for the interventions were also aimed. Data collected about 108 existing buildings and photographic research was made through literature review/archive search/site visits. Collected data were evaluated with a systematic order. As a result, almost half of the defects are caused by interventions on building/element/component scale to fulfil spatial and performance requirements.

This study investigates the impact of using prefabricated facade materials on the embodied energy (EE) and operational energy (OE) consumption of apartment buildings. To analyze the total EE, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted, which calculated the EE from cradle-to-use each of the products employed. In addition, a building energy simulation was performed for the case study building using various prefabricated facade materials to assess its OE. The findings reveal that the selection of facade wall materials with low energy intensity must be favored to optimize building energy and that layered materials, such as insulated panels, can reduce the cooling energy load due to their higher thermal resistance (r- values). Furthermore, the LCA results showed that solid precast concrete materials with thicknesses of 120 and 150 mm have EE and greenhouse gas emissions that are more than twice the average of all materials tested. In contrast, uninsulated Glass-Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) removable walls (disassembly panels) exhibited the lowest EE, corresponding to 50% of the average. Finally, the results of the OE simulations using EnergyPlus software indicate that insulated GRC removable walls with a thickness of 120 mm can reduce the cooling energy load by 29.5% compared to precast concrete facades.

The emergence of pathological manifestations on facades persists globally, with recurring failures occurring often due to repeated construction details or design decisions. This study selected a building with a recurring architectural design and evaluated the stain pattern on its facade using a UAV with an infrared thermal camera. The results showed that advanced technology offers a non-invasive and efficient approach for comprehensive inspections, enabling early detection and targeted interventions to preserve architectural assets without requiring ancillary infrastructure or risking workers at height. The precise identification of damage clarified the real causes of the observed pathological manifestations. Capturing the images allowed accurate inspection, revealing hollow and damp spots not visible to the human eye. Novel results highlight patterns in the appearance of dirt on facades, related to water flow that could have been redirected through proper geometric element execution. The presented inspection methodology, staining standards, and construction details can be easily applied to any building, regardless of location. Sills, drip pans, and flashings must have drip cuts, adequate inclination, and projections to prevent building degradation.

