bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación morfológica y de calidad de dos variedades de lechuga (Lactuca sativa L.) en el municipio de Anolaima, Cundinamarca
Authors: Gutiérrez L Arnol , Ceballos Mauricio , Vega Daniel
Published: November 2017

Durante la última década el municipio de Anolaima en Cundinamarca ha dedicado sus tierras al cultivo de flores, dejando a un lado su potencial para la producción de alimentos. Esto hace que sea imprescindible realizar un estudio sobre nuevas alternativas productivas, que para el caso de esta investigación se ha centrado en dos variedades de lechuga, con el objeto de contribuir en la generación de opciones que enfoquen la actividad agrícola actual de la zona en la utilización de cultivos productivos acordes con el medio ambiente y la seguridad alimentaria. El análisis se realizó en la  finca  El Mirador, ubicada en la vereda Los Balsos del municipio de Anolaima Cundinamarca, bajo un diseño completamente aleatorio, con dos tratamientos T1 (Iceberg) y T2 (Coolguard) en tres repeticiones, con el objetivo de evaluar parámetros morfológicos y de calidad en el sitio de experimentación, mediante técnicas de producción ecológica de alimentos. Se evaluaron las variables de peso en fresco, peso seco, porcentaje de materia seca, porcentaje de pérdidas a la siembra, diámetro del tallo, precocidad de los materiales vegetales y firmeza del cogollo. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la variedad Iceberg es la de mejor respuesta frente a las variables evaluadas, convirtiéndose en una alternativa para la producción de alimentos en la zona de estudio.
Control predictivo con restricciones de suspensión vehicular activa
Authors: Giraldo Gutiérrez Carlos Arturo
Published: November 2017

Las vibraciones y perturbaciones que se presentan en el chasis de los vehículos al desplazarse sobre terrenos irregulares pueden ser atenuadas mediante el uso de suspensiones activas que modifiquen la energía del sistema; en este artículo se exponen los resultados del diseño y simulación de una suspensión activa, utilizando el modelo clásico de masas suspendidas y la técnica de control predictivo basado en modelo, mediante comparación de simulaciones del comportamiento de los sistemas de suspensión pasivo y activo con control predictivo. Los resultados evidencian una mejora significativa en el desempeño de la suspensión al rechazar las perturbaciones del terreno.
Simulación de Tareas de Recolección en un Sistema Multi-Agente Mediante Webots
Authors: Vargas Torres German Andrés , Castillo Estepa Ricardo Andrés
Published: November 2017

Este artículo presenta el desarrollo de un ambiente virtual orientado a simular tareas de exploración y recolección de objetos en un sistema multi-agente (SMA) compuesto por robots humanoides. Previa caracterización del hardware y software que constituye el sistema real, se hace uso del entorno de desarrollo Webots para crear el ambiente virtual, simplificando la inclusión y distribución de los agentes y objetos a recolectar, al igual que en la implementación de funcionalidades propias de los robots humanoides. Simulando una tarea de exploración y recolección estándar y evaluando la tasa de recolecciones exitosas, el ambiente es usado para determinar el número óptimo de agentes en operación que pueden recolectar un único objeto. Los resultados demostraron que el número óptimo era levemente inferior al número formulado en la hipótesis.
Caracterización del tráfico en redes móviles ad-hoc basada en series de tiempo y redes neuronales recurrentes
Authors: Puerta Gabriel A. , Fonseca Pablo U.
Published: November 2017

El objetivo de este artículo es implementar una metodología de análisis y estimación del comportamiento del tráfico de paquetes en redes móviles Ad-hoc. Se construyeron procesos de estimación de tráfico en redes móviles con base en la implementación de redes neuronales recurrentes y series de tiempo; para ello se trabajaron 50 muestras de diferentes escenarios de caracterización de variables de entorno de forma aleatoria, simulados en NS-2 (Network Simulator Two), luego estas trazas fueron procesadas con la ayuda de herramientas como AWK y Perl. Se consiguieron históricos de 1300 y 3000 eventos para su posterior validación frente al estimador. Los estimadores y las caracterizaciones de tráfico implementadas para las redes neuronales, estan basadas en la regla Back Propagation y modelos de regresión lineal como ARIMA, SARIMA y FARIMA, para las series de tiempo.
ICT-ENABLED BOTTOM-UP ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Authors: Pak Burak
Published: November 2017

This paper aims at discussing the potentials of bottom-up design practices in relation to the latest developments in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by making an in-depth review of inaugural cases. The first part of the study involves a literature study and the elaboration of basic strategies from the case study. The second part reframes the existing ICT tools and strategies and elaborates on their potentials to support the modes of participation performed in these cases. As a result, by distilling the created knowledge, the study reveals the potentials of novel modes of ICT-enabled design participation which exploit a set of collective action tools to support sustainable ways of self-organization and bottom-up design. The final part explains the relevance of these with solid examples and presents a hypothetical case for future implementation. The paper concludes with a brief reflection on the implications of the findings for the future of architectural design education.
THE PHENOMENOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF TEACHING PROFESSIONALISM IN THE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO CULTURE: A Case at the University of Kansas
Authors: Ashkan Maryam
Published: November 2017

