Architecture Commons^™

Nature-Inspired Architectural Design And Its Impact On Health, Moamen O. Najjar

Journal of Engineering Research

The report explores the concept of nature-inspired architectural design and its significant impact on human health and well-being. Rooted in biophilic principles, this design philosophy integrates natural elements—like light, plants, organic forms, and natural materials—into built environments to foster a stronger connection between people and nature. Research highlights numerous benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, better air quality, enhanced sleep cycles, and increased physical activity. Historically, nature has inspired architecture from ancient to modern times, evolving into a sustainable and health-conscious practice. The report discusses how elements such as geometric forms, color schemes, daylight, and green spaces directly contribute to …

Monitoring And Documenting Local Legislation Role In Urban Governance To Keep Green Areas In New Cities, Eman Gameel Abu Eleneen, Ahmed Aboulsaadat

Journal of Engineering Research

Cities that are poorly planned, managed, and controlled, can become centers of poverty, inequality, and conflict. " Good Urban Governance refers to the various ways in which individuals and institutions, both public and private, plan and manage the city's common affairs promoting the concept of "Inclusive City” by advocating "enabling approach" Decentralization, involvement, partnerships, capacity building, and networking. The study discusses urban governance conceptualization and assesses it depending on five principles effectiveness, accountability, equity, participatory and security. Also, it studies green space conservation and investigates the main challenges that faces conserving green spaces and implementing strategies. It explores new Egyptian …

A Comparative Study Of Green Urban Planning As An Approach For Urban Sustainability, Shoroq Adel Ali, Walaa Ahmed Nour Prof, Ahmed H. Aboulsaadat

Journal of Engineering Research

The world's cities deal with numerous issues brought on by rapid and bad urban planning, which leading to issues that weren't just urban planning problems but also had an impact on the environment, society, and the economy. As a result, new types of urban planning have developed including sustainable urban planning and green urban planning, which is reflected in the basic components of enhancing the individuals wellbeing without compromising the environmental aspect. Furthermore, this study discusses the identification and the latest trends of urban planning. Then, the study presented the concept of green urban planning and sustainable urban planning. As …

Intelligent Façade Design To Optimize Visual Comfort In Higher Education Learning Spaces, Youssef Elkhayat, Moamen Hamada, Mai Wahba Madkour

Journal of Engineering Research

Higher education students and faculty members spend long hours in naturally lit learning spaces without the required optimum visual comfort for doing their activities, unless turning on the artificial lighting. However, the artificial lighting negatively impacts productivity, health, and overall well-being, consumes electricity, and increases operational costs. Therefore, upgrading conventional façade designs is crucial today to optimize visual comfort without depending on artificial lighting during the day hours. Intelligent “Smart” façades can provide the optimum visual comfort since they adapt to climate changes. These façades integrate innovative materials and autonomous systems to optimize real-time performance. The current study aims to …

Digital Documentation Of Heritage Using Sfm: A Case Study Of Kusa Pasha Fort In Abu Qir, Alexandria, Fatma Ahmed Alashwah

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- Heritage conservation plays a vital role in preserving historical and cultural assets for future generations. However, conservation efforts often face economic challenges, with limited resources available for comprehensive documentation and restoration. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of low-cost digital photogrammetry in heritage conservation by documenting Kusa Pasha Fort, a historically significant yet severely threatened site in Abu Qir, Alexandria, Egypt. Facing neglect, inappropriate reuse, and increasing urban pressure from nearby developments—most notably the planned New Abu Qir City—the fort represents a vulnerable cultural asset requiring urgent intervention. The research applies the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique using …

Participatory Exhibitions As An Awareness-Raising Platform For Bird Window Collisions, Janina Carla Castro, Jelaine Gan, Nancy Longnecker