One of the primary contributors to energy consumption is the construction industry. To address the urgent demand for eco-friendly approaches in this field, this study conducted an investigation on Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify the criteria for selecting sustainable materials for façades. Three groups of criteria were derived after a systematic review: Environmental, Social/economic and Technical. The main goal of the research was to answer the question of whether there are differences in these materials' selection between Turkey and European Union countries. After applying statistical tests, it was found that there are significant differences in selecting eco-friendly material only from the social/economic perspective. The most important sub-criterion is the economic cost. Comparisons with results from China and US confirm this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupants' spatial adjustment (OSA) is one of the critical adaptive behaviours in buildings because it affects occupants' comfort and contents of view. However, OSA for contents of view management from facade (e.g. sky, other construction, and greenery) have not been quantified to be integrated into other aspects of multi-objective building design, particularly façade design. The current study develops a design methodology and a correspondent plugin tool to incorporate OSA and content view calculation for visual comfort improvement. To this end, first, a test cell and outdoor and indoor environment were modelled, and façade geometric variables and OSA variables (location and direction of occupant's sight) were set. After that, images were captured from hypothetical occupants' locations inside in different directions of sight while façade transformation alternatives were recorded to the occupants' content view images. Next, python image processing was linked to the Grasshopper modelling environment for content view analysing and quantification to be integrated into the optimisation process linked with visual comfort objectives. The designed methodology helped improve occupants' visual comfort by optimising façade form and managing OSA for optimum daylight availability, glare minimisation, and enhancing occupants' content view. Illuminance and discomfort glare probability (DGP), useful daylight illuminance (UDI), and spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) were used to shed light on the daylight performance of the proposed scenarios. Results demonstrated that a unique OSA and integrated façade configuration at any point in time and seasons that are suitable for the occupant's daylight availability management, decreases perceived glare, and enhances the content view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognizing the significance of solar energy as a vital renewable energy source in building envelope design is becoming more and more important and needs urgent attention. Exploring solar adaptation strategies found in plants offers a wide range of effective design possibilities that can substantially improve building performance. Thus, integrating solar technologies with biomimetic solar adaptive solutions could establish a suitable combination towards a sustainable design. In this context, this study follows an interdisciplinary approach to provide a link between plants' solar adaptation strategies, building integrated photovoltaics and building envelope design. To do so, a framework has been presented using data synthesis and classification to support the potential integration of three photovoltaic (PV) technologies with plant-inspired building envelope design, facilitating a harmonizing approach between biomimetic design and the application of photovoltaic technologies in buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Close Cavity Façade (CCF) has undergone significant advancements from its predecessor, the Double Skin Façade (DSF), resulting in improved thermal insulation and reduced solar penetration. The core principle behind a CCF is a hermetically sealed and non-ventilated construction that incorporates an automatic shading system, triple glazing (TGU) on the inner surface, and single glass on the outer surface. The technique described above effectively regulates the ingress of solar energy and natural light into the building. The experimentation involved the utilisation of various combinations of CCF-TGU designs, employing software tools such as Window 7.8, EnergyPlus, and DesignBuilder. Then, a comparison analysis was undertaken to compare the aforementioned designs with the presently employed single-glazed units (SGU) featuring a grey coating. The inquiry was initiated through the implementation of a case study carried out on a condominium located on Penang Island, Malaysia. The CCF-TGU has superior thermal performance and provides enhanced occupant comfort when compared to SGUs. The effectiveness of CCF-TGU designs in reducing operating temperature ratios has been observed to be higher in Malaysia’s humid tropical climate than that of SGUs. The annual rate of decrease varies between 29.8% and 77.8%, thereby successfully attaining the required level of thermal comfort. The research highlights the potential advantages of implementing an innovative CCF technology that has been modified to accommodate the distinct meteorological conditions of Malaysia. The findings suggest that the implementation of advanced glazing technology holds the potential to enhance both operational temperatures and overall occupant comfort within buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research identifies an innovative process for the performance assessment of façades. Starting from the harmonised technical specifications, it defines a Method Statement that considers the responses to climate change in progress. This document, drawn up based on know-how gained as a result of experiments conducted on façade components, was created as a support tool for the National Technical Assessment body-TAB. The methodology is deductive with an interdisciplinary approach applied to testing activities in its obligatory and experimental aspects. The research is based on process innovation, performance evaluations and quality controls of the project from a constructive-environmental perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the overall structural strategy of the building to the adaptation and adjustment of partial components, the Bell Tower of Zhihua Temple and the Bell Tower of Kaiyuan Temple are compared and analyzed from the perspective of the structural system characteristics, the spatial performance and detailed structure of the components, the shaping of spatial depth and precision, the consistency of facade and internal performance and the overall layout of the temple. Based on the multi-dimensional analysis, this article discusses the relationship between the two bell towers constructed in different eras in terms of overall space performance and indoor and outdoor coordination and intends to establish a method for understanding the ancient architecture design intention from the detail to the general concerning the architectural structure and space performance, and points out the core space of the two bell towers is different, which reflects the changes of the status of the bell tower in monasteries in different ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable construction is a way for the construction industry to achieve sustainable development by considering social, economic, environmental and cultural issues. Generally, in every commercial building, the equipment that uses the largest amount of energy is air conditioning equipment, including hospital buildings, which is influenced by the surface design concept of the building facade, so this research was created to optimize green building-based building facade design through heat transfer values on the building wall facade or Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) which refers to SNI 6389:2011 concerning Energy Conservation of Building Envelopes using value engineering methods. The results show that the use of 310 Wp Solar Panels, blue green Stopsol Glass, Aluminum Composite Panels (ACP), Acian Plaster Walls, Wheatershield Paint has an increase in initial costs of 31.23% from existing conditions, but is superior in reducing heat with the highest OTTV value low at 34.16 Wh/m2 and provides the most optimal savings in electricity usage costs of 30.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Avian Conservation & Ecology is the property of Resilience Alliance and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of achieving sustainability in construction is a reality. A useful strategy to achieve this is the use of waste from agricultural activities. This waste could reduce the environmental impacts associated with the production of raw materials such as natural aggregate, reducing energy consumption from fossil fuels and therefore CO2 emissions. This study examines the thermal conductivity of mortars doped with ground olive stones, a residual by-product of industrial processes. The objective is to evaluate the potential of ground olive stones to improve thermal insulation in construction. Ground olive stones are used as a partial replacement for the aggregates used in mortar bricks. The methodology followed herein to quantify the benefits of this product involves creating several types of mortar with a different percentage of ground olive stones in each sample (between 0% and 30%). Thermal conductivity was determined according to UNE-EN12939:2001. Finally, a case study is conducted performing an energy simulation of a residential building to determine the energy savings derived from reducing the combined thermal demands of heating and cooling and to analyse the feasibility of the alternative use of ground olive stone residue doped in mortar bricks for new sustainable façades. The results show a saving in energy demand (heating and cooling) of 0.938 kWh/m2·year when using 30% GOS-doped mortar bricks compared to the reference bricks. This is equivalent to a decrease in energy demand of 2.23% per square meter of façade. In addition, these annual energy savings are compared to the potential thermal energy created from the combustion of ground olive stones in a biomass boiler, which is the main traditional use of this waste today. It reveals that for a doping range of 5–15%, the recovery time ranges between 30 and 75 yeas, which is within the lifetime of a building. The results demonstrate the great viability of using ground olive stones as fine aggregates in mortars and their possible application in sustainable construction, in particular in more sustainable façades that allow energy savings in buildings and therefore a lower consumption of fossil, which will make it possible to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the excessive consumption of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pattern-based building envelope is a modern style of contemporary facades. Architects may rely on imitating known practices without knowing the processes involved in their design. Therefore, this paper seeks to identify the algorithmic steps implemented in the derivation of contemporary façade. The design algorithms of pattern-based building envelopes are classified into generative algorithms of the basic pattern and elements, and transformation algorithms. An experimentation method was applied using Grasshopper for Rhino to simulate the formation of nine contemporary pattern-based envelopes. The finding reveals that several approaches are implemented such as elements are extruded from the basic pattern or separated from it. The envelope pattern may result from repeting the elements, or the envelope pattern may be devoid of elements. Modification techniques can manipulate the basic pattern, the elements, or both patterns and elements. They act on the patterns and elements simultaneously in the same way, or separately using different ways.

