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The subject of this paper is the design of a modern Buddhist retreat center in the West, which presents and unites both the traditional foundations of the Eastern Buddhist culture and the conditions of the modern Western world. The paper answers the question if it is possible to fully transmit through architecture and landscape design the essence of the Buddhist culture to the modern European surrounding, without losing the root of its ritual background. Because of the increasing popularity of Buddhism in the West...

In numerous regions of the world there are artificial mounds, pyramids or earth embankments that distinguish themselves from the surrounding due to their intentional shape pointing to the existence of sacred sites, burial places or the boundaries of protected space. A large number of them refers to the archetype of the mountain, understood as a timeless monumental form rising up to this particular point where the earthly sphere meets the heavenly one. The paper presents the new meanings of the most recognisable la...

The article presents characteristic features of this type of buildings on the example of old and modern Orthodox churches of the borderland area. Their ideological message and spatial and functional shape are revealed in comparison with the traditional archaeological and symbolic structures of Orthodox churches that are considered canonical. They are also evaluated in terms of their liturgical servitude. The newly created temples, using traditional spatial and liturgical arrangements and at the same time the conve...

The paper studies the role of light in architectural creations of contemporary buildings of representative function. Based on the selected projects and completed buildings dedicated to culture and art, it analyzes and systematizes the examples of using light to obtain visual effects that mark the architecture with a universal and timeless message. The method of research is case study and critical analysis of literature. Light plays a particularly significant role in shaping contemporary buildings of cultural funct...

The paper focuses on the so-called Berlin school and its role in urban and architectural realizations in the period of the historicism. The present study was covered the eastern areas of Prussia, currently located in the boundaries of Poland. The following cities were analyzed: Berlin, Szczecin, Pozna? and Wroc?aw, which in the first half of the 19th century underwent a process of intense changes in urban planning and architecture. The scientific literature of subject and research of archival materials in the coll...

The melancholic and changeable character of the Baltic Sea has often been used in the painting of the romantic period. The sea and its beaches were also an important composition element as well as a supplement of Baltic coastal gardens which were founded in West Prussia in the 19th century. Gardens set up on the coast used various moods of nature, as well as extensive and beautiful sea landscapes, often leading to nostalgia. The spectacle of the sea was becoming an element of a park: a real element – a spatial p...

The global transport landscape is generally experiencing a transformative time, likely due to a combination of new technologies and society driven innovations. these changes gradually convert the meaning of products and services related to mobility, altering ex-pectations for the consumer involved in the process [1]. This study intends to describe the processes and design methods used by the DIT lab., a joint laboratory of the DesignCampus of the University of Florence and Trenitalia com-pany s.p.a., which deals w...

The article defines the phenomenon of space thematisation with regards to rural areas in Poland. The typology of thematic spaces and criteria of their comparative description have been proposed. Thematic villages, home gardens, amusement parks and housing estates have been distinguished. They have been compared in terms of spatial availability, the degree of user participation and the commercial vs. non-commercial creation purpose. The indicated factors were considered decisive for the sustainability of the themat...

Urban areas are subject to continuous transformations. Apart from central parts of cities, residential districts develop the fastest. Together with the expansion of cities and sprawl of building development over larger and larger areas, transformations also occur in the existing structures. The introduced changes frequently lead to a complete change of the character of building development. The objective of the article is the analysis of parcellation, functional, and spatial transformations occurring in the area o...

This article is a part of broader research on the rationalist attitude in architectural theory and practice. The subject of the following considerations is the notion of typological thinking. Raising of this subject aims to systematize knowledge (both rich historical and contemporary theory) and to draw attention to the issue of type and typology as a potential tool for shaping architectural form. Categorization, classification, identification, definition, and constriction are constructs engrained in human nature,...

Bridges in urban areas often constitute architectural dominant features of particular cities. In general, while an arrangement of bridges in rural areas prefers technical points of view, in case of urban bridges esthetical or architectural perspective plays important role as well. It causes non-unified solutions and more complicated structures, frequently with very knotty details. Such structures cannot be monitored using conventional methods as shown in an example of the fallen footbridge in Prague recently. The ...

Compared to the separate production of electric and thermal energy from conventional sources of fuels, their combined generation in a Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP), produces a primary energy saving of at least 10%. This savings can also be translated by a proper reduction of pollution caused by combustion of fuels and thus by contributing to maintaining sustainable development. However, there are also situations where cogeneration can be extended to produce many more forms of useful energy, using the same ma...

