Journal of Architectural/Planning Research and Studies (JARS)

Exploring Systems Thinking and Systemic Design: Insights from a Summer School Experiment Addressing Urban Health Crises

Koen De Wandeler — 2024-07-31

This paper relates urban healthcare crises to the global challenges of overshoot and collapse and suggests systems thinking as an innovative approach towards addressing these amalgamated crisis situations. We begin by reviewing what systems are and how they are structured and behave, highlighting how systems thinking can identify high-leverage interventions and systemic design to achieve effective change. Subsequently, we illustrate how these system concepts were applied in an international, multidisciplinary summer school between European and Southeast Asian partners in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Technical Science for Health Network (Téchne). Examining how ventilation, temperature, humidity, and daylighting control strategies enhance Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), the initiative developed ideas and designs for a multiple disease treatment center that would provide isolation units and create a safe care environment for patients, families, and communities. The design process was informed through consultation with three physically and socio-economically diverse neighborhoods across the Bangkok Metropolitan Region to gain a richer understanding of the varied experiences and approaches in managing the COVID-19 disruption. Leveraging WHO guidelines, students adopted a systemic design approach to develop innovative solutions that could withstand natural hazards and used local materials and natural ventilation to prevent airborne infection and control indoor temperature. In conclusion, we propose a novel working model linking specific stages of systemic thinking and systemic design into a generalized, iterative urban and healthcare design framework that will be further refined as part of specific electives at the KU Leuven Faculty of Architecture and joint summer schools in 2023, 2024 and beyond.

Exploring Sustainable Conservation: A Case Study on the Transformation of Knockdown Wooden Houses in Thailand

Teranetr Tienthavorn — 2024-08-21

This research aimed to explore the local characteristics, development, and current status of knockdown wooden houses in Thailand’s central and northern regions to identify effective and sustainable development methods for the design process. Knockdown wooden houses are prefabricated structures that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. They can be transported as separate elements or complete tiny houses, offering high portability and convenience for relocation. The research methodology included a literature review, observation of knockdown house construction, and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. The findings revealed that the current state of knockdown wooden houses can be classified into three groups based on design adaptation and resource utilization. The first group adheres to a resilience approach in a conventional manner, while the second group adopts an adaptive approach, adjusting its design for modularity. Both groups use reclaimed wood. The third group adopts a transformative approach, emphasizing both architectural design and resource utilization. This group uses plantation teak, considers the entire system from wood resource to waste wood management, and shifts from linear to circular thinking. Their design prioritizes not only the product but also the sustainable process, in particular supporting the replanting of teak stands. The common characteristics of knockdown wooden houses in the Thai context include a preference for using reclaimed wood from dismantling old wooden buildings, a kinship system among carpenter groups, and flexible modular designs to meet owner needs and accommodate the unstandardized dimensions of reclaimed wood. The construction process consists of five main steps: material selection, wood processing, design, prefabrication, and installation, with an additional stage for waste wood management. This research advocates for promoting planted trees for sustainable wooden architecture, emphasizing the importance of managed forests. Design knowledge also should incorporate content about young wood material and modularity.

Catalyzing Change: The Impact of Festivals on Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Flower Market

Supitcha Tovivich — 2024-08-21

This study examines the transformative impact of festivalization on Bangkok’s Pak Khlong Flower Market, focusing on design interventions and the experiences of local vendors. The introduction of festivals such as Bangkok Design Week has revitalized the market, drawing new customer groups and injecting energy into the area. However, this shift also has brought challenges, including vendor displacement and potential superficial commercialism. The creative interventions, initiated in response to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s 2016 policy, highlight the necessity of continuous evaluation and adaptive management for sustainable urban regeneration. Despite the positive impacts, these changes risk triggering gentrification, threatening the market’s traditional character and leading to the displacement of long-standing vendors. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data gathered through participant surveys and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that while festivals have bolstered the local economy and attracted younger, economically active visitors, the benefits have not been evenly distributed among vendors. The strategic placement of artworks and installations has fostered a collaborative atmosphere but also underscored the limitations of short-term festivalization in achieving long-term urban regeneration. Key theoretical insights are drawn from urbanism literature, including the works of Jane Jacobs, David Sim, and Nabeel Hamdi, emphasizing the importance of small, incremental changes and reflective practice. The study critiques the potential negative impacts of gentrification, particularly the displacement caused by large corporations and rising rents, juxtaposing this with the positive outcomes of local vendor-driven gentrification, as exemplified by the All Flora shop. The paper concludes with recommendations for ensuring sustainable development, advocating for continuous evaluation, stakeholder engagement, and balanced integration of modern amenities with the market’s historical essence. Future research should explore the theoretical dimensions of these phenomena, examining how small-scale interventions can influence broader urban policies and practices. This balance between practical action and critical reflection is crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities of urban regeneration.

