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After the poststructuralist turn, prominent rhetorical theorists (Davis; Gehrke; Vitanza) invoked Jean Luc Nancy's philosophy to critique rhetorics of community as a problem of totalitarianism, or immanentism (the drive for oneness). Yet, the perpetual critique of community needs ethical supplementation when an actual, existing community needs to exclude for protection. This article considers how Ibram X. Kendi offers a normative basis through which Black antiracist communities must contextually exclude "nonracist" and racist values for protection and to enable flourishing—thus, putting into tension an influential poststructural theory of community with an actual historical community built on tacit antiracist principles. We compare and contrast Nancy and Kendi's respective approaches to the challenges of the ethics of community through a discussion of the "Buy Black" economic protections of Tulsa's Black Wall Street in the U.S. segregation era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Station buildings stand among the significant elements shaping the identity of a city, alongside its architectural form and characteristics. The historical station buildings hold a significant place in people's memories, as they symbolize the initial encounter of individuals who wish to visit and experience the city. In this context, to take the opinions of people who experienced the Ankara Station Building, which was built during the founding of the Republic of Turkey and witnessed historically important events and is still actively used, a survey was conducted to identify user preferences. The aim is to explore the adaptation of the building into the timeless museum. During the study, the survey technique was used within the scope of the quantitative research method. The sampling area consisted of Ankara Station Building users and the survey questions were prepared on a five-point Likert scale with the convenience sampling method. The survey data of 521 people were processed into the IBM SPSS Statistics program and the responses were analyzed and interpreted. As a result, significant differences emerged in some factors between different age groups, employment groups, educational groups, marital status, and location status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monuments on both banks of the Tigris River, known as the "Lower City", in the historical settlement of Hasankeyf, located in the reservoir area of the Ilisu Dam and HEPP Project, and the rocky ground of the "Inner Castle Region of Hasankeyf", known as the "Upper City", above the maximum water level of the dam (+527.86 m), will be directly affected by the water accumulating in the dam lake, while the historical monuments on them will be indirectly affected. Geotechnical investigations, supported by laboratory tests, were carried out to study the characteristics of the rock in the castle area and the rock block on which the Small Palace was built. It was found that the water accumulating in the reservoir would have a detrimental effect on these rocks in the dry state, causing fractures in the rock on the slopes due to the effects of wetting, drying and freezing and thawing. In order to protect the castle's rocks and the cultural heritage on them, natural materials were used to fill the valleys to the south, north and east up to the maximum water level of the dam, reducing the abrasive effect of the water on the limestone rocks and minimising infiltration into the interior regions. As the ground level of the Small Palace (12th-13th century) was lower than the protective embankment around the castle, a reverse dam system was constructed around it to preserve the monument in situ. However, when the water level reached +524.00 m, water seepage from the reservoir accumulated around the monument, causing further deterioration of the restored monument. Due to the potential damage to the architectural and structural integrity of the monument if exposed to water again, an interdisciplinary holistic study was carried out to implement architectural conservation, structural strengthening, and in-situ elevation, resulting in the monument being jacked-up (raised) by 6.00 metres at its current location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper asks how the political genocide of the Unión Patriótica (UP) affected the Colombian armed conflict in Colombia. We are specifically interested in how virtually removing its linked political party as a channel through which to engage in the democratic process led to more violence by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP). Our theory is based on the proposition that the presence of stable democratic processes for airing grievances has a dampening effect on conflict. In addition to situating our argument in the literature, our theory and empirical tests are built on the historical context of the Colombian conflict, the creation of the UP, and the political genocide against that party. We use regression models to test our hypotheses that more killings of UP members will lead to more FARC-EP violence across municipalities in Colombia, and also to less democratic participation. The results provide support for our theory. We conclude by considering ways to further refine the empirical testing of the theory as well as with a consideration of how this paper may contribute to future peace processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractExploring the meanings and understanding the conceptualizations of disability encoded in objects of access to historic or religious buildings is the aim of the following qualitative photo-ethnographic research. Analyzed access material objects concerned spaces around churches and inside buildings and included, among others: ramps, spaces available for people with physical disabilities, users of wheelchairs, and walkers. The research designed as object-based inquiry was carried out in 72 historical churches in Poland, in one voivodeship. The research results indicated five concepts of disability encoded in access objects in sacred buildings. These are: (1) respected; (2) considered; (3) peripheral; (4) paradoxical; and (5) concealed disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EU legislation requires introducing a variety of measures to reduce energy consumption. Energy use decrease should be achieved through thermal retrofitting of the least energy-efficient buildings. In the case of cities like Kraków, this means the need to modernize (retrofitting as well as the incorporation of modern HVAC systems) historical buildings. Furthermore, urban morphology is an influencing factor with regards to the energy performance of buildings and therefore of cities (since the influence of shading from nearby buildings cannot be ignored). The paper presents the results of a study on the impact of shading on energy demand for heating and cooling in the historic centre of Krakow. A comparative analysis of the simulation calculation results was performed using the statistical climate as a boundary condition. In the case of a typical five-floor residential tenement house from the turn of the 20th century, an 8% increase in energy demand for heating and a 50% reduction in energy demand for cooling were estimated. As the analysis of the results shows, taking into account the shading from nearby buildings may be crucial for optimizing the volume (power of devices, diameters of ducts and pipes) of the HVAC installation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unavailability of labeled data has always been the main limitation of data‐driven solutions for monitoring the health state of full‐scale structures. In this area, domain adaptation (DA) solutions have occasionally been proposed in recent years, which allow the sharing of data sets between distinct but similar systems. This paper presents a novel computational methodology to evaluate the condition state of historical buildings subjected to continuous monitoring. The DA method, specifically transfer component analysis, is used to maintain correlations between two data domains with low relevance, thereby improving the accuracy of classification models. Additionally, it is shown that the kernelized Bayesian transfer learning can enhance classification accuracy beyond what is achievable with a support vector machine. The paper is completed with a real‐world application to the classification of data sets from two Italian Baroque churches, both characterized by imposing oval masonry domes, but equipped with very different monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many Italian historic buildings are located in earthquake-prone areas and, therefore, need effective seismic evaluations. Most widespread commercial codes are based on the Equivalent Frame Model (EFM). To investigate their reliability, particularly to assess the effect of tie-rod retrofitting interventions, the present research applies an EFM approach via 3Muri software to a detailed 3D digital model of Villa Vannucchi, a heritage building in southern Italy. The combined use of 3Muri for the 3D global behaviour and linear kinematic approaches for the 2D out-of-plane response shows the need for the installation of tie-rods. Looking at the 2D main facade, the effectiveness of 3Muri in capturing the beneficial effect of tie-rods is investigated against parametric analyses carried out with a standard limit analysis block-based method (BBM). Specifically, using the exact EFM's discretization and boundary conditions, the 3Muri results are benchmarked against the BBM adopting two modelling strategies: BBM pushover analysis with the same modelling strategy and loading conditions used by 3Muri, and BBM tilting tests. With the first strategy, it is shown that BBM provides results in good agreement with 3Muri; however, these results are independent of the tie-rod tension and presence because of inappropriate modelling of loading conditions. Conversely, the second strategy overcomes this drawback by better capturing the positive influence of the tie-rods both in terms of collapse mechanisms and an improved base shear capacity. The results of this research suggest that limit analysis represents a key, useful, and viable tool that needs to be integrated with EFM results in order to better capture the real effectiveness of tie-rod strengthening interventions, allowing for more sustainable consolidation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating 3D digital models of heritage sites typically involves laser scanning and photogrammetry. Although laser scan-derived point clouds provide detailed geometry, occlusions and hidden areas often lead to gaps. Terrestrial and UAV photography can largely fill these gaps and also enhance definition and accuracy at edges and corners. Historical buildings with complex architectural or decorative details require a systematically planned combination of laser scanning with handheld and UAV photography. High-resolution photography not only enhances the geometry of 3D building models but also improves their texturing. The use of cameras, especially UAV cameras, requires robust viewpoint planning to ensure sufficient coverage of the documented structure whilst minimising viewpoints for efficient image acquisition and processing economy. Determining ideal viewpoints for detailed modelling is challenging. Existing planners, relying on coarse scene proxies, often miss fine structures, significantly restrict the search space of candidate viewpoints and surface targets due to high computational costs, and are sensitive to surface orientation errors, which limits their applicability in complex scenarios. To address these limitations, we propose a strategy for generating sparse viewpoints from point clouds for efficient and accurate UAV-based modelling. Unlike existing planners, our backward visibility approach enables exploration of the camera viewpoint space at low computational cost and does not require surface orientation (normal vector) estimation. We introduce an observability-based planning criterion, a direction diversity-driven reconstructability criterion, which assesses modelling quality by encouraging global diversity in viewing directions, and a coarse-to-fine adaptive viewpoint