Interactive morphologies: An investigation into integrated nodal networks and embedded computation processes for developing real-time responsive spatial systems

© 2012 Higher Education Press Limited Company. 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

Performance driven generative design systems: Agent based model driven design methodologies in architectural education

The research paper elaborates upon multi-performative generative design strategies by means of associative computational simulations incorporating social, environmental, spatial and structural dimensions. The interdisciplinary research driven design approach presented in this paper is exemplified via design experiments conducted at Hyperbody, TU Delft’s graduation studios. These experiments consciously fuse Agent based modeling (ABM), Associative and parametric design techniques, Swarm intelligence Models and Environmental analysis to evolve a comprehensive, performance driven design methodology. A looped process of iterative information exchange between analytical, aesthetic, fabrication and real-time interactive behavior based modes of experimentation for evolving performance driven architectural formations is thus proposed. This inter-performing data-driven approach devoid of its reliance on architecture styles and typologies is thus deemed a democratic methodology to understand our built environment and to bottom-up produce sustainable architectural morphologies. An interdisciplinary mode of operation to invent a new take on pre-processing via integration rather than post-design optimization of architectural space for the sake of sustainability is thus seen as a vital outcome of the research and design methodology

Creativity in Architecture-A Review on Effective Parameters Correlated with Creativity in Architectural Design

Human civilization can be ameliorated by human creativity. Innovation and progress of human civilization result from a change in our thinking patterns, thus, potentially transforming the present into a creative future. Accentuating the role of creativity in design even more than other disciplines pushes one to underpin the understanding of creativity as a key role player in architecture. Furthermore, by identifying the basic principles of our ingenuity/creativity, researchers might be able to enhance this ability in the future. A key point in “creativity” is the role of previously gained experiences, which cause expanding the inventory of experiences. According to accepted definition in different disciplines, creativity is no more than new combinations of previous ideas. The paper explores different effectual parameters correlated with creativity in architectural design including notion of conceptual blending, improbabilist and impossibilist creativity, tolerance of ambiguity and its correlation with creativity and creativity aided tools and interfaces. At the end, we suggest necessary experiments to obtain empirical results for some speculations that are discussed in the paper. Also, practical approaches will be suggested to apply the results in pedagogy of architecture

Smart Cities: A Socio-Technical Perspective

This research paper elaborates upon the concept of Smart Cities and the evolution of the term itself throughout history in order to outline the emergence of two distinct schools of thought: technocentric and humancentric, which have shaped smart cities. The paper also categorizes smart cities based on these two perspectives and outlines the operational tactics associated with them. After discussing and summarizing the pros and cons of both perspectives, the viewpoint of a socio-technical system-based model for conceptualizing and re-thinking the smart city narrative is presented. This People, Activity, Context and Technology (PACT) based socio-technical ecosystem model and the manner in which it can overcome the shortcomings of the technocentric and the humancentric modes of thinking is thus presented as a way to understand the city and as a laboratory for initiating an ecology of informed smart innovations.</jats:p

Outdoor thermal comfort: Analyzing the impact of urban configurations on the thermal performance of street canyons in the humid subtropical climate of Sydney

The quality of outdoor space is becoming increasingly important with the growing rate of urbanization. Visual, acoustic, and thermal balance degradation are all negative impacts associated with outdoor comfort in dense urban fabrics. Urban morphology thus needs assessment and optimization to ensure favorable outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). This study aims to evaluate the thermal performance of streets in residential zones of Liverpool, NSW, Australia, and tries to improve their comfort index (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) to reveal optimum urban configurations. This evaluation is done by investigating the following urban design factors affecting OTC using computational simulation techniques: street orientation, aspect ratio, building typology, and surface coverage. Our findings reveal that street canyon orientation is the most influential factor (46.42%), followed by aspect ratio (30.59%). Among the influential meteorological parameters (air temperature, wind speed, humidity and solar radiation), wind velocity had the most significant impact on the thermal comfort of the outdoor spaces in this coastal region, which typically experiences intense airflow. The results of our analysis can be utilized by multiple stakeholders, allowing them to understand and extract the most vital design factors which contextually influence the thermal comfort of outdoor spaces. Outdoor thermal comfort has a direct effect on the health and wellbeing of occupants of outdoor spaces

“Thinking Out of the Box” from Out of the Box! Increasing the Dimension of “Starting Point” Case Study: Architecture Students

To start a design process with plan and section in 2D environment (pen and paper) will exclude thousands of possibilities, which the designer will never be able to consider them. The 2D designer will never touch upon the rich world of complexity. Starting the design from higher dimension is the solution to get rid of old conventional designing methods. Adding extra dimension to the “starting point” is applying CAD (computer aided architectural design) software not to extrude the 2D lines, but thinking from a higher dimension. Now thinking out of the box from out of the box becomes possible. To prove the hypothesis, authors decided to conduct an experiment and asked a group of architecture students to design a same architectural task with different dimensions. First the conventional pen and paper in 2D and the second time applying 3D environment interface of their own choice for the same task. The jury of experts concluded that students were more creative when they chose a 3D interface (higher dimension)

Energy-Efficient Retrofit Measures to Achieve Nearly Zero Energy Buildings

Considering the 2021 IPCC report that justly attributes our deteriorating climatic condition to human doing, the need to develop nearly zero energy building (nZEB) practices is gaining urgency. However, rather than the typical focus on developing greenfield net-zero initiatives, retrofitting underperforming buildings could create significant scale climate positive impacts faster. The chapter accordingly discusses energy-efficient retrofitting methods under three categorical sectors—visual comfort (daylight-based zoning, shadings); thermal comfort and ventilation (solar radiation-based zoning, central atrium plus interior openings, insulation, and window replacement); energy consumption (efficient lighting system, and controllers, material and HVAC system optimization, PV panels as the renewable energy source). This chapter further substantiates these theoretical underpinnings with an implemented design scheme—an educational building within a cold semiarid climatic condition—to showcase the on-ground impact of these retrofitting strategies in reducing the energy used for heating and cooling and lighting purposes

A review on motivational nudges for enhancing building energy conservation behavior

This paper explores energy use interventions and their influence on human behavior in commercial and institutional buildings. The main objectives of this paper are to identify the importance of nudges in reducing building energy usage and the implementation methods that can influence users to conserve energy in buildings through context specific interventions. A qualitative research method is used to elicit existing energy saving techniques, and a rigorous literature review is conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of nudges. The investigation shows that combining multiple influencing options and interactive technological interventions can result in an effective nudging mechanism at a larger scale. Widely adopted technological tools identified in energy conservation in buildings included eco-feedback systems, IoT engagement systems, and recommendation systems that shared clear information to enable users to change their behavior. Besides, non-technological tools, such as posters and moral appeal by word of mouth, are highlighted as influencing user behavior to conserve energy in buildings. The use of nudges in commercial and institutional buildings has been studied in this review, and it has been demonstrated that the combination of influencing techniques is more effective than deploying a particular technique. It is concluded that energy conservation can be predicated in agent-based environments by modeling integrated nudges in future work