bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second-career teachers’ workplace learning and learning at university
Authors: Keck Frei Andrea , Kocher Mirjam , Bieri Buschor Christine
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine career-change student teachers’ practice-based learning in teacher training, with a special focus on the support they received.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a qualitative content analysis of 15 group interviews, including 58 career-change student teachers and focuses on their learning at university and the workplace.

Findings

This paper indicates that career-change student teachers’ learning is task-related and based on interactions. It benefits from the support provided by actors at the university and workplace. Their learning is highly self-regulated and built on skills from prior professional and life experience. However, behaviourist learning and trial-and-error learning strategies are more often mentioned than constructionist learning and goal-oriented learning.

Practical implications

The findings underline the fact that universities and schools can enhance career-change student teachers’ learning by providing professional support, helping them to form links between experience from their prior profession, as well as their knowledge acquired at the university and experience from the workplace.

Originality/value

Until now, few studies have addressed workplace learning in teacher education. The present study aims to address this lack. Moreover, the study shows how career-change student teachers deal with the challenge of bridging the gap between theoretical and practical knowledge acquired during practice-based teacher education.
Wafting spheres: much ado about nothing
Authors: Fuchs Peter
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the idea of the sphere on systems theory (type: Niklas Luhmann) and to test whether this theory can be used to gain a sharper approach to the complex of ideas of the sphere. The main theme is “the conceptual blurriness of the word sphere.” This essay analyzes the societal and historical semantics of the concept of sphere and nearby notions in the thought traditions in medieval society until the modern, i.e. the functionally differentiated society. Nearby notions as limitationality and boundary are discussed, as well as sphere as a “lexicalized metaphor.” At the end, the paper turns to the concept of sphere in modern society that is based on the distinction “public/private” and applies the discussion to the system of mass media.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper can be classified as a “conceptual essay” that draws on basic systems theoretical concepts.

Findings

The result of the theoretical considerations is that the word “sphere” represents nothing more than a “catchword” and can hardly lay the groundwork for empirical and theoretical research that would be instructive with regard to the new media and their massive influence on society.

Originality/value

This paper was researched and written solely by the author. All sources are clearly identified.
Agency, ecosystems and sustainable development. Part 1: the ecosystem
Authors: Yolles Maurice
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This two-part paper is concerned with the creation of a generalised cybernetic agency-based ecosystem. The purpose of the first part is to explore the basis for the creation of an agentic ecology theory to provide a generalised multidisciplinary context-free manifold that can be applied to specific domains and contexts. As an element of this, it will explore the relationship between agency and its agents (at various foci) and the nature of agency ecologies and their evolution. It will also explore the relationship between viability and sustainability. In the second part of the paper, the purpose will be to formulate a general basis for agency ecology, followed by an agency model that recognises the analytical and decision-making attributes of the viability–sustainability relationship by centering on the modelling a socioeconomic ecosystem and a social disciplinary species model.

Design/methodology/approach

Agency theory will be used to model a generic agency ecology and its environment of subordinate elements – especially those subordinates that can be used as amenities to satisfy the needs to agency development. Part 1 of the paper will take a tour of concepts relevant to the representation of neo-ecosystem structures and their application. Part 2 will centre on delivering a schema capable of embracing agency neo-ecology from which applications may derive.

Findings

It is shown that agency theory as a modelling schema can be used as a methodology through which to provide diagnosis to examine the condition of, or for locating problems within, an agency in its ecosystem environment. This is illustrated within a socioeconomic context.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual in nature, and there has been no intention to diagnose any substantive issues within the socioeconomic context.

Originality/value

A generalised agency ecology approach is proposed over this two-part paper that is novel through the use of third-order cybernetics.
The efficiency of major container terminals in China: super-efficiency data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Li Liu-Liu , Seo Young-Joon , Ha Min-Ho
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Seaports are a signifier for the world economy and international trade. Notwithstanding the considerable role of Chinese ports in global trade, only few studies have explored the efficiency of Chinese container terminals. Furthermore, studies on Chinese port efficiency has typically centered on port-level analysis, not terminal level. Therefore, this study aims to examine the operation efficiency of Chinese container terminals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (SE-DEA) approach. SE-DEA is superior than basic DEA model because it is feasible for categorizing and ranking the efficiency of container terminals more accurately and comprehensively. In the basic model, if the several decision-making units (DMUs) are efficient, the efficiency value of them is “1.” However, in the SE-DEA model, the most efficient DMU is over “1.” Based on the level of container throughput in 2018, the top 20 Chinese container terminal companies were selected. Various production quotas were selected as inputs, while the container throughput was considered output.

