TL;DR: Souq AlSaffarin in Baghdad is a heritage urban landscape that has a significant role in shaping the sense of place and economy of the city. However, the market faces challenges such as declining numbers of shopkeepers and craftsmen. This research explores solutions to preserve the souq's identity and promote its sustainability.
Abstract: For centuries, traditional bazaars, or Souqs have been integral to urban life and the economic landscapes of Arabic-Islamic regions. The tangible and intangible heritage that shapes the identity of a place and contributes to its economy is essential to the functioning of these bazaars. With appropriate spatial configurations, they could foster creative industries, handcrafts, and customs, which can generate new services, create jobs, diversify a city’s economic distribution and promote small businesses. This paper explores Souq alsaffarin, which is also known as the copper market in old Rusafa in Baghdad. It is a heritage urban landscape and has a role in shaping the sense of place in this area. It has been subject to many socio-economic and political events that have influenced the importance and character of its profession, in terms of production and selling. It is a landmark of Baghdad that has maintained its position despite difficulties. The distinctive handicrafts produced and their relationships with people’s social practices highlight their impact on tourism and their role as an economic source for the region. They provide economic permanence that helps to develop the historical core of the city, preserve its historical identity, and promote cultural tourism. However, the market faces a significant problem of declining numbers of shopkeepers and craftsmen, which threatens the continuation of its local small businesses. This research examines this issue. It employs site observations, questionnaires, and interviews with craftsmen and shop owners who still run the market, as a research methodology. SWOT analysis is employed to identify the best solutions to develop the souq and preserve its identity. The paper concludes that the significance of Souq Alsaffarin lies in its deep connection to the rich history and culture, which defines the identity and heritage of the community. Thus, it argues that preservation and conservation are essential. This requires an approach that considers both tangible and intangible aspects of the souq, engaging the local community, and promoting sustainable practices, so that this souq can thrive as a living testament to its rich history and culture.
TL;DR: The Begalan tradition in traditional weddings in Banyumas-Central Java, Indonesia, is steeped in intricate symbolism and multifaceted meanings. It contributes to the realm of community ethics education, imparting valuable local wisdom values.
Abstract: This study delves into the Begalan performing arts, a cultural tradition in Banyumas Regency associated with weddings. It aims to identify the forms of begalan performing arts in Karangsari Village, Kebasen District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, unravel the symbolic meanings of the began tradition in traditional marriages and establish the values of traditional ethics education Begalan. The research employed qualitative methods with case studies involving data collection through observations, interviews, and documentation. It interviewed community leaders, brides and grooms as well as Begalan actors and was carried out in Karangsari Village, Kebasen District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. The findings reveal performance time, sequence, and Begalan accompaniment as well as symbolic meanings of the properties, such as dian (Javanese traditional light), ilir (wind source useful for cooling rice), kukusan (tool for steaming rice), pedaringan (crate for storing rice), layah, muthu, irus, siwur (dipper), beras (rice), wangkring (a carrying device made of bamboo called a bamboo rope.), sapu sada (lidi broom), suket (java grass), cething (Javanese utensil), daun salam (Indonesian bay-leaf), and tampah (winnowing tray) and in the song lyrics which contain advice for the wedding couple. The Begalan tradition is steeped in intricate symbolism and multifaceted meanings, contributing to the realm of community ethics education. The Begalan tradition, embedded in Javanese ethics and customs, imparts several local wisdom values, including community ethics, harmony, self-control, saving, and respect. These values are essential for a harmonious marital life and broader social interactions.
TL;DR: Assessment of urban growth and ecological sustainability in Mumbai, India, quantifies the overall impact of urban growth on the ecology of the city using Ecological Footprint analysis. The study finds that layouts like private builders shall be preferred for Mumbai city to achieve environmental sustainability.