One of the basic theoretical postulates for the protection of monuments is to preserve them in the place of their creation. However, such action is not always possible to implement. The great historical processes of the 20th century led to significant national, political, religious and cultural changes in the border areas between Poland and Ukraine. As a result of those changes, a large number of wooden churches have lost their users. These buildings indicate the development of the skills of using wood as the basi...

So, quite fortunately for the history of design, a place arose at that time where these pioneering developments could take shape. We might say that the pivotal moment arrived with the renowned german Bauhaus movement (1919-1933). Nowhere else in the world was so much thought given to modern design in such a remarkable way, merging with architecture, textile and object-based developments; its focus was to give the profession of design a definitive boost. And even though the fourteen years of BauhausВ’ gender policy...

The research work has the main purpose to build an assessment tool of ecosystem services of urban projects, capable of interfacing with projectВ’s Building Information Model (BIM), and able to define spatial relationships with the main components of the territory. The architect and urban designer should take account of multiple objectives in a changing environment and the balance between the built and the green infrastructure. Adopting an easy to use computational tool, the assessment starts at the early stage of ...

Nowadays, some contemporary houses are becoming extraordinary through individual design and may be presumed as manifestos or icons. At some locations the design is driven by the site: the houses either open to the adjacent neighborhood or expose the site's advantages. The 'house with a view' or 'view house' is a term often used by architects to describe their design for an extraordinary house which explores the element of the view in the house idea. The author discusses the term 'house with a view' and proposes a ...

The research presented in this article is part of a PhD project, whose objective was to identify a set of characteristics to be implemented while creating an inclusive indoor children's play space. This article aims to create an interview guide directed at children, inquiring their preferences regarding the possible characteristics of a play space for them. In order to do that it was necessary to first understand the main existing characteristics of children's play spaces, in order to verify those thare are transv...

The debate about post-war reconstruction has been ongoing during the last six years of the ongoing Syrian war. The increasing volume of destruction in different big cities has created a need for new ideas and innovative building solutions. Many studies have tried to suggest solutions comparing other countries ruined by wars such as post-WWII case studies from Germany, Poland, Italy, and also Bosnia after the Balkan War. The case studies have considered similarities and differences demanding innovative ideas and no...

Architecture is often criticized for providing a self-referential and autistic result [1], prevailingly focusing on formal and aesthetic criteria, failing therefore in offering a valid spatial response to its end-users. The dwelling is directly affected by this deficiency, suffering from a detachment of dwellerВ’s real and authentic needs. Interceding between resident and residence, the architect is subjectively influencing this relationship. Developing empathic abilities inside the profession must begin with arch...

The focus of the research is accessibility of the public space designated in the legal documents generating social policy of Wroclaw city. Integration and expansion of social development constitute one of the main objectives of economic development, both at the national and local level. Spatial planning should satisfy basic social needs and provide room to interpersonal relationships. Accessibility is one of the most important features defining areas of public space. Depending on various points of view from which ...

This article presents preliminary results of research into the acoustic insulation of internal concrete slabs. The analyses were designed to answer the question whether concrete slabsВ—as a material commonly found in architectureВ—can also serve as an element that improves acoustic comfort in the room. Concrete is a building material that is being consistently used in architectural spaces, not only as a structural element, but more commonly as a decorative element in the form of lining. Theoretical studies indicat...

The goal of the research is to reconstruct and recreate the elements of interior and exterior of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (1839–1864) designed by Alexander Vitberg (1787–1855). This cathedral was built in Vyatka (Russia, Kirov region) to commemorate the visit of the Emperor Alexander I to the city in October, 1824. The cathedral was blown up in 1937 in the times of atheism. The study is of a great significance as this major cathedral is part of both local and national cultural heritage. Research methods ...

The Church of Most Holy Trinity in Klimkovice was build in 1522 – 1529. According to the chronicles local Catholics built the church in late gothic style. Protestants took over the church after the change of owner of the manor in the early 17th century, and according to the principles of the Peace of Augsburg in 1555. The truss of the church and wooden ceiling were exchanged between 1615–1617 (dendrochronologically dating). On the west side was built a wooden four-sided tower, which was removed at the turn of ...

The paper deals with an analysis of the types of housing and the related problems with the existence of different views of housing. The need for housing is undoubtedly a basic human need. Satisfaction of housing needs is a developed lifelong and continuous process of housing itself and its related activities. The main importance of living is that the activities associated with it allow the realization of these other human needs. This need cannot be confused with the mere need of having a dwelling. The dwelling is ...

The interior acoustics has nowadays strong impact at the architectural design of public use buildings. Among them, churches seem to be especially important, due to their religious, spiritual and cultural role in the society and overall importance in life of individuals. Moreover, in a present-day religious communication and celebration В‘the statementВ’, thus speech, seems to weigh over the chant and organ pipe music. Such approach has substantial influence on contemporary design of churches, introducing significa...

The architectural metaphors transform the built environment into a symbolic poetical framework with a strong identity. They are the richest semantic means of architectural communication, superior creative methods of transmitting architectural concepts, being characterized by originality and novelty. Generated by unusual shapes and unique combinations of architectural language elements, they got enclose a high power of evocation and stimulate very diverse interpretations. Their suggestive power is valued in contemp...

In this study we explore the effect of the form of space on people. We approach the problem from the concept of enclosure, and its measurement. We made enclosure measurable. Several studies have described that to enclosure, spatially different surfaces and their distances from the subject are relevant. To make measurable this effect, we developed a new index called architectural space density. This is an integral along the perceived surface, what is (mathematically) reached for a subject with the average of the su...

Through this paper I present the results of my research concerning the link between literature, architecture and urban space. In two scientifically supervised studies at Graz University of Technology and at the Technical University of Berlin, students approach the spatial design based on narrative texts. On the basis of the evaluations of the experiment at Graz University of Technology, it is shown that it is possible to think architecture out of the place, to write, and to develop real space drafts from this resu...

Living organisms have been constantly adapting to the specific environmental conditions of the most diverse places in the world and have developed a balanced relationship with nature that is particularly interesting to observe in extreme conditions. The landscapes are continually influenced, even shaped by natural forces. Many of the beautiful natural formations are created by the water and wind erosion. The creations of humans are quite a different case. Architecture hasnВ’t evolved yet to be a natural part of it...

The main objective of this article is to inquire ourselves about the environmental aspects that engage the architectural process on the understanding that they involve much more than physical context. The context has an atmospherical component that embodies psychological, technological and cultural parameters. The atmosphere goes beyond the concept of environment. It includes the synergies generated precisely in the limit of building and context, the facades: the blurred environmental boundaries where dialogue sta...

As digital fabrication is becoming widely available, to design using CAD modeling methods seems to be the only viable solution. Similar prejudices among students are being observed, in relation to analog methods of formal exploration, which are perceived as being anachronic. The present study is based on a comparative analysis of projects that have been carried out by the 3rd year students of the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of Timisoara during the interior design classes of the second semester. The study ...

This article focuses on the question of the barrier-free use of zoological gardens with respect to the legislative provisions for this issue in the legal system. A zoological garden is a place of scientific and cognitive interest intended for the breeding of endangered and less endangered animals. By virtue of their logical purpose these facilities should be designed as barrier-free to serve everybody. It focuses on the basic barrier-free criteria which are demonstrated in two examples - Wroclaw Zoo and Ostrava Zo...

The architecture of the long 19th century has long been a neglected subject-matter, international cooperation and research in the Central European cultural and historical space have focused almost exclusively on presentation of the most outstanding European works and their creators without adequate reflection in individual regions. The territory of Slovakia, in the context of a long century forming part of the Habsburg monarchy or the Austro-Hungarian Empire, however, is a territory with remarkable architectural w...

In article are considered the questions concerning tendencies in development and evolution of architecture of the military hospitals in Russia from the moment of their appearance in 1707 and till nowadays. Authors have tracked a trajectory of changes of facade decisions and have analysed the possible reasons influencing on the history course.

The article is based on a description of historical trends in design of machine tools and presents contemporary possibilities for their design solutions. Czech lands were in terms of the engineering industry at a high level. There arose a large number of machine tools, which have been internationally awarded. Since the emphasis on overall aesthetic expression, the machines were designed by engineers and industrial designers. Changes of the shape and the materials used have been over the years due to the new possib...

This article concerns specifics of designing associational cultural landscapes. It demonstrates that, taking the objectВ’s specifics into account, a special cognitive layer that determines the switch of a visitorВ’s motivation must be introduced in the laying-out process. It demonstrates that the switch of a visitorВ’s motivation can be controlled. Using the self-reflexing subject model suggested by Vladimir Lefebvre, the motivation control efficiency is evaluated for the first time. The article demonstrates that ...

The research paper presents innovative approaches to using online services in the course of creating design projects. In order to substantiate theoretical constructs as to using online services in the field of designing we employed a set of theoretical and empirical research methods, among which: modelling professional activities, determining a status of solving the problem, the method of observation, the conversation method etc. Using FloorPlan 3D, Sweet Home 3D, and Planoplan online services, which fall under an...

The design and construction phases for the realization of a large yacht, today, are involving a growing number of actors, each one with his own special skills, know how and language. Even the old concept of shipyard is evolving in a more fragmented and composed reality.These processes require a strategy in order to optimize communication and exchange of awarness among all the parties involved. Cultural, strategic, economics, technique and even social considerations have to be done in order to develop communication...

The aim of the work is to evaluate the economic advantages of the application of the most frequently used energy sources for the purpose of heating administrative and office buildings in the conditions of the Czech Republic. Data for comparison are obtained from national statistics of projects and data obtained from suppliers providing energy for selected types of heating. The comparison deals with the assessment of the operating costs of administrative buildings using electric heating, central heat supply and a c...

Nowadays Building Information Modelling is one of the most investigated research fields in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry. In particular, the costs analysis of a building life cycle is one of the most interested topics to optimize data management related to the refurbishment of existing buildings on different fields such as space management and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering systems maintenance. This study aims at investigate the economic value of BIM, taking into account...

The study looks at the aspect of ergonomic demands of seniors relevant to the industrial design. This category of people was in the past ignored. However the percentage of older people is increasing, therefore it can be expected that in the future specialized products for older people will be developed. We will introduce ergonomic demands of elderly people applicable to the area of industrial design. It is a set of specific criteria of this age group for the anthropometric, psychophysiological, psychological, hygi...

This utopian thought that everything should be beautiful is seemingly simple to prove. But if everything was beautiful, what would the rest be? Again, you have to start with the words of a philosopher far from simplicity. We can start with Friedrich Schiller’s contradictory statement that “Beauty (...) is a form that does not require any explanation, or is a form that can be explained without concepts.” For an architect detached from any explanation of the philosophers it can be difficult. However, we would l...

The aim of the study is to identify mutual influence of the design evolutions and morphogenic advancements in kitchen furniture of the XX–XXI centuries. Kitchen furniture design is relevant as part of harmonization of human environment. Psychological comfort, safety, health of an individual, efficient use of resources and time taken together improve the quality of life. The method of work includes a review of the accumulate d information, description, and analysis of the research subject in the process of its ev...

In this paper, the social project В«House for pensionersВ», designed by the authors, is presented, it meets the requirements of the building concept of В«passive houseВ» with low energy consumption; in this connection it could be suitable for implementation both in European countries and in the climatic conditions of the Russian Federation. A special feature of this project is the authors' attempt to expand the construction concept of the В«passive houseВ» by using a new energy efficient technology to deliver natu...

Space truss systems are formed by steel bars which are under axial tension or compression loads connected each other with nodes. These systems provide constructing wide span structures by light structural elements and also make buildings more powerful and useful. Space truss system elements must be dimensioned due to the loads they carry as dead, live, wind and earthquake loads. In this paper; fatigue damage of a steel space truss system is studied under snow and thermal loads. Results are compared to four space t...

The image, which emerged in the last century, showing the transformation of concrete from a material of purely utilitarian (structural) properties into a kind of ideological matter with expressive aesthetic identity, allows one to perceive this building material as a refined one, which is used in the construction of a number of prestigious buildings, significant for todayВ’s architectural art. The construction of structures with the use of fair-faced concrete is a complex process involving a large number of people...

This paper presents selected examples of interconfessional conversions of Christian temples in last fifty years in Poland. It also shows the process of transformation of spatial and functional structures as well as iconography of the temples, implemented throughout adaptation. It covers problems in architectural conservation as well as essential ideological aspects of symbolical and liturgical nature. Those examples are representative for the architecture of cultural borderland, which attempts to synthesize both W...

The current work takes the issue of views of theoreticians and visionaries of art and architecture relating to the category of the monumentality and monumental architecture, in which what is monumental reflects. These categories have always been specific phenomenon being particularly difficult to be analyzed. But when undertaken, historically and culturally specific episteme has been reflected in such analysis. Retrospection of different views presented in the work and formulated, inter alia, immediately after Wor...

High-quality, full-featured urban public spaces are characterized by wide complex of attributes. Places for fun and relax, offering emotions of joy, happiness and a good time for inhabitants and visitors, can raise the quality of urban environment. With their functional and emotional potential, the places for relax and entertainment can contribute to make the urban public spaces of contemporary cities more attractive, more lively and more people-friendly. We examine the potential of fun and relax spaces and design...

This paper focuses on defining functional urban areas in the Czech Republic. Time availability of population centres is a key factor in their economic development. An analysis of regional and local centres and their accessibility in terms of job vacancies leads to the identification of areas with poor accessibility and assessment of the impact of upcoming or already implemented major transportation investments on the availability of the centres. Based on the assumption that the time availability is of great import...