Findings

The findings show that Terminal Shanghai Mingdong Container Terminal Co., Ltd. was ranked 1, followed by Shanghai Shengdong International Container Terminal Co., Ltd., Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. and Yidong Container Terminal Branch.

Originality/value

This study contributes to providing some insights into Chinese container terminal industry to augment the efficiency. This study also provides practical and policy implications (e.g. better terminal operations) for container terminals.
External auditor and KAMs reporting in alternative capital market of Thailand
Authors: Suttipun Muttanachai
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the extent, level and pattern of key audit matters (KAMs) reporting by companies listed in the market for alternative investment (MAI) in Thailand, and to test for a relationship between the external auditors and KAMs reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The population and sample used in this study were all companies listed in the MAI. Based on the annual reports issued by the sample of companies from 2016 to 2018, content analysis was used to quantify the KAMs reporting in the audit reports by using word counting and a checklist. Descriptive analysis, correlation matrix and multiple regression were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results showed that the word counts of KAMs reporting fluctuated around 600 words during the three year period studied, while the number of issues on which KAMs reporting was performed was similar each year with an average of 1.63 KAMs issues per company. Moreover, the study found a significant positive relationship between auditor type, audit fees and the level of KAMs reporting.

Practical implications

This is the first longitudinal study of the KAMs reporting of companies listed in the alternative capital market in Thailand.

Originality/value

Communication and legitimacy theories were found to offer cogent explanations explaining the quality of and reasons for KAMs reporting by Thai listed companies as a reaction to the need for quality communication between external auditors and company stakeholders, based on external pressure due to societal expectations.
Treating the overlooked majority: quantitative outcomes from an NHS adaptation of Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy for binge eating disorder
Authors: Hepburn Zoë Meropi , Rothwell Emily Rose , Fox-Clinch Julia Ann
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of an adaptation of Interpersonal Group Psychotherapy (IPT-G), in facilitating short- and longer-term improvements in eating disorder symptomology, psychosocial impairment, anxiety, depression and attachment difficulties among adults living with overweight and diagnosed with binge eating disorder (BED).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 24 participants completed measures at the start of IPT-G, mid-treatment, discharge and six-month follow-up. Quantitative outcomes were analysed utilising one-way repeated measures analysis of variance.

Findings

Treatment retention was 100%. Significant improvements in binge-eating frequency, psychosocial impairment and depression were achieved at mid-treatment and maintained at post-treatment and six-month follow-up, and with large effect sizes. Attachment anxiety had reduced significantly at post-treatment and was maintained at six-month review. Body mass index (BMI) had stabilised by mid-treatment and was maintained at post-treatment and six-month follow-up. All hypotheses were supported, with the exception that attachment avoidance did not improve significantly and following a post-treatment reduction, anxiety symptoms deteriorated slightly by six-month follow-up, such that they were no longer significantly different from pre-treatment levels.

Practical implications

Despite being the most prevalent of the eating disorders (compared to anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa), BED is under-recognised and under-treated in clinical settings. Results indicate the sustained effectiveness of IPT-G in improving eating disorder and comorbid symptomology associated with BED.

Originality/value

This is the first UK study to investigate the effectiveness of IPT-G at treating BED. Unlike previous studies in the field, this study did not exclude participants based on age, BMI or psychiatric comorbidity.
Open Building for Epidemic Prevention and Control in Urban Community
Authors: Lin Li-Chu
Published: January 2021

The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Asia and North America has raised much concern from all angles and reflections on nowadays living environment that resulted in public health, especially the high−density urban residential complexes. The so−called community infection at Amoy Gardens apartment in Hong Kong was such a case that is worth further study. However, under the trends of globalization and sustainable development, SARS could be the first alert of unknown outbreak−type fatal epidemic to the coming biomedicine age.

Main findings of the investigation in Amoy Gardens by the Department of Health, Hong Kong, which has been mostly corroborated by World Health Organization (WHO), pointed that environmental factors played a major role in this outbreak. They are, in fact, related to community design, building design and facility management. In this respect, open building theory is conceived of ideas for solution. Three directions are discussed in this study: 1) “territorial depth” at urban tissue level and building level, 2) utility lines at building level and infill level, and 3) space layout by zoning at building level.

In conclusion, design principles for new buildings are suggested; (1) Creating territorial depths in urban tissue and building complex by hierarchical circulations so as to separate people's daily movement and reduce unnecessary human contacts. In addition, the deeper territory expands, the fewer the dwelling units will be preferred. (2) Planning unit space layout with envelope zone following fluid dynamics and solar control physics so as to avoid gaseous infection to people living in the neighborhood among multi−story buildings. (3) Constructing buildings with open−system interfaces between building level and infill level or between infill elements themselves, so that stopgap renovations could easily be done. (4) Separating service lines between building level and infill level. And locating maintenance shafts at accessible public space
Reconstruction and Risk Reduction: A Project Example from El Salvador
Authors: Hohmann René Peter , Schaef Thomas
Published: January 2021

In January 2001, large parts of El Salvador were devastated by two earthquakes that occurred in quick succession. More than 1,200 people lost their lives. Some 150,000 houses were destroyed, and 47,000 jobs were lost as factories and workshops were annihilated.
Book Review
Authors: Koschinsky Julia
Published: January 2021

METHODOLOGIES IN HOUSING RESEARCH
Editorial
Authors: Wilkinson Nicholas
Published: January 2021

This issue is one of the Open Issues of Open House International. Open Issues do not conform to a specific subject themes but follow the more general publishing framework of Open House International. This framework is shaped around the forces which act on built environment and which maintain, change and transform it. Open Issues deal with these issues and in particular with responsive, self-sustaining and re-usable environments which have the capacity to respond to change.
Openings in Façades and Adaptable Dwelling Space
Authors: Karni Eyal
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a conceptual approach concerning architectural design of openings (mainly windows) in façades of adaptable dwelling units is presented. This approach stems from a design objective, which aims at providing user flexibility to adaptable dwelling units by utilizing moveable, modular, lightweight partitions, which can be re-arranged in various layouts, providing a number of interior space sub-division alternatives to suit personal dwelling needs of future dwellers.

The initial design of openings' location and span in façades bears direct impact on the future utilization of such moveable partitions within the adaptable dwelling unit. This is due to the fact that the possible location of dynamic partitions is derived, among other design constraints, from the location and span of existing openings in façades, next to which partitions cannot be placed. Therefore, the initial design of openings' location and span should try to fit a number of presupposed preferred solutions, which reflect future possible sub-division alternatives of the available dwelling space.

Two examples illustrating the conceptual approach are brought forward, summarizing, in the first example, openings of six alternatives concerning one specific façade of an adaptable dwelling unit, and, in the second example, five alternatives concerning two specific facades of a second dwelling unit. The connection between building type, floor plan geometry and adaptable dwelling space is also addressed.
Sociocultural Influences on an Important Example of Iranian Urban Form
Authors: Habib Fereshteh , Numan Ibrahim , Pulhan Hifsiye
Published: January 2021

In casting a new look at city; this study interprets the urban form in respect of the role played by human perception of space. The main aim of this research at a macro level is to attain a strong theorical basis through a multi-dimensional approach to the city. The method of analyzing and carrying out a critique of it at an applied level will clarify the impact, which cultural factors have in the formation of urban form. This preliminary recognition and idealism is based on a hermeneutic and deductive method that is particular to the intellectual sciences In the process of devising theories, studying the urban planning texts related to the subject of study and the conclusion from the field study which is carried out in the Isfahan Naghshe Jahan square in the Safavy period played a key role in the research in addition to the goals and questions.
Reducing Risk in A Changing Climate: Changing Paradigms toward Urban Pro-Poor Adaptation
Authors: Wamsler Christine
Published: January 2021

This paper analyses how disaster risk management paradigms have gradually developed since the 1960s, shaped by practical experience of-and the debate about-the rising number of disasters, growing urbanization, and changing climatic conditions. In this context, climate change is shown as driving an urban pro-poor adaptation agenda, which could allow current shortcomings in urban risk reduction to be overcome. However, as past lessons in disaster risk management are rarely considered, any potential for improvement remains untapped. Possible ways of rectifying this situation are discussed, and a comprehensive framework for the reduction of both disaster and climate risks is presented.
Architects' Design Options in Self Built Houses: Lessons from Bangladesh
Authors: Khan Tareef Hayat , Beisi Jia , Dhar Tapan Kumar
Published: January 2021

The paper tries to compare the qualitative difference between professional and pragmatic design solutions in self-built houses. Self-built houses are defined here as permanently constructed houses in urban context, generally used as the primary shelter of the users belonging to middle income group, and most likely to be constructed under own informal management and own investment. The study starts with the question why pragmatic solutions seem to be more effective than professional decisions in self-built houses, even though state regulations try to engage architects in housing decisions. This study adopts ethnographic method to find the implicit reasons behind pragmatic decisions during initial as well as different stages of transformations in the houses, and suggests how professional decisions might become more effective when it is molded with the subjective values of users. It also suggests that knowing these values can be one basic way to bring architects closer to these users, and let architects play social as well as professional role in a field which has not been explored much by architectural practitioners throughout architectural history.
Users' Evaluations of House FaÇades: Preference, Complexity and Impressivenes
Authors: Akalin Aysu , Yildirim Kemal , Wilson Christopher , Saylan Aysun
Published: January 2021

This research solicits the opinions of the residents of the Keçiören district of Ankara, Turkey, in order to learn their preferences about their local postmodern environment where the municipality forces all contractors and architects to adhere to strict planning laws requiring Turkish folk and Islamic architectural references. The Municipality of Keçiören, as an agent of civil power, manages the architectural and urban transformation of the area from a district formerly composed of squatter housing to one comprised of, in the words of Robert Venturi, “decorated sheds,” in an effort to create a different looking environment rich in nostalgia and excitement. In this research, a total of 7 different sets of apartment façades were analyzed, with each set comprising three examples each of minimum complexity (representing the former condition of the district), intermediate complexity (representing “high” architecture designed by an architect, which does not exist in the district) and maximum complexity (representing the present postmodern condition of the district). The main hypothesis of the study was that preference rates would be high for intermediately altered “high style” houses by showing the existence of a U-shaped relationship between preference and complexity. That is, façades representing an intermediate level of complexity would be favored over less complex and more complex façades. It was also assumed that there would be a difference in the ratings of different age groups. A questionnaire was carried out with 50 adults (aged 30-45) and 50 high school students (aged 18-20) of Keçiören, who were asked to rate a total of 21 photographs from 7 apartment complexes with the help of a five-point semantic differential scales under three headings: preference, complexity and impressiveness. The results proved the existence of a U-shaped relationship between preference and complexity. On the other hand, younger respondents, compared to older respondents, gave more favorable ratings to the physical qualities of the photographed buildings.
Book Review
Authors: Hürol Yonca
Published: January 2021

HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN POST-COMMUNIST COUNTRIES
The Tendency Of “Open Building” Concept in the Post-Industrial Context
Authors: Yingying Jiang , Beisi Jia
Published: January 2021

When N.J. Habraken proposed the conception of support-infill in housing construction in 1960s, housing issues was centered by drawn material construction and consumption, although the needs of involving in the final occupants' participation emerged. It reflected a transition from the industrial economy to the post-industrial economy. Since the rapid development and evolution in the field of technology and social culture in the last several decades, both the social structure and ideology have been changing. The consumption conception of dwelling has also shifted from physical substance to some invisible items, such as knowledge and service. Therefore, open building, as an architectural design method, should adapt to this situation in its future development. This paper firstly describes the characteristics of the post-industry society. Based on analyzing and summarizing the theories and some examples, this paper tries to re-explain the definition of “flexibility” in the context of the post-industrial society. It concludes that the possible tendency of open building is to establish a service system for future occupants to adapt to the changing living environment in addition to physical changeability of the building.
Comparison of Post-Disaster Housing Procurement Methods in Rural Areas of Turkey
Authors: Dikmen Nese , Elias-Ozkan Soofia Tahira , Davidson Colin
Published: January 2021

Earthquakes strike without warning, even though they are known to recur. It is nonetheless difficult to mobilize resources to plan for them in advance, despite the high social and economic costs that can be anticipated, and despite the humanitarian obligation to provide quality and safe housing.

This research examines two post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in rural areas of Turkey, where different procurement strategies were used. A top-down strategy was adopted in Dinar after the October 1995 earthquake; and a bottom-up strategy, was adopted in the Orta district in Cankiri after the June 2000 earthquake in the region.

Based on information obtained from government agencies, building contractors and the projects beneficiaries, a comparison has been made between the two procurement methods. While no generalized conclusions can be drawn – as the projects were conducted in the particular circumstances that prevail in rural areas of Turkey – it is possible to highlight key factors that can properly influence future housing procurement processes.
A Computer-Based System for Mass Customization of Prefabricated Housing
Authors: Friedman Avi , Sprecher Aaron , Mohamed Basem Eid
Published: January 2021

The concept of employing web-based configuration systems towards mass customization of housing has been implemented by some prefabricated housing companies around the globe, and has become a challenging research area in the last few decades as an outcome of advancements in communication and design technologies. Different methodologies have been employed with the aim of efficiently engaging future homebuyers in the design of their homes. The thrust of this paper is to systematically formalize an advanced configuration system for mass customization of prefabricated housing for a company operating in the Canadian market. The focus is on one floor bungalows which are common within the Province of Quebec. Such housing models targets a specific market sector; elderly couples seeking retirement homes, with the aim of improving affordability through maintaining particular design and production qualities.
Comparative Study of Courtyard Housing using Feng Shui
Authors: Çeliker Afet , Çavuşoğlu Banu Tevfikler , Öngül Zehra
Published: January 2021

Cosmology is of essence for the life of traditional man not only to live in a meaningful universe, but to bound himself with the universe to achieve well-being as well. Architecture is a way of creating spaces through generic forms and symbols to attain this unity of man and the universe. This article interprets the courtyard house which is a well known archetype of spiritual and celestial qualities and has symbolic generic forms through the perspective of theory and practice of feng shui which is an ancient Chinese philosophy, based on the understanding of physical configuration of geographical settings and application of its principles to the built environment. The courtyard houses represented for this article are chosen on a linear axis starting from Cyprus, passing through Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and ending at China. In this article, principles of feng shui are selected and formulated to create an evaluation model showing entrance-courtyard relation, building shape, water element, room arrangement, and door alignment and circulation. Based on this evaluation model, the essential aspects of well-being have been revealed through the elements of architecture. In that sense, this article presents the opportunities and possibilies of an ideal plan layout by bringing an awareness to the cosmology and feng shui to achieve well-being.
Breaking Boundaries as the Clue for Post Ecological Architecture
Authors: Díaz María Jesús González , Navarro Justo García
Published: January 2021

Ecology shows us not only environmental problems; it shows that we need a new balance and harmony between individuals, beings, communities and all of Nature. We need a new contract with Nature (SERRES, 1991) and new Ethics (GUATTARI, 1990) for our lives. What is therefore new in Architecture? The environmental ethics have given us a universal and supra-generational vision of the management of our Nature and, as a consequence, a new way to construct our “second” nature. What is essential for this new architecture that the new ethics demand?

Exploring this subject, the paper firstly analyzes how the relationship between ethics and architecture has been described by other authors. Secondly, how the relationship between mainstream architecture and ecology is evolving, from technical matters to social and more complex issues, to work towards ethics. Finally, the convergence between them (Ethics, Architecture and Nature) could provide the clues to understand the ends and means of eco-architecture.

As a result of this analysis, we interpret that there are underlying keys in the post-eco-architecture. These summarize in new roles for the “locus” and the break of habitual limits of architecture, which have been replaced for new ones. There are no limits of scale: macro-structures such as mega-cities, as well as micro-organism are involved in the architectural process. The client of our construction is universal: we do not build only for our client, we must think about all beings, including animals since we know how our decisions may inflict damage to biodiversity. The site has no boundaries: we know how any local actions can have an effect in remote locations of the planet, since natural phenomena are interconnected. There is also no time limit: we must build now, but we must think about future generations.
Community Participation and Community Evaluation of Heritage Revitalisation Projects in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhai Binqing , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between community participation and community evaluation of heritage revitalisation projects in the context of Hong Kong. In 2007, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government introduced a Revitalisation Scheme to conserve and revitalise government-owned historic buildings. Nevertheless, since the announcement of the Revitalisation Scheme, whether the concerned revitalisation projects could benefit the local community, as publicized in the multiple objectives of the scheme by the government, has become a very contentious issue. This issue seriously affects the communities’ attitudes and opinions on the Revitalisation Scheme. This paper will address this issue from the perspective of community participation in heritage revitalisation projects. Based on a recently completed revitalisation project under the Revitalisation Scheme, this paper asserts that there is a positive correlation between community participation and community evaluation of the project’s social impact.
Heuristic Model for Real Estate Development Using Value Management Techniques
Authors: Fouda Ahmed , Shalaby Ahmed , Farid Mootaz
Published: January 2021

The real estate development processes involves complex sets of decisions that are related to both technical and financial issues. Some of these decisions could be made simultaneously where the others would be made sequentially. Sequential decisions, especially at early stages of the process, are the most critical for the success of any project. Reliable information at early stages is hard to be found, which makes these decisions rather risky. Budget overruns is also a real risk, which usually appears at last stages of developments especially at tender phase.

