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The Reductionist Implications of Outcome-Based Education in Malaysian Architectural Education
Full text linkArchitecture is a discipline that requires the integration of a wide spectrum of knowledge. This holistic nature of architecture is reflected in earlier architectural education. However, the recent trend in pedagogical development in education is characterized by the admiration of a positivist outlook that favour a reductionist approach in education, specifically the introduction of Outcome-Based Education (OBE). The need to maintain a higher education status by architectural education providers in Malaysia requires adherence to the standards stipulated by the public higher education authority and the Malaysian Quality Agency (MQA). This paper argues that there is a reductionist tendency in the standards, specifically in its stipulation on the use of OBE and its mapping process, a trend in the 1990s arising out of a positivist outlook. The reductionist undertone of this mechanism affects the quality of architectural education, resulting in undesirable outcomes. The most pressing concern is the effect of a reductionist mindset on creativity and a holistic view
ReGen Hall: A Scalable Model for Environmentally Sustainable, Affordable, and Compatible Student Housing
Full text linkAffordability is one of the most important factors in student housing development, especially in rapidly growing cities with increasing property prices. Beyond economic aspects, student housing needs to focus on environmental issues and community integration to create and maintain sustainability in the long run. ReGen Hall illustrates a unique approach to student housing projects aiming to demonstrate the viability of integrating ecological sustainability and affordability while preserving the community fabric. Located in Austin, Texas, the project incorporates advanced modular construction methods, Passive House design principles, and innovative net-zero energy strategies. This 62,000-square-foot residence hall integrates renewable energy systems, including a 320-kW photovoltaic array and rainwater harvesting infrastructure, to significantly reduce operational emissions and water dependency. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of the building carried out over a projected lifespan of 100 years reveals a carbon footprint of 2,853 tons of CO2e. This analysis is calculated using verified data from One Click LCA and industry benchmarks to ensure rigorous methods. Economic evaluations show cost reductions through modular construction, bringing total project expenses well below local benchmarks. Moreover, community-focused design elements, such as shared spaces, green courtyards, and a free medical clinic, foster social cohesion while meeting the housing needs of a diverse student population. Employing a quantitative research approach and spatial analysis, this study evaluates the environmental, economic, and social impacts of ReGen Hall. The findings demonstrate that sustainable technologies can effectively balance affordability and environmental stewardship and offer a model for future student housing developments
A Grounded Theory of Dignified Design Informed by Residents and Staff in Permanent Supportive Housing
Full text linkThis study addresses a critical and timely issue—how the built environment can support dignity for individuals experiencing housing instability. Common definitions of dignity include autonomy, respect, self-determination, freedom, and equality. For people experiencing housing and health instability, everyday life is extremely stressful, and the built environment can play a critical role in supporting psychological and somatic regulation (Devlin 2018). Ajeen and colleagues (2023) found that many participants perceived that trauma-informed design updates for homeless shelter bedrooms increased their experiences of dignity and safety. For this study, a practice-embedded research team collected observations of use at various supportive housing sites, documented through photos and note-taking, and conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups in two phases with a total of 115 resident and staff participants. The team inductively analyzed this large dataset of text and images using grounded theory methods. Analysis revealed that the experiences of comfort, community, and control are deeply interdependent and together create a rich and layered sense of safety for participants. Key design attributes—categorized as sensory engagement, nested layers, and identity anchors—emerged as critical for creating an atmosphere of dignity, which significantly contributed to the overall experience of dignity for participants. Ultimately, the research resulted in a grounded theory model of Dignified Design, establishing a framework for architects, designers, and other creators of service-oriented spaces
Graph-Theoretic Analysis for Sustainable Urban Structure : A Case Study of Lower Manhattan's CBD