Abstract: This study quantifies the overall impact of urban growth on the ecology of Mumbai by using an Ecological Footprint analysis. Its aim is to help determine the natural resource consumption of existing urban settlements. The objective is to assess the environmental impact resulting from the existing urban layouts on Mumbai's region. The research employs a comparative analysis of footprint and land ratio for different urban layouts of Mumbai. There are different layouts in Mumbai, primarily by MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and 10 Development Authority) & private builders. Footprints and land ratio of these layouts are calculated as per the Development Control Rules of Mumbai. The results are referred to as footprint per capita and land ratio required for the layout. The land ratio is the ratio of land required for the building's total footprint to the actual built-up area of land on which the building is erected. The land ratio is directly proportional to the quantity and type of material used for building. The land ratio required in case of MHADA (Maharashtra Housing and Development authority) layout is almost double than layout by private builders as much more material quantities is required in case of MHADA layout due to more no buildings, and extra FSI utilized i.e., FSI of 2.50 as against 1.33 for private layout. Hence, layouts like private builders shall be preferred for Mumbai city to achieve the region's environmental sustainability.
TL;DR: The study investigates a framework for transforming the Mamuli pattern into a contemporary standing lamp using the IMOE method. It explores the cultural artifact, creative process, physical appearance, and experimental elements to guide designers and design students in creating innovative products through a culturally-sensitive transformation.
Abstract: Inspiration is a crucial factor in the conception and development of innovative design products. In the contemporary creative world, an innovative product transcends mere aesthetic factors, encompassing intrinsic values. This study investigates a framework for transforming Mamuli pattern, found in East Sumba woven fabric, into a contemporary and innovative product, in the form of a standing lamp. This effort aimed to guide designers and design students in the precise and effective transformation of local culture. Innovation was done through materialization, observation and experimentation (IMOE). They were applied to cultural artifacts, structured across four levels, namely the inner, middle, outer, and experimental. The experimental element assumed a central role in the methodology. The inner level encompassed the meanings and symbols of the cultural artifact (Mamuli pattern), while the middle level involved its creative process. The outer level represented the physical appearance, including materials, colors, and ornaments. The experimental element involved the creative process of transforming the cultural artifact into a contemporary form. The experiment targeted designers and design students, facilitating the creation of contemporary products through a culturally-sensitive transformation, fostering innovations. Developed through an ethno-mathematical theory and experimental folding techniques, it generated experimental innovative product designs. It transformed Mamuli pattern from East Sumba woven fabric into Kandunnu standing lamp, drawing inspiration from both the outer and inner levels.
TL;DR: Srandul art in Kampung Bumen, Kotagede, Indonesia, symbolizes noble values such as life, work ethic, relationships with Nature, time perception, and human connection.
Abstract: Srandul is a traditional art form in Kampung Bumen, Kotagede, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The Purba Budaya group is preserving this art because its activities hold symbolic meanings associated with the noble values for the residents of Kampung Bumen. The objective of this research is to describe the symbolic meanings of noble values in the Srandul art produced by Purba Budaya in Bumen Village, Kotagede. The study is based on a single case study. It employs informants, literature studies, documents and archives, and visual data as data sources, and interviews, observations, and documentation as data collection techniques. The informants were purposefully selected based on their gender, age and level of education. Data was analysed using interactive model analysis, which included three main elements: data reduction, data display, and deriving conclusions and verification. Data triangulation was used to ensure data validity. The paper concludes that noble values in Srandul include: the nature of life, the nature of work and work ethic, the relationships between people and Nature, perception of time, and the relationship between people and others. These values are symbolized by the offerings, story content (play), the rehearsal process, puring leaves in the middle of the Srandul performance arena, joke scenes (dagelan) in the middle of the Srandul story, and various combinations of clothes worn in Srandul art.
TL;DR: Post-Covid-19, tourists in India prefer natural surroundings and pleasant weather conditions for hotel rooms and locations.
Abstract: Among the major crises caused by the novel Covid-19, the hospitality industry was one of the most severely affected. The absence of tourism due to the lockdown and the post-Covid crisis seriously impacted the industry. In this context, this study analyzes the changes in tourists’ attitudes and preferences due to their perceived stress towards their hotel accommodation and location preferences in the post-Covid-19 lockdown in India. An online survey was conducted among 450 respondents to evaluate the change in tourists’ perception in terms of their gender, income, and marital status. The statistical analysis revealed that during the covid crisis, natural surroundings and pleasant weather conditions were the most important factors in determining hotel rooms and location preferences. This continues to influence in the choice of hotels afterwards too.
TL;DR: The houses in Lake Tundai are climate-friendly, but natural breeze is the only thermal comfort enjoyed by the inhabitants. The research concluded that the floor height from the ground significantly affects thermal comfort.
