Open House International

Ibrahim, Anwar; Al-Rababah, Amneh Ibrahim; Bani Baker, Qanita

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-12-2020-0190

Virtual reality (VR) technology invaded various domains including architecture practice and education. Despite its high applications in architecture design education, VR has a high potential to be used in architectural history courses as well. This paper aims to examine the effect of using VR technology on the students’ learning abilities of history of architecture.Design/methodology/approachThe experimental approach was used. Two experiments were designed by creating virtual environments for two selected architectural examples from the Modern Architecture course. The participants who were students of Modern Architecture class had to complete two questionnaires, one for each example. The first one was based on Bloom’s taxonomy, and the other was prepared to test the participants’ analytical and critical skills. Besides, participants had to fill out satisfaction and ease-of-use survey on a five-step Likert scale.FindingsParticipants in the VR condition achieved better grades in knowledge gain compared to those in the traditional conditions. Their analytical and critical thinking skills were improved in the VR conditions. Gender has a significant impact on analytical and critical thinking skills. Participants recorded a high level of satisfaction; however, male students were more satisfied than female students who reported concerns about the weight of the used tools and nausea symptoms.Research limitations/implicationsThis study informs architecture education and provides insights into the potentials of using advanced technology in architectural history education. Teaching the various history of architecture courses will be improved, shifted toward a more student-centered curriculum, and may acquire more excitement and conscious curiosity.Originality/valueUsing VR in architectural education is rigorous in architectural design courses and students’ design projects’ presentations. This research expands architectural education research by examining other ways of teaching history of architecture courses and its effect on the students’ knowledge gain and performance.

Khan, Asif R.; Thilagam, N. Lakshmi

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-11-2020-0158

The Covid-19 crisis has inflicted a disruptive impact on the conventional institutional format of architecture studio pedagogy. As a result, there is a critical suddenness for an alternative approach to ensure continuity. The research pursues is to pursue a multidisciplinary study with a focus on the following domains: architecture, the science of learning and e-learning architecture. Inference from the study would become the basis for a theoretical proposition for improvement of the existing pedagogical framework. Moreover, the literature would add valuable insights to the knowledge base.Design/methodology/approachAn exploratory research approach is used for this study. The inquiry-based approach enlightens on the role of the architect in society. Also, the nature of architectural design education that existed prior to the Covid-19 outbreak is examined. Further, the paper explores the impact of the paradigm shift from institutional mode to e-learning mode overnight. Purposefully multi-disciplinary studies are pursued to develop a broad understanding of the associated domains. This could effectively contribute to developing an effective pedagogical framework. This would facilitate the conduct of architecture studio discourse in a structured manner during the current scenario.FindingsThe confluence approach – a theoretical proposition for effective structuring of architecture studio pedagogy has evolved as part of the research. Further, the proposed virtual learning pyramid enlightens on the drive to continue on with augmentation of students existing creative acumen. Which is one of the universally sought-after goals of studio pedagogy even during times of uncertainties.Research limitations/implicationsPedagogues would find the study very meaningful for the conduct of architecture design studio in e-learning mode. They would also acquire a broad understanding of factors to be considered. The research would pave way for future studies in this area from a multi-disciplinary perspective.Social implicationsThe current Covid-19 crisis deters architecture studio discourse from being conducted in an accustomed institutional format. Therefore, it becomes important for institutions to ensure continuity of architectural education with the help of new measures. In concurrence, the research envisions an alternative approach: virtual design studio using e-learning mode. This would ensure continuity of architectural education even when the instructor and students are separated in either time or place.Originality/valueThe study presents a unique contribution to the limited literature available on architecture studio pedagogy during the e-learning scenario.

Kumar, Pankaj; Kumar, Parveen; Garg, Ramesh Kumar; Garg, Rakesh

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-12-2020-0179

This study examines the effect of housing environment on residents’ satisfaction and happiness using the data collected from selected residents of Gurugram, an urban locality in India.Design/methodology/approachUsing the convenience-cum-judgmental sampling technique, data was collected from 321 residents of 17 gated private housing estates and tested by performing factor analysis and partial least squares – structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results revealed that maintenance service at housing estates significantly influences residents’ satisfaction followed by social infrastructure, dwelling attributes and residential amenities, whereas the accessibility aspect has no significant impact on residents’ satisfaction and happiness. Results also show a significant impact of social infrastructure on residents’ happiness, and most notably, residents’ satisfaction has a significant influence on their happiness.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study are likely to provide valuable insight into housing stakeholders (government officials; real estate developers; property and construction professionals, i.e. planners, architects and maintenance managers) to improve the attributes in urban housing setting and neighborhood facilities to upsurge the residents’ satisfaction and happiness level toward the housing estates and townships, which leads to quality and happiness in residents’ life.Originality/valueAccording to the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to provide an inclusive way toward showcasing the key antecedents of residents’ satisfaction and happiness in the Indian urban housing context. Authors anticipate that future researchers will find present research as a valuable contribution to the residents’ satisfaction and happiness in urban housing planning and revitalization of urban locations.