This paper explores the phenomenology of professional teaching in the design studios of the School of Architecture at the University of Kansas. In contrast to previous general research, this study seeks to improve understanding of design studio instructors’ teaching by employing a qualitative phenomenological methodology based on the theory of constructivism. The use of developed analytical analysis approach in ATLAS.ti 7 reveals two main themes and their sub-categories related to studio instructors’ teaching professionalism, including four styles of teaching, four teaching methods, various teaching features, and factors that potentially influence teaching performance. Despite variations among studio instructors, the theoretical framework developed to assess teaching professionalism in the design studio characterizes instructors as street-level bureaucrats and as negotiators, shaping the quality of instruction provided. In bringing to light how studio instructors negotiate and develop their day-to-day professional teaching practices, the study aims to contribute to educational reform in support of the professional development of studio instructors.
AN EVALUATION OF STAIRWAY DESIGNS FEATURED IN ARCHITECTURAL RECORD BETWEEN 2000 AND 2012
Authors: Kim Karen , Steinfeld Edward
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses an evaluation of stairway designs featured in Architectural Record, a leading architectural professional journal, over a thirteen-year publication period (2000 to 2012). Images of stairways were classified as either hazard-free or hazard(s)-present using a hazard identification checklist, and the frequency of visible design hazards was tabulated. A total of 578 stairways were scanned in articles and advertisements, of which 78 (13.5%) were product advertisements. Sixty-one percent of the stairways had at least one visible design hazard including nearly half (47%) in product advertisements. The three most common hazards in stairways were inadequate handrails (161, 27.8%), excessive length of stairway flights (74, 12.8%), and low visual contrast on tread edges (73, 12.6%). The high prevalence of stairway design hazards in the professional literature indicates a need for improved professional education and media attention to safe stairway design.
PEOPLE'S EVALUATION TOWARDS MEDIA FAÇADE AS NEW URBAN LANDMARKS AT NIGHT
Authors: Vahedi Moghaddam Elyas , Ibrahim Rahinah
Published: November 2017

This paper attempts to help designers to turn a building into media facade as an attractive landmark for people’s urban night life. The literature survey points towards being dynamic and interactive with observers as the two quality dimensions for implementing this emerging lighting technology. Based on a survey of eleven selected media facades using video films to 250 students and staff at a public university, results identified twelve attributes for these two qualities. However, item analysis and exploratory factor analysis of the results determined only ten attributes actually support people’s attention towards media facade. The attributes of unique landmark, different nocturnal appearance, dynamic colour, informative lighting, artistic lighting performance, on going process, and dynamic advertisement could be categorized under the visual quality dimension. On the other hand, attributes of covert interaction, overt interaction, and predesigned interaction could be categorized under the interactive quality dimension. This study contributes in prioritizing visual qualities for guiding the attractiveness of buildings’ appearances at night, hence enabling the creation of new dynamic urban spaces when designing buildings.
KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY AS AN INITIATOR OF SUSTAINABLE URBANISM IN EMERGING METROPOLISES: THE CASE OF DOHA, QATAR
Authors: Salama Ashraf M. , Wiedmann Florian , Thierstein Alain , Al Ghatam Wafa
Published: November 2017

This paper is a comprehensive coverage of a research project of the National Priority Research Program of the Qatar National Research Fund, entitled ‘Investigating the Qualities of the Urban Environment in Emerging Regional Metropolises’, and carried out between 2011 and 2014 through the joint collaboration of Qatar University and Technische Universität München. Through the shift of global economic forces Gulf cities, such as Qatar’s capital Doha, are developed as central hubs between developed economies in the West and the rising economies of Asia. In the context of international competition between cities new challenges are emerging where cities need to find ways to sustain and extend their position in a globalizing world. Therefore the research process placed emphasis on the complex interrelationship of knowledge economies and spatial developments in the Gulf region. The work is premised on the assumption that non-physical economic aspects and the qualities of the urban environment are interdependent. It analyses the qualities of the urban environment of Doha as an important regional metropolis through a comprehensive investigation utilizing a set of interdisciplinary research methods that include analysis of historic documents, Delphi interview series, company network analysis, GIS analysis, cognitive mapping, behavioural studies, media surveys, attitude surveys, and space syntax analysis. The outcomes promise important results regarding urban qualities in the city of Doha culminating into various recommendations aimed at potential beneficiaries including public sector organizations, private sector and real estate development companies, and academia.
THE EFFECT OF LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS ON WALKABILITY IN EGYPTIAN GATED COMMUNITIES
Authors: Zayed Mohamed Anwer
Published: November 2017