Abstract: Producing buildings that can adapt to climatic conditions is one of the notable abilities of people who improve the quality of their houses. Lake Tundai is a residential area in Palangka Raya, Indonesia, occupied by a fishing community, isolated and only accessible through the Kahayan River. People prefer wood materials for house construction, and with a largely impoverished population, they remain in those houses they have inherited from the past. However, it is an example of a village resistant to the effects of global climate change, because their houses are climate-friendly, although natural breeze is the only thermal comfort enjoyed by the inhabitants of Lake Tundai. Using thermal performance simulation on the Tundai Lake houses, this research presents four types applied to four variable elements through the Ecotect analysis program to ascertain how the houses deal with the climate. Based on the climatic conditions in Lake Tundai. Type 2 with stilts, light roof, light walls, single ventilation, and ceiling is the most suitable model condition in Tundai Lake. The research concluded in 2023 that the influence of the building floor height from the ground may affect the thermal comfort in the room. If the floor height over the water level is below 1.2 meters. This study proposes an example of housing adaptation using wood materials nearby the water.
TL;DR: The Rubik Church in Albania was damaged by an earthquake in 2019. This research analyzes the damage to the stone masonry and structural elements, as well as their interactions. The research aims to ascertain the extent of damage and propose interventions to restore and strengthen the structure.
Abstract: The church monastery ‘Shelbuen’ Rubik in Albania has tourist and historical values, as it is made in a different style from most historical monasteries in the country. On 26 November 2019, the church was hit by an earthquake. This research examines the damage resulting from this earthquake on its masonry and structural elements, as well as their interactions. The research aims to ascertain the extent of damage to the stonework in the church and its seismic resistance. It seeks to propose options for interventions to restore and strengthen the structure. To select interventions, different types of masonry walls of the church are analyzed. different connections of the structural elements are also analyzed, using computer simulations of the whole system in different variations to identify problems and test the effectiveness of their solutions. Geographical and historical data on seismic activity in the region are studied to assess future threats. The paper proposes to carry out a thorough restoration of the masonry walls, restoring the roof and the drainage systems, while adding structural reinforcement to the cracks that have formed to avoid their enlargement. This is to improve the resistance of the Rubik Church to earthquakes and to preserve its historical value. Such techniques will significantly improve the earthquake resistance of the church particularly with regard to shear and seismic displacement.
TL;DR: Urban resilience plays a key role in managing urban change and mitigating its consequences. It provides opportunities for social interactions and improves the organization of urban spaces.
Abstract: Urban change is inevitable and happens in cities and urban centers. Their land use is continuously modernized because of economic, social, political and demographic factors. However, urban resilience can provide opportunities for social interactions and plays a key role in the development of urban spaces and access to high-quality urban spaces. The link between the urban and regional aspects and social, economic, cultural, and political systems is that their characteristics are interconnected with those of urban resilience, and outer urban space can play a role in resilience through its ability to reconstruct a balanced environmental state after human intervention. Thus, urban resilience is one of the most appropriate ways to control the processes of urban change and absorb its consequences. This research examines urban resilience and its role in urban change. Its aim is to study urban resilience and its positive role in urban change, which affects the organization of a city and the lives of the people. The research is based on the premise that urban resilience has a positive and effective role in achieving a balance between continuity and change in space by dispensing some functions and replacing them with others. It examines how urban resilience can help improve the efficiency of urban space and meet the changing needs and desires of residents without significantly changing the urban fabric. The research also examines the external and internal factors that affect the city and strategies for urban resilience and improving urban space. It employs a descriptive and analytical method to review and discuss urban change and urban resilience and deduce the most important indicators. It then applies these indicators of urban resilience to two case studies: the Tempelhof Airport in Berlin and the Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. The research substantiated the premise that urban resilience has a positive and effective role in balancing continuity and change in space by dispensing one function and replacing it with another.
TL;DR: The Puri Karangasem area in Bali, Indonesia, has undergone significant physical changes from the royal period to the present. However, the spirit of place of the area remains intact, with the catus patha pattern and the distribution of Muslim villages being key factors in maintaining its sacredness.