Yang, Chenghao; Liu, Tongtong

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-03-2021-0062

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process and result of urban public space regeneration (UPSR) plans in Tokyo's urban center under the guidance of Urban Renaissance. It aims to clarify why public space has a close relationship with urbanization and urban regeneration, and why compact and diverse urban public spaces can promote public life.Design/methodology/approachFirstly, this paper investigated urbanization and urban renaissance in Tokyo, and analyzed the motivation for implementing UPSR from the perspective of urban policy. By on-the-spot investigations and literature materials, this paper introduced urban regeneration measures of Roppongi Hills to Toranomon Hills, and then summarized the similarities and differences between Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills by studying them on the basis of contrast.FindingsUPSR had been an important component of the re-urbanization process and an essential method of strengthening urban vitality. Moreover, it promotes the development of polycentric urban structure and the return of population to urban center. First, the UPSR pattern integrating vertical space and street space can form a net-shaped urban life circle. Second, more diversified public activities can serve more varied groups of people.Originality/valueThis paper systematically analyzes the development reasons and process of UPSR project in Tokyo from both internal and external factors, and summarizes the future development direction of public space through the comparison of the two projects, and provides a reference for urban public space renewal in the future.

Geng, Zhirong; Zhu, Zunling

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-12-2020-0169

The purpose of this paper is to investigate Chinese municipal infrastructure management using urban landscape design smart technologies and to propose an adaptive approach to introduce the best policy and architectural sustainable planning in the country.Design/methodology/approachThe topic of urban environment design is deemed significant as no universal model for the implementation of landscape design ideas in China have been proposed yet.FindingsThe study presents the authors' socioeconomic and socio-ecological vision of the strategies closely related to sustainable development concept. Besides, the paper provides a comparative analysis of the developed vision and other studies' approaches to determining Chinese cities' readiness for the implementation of smart services, architectural and territorial planning in conformity with the laws of nature. The study uncovered the main directions and residents' preferences for the introduction of urban environment design technologies in the cities of China for sustainable management of territories.Originality/valueStep-by-step recommendations were developed for municipal infrastructure management. The article proposes directions for sustainable architectural planning and urban landscape design in compliance with the principle of harmonious human–nature coexistence and environmental safety.

İsmailoglu, Semiha; Sipahi, Serkan

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-12-2020-0173

Valuable historical monuments have important potential in the context of cultural tourism in cities. In addition, for the protection of these structures, in terms of ensuring social and cultural sustainability, it is also important to transfer these values to future generations.Design/methodology/approachThe social and cultural sustainability of Erzurum Great Mosque is investigated by viewing the social and cultural sustainability of the mosque through the factors created by Chan and Lee and the criteria created by Stubbs.FindingsAs a result, the social and cultural sustainability of Erzurum Great Mosque is revealed, allowing us to propose what should be done to transfer the values of this structure, which has historical and cultural significance, and the culture it represents to future generations.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature as to evaluate a historical building, in terms of social–cultural sustainability.

AlNaim, Mohammed M.

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-01-2021-0015

This study examines the built environment in the preserved historic settlements of the Najd region of Saudi Arabia, providing insight into shared core concepts and forms that were commonly shared across the settlement's dwellings before the Kingdom's period of modernization.Design/methodology/approachSpace syntax convex mapping and the justified access graphing as the main techniques to examine several internal elements at the building level. The study created elements such as connectivity, access graphs and depth graphs to understand the integration and placement of these elements to overcome surrounding forces. Also, the author combined graphical architectural analysis with space syntax techniques to understand the spatial and physical integration in three-dimensional space. This helped to establish a link between what is two-dimensional (the building layout) with what is three-dimensional (the physical form).FindingsThe paper found that the hierarchical order of internal spaces and the order's role in shaping the physical form served to satisfy the social behavior and environmental conditions. As a result, all building elements generated with the guidance of the main culturally rooted in support with internal spaces order. This order of spaces inside the house led the urban spatial hierarchy to connect but not conflict, as the whole process of generating the physical forms is to complement each other and to produce a unified built environment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to Najdi dwelling form and culture, the author believes expanding the number of study samples in the five traditional settlements or expanding the scope of the study to examine other Saudi regions may result in new findings and insights.Originality/valueThe paper offers and discusses two mechanisms on how to enhance the process of designing modern houses in similar cultures or elsewhere in the world. Also, how traditional dwelling elements generated with the guidance of the main, culturally rooted values and beliefs, in support of the internal spatial order.