search approach that builds on these criteria. The approach was validated on a number of complex heritage scenes. It achieves efficient modelling with minimal viewpoints and accurately captures fine structures, like thin spires, that are problematic for other planners. For our test examples, we achieve at least 98% coverage, using significantly fewer viewpoints, and with a consistently high structural similarity across all models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building information modeling (BIM) is the hottest topic of the last decade in the construction sector. BIM is interacting with other technologies toward the realization of digital twins. The integration of laser scanning technology and BIM is progressing. Increasingly, solid, mesh models are being semantically enriched for BIM. A point cloud can provide an excellent source of data for developing a BIM model. The BIM model will be refined not only geometrically but can also be saturated with non-graphical data. The problem is the lack of a clear methodology for compiling such models based on TLS and images. The research and development work between universities and companies has put modern digital solutions into practice. Thus, the purpose of this work was to develop a universal methodology for the acquisition and extraction of data from disconnected sources. In this paper, three BIM models were made based on point clouds derived from laser scanning. The case studies presented confirm the validity of the "scan to BIM approach, especially in the context of historic buildings (HBIMs). The paper posits that the integration of laser scanning, digital photogrammetry and BIM provides value in the preservation of heritage buildings. In the process of the practical work and an in-depth literature study, the ever-present limitations of BIM were identified as research challenges. The paper contributes to the discussion on the use of BIM in the design, construction and operation of buildings, including historic buildings. The acronym HBIM (heritage building information modeling) will increasingly resonate in the academic and practical work of the discipline of conservation and maintenance of historic buildings and cultural heritage sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portugal's architecture reflects a rich history influenced by Roman, Moorish, Neoclassical and Romantic styles, with the 20th century marked by Art Deco and colonial influences. Regional styles vary, with white-painted buildings commonly experiencing color changes due to biofilm formation. Visually striking are the red-colored biological patinascommon in the coastal areas. A survey of 120 historical buildings affected by bio-colonization helps to understand the reasons for the patinas' growing, which beyond natural factors, is often linked to construction defects. A characterization of four samples utilizes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify the microorganisms composing the red biofilm, while the SEM-EDS, FTIR-ATR and XRD techniques provide further insights into the biofilm and substrate features. The comprehensive data of biochemical characterization indicate a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, some of which exhibit potential as producers of a UV-tolerant red/yellow pigment (carotenoid) responsible for the macroscopic coloration of bio-colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy rehabilitation of heritage buildings used as museums presents unique challenges, as it must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with achieving comfortable indoor conditions for visitors and staff. These objectives often conflict, requiring innovative approaches. We propose a methodology that uses dynamical simulation with EnergyPlus and multi-objective optimization with jEPlus + EA software to reduce energy consumption and maximize comfort while maintaining architectural integrity and conservation conditions evaluated by a quantitative analysis based on the European Standards. The framework also includes monitoring microclimate conditions and assessing the risk levels of the exposed collections. A case study in Salta City, Argentina—a historical building repurposed as a museum—illustrates this approach. Results show improved energy performance and comfort conditions for visitors, with an annual energy requirement of about 36% of the original requirement (16.4 kWh/m2 versus 45 kWh/m2) and a decrease of about 32% in the discomfort hours (from 5362 h to 3643 h). Additionally, conservation conditions improved, achieving a more stable microclimate for air temperature and relative humidity. The framework proved useful for evaluating retrofit solutions that enhance the building's energy performance and comfort without compromising the conservation conditions of the exhibited collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change poses significant challenges for the renovation of historic buildings, requiring a careful balance between preservation and energy efficiency, particularly considering the forecasted rise in temperatures. This study focuses on a medieval building undergoing renovation, examining thermal behaviors based on future climate settings, with particular attention to the rooms housing a book collection. Books require controlled microclimatic conditions that must be ensured for their preservation; hence, the energy use for air conditioning control must be considered during the renovation planning phase. Through on-site monitoring of the thermophysical properties of the building envelope and indoor microclimate, along with energy model software simulations, both historic climate and global warming scenarios were evaluated for their potential impact on thermal behavior and consequently on energy consumption. This study aims at contributing to the long-term sustainability and resilience of historic buildings, as well as proposing best practices for planning interventions involving sensitive cultural heritage materials, considering the effects of climate change in the renovation process. The results show strategies to address the climatic changes through a