<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Museums are complex architectural works with many distinctive elements. One of the most significant museum features are routes or paths on which visitors circulate museums and perceive exhibitions. Children and people with special needs often have specific demands on physical accessibility of the surrounding environment, chronological arrangement of spaces and amount of information presented at a time. The arrangement of functional units in museum layouts affects wayfinding in space, understanding of the exhibition, as well as visitor guidance. The order in which people visit particular segments in a museum can also be described as one of the most important architectural and operational characteristics of this type of cultural buildings and areas. The article examines ways of arranging spaces in a museum building and the suitability of their application. These forms are evaluated based on various aspects; some of the created effects are studied, e.g. creation of a desired atmosphere. Existing concepts are compared and supplemented with other theoretical knowledge. The article aims to present variant suitable ways of composing routes that would meet the needs of different people, and bring them a quality leisure and educational experience from a museum tour. Various types of museum layout organisation and arrangement of exhibition spaces are illustrated with abstract schemes, as well as with specific case studies of five selected museums. The selection consists of architecturally exceptional and high-quality museums in Central Europe, which are able to attract a whole range of various groups of people including a younger audience. They are examples of both modern museums in this area and route planning options. The case studies highlight interesting local ideas, space concepts, routing methods, and also solutions for increasing inclusion of all visitors and children in particular.
</abstract>

Route options in inclusive museums: Case studies from Central Europe

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Innovative technologies help automate the work of the designer. A 3D model of the building can be used to calculate the required values. This will also allow you to create associative sections that, when changing the geometry of the 3D model, automatically adjust the drawn elements on the resulting 2D drawing. Information technologies enable participants from all over the world to work on one project and, thanks to the BIM (building information modelling) method, to design buildings during their life cycle more efficiently. At present, critical studies are published on interoper-ability in BIM and its lack of coordination or amount of information that is misinterpreted, etc. However, working in BIM is the most effective way to use computer technology to design buildings. There is a lot of information about the building in the 3D model itself, which can also be used for purposes other than construction (building management, reconstruction). But how to process a large amount of information in a 3D model? Many buildings already have their 3D models shared on cloud platforms, these contain information that could help, for example, find solutions for green construction using artificial intelligence (AI). We meet with AI every day. It supports internet search engines, predicts auto-completion words as you type. AI can also be found in architecture – not only as visions at exhibitions, but also in research on process optimization in BIM.
</abstract>

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Sustainable Architecture: Current Knowledge

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Demographic changes, the growing number of people with disabilities, and the demands on architecture and design are posing new challenges for designers. The space in which older adults live should be safe, not only from a legal point of view but especially to facilitate their daily activities. Modern society prioritizes the integration of older adults into everyday life so that as people grow older, they are not forced to abandon their daily routines because of obstacles in the space. It is said that a person is not handicapped because of their illness, but because society fails to prepare conditions for them to be able to move and live without restrictions. Moving in space is a multisensory experience. People use most of their senses such as sight, hearing, smell, and touch in addition to moving their bodies. How we feel indoors depends on the indoor climate, lighting, surface colours, air quality, floor plan, and furniture layout. Studies show that the materials and colour of products have an impact on how we navigate a space, how we feel and, in some cases, they can even have healing effects. The aim of our study is to investigate the association between colours in the environment and the orientation of people, especially older adults, in the space they live in. Several studies, experiments, and observations of foreign researchers serve as the basis of the paper. The analysis of case studies proved that colours in the environment have a significant impact on orientation in space and can be an effective tool for spatial orientation and drawing attention to a particular place. In surveys that have been conducted with older adults, warm colour tones such as yellow, orange, and red are preferred over cold ones. Red tones are some of the most easily recognizable for older adults who suffer from loss of colour recognition. They have lower cognitive abilities as a result of aging. Therefore, the achromatic environment does not sufficiently stimulate their brain function, leading to longer reaction times. Colour and contrast indoors play a big role in the perception of space and can help in drawing attention to a particular place.
</abstract>