Abstract: Karangasem is one of the regencies on the island of Bali with a complex historical value, namely as a royal city that has a background of close interactions with surrounding communities and acculturation in it. The Karangasem City has certainly undergone changes from the royal period to the present, and has also influenced its sacred values, especially in the Puri Karangasem area. This has to be studied to preserve the spirit of place of the area. This research examines the spirit of place of the Puri Karangasem area and its surroundings by tracing the history related to the physical changes of the city. The historical tracing includes three timelines of discussion: the royal reign, the Dutch East Indies colonial reign, the post-independence reign to the present. This research also identifies the causal factors of the physical changes. This research uses a qualitative research method with a grounded research approach. It employs in-depth interviews, observations, and a document survey. The analysis was carried out by comparing the data with reference theories. The findings show that there are significant changes in the physical area of Puri Karangasem, which includes the spatial structure of the city and the Puri Karangasem architecturally. However, Puri Karangasem along with the catus patha pattern and the distribution of Muslim villages become the spirit of this area. It is still maintained and sacred for the surrounding community.
TL;DR: Maintaining sense of place in Pekalongan Arabic Village is a study that examines the influence of changes in village activities on sense of place attached to people's memories. The study employs qualitative methods to examine this phenomena and problems related to sense of place present in the area.
Abstract: Pekalongan Arab Village is a historical village closely related to trade activities, religious rituals, and influential Arab culture. It makes this village produce a good sense of place for its visitors. However, with the development of the times, there are problems such as street corridors that are no longer actively trading; houses have begun to be abandoned by their owners; and functions of spaces are changing. These have certainly made the sense of place of this village to be disturbed. In this context, this study examines the influence of changes in the village activities on sense of place attached to people's memories. The study employs qualitative methods to examine this phenomena and problems related to sense of place present in the area. Observations and interviews are used as research instruments. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. It concludes with a strategy to maintain a wholesome sense of place in Pekalongan Arab Village, in the midst of shifts and changes in the functions of spaces. It argues that in maintaining sense of place in the historic village, it is necessary to have the support of the local people and related figures as well as the restoration of the activities that have consolidated in the memories of people. It argues that , in doing so, the vernacular and traditional sense of place of the village will be maintained for future generations.
TL;DR: The Pangium edule tree is critically endangered and urgently needs preservation. Its unique eco-aesthetic potential can be harnessed to raise awareness and promote its conservation.
Abstract: Pangium edule is a spice-producing tree with many benefits; ironically, while these benefits are acknowledged, this tree has become critically endangered. Some parts of the Pangium are traditionally used as spices and have recently become valuable for reasons of both personal health and human economics. This species needs to be preserved by any means including art. In fact, art has the potential to become a strategic medium in a campaign of preservation. This paper introduces the idea of the eco-aesthetics of the Pangium as an agent in its preservation, indeed very survival. The problems are: 1). The limitation of batik motif variations in developing traditional Indonesian art as inspired by rare plants; 2) The challenge of making batik a medium to enhance awareness of the importance of conserving these same species. The aims of this paper are: 1). The creation of a novelty variety of batik ornaments sourced from kluwak plants; 2). Implementation of novelty illustrations to batik media as a media mobile message; and 3). Batik visuals as a narrative medium. This research employs qualitative research examining the community utilization of the produce of the Pangium. It begins by searching for the very presence of this now elusive species, carefully observing the tree as a whole and empirically deconstructing and interrogating each component. Various objective facts are then derived from these new insights and cross-referenced through a literature study. Informed observation consequently forms the basis for experimenting with various creative visual compositions that represent the beauty, uniqueness, and rarity of this species. In turn, this forms potential for the basis of Pangium edule-specific ‘eco-aesthetic designs’. This study shows the scarcity of the Pangium has resulted from a broad knowledge deficit combined with personal indifference. This study also shows that when socialized as eco-aesthetic design, the Pangium becomes better known, deeply appreciated, and as a direct result–preserved.
TL;DR: The historic city of Karbala's architectural heritage is facing deterioration due to recent developments. The loss of local style and the disintegration of the bonds between the city's parts are major issues. Modern developments have affected the homogeneity of the urban fabric, leading to urban and architectural chaos. Preserving the city's character and personality is crucial for its balanced urban expansion.