Walking has always been one of the important modes of transport all over the world. During the second half of the twentieth century, motorized modes, especially private cars, emerged. A situation of overdependence on motorized transport evolved. Recently, the notion of reviving walking as one of the urban transport modes started to emerge, especially in developed countries. Both research work and professional practice now search for ways to rehabilitate urban areas in order to facilitate walking and cycling. The focus has mainly been on macro-scale factors such as land use distribution and street network planning. However, landscape elements, such as micro-scale measures, could play an important role in achieving that goal. This paper addresses the role of landscape elements in enhancing urban walkability. It mainly focuses on gated communities, which are widely emerging types of residential urban areas across the world and also in Egypt. Using statistical analysis, the paper identifies the most important landscape elements that could affect the walkability of gated communities in Egypt.
NEIGHBOURHOOD REGENERATION AT THE GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION: INCUBATORS’ CO-CREATIVE PROCESS AND SYSTEM
Authors: Caneparo Luca , Bonavero Federica
Published: November 2017

Incubators of Public Spaces is a funded JPI Urban Europe project aiming to support the self-organization of places by enhancing the factors that motivate, encourage, and enable the urban actors to reach common understandings in order to coordinate their actions by reasoned argument, consensus, and cooperation rather than strategic thinking only. By catalyzing citizens’ willingness to ‘do their bit’ for improving spaces, it provides the means to grow and care for places. The paper is organized into three main sections. The first section offers a theoretical underpinning on the roots of self-organization and co-creation in urban interventions. After a brief introduction about the project’s aims, the second section deals with incubators’ co-creative process and system. It describes the running of the scenario workshops and provides an overview of the web platform and its inherent features. The third section presents the results of the application of the incubators method in the regeneration of an Italian neighborhood. It provides some general information about the area, and foresees a set of interventions for both built and open spaces. Conclusions offer early remarks concerning the ongoing experimentation in Incubators.
LEARNING FROM COMMERCIAL VERNACULAR BUILDING TYPES: A NORTH AMERICAN CASE STUDY
Authors: Verderber Stephen
Published: November 2017

A substantial literature exists on commercial vernacular architecture in North America. This literature has examined everyday places and iconic building types including suburbia, roadside motels, vintage diners, fast food franchises, residential trailer parks, signage, unique commercial establishments, and shopping malls. These places and buildings are generally classified as expressions of folk vernacular culture. In response, Attention Restoration Theory, an environmental cognition perspective based in human information processing research, provided the foundation for an investigation of the food truck/ trailer and its immediate installation context within a North American case study context. Visual documentation, interviews, and archival fieldwork provided the basis for the articulation of a typology. These structures were found to express automaticity, as satisfying the timeless human preference for association with nature, a sense of psychological respite, and as a physical setting visually distinct from its larger urban environment context. Directions for future research on this topic are outlined together with insights for application by architects and urban planners.
JUER HUTONG NEW COURTYARD HOUSING IN BEIJING: A REVIEW FROM THE RESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Zhang Donia
Published: November 2017

Set within the theoretical framework of cultural sustainability, this in-depth case study examines the Juer Hutong new courtyard housing prototype built in the inner city of Beijing, China, whose phase one was completed in 1990 and phase two in 1994. Juer Hutong (Chrysanthemum Lane) is located in the area of the celebrated Nanluogu Xiang (Gong and Drum Lane South), in proximity to the historic Drum and Bell Towers. It was a typically decayed traditional courtyard house neighborhood that urgently needed remodeling. After a decade of research and design led by Professor Wu Liangyong, and a group of students at the School of Architecture of Tsinghua/ Qinghua University, phase one of the project has won six awards, including the 1992 World Habitat Award. However, its proposed phases three and four were suspended from construction. This study elucidates the residents’ views of the completed two phases and offers four lessons and two new courtyard garden house design models for discussion and future practice.
ACCESSIBLE HOUSING AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE: MEASUREMENTS OF WELLBEING OUTCOMES FOLLOWING HOME MODIFICATIONS
Authors: Carnemolla Phillippa , Bridge Catherine
Published: November 2017

The multi-dimensional relationship between housing and population health is now well recognised internationally, across both developing and developed nations. This paper examines a dimension within the housing and health relationship – accessibility – that to date has been considered difficult to measure. This paper reports on the mixed method results of larger mixed-method, exploratory study designed to measure the impact of home modifications on Health-Related Quality of Life, supported by qualitative data of recipients’ experiences of home modifications. Data was gathered from 157 Australian HACC clients, who had received home modifications. Measurements were taken for both before and after home modifications and reveal that home modifications were associated with an average 40% increase in Health-Related Quality of Life levels. The qualitative results revealed that participants positively associated home modifications across six effect themes: increased safety and confidence, improved mobility at home, increased independence, supported care-giving role, increased social participation, and ability to return home from hospital. This exploratory research gives an insight into the potential for accessible architecture to impact improvements in community health and wellbeing.
AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE WALKING ENVIRONMENT IN A MEGACITY: CASE STUDY OF VALIASR STREET, TEHRAN
Authors: Motamed Bahareh , Bitaraf Azadeh
Published: November 2017