Microclimate Effect on Cooling Energy for Buildings in Hot, Humid Climates: A Comparative Analysis of Shaded and Unshaded Environments

Sudaporn Sudprasert — 2024-09-16

This paper explores the influence of microclimates on changes in air temperature and the often-overlooked aspect of their effect on energy savings across varying microclimatic conditions. The study compares the cooling energy requirements of two identical single-story buildings in distinct microclimates: one characterized by concrete ground devoid of shade and the other featuring soil ground with tree shade. Climatic environmental data were collected over 15 days in the concrete-exposed field and shaded area beneath the trees to conduct the investigation. These datasets were input into EnergyPlus 9.6 to model the energy demands and consumption of buildings subject to the specified climatic conditions. The validation of the simulated model against actual energy demand data from a classroom building demonstrated agreement. The findings reveal notable differences in air temperature, with the shaded area experiencing temperatures 0.8°C to 8.0°C lower than the concrete-exposed monitoring location. The building in the tree-shaded microclimate exhibited a lower peak cooling load than its concrete-exposed counterpart, resulting in a 35% reduction in the electrical energy requirements for the air-conditioning system. The study recommends implementing 0.08-m polyurethane insulation for the building walls and roof to equalize the energy demand and consumption of the concrete-exposed building with that of its shaded counterpart. Furthermore, building design in shaded areas can maximize the window glass area while consuming less energy than buildings on concrete-exposed grounds. The study advocates leveraging the microclimate associated with surrounding buildings in the design process to enhance the overall energy savings.

Determination of Color Preferences and Trend Colors in Hotel Room Interior Design

Nilay Özsavaş Uluçay — 2024-09-30

Buildings and environmental colors create differences in perception, both psychologically and physically. Colors interact with and have an impact on the form, space components, surroundings, materials textures, space lighting, the size of the surfaces, and the function and aesthetics of the space. Color preference varies according to personality traits, age and gender, habits and experiences, fashion, and style. The research is aimed to determine the color preferences and trends in hotel interior designs. Many hotel projects are designed and completed throughout the world every year. In this context, project designs awarded in international competitions were selected. To collect the data for the study, details of award-winning hotel interior designs available through competition websites are reviewed and the Adobe Color analytical tool is employed to characterize the color schemes reflected in the designs. Adobe Color is more successful than other tools in creating color schemes, such as the color wheel, gradient extraction, and theme extraction, suitable for all color selection methods, including colorful, bright, muted, deep, and dark options. As a result of this study, based on the designs awarded in 2022, it was determined that blue, red, and green colors were most frequently used, respectively. Furthermore, the data suggest that all colors were used in pastel tones, with light shades of blue mixed with different grays being used more frequently, while red and green generally were used in darker tones. The results were significantly correlated with the theoretical research and studies on user preferences.

Transformative Physical Attribution of Mixed-use Project Development in Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand

Siwaporn Klinmalai — 2024-10-10

Mixed-use developments encompass both large-scale and mega projects, strategically located in various zones including the inner city, central business district, as well as suburban and nearby areas. These projects serve as critical indicators of the prevailing direction of urban development in the region. While the underlying concept of mixed-use project development is grounded in the principles of sustainability and the enhancement of overall quality of life within the urban environment, it is essential to underscore that these projects do not operate in isolation. They exist within the broader context of the pre-existing urban landscape and are intertwined with the local communities in which they are situated. The aim of this study is to examine transformative changes of uses in mixed-use projects within the Bangkok Metropolitan area, Thailand. These changes involve the attributes and coordination among different uses within the projects. The chronological study undertaken in this research employs a methodological approach aimed at unveiling the historical evolution and prevailing trends in the development of mixed-use projects. The research findings indicate a discernible pattern wherein a majority of these projects have expanded from the city center towards suburban and outlying areas. These suburban areas are notably targeted for future urban development initiatives. Importantly, these areas continue to maintain medium to high population densities and include zones designated for residential and industrial purposes, which in turn have substantial implications for land pricing and investment strategies. Considering these findings, urban planners are presented with a valuable opportunity to proactively prepare and adapt city planning strategies to align with this transformational shift in urban development patterns. Such proactive measures are essential to ensure that the city’s growth and development remain sustainable, balanced, and responsive to the changing needs and dynamics of its residents and stakeholders.

