Architecture Commons^™

Reviving Cultural Heritage Identity In Historical Areas Through Leftover Spaces – Application Of A Cultural Park In Abu Ali River Region, Tripoli, Lebanon, Amna Trad, Mostafa Khalifa, Eslam M. Elsamahy, Khaled El-Daghar, Mary Felix, Ayman Afify

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Heritage being an inheritance from the past that is transmitted successively from one generation to the other plays a significant role in molding the memory of a country and forging its identity. As an element of heritage, architectural products are an expression of the cultural identity of communities. However, modern developments in historical regions ignore the presence of heritage buildings. Furthermore, the unorganized expansion of those areas led to the formation of leftover spaces. Abu Ali river is a historical region located in the city of Tripoli in Lebanon. Not long ago, this zone was considered the beating heart of …

Bim-Gis Integration An Innovative Tool To Enhance Urban Heritage Management In The Digital Era, Ali H. Misilmani, Ibtihal Y. El-Bastawissi, Hany Ayad, Samer El Sayary

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Due to the great loss of the cities’ ancient monuments and urban heritage resulting from either natural disasters or irresponsible human actions, it has become very urgent to find an innovative tool for restoring and conserving historical buildings in a smart and sustainable way. Furthermore, this tool can help in decision making regarding the selection of appropriate materials and intervention works. Such objectives have been realized through innovative integration of BIM & GIS to enhance urban heritage management. BIM data has been imported into the GIS environment to be visualized in 3D and analyse different scenarios for buildings’ sustainable development. …

Parametric Design As A Tool To Reduce Solar Penetration By Outdoor Shades In Hot Arid Climate, Rana O. Aboulfaraj, Iman O. Gawad, Mostafa Khalifa

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Conventional design methods and current tools infrequently link performance with the geometry of the design. These methods rarely enable backtracking through the design process and can't achieve full performance criteria. In this context, using both procedural geometry and information from numerical assessments and performance simulations should be discussed to support the search for effective solutions. Architects have gained control over the process of design by utilizing parametric methods to generate a sustainable design that interacts with sustainable, climatic, and environmental restrictions, particularly in hot arid zones where outdoor life is overlooked. This paper will discuss the performance-oriented design and a …

The Effect Of Walnut Shell Ash On The Properties Of Cement Paste And Mortar: A Study On Partial Replacement Of Cement, Ali Shebli, Jamal Khatib, Adel Elkordi

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

In the pursuit of a more sustainable future, the utilization of agricultural waste in cementitious products has emerged as a popular and effective solution. The current study explores the feasibility of incorporating ash derived from walnut nutshells, considered agro residues, into eco-friendly blended cement paste and mortars to examine its impact on their properties. A range of blended cement mixtures was formulated by incorporating walnut shell ash (WSA) in three varying proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% relative to the weight of the cement. Tests were conducted to investigate the properties of the blended cement paste and mortar incorporating WSA, …

Molybdenum Versus Tungsten Based Polyoxometalates For Highly Effective Methylene Blue Removal, Roula Abi Saad, Ghassan Younes, Mohammad H. El- Dakdouki, Rami Al-Oweini

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

[SiW₁₂O₄₀]^4-(SiW₁₂) and [Mo₈O₂₆]^4- (Mo₈) were synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The prepared polyoxometalates were studied as potential adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. Various operational parameters—contact time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration, pH, and temperature— were meticulously assessed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry to study its impact on the adsorption efficacy. An inverse relationship was observed between the percentage dye removal and the initial dye concentration, highlighting the complexes' superior adsorption capabilities under lower dye loads. The …

Optimization Of The Bio-Synthesis Of Magnesium Nanoparticles From Staphylococcus Haemolyticus: A Pilot Study, Mariam Bassam, Malak Mezher, Mahmoud Khalil