High air pollution, car dependency, and increasing statistics of obesity and cardiovascular diseases are growing issues in the mega city of Tehran, the capital city of Iran. Therefore, investigating the quality of walkability as an effective solution for these issues in Valiasr Street, the longest street of Middle East and one of the key vena of Tehran, becomes significant. Research shows that despite the attempts of executed projects, the majority of implemented actions in this street were not in accordance with services of its pedestrian facilities. Even in some cases, they may threaten the walking environment. This paper discusses not only the physical features of Valiasr Street but it also considers the consequences of policies and municipal decisions in light of walkability criteria. Using walkability indexes from various scholars, this study seeks to investigate the level of walkability in Valiasr Street through field observation and mapping by trained observers/ auditors.
TOWARDS DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE HERITAGE TOURISM AND CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN FOR IRBID’S HISTORIC CORE
Authors: Haddad Naif Adel , Fakhoury Leen Adeeb
Published: November 2017

Tal (mount) Irbid in Irbid city, Jordan, with its continuous human occupation from the Bronze Age until the present, demonstrates the main landmark that has guided the spread of the urban growth of the city. The outcome of studies carried out at Irbid’s historic core, in relation to assessing the loss and degradation of the core’s cultural heritage, shall be analyzed, investigated, and discussed, as also concerns, obstacles, and issues of sustainability to this urban heritage conservation and tourism planning. The paper starts by defining the urban heritage for the historic core, which tends to be set aside, in the city’s rapid development. Actually, the remaining historic buildings can also provide the necessary inter-relationships between the historic core areas and the wider urban context to achieve a sustainable and integrated tourism and conservation action plan for the three heritage neighborhoods around the Tal, while building on tourism opportunities and taking into consideration the needs and the vital role of the local community. The paper concludes that urban heritage conservation and protection of the integrity and identity of the historic core city fabric can assist in its branding, promotion, and management in ways that could enhance the local community belonging, quality of everyday lifestyle, and visitors' experience.
FORMS OF INFORMALITY AND ADAPTATIONS IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
Authors: Kamalipour Hesam
Published: November 2017

Informal settlements have become integral to the urban imagery of the cities across the global South. Forms of urban informality emerge and grow through some generative processes of self-organisation and incremental adaptations. While formal interventions have often failed to put an end to such a resilient and complex type of urbanism, the desire for eradication and demolishment still prevails. Most of the informal settlements can benefit from incremental upgrading and micro-scale design interventions, which then rely on a sophisticated understanding and analysis of informal morphologies and adaptations. However, forms of urban informality and adaptations of informal settlements are relatively understudied. This paper aims to explore informal morphologies and their incremental adaptations drawing on empirical evidence from the case study of Khlong Toei district in Bangkok (Thailand). Direct observation, visual recording, and urban mapping are the key research methods. Five different forms of informality and adaptations have been identified in this study. One of the findings of this study is that informal morphologies emerge in different forms at multiple scales. Another finding of this study is that informal adaptations are often similar across different informal morphologies. The findings of this paper contribute to the growing body of knowledge in urban morphology and informal urbanism.
THE YORUBA VERNACULAR AS A PARADIGM FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSING: LESSONS FROM OGBERE, IBADAN, NIGERIA
Authors: Jaiyeoba Babatunde E. , Asojo Abimbola O , Amole Bayo
Published: November 2017

Low-income housing is often studied in a top down approach by experts and researchers. The Ogbere case study in the outskirts of Ibadan represents housing built by low-income people and therefore a context to understand how the poor provides housing. It is evident from Ogbere that most of the housing producers earlier lived in Yoruba vernacular family houses where they acquired knowledge about the vernacular model they built. This knowledge contributed to their ability to attain housing contrary to their income level. In order to understand low-income housing production in the context of Ogbere, a comprehensive case study approach was adopted. The study examined the socio-economic characteristics and residential histories of the house owners, the characteristics of the houses and the resources they deployed in the housing production process. Multiple techniques of questionnaires, in depth interview and observation were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from one half (n= 926) of the Ogbere house owners in the study area. The findings form a paradigm for low income housing in Nigeria and the developing world.
THE INFLUENCE OF OPEN SPACE UTILIZATION ON RESIDENTS’ ATTACHMENT WITH COMMUNITY: A CASE STUDY OF RURAL MARKET SQUARE IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA
Authors: Paul Agboola Oluwagbemiga , Hisyam Rasidi Mohd , Ismail Said Bin
Published: November 2017

