Open House International

Hurol, Yonca

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0001

The editor of Open House International, Nicholas Wilkinson died on Thursday the 28th of September, at 6.15 am in Famagusta, Cyprus. He was 75 years old and owned and edited Open House International for 42 years, since 1975.

Paek, Seunghan; An, Dai Whan

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0002

This article explores the hybrid modernity made through missionary architectural practices during colonial Korea, by examining how the master plan of Yonsei University, one of the earliest mission schools in Korea, has gone through a unique evolutionary process throughout the convoluted modern history of the twentieth century. In doing so, this article conducts a thorough visual and spatial analysis of the given case with two emphases: first, analyzing three campus master plans—produced in 1917, 1925, and 2016 respectively—in a comparative way; and second, analyzing the layout and façade composition of major buildings that comprise the campus in great details. These master plans are crucial evidences enabling us to investigate the transatlantic architectural practices in early 20th century, as Henry K. Murphy, the architect in charge of the first two master plans of Yonsei University, was one who had long practiced in New York and greatly admired the values of Asian architecture through a series of field trips to major Asian cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Seoul.While the 1917 master plan was in part influenced by the Western precedents, as well as ones from Japan and China some of which Murphy himself was involved in as a master architect the 1925 case deviates from it and illustrates multiple points of transformation that go beyond spatial symmetry and visual harmony. The 1925 one is marked by the rearranged spatial disposition and façade composition of dormitories and residential halls as influenced by the geographical peculiarities of Korea at that time. Long after the revision, the third, 2016, version illustrates the much expanded, triangular shape toward the south with added buildings and facilities, while the entombment area and other historical fragments in the upper part are well preserved. Hence, this article claims that the case of Yonsei University elicits the hybridization of missionary architectural practices and local Korean culture throughout the twentieth century, which is neither subsumed by the missionaries' imposition of design ideas nor bound by the authentically Korean tradition of design.

ElSerafi, Tamer; ElKerdany, Dalila; Shalaby, Ahmed

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0003

Historic districts are unique with its urban fabric, which hosts various activities and land uses. Such districts in the city center of cities are very active with many different users. Each activity attracts different users. Thus, urban mobility is very essential issue for these districts to function properly. Recent urban mobility needs are very different to those in former times, when these districts were built. Therefore, these districts are no longer compatible for contemporary urban mobility, thus, there are many problems facing these districts in reference to the urban mobility.Zamalek, as one of the most important colonial district in the city center of Cairo, suffers from deteriorated urban mobility situation. This deterioration is mainly due to concentration of activities and densification. This paper is analyzing the existing condition in Zamalek in terms of urban mobility. This, also, includes the urban planning analysis in relation to the urban mobility. The current problems are very challenging, thus innovative concepts shall be implemented to ensure sustainable urban mobility in Zamalek. This paper recommends a set of action plans localized for the current condition in Zamalek and based on successful practices in other cities.

Tan, T H; Samihah, H. K.; Phang, S. N.

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0004

Affordable housing has become an important issue with the greatest need being in urban centres. Currently, an increase in urban population growth is higher than the supply of affordable housing, and this has resulted in a severe shortage of affordable housing as house builders are unable to construct houses at prices which are low enough for urban middle income households. Despite efforts by the Malaysian government to launch homeownership schemes for first-time homebuyers, most private housing developers might not be motivated to participate in these schemes. One of the major reasons for the disappointing supply affordable house under these schemes is mainly due to institutional and economic issueslinked to the construction of such houses in the country. This paper looks at the challenges facing private housing developers in affordable housing provision and makes recommendations to address housing affordability in the country.

Ilter, Sertaç; Vural, S.Müjdem

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0005

The double-skin façade (DSF) is one of the most crucial paradigms of building envelope design in last decades. DSF prospects a unified architectural phenomenon based on comfort rank of building driven by the dogmas of aesthetic-glass façade and practical-natural ventilation aspirations. Therefore, the utilization of DSF has been the most prevalent catalyst for architectural design.The study discusses to structure a valid evaluation method focusing on DSF elements in order to fragment human comfort standards within asserting an accurate system in the preliminary design stage. The study significantly examines the tools/ways of integrating DSFs' human comfort parameters in contemporary architecture though a convincing design system. Apparently, the study aims to provide a proposed guideline within a established analyzing system for architects in order to better formation of DSF elements; which refers and promote the human comfort standards. The results demonstrate a modest insight on understanding the potentials of DSF elements in the early design stage significantly following defined architectural conceptions; cooling, lighting, thermal, acoustic and visual comfort intensity. Based on obtained data; study aims to enclose a diminutive knowledge or demonstration of how the concept might work for future development of contemporary architecture within DSF area.