No full textA significant challenge arises in the characterization of urban systems, especially regarding the intricate structures of Central Business Districts (CBDs). Conventional models seem insufficient, failing to comprehend the non-linear, network-oriented structure of the city's economic and social dynamics. This creates a disparity between the city's physical, geographical structure and the unseen processes occurring within it. The fundamental inquiry is thus configurational: how can we systematically examine the inherent spatial logic of the CBD to develop a more efficient and predictive planning model? This paper presents a theoretical and methodological model to explore this inquiry, which focuses on Lower Manhattan as the primary subject of analysis. The aim of the research is to develop an analytical model that fosters a relational comprehension of the city as a system. The methodology combines graph-theoretic mathematical coding with spatial syntax analysis to elucidate the fundamental structure of dynamics in the Central Business District. We evaluate vulnerability as an intrinsic characteristic of network topology, apply Prüfer’s code to determine its distinctive structural signature, and employ various syntactic methods to examine its spatial configuration. Q-analysis, Zipf's law, Markov chains, and fractal analysis elucidate the interconnectedness of shape, function, and temporal change in various dimensions. The findings indicate that the layout of Lower Manhattan possesses a complex, robust, and well-structured network topology. We observed correlations between spatial integration indices and economic activity patterns; that is, the grid is an essential component of the economic functionality. The proposed model is both predictive and quantitative, which activates the comprehension of urban complexity. The systematic relationship elucidates the connection among geographical form, economic function, and susceptibility to potential threats. This framework offers a model for urban planners and designers to enhance connectivity, pinpoint structural deficiencies, and devise solutions that promote sustainable, resilient, and economically viable urbanism
Understanding the Spatial Needs of Transgender Individuals: A Literature Review with Reference to Pilgrimage Spaces in Saundatti
Full text linkThis study investigates the spatial requirements of transgender individuals in urban and sacred contexts, with particular reference to pilgrimage sites in Saundatti. It addresses how entrenched heteronormative planning practices contribute to exclusion from public, residential, and religious spaces. The research adopts a literature-based methodology, integrating geospatial mapping, participatory design principles, and intersectional planning frameworks to analyze spatial barriers and identify opportunities for inclusion. The findings highlight how architectural design can mediate issues of accessibility, safety, and cultural belonging, especially in sacred settings shaped by binary traditions. By reframing transgender spatial needs as both an architectural and cultural concern, the study contributes to architectural scholarship through a conceptual framework that informs inclusive design strategies for urban planning and sacred site development
Designing with Medium: Exploring the Agency of Representational Media in Architectural Design
Full text linkThis study attempts to elucidate the relative impact of the designated representational medium on architectural design knowledge during design activity by focusing on the relation between designers' cognitive processes and revealed design information corresponding to different representational media during the design process.
The assertion here is that designing, specifically the act of representation, occurs absolutely with the existence of a medium and that representational media have agency, which affects the information content of the designers during design activity. Designing is defined as a process of construction of representations, where the act of representing facilitates a reflective dialogue between the designer and the object of representation. The framework of the study is aimed at revealing the agency of representational media through a community of practice within the shared sociocultural, and environmental contexts. The interaction between the designer and the media of representation has been structured upon the theoretical model -Activity Theory-, which offers a framework for analyzing human actions oriented toward specific purposes through instruments within particular conditions.
Within the framework of the article, two workshop sessions and semi-structured interviews related to the sessions were conducted. The data derived from the interviews are examined using the reflexive thematic analysis method; information content related to various representational media within the common sociocultural and environmental context are revealed
Building Energy Performance Gap: A Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review of Global Research Themes
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Building energy simulations are useful for analyzing decisions impacting energy performance. However, significant discrepancies exist between simulated building energy performance and real-world measured performance, thus inhibiting progress towards sustainability. This paper examines recent Building Energy Performance Gaps (BEPG) research trends using bibliometric measures. It also aims to assess global research trends by examining global research engagement and thematic development to build a more comprehensive understanding of BEPG. The systematic review of the Web of Science (WoS) database identified 331 relevant articles published between 2012 and July 2023. A quantitative approach of bibliometric procedures (including title, abstract and keywords) was used for analyzing the documents, alongside the VOSviewer software program. This methodology enabled the authors to produce scientometric maps, showcasing the relationships in authorship, citation, occurrences, and bibliometric coupling. The results indicate that BEPG research is primarily conducted in more developed regions such as Europe and North America, while severely lacking in many developing countries within the Global South (GS). Results further indicate a broadening research scope, with less than ten percent of the 1,118 keywords used by authors three times or more. Solutions towards resolving BEPG need to be highly contextualized. Therefore, this study identifies major BEPG research areas and highlights the multidisciplinary nature of the field. Additionally, fostering international collaborations and developing building energy performance standards could aid in creating a more sustainable built environment and developing capacities, focusing critically on the needs of GS countries