Abstract: The architectural landscape of the city of Karbala is a rich heritage which has the possibility to be used in the development and shaping of the urban fabric of the city. It demonstrates the richness of Islamic architecture and the rhythmic movement of architectural styles. Its importance in creating a distinct personality in all social, cultural, architectural, and environmental aspects is uncontested However, recent developments have witnessed a loss of the local style which is a major issue to be resolved. Any development of this area requires good planning methods and policies that deal with the cultural heritage that represents the memory of the society that must be preserved and dealt with carefully and cautiously. This paper examines this issue to unravel the reasons that have led to the deterioration of the urban and cultural identity of the homogeneous fabric of the city. Modern developments have affected its homogeneity that have led to a loss of its unity of concept, resulting in an urban and architectural chaos. In fact, the contemporary scene represents the disintegration of the bonds that link the parts of the city to the civilized existence of the culturally and economically dependent community in addition to urban interdependence. The research employs a set of methods were used in the identity analysis of the traditional urban fabric through the use of a questionnaire form as a method to collect data and information from a specific group of individuals closely related to the study site, as well as to understand and analyze the set of questions posed, as well as observation and analysis of the site based on random demolitions of the urban fabric compared to the experts' opinions that it should be preserved. The findings confirm the view that each city has its character and personality based on the general concept that it has grown up on. Preserving them will give the city a balance in its urban expansion, without falling into urban disasters that may cost the city. It could destroy its cultural and economic treasury together and may destroy its historical cultural heritage in an irreplaceable manner.
TL;DR: Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings saves energy and promotes sustainable urban regeneration. It involves reusing existing buildings for contemporary use, reducing embodied energy and promoting low-carbon energy assets.
Abstract: In the era of globalization, developing existing cities into smart cities while providing a higher quality of life to the citizens is one of the strategies in many countries. In the process, many traditional settlements and cultural heritage are being demolished without respecting their values. In fact, these heritage buildings could be easily re-used. However, a proper approach is essential in ensuring their relevance in urban regeneration projects. Undeniably, cultural heritage should be preserved with their values. One of the ways to do so is through adaptive re-use, i.e., reusing the existing building for contemporary use, making it a part of sustainable architecture. Appropriately, the reuse of heritage buildings or materials therein saves much of the embodied energy. This will help improve access to clean energy and encourage adoption of low-carbon energy assets. The concept of adaptive reuse of different buildings has been successfully implemented in many countries. This paper examines the issue of multifaceted challenges in adaptive reuse, emphasizing the need for informed decisions based on in-depth assessments. The paper seeks to understand the compatibility of new functions with the physical and historical integrity of heritage structures, the conservation of embodied energy inherent in these buildings, and the pivotal role of stakeholders in driving successful adaptive reuse projects. It employs a mixed-method approach using case studies, stakeholder surveys, and heritage building analyses to determine best reuse solutions. The study shows how adapting old buildings saves energy and the environment by comparing them to new buildings. It concludes revealing the current efforts to provide ways of such reuse of heritage buildings based on several sustainable benchmarks and valuable considerations.
TL;DR: The study explores the expression of national identity in landscape architecture projects in Kazakhstan, focusing on place identity and sustainability. It analyzes scientific research in cultural science and identifies regional roots, signs and symbols as a basis for landscape practices.
Abstract: One of the important parameters of the quality of the urban environment is its identity. The concept of identity has a broad context. Identity has mainly been studied in the humanities such as psychology, philology, philosophy, sociology and anthropology. The process of globalization, leading to a blurring of the borders between cultures, is bringing to the fore the problem of national and regional identities in the architecture and landscape of the urban environment. This article examines the actualization of the concept of identity in architecture, urban development and landscape architecture. It focuses on sustainability of national and regional identity manifested through place identity. The main positions of research from other countries with the basis of identity have been analyzed according to the landscape philosophies of the XXI century. Through the analysis of scientific research in the field of cultural science, regional roots, signs and symbols have been identified as a basis for landscape practices in the urban environment of Kazakhstan. The study used complex methods of historical, ethnographic, cultural and architectural landscape studies examining the manifestations of identity in the traditional culture of Kazakhs. It produces a comparative analysis of ideas about identity in Kazakh traditional music, decorative and applied art. It also carries out structural and morphological analysis of project materials on landscape architecture of Kazakhstan. Moreover, a comparative analysis of individual objects of landscape architecture of XX and XXI centuries has been conducted. The paper produces new perspectives on nation-building efforts of Kazakhstan through designed landscapes since independence, elucidating the symbolic language of national identity manifested across major public parks and plazas.