The Silicon Architect: Transformation Towards a Data-Centric Mindset

Wasin Kemkomnerd — 2024-10-01

This paper investigates the emergence of a novel ‘data-centric’ mindset within architecture and its implications for the architectural design process. Defined by engagement with new technology (Data Science, Big Data, Machine Learning) this mindset is driving new insight toward novel aesthetics and ultimately new disciplinary hypotheses. The literature review first tracks distinguishable transitions in the architectural mindset through the architects that have embodied them (Master Builder, Beaux-Art, Modernist, and Parametric Architect) culminating with what is here termed the ‘Silicon Architect’. Next, three archetypal case studies reveal how the architectural design process is re-potentialized through a data-centric mindset, allowing architects to ultimately escape their imaginative limits and arrive at new disciplinary ambitions. The data-centric inclinations of these architects have resulted in a fusion of human-machine cognition. Through this ‘composite’ cognition, architects can now push beyond more typical ambitions (i.e. the creation of novel forms) toward an encounter with notions of ‘hypotheses generation’ and ‘disciplinary prospection’ via non-human cognitive input. This new mindset emerging in the Silicon Architect is set to re-direct the architectural design process, and in doing so, help the discipline escape the limits of its own paradigmatic imagination in ways that operate beyond human cognitive capabilities. In this sense, research sheds light on the influences that may shape future architectural design processes and the architects who may evolve.

From Traditional to Postmodern: Architectural Evolution and Implications for Cultural Preservation on Tha Phae Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Neeraparng Laohaviraphap — 2024-10-26

This study examines the architectural heritage of Tha Phae Road in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which reflects the city’s cultural and economic development. The preservation of its historic character and cultural significance is of utmost importance as rapid urbanization and development threaten its potential loss. Using Grounded Theory, the study analyzes non-numerical data, including photographs and site investigations, to identify the area’s four main architectural styles: Modern, Postmodern, Traditional, and Traditional-Colonial, with Modern being the most prevalent. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is used to examine the distribution of styles over an 11-year period, revealing a decline in Traditional and Modern styles and a positive growth rate of Postmodern architecture. To preserve and enhance the area’s visual quality while allowing for new development, the study proposes a Façade Control Guideline and zoning regulations. These guidelines consider criteria such as the history and importance of Tha Phae Road, ensuring that any changes made to the area respect the overall scale and character of the street. This study’s findings have important implications for the development and preservation of Tha Phae Road’s identity and highlight the value of preserving the cultural heritage and visual quality of the area.

Restorative Interior Design to Renew Attention and Reduce Stress in Small Residential Units

Nawakhun Sornubol — 2024-11-08

The shift in lifestyle due to urbanization and the recent pandemic has increased demand for small residential units suitable for remote work and longer stays. Restorative environments have gained importance within these spaces as they impact productivity, reduce fatigue, and alleviate stress. This study aims to identify effective restorative environments for small residential units, deepening our current understanding about contributions of interior design to personal well-being. Six virtual models combining Rectilinear and Curvilinear forms with Minimal, Natural, and Rustic styles were created. A total of 89 participants with lockdown or remote work experience evaluated these environments using VR devices and a PRS questionnaire. Results showed higher ratings for all virtual restorative environments compared to the non-restorative control design. The Rectilinear form with Minimal style and Curvilinear form with Natural style received the highest ratings. Surprisingly, nature analogues using curves and natural materials did not produce expected outcomes, highlighting the importance of integrating natural elements, considering individual preferences, and ensuring environmental coherence for enhanced restorative attributes. Creating an effective restorative environment extends beyond incorporating nature-based elements. These findings offer insights for designing residential spaces that boost well-being and productivity, especially in the context of remote work and extended stays in compact residential units.

Book Review: "Building Catholic Churches in Hong Kong: Stories of the laity and living faith" by Ayako Fukushima

Patiphol Yodsurang — 2024-10-30