Open space such as market square is a communal ground where people carry out their various functional activities. This research work is undertaken in order to fill the knowledge gap in areas of people and place relationship, where improvements are needed to overcome challenges in the provision of facilities, design, and planning. In view of its significance, it becomes imperative to explore the relationship between the utilization of market square and residents’ attachment to the community. Therefore, 382 respondents’ views on market dependence, identity, activities preferences, and attachment to the community were collected through self-administered questionnaires. The findings from Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS tool version 22 for the tested hypothesized model reveal that residents’ dependence and identity with market square had positive significant impacts on residents’ attachment to the community with standardised path coefficient values of 0.32 and 0.48 respectively. It is therefore suggested that appropriate machinery should be put in place towards improving the quality of the market square to further enhance users’ interaction cum the sustainability of the community in Nigeria.
A METHODOLOGY TO EVALUATE THE TRANSFORMATION OF TRADITIONAL BALINESE HOUSES AS A CONSEQUENCE OF TOURISM
Authors: Diasana Putra I Dewa Gede Agung , Lozanovska Mirjana , Fuller Robert
Published: November 2017

Some traditional houses in Bali have been transformed for tourist facilities. As a cultural phenomenon, the transformation involves an interrelated complexity of aspects in the houses. There is a need for a holistic approach to contextualize the complexity of the impact of tourism on the transformation. Unfortunately, an instrument to identify the textures of the transformation, as a fundamental phase to explore the complexity, is not yet available. The objective of this study is to develop an inclusive methodology based on criteria as the fundamental stage in the multiple holistic method developed. Using visual documentations of 749 traditional houses from four villages, the findings show that the transformation has been considered in various ways, both as the additive sum of the specific changes, and as a hierarchy of cultural traditions and activities. It was a process generally found to begin at the front part of the houses, followed by the backyard and pavilions, and in the final phase at the family temple. This method was able to systematically assess the physical configuration of the transformed house.
A DECADE OF ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN RESEARCH PUBLISHED IN ‘ARCHNET-IJAR: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH’
Authors: Salama Ashraf M. , Remali Adel M. , Pour Rahimian Farzad
Published: November 2017

This article commemorates a decade of discourse and published research on architecture and urbanism in ArchNet-IJAR (March 2007-March 2017). While the journal does not publish regular editorials associating each issue, it is believed that offering key highlights of growth since the inception of the journal is now due. The article presents the current position of ArchNet-IJAR within the international provision of journals in architecture and urban studies in key databases and index-bases. This is substantiated by key statistics of submissions, published contributions, and acceptance rates during the past 10 years. Coupled with analytical discussion on the global reach of the ArchNet-IJAR, the article identifies 11 research fields, which were covered in 10 volumes since the journal’s inception. Analytical discussions of recent two theme issues as well as latest developments and contributions during the past few years are presented to reflect on the rigor and quality of the journal while depicting its thrust and interest. The article concludes by key aspects relevant to the future aspirations of ArchNet-IJAR while highlighting initiatives and prospective endeavours.
RECONCEPTUALIZING THE DESIGN STUDIO IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION: DISTANCE LEARNING AND BLENDED LEARNING AS TRANSFORMATION FACTORS
Authors: Masdéu Marta , Fuses Josep
Published: November 2017

Nowadays, the professional practice is undergoing changes that are affecting the work of architects. Architectural studios and engineering consultancies are reinventing themselves to adapt to social, technological and productive needs. However, despite the professional changes, the training of architects in schools continues to focus on educational models that have grown more and more distant from the professional demands. In view of this, schools of architecture have been forced to revise their programmes to develop teaching methods that enable them to adapt to the current situation. Thus, the Design Studio -considered as the core of education in architecture- needs a reconceptualization in order to change the way architects should learn. Pedagogical approaches such as distance learning and blended learning can help update the concept of the Design Studio and transform it into a new participatory and delocalized learning space.
HERITAGE IN THE LIVED ENVIRONMENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND THE GULF REGION
Authors: Hobbs Joseph John
Published: November 2017

This paper examines how the architectural, social, and cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries may contribute to better development of this region’s lived environment. Modern urbanism has largely neglected heritage in architectural design and in social and private spaces, creating inauthentic places that foster a hunger for belongingness in the UAE’s built environment. The paper reviews recent urban developments in the UAE and the Gulf Region, and identifies elements of local heritage that can be incorporated into contemporary planning and design. It proposes that adapting vernacular architectural heritage to the modern built environment should not be the principal goal for heritage-informed design. Instead we may examine the social processes underlying the traditional lived environment, and aim for social sustainability based on the lifeways and preferences of local peoples, especially in kinship and Islamic values. Among the most promising precedents for modern social sustainability are social and spatial features at the scale of the neighborhood in traditional Islamic settlements. Interviews with local Emiratis will also recommend elements of traditional knowledge to modern settings.
APPLYING THE VERNACULAR MODEL TO HIGH-RISE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Authors: Al-Jokhadar Amer , Jabi Wassim
Published: November 2017