TL;DR: The 14th General Election disrupted the harmony between the Malay community and other race groups in Malaysia, leading to concerns about the well-being of the Malay community.
Abstract: The 14th General Election (GE-14) which was held on May 9, 2018, had surprising results that changed the political climate of the country. The alliance Pakatan Harapan, which adopts the PKR logo and includes the Parti Warisan Sabah, beat the Parti Barisan Nasional (BN) and won 122 seats in parliament. The remaining 79 parliamentary seats were won by BN, and the 18 seats gained by PAS, which opted to run unopposed, were won by BN. After the 14th General Election, disagreements arose about the Sultan's authority, the specific rights of the Malays, Islam's status as the Federation of Malaysia's official religion, and the Malay language's status as its official language. This change is particularly noticeable among journalists of Malay ancestry who have reported the issue to the police more frequently than before following the 14th GE. The social well-being of the Malay community is seen as being threatened by this issue. This article investigates the social well-being of the Malay community in the wake of the 14th GE. It employed both document analysis and interviews to collect data for a qualitative investigation. The data prior to and following the 14th GE were examined using comparative analysis. The study’s findings show that following the 14th General Election, the harmony between the Malay community and other race groups has encountered disruptions. This disruption stems from the actions of non-Malay individuals who frequently challenged the privileged status of Malays and engaged in derogatory remarks about the Sultan and the Islamic faith. As a result, any governing party must align with the sentiments of the Malay community and refrain from disregarding their emotions and the delicate subjects that concern them. This stance is crucial to ensure the security and enduring well-being of the Malay community, who are the indigenous people of Malaysia.
TL;DR: Modern security and civil technologies are implemented in Al-Salheya compound in Iraq to enhance safety of the city. The research examines various technologies including monitoring, verification, reaction, central database, and support technologies.
Abstract: After the events of 9/11, the world's perception of security in the cities has changed. Management and security have become an important issue of contemporary cities. In fact, almost all cities of the world seek to have their cities safe from terrorism, and threats of vice. To reach this goal, the contemporary cities use modern techniques and technologiesin various fields, installed by individuals, societies, as well as institutions. Installing security and civil technologies in public places and vital sites is one of the most important ways to improve safety, security, and civil control. The hardware, software, and qualified human element, with the presence of the latest auxiliary and supportive mechanisms, contribute significantly to achieving safety of the cities. The research examinessecurity technologies implemented in the Al-Salheya residential compound in Iraq to enhance safety of the city. It therefore carries out a comprehensive review of modern security technologies in contemporary cities. It employs a qualitative approach as a research methodology. Data is collected from surveys, observation, questionnaires and interviews. It concludes a variety of security and civil technologies at the levels of monitoring, verification, reaction, central database, and support technologies compatible with the needs of Al-Salheya compound in Iraq.
TL;DR: Tectonics and Sustainable Architecture TLDR: Tectonics and sustainable architecture converge in sustainable tectonics, encompassing classical and digital approaches to generate remarkable and empathic architectural forms.
Abstract: Tectonics–the art of construction- is an essential topic in architectural theory that deals with the potentials of structure, techniques and materials to create poetic architecture. On the other hand, sustainable architecture is a multidisciplinary field concerned with buildings designed for wellbeing, as well as to provide healthy environments while sustaining architectural qualities. The new approaches in architectural research have given way to a distinct collaboration between the two domains (tectonics and sustainability) –in both their classical and digital facets—to constitute what is known as "sustainable tectonics", as a way to generate remarkable and empathic architectural forms. The article aims to shed light on the practices that adopt implicit thought of tectonics, and its relation to sustainability. The pursuit of sustainability is thus explored through two categories: classical sustainable tectonics and digital sustainable tectonics, to finally extract the mechanism of the tectonic theory and its application in sustainable architecture. The findings offer a clear mechanism in achieving distinguished architecture, through the integration of classical tectonic factors in passive sustainable practices, and digital tectonics in active sustainable design.