Perception Of Healing Architectural Elements In Women’s Healthcare Facilities In Lagos, Nigeria
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This study looked at the use and influence of healing elements in the Women’s Health Facilities (WHFs) architecture in Lagos, Nigeria. It investigated the extent to which healing architecture has been adopted and its implications on patient healing by assessing their perception and the perspectives of practitioners on its effect on patients. The study collected data from selected WHFs in Lagos using a questionnaire-based survey, allowing for an in-depth examination of the efficacy of healing architectural elements in enhancing patient and practitioner experiences. It employed structured questionnaires shared among 101 respondents out of the estimated 237 users in the seven WHFs by assessing the perceptions of two key respondent groups, patients and healthcare practitioners, on the effect of healing architectural elements. Data were analysed based on themes and statistical software (SPSS v26) for descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that most users were highly aware of the adopted healing elements, and practitioners reported significant effects of these elements on the patients’ stress levels, blood pressure, heart rates, autonomic function, and mental engagement. Based on these findings, proposals for advancing the inclusion of healing elements in WHFs are given, including the use of natural elements, flexible spaces, colour and cultural sensitivity, and highlighted useful insights for future design considerations and healthcare practices
Opportunities of Nomadic Space: Sound of Paper Collectors in Istanbul
Full text linkThe metropolitan city is characterized by a state of perpetual transformation, fostering a nomadic existence shaped by spatial mobility. This ongoing cycle of destruction and reconstruction generates “nomadic spaces,” where urban landscapes remain in flux. Beyond its spatial dynamics, the metropolis is also defined by the direct migration of people, particularly marginalized groups, who navigate and reshape the urban environment. Among these groups, paper collectors in Istanbul play a critical yet often overlooked role in the city’s recycling system. Despite their substantial contribution to urban sustainability, their work remains largely informal and is usually coded as illegal, positioning them as subaltern actors within the urban fabric.
This study examines the spatial practices and lived experiences of paper collectors, framing their activities as a form of urban act embedded within the ever-evolving nature of the metropolis. The primary aim of this article is to explore the mechanisms of existence in the nomadic city by deconstructing the language of paper collectors, who are represented as subalterns, using verbal and spatial instruments and deriving, multiplying, and articulating the subaltern, making their voices heard. Employing a mixed-method approach that integrates ethnography and grounded theory, the study utilizes qualitative data collection techniques, including participant observation of daily routes, in-depth interviews, and spatial analysis of warehouses where collectors work and live. The analysis and diagramatization of the data were conducted using MAXQDA software. Through this multi-layered analysis, the paper collectors deconstruct the spatial and experiential dimensions of subaltern urban actors, offering new insights into the intersection of informality, mobility, and sustainability in the contemporary city
Bridging The Digital Divide: Methodological Strategies For Conducting Remote Urban Research
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This article examines methodological approaches for conducting community-engaged research remotely with participants who have limited internet access. Community-based urban research must include the voices of all stakeholders to ensure representation and equitable decision-making. The digital divide, characterized by varying levels of digital literacy and limited access to technology, often excludes disadvantaged stakeholder groups from remote data collection. While extensive studies have been conducted on both analog and digital data collection methods, few have focused on adapting these approaches to include digitally marginalized groups in architecture and urban studies.
This article reflects on data collection adaptations made to bridge the digital divide in a project that was designed before, but conducted during, the COVID-19 pandemic, between November 2020 and May 2021. Grounded in a mixed-income, informally developed settlement in India, the study aimed to examine how residents in informal settlements met their social and recreational needs.
The pandemic lockdowns made on-site data collection infeasible, prompting the research to be adapted for remote implementation using a mixed-methods approach tailored to participants’ levels of digital literacy and access. Multiple strategies were employed to collect representative data and ensure data validity, including online and telephone-based surveys, telephone interviews, and participant-generated visual data. Residents with phone and internet access were employed as intermediaries to help navigate trust and accessibility challenges and to recruit participants without digital access. In addition to presenting the study’s remote data collection methods, this article also identifies ethical challenges that may arise when using intermediaries to bridge the digital divide in qualitative research where the researcher is not physically present