In the age of globalisation and continuous urbanisation, architects have a greater responsibility to design residential buildings with comfortable and sustainable environments. However, sustainable solutions should not concern themselves only with utilising technology, but also with creating synergies amongst a community’s social, cultural, historical, and environmental aspects. This research focuses on the implications of this wider definition of sustainability within the hot-arid climates of the Middle East and North Africa. Most of the current high-rise residential buildings in these regions do not promote social cohesion as they have been constructed without consideration for local identity and lifestyle. In contrast, vernacular courtyard dwellings and neighbourhoods offer good examples of socially cohesive and healthy environments. Yet, vernacular houses might not be compatible with pressures of modern construction. The question then becomes how to maintain the relationship between the spatial, social and environmental aspects while employing the latest technologies and materials. This paper presents the different qualities of vernacular houses and neighbourhoods in the different regions of the Middle East and North Africa. Social and spatial relationships of different cases are assessed, through a typological analysis approach using a developed syntactic-geometric model, to trace the lifestyle and the cultural values of the society. The aim is a parametric exploration of appropriate sustainable solutions that facilitate the synergy of socio-climatic requirements, the well-being qualities of the residents, and the specifics of culture, time and people while designing sustainable high-rise developments.
ASPECTS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN HERITAGE: FROM REGISTERS TO CONSERVATION FOR ADAPTIVE AND MODERN USE AT THE HISTORIC CORES OF SALT AND IRBID, JORDAN
Authors: Fakhoury Leen Adeeb , Haddad Naif Adel
Published: November 2017

This paper attempts to present and discuss the outcome of the results of the key different studies and projects carried out at Salt and at Irbid historic cores.  It focuses on the executed urban heritage projects undertaken mainly by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) of Jordan in the last two decades. It discusses their different aspects through initial assessment of the loss and degradation of the cultural heritage assets of the two cities; the fragmentation and lack of connectivity between the modern and historic cores; issues of sustainability of architectural and urban heritage projects i.e. tourism planning and conservation; and reuse projects at the historic cores in relation to cultural, physical factors and development needs. It also addresses the behaviour and characteristics of the urban regeneration process in those two historic cities, starting from their documentation to examination of the different aspects of the currently adopted urban practices and policies, and their impact on the existing urban heritage, depending on the specific identity of the respective historic cores. Finally, it aims to define the main constraints and challenges for the reuse of the existing heritage fabric including the local community quality of life, while building on sustainable heritage activities accommodating tourism opportunities. This will give, at least, some indications from which we can identify a use or combination of uses, and practical steps needed for successful heritage conservation actions in Jordan, in order to retain the cultural significance of the place.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECT OF EMPLOYING IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT ON ENHANCING SPATIAL PERCEPTION WITHIN DESIGN PROCESS
Authors: Abu Alatta Rawan Taisser , Freewan Ahmed Abdullah
Published: November 2017

The recent developments in Information Technology (IT) and digital media have introduced new opportunities to design studio and new dimensions to design and architecture. The current research studies how the immersion of Virtual Reality (VR) in architectural design studio affects spatial perception through the design process. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of using such environments on changing the way how to design for human experience: how it will improve students' spatial understanding of Three Dimensions (3D) volumes, and how it will enhance their imagination, enrich their creativity and promote their ability to experience their design's sensations. This study hypothesizes that using an immersive virtual environment in design studio will empower students' imaginations and give them the ability to understand and experience their ideas. It will give them the opportunity to check their design's validity with greater 3D exploration, understanding and comprehension of spatial volumes.  Within a framework of an experimental design research, a series of experiments was conducted to evaluate what had been assumed.  The research used teaching, monitoring, explanatory observation and evaluation methods. The results showed that VR can not only enhance spatial perception and improve the design, but also it can affect the design process and make changes in the architectural design way of thinking. It can help designers to incorporate human experience within the design process.
SCOTLAND'S APPROACH TO PARTICIPATORY PLANNING: CHARACTERISING THE CHARRETTE
Authors: Kennedy Ainslie
Published: November 2017

Since 2010 the ‘charrette’ has been promoted by the Scottish Government as an effective approach to community and stakeholder involvement in participatory design; yet, there has been little opportunity to formally reflect on the mainstreaming programme that has now delivered sixty charrettes across Scotland.  This paper presents a preliminary review of the programme by focusing on charrette commissioning, construction and delivery as detailed in post-completion reports. The purpose is to better understand what constitutes a Scottish charrette.  For this study the researcher identified forty-six reports published between 2011 and 2016.  A conceptual framework guided report content analysis, which found eight charrette characteristics with sufficient content to derive subcategories.  These characteristics and subcategories broadly describe charrette design and implementation. To conclude, this analysis is used to develop a charrette-descriptor table, which provides a preliminary means to distinguish between different charrette-approaches found in Scotland.
PLURALITY AND DIVERSITY IN ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN RESEARCH
Authors: Salama Ashraf M.
Published: November 2017