Asad Poor, Javad; Goh, Yong Wah; Thorpe, David

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-11-2020-0163

This study aims to develop a photo-based methodology to identify occupants' collaborative image of the energy-efficient small-size housing.Design/methodology/approachEmploying qualitative and quantitative approaches, 24 photos were randomly selected from different urban areas of Brisbane (Australia) city for an online survey. A total of 36 participants evaluated the photos 159 times.FindingsConducted content analysis resulted in the identification of 5 attribute-based factors, generated from 16 semantic categories and 74 attributes. Using a non-parametric Chi-square test, the factors were categorised in two levels, i.e. (1) envelope elements (primary and secondary) and passive climatic principles; and (2) architectural composition principles and neighbourhood quality.Social implicationsThe discussion on the results via the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) suggests that regarding the external aspects, the people's image of energy-efficient housing could be influenced by their perceived control over changeable and adjustable attributes.Originality/valueThe photo-based methodology developed by this paper has the potential to quantify occupants' collaborative image of small-size housing energy efficiency, which would be essential in assisting them to adjust their dwelling units regarding the congruity of the energy efficiency attributes with their preferences.

Garip, Ervin; Sağlar Onay, Nilüfer; Garip, S. Banu

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-02-2021-0053

This paper aims to present a mass customization model for interior spaces of mass housing projects to provide solutions that will increase flexibility in accordance with different user needs.Design/methodology/approachThe research project develops a model that generates an expert system that leads to different spatial variations. The expert system is based on the parameters that are determined depending on the findings of the field study done in the selected site. A modular system that allows different configurations is designed, and the expert system has made it possible to achieve a large number of spatial variations by means of a multi-parameter layout design. In the last phase, an interface is developed as a website that presents the spatial variations for each different user according to their response to the online questionnaire.FindingsAll the variations with the outputs obtained from the project are presented to the user through a digital interface, which functions as a website. In this sense, the model acts as a mass customization tool that brings together the needs of the inhabitants and provides specific solutions to them with all the outputs obtained from the project. The main objective of the interface is to provide the user with various interior layout alternatives and modular furniture that meet their needs.Originality/valueThe main originality of the research project is the development of a model that consists of different stages that works as a unique mass customization tool. The most significant specialty of the model is the constitution of an expert system in relation to the raw data obtained from the field study. This expert system generates spatial configurations by the help of the design parameters, and these parameters are mainly variables that differentiate the solutions according to the specific requirements of users in the selected site.

Jung, Chuloh; Awad, Jihad; Sami Abdelaziz Mahmoud, Naglaa; Salameh, Muna

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-11-2020-0165

This study aims to evaluate The Springs’ indoor environment, one of the iconic townhouse-type residential buildings in Dubai, more efficiently for the integrated evaluation of the indoor environment with the weights of indoor environmental factors such as thermal, indoor air, lighting and acoustic.Design/methodology/approachThe weights of the indoor environment factors were derived for the integrated evaluation to reflect the residents’ preferences. Based on the post-occupancy evaluation (P.O.E.) survey, the weights according to the gender, age group and indoor spaces followed a comparison and analytical processes.FindingsThis paper had found the priority of residents’ needs for each space in The Springs project. In summer, thermal comfort was the most important factor for living room and the master bedroom. In winter, the priority for living room and kitchen was the indoor air quality.Research limitations/implicationsAs it is the first research survey for housing project in Dubai, it needs to be extended to other housing projects in Dubai. To increase the reliability of the weights calculated through this study and the applicability of the integrated indoor environmental evaluation, more in-depth P.O.E. survey is needed with wide range of survey participants.Social implicationsThis paper will help developing guidelines for future renovation based on the comparative analysis among thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, lighting comfort and indoor air comfort.Originality/valueThis paper is the first attempt to analyze the condition of early housing projects in Dubai. The data can be used to increase not only the design quality and marketability of housing projects in Dubai but also the condition of residents’ health status to avoid sick building syndrome from approximately 20 years old buildings.