Colour in the environment for older adults

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This article aims to make the European professional audience acquainted with the architecture of an important southern African city. Additionally, the author hopes to familiarise this audience with the cultural nuances and character of this city, while trying to maintain distance as a native of the city. South Africa is famous for its significant natural and wildlife treasures. Internationally the history of this country’s politics and developing democracy are also well known. From famous political leaders overcoming the harsh and hateful <italic>Apartheid</italic> laws to more world-renowned medical practitioners performing ground-breaking medical procedures: the impact of South African global contributions cannot be overlooked. However, there is significant oversight in the appreciation of the architecture and analyses of the urban conditions in the country. Pretoria is the administrative capital of the Republic of South Africa and contains a substantial <italic>oeuvre</italic> of built works that is testament to the numerous international and local cultural influences. Thus, it was deemed necessary to present the architectural and artistic responses from the modernist period (late 1920s – 1970s). The Pretoria Regionalist style, sometimes styled as the Third Vernacular, is a contextually inspired, and unique Transvaal-esque mutation of the machined and purist aesthetic of the Modernist Movement (1920s – 1960s). This architectural oeuvre is presented within the historical context of the founding and evolution of South Africa. Hence, eight contextually appropriate and architecturally significant edifices representing the modernist architecture of the early 20th century are broadly discussed.
</abstract>

On the incompleteness of mutation: Introduction to Pretoria Regionalism

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In Algeria, the city of Tlemcen is home to 60% of the country’s Arab-Islamic architectural heritage, also known as Moorish. During the French colonization, the rich Moorish historical and architectural heritage was largely diminished. The architecture of Tlemcen’s historic old town was gradually replaced by classical architecture in the early days of colonization, and then by modern architecture from 1940 onwards. After the independence in 1962, the city has carried out huge programs of facilities and new housing, based on modern architectural principles. In 2011, Tlemcen was designated a “Capital of Islamic Culture” and, in preparation for this international cultural event, new cultural facilities and hotels have been built, inspired by Moorish heritage. Given the heterogeneity of references and in particular the identity crisis ensuing in architecture in Tlemcen, this event was the key moment for validating a stylistic choice, which directly recounts the history of the city. The question is: what authenticity is expressed by the current use of the Moorish referent? Is it technical and material authenticity, or merely symbolic and cultural genuineness? This study delves into the question of identity in architecture. It analyses the new Moorish-style buildings in Tlemcen and highlights their contribution to the quest for a local identity and the ambition to produce local architecture. The article supports the hypothesis that architecture is an effective means of expressing identity and that it has always had, and continues to have, a close relationship with memory. The methodology is based on a combination of several investigative tools: surveys, photographs and archive consultation. These tools helped develop a building analysis grid, which serves as a repertory for describing the buildings, according to two levels of reading of the architectural work. We have chosen three Moorish and four contemporary buildings to which the different criteria of the analysis grid are applied. The results of the analysis of the new buildings show that, in a way, they enabled to establish continuity and dialogue with the Moorish heritage.
</abstract>

New Moorish architectural identity in Tlemcen, Algeria

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The research paper contends that Artificial Intelligence (AI) serves as a collaborative partner in architectural design, rather than merely a utility tool. To substantiate this argument, a three-phase, nine-test investigation evaluating the strengths and limitations of two prominent AI platforms: Midjourney AI and Stable Diffusion was undertaken. These platforms synergize human creativity and AI capabilities through features like text prompts and image references, thereby fostering innovative avenues in architecture. Our analysis indicates that Midjourney AI is proficient in generating initial design concepts, largely thanks to its extensive data libraries, but is deficient in design refinement and user control. Conversely, Stable Diffusion empowers designers with greater control via features like ControlNet but sacrifices visual clarity due to its smaller generative models. Both platforms share a common flaw: an overemphasis on aesthetics and shape at the expense of functional understanding. Building upon these empirical observations, the paper outlines strategies for designers to reasonably leverage AI in optimising workflows. It confirms two key hypotheses concerning the interplay of creativity, control, and collaboration, emphasising that both human architects and AI systems benefit from iterative feedback and continuous adaptation. In summary, the study posits that AI is not just an adjunct technology but a transformative force with the capacity to fundamentally alter architectural design processes, paving the way for a new paradigm where human expertise and machine capabilities converge for enriched design outcomes.
</abstract>

Architectural alchemy: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for inspired design – a comprehensive study of creativity, control, and collaboration

Editorial

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
People should be walking towards the inside of the dwelling through an appropriate visual environment in transitional space; this environment is the staircase in the collective housing. The proper understanding of visual adaptation parameters in the staircase helps architects provide a suitable environment for inhabitants. This paper aims to specify design elements of the staircase in collective housing, to achieve a visual comfort in this transitional space. The work involved two approaches: field measurements and a visual comfort survey using a questionnaire; 144 questionnaires are collected, in four residential buildings with different staircases treatment in the city of Arris, Algeria, to examine the illuminance levels in different staircase positions along the path from outside the building to inside, in summer and winter where illuminance ratios were calculated and compared with CIBSE Code. The discomfort sensations ranged from "subtle” to "dramatic”. The results show that a staircase with the percentage of opening of 88% indicated "strong" and "dramatic" visual shock in many points and as this staircase is open, it is exposed to light conditions and so it does not ensure the necessary transition. This leads to advising against the open staircase. In the case of a staircase treated with transoms of clear glass with the percentage of opening of 11%, these transoms direct the light to specific areas creating "strong" visual shock in many points of the stair landings and hence it leads to advise against that. The staircases treated with vertical bays throughout the façade presenting a percentage of opening between 19% and 22%, these treatments allow the penetration of daylight in a diffused way which ensures a balanced distribution of daylight inside the staircases. The existence of a solid overhang at the entrance; the façade treated with vertical bays, where the percentage of opening of the façade is about 19% and 22%, provided adequate transition leading to reasonable visual comfort.
</abstract>