Demonstrating the essence of the journal as a truly international platform that covers issues of interest and concern to the global academic and professional community, this issue of Archnet-IJAR, volume 11, issue # 2, July 2017 includes various topics that manifest plurality and diversity as inherent qualities of architectural and urban research published in the journal.  Topics include architectural education and design studio teaching, urban and rural slums, heritage and historic environments in various contexts, participatory planning and the charrette process, assessment of public spaces and plazas, and human perception of the built environment. These topics are debated and analytically discussed within cities, settlements, and urban environments in Bahrain, Bangladesh, California-USA, Libya, Scotland, and Spain. The issue also includes three papers selected from the Fifth Architectural Jordanian International Conference – 1-3 November 2016, which uniquely speak to the context of Jordan and the wider Middle East. The edition ends with a book review that highlights emerging issues related to border landscapes and social ecologies.
HERITAGE-BASED SUSTAINABILITY IN PORT SAID: Classification of Styles and Future Development
Authors: Megahed Naglaa
Published: November 2017

This research is an attempt to specify the attributes in Port Said's built heritage, most particularly that which was founded towards the end of 19th and early of 20th centuries. The city's development not only interacts with European and Islamic architectural characteristics but it also illustrates the story of this development within unique architectural styles. By accurate conservation policies, this built heritage cannot only be saved, but can also help to improve local residents’ quality of life. The research aims to (a) outline an approach for exploring the architectural styles of Port Said; (b) present the desire of communities to conserve their built heritage through the community participation and (c) propose the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the significance of discussing physical characteristics of built heritage together with environmental, economic and social aspects as a main concern of any sustainable development.
EXPLORING HEALTHCARE ARCHITECTURE THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF FILM: Motives and Techniques
Authors: Verderber Stephen
Published: November 2017

The interdisciplinary field of person-environment relations has, from its origins, addressed the transactional relationship between human behavior and the built environment. This body of knowledge has been based upon qualitative and quantitative assessment of phenomena in the “real world.” This knowledge base has been instrumental in advancing the quality of real, physical environments globally at various scales of inquiry and with myriad user/client constituencies. By contrast, scant attention has been devoted to using simulation as a means to examine and represent person-environment transactions and how what is learned can be applied. The present discussion posits that press-competency theory, with related aspects drawn from functionalist-evolutionary theory, can together function to help us learn of how the medium of film can yield further insights to person-environment (P-E) transactions in the real world. Sampling, combined with extemporary behavior setting analysis, provide the basis for this analysis of healthcare settings as expressed throughout the history of cinema. This method can be of significant aid in examining P-E transactions across diverse historical periods, building types and places, healthcare and otherwise, otherwise logistically, geographically, or temporally unattainable in real time and space.
ARCHITECTURE FOR AUTISM: Autism ASPECTSS™ in School Design
Authors: Mostafa Magda
Published: November 2017

Architecture, as a science, deals with the manipulation of the physical environment to facilitate certain functions and elicit intended behavior. This environment is comprised primarily of sensory elements- textures, colors, patterns, acoustics etc. In accordance to the sensory definition of autism, these elements play an important role in autistic behavior and their cognition and integration are at the core of the disorder. This definition is the basis of the Autism ASPECTSS™ Design Index as discussed here. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the use of this index and its seven principles- Acoustics, Spatial sequencing, Escape, Compartmentalization, Transition spaces, Sensory zoning and Safety- as a design development tool. The paper summarizes the impact of these principles on the development of spatial design criteria for the Advance Center for Special Needs in Qattameya, Cairo, designed by Progressive Architects, and presents a possible prototype for schools for autism which would follow the ASPECTSS™ principles.
TIMELESS BUILDINGS AND THE HUMAN BRAIN: The Effect of Spiritual Spaces on Human Brain Waves
Authors: Essawy Sally M. , Kamel Basil , Elsawy Mohamed S.
Published: November 2017

Some buildings hold certain qualities of space design similar to those originated from nature in harmony with its surroundings. These buildings, mostly associated with religious beliefs and practices, allow for human comfort and a unique state of mind. This paper aims to verify such effect on the human brain. It concentrates on measuring brain waves when the user is located in several spots (coordinates) in some of these buildings. Several experiments are conducted on selected case studies to identify whether certain buildings affect the brain wave frequencies of their users or not. These are measured in terms of Brain Wave Frequency Charts through EEG Device. The changes identified on the brain were then translated into a brain diagram that reflects the spiritual experience all through the trip inside the selected buildings. This could then be used in architecture to enhance such unique quality.
EXPLORING SOCIO-SPATIAL ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL SOUQS: The Case of Souq Mutrah, Oman
Authors: Al-Maimani Ahood Abdullah , Salama Ashraf M. , Fadli Fodil
Published: November 2017