This article focuses on the respondents’ reactions to window views in dense urban environments. A representative sample of multistorey buildings in residential neighbourhoods in close-up window view was observed. To test the respondents’ reactions to window views and the influence of various architectural features, the data was collected with an online questionnaire. The respondents were selecting a reaction to an individual window view, evaluated features and defined causes for their decisions. Results were analysed with descriptive statistics and Chi-Square test was used to analyse the relationship between the variables. The research indicates that window views in densely build urban environments that restrict the building from the context of the space received predominantly negative reactions, but due to various features and causes. As a general rule, the restricted window views increase importance of architectural details, increase importance of surface treatment of façades and decrease importance of the façade geometry. Specifically, the research indicates that the age of the respondents and the way they spend their day does not significantly influence their tolerance to unfavourable window views.

This work presents part of the experience accumulated by the research team of which the authors are members in data collection and information management for the representation of architectural and artistic heritage. To do so, we will analyze the results according to the characteristics of the elements to be studied, which we shall classify according to their scale, location, and nature. In this sense, we propose three working approaches: the L scale, linked to exterior urban spaces, the M scale, for buildings and their interiors, and the S scale, for movable objects and sculptures. Likewise, we address an aspect that is not often dealt with in scientific publications, such as the importance of the graphic planning of tasks and timings in order to make campaigns more efficient. In addition, we performed a critical analysis of the workflows prioritizing the characteristics of the object and the physical constraints that researchers in this field must overcome.As a case study, we shall use the Chapel of San Ildefonso, the foundational space of the University of Alcalá (Madrid), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The heritage qualities of this space allow us to test and exemplify the work process according to the aforementioned scales of approximation. That is to say, the facade as an example of urban scale (L), the wooden coffered ceiling as the main element of the building´s interior (M) and the tomb of Cardinal Cisneros and the adjacent altarpiece as an example of movable scale (S). In short, the contribution is a reference for the effective planning and execution of the survey process, as well as for the processing of the models discussed.DOI: https://doi.org/10.20365/disegnarecon.30.2023.5