Enhancing visual comfort in staircases: A comprehensive analysis and design recommendations

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Many researchers have differed on the optimum values of Daylighting and Passive Indoor Thermal Comfort (DPITC) determinants in tropical climates. The study is aimed at developing a framework for optimising DPITC in singled-banked office buildings, during the activity period (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), in the temperate dry climate of Nigeria. It was achieved by evaluating the effects of orientation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), R-values of external wall insulation material, and shading devices on DPITC. A quantitative research design using an explorative design approach was employed in the study as well as an experimental research strategy through simulation method to optimise DPITC. The study used the Federal Secretariat building of Nigeria as a prototype of a single-banked office building. The Google SketchUp Pro 2022 and OpenStudio 3.3.0 simulation tools were used to evaluate the prototype building from January to December 2023. The data generated was analysed using relevant statistical tools (MANOVA, ANOVA, column charts, graphs, and tables). The findings revealed that the best WWR for daylighting and passive indoor thermal comfort are 20% and 15% respectively, while the compromise value was 20%. It was also noted that the R-value of the external wall insulation material does not affect the daylighting of an office building but affects the passive indoor thermal comfort, where the optimum R-value was of 3.26 m2·K/W. The mathematical model was developed as <italic>A</italic>= 224.58 − 1254.84 <italic>WWR</italic>+ 102.87 <italic>PF</italic> − 4.11<italic>R</italic> … … .1 where A is orientation, WWR window-to-wall ratio, PF projection factor, and R is the R-value of the external wall materials.
</abstract>

Framework for optimising daylighting and passive indoor thermal comfort in single-banked office buildings in the temperate dry climate of Nigeria

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The principal objective of this paper was to assess the physical properties and weight or structural implications of some potential green roof growth media compositions practicable for use in the Nigerian built environment. The study carried out an essential selection of material constituents of growth media blends mixed in a 3:1:1 ratio of natural stone-based gravels, soil and compost respectively. Six substrate blends based on later-ite stones, ory and empirical field evaluation methods. The results revealed that the granite-based blend is the heaviest sample with 1,713.30 kg/m3 in its saturated state, while the lightest in weight is the pumice blend with 869.30 kg/m3 which is 50.7% less than the granite blend. The heaviest and the lightest outlined models were subsequently subjected to a weight analysis on a proposed reinforced concrete flat-roofed structure. The results showed that all the extensive green roof samples fall within the IBC stipulated range. The heaviest granite substrate obtained a design load of 0.951 kN/m2, while the lightest pumice blend recorded a design load of 0.576 kN/m2. Hence, it stands to offer an optimum alternative in green roof retrofitting projects for existing flat-roofed buildings. The study, therefore, submits that all samples evaluated involve readily available materials in the studied area and can be used with respect to their characteristic properties as presented in this study. It also serves as a reference point for all stakeholders in the research and building construction industry in Nigeria and beyond.
</abstract>

Weight and structural considerations of potential green roof growth: Media compositions for the Nigerian building industry

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In the second half of the 20th century, solving the housing crisis became a significant social issue and political task throughout Europe, particularly in the countries of the Eastern Bloc. Although due to its quantity, prefabricated large mass housing estates became overrepresented, dozens of smaller, experimental, and diverse mass housing forms also emerged. It is hypothesized, that these small housing estates, due to their scale and quality, are urban planning projects that were realized across political, economic, and architectural changes. To demonstrate their adaptability, this paper presents the small housing estates built in one of the capitals of the Eastern Bloc countries—Budapest—during the most turbulent one-and-a-half decades of the socialist era (1945–1960). The research consists of three main parts: (1) Hungarian politics and housing policy, (2) Budapest's urban policy, and (3) a brief presentation of the urban planning and architectural aspects of Budapest's small housing estates. The result of the research is the creation of a complete small housing estates portfolio, illustrated archive articles, archival plans, and photographs. It becomes evident that although the times from World War II to the consolidation of power saw vastly different political eras, directives, and ideals realized, along with various architectural styles and housing policies, the small housing estate as an urban planning product was able to adapt and survive. Moreover, it is a valuable architectural, housing, and urban planning imprint of the era, the only mass housing form realized in numerous examples in Budapest.
</abstract>