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Nanotechnology is developing rapidly. This field has many influences in humans’ life. Nanoparticles (NPs) have many unique properties including the size, shape, morphology, and surface area. The synthesis of NPs could be achieved by three ways: physical, chemical, and biological. However, the biological synthesis of NPs has a priority on the other domains due to its safety and environmental friendship. In this regard, the main objective of this study was to synthesize magnesium (Mg) NPs from the bacterium S. haemolyticus which was isolated from the Lebanese wastewater. Different parameters were applied to detect the best conditions to produce the highest …

Volar V-Y Advancement Flaps In Reconstructing Fingertip Injuries, Sawsan Abiad

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Fingertip injuries with exposed bones and joints require immediate or early closure for the preservation of function and avoidance of complications. The ideal procedure should maintain the length of the finger and cover the defect with non-tender, well-padded skin with normal sensation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the different types of volar V-Y advancement flaps in reconstructing and resurfacing injuries of the fingertips at different levels and angles. Thirty patients (N=30) sustaining fingertip injuries of variable etiology and lost components, type III & IV according to Allen’s classification were divided into two groups (n=15) …

Analysis Of Evolution And Morphology Of Urban And Road Networks: Case Study Lebanon-Nabatiyeh Area, Amal Al Ghorayeb, Adel Elkordi, Ghaleb Faour, Zeinab Jaber, Youssef Attallah

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

This study examines the morphology and evolution of urban and road networks and their relationship with topography in the Lebanon-Nabatiyeh area, by using GIS and remote sensing data. and calculate the annual urban growth percentage rate. The results reveal a clear relationship between the morphology of urban and road networks and their evolution over four periods, as well as the influence of the surrounding topography on their configuration. The study recommends that urban areas should be developed in areas with a slope range of 15º or more to improve the urban structure and infrastructure surrounding them. Understanding the evolution and …

Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Of Palladium Parallelepiped Nanoparticles, Salem Marhaba, Nourhan El Kawni

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of palladium parallelepiped nanoparticle have been investigated using Finite Element Method (FEM) in the frame of COMSOL Multiphysics Software. Spectral characteristics (magnitude, peak position and width) of LSPR of a single Pd nanoparticle having the shape of a parallelepiped are investigated in two different cases. The first case studied the size effect on LSPR by fixing the height with varying both length and width. However, the second case studied the shape effect on the LSPR by rounding the corners of the parallelepiped for different radii while fixing its dimensions. The extinction cross-section spectra of these …

The Influence Of Environmental Tax And Technology On Different Air Pollution Emissions In Oecd Countries, Malak Ali Assaf

BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development

Although countries continuously employ taxation and technological measures to control air pollution in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the results of these practices should be evaluated to determine whether they reach their intended outcomes. This study used panel autoregressive distributed lag model to establish how environmental taxes and technology affects the emission of air pollutants (nitrogen oxides, Carbon dioxide, and particulate matter 2.5). Using secondary data present in the OECD Database and The World Bank, EViews panel was derived to create 3 model in which each of the three variables would be sufficiently explained by environmental tax, abatement …

Evidence On The Impact Of Corruption On Economic Growth: A Systematic Literature Review, Nour Mohamad Fayad

BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development

The relationship between corruption and economic growth is complex and has been extensively studied. Till recent days it is still one of the most genuine political challenges that all countries face. Even though anti-corruption measures have improved, they still lack consistency and clarity. Accordingly, this paper reviews the extant literature on this issue, by examining 66 research papers on the impact of corruption on economic growth. The study was aided by analysis of the theme Corruption and economic growth identified in the present literature. Impact of Corruption on economic growth has been tested in multiple studies utilizing time series, panel, …

Discussing Different Images Of Pharmaceutical Company, Roula Afif Bou Assi, Ola Bazaza

BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development

Every organization is a complex, non-linear, and dynamic system. Gareth Morgan discussed eight different metaphors where they can be useful devices to create mental images to clarify and interpret our organizations. These eight metaphors are: machine, organism, brain, culture, political, flux and transformation, psychic prisons and instruments of domination. This combination of metaphors helps us understand our organization, analyze the structure, the leadership style (NAGY, December 2014). In this paper I will discuss the different metaphors of a pharmaceutical company (X). It is a growing pharmaceutical company, where reading and analyzing the different metaphors will definitely help them to prepare …