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Bird window strikes pose a significant threat to avian populations in urban settings. Understanding public attitudes toward this issue is vital for communicating the problem and possible interventions, such as applying window stickers. Bird Window Strike Philippines, a citizen science initiative, has promoted awareness through online engagement and a public pop-up exhibition designed to leave a lasting impression and gather visitor feedback. The exhibition introduced Filipino audiences to bird-window collisions through educational and participatory elements, including interpretive panels, taxidermied bird specimens, and window models demonstrating prevention techniques. Its central message was: “Bird window strikes are a problem, and we can …

Profiling Of Physical Activity Usage In Selected Urban Green Spaces In Marikina City, Trizsa Jasmin C. Ty, Alberto L. Dimarucut, Camille B. Castro, Danielle Naomi L. Uy

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Urban Green Spaces (UGS) play an important role in providing opportunities for physical activity in urbanized cities. This observational cross-sectional study aims to profile two selected UGS, namely Marikina River Park and Marikina Heights Park Complex, in Marikina City, in the context of their use for physical activity and recreation. Interviews with two government officials were conducted to collect data on the historical background of the selected parks. Systematic observation, using the System for Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities tool, was conducted to observe park visitors and their physical activity for four days in each park. Each park’s …

Circular Thinking In A Technological Age: Designing For A Regenerative Future, Mohammed Ali Berawi, Perdana Miraj, Mustika Sari

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Architecture, engineering, and construction sector is experiencing challenges related to environment and economic aspects. It consumes vast amounts of resources and energy and contributes heavily to global carbon emissions. Academics and industry leaders are trying to explore various strategies to combat climate change by shifting toward circularity. It is a systems-based approach that prioritizes regenerative design, responsible consumption, and closed-loop resource use. At the heart of this shift lies the interplay between circularity, technology, and the environment that can reshape how we live, produce, and consume. But this transformation is not simply about adopting greener practices; it’s about rethinking the …

The City As The Classroom: The Case Of “Start ‘Em Young Advocacy” At Silliman University, Philippines, Novee Elarmo Maestrecampo Jr., Giovanni Tuballa Macahig

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

This case study highlights the value of engaging with communities as real-world environments for practical and reflective learning. It suggests that students can develop insights and acquire knowledge through interactions with diverse groups and locations, even within urban settings. The paper presents the experience of implementing the “Start ‘em Young Advocacy,” a student-led, environment-focused, and project-based initiative within the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) under the National Service Training Program (NSTP) at Silliman University, Philippines. In collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), CWTS students worked with thirty daycare centers. Using Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory as a …

Barriers To Learning Exposure In Construction 4.0: Perspectives From Built-Environment Students, Olajide Julius Faremi, Habeeb Abiodun Arowolo

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The ongoing digital transformation of the construction industry, known as Construction 4.0, requires students in built-environment programs to gain adequate exposure to emerging technologies. Despite this need, many faces significant barriers to meaningful engagement. This study explores the factors limiting students’ learning experiences related to Construction 4.0 in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. Using a stratified random sampling method, 154 students from one university and one polytechnic were surveyed through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, relative importance index, and the Mann-Whitney test. Results identify key obstacles such as limited peer collaboration, insufficient funding and resources, and weak …

Assessing The Impact Of Nigerian Seaports’ Operational Performance On The Construction Sector’S Contribution To Gdp, Ismail Gbolahan Dere, Joel Ademola Ojekunle

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction sector in Nigeria relies heavily on imported materials; however, inefficiencies and frequent delays at the seaports have led to increased costs, significantly affecting the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study examines the relationship between the operational performance of Nigerian seaports and the GDP contribution of the construction sector. Secondary data on GDP and port performance indicators were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), covering the period from 2011 to 2023. The analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics methods, including regression and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). …

Agricultural Extension In An Urban Informal Settlement During Covid-19: The Effectiveness Of The “Tanimang Bayan” Initiative In Sitio San Roque, North Triangle, Quezon City, Patrice Bianca R. Yapjoco

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in food access, particularly in urban informal settlements. This study examines the effectiveness of the “Tanimang Bayan” initiative, an urban agriculture project implemented in Sitio San Roque, Quezon City, as a form of agricultural extension during the pandemic. The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on data from key informant interviews, participant observation, and secondary sources. Findings indicate that the initiative provided a localized response to food insecurity by enhancing access to fresh produce and promoting community-led production. It also supported collective action and self-organization among residents, strengthening their autonomy in navigating structural limitations. …

Acceptability Of The Proposed Congestion Charging System In The Central Business District Of Baguio City, Philippines, Ericka Renee A. Lanigt, Sandra S. Samantela, Ma. Catriona E. Devanadera, Casper Boongaling Agaton

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The City Government of Baguio is proposing a congestion charging system in the Central Business District (CBD) to address the ongoing issue of traffic congestion in the city. Although it is an effective tool, low public acceptability hinders its implementation. This study aims to assess Baguio City residents' acceptability regarding the CBD's congestion charging system. Specifically, it seeks to (1) identify the factors that influence residents’ acceptability of the proposed system, (2) evaluate whether there is a significant difference in acceptability across different road users (private vehicles, public transportation, cycling, and walking), and (3) provide recommendations for transportation policy planning …

A Model Of Trips Route Planning To Improve The Accessibility Of Public Transportation In Bengkalis City Using Geographic Information System (Gis), Nur'ain Jaafar, Hendra Saputra, Mutia Lisya

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The increase in population and motorized vehicles in Bengkalis City has led to greater demand for public transportation, which remains insufficient in meeting accessibility needs. This study aims to develop a model for planning public transportation routes using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to improve accessibility in Bengkalis City. The study employs primary data from field surveys and secondary data from relevant agencies. GIS-based spatial analysis methods, such as service area analysis and the Origin-Destination (OD) matrix, are applied to evaluate accessibility and passenger movement patterns. The analysis results in two route alternatives assessed based on stop point density, community …

Design-Build Capstone Projects: Continuing The Poly Canyon Legacy Of Learn-By-Doing, Anahid A. Behrouzi, Brayden A. Martinez, William R. Adam

Architectural Engineering

In the 1960s around ten acres of land behind the main campus of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo were set aside for students from the College of Architecture and Environmental Design to experiment with structural forms, materials, and construction methods. The publicly accessible Poly Canyon site has amassed a collection of structures: bridges crossing a seasonal creek, caretaker housing, a greenhouse, multiple sculptures and observation structures, among others. There were ebbs and flows of construction activity in Poly Canyon, often seeing a decade of activity with as much time dormant in between.

This paper focuses on the …

Incorporating Ai Into A Structural Engineering Computer Lab, Allen Estes, Peter T. Laursen

Architectural Engineering

Given rapidly increasing sophistication and wide public access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) software, the academic community is struggling with how to best incorporate this new technology into the classroom. The challenge is to use and leverage the capabilities of this new tool to enhance the academic experience without compromising student learning, engineering rigor or academic integrity. This paper describes and assesses the incorporation of AI into an existing computer laboratory course in an undergraduate structural engineering program.

ARCE 352 (Structural Computing I) is a one-unit computer laboratory that is a companion course to ARCE 302 (Structural Analysis) at xx university. …

Just Distribution Of Tree Canopy? A Digital Approach To Tree Equity, Alexandra G. Ponette-González, Matthew Fry, Daniella Hirschfeld, Jeff Rose, Evan Elderbrock

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Faculty Publications

Trees in U.S. cities are unevenly and inequitably distributed. To address this challenge, planners increasingly use digital tools to prioritize areas and communities for tree projects. The goal is to achieve tree equity wherein all populations have access to the benefits of urban trees. Here we identify limitations and opportunities in the operationalization of the tree equity concept via digital platforms. We call on planners using digital tools in urban forest planning to (1) incorporate data that capture the heterogeneity of spaces in which urban trees grow, (2) include and support marginalized communities in urban forest planning, and (3) couple …

Maximising Solar Pv Potential: A Comprehensive Review Of Factors Affecting Photovoltaic Installation And Generation In A Mild Temperate Oceanic Climate, Aiza Ahmad, Niamh Power, Evan Finnegan

