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Build a concept machine
No full textRESEARCH QUESTION
How can the use of computational design as a design process tool influence the design outcome for a community performance space?
ABSTRACT
In architectural practice, limited timeframes and budgets are common problems for designers. It is also challenging for designers to predict the future occupants’ spatial experience at an early concept stage. Regarding these design problems, the computational simulation can provide technical proof to support the designer in decision-making. Architectural optimisation is beneficial for design by analysing building performance between different architectural geometries in the design process.
The primary purpose of this project is to investigate how to design a computational program as a machine that can automatically generate concept design alternatives. This thesis intends to discuss the influence of computational design on the design outcome. This research project is process oriented. The project applies the research method of research through design. A small-scale community performance facility is the proposed building type in the design exploration.
Through this study, a deeper understanding of computational design processes is expected to contribute to advancing the architectural design field. This project provides an important opportunity to advance the understanding of computational generative design. In the theory of computational generative design, the designer must abstract design factors as principles in the generative design process. This research focuses on how to use algorithmic thinking to formulate design principles. Computational design’s benefits and limitations are discussed during the study. As many optimisation algorithms have been used in architectural design optimisation, this thesis needs to discuss how to select appropriate algorithms from various computational optimisation algorithms. In computational optimisation, it is important to determine numeric input variables and the optimisation objectives in the output. So, this project reviews the requirements of the performance space design and investigates the site context background to study the feasibility of the computational application. In the design process, the project creates experimental design optimisation programs. The programs reflect the computational process through research and evaluation. The last program is designed to provide architectural solutions to assist further design in this project.
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Acoustic analysis of existing theatres - In this section, three Auckland local theatres are selected for acoustic simulations. The three theatres include Q Theatre in Auckland city centre, The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC) at Western Springs, and The Pump House at Takapuna. The modelling reference is from property files ordered from the Auckland Counci.
Design site: Behind NorthWest Shopping Centre in Westgate, Auckland, New Zealan
The ever-changing recreational uses of Whakarewarewa Forest: A multiparty research collaboration
No full textThis research project explored the demographics of the current users of Rotorua’s recreational forests and was spearheaded by Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga kaimahi Bronwyn Alton and Clare Crawshaw, along with Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga ākonga who were recruited to participate as field researchers in the data collection process. The project is supported by RotoruaNZ and the Titokorangi and Whakarewarewa Forest Recreational Management Group, who are key stakeholders. The ongoing study identifies the demographics of Whakarewarewa Forest users and aims to be a key resource to support decision making and management strategies for the district. This presentation will share the key findings from the data collected and will reflect on the significant research opportunity provided to the participating ākonga, discussing how this partnership supported building their research capacity and enabled them to learn with purpose. As kaiako in a Level 5 business programme (NZ Diploma in Business) it is important to us that ākonga are involved in critically assessing the changing world around them including ako relationships that accelerate understanding of the changing environment and their own development. This presentation will share reflections from ākonga and kaimahi on their learnings. The involvement of, and partnering with, ākonga in research provides many opportunities and we aim to inspire other kaimahi to do the same in all programmes at Te Pūkenga subsidiaries
Improving the quality of information: Does Integrated Reporting matter? Evidence from Sri Lankan listed companies
Get PDFThis study examines the information quality of integrated reporting (IR) adopted companies in comparison to non-adopted companies. Information quality was measured in terms of the decision usefulness approach based on fundamental qualitative characteristics (QCs) of financial information. Data were collected through annual reports of listed companies of 26 IR-adopters and 27 non-adopters for 2010 (pre adoption year) and 2019 (post-adoption year). The results revealed IR-adopters have significantly improved information quality from 2010 to 2019 compared to non-adopters. Also, there is a significant positive relationship between the information quality of IR adopters with the number of years of experience in IR.
Our novel QCs-based quality measurement index provides numerical measures for evaluating information quality. The study shows that IR has achieved its overall objective of improving information quality in the Sri Lankan context. Thus, it provides confidence for the firms expecting to adopt IR to improve their information quality in the future
Creating appreciation and community support for mothers caring for a child with an anxiety disorder
Get PDFThis research examined a unique approach to anxiety disorder, one of the most prevalent and growing mental health concerns internationally. It uncovered the mostly invisible and challenging experiences of mothers caring for a child with an anxiety disorder and the value of their reciprocal relationships with their children for both their health and wellbeing. In addition, it explored social identity in making meaningful connection using a generative action-oriented social approach to address anxiety in the community.
An appreciative inquiry, using social constructionist theory, and underpinned by elements of kaupapa Māori values, was utilised to explore the research questions. The data was collected via paired interviews, focus groups and small questionnaires with three to four mothers, after which thematic analysis was undertaken to identify important themes.
There were four key themes discovered in the findings: (1) the mothers’ ongoing and challenging experiences of being silenced and isolated on the fringes, navigating the quagmire of social and institutional systems to help them help their children; (2) the mothers’ learning to cope by creating calm in the home, the child, and in themselves, often requiring them to ‘suspend’ their lives until their children become more independent; (3) the mothers employing a mother as advocate identity to face the challenges, and co-creating a mother as advocate group identity to continue to face those challenges to design a collective initiative; and (4) the value of freedom that the mothers experienced participating in the appreciative inquiry process with other mothers facing similar challenges and sharing their stories.