Jung, Chuloh; Awad, Jihad; Chohan, Afaq

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-08-2020-0121

This paper aims to optimize the smart elderly housing planning with IoT (internet of things) technologies for an aging society in Dubai. To reflect the IoT technologies in the elderly housing, the characteristics of the IoT home network devices, applied to Ajman University (AU) testbed and smart services model with the IoT technologies are thoroughly analyzed.Design/methodology/approachTo extract the optimal smart elderly housing model in Dubai, the Korean smart home model from smart cities in Korea was used to implement the testbed at AU. In total, 100 users survey had been performed to adjust the Korean model to local culture/context.FindingsIt was analyzed that convenience and functionality are factors that must be provided. The security system was pointed out as a common denominator for future enhancements. When IoT technologies are applied to elderly housing, it should focus on the safety and health management of the elderly.Social implicationsDubai had announced a strategy to transform into a Smart City in 2014 and the strategy had included 100 initiatives. The base unit of smart homes, however, was not covered and furthermore as society grows older, the priority for IoT technologies application in the smart home should be focused on smart elderly housing, as the elderly is equivalent to the handicapped due to deteriorated physical abilities.Originality/valueThe characteristics of the IoT home network devices applied to the AU testbed and smart services model with the IoT technologies are thoroughly analyzed.

S., Subhashini; Kesavaperumal, Thirumaran; Noguchi, Masa

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-03-2021-0075

Occupants dwelling in hot climatic regions of India for a longer term are tolerable to high temperature levels than predicted by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the thermal sensations (TS) and neutral temperature of the occupants in naturally ventilated (NV) and air-conditioned (AC) classrooms of two technical institutions located in the same premises in the suburbs of Madurai. The main focus of this study is to understand the occupants’ behaviour in response to the thermal conditions of the educational buildings particularly in the warm and humid climatic zone of Madurai.Design/methodology/approachThis research collected data through field studies. The data included 383 survey questionnaires from NV classrooms and 285 from AC classrooms, as well as on-site measurements of interior and exterior weather conditions. The TS results show that the students preferred well-designed NV classrooms than AC classrooms. A new adaptive comfort equation derived from this study can be applied to NV classrooms in warm and humid climates where mean outdoor temperature exceeds 40°C.FindingsThe neutral temperature derived for NV classrooms in Madurai ranged from 29°C to 34°C. Thus, the occupants in the NV classrooms of the higher learning educational institutions in the warm and humid climatic region of Madurai can adapt well to higher indoor temperature levels than predicted by ASHRAE comfort levels with minimum adjustments.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to only occupants in two premier higher learning technical educational institutions located in Madurai region within 5–10 km within the city limits to understand the implications of microclimate with respect to the urban context. Thus, further research is required to examine the tendency under local conditions in other regions beyond those applied to this study.Social implicationsThe findings of this study showed that occupants in higher learning educational intuitions in Madurai prefer NV classrooms than AC classrooms. Therefore, with rising demands of energy use for mechanical ventilation and the associated high cost for running AC buildings, architects should prioritize the design of energy efficient buildings through the optimal use of passive design strategies for ventilation and thermal comfort. This study gives a base data for architects to understand the adaptive limitations of occupants and design NV buildings that can promote natural ventilation and provide better thermal environments that can help increase the productivity of students.Originality/valueThis paper was an attempt to develop the adaptive comfort model for NV classrooms in Madurai regions. There has been no attempt to identify the adaptive comfort levels of occupants in higher learning technical educational institutions located in warm and humid climatic region of India.

Fergusson, Lee; Bonshek, Anna; Nidich, Sanford; Ortiz Cabrejos, Javier; Nidich, Randi

2021 Open House International

doi: 10.1108/ohi-03-2021-0071

To examine whether quality-of-life of a home's occupants varies in northern and southern hemisphere homes when the orientation of the home is always to the eastern sun (as prescribed by Maharishi Vedic Architecture) not orientated differently in northern and southern hemispheres to maximise light (as prescribed by western and Feng Shui architecture design).Design/methodology/approachA theoretical discussion of the use of sunlight and orientation in western, Feng Shui and Vedic approach to architecture, and then a cross-sectional quantitative survey conduced in 14 countries.FindingsThe lived experience of 158 home occupants in Maharishi Vedic Architecture did not vary from northern to southern hemispheres.Originality/valueResearch of this type has never been carried out before on Maharishi Vedic Architecture, except for one other study published in 2020 by these authors which considered the lived experience of home occupants. The amount of research on the basics of Vastu architecture is minimal.