Hao, Qiushi; Fu, Benchen; Shao, Yu; Wang, Liying

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0006

This study aims to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and spactial reciprocity between industrial parks (IPs) and vocational education parks (VEPs): agglomeration density, functional matching, spatial organization efficiency, as well as space intensive utility. To achieve this objective, IPs and VEPs in urban centers of Jiangsu Province are selected as the objects of the study. First, spatial analysis of thermodynamic diagrams is employed in this study to qualitatively analyze the evolutionary characteristics of the spatial distribution of IPs and VEPs to explore the spatial aggregation characteristics of their clustering, integration, and comprehensive crossover. Second, a horizontal comparison of the data and indexes concerned reveals that areas with high agglomeration and functional matching exhibit a sound spatial reciprocity. Third, this study crystallizes the four structural prototpye paradigms formed during the reciprocity evolution between IPs and VEPs; it compares spatial organization efficiency, with the agglomeration–core structure ranking first, followed by the circle–core structure. Finally, SPSS is used to analyze the space intensive utility in order to verify the conclusions of qualitative analysis. The findings can comprehensively explain the regularities of the spatial distribution and reciprocity between IPs and VEPs. The findngs can also elucidate the design of regional industrial development and educational programs.

Farahbod, Amirreza; Dağli, Uğur

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0007

From an architectonic point of view, the identity of Iranian houses has become more enriched itself throughout history. Primarily, during the Qajardynasty (1785-1925)as a consequence of the social, political, and economical changes which took place, there was a turning point from traditional architectural construction to the modernism principals of construction. In this regard, this studyaims toexplore the importance of the compatibility of the termidentity of architecture in the transformation age (a period which led tothe turning point in the history of Iranian architecture) bydescriptive (including comparative and co-relational methods) and explanative-analytical methods.By evaluating the spatial characteristics of TraditionalIranian Houses (TIH), the study has developed a method of assessingthe architectural identity of the Qajar era. It alsointroduceda Top-down and Bottom-up processing method as the two main factors in shapingthe identityofan architectural style. By comparing both the objective and subjective indicators of shapingthe identity of TIH, the study also revealed that, in transitioning from the traditional construction to modern, the physical characteristics of the houses might change considerably, whilst lifestyles will not change at the same speed.

Al-Dın, Salar Salah Muhy; Nia, Hourakhsh Ahmad

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0008

The aim of this study is to extend the rationale and comprehensive understanding in respect of the notion of functionality and beauty in the smart skin buildings. Smart skin in buildings plays a key role in improving building functionality, and the future lies in the use of innovative smart skin strategies. The methodology focused on the objectivity and subjectivity of human perception to assess the aesthetic value of a building's smart skin. A theoretical analysis has been conducted based on the results of the investigation model and fortified by comparing the results with the findings obtained through the opinions of experts based in AHP methodology. The study demonstrates that there is a relation between both the aesthetic value and the functionality of the smart skin of a building. The findings revealed the difference in the aesthetic evaluation between the subjective functionality and the objective functionality of the building skin. The findings contribute useful evidence for the promotion of our understanding regarding the aesthetic value of the smart skin of a building, based on its functionality.

Shao, Teng; Jin, Hong; Zhao, Lihua

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0009

According to the survey and measurement on rural housing in the Northeast severe cold regions of China, this paper analyzed the existing situation and problems of current rural housing in terms of integral development, functional layout, envelop structure, interior thermal environment, heating system and energy utilization etc.. Based on the climatic features of severe cold regions, as well as rural financial and technical conditions, living and production mode, residential construction characteristics and existing resource status etc., the feasible approaches of achieving building energy saving has been proposed, thus acting as a guidance for new rural housing design in severe cold regions.

Ling, Michelle Xiaohong

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0010

Whilst Hong Kong is suffering from a limited supply of developable land in its major urban areas, some open spaces are frequently criticized as inconvenient for users, consequently leading to an ineffective use pattern. How to enhance the performance of open space is therefore a critical issue faced by city planners. As the conventional accessibility model, which is mainly described with respect to maximum walking distance or service radius, is inadequate to give an account of the issue, this paper accordingly indicates an alternative approach and seeks an explanation from the urban configuration and the way it conditions pedestrian movement pattern. Through investigating the relationship between urban configuration, pedestrian movement and accessibility and use of open spaces based on the Wanchai District of Hong Kong, which particularly epitomizes various urban grids that may have different consequences on the utilization of open space, this study aims to examine whether there is a consistent relationship existing in different spatial grids or whether the relationship varies from different layout patterns. It is hoped that the findings can be employed to improve the performance of open spaces in the urban areas of Hong Kong, in addition to other similar urban environment.