methodology optimizing renovation interventions. The sizing of air conditioning systems coupled with a less stringent microclimate control mitigates energy requirements, in line with the sustainable management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to identify a suitable methodology capable of integrating multiscale spatial information about an historic center drawn from a Geographic Information System (GIS) and Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM). The method is based on a multiscale development system that can efficiently handle different types of geospatial information by exploring geomatic techniques and software for semantic and parametric modeling. Our case study of the historic center of Popoli (Italy) shows the quality of the proposed model and HGIS-BIM integration for building geometric models rich in semantic and parametric information, taking into account development at different levels of detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden structures are prone to fire hazards, and studying their combustion properties is vital for their protection. Samples of fresh pine wood (FP) and pine subjected to artificially accelerated aging (treated at 240 circulation) were collected and prepared for analysis. The heat-release rate, smoke production, and yields of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from both types of pine were assessed using conical calorimetry to determine their combustion characteristics. A historic building in Xi'an was modeled using PyroSim to serve as a representative case. The experimentally obtained combustion characteristics of the two pine wood types were inputted into the model, and the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software was utilized to simulate the development of fire in both newly constructed and aging historic buildings. The results suggest that aging impairs the wood's combustion properties and increases the susceptibility of pine to ignition. Consequently, this accelerates the spread of fire in wooden structures, leading to a rapid increase in temperature and swift smoke production during fires, thus amplifying the fire risk to historic wooden buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at the problem of increasing image texture disorder and edge structure blurring and loss during the inpainting process of tile component images in Chinese historical buildings, this paper proposed a generative adversarial tile image in-painting method based on the interaction of high-order texture and structural features. Firstly, the method used an encoderdecoder as the basic architecture to encode and decode texture and structure features of the damaged image and its structure image. Secondly, this paper designed the recursive partial convolutional layer in the encoder and decoder to enhance the inter- action between the high-order and low-order features of the image, and to improve the model's ability of characterizing the texture and structural details of the tile image. Finally, this paper designed the feature fusion layer to realize the information fusion and detail enhancement of texture and structure feature maps. For typical tile components, this paper constructed a tile image dataset containing image type, pattern type and text type. This paper carried out experimental validation on the constructed dataset, and the experimental results show that the proposed method in this paper exhibits more excellent inpainting results in terms of both subjective feeling and objective evaluation indexes compared with commonly used algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an automatic 3D building reconstruction methodology for historical urban maps. It uses facade and openings detection on the maps, followed by rectification, regularization, and 3D model generation techniques. Evaluation metrics confirm the effectiveness of the approach, with high accuracy in detecting facades and their openings while maintaining geometric integrity. The flexibility and interoperability of the chosen 3D building representation method allow for adjustments in dimensions without compromising layout, making it suitable for completing the urban environments where facades may not be directly visible. This methodology represents a significant step toward automating the reconstruction of 3D historical urban landscapes, contributing to heritage preservation and architectural understanding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Culture & Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly is the property of Turkish Cultur & Haci Bektas Veli Research Quarterly and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of South Architecture / Nanfang Jianzhu is the property of South Architecture Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article introduces a methodology for a novel data-driven computational model aimed at aiding public administrations in managing and evaluating the adaptative reuse of buildings while tackling ecological and digital challenges. Drawing from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the study underscores the significance of innovative approaches in harnessing the economic potential of data. Focusing on Barcelona's Ciutat Vella district, the research selects five historic public buildings for analysis, strategically positioned to spur local entrepreneurship and counteract tourism dominance. Through an extensive literature review, the article identifies a gap in computational models for building adaptative reuse and proposes a methodological framework that integrates data collection, processing, and computational modelling, underscored by GIS technology and open data sources. The proposed methodology for a computational algorithm aims to systematise spatial characteristics, assess programmatic needs, and optimise building usage, while addressing challenges such as data integration and quality assurance. Ultimately, the research presents a pioneering approach to building adaptative reuse, aimed at fostering sustainable urban development and offering replicable insights applicable to similar challenges in other cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novelty architecture buildings can be tiled with conventional rectangular solar photovoltaic (PV) modules with both close-packed cells or partially transparent modules, vastly increasing renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and allowing for positive energy buildings. To enable this potential, in this study, for the first time, two open-source programs were developed and integrated to provide a foundation for designing and coating real-life novelty architecture buildings and objects with solar PV modules. First, a tiling algorithm was proposed and integrated into Blender that can generate solar PV modules on the face of any 3D model, and an augmented Python version of SAM was developed to simulate the performance of the resultant irregularly shaped PV systems. The integrated open-source software was used to analyze the energy performance of seven different novelty BIPVs located across the globe. The buildings' energy performance was compared to conventional ground-based PV systems, and the results showed that the conventional arrays generate more energy per unit power than the BIPVs. The analysis reveals that the more complex the building model geometry, the less energy the building generates; however, the novelty BIPV power and energy densities far surpass conventional ground-based PV. The real estate savings observed were substantial, reaching 170% in one case where the BIPV reached 750 m in height. The BIPVs' energy production is optimized by orienting the building via rotation and only needs to be carried out a single time for replication anywhere globally. The results show that the energy yield of the BIPV increases as the building becomes more detailed while the total power and energy decrease, indicating the need for the careful balancing of priorities in building design. Finally, the energy simulations demonstrate the potential for net-positive energy buildings and contribute to net-zero-emission cities. The findings indicate that BIPVs are not only appropriate for conventional residential houses and commercial buildings, but also for historical building replicas or monuments in the future. Further studies are needed to investigate the structural, electrical, and socio-economic aspects of novelty-architecture BIPVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropiles were first used to repair the damaged structures of "Scuola Angiulli" in Naples after World War II. They are known as small versions of regular piles, with a diameter of less than 30 cm, and are made of high-strength, steel casing and/or threaded bars, produce minimal noise and vibration during installation, and use lightweight machinery. They are capable to withstand axial loads and moderate lateral loads. They are used for underpinning existing foundations and to restore historical buildings and to support moderate structures. In the literature, several reports can be found dealing with micropiles, yet little has been reported on Micropiled-Raft Foundations (MPR). This technology did not receive the recognition it deserved until the 1970s when its technical and economic benefits were noted. A series of laboratory tests and numerical modeling were developed to examine the parameters governing the performance of MPR, including the relative density of the sand, the micropile spacing, and the rigidity of the raft. The numerical model, after being validated with the present experimental results, was used to generate data for a wide range of governing parameters. The theory developed by Poulos (2001) (PDR) to predict the capacity of pile-raft foundations was adopted for the design of MPR. The PDR method is widely used by geotechnical engineers because of its simplicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hungary's building stock, primarily constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries from traditional masonry, includes bricks of varying quality and material properties. Current renovation legislation mandates compliance with thermal requirements, but aged materials' thermal properties are often unknown, complicating energy conformity verification. This research examined historical masonry bricks from 11 Hungarian brickworks from the early 20th century to create a database for better understanding and preserving historical buildings' energetic performance. Thermal properties, including diffusivity, conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity, were determined using the modified transient plane source method, and density was tested. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the measured data. The findings provide essential data for building energy calculations and computational modelling of masonry constructions' thermal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The historical tenement building activity in the Hungarian capital reached its peak around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, when, in a relatively short period, thousands of houses were built to meet tenant needs. These buildings, adorned with characteristic ornaments, are all unique; yet, they form a cityscape that is exceptional in size and has changed minimally in the past hundred and fifty years. The present study is part of a large-scale analysis aiming to define an architectural typology of the stock to support easier identification and understanding of their multi-faceted values, and to serve as a benchmark for future rehabilitation programs. In this paper, a style terminology of the buildings is specified based on results from previous literature and extensive field studies surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The colonization of historical buildings and monuments by fungi, algae, and bacteria is a common phenomenon. This often leads to deterioration processes that cause either visual or structural harm. The Batalha Monastery in Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, currently shows significant surface changes to the stone architectural elements within both the Founder's Chapel and the church, including a widespread pink discoloration on the walls and