Journal of Architecture and Urbanism

A theoretical approach to endorphin-stimulating architecture

Prasasto Satwiko — 2024-08-22

As with the other creative and design industries, architecture is mainly aimed to solve users’ needs. However, in the current practice, the design transformation process is less responsive to user feedback and primarily relies on the architect’s perceptual skill that tends to be subjective. Innovative architectural problem-solving strategies can be derived from neuroscience knowledge, allowing a more scientifically proven user-centered design. The interdisciplinary collaboration in architecture design, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence may offer a new concept generation to design our built environment. The neuroarchitecture design approach, combined with artificial intelligence engineering, can create an environment that produces impulses that directly affect the human brain’s response and induce happiness. Endorphin, called the happy hormone, can be stimulated to develop happy feelings essential for today’s stressful life. This theoretical study aims to determine how architectural elements affect happiness through endorphin stimulation. An interdisciplinary literature study involving architecture and neuropsychology of both theoretical and methodological was adopted to explore this possibility. The result showed that the architectural environment could generate happiness, potentially indicating the endorphin presence. This study recommends using Virtual Reality apparatus to experiment and a blood test to check the endorphin level in the human body.

History in the void: Giuseppe Samonà’s 1967 proposal for Montecitorio competition

Lejla Vujičić — 2024-09-13

Giuseppe Samonà was one of the most influential figures in 20th century Italian architecture and urban culture. In 1967, Samonà and his team submitted a competition proposal for the extension of the Camera dei deputati in Rome, considered by many to be one of the most significant and conceptually mature projects of his career. By examining the design and the report appended to the competition submittal the author explores the concept of the void that is the backbone of the project and finds that it has a twofold interpretation. Apart from the obvious physical manifestation of emptying, the void is also a meditative device, an incorporeal entity that relies on the body of the new insert to show the complexity of the history of the Roman site. It is in this inversion of the usual interpretation of the concept of void as being independent nothingness that allure of the project itself lies. By presenting the archival material and contemporary research, the author brings into focus a part of Samonà’s extraordinary contribution to the architecture and urban culture of the 20th century that surprisingly remains unrevealed to non-Italian audiences.

Integrative analysis of Text-to-Image AI systems in architectural design education: pedagogical innovations and creative design implications

Nuno Montenegro — 2024-10-11

This study explores the potential of Text-to-Image (T2I) AI systems in architectural design education, particularly during the conceptual design phase. Through a structured two-stage workshop, architecture students used T2I AI to conceptualize a public building project, focusing on the bird’s eye and interior perspectives. These AI-assisted designs were subsequently refined to align with specific site conditions and programmatic requirements. The study reveals T2I AI’s ability to expand creative possibilities in architectural design while highlighting its limitations and biases. The findings emphasize the necessity for a critical and informed approach when integrating AI into architectural education and practice, addressing ethical considerations. Future research directions are proposed to optimize T2I AI applications in architectural design, address inherent biases in AI systems, and enhance the discourse on AI’s role in shaping the future of architectural practices.

The significance of public space in assessing architectural heritage

Sergio Coll-Pla — 2024-10-23

This study examines the relationship between public spaces surrounding heritage buildings in Arequipa, Peru, and social perceptions of these structures. Focusing on buildings recognized as significant architectural landmarks by the magazine “El arquitecto Peruano” founded by Belaunde Terry. The research reveals a weak correlation between the quality of the surrounding public space and the society’s appreciation of the architectural edifice. However, certain buildings stand out in public esteem, notably Plaza de Armas, Convento de Santa Catalina, Iglesia de la Compañía, Templo de Yanahuara, Iglesia de San Agustín, and Iglesia de Cayma, primarily due to their Ba-roque-mestizo architectural style. The text emphasizes the pivotal role of public spaces in the evaluation of architectural heritage. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between architectural heritage, public spaces, and social perception, offering valuable insights for urban planning and heritage preservation initiatives.