Developers apply cost saving and/or value engineering / management exercises to reduce the expected cost in order to re-meet the budget again. Value management is preferred since it maintains the same planned quality, provides needed functions and reduces cost. Some of developers succeed where the others are obliged to cancel their developments after wasting a lot of time and money.

In order to mitigate some of those risks, enhance development process and optimize the product, developers need to apply a systematic approach in the form of a Heuristic Model as a pro-active tool to assist them performing better. The main objective of this research is to re-utilize the core principle of the value management, which is eliminating unnecessary functions and costs in order to develop this model. Thus, a descriptive analytical approach was applied as a methodology for doing the targeted synchronization and integration between the value management tools and techniques within the real estate development process. The heuristic model proposed a certain order of the development process and selected tools and techniques to achieve the value management philosophy. It is designed to be strategic and flexible in order to guide the developers to create their own model according to their vision and surrounded circumstances.
The Emergence of China’s Housing Finance System: Challenge and Change
Authors: Zou Yonghua
Published: January 2021

Over the past three decade, China has established a housing finance system that borrows from the collective experiences of advanced economies. After examining the evolution of China’s housing finance system, the paper focuses on analyzing its challenges and recent changes. The paper argues that China’s highly-centralized financial system prefers financial stability but neglects financial liberalization, and then resulted in severe financial repression, which hurts the efficiency and equality of the housing finance service. After recovering from the 2008 financial crisis via high-cost financial intervention, China took some policy innovations to promote a decentralized finance mechanism, expand finance resources, and support affordable housing financing, through which China hopes to provide a more stable, affordable, and equal housing finance service to help more households own homes.
Performance Evaluation of Open and Cell Type Design Studios
Authors: Karsli Umut Tuğlu
Published: January 2021

Design studio courses take place at the core of education disciplinary design such as architecture and interior architecture. Studios in which design studio courses are conducted can also be used for other practical courses as well. Another important feature of these studios is that they are extensively used by students for individual or group work other than during class hours. Since the students, either on their own or with the project coordinator, experience design process in these studios, their spatial characteristics are highly significant to conduct this process effectively. Within this scope, the aim of the research is to evaluate open and cell type studios commonly used in traditional architecture education through Post-occupancy evaluation (POE) approach, to discuss to what extent these studios meet the spatial requirements of today’s instructional methods and to develop a suggestion for design studio spatial use by taking the strengths and weaknesses of these studios. Accordingly, technical, physical and behavioral variables determining the performance of design studios within the context of spatial requirements have been identified through reviewing the related literature. In framework of a case study, a survey formed with the aforementioned variables was administered to architecture and interior architecture students studying in open and cell type design studios in order to measure their spatial performance. Followingly, in the final part of the study, referring to survey results and evaluation of spatial requirements of today’s instructional methods and tools, a combi design studio space organization has been suggested.
The Optimum Energy Saving Measures for Retrofitting Residential Buildings
Authors: Zheng Rong-Yue , Yao Jian
Published: January 2021

A large number of residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter zone of China are non-energy efficient with poor indoor thermal conditions. Retrofitting residential buildings with energy efficiency measures is thus important for residents. However, this work progressed slowly because practically applicable measures that not only have high energy savings but also improve indoor thermal performance have not been studied. Thus, this paper carried out a simulation study on the selection of suitable energy saving measures for residential buildings in hot summer and cold winter zone of China. Five potential energy saving options are considered and the energy, indoor thermal comfort and economic performance are compared. The results show that adding movable solar shades is the optimum option with all performance indices ranking first. Meanwhile, this measure is also the only acceptable energy saving solution for residents since its payback period is less than the lifespan of a building. As a conclusion, it is recommended to use movable solar shades as a first priority when retrofitting residential buildings.
Straw Bale Building and its' Economic Perspective
Authors: Brojan Larisa , Clouston Peggi L
Published: January 2021

The accessible nature of straw bale building lends itself well to self-built and workshop-built housing; straw is known to be both relatively inexpensive and easy to work with for people new to construction. A question then arises as to whether or not hiring an experienced builder can reduce overall costs of such a structure. This study conducts a worldwide survey to straw bale home owners to answer this question and to determine general economic data on straw bale homes, such as: what home owners value, who the main builder typically is, and what usually causes budgets to overrun. A key finding is that self-building is economically justified if the projected saving is higher than the cost of a contractor and if the usually longer time needed to build the home is amenable to the investor. An economic case study is also conducted on a straw bale home in Radomlje, Slovenia. All building expenses are categorized by building phase and subgrouped by cost in accordance with accepted building standards. A key observation is how demanding any specific building phase is in comparison to conventional building.
Women and LoW-income Housing TransformaTion in uganda
Authors: Elwidaa Eiman Ahmed
Published: January 2021

The article explores the transformations low-income women make to appropriate their housing that often goes unnoticed. The aim is to document, acknowledge and make low-income women's efforts to appropriate their housing visible. Lessons learned are assumed to inform the Ugandan low-income housing discourse on design considerations that can contribute to the provision of housing designs that are conducive to low-income women. The study confines its investigation to the housing designs provided under the governmental low-income housing projects in Uganda.

This article presents results from a case study on Masese Women Housing Project MWHP that targeted women as its main beneficiaries. Post Occupancy Evaluations POE methodology was utilised to collect data on the performance of the housing designs provided by the project and the transformations women make to increase their housing appropriateness. Open-ended interviews were carried out with women owners to investigate the transformations they apply to their houses. Results are documented through photography, sketches and measured drawings. Results are synthesised and analysed under outdoors and indoors transformations.

The study confirmed the substantial contribution low-income women make to appropriate their housing. It argues for acknowledging and including women's efforts in the Ugandan low-income housing discourse to support the provision of housing designs that are more user-friendly to them. Design considerations that are essential to attain low-income women convenience with their housing are: its capacity to accommodate women's triple roles, their potential for incremental development and their ability for segmentation into autonomous housing units to allow for their flexible, economic and functional use. The study advocates for directing efforts to the development of traditional building technologies instead of introducing improved but alien ones as an alternative that is more favourable to women.
Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Regional Innovation System Based on Bayes Discrimination
Authors: Sun Li , Bian Qiushi , Fan Siqi
Published: January 2021

The accelerating process of economic globalization and the increasingly fierce international competition are conducive to the promotion of the construction of the urban regional innovation system. Based on this, the Bayesian discriminant model was established in this paper, and the development stage of the regional innovation system was prejudged. Then according to the discriminant analysis, the results of the pre judgment were tested. In addition, based on the innovation system of urban planning and construction, a framework of urban planning analysis based on regional innovation system was put forward, which was used to guide regional planning and implementation, and was applied to the planning of Shanxi science and technology innovation city. It is proved that the fuzzy evaluation system based on Bayes is beneficial to the innovative planning of the new city.
The Landscape Planning and Design of Urban Park for the Red Revolutionary Culture
Authors: Li Hongquan , Zhang Chunyu
Published: January 2021

With the development of the city, the urban parks of the red revolutionary culture have been gradually recognized by people. Red culture can arouse people's special memory for a period and a city, thus gradually applying to the urban landscape planning. Based on this, in this paper, in terms of terrain, water, artificial structure, light and shade, color and so on, the urban park landscape of the red revolutionary culture was planned and studied. At the same time, by using a large number of successful cases of domestic red landscape and foreign commemorative landscape, a way of thinking and method for the design of red landscape was explored. In addition, taking the Wuzhishan red cultural theme park as an example, the study was carried out, and the problems faced by the red culture theme park in the planning and design stage were expounded. Finally, the theory was applied to practice, thus providing an example for reference.
Fuzzy Evaluation in Planning and Construction of Ecological Small Towns Absorbing Surplus Rural Labor
Authors: Huang Feng , Yu Zhigang
Published: January 2021

Ecological small towns can attract a large number of rural surplus labors and ease the population pressure, how to carry out the planning and construction ecological town becomes a hotspot of research. Based on this, planning and construction of ecological small towns absorbing surplus rural labor based on fuzzy evaluation method were proposed. First of all, planning and construction of small towns under the concept of ecology were elaborated; and then the planning and construction strategies of small towns integrating ecological concepts were put forward, including the utilization of water resources, ecological the landscape and transportation planning; at the same time, a project for ecological small town in Hebei Province was taken as an example for the planning and design; in addition, the planning objectives and layout planning were analyzed and evaluated by fuzzy evaluation method, and the results confirmed the success of planning and design.
Optimization of Urban Traffic Distribution Path Under Quick Response Demand
Authors: Xiong F , Gong P S , Peng Z Q , Fan J F
Published: January 2021

Under the background of the rapid development of e-commerce and information network, the demand for urban distribution is also changing; especially customers' demand for fast delivery of products is increasing. Based on this, the optimization of urban traffic distribution path was studied under the fast response demand. In this paper, the importance and theoretical basis of the design of urban traffic planning under rapid response demand were expounded; then, the urban traffic distribution path planning was designed, and the layout principle of urban traffic roads, the division of road levels and the planning and design of motor vehicle roads were analyzed; through the planning project of the traffic distribution path in a city, analysis of the planning on roadways, three-dimensional traffic paths was achieved.
Cultural Architecture for the Promotion and the Citizenization of Rural Population
Authors: Lu Yan
Published: January 2021

With the rapid development of the society and the economy, the scale of urban construction has been continuously improved, and the service supply of the agricultural transfer population in the city has become a problem that must be solved. Based on this, the planning and design of the public cultural service supply and the urban integration of the agricultural transfer population were put forward in this paper. First of all, the background of the study on the cultural needs of the current agricultural transfer population was expounded, and the planning and design of the current urban public cultural service supply was discussed; then the design of public cultural architecture was put forward on the basis of meeting the demand of agricultural transfer population; with the public cultural and architectural project in a city as an example, the planning of urban parks and cultural and art centers was proposed to provide reference for promoting the integration of agricultural transfer population.
Towards a Context Specific and Multidimensional Quality of Urban Life Model
Authors: MacLean Laura , Salama Ashraf M.
Published: January 2021

With the majority of people living in cities it has become increasingly important to examine the relationship between the qualities and characteristics of an urban setting and the perceived satisfaction of its users. Discourses on Quality of Urban life (QOUL) show that the preponderance of existing empirical studies and measurement frameworks have been developed based on Western case studies or standards. Rapid urbanisation of cities in Africa and Asia, however, has dramatically impacted the use of space, and in many cases has resulted in intense urban transformations that impacted communities. This prompts questions about the quality of life (QOL) of residents and the liveability of their environments. Thus, this research argues that although there are many aspects of urban life that are pan-cultural, there are also culture specific features that make urban life unique in each city or setting. Consequently, QOUL studies should balance universal values and context-specificities. Following identification and critique of QOUL models, the paper calls for a new model to examine context specificities. The model aims to highlight the important role that context and culture play in urban life while underscoring the relevant core dimensions of QOUL studies.
Walking to Occupational Activities Within Three Neighbourhoods in Basra City
Authors: Al-Saraify Qaaid , Grierson David
Published: January 2021

Recognizing the demand for a reliable subjective instrument to gather information on walking to occupational activities on the neighbourhood scale, this paper outlines the Neighbourhood Walking to Occupational Activities Questionnaire (NWOAQ) recently developed at the Department of Architecture, University of Strathclyde. The approach follows reliable techniques in the design of questionnaires including the analysis of currently available instruments, interviews with the potential case study participants, and the use of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). It describes the testing of NWOAQ, following a ‘mixed method' adopted to sample the population of three case studies in Basra City, in Iraq (Al-Saymmar, Al-Mugawleen, and Al-Abassya). Cronbach's ‘Alpha Test' (Cronbach, 1951) was conducted on three significant variables selected; ‘the perceived environment' variables; the ‘constructs of the TPB' variables; and the ‘walking outcome' variables. This displayed different alpha levels, which were; 0.76; 0.74; and 0.87, respectively. Based on CAT, the level of internal consistency that would render a group of indicators reliable should be no less than 0.60.
Community Asset Management: Realizing the Role of Professionals
Authors: Karuri Geci , Saidi Mwansa
Published: January 2021

There has been a range of initiatives in South Africa aimed at determining how community-based approaches such as Community Asset Management (CAM) can be enabled and supported through mainstream public infrastructure delivery and development practice. One of the critical issues emerging is around the need to clarify and specify roles and processes in CAM projects where the effective role of the community itself is central to the success and sustainability of projects. This paper calls attention to the importance of community participation and empowerment in these development projects, and begins to highlight the paradigm shift that this would require with respect to professional roles in the delivery of the built environment.

As a first step towards better defining the new roles and structures that are required, this paper identifies the prevailing attitudes and perceptions of the traditional built environment professionals in South Africa towards participatory projects. In so doing it draws upon a survey whose findings are presented and used as a basis for determining the key obstacles and constraints facing professionals in the effective implementation of participatory, community-based projects.

The conclusions and recommendations offered are intended as considerations for researchers and development agents who are grappling with the complex but critical issues of how to enable effective asset-based community development.