Embedding Virtual Reality In Architectural Pedagogy: Instructionism Versus Constructionism Approach, Marwa Charkas, Kareem S. Galal

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

As more related to the typology of architectural pedagogy, Instructionism and Constructionism theories are used to make more advancement in this domain. They are concerned with the role of both instructor and learner within the outline of a well structured pedagogical framework (education system). However, the developments in information technology and its imprints on all life aspects have profoundly influenced this system. Architecture pedagogy -as in many other domains- is now radically affected by information technology (IT) developments. Virtual reality is one of the leading applications of IT in architecture.

This paper is concerned with embedding virtual reality in architectural …

Determinants And Outcomes Of Urban Land Use Succession - Case Study Of Upper Hill, Nairobi, Elizabeth M.K. Nguah, Owiti A. K'Akumu, Mary Kimani

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

This paper is based on a PHD research carried out to explore Urban Land Use Succession (ULUS) that is driven by private actors financed by local or global capital, referred to as property-led urban redevelopment. ULUS is manifested in indicators like land values, height of buildings, and migration. Its motive is profit taking contrasting it from ULUS that is driven by public and public-private partnerships (PPPs). ULUS has helped reimage cities, but in some cases, it has resulted in negative consequences such as pressure on existing infrastructure and patchwork land use patterns. A case study of Upper Hill is used …

Effect Of Green Facade On The Urban Microclimate With Different Street Canyon, Aya Mostafa Hassoun, Mary Felix

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Using simulation tools, this study investigates the effect of green walls (GWs) on the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon within different street sizes. It can be planted without taking up more area and could enhance the microclimate environment, which is why it has a wide range of use potential in urban areas. Because Mina City has a threat of UHI, it was chosen for this study. The temperature within various street sizes in the research region was evaluated using only software called ENVI-met that simulates climate, and three common scenarios were chosen. In the first experiment, green walls extending over …

Augmenting Landmarks: Extending “Places” In The Hybrid City, Mohab N. Moustafa, Shaimaa S. Ashour, Ramy A. Bakir

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Several recent technological advancements are substantially altering how we interact with urban spaces. The existing physical space as we know it now encompasses a plethora of emerging realities into which we shift in and out, resulting in what is called Hybrid Spaces. Augmented Reality (AR) today gives way to forms of hybrid realities that are accessible through our handheld devices, and which allow us to engage with our physical reality in a new way. These devices allow us to access and view digital information that is saturating our urban spaces, and yet appear invisible to the naked eye. When this …

The Virtuality Of Intelligent Cities - The Road To Hybridizing Our New Cities, Fatma A. Farrag, Heba Allah E. Khalil

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The incorporation IoT into our social systems and the digitization of our everyday life has become the new norm for societies worldwide. This study posits that digitization should apply to our cities as well. The digital aspect of technology is not always tangible – even in the figurative sense of grasping a concept – and its allure lies in this virtual aspect. That is the starting point of discussion in this paper – the virtuality of intelligent cities, the intangible forces that make these new cities smart, and how said forces can be incorporated to create new smart hybrid cities …

Gamification In Urban Planning - Experiencing The Future City, Suedanur Özden, Esra Arslantürk, Mehmet Senem, İmdat As

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Virtual Reality (VR) systems have been commonly used in the game and entertainment industries and are also increasingly explored in architecture and urban planning. They assist designers to communicate design ideas to a wider public and can engage them in the design processes. In this paper, we explore gaming environments to allow users to learn about smart city applications, such as innovative mobility approaches, urban farming, drone delivery, etc. The project is part of a real-world project for a future city for 50,000 inhabitants in the European side of Istanbul, Turkey. VR technologies can offer a testing ground for testing …

Mindful Space In Sentences - A Dataset Of Virtual Emotions For Natural Language Classification, Han Tu, Chunfeng Yang

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Spatial emotions have played a critical role in visual-spatial environmental assessment, which can be assessed using bio-sensors and language description. However, information on virtual spatial emotion assessment with objective emotion labels and natural language processing (NLP) is insufficient in literature. Thus, designers’ ability to assess spatial design quantitatively and cost effectively is limited before the design is finalized. This research measures the emotions expressed using electroencephalograms (EEGs) and descriptions in virtual reality (VR) spaces with different parameters. First, 26 subjects experienced 10 designed virtual spaces with a VR headset (Quest 2 device) corresponding to the different space parameters of shape, …

Augmented Masonry Design - A Design Method Using Augmented Reality (Ar) For Customized Bricklaying Design Algorithms, Yang Song, Asterios Agkathidis, Richard Koeck

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The Augmented Masonry Design project presents experimental research about developing and applying Augmented Reality (AR) technology for customized design algorithms, exploring a real-time, interactive, and spatial-free design method for the early architectural design stage. We aim to resolve the current 2D-based design limitations and provide architects with a 3D-4D immersive perception in AR for a practical and easy-to-use design method. Furthermore, with reference to the Covid-19 pandemic, we propose that this method could break through site accessibility and constraints by breaking the barriers of physical space. Towards this aim, we apply the Augmented Masonry Design into two prototypes: a) user …

Simulating Human Senses To Improve Thermal Comfort, Ahmed Marey, Nihal Alsabbagh

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Between the synergies of environmental perception and technological advancement evolves the parallel world of the metaverse. Evolutionary virtuality intends to aid humanity in envisioning the threatened future of cities under environmental risks through tailored features. Traditionally, the sense of sight – which is the focus of virtual reality – has dominated the architectural practice. However, architects and urban designers have begun incorporating other senses into their work over the recent decade. The expanding understanding of the multimodal nature of the human mind that has evolved from cognitive neuroscience research has received little attention so far in the architecture field. This …

An Evaluation Of Augmented Reality-Based User Interfaces In The Design Process, Feyza Nur Koçer Özgün, Sema Alaçam

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the user interfaces that reflect different interaction layers in the context of Augmented Reality technology. Depending on the physical characteristics of human interaction with the computer, these layers were examined under four sections: Graphical User Interface (GUI), Tangible User Interface (TUI), Natural User Interface (NUI) and Spatial User Interface (SUI). In this context, a proposed Augmented Reality application interface has been developed to bridge the physical and digital environment. The use of AR-based applications in the design process provided a basis for evaluating the user interface in these interaction layers. In future …

Research Data Management And A System Design To Semi-Automatically Complete Integrated Data Management Plans [Position Paper], Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah, Frank Petzold

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Data is an integral part of modern scientific work. Good research data management (RDM) and the communication of the related information is extremely an important matter. It is not only crucial for the ongoing research and its claims but also for the future uses of data. In recent years some guiding principles, e.g. FAIR principles and initiatives at the national and international level, e.g. NFDI, NFDI4Ing have also been founded to improve RDM. The data and its metadata are often handled in file system like structures which are versioned and logged. The information relating to the data handling are documented …

From Passive To Immersive: Metaverse As A Pedagogical Approach In History Class - Presenting A Constant Reminder Of Historical Remnants And A Customizable Reality For Future Preferences; Beirut As A Case Study, Hiba Mohsen, Mohamad Tohme, Rawan Nashi

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

It is widely acknowledged that passive, non-immersive strategies of teaching adopted in history classes in Lebanon do not offer the right platform for knowledge retention in students. With that said, virtual reality and the use of Metaverse as a pedagogical approach is prophesied as the most apt to invoke a positive attitude from children towards the topic being studied, and thus, in this case, it increases their awareness of the existing built heritage they live amidst. This research sets out from a recent project implemented by Beirut Arab University, together with three UN agencies. The latter aimed for “developing children …

Memorability Of Spatial Features In Virtual Reality - Süleymaniye Experience, Asena Kumsal Şen Bayram, Orkan Zeynel Güzelci̇, Sema Alaçam