This study demonstrates how appreciative inquiry is aligned with and supports the value of social identity theory and creating meaningful connections to help position and address anxiety disorder in the community. A key insight gained in this study is that our current social and institutional systems create disconnection in many facets of Western life, which contributes to the generation and perpetuation of stigmatisation, isolation and anxiety disorder. Within a Western capitalistic and individualistic culture, mental illness has become predominantly pathologised and medicated, positioning anxiety disorder within the child, and relegating the social dimension of the biopsychosocial approach as almost irrelevant. As mothers in this system spend valuable energy advocating for more support for their children, they put their own mental health at risk. There is no one solution; however, this study demonstrates that when mothers are supported through an appreciative inquiry process, strengthening their personal and social identities, there is the potential for health and wellbeing to increase for them, their children and the communit
Carbohydrate knowledge, beliefs, and intended practices, of endurance athletes who report exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms
No full textThis study aimed to explore carbohydrate (CHO) knowledge, beliefs, and intended practices of endurance athletes who experience exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms (Ex-GIS) compared to those without Ex-GIS. A validated online questionnaire was completed by endurance athletes (n = 201) participating in >60 min of exercise that present with Ex-GIS (n = 137) or without (n = 64). Descriptive statistics were used for parametric and non-parametric data with appropriate significance tests. Associations between categorical data were assessed by Chi-square analysis, and post-hoc Bonferroni tests were applied when significant. A content analysis of open-ended responses was grouped into themes, and quantitative statistics were applied. Participants included runners (n = 114, 57%), triathletes (n = 43, 21%) and non-running sports (n = 44, 21%) who participate in recreational competitive (n = 74, 37%), recreational non-competitive (n = 64, 32%), or competitive regional, national, or international levels (n = 63, 31%). Athletes correctly categorized CHO (x̄ = 92–95%) and non-CHO (x̄ = 88–90%) food and drink sources. On a Likert scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) athletes typically agree or strongly agree that consuming CHO around key training sessions and competitions enhances athletic performance [median = 4 (IQR, 4–5)], and they intend to consume more CHO around exercise [median = 3 (IQR, 2–3)]. No differences in beliefs and intentions were found among athletes with or without Ex-GIS. To enhance athletic performance, most endurance athletes intend to consume more CHO around exercise. Adequate knowledge of CHO-containing food sources was apparent; however, specific CHO ingestion practices remain to be verified
Identification of offsite construction skills and profiles
No full textThe main objective of this study is to identify the profiles and skills for offsite construction with a focus on design, manufacturing and construction disciplines covering AEC industries. The typology of offsite construction is defined as components, panels, pods, modules, complete buildings and flatpacks. The workforce in construction needs to learn the new skills to get work ready for projects using prefabrication and offsite construction at various scales.
A comprehensive review of relevant literature including books, academic articles, and industry sources, was conducted. Profiles were determined from professional and vocational perspectives. Skills were assessed based on managerial and technical perspectives.
A detailed list of skills has been developed and categorised according to profiles and their skill sets. Further, skills were classified according to disciplines as design, manufacturing and construction. Common skills were also identified with respect to professional and vocational. An attempt has been made to develop skill pathways in the offsite construction stream for the current and prospecting workforce.
This research contributes to developing a knowledge base for skills essential for the offsite construction workforce at all tiers in organizational view and all phases in the project view. This study helps academia to develop the qualifications; industry to understand the job specifications and communities to exploit the emerging prefab industry
Testing the efficacy of novel baitpods as a bait delivery mechanism for Dama wallabies - final report
No full textTo assess the efficacy of baitpods for baiting Dama wallabies (e.g., bait uptake and feeding behaviour). Assess the impacts of possums and rats on the effectiveness of baitpods as a delivery mechanism for bait to Dama wallabies and possible solutions to reduce these impacts
A critical appraisal of anxieties among higher education students: strategies and solutions.
No full textTo contextualise the discussion, we begin with an overview of our programme, outlining the expectations that our students have of us as a provider, and that we have of them, as adult learners preparing for a professional career. We hope that this article will offer not only some practical, transferable strategies to address student anxieties, but will exemplify the key role that critical reflection plays in education. Professional conversations and critical analysis of our own practice can help educators to gain a deeper understanding of their own professional work and make improvements to create better outcomes for students in their learning (McGarr et al., 2019), which is what we are trying to do here
Is talanoa still talanoa when it is online and virtual?
No full textWhat is talanoa?
Tala-noa
Talanoa as methodology
Talanoa as a method
Is talanoa still talanoa when it is online and virtual?
8 types of talanoa - vaioleti
Online talanoa
Wardriving, exploitation and mitigation of security-encrypted wireless networks
No full textProblem:
how secure the wireless networks are? ; What can we do to make end users savvy about wireless security?
Implementation:
powerback, GPS dongle, Raspberry Pi 3B+, Alfa adapter
Ethical issues
Legislation
Wardriving
Total access points captured
Data captured 2015-2021
ARP replay attack
Evil twin
Recommendations
Password brute-force attack timeline
Run awareness advertisements
Keep WPS option disabled in router configuratio