Daneshyar, Ehsan

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0011

This article illustrates the significance of pathways in cultural landscapes. It does so via an in-depth analysis at the paths in the historic community of Masulih, located in the Iranian province of Gilān. The town of Masulih, including its surrounding landscape, has an inter-connected systems of pathways that serve to tie the area together as coherent whole, making it an excellent site to explore the significance of path systems. On a functional level the neighbourhoods and homes, bazaar, teahouses, mosques, and Imāmzādih, in addition to the grazing lands and paths connect shrines outside the community. However, the paths of Masulih are significant beyond their mere utilitarian function as travel routes. This paper finds that various attributes of the paths are interrelated: the relation of path to topography; the cyclical and seasonal usage of paths; the path's function as connector of the bazaar and tea houses where individuals meet and socialize; paths serve as an stage during the lunar rituals that allows for further socializing; lands near and far are connected by the network of paths. Finally, this paper documents the dynamic connections between paths, landscape, built environment, and individuals in Masulih.

Mohammed, Ishak; Nahiduzzaman, Kh Md; Aldosary, Adel

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0012

The importance of housing in enhancing the quality of life has been widely reported. It represents one of the basic human needs, provides protection from harm and ensures survival. Like many developing countries, different Ghanaian governments have variously pursued several programs and interventionsdirected at addressing the country's housing challenges including housing loan schemes in the colonial era to affordable housing projects in the 2000s. Notwithstanding, access to adequate housing for the low to middle-income groups still remains unresolved. This paper is an attempt to gain deeper insights into Ghana's housing situation, its challenges and the efforts made by governments during the periods before independence and after independence. The nature of the housing policies implemented during such eras is explored and the reasons for the implementation failures examined. In the end, the paper provides policy recommendations that could potentially help increase the supply of affordable urban housing in the country. The paper calls for a strong political will and pragmatic intelligence in the implementation of housing policies and programs in the country. Mechanisms to provide sufficienthousing finance for the poor to adequately participate in the housing market have also been outlined. It is concluded that the over-empowerment of the private real estate sector to be the major providers of housing may not be optimal. Rather, it would only lead to the inability of the poor to be able to actively participate in the housing market, consequently exacerbating housing poverty. Effective public-private partnership has the potential to guarantee the supply of reasonably-priced and affordable housing provision.

Zeghlache, Hamza; Alıkhodja, Nadır

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0013

This paper addresses the forms, renovation and retrofitting of the rural settlements in the North-western county of Setif in Algeria. This region has a major advantage of being able to have a representation of the traditional rural dwellings within a massive mountain resulted in a particular Berber culture. The study will allow us to understand the relationship of the frame built respecting the physical and socioeconomic constraints, including the ongoing retrofitting.Many studies are based on the astonishing assumption that the village space is a continuation in another dimension of the urban space; this vision has marginalized village capacities in favour of an image of modernity (technical, social and political), leading to the lost of a whole cultural past. The new constructions care very slightly for ecology. The result is unsuitable houses, uncomfortable, ungracious sites and landscapes.We shall study here the effects of changes in the construction methods, in terms of a spatial organization, materials and aesthetics. This fact affects the original essence of rural architecture in this region. Is it possible to restore the delicate balance between forms, meanings and functions of theses constructions?One of the objectives of this work is deepening knowledge on this traditional crafts environment. There is also an interest in the contemporary manifestations of this habitat and forms of these contemporary changes. The data obtained during the field study (the Berber villages) are analysed and evaluated, and guidelines are proposed to improve the methods in intervening on rural housing in this region.

Imam, Sahar Hassan

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0014

Relating development control regulations to urban morphology analysis concepts is essential to deal with incremental change in existing contexts, relating urban morphology analysis to intangible factors of change such as land economics, human needs, politics and ideologies, helps protecting character and value of contexts from unguided change controlled by waves of political decisions, change of densities and land values. The first part of the paper discusses different approaches to urban morphology analysis, the need to development control regulations to protect character and value, the incremental nature of urban change, and urban morphology's non physical aspects effect on urban change. The second part of the paper reviews two case studies in France and Egypt to assess development control regulations in each case, how it affected urban change and area character, and examines whether urban morphology analysis was part of Development control regulations or not. It concludes with the evaluation of the second case, and the development of a frame work linking non physical factors affecting incremental change with morphological studies, showing the need to relate development control regulations to morphological analysis of town's form and non physical variables affecting form change to guide positively incremental change.

Hurol, Yonca; Wilkinson, Gemma; Mallick, Fuad Hassan; Chenyi, Emmanuel; Gordon, Margaret

2017 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/OHI-04-2017-B0015

During his 75 years of life from the 9th of March 1942 until the 28th of September 2017 Nicholas Wilkinson was a very productive and hardworking individual. He grew up in the north east of England in Corbridge, a small rural town in Northumberland. He was the third child of Zara and Tom Wilkinson and grew up together with his brother Warwick, his sister Joanna. He told me that as a child he played a lot by the riverside, and in their large family house garden and that, amongst other things, his outdoor childhood promoted a deep love of nature in him. His mother Zara had artistic abilities and his father, Tom a very good sense of judgement; Nicholas inherited these talents and characteristics from them. He was educated at Corchester Preparatory School in Corbridge and then at Bryanston School in Blanford, Dorset.