Traditional souqs in the Arabian Peninsula continue to be major focal points of trade, commerce, exchange, entertainment and social interaction. Souq Mutrah, in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman is one of these important regional souqs. This paper develops an experiential walkthrough assessment of three selected urban spaces - market places within Souq Mutrah by examining their spatial and socio-cultural aspects while implementing direct systematic observation and behavioral mapping procedure. The findings contribute to an in-depth understanding of the qualities of the three spaces and the resulting use, activities, and behavior representative of the inhabitants' spatial experience in those spaces. Assessment results reveal important outcomes that include that safety and security is the significant missing factor in Souq Mutrah spaces, which if provided, can attract more users while supporting their needs.
REVIEW OF ‘DEMYSTIFYING DOHA: ON ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM IN AN EMERGING CITY’ by Ashraf M. Salama and Florian Wiedmann (Authors). Farnham, UK & Burlington, VT. USA, Ashgate, 2013, 300 pages, ISBN 978-1-4094-6634-5
Authors: Gharib Remah Y.
Published: November 2017

Very few informative books have been produced regarding the development of the State of Qatar and its emerging capital city Doha until this recent book ‘Demystifying Doha: On Architecture and Urbanism in an Emerging City’ has been published by Ashgate Publishing Limited at the end of 2013. This book reflects on the rapid urban development process in an era of globalizing architecture and urbanism with in-depth focus on the various trends of urban evolution, governance, image-making and socio-cultural sustainability.Ashraf M. Salama and Florian Wiedmann, the authors, approach such a developmental case by a strong conceptual organization of research and a rich analytical methodology that unveils morphological transformations. While the title of the book promotes Doha, the book is essential for every planner, architect, and academic to read and explore its scientific and empirical methodologies, and their implementation. In essence these can be utilized in other cities of similar vision and pace of growth. This solid production delivers an overview study and analytical investigations on architecture and urbanism of a city, which competes with other cities in the region such as Dubai and Abu-Dhabi. The book interrogates three main questions: (1) how the city’s urban structure was shaped and managed from its beginning until its being a key player in the global arena; (2) what are the models of governance utilized to transform the city’s built environment and its physical image; and (3) how place-making and city-branding mechanisms define the city’s image and impact on the urban development tendencies and their relationship the city’s inhabitants.
EDITORIAL: NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND NEW DISCOURSE ON ARCHITECTURE AND URBAMISM
Authors: Salama Ashraf M.
Published: November 2017

Over the past seven years and since Archnet-IJAR has published its first issue in March 2007 the journal has managed to position itself on the map of web publishing in architecture and urbanism. Following a comprehensive process of academic review of articles and research work submitted to the journal, it has succeeded to secure its position in various databases. One of the unique features of the Archnet-IJAR was, and still is, the voluntary work nature of its editors and reviewers where no funds are involved at all in managing or reviewing or editing the submissions before publishing. Another unique feature is that the journal since the beginning was, and still is, made available for free without subscription fees or publishing fees. A third feature of Archnet-IJAR is the opportunity it offers to young academics, PhD scholars, reaching across the boundaries of cultures and regions.Key highlights in the past seven years are important to note. In qualitative and quantitative terms the journal has made significant achievements. In terms of quality the journal became part of important data and index bases including Avery index to Architectural Periodicals, EBSCO-Current Abstracts-Art and Architecture, INTUTE, Directory of Open Access Journals, Pro-Quest, Scopus-Elsevier and many university library databases. In terms of quantity 20 issues were published in 7 volumes (Figure 1). The 20 issues combined include 283 papers categorized in two categories: 237 original research articles and 46 book reviews and trigger articles. I should mention here that the issues produced by Archnet-IJAR cover almost every corner of the globe whether in terms of the context that they address or in terms of its authors’ affiliations and cultural backgrounds.
LIFE IN DESIGN: CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER AND THE NATURE OF ORDER
Authors: Kalb James
Published: November 2017

How we build reflects how we understand the world around us. The architectural style of a period thus corresponds to the cosmological and epistemological beliefs then dominant, and objections to one are likely to line up with objections to the other. Christopher Alexander provides a strong example of that tendency. His opposition to architectural modernism and postmodernism reflects opposition to tendencies within modernity that present themselves as rational and liberating but are in his view very different in character, and his project involves restoring balance to modern understandings in a way that makes room for what he calls “the phenomenon of life.” He thus reaches results similar in basic ways to those reached in traditional and vernacular architecture but in a very different manner. It is not clear however that his approach can be generally followed.