Journal of Design for Resilience in Architecture and Planning
Not a member yet
176 research outputs found
Sort by
A comparative analysis of space efficiency in skyscrapers: Case studies from the Middle East, Asia, and North America
Get PDFThis study conducts a critical comparative analysis of spatial efficiency in supertall buildings across three major geographic contexts: the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Through the examination of selected case studies representative of each region, the research investigates the interplay between architectural form, structural typology, and the distribution of usable floor area within vertical structures. The findings reveal significant regional variations in spatial efficiency metrics and core-to-GFA (gross floor area) proportions. In the Asian context, towers predominantly adopt a tapered morphological strategy combined with composite structural systems, resulting in an average spatial efficiency of approximately 68%, with vertical service cores occupying nearly 30% of the GFA. Conversely, Middle Eastern high-rises, typically defined by prismatic massing and monolithic concrete structures, demonstrate a higher spatial efficiency—averaging 76%—with a core-to-GFA ratio of around 21%. North American skyscrapers, frequently employing prismatic or setback configurations alongside reinforced concrete systems, exhibit comparable efficiency rates, with an average of 76% and a similarly proportioned core area. Despite these regional divergences, the analysis identifies a consistent inverse correlation between building height and spatial efficiency, underscoring the technical and spatial challenges associated with height-induced inefficiencies in high-rise design. By elucidating these interregional patterns, the study offers valuable insights into the optimization of vertical spatial organization, contributing to the evolving discourse on high-rise architecture and urban densification
Assessment of resilience in rural areas: The case of Bağlıköy, Cyprus
Get PDFRecent developments have significantly impacted both urban and rural areas, leading to increased migration from rural to urban regions and considerable challenges in rural areas. Rural activities have decreased due to the reduction in population and the labour force, affecting economic, environmental, social, and demographic structures. These natural and artificial changes constitute potential threats to rural resilience. Consequently, rural resilience analysis has become essential to ensuring the sustainability and well-being of rural communities in the face of economic, environmental, and social challenges. Rural resilience is defined as the ability to adjust, transform and cope with change in response to ever-changing regional dynamics. There are four key components of rural resilience: economic resilience, social resilience, environmental resilience, and cultural resilience. Robust infrastructure, including transportation, communication, and healthcare systems, maintains connectivity and access to essential services during adverse events. The research focuses on the cultural, economic, environmental, and social factors influencing the resilience of rural area. Besides, this study hypothesizes that the resilience of rural areas is significantly influenced by vulnerabilities resulting from regional transformations, and both natural and artificial impacts. Bağlıköy village was selected as the case study area to examine this hypothesis. A SWOT analysis of Bağlıköy’s rural resilience helps identify internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats that influence its ability to withstand and recover from challenges. The assessment of the vulnerability of rural areas to natural and artificial effects experienced with regional transformations linked to resilience factors. In conclusion, the study evaluates the rural area\u27s resilience and provides recommendations to enhance its sustainability and adaptive capacity
Degradation and biodiversity of rain gardens in the tropics
Get PDFRain gardens are commonly applied as a nature-based stormwater management method in urban areas, yet the long-term impacts, possible degradation, and effects on biodiversity as a type of green infrastructure remain underexplored. By comparing two rain gardens in Singapore– one of the earlier prototypes in a neighbourhood managed by a local town council in Central Singapore at Potong Pasir, and a more recent one managed by the National Parks in the West at Jurong Lake Gardens, the ecological and aesthetic functions are investigated. Thus, the rain gardens are explored through the lenses of both functional and aesthetic degradation. Quantitative methods, including the Shannon Biodiversity Index, Green View Index, Colourfulness Index, and surface heat mapping, are applied. Observational methods, including spatial configurations of the rain gardens, plant health, and soil conditions, were also explored to understand the extent of degradation. Common challenges encountered in rain gardens included poor or improper maintenance, poor aesthetic and visual engagement, as well as improper design. Through the findings, comprehensive design and maintenance suggestions are provided for designers and planners to improve existing rain gardens and extend the lifespan and function of future gardens. Rain garden lifespans can be lengthened to reap long-term benefits like effective stormwater management and habitat creation for local biodiversity. Maintenance suggestions build upon existing grey infrastructure and nature-based solutions routine maintenance protocols, tackling the four key functions of a rain garden: sedimentation, filtration, infiltration, and bioretention. Design suggestions are drawn from the data analysed, including potential tree planting configurations and the use of groundcover to reduce surface temperature
A non-destructive testing method for the production technique of gilded ornamentation in a traditional house: XRF analysis method