columns. The main goal of this study was to analyze the biological colonization and assess the influence of bacterial communities on the biodeterioration of Ançã limestone, providing valuable insights to help conservators and restorers select the best preservation strategies for the monastery. The prokaryote population was characterized using both high-throughput DNA sequencing and culture-dependent methods and several orange-pink pigment-producing bacteria were identified, for example, Bacillus, Gordonia, Serratia and Methylobacterium, as well as Halalkalicoccus, an abundant archaeal genus. The pink discoloration observed could be due to biofilms created by bacteria that produce pigments, namely carotenoids. Biocolonization tests were performed using stone mock-ups, which were prepared and inoculated with the bacteria isolated in this study. These tests were designed to replicate the natural conditions of the monastery and monitor the colonization process to understand the discoloration phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many historical buildings employ masonry cross-vaults as flooring systems. The structural response of such cross-vaults to seismic excitation still needs to be fully understood and requires investigation through experimental studies or accurate numerical simulations. This article presents a finite element discontinuum micromodelling technique to simulate a full-scale mortared masonry cross-vault (unstrengthened and subsequently strengthened with textile-reinforced mortar) recently tested on a shake table as part of a blind prediction competition. The numerical technique uses shell elements to model the brick and mortar geometry explicitly within the STKO+OpenSees finite element framework. Both brick and mortar materials are modeled using an advanced damage-plasticity constitutive model, addressing potential convergence issues associated with strain-softening materials through a novel implicit-explicit integration algorithm. The numerical models predicted the failure mechanisms and crack patterns in close agreement with the experimental results. The strengthened model displayed severe cracks spreading across a larger part of the cross-vault, whereas the unstrengthened model exhibited in-plane shear failure along the groin lines. The strengthened vault showed an almost twofold increase in peak ground acceleration capacity, demonstrating the effectiveness of textile-reinforced mortar. The proposed numerical technique will be helpful in the design of effective retrofit measures for heritage structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This letter from the editor introduces Vol. 26(4) of the Nexus Network Journal: Architecture and Mathematics. This issue features research that measures, analyses, and scripts architectural forms and elements to reveal insights into celebrated examples and propose novel methods for generating buildings or components. Geographically, the research in this issue includes detailed examinations of historical buildings in China, Greece, Iran, Spain and the United Kingdom. The building types explored range from railway stations to religious structures and military facilities. The methods include surveys, generative scripting and deep learning models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical buildings in the Eastern world of architecture host many Islamic geometric patterns which are known as mathematically sophisticated patterns regarding their period of creation. This study focuses on the preparation of a model that can be helpful for the analysis and restoration/maintenance of these patterns. For this, a deep learning model to detect and classify star types in Islamic geometric patterns has been proposed, and the trials were evaluated. Accordingly, this study presents a database containing 5-pointed, 6-pointed, 8-pointed and 12-pointed star types. The database consists of 600 Islamic geometric patterns. A mask RCNN algorithm was trained to detect and classify star types using the prepared database. The results of the training indicate that the loss value is 0.90 and the validation loss value is 0.85. The algorithm was tested using images that it had not seen before and the results were evaluated. This paper presents a discussion on the pros and cons of the trained algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the social acceptance of integrated photovoltaic (IPV) systems in heritage and landscape contexts, focusing on Italian stakeholders in the construction sector. As part of the "BIPV meets History" research project, this study aims to identify barriers, potentials, drivers, and challenges for widespread PV technology adoption, considering heritage conservation, land preservation, energy production, and climate mitigation. A survey exploring opinions on PV technology integration was conducted. The survey was improved and extended to a total of 271 respondents, using the online method of Computer-Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI), to understand how perceptions of integrated photovoltaics have changed after COVID-19 and the European energy crisis, emphasizing aesthetic, environmental, economic, and personal aspects. The results indicate a general awareness of the technologies, with increasing acceptance in protected contexts, for historic buildings (from 51 to 68%) and especially landscapes (from 44 to 71%), driven by energy and environmental benefits. Cultural concerns, particularly the risk of impacting historical and natural identities, emerge as major barriers. Additionally, it is evident that awareness of PV panel recycling methods is still limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valuing the reconstruction of historic buildings is a complex and challenging task due to the unique nature of these structures and the uncertainties involved in estimating the scope of work. This study aimed to bridge the gap between traditional construction practices and modern economic frameworks by developing a comprehensive methodology for the valuation of construction works on historic buildings. Focusing on the Czech Republic, the study analysed the tