Abstract

With architectural firms, owners are often managers whose characteristics may influence the firm structure. This study investigated the relationships between ownership characteristics, organizational structure, and performance of architectural firms. Utilizing a sample of architectural firms from Nigeria, a questionnaire survey of 92 architectural firms was carried out. Data were analyzed using multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) and regression analyses. A generally low level of specialization of duties was observed even though professional service firms were defined as highly specialized firms. For most of the firms, level of formalization was moderate or high, while level of centralization was mostly low. Results revealed a direct significant relationship between legal ownership form and formalization dimension of structure. In addition, the centralization dimension of structure influenced firm performance. However, no direct relationship between ownership characteristics and performance was noted, although different fits of ownership characteristics and structural variables were observed. The results suggest that principals of architectural firms should match their characteristics with the firm structure to enhance performance in relation to profit.

Abstract

The operational phase of a building project has increasingly gained importance with their energy performance becoming valuable and determining their operational excellence. In most heritage building projects (HBPs), the operational energy use aspects are less considered, and a systematic way of analyzing their energy performance following project delivery is often lacking. The aim of this study is to evaluate the operational performance of refurbishment and reuse of UK listed church projects. The objective is to assess the operational energy use with a view to optimizing their sustainable performance. The methodology includes eight selected case study buildings refurbished and converted for multipurpose use. The case study approach provided qualitative insights into how the study contributes to a more structured requirements for energy management in HBPs with specific attention to energy-efficient building operations. The findings show the need to focus on fundamental areas of operational management (i.e. by developing and implementing more focused policy on operational energy performance of heritage buildings) to minimize the energy required to operate them. The challenges of implementing changes in operational energy performance improvement of heritage buildings are addressed in the form of recommendations that could lead to real results. The study concludes that leveraging these areas requires commitment from all heritage building stakeholders because they all have substantial roles in harmonizing the requirement for the project׳s sustainability and not just the building operators. Meanwhile, baseline project planning, periodic updating, monitoring, and managing the energy use pattern are suggested as measures that could greatly facilitate better energy performance to optimizing their sustainable reuse compared with the traditional approach of trying to improve their thermal performance.

Abstract

The design-research illustrated in this research article focus on the emerging field of interactive architecture focusing on developing real-time information exchanging architectural bodies. These interactive bodies demonstrate a fusion between the material, the electronic and the digital domains. This fusion is explicitly attained through a synergistic merger between the fields of ambient sensing, control systems, ubiquitous computing, architectural design, pneumatic systems and computation. The resultant spatial bodies are thus visualised as complex adaptive systems, continually engaged in activities of data-exchange resulting in physical and ambient adaptations of their constituting components in response to contextual variations. Interdependent nodal networks, where every node/junction of a spatial prototype becomes a potential information hub by means of its ability to collect, process and communicate contextual data apart from working as an actuated detail owing to its ability to kinetically re-position itself in three-dimensional space is thus a critical outcome of this inter-disciplinary way of working. A strategy apt for binding material logistics with the digital to materialize dynamic spatial behaviours owing to real time data exchange between the prototypes and their context is thus embarked upon via three research and design projects, namely: Electronic Media Augmented Spatial Skins, The InteractiveWall and the Muscle Re-configured.

Abstract

Due to the climate change debate, a lot of research and maps of external climate parameters are available. However, maps of indoor climate performance parameters are still lacking. This paper presents a methodology for obtaining maps of performances of similar buildings that are virtually spread over whole Europe. The produced maps are useful for analyzing regional climate influence on building performance indicators such as energy use and indoor climate. This is shown using the Bestest building as a reference benchmark. An important application of the mapping tool is the visualization of potential building measures over the EU. Also the performances of single building components can be simulated and mapped. It is concluded that the presented method is efficient as it takes less than 15 min to simulate and produce the maps on a 2.6 GHz/4 GB computer. Moreover, the approach is applicable for any type of building.

Abstract

Don Quixote’s fascination with Master Peter’s puppet show has spurred artists and stage directors from the 19th century to the present, creating and recreating a definitive repertoire of adaptations for puppets based on Cervantes’ works. As might be expected, in terms of sheer numbers the Don Quixote itself leads off the list of marionette performances on national and international stages. This article, however, focuses on the staging of Manuel de Falla’s opera Master Peter’s Puppet Show (1923) and the Eduardo Vasco’s sole dramatic adaptation of the epic poem Journey to Parnassus (2005). Moreover, this study investigates the aesthe­tics of puppetry through a close reading of these two creations, broadening the cultural and artistic legacy of Cervantes during the 20th and 21st centuries.

Abstract

This article analyzes the production of  Calderon’s comedia Antes que todo es mi dama, directed by Adolfo Marsillach in 1987 and its rupture with the modern tradition of staging  Golden Age classical plays in Spain. This analysis studies the scenic and interpretative mechanisms used to establish an ironical  dialogue with the generic conventions of the cloak and dagger comedia genre.

Abstract

In conceptualizing information systems always there have been a dilemma between two options: either use them as mere automation tool over the existing situation, or convert it in an enhancer element, i.e. a radical transformation facilitator. A historical example is examined and future trends in line to illustrate the possibilities of an enhancing choice are suggested.

Abstract

Uneix, the information system that integrates the management data of twelve Catalonian universities, is described. It tracks needs, resources and results in numerous categories: faculty, staff, programs of study, students, job market for recent graduates, costs, etc. The system is based on three design elements: cooperation, data reliability (with strict quality control), and wealth of information that fits the needs of many user types.

Abstract

Using detailed geo-referenced data we analyse the effects of highway development on firm level performance in the Spanish logistics sector. To address potential endogeneity issues we carry out panel data analysis together with instrumental variable estimation. Results show that highways have significant implications for logistics' firm performance, although with important spatial heterogeneity. For urban logistics firms, a reduction in the distance to their nearest highway increases their productivity performance. In contrast, for rural logistics firms, improvements in highway access show a positive impact on employment growth but have also led to a reduction in productivity growth for those rural logistics firms that remained outside highway corridors. Peer reviewed