Abstract

Overturning assumptions that nonwestern architecture has been static over time, new scholarship focused on colonial and postcolonial architecture and urbanism and on nonwestern modernism has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the history of architecture. Much more, however, remains to be done. Comparative studies of colonialism, especially between empires, attention to innovation outside Europe and the English-speaking world and more consideration of memory and migration are among the most exciting possible new directions.

Abstract

The shapes of trees are complex and fractal-like, and they have a set of physical, mechanical and biological functions. The relation between them always draws attention of human beings throughout history and, focusing on the relation between shape and structural strength, architects have designed a number of treelike structures, referred as dendriforms. The replication and adoption of the treelike patterns for constructing architectural structures have been varied in different time periods based on the existing and advanced knowledge and available technologies. This paper, by briefly discussing the biological functions and the mechanical properties of trees with regard to their shapes, overviews and investigates the chronological evolution and advancements of dendriform and arboreal structures in architecture referring to some important historical as well as contemporary examples.

Abstract

The competence of fresh graduates of architecture has been continuously criticized by the industry for inadequate knowledge. This is often blamed on the poor standard of education evidenced by poor performances in professional and degree/diploma examinations conducted by various schools of architecture in the country. Although, factors responsible for the scenario are well documented in the literature, most of these works are based on testimonial and circumstantial evidences relating to management of architectural education only. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between entry qualifications and the performance of architecture students in Nigerian Polytechnics with a view to determining the relevance of current admission policy to architectural education in Nigeria. Data were obtained from official records in the Department of Architecture in four randomly selected polytechnics in the southwestern part of Nigeria. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r ) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal weak relationship between the two variables (physics and mathematics). This is contrary to the expectations of most scholars and policy makers who opine that students' proficiency in these subjects would enhance their performance at higher levels. The paper traces the contradiction to the poor handling of public examinations and misconception of architecture as being pure science. It holds that if these requirements are still relied upon for the admission of students into schools of architecture, wrong candidates would continue to gain entry into the profession. The paper concludes by recommending certain measures that are capable of reversing the trend.

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the functional dimensioning (FD) concept applied to the construction sector. FD addresses the issue of tolerance, construction involves several trades working together while each trade has its own construction tolerances. To investigate this problem, three case studies are investigated. The first one describes a classic case of a window in a bay and the way constructors solved the resulting tolerance problems. The second case study describes the notion of chain dimension. The last case study presents the notion of wedge as a solution to solve problems related to tolerance gap accumulation. This paper is of interest to the scientific community that is working to industrialize the construction sector and also to architects (in the design), construction managers (onsite), and manufacturers (construction trades).

Abstract

What is modernity in architecture? In English speaking world, the question is likely impossible to answer without considering the works of Peter Reyner Banham (1922–1988). Regardless of his polemist and disparaging style in his critical writings, this study argues that Banham offers a constructive renewal for the body of knowledge on history and theory of modernity in architectural design. Accordingly, he posits and disposes architectural profession with scientific and technological vision in the front line of struggle for environmental betterment. For him modernity in architecture comprises triad components: function, technology, and aesthetics by which historical milestones come into being. A study on Banhams engagement with modernity is considerably necessary regarding his conviction that history of architecture happens as the consequence of interactions of technological innovations and design creativities, and in response to socioeconomic circumstances as well.

Abstract

This paper examines the architectural and landscape design strategies and intentions for green, open spaces facilities targeting stress alleviation for learning environments such as those of university campuses in a compact urban setting. Literature reviews provide three prevailing perspectives for physical design pedagogical operatives: healing gardens where greenery and plants produce restorative effects, flexible spaces that accommodate functional needs of different activities, and green buildings that incorporate open space as a catalyst for integrated eco-system. Corresponding design approaches (landscape design, spatial design and green design) are scrutinized by case study. A comparison of two university campuses with different urban contexts is conducted to identify challenges and opportunities for applying these design approaches. For a compact campus, high-dense surroundings may limit the size of an open space and may handicap circulation and accessibility, on the other side, a small open space may provide its users more intimate contact with natural restorative elements and also a more controllable microclimate for physical comfort. A healthy campus should encompass diverse open spaces to satisfy different purposes. Finally, a framework that integrates the three approaches is combined to produce a sustainable design rubric.

Abstract

The online museum has been defined since its early days as a place devoid of spatial references. However, institutional communication and content mediation in museum websites is commonly linked to the museum’s physical space. This connection produces a mismatch due to a lack of correlation between the physical museum’s topology and the Net hypermedia system. Consequently, access to museographic online information is mostly laid out in taxonomic structures, typical of gallery cataloguing systems, rather than syntagmatic structures, inherent to online exploration. Furthermore, the profusion of online references to the museum’s architectural structure help to consolidate the museum’s physical space as a model for the online discourse, as well as to restore the museum’s building as an identity symbol, a value blurred by virtuality.

Abstract

Mexico City is located at a seismic region with a complex soil. That condition had an impact on buildings and their conservation; it requires to know their structural state to control strain and cracks that could cause severe damages. To accomplish that objective this research contemplates the evaluation of concrete elements to propose an alternative to restraint antique concrete deformations using FRP system.

Abstract

The inflexibility and rigidity of the current networking systems in light of the growing number of computing devices that connected to the Internet has led to the need of a new generation of computer networks. In this context, software-defined network has recently emerged as one of the most recognisable solutions to facilitate the network management and decrease the complexity through detaching the control layer from network appliances. Since, each new technology accompanied with new issues and concerns, one of the main challenges that facing the SDNs is the fault tolerance and resilience. Although there are a numerous of studies that have discussed this issue, the after failure repair scenario is remained unclear and have not addressed well yet. For this reason, we specify this paper as a step forward to address the issue of routing changes, which is important for utilising the optimal paths after failure repair. We produced a new network model as well as a compatible framework with SDN architecture to fulfil the routing changes activity. The consequence is estimated based on an analytical model and finally, a case study example is provided in order to conceptualise the concept. Document type: Part of book or chapter of book