Buildings incorporating kinetic architecture are designed to allow parts of the structure to move without reducing the structural integrity of the building. This is believed to substantially improve both energy efficiency and lighting performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the advantages of employing a kinetic façade system and achieving a comfort illuminance level. A G + 7 office building was chosen as the case study for this research. DIVA-for-Rhino simulation software was used to determine how the proposed kinetic system was integrated and compare it to the baseline case. The results show that kinetic louvers can help to achieve light levels in the range 100–300 lux, and a brightness level of 250 to 350 cd/m2. The total energy used decreased by 21.3% and the Unified Glare Rating (UGR) fell from 29.5 to below 10. In addition, Kinetic louvers achieved 100 – 300 lux and a brightness level of 250 to 350 cd/m2. Furthermore, it was found that an annual reduction of 12% occurred on the east side. More detailed analysis is provided in the paper which will help architects and designers to integrate the kinetic system in the façade of their buildings and achieve visual comfort.

The facades of buildings stand as one of the most influential aesthetic elements in urban and rural districts, serving as a boundary between exterior and interior while historically expressing various cultural and climatic functions. In Mazandaran Province, Iran, historical and rural areas have often been overlooked, leading to inappropriate approaches in reusing and renovating these buildings without considering their values. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of the facades of various historical and rural houses to provide a solid foundation for architects dealing with their reuse and renovation or the design of extensions to the existing buildings. In addition to discussing practical applications, this paper offers a methodological approach for scholars active in the field of rural architecture. The research method includes an analysis of several historical houses, drawing from both literature and field studies. The formal approach has been chosen to align with the research goal. The sixteen selected cases are situated in the historical and rural districts of Alasht, Lafour, Qaemshahr, each built in different historical periods of Iran. Given that many historical houses in this area are not officially listed as heritage buildings and no data regarding them are available, the researchers conducted field surveys and interviews with residents to collect the necessary information. The investigation focused on facade elements, including the pattern of openings and the materials used in the selected houses. This research led to the documentation of the facade shapes in the rural areas of Mazandaran Province, highlighting the necessity of documentation to establish a knowledge base before reuse, renovation, or design within these historic regions. This approach could serve as a model for other regions and countries.

One of the key concerns for present-day society is the need to build the environment in which we live in a sustainable way, using green solutions, but without losing the aesthetic values. The following study proves that, when applied in the right way, façade graphics support sustainability. Art glass placed inside the envelope significantly influences a number of aspects related to how a building functions, improving the quality of a given architectural space’s properties. Façade graphics have a considerable effect, as they control the intensity of light penetrating to the interior and provide support sunlight protection. Façade graphics act as a cover that controls how images filter through from the inside to the outside and from the outside to the inside. The graphics may be used to show messaging directed at the public. Art glass located in the external partition has a significant impact on several aspects of the functioning of an architectural object. In the preliminary examination, a few factors that determine the scope of such effect were identified, including the structure of the glass layer and of the image. The objective of this publication is to determine to what degree the structure of an image on glass, and the artistic means associated with it, influence the scope of the visual effect of a glass partition, as well as its functional properties, and how important for the reception of architectural space are the artistic values of glazing, in terms of its form, dynamics, composition, and colours, as well as the means by which the applied image impacts its surroundings. These means result from selection of suitable execution techniques and strategies for shaping the partition. The research concerns aspects of interconnection between graphics and the architectural space; its artistic, compositional, integrating, and covering role. The work is important in further research on the use of facade graphics in the utility and visual aspect.