Socialist in content, national in form: Small-scale housing estates in Budapest between 1945 and 1960

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Housing represents the initial place where each individual has the opportunity to reconnect with their identity. It should offer every family the opportunity to live according to their lifestyle. Most people aspire to a living space that reflects both their aspirations and their way of life, while also taking into account the demands of everyday life. Since independence, Algeria has shown a remarkable commitment to promoting social housing, mobilising significant efforts in this area. However, what has been observed is that professionals design housing that occupants adapt to their daily needs. Despite the in-depth analyses by numerous researchers revealing the significance of these transformations, professionals persist in reproducing the same spatial patterns, thus demonstrating a certain indifference towards the work of academic research. Residents have tried to adapt to these housing units by making modifications to gain more space both inside and out. Inside, these transformations were appreciated by the occupants. From the outside, these remodellings have had a negative impact on the overall image of the city. The balance between quantity and quality was not taken into account, even though the aim of rapid construction was to alleviate pressure on the housing market. This article aims to question occupants' practices to establish a link between the housing designed and built, and occupants' expectations. The analytical approach used is post occupancy evaluation (POE) - a multi-method approach to data collection that includes direct observation, plan analysis and questionnaire. The housing units studied were not selected according to any particular method but rather chosen on the basis of the residents who agreed to answer the questions and share their lifestyle and expectations regarding their housing. Data processing, through a comparison between the initial plan drawn up by the designer and the current plan modified by the inhabitant, enabled us to deduce the discrepancies that exist between the two plans and to understand the modes of appropriation of the housing's interior space.
</abstract>

Social housing - between design and social practices: The case of the 670 social housing units in Oran

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The paper focuses on the long-standing problem of too low renovation rates of existing buildings and on practice-oriented solutions. The European Commission has set the goal of at least doubling the renovation quota with “The European Green Deal” and published the “Strategy for a Renovation Wave for Europe - greening our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives” on 14 October 2020. As in previous years, technical specifications have been defined even more strictly and limit values for energy consumption have been further reduced with the aim to reduce CO2 emissions. The high quality of the renovation measures is ensured within the European Union and its member states. However, this has not yet been the case in relation to the quantity of implemented renovation projects. The thesis investigates which factors were neglected or were not taken into consideration sufficiently in the past, and, because of that, countries like Austria could not achieve their goals with regard to the renovation rates. This is done by identifying, selecting and verifying both specific and potential conflicting goals. On the basis of the description and analysis of the background to these potential conflicts, the actual obstacles are identified and approaches to their solutions are defined. The formulated approaches should form the basis for future in-depth discussion and further development of specific detailed solutions. The implementation of these results in a comprehensive package with technical regulations such as the “Renovation Wave for Europe” and “The European Green Deal”, opens up new opportunities for achieving the set goals. An increase in the renovation rate of existing buildings is the quantitatively measurable outcome.
</abstract>

New Opportunities for Increasing the Renovation Rate of Buildings

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Globalization changes our world too quick and regions cannot keep up. Copying mechanisms affect crafted products and architecture and create specific signs for each region. Understanding that, we can follow cultural concepts and transform them to fit the current era and sustain local identity within communities. Compared with evolution, community attachment as part of social sustainability has the same self-regulated mechanisms. The adaptation process can be achieved in different ways, but only few are truly sustainable.
To restore the sense of community and reconnect local people to their village at a deeper level, the participatory approach was tested. The process and tools well known from urban areas were applied in certain Slovak villages. As compared to participation in cities, in the rural environment, the process is more time-consuming. In theory, this should bring a result that lasts longer than that achieved by standard processes.
Methods proposed by us will have several outcomes like networking, open communication and, if successful, can be an inspiration for other villages and activists to adopt the approach. This time-demanding activity can help to support local people and show them how to coordinate themselves in the decision-making process. The bottom-up approach increases self-esteem and by place-making, small public intervention can help with communication with local municipalities. In this process, the designer acts as a facilitator of a multidisciplinary innovation project and must use own creativity to handle many challenges.
</abstract>