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

The goal of this study is to uncover and understand the user's perception of spatial features as they interact with cultural heritage in a virtual environment. The virtual reality (VR) experience adopted Kaufmann's three-fold imagery conception to structure the research methodology, which suggests that linguistic representation, visual imagery representation, and exploratory activity all have a strong relationship during the problem-solving/creative process. Since it has distinctive spatial features, the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul was chosen for the VR experience as part of the scope. Following the VR experience in two sessions, it was analyzed using semi-structured interviews, sketching, and route extraction. …

Urban Design Analysis Of New York City’S Virtual Model - The Case Of Tom Clancy’S The Division, Nima Sharafi Rohani, Ikhwan Kim

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

People have started spending time with digital tools and virtual worlds to escape reality's horrors. However, designed spaces are more than the players' needs, especially those digital games that their stories involve urban environments. This inefficiency causes spending futile efforts both in time and cost for the digital games' productions; The urban environments in these digital games are replicas of real-world cities. Some companies use some techniques for downgrading replicas. Therefore, this study aims to uncover the used techniques for designing Tom Clancy's The Division (2016). By using reverse engineering methodology and qualitative comparative analysis, the in-game map compared with …

How Metaverse Evolves The Architectural Design, Sheida Shakeri, Muhammed Ali Ornek

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Architects have long relied on visualization tools to develop their concepts for specific design problems. From the early traditional drawings to the three-dimensional visualizations and virtual environments, all have enabled architects to demonstrate design outputs relatively early in the process. Real-world projects are similar to what architects imagined from the beginning. In other words, the design process has always started by creating the digital representation of a project and then attempting to replicate it in real life. Once the digital representation of design parts is complete, architects prepare their design for construction. However, the final visualization emerges from actual architectural …

Moisture-Harvesting Lizard Skins As An Inspiraton For Performative Building Envelopes In Arid Climates, Aly Ibrahim, Walid Omar, Sherif Ebrahim, Sherif Abdelmohsen

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

Research on shape-shifting adaptive architectural skins has recently focused on bio-inspired programmable materials. Only a few studies however examine the microstructure of living organisms, especially in terms of morphological adaptation in harsh climatic conditions. This paper explores the microstructure of moisture-harvesting lizard skins, specifically the Trapelus species of the Agamidae family in North-East Africa, as an inspiration for programmable materials in adaptive building skins in the arid climate of Egypt. The paper investigates the ability to improve the durability and morphological capabilities of programmable materials based on surface formation, utilizing digital fabrication techniques. A series of physical experiments were conducted …

Construction Based On Man-Machine Collaboration - A Case Study Of A Bamboo Pavilion, Yuan Sun, Zhu Wang

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

With the development of advanced digital design approaches and mechanical facilities, architectural intelligence liberates conventional construction from conventional paradigms. Computational design and digital fabrication have achieved progress in space innovation, construction efficiency, and material effectiveness. However, those high-tech manufacturing techniques are not widely available in developing countries, where the locals used to carry construction experience from age to age in a nonacademic way. This study explored a collaborative workflow of complex structural design and machine-aided construction in Chinese rural areas. First, we designed a bamboo pavilion parametrically in an irregular site on a hill. Second, its primary structure was optimized …

Developing A Design Framework For The Mass Customisation Of Housing In Saudi Arabia - A Critical Review, Abdulwahab Abdulmajeed, Asterios Agkathidis, Theo Dounas, Davide Lombardi

Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ)

This paper explores the suitability of mass customisation (MC) technologies and techniques in order to provide affordable housing solutions for Saudi Arabia. In particular, the paper analyses ten articles filtered through 1.165 publications searched by using the keywords ‘mass customisation housing or off-site construction’ in the databases Scopus, CumlnCAD, ScienceDirect, and Engineer village and categorised them based on their suitability for the Saudi Arabian context. Our findings include a comparative analysis chart evaluating workflows, tools and technologies on their suitability for the MC design and an MC workflow proposal for including parametric design and digital fabrication tools and techniques.