Publications

The urgency of addressing the climate emergency and clean energy transitions have spurred worldwide initiatives to increase utilisation of renewable energy sources. The integration of rooftop photovoltaic panels at domestic level, often underestimated, is a priority across Europe to meet targets of net-zero emissions by 2050. PV systems represent a crucial technology for renewable energy generation and mitigating climate change. However, their performance and potential are influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, building parameters and geographical factors. This paper demonstrates multiple factors that affect PV potential in mild temperate oceanic climates, using Ireland as a representative case study. Unlike …

Freeing The Fremont: Visions Of A Post-Automobile Portland Highway Bridge, Henry Senters

University Honors Theses

The Fremont Bridge is an iconic piece of highway transportation infrastructure in the city of Portland, Oregon. Unfortunately, it is one of only three Willamette bridges in the city that does not allow any pedestrian access, except for a single day every year during an annual bicycling event. Consider, however: what if that were to change, in a future less dependent on private automobile usage? Drawing on historical precedents of pedestrian and car-free bridges, this thesis proposes three types of pedestrian-focused programs which a car-free Fremont Bridge could host, each of which speaks to a current aspect of civic life …

Bridging Borders: Exploring Place Attachment As Spatial Lived Experiences Of Expatriate Communities In Dubai, Uae, Gopika Balakrishnan

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Dubai, a global city where expatriate communities make up the majority of the population, offers a unique context to explore how urban environments are both shaped by and shaping people’s experiences. With rapid growth of migration and deep cultural diversity, the city exemplifies how top-down planning and bottom-up lived experiences interact to influence how individuals form emotional and spatial connections to place. This dissertation investigates the concept of place attachment through the lens of spatial behavior, lived experience, and inherited practices, with a focus on expatriate communities in Dubai. It asks: How do expatriate communities in Dubai experience and express …

New Contrast-Based Metrics For Roadway Lighting Design, Amira R. Abouelhamd

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Roadway lighting standards specify design targets of horizontal illuminance or luminance at the roadway surface for various roadway types. Although the luminance and illuminance method to roadway lighting standards incorporate some factors that affect human visibility, other important factors, such as the target’s contrast and size, are not examined in these standards. Roadway lighting standards should consider how the human visual system detects objects and provides comfortable approaches to improve visibility for drivers. As luminous contrast has a crucial impact on visibility measures, recent studies have been directed to propose new approaches that utilize it. This research aims to propose …

New Contrast-Based Metrics For Roadway Lighting Design, Amira R. Abouelhamd

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Roadway lighting standards specify design targets of horizontal illuminance or luminance at the roadway surface for various roadway types. Although the luminance and illuminance method to roadway lighting standards incorporate some factors that affect human visibility, other important factors, such as the target’s contrast and size, are not examined in these standards. Roadway lighting standards should consider how the human visual system detects objects and provides comfortable approaches to improve visibility for drivers. As luminous contrast has a crucial impact on visibility measures, recent studies have been directed to propose new approaches that utilize it. This research aims to propose …

Hollow Choices: The Choice Neighborhood Initiative (Cni) And The Performance Of Participation, Lena Kufferman

Geography Undergraduate Senior Theses

Since HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros' pledge in 1995 to “end public housing as we know it, ” the United States has seen the rapid depletion of public housing stock. Alongside this mass demolition, a new redevelopment paradigm emerged: a community-oriented planning model that requires resident participation. HUD’ s shift toward participatory planning began with HOPE VI in 1992, which sought private investment to demolish public housing, and was formalized in 2010 through the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI). This thesis examines a CNI planning phase—a stage overlooked in existing scholarship, which largely stresses post-occupancy outcomes like displacement, (im)mobility, socioeconomic integration, and …

A Fifty-Year Assessment Of Historical Planning Processes And Green Space Distribution (1975-2025): A Case Study Of Portland, Or, Usa, Quadri Olatunbosun Taiwo

Dissertations and Theses

The Portland study examined past planning regulations and greenspace distribution over the period of fifty years, with particular attention given to neighborhood differences between invested and non-invested neighborhoods. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach through the synthesis of qualitative themes from oral narratives and archival records. Furthermore, I examined spatial greenspace using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) imagery. I tested the study hypothesis using the GIS Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression test to predict how key sociodemographic characteristics affect the provision of greenspace in non-white disinvested neighborhoods. The key findings indicated a consistent trend of inequity in greenspace, heavily shaped …

Potentials Of Informal Household-Practiced Urban Farming As A Contributor To Sustainability And Resilience In Emirati Neighbourhoods, Hadia Al Haddad

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has integrated local agendas aimed at achieving urban sustainability and resilience, particularly in alignment with UAE Vision 2030. However, official initiatives in this domain often lack genuine community participation—a critical pillar for the success of sustainable urban development. Meanwhile, urban farming has garnered increasing recognition both globally and locally as a significant contributor to urban sustainability and resilience. In the UAE, official focus has largely centered on professional vertical farming, demonstrated through various high-profile projects. In contrast, informal, household-based urban farming is actively practiced within semi-public, semi-private, and private spaces across many Emirati public housing …

Citizen Perceptions On The Use, Management And Availability Of Green Spaces In A Mediterranean Region, Daniel Jato-Spino, Fabio Capra-Ribeiro, Vanessa Moscardo, Laura Gallardo

Faculty Publications

Green spaces (GS) are vital for environmental sustainability and public well-being. Understanding public perceptions of GS can promote their distribution aligned with citizens’ preferences. This study explores the alignment between perceptions of GS use, management and availability, captured via a questionnaire in the Valencian Community (Spain), with the objective reality determined through Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Data were collected from 94 participants, with 72 % using GS for relaxation, 54 % for physical exercise and 51 % for walking. Most respondents (78 %) preferred natural reserves as their primary type of GS. While 38 % believed GS were equitably distributed, …

Siliciclastic Cave Or Diamond Mine? Multiapproach Investigation In Igatu Village, Chapada Diamantina, Northeastern Brazil, Raphael Parra, Ricardo G. F. De A. Pereira, Leonardo F. Vieira, Rubson P. Maia

International Journal of Speleology

The territory around Igatu, as that of many villages in southeastern Chapada Diamantina (Bahia, Brazil), was deeply modified by diamond mine activity. Caves were special targets for miners, since they can act as diamond-bearing sediment traps, and the Canal da Fumaça Cave was one of the most important and rich of them. The question that arises is whether the formation is a natural cave or an artificial diamond mine. In order to answer this question, we developed speleological and geological studies with detailed cave surveys, remote sensing and field measurements for structural analysis, optical and electronic microscope for petrographic characterization, …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …

Downtown L.A. To Glendale Light Rail Line Project Study, Alaina Michelle Ortiz

City and Regional Planning

Los Angeles is undergoing a transit revival driven by persistent traffic congestion, a growing population, and an evolving mindset that increasingly favors public transportation.

As Los Angeles prepares for the future, it finds valuable lessons in its past. This light rail proposal draws inspiration from the extensive Pacific Electric Railway system that once formed the backbone of L.A. County’s transit network. Specifically, this study reimagines segments of the historic Glendale-Burbank Line, Echo Park Local Line, and San Fernando Valley Line. These routes once covered key corridors such as Sunset Boulevard and Brand Boulevard, but today, they are underserved by rail …

Eeri 2024: Seattle Solstice, Elizabeth P. Splees

Architectural Engineering

This senior project documents the design, analysis, construction, and testing of Seattle Solstice, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s entry to the 2024 EERI Seismic Design Competition. Developed through ARCE 453, the interdisciplinary effort involved architectural, structural, and geotechnical coordination in response to a fictional client brief set in downtown Seattle. The team designed a five-foot-tall balsa wood tower with a shifting vertical massing, integrating sustainability features and public use spaces while addressing seismic challenges such as center of mass vs. rigidity alignment, overturning risk, and off-grid load paths. The structure was modeled using ETABS and evaluated using both numerical …