Participatory Design as a Tool for Sustainable Regional Development

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Under the pressure from investors, Slovakia has experienced significant urban sprawl into the countryside in the last three decades. This development resulted in the loss of agricultural land, despite the fact that towns and cities in the built-up area have great potential in the vacant land lots. It is crucial to identify the lost spaces and incorporate them in the regeneration of urban structure and green infrastructure of Slovak towns and cities. The paper presents the results of the case study of lost spaces in Slovak towns that aimed to confirm the hypotheses: <italic>“Can the intensification on lost spaces within the build-up area be a better alternative than the current urban sprawl into the countryside?”</italic> and <italic>“Is it true that most lost spaces are located in the centre of towns?”</italic> The research focuses on examining the lost spaces suitable for new development and the spatial potential of the built-up urban area in three towns – Humenné, Levice, and Topoľčany. The lost spaces examined in this study are: urban fallows, vacant lots, residential green space, green space connected to public amenities and green space connected to industrial zones. The study aims to determine the area of lost spaces compared to development sites in the suburbs and to confirm the hypothesis that the intensification of urban structure is a viable alternative to the urban sprawl into the countryside. The conclusion inferred from the research has brought interesting findings and useful information for further investigation. It is crucial to find the optimum ratio between the intensification of urban structure on the land of lost spaces and leaving some space free to become a part of the blue-green infrastructure of a town, which is specific to each city. The objective of the paper is to draw attention to the potential of lost spaces as prospective areas for intensification of the urban structure of Slovak towns.
</abstract>

Spatial Potential of Middle-Sized Towns in Slovakia: Lost Spaces of Humenné, Levice and Topoľčany

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Several scientific studies confirm that the colors, structures or materials used in the physical environment of interiors affect the human psyche. Wood, as a material applied in the interior spaces of buildings, is an attractor that, in addition to its static and structural properties with high environmental responsibility, also brings other benefits to users. It has a much greater impact on the society than we might think. The topic of applying sustainable materials and transforming them into newly-built, valuable and cultural architecture is currently also popular in connection with the new initiative the New European Bauhaus. The initiative has ambitions to use the existing national and international legislative frameworks, and to set sustainability rules with an interest in aesthetics and the involvement of communities in the creation of new living spaces. This paper aims to expand current scientific knowledge about the positive influence of wood material and its impact on educational processes in the architectural environment of kindergartens. Selected analyses and comparisons made it possible to assess whether the presence of wood material can positively affect the well-being of children in the physical environment of kindergartens. The article presents the results regarding children’s sensory perception, the feeling of safety, the feeling of a peaceful atmosphere. It aims to prove that interiors with exposed wood can improve the quality of teaching, can support social interaction and playful learning of children. The wood material is characterized in the presented author’s research as an interior, visible, massive material. Its design is authentic, with or without fine surface treatment, which does not degrade its visual-haptic-olfactory qualities. The study examines, analyzes and compares the architecture of kindergarten interiors in Slovenia. It interprets the results of practical research from the locations of Loče, Poljčane, Šoštanj, Polzela and Škofja Loka.
</abstract>

The positive impact of wooden material on educational processes in the environment of Slovenian wooden kindergartens

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Temporary architecture is a way to produce an instant experience. It concentrates on a specific location and develops unique tactics to activate it. It adapts to the site, which is often abandoned and backward. Temporary use focuses on a single purpose and its influence at a given moment. It reflects the current economic state and situation in adjacent neighbourhood and community. It aims at becoming a catalyst for a permanent change. Empty buildings represent a valuable resource for urban development of an area. They belong to the category of areas suitable for reconstruction. Their activation contributes to the recycling of areas within the urban structure increasing the efficiency of land use and contributing to the sustainable development of the territory. A removal of abandoned buildings from a functioning urban organism has a negative impact on the integrity of the urban structure.
Archipop is the author’s newly established database focusing on the topic of temporariness in architecture. Its aim is to map successful activations of abandoned buildings by the means of temporary interventions in Europe. Archipop deals with the subject of ‘pop–up’ in architecture. Its prime objective is to attract a target group of users over the shortest period of time possible by exclusivity of a presented activity, concentrating on temporary uses located in abandoned buildings in Europe. It examines successful projects of activation of unused objects by using temporary activity profile. Targeting at interested public, potential investors, and last but not least government and municipalities, Archipop was created to provide inspiration and opportunities of temporary use. Its ambition is to promote revitalisation of unused areas with the use of temporary architecture and to save historic heritage from its terminal destruction.
</abstract>

Temporary use of abandoned buildings

Open access license

Instructions for Authors

Peer Review Policy

Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU

 Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU is a peer-reviewed, diamond open-access journal dedicated to the research fields of the Faculty (architecture, urbanism, design,...

MNiSW

 Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU is a peer-reviewed, diamond open-access journal dedicated to the research fields of the...

Architecture Papers of the Faculty of Architecture and Design STU

Todos los volúmenes y ediciones en esta revista