Get PDFGold, with its thousands of years of history, has been used across different geographies and with various techniques, carrying diverse meanings beyond being just a metal. Similarly, a variety of techniques can be observed in the production of gold imitation. In cultural heritage buildings, determining whether such ornaments are made of real gold and identifying the production technique are crucial for making correct decisions in restoration. The knowledge and experience of craftsmen can be utilized to determine the content and production technique of the ornamentation in a cultural heritage building; however, this empirical approach is unscientific and prone to error. This study is unique and valuable as it provides information based on definitive results through an analytical and scientific approach. The material of this study is a gilded ornamentation from a traditional house in Sivas. XRF (X-rays fluorescence) analysis method was employed to understand the elemental analysis and production technique of gilded ornamentation. The aim of this study is to determine both the production technique and the elemental structure of the material through XRF analysis of the gilded ornamentation. The absence of gold in the analysis indicates that the gilding was not produced from original gold but is an imitation. When evaluating the gilding imitation techniques, the concentration of copper and zinc elements indicates that the imitation gilding was produced from a brass alloy. The zinc/copper ratio was found to match the ratio used to achieve a gold-like color. Additionally, when other techniques used for gold imitation were evaluated, the absence or trace amounts of other elements excluded those techniques. Consequently, this study presents a new approach to the literature by demonstrating the applicability of modern, non-destructive, contactless techniques like XRF analysis to the science of conservation and restoration
A traditional trace in the urban fabric: Architectural analysis of the Maltepe Mosque
Get PDFThis study aims to present an evaluation of contemporary mosque architecture by addressing the Maltepe Mosque in Ankara, which was built with a traditional approach. In Turkey, modern mosque architecture often adopts design approaches that aim to maintain the traces of the past and remain loyal to the local cultural identity. However, this sometimes causes traditional elements to become an obstacle to innovative architectural approaches. In the study, the architectural features of the Maltepe Mosque, the traditional elements used and the relationship of these elements with modern architecture will be analyzed. In particular, how key architectural elements such as the dome, minaret, mihrab and minbar, which are fundamental to Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, were used in this building and how they were integrated with modern construction techniques will be examined through the plan and structural elements of the mosque. The Maltepe Mosque was selected as a case study in order to question the place of traditional mosque architecture within modern urban life and architectural understanding, to discuss issues of aesthetics, functionality, and originality through architectural elements, and to provide a critical perspective on the future of mosque architecture in Turkey. Whether the design of the Maltepe Mosque, enriched with traditional elements, contributes to the creation of a contemporary structure, its integration with the urban fabric and the degree to which it meets the needs of the users are among the focal points of this study. The limitations imposed by traditionalist approaches in the mosque architecture in the context of modern architecture will be evaluated in terms of aesthetics, functionality and originality. The relationship of the building with its surroundings and the sustainability of traditional mosque forms in a modern city will also be addressed within this framework. Finally, the study aims to offer a unique perspective on the harmony of traditional architecture with modern architecture in Turkey, specifically in the Maltepe Mosque. While the repetition of traditional patterns in mosque architecture can be seen as a factor that limits creativity, it can also be considered as a meaningful step towards preserving collective memory. Therefore, the aim of this study is to critically evaluate this balance between the traditional and the modern and to offer ideas on how mosque architecture in Turkey may evolve in the future
Urban heat island and fringe belt interaction: The role of the urban fringe in heat island mitigation
Get PDFFringe Belt (FB) areas are transition zones located between successive areas of urban development. They are typically characterized by open spaces, industrial and institutional areas, and low-density residential areas. An Urban Heat Island (UHI) is a microclimate phenomenon caused by urbanization, characterized by higher surface temperatures in city centers compared to the surrounding area. The primary factors exacerbating the UHI effect are dense development, reduced green spaces and the heat-retaining properties of surface materials. FB areas can mitigate the UHI effect by limiting heat accumulation due to their relatively natural and permeable surfaces. This study aims to analyze temporal changes in FB areas and evaluate their impact on the UHI effect. For this purpose, Landsat satellite images from 1985, 2000 and 2025 were processed using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to obtain land surface temperature (LST) values and map UHI distribution alongside delineation of fringe-belt plots. The results indicate that the UHI effect is relatively low in areas where fringe belts are preserved or minimally developed. Additionally, it was observed that the UHI effect increases as these areas become more developed over time. The study reveals that fringe-belt areas can play an important role in reducing the UHI effect, suggesting that these areas should be integrated into urban planning as cooling buffers. The study emphasizes the necessity of climate-focused approaches in urban planning and suggests evaluating fringe belts as potential microclimatic mitigation areas
Analysing morphogenetic design approaches in the context of hypothetical housing examples
Get PDFConceptual approaches that systematically integrate ecological reasoning with algorithmic design processes have gained increasing attention in theoretical discussions on architectural practice. However, a significant gap remains in terms of their application, particularly within the context of housing architecture. In response to this theoretical gap, this study aims to evaluate the algorithmic orientations of designers who transform their spatial inquiries into an ecological organization through hypothetical housing examples. This evaluation is framed through the concept of morphogenetic design—a biologically informed architectural approach in which form and space evolve not through predetermined templates but through generative, adaptive, and systemic processes. Accordingly, the study addresses two main research questions: \u27The potential impact of morphogenetic design on residential buildings\u27 and \u27Integration of morphogenetic design into housing construction processes\u27. The study employed a qualitative research design and the literature review method to answer the research questions. The research sample consists of four hypothetical housing projects: Embryological House, Multistory Apartment Building, Molecular Engineered House, and The Fab Tree Hab. These projects were developed using morphogenetic design approaches in 2000 and beyond. In order to collect data from the main mass in an easy and fast way, Homogeneous sampling method, one of the purposeful sampling types, was preferred. In this context, the \u27descriptive content analysis method\u27 was preferred to analyse the data obtained in the research and the data was analysed in two stages. In the first stage, descriptive analysis was carried out and the general trend was determined by examining the qualitative studies that could answer the research questions. In the second stage, content analysis was carried out and the data obtained were organised and interpreted according to the parameters set by the researcher. The analysis indicates that morphogenetic design has the capacity to substantially transform the formal, functional and ecological dimensions of future residential buildings. Digital design methods, biologically inspired production techniques and user-participatory design strategies have rendered it feasible for buildings to self-renew, establish symbiotic relationships with their environment and adapt to various living scenarios. This process is characterised by the integration of sustainability and user experience across multiple stages, ranging from design to construction
Analysis of wooden pillar and wooden ceiling mosques of the Seljuk and principalities period
Get PDFMosques, as structures meticulously designed and constructed, represent the pinnacle of architectural and aesthetic solutions within Islamic civilizations. The desire for proximity to the mihrab in mosque design has necessitated the development of original and rational structural solutions, leading to significant advancements in architectural technology and technique. Mosque architecture, predominantly masonry, reflects both local architectural influences and the availability of materials, often shaped by regional traditions and construction methods specific to certain periods. A notable example of this is the wooden columned and wooden-ceilinged mosques, extensively constructed in Anatolia during the Seljuk and Principalities periods, where all elements, except for the masonry walls, were crafted from wood. This article presents a typological analysis of mosques with flat timber beams, wooden columns, and wooden ceilings, offering a comprehensive examination of their distinctive architectural features. The structural analysis encompasses all aspects from the foundation to the roof, with detailed documentation of their construction techniques. The aim of this study is to contribute to the conservation and restoration efforts of these mosques, a group of which only a few original, high-quality examples remain. Furthermore, this research is of particular significance as it represents one of the first studies to document the ceiling solutions of wooden hypostyle mosques, some of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. For the typological studies, both on-site examinations were conducted and data from previous sources were evaluated. The ceiling analysis was carried out using application photographs of a restored mosque, employing a three-dimensional modeling method
The effects of western housing practices on Turkey’s social housing experience
Get PDFSocial housing emerged as an inevitable yet late response to the changes brought about by industrialization. The sudden population influx caused by mass migration towards expanding old cities and newly developed industrial towns resulted in poor living conditions and the lack of proper accommodation. The evolving response to housing problems paved the way for social housing, which eventually turned into common practices worldwide to provide adequate accommodation to those in need. This paper examines the evolution of Western housing policies and practices, their limitations in the modern social context, and the impact of Western housing practices upon Turkey’s social housing experience. |The analysis aims to highlight the adaptability, challenges and opportunities presented by Western housing policies in a distinct cultural and socio-economic environment
Silo buildings: A new image in the urban landscape
Get PDFSilo buildings, traditionally used for storing bulk commodities such as grain, cement, and seeds, have become emblematic of industrial heritage while increasingly facing obsolescence in modern cities. Their cylindrical forms, dictated initially by utilitarian priorities, have made them prominent landmarks in urban and rural landscapes. With advancements in agricultural technology, shifts in logistics, and urban expansion, many silos lost their primary functions, leading to their abandonment or demolition. Recognizing the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of these structures, this study examines the potential of adaptive reuse—mainly through façade modifications and structural alterations—to transform silo buildings into vibrant elements of the contemporary urban fabric. A qualitative multiple-case study methodology was adopted to analyze four exemplary projects: Portland Towers, The Silo, Gemini Residence in Copenhagen, and Sugar City in Amsterdam. Data collection involved the review of architectural documentation, historical records, and visual media, with site observations and, where possible, stakeholder interviews. This approach enabled an in-depth exploration of the strategies employed to convert monumental, monolithic silos into fully functional environments. Central to these transformations were façade interventions—such as the introduction of windows, balconies, and new cladding materials—that humanized previously austere exteriors and improved interior light and ventilation. Structural additions and interior reconfigurations were also critical, helping silo buildings comply with modern building standards and accommodate a range of new functions, including offices, residences, and cultural venues. Findings highlight how carefully balanced preservation and innovation can conserve industrial authenticity while meeting contemporary urban needs. These projects illustrate how adaptive reuse revitalizes obsolete buildings and contributes to urban regeneration by attracting economic investment, enhancing local identity, and promoting sustainability through the conservation of embodied energy. Moreover, preserving a silo’s cylindrical core while introducing modern features fosters a sense of continuity between past and present, reinforcing communal memory. Ultimately, the case studies underscore adaptive reuse as a practical, culturally sensitive pathway for reimagining silo buildings—one that merges historical significance, architectural creativity, and sustainable development to produce dynamic new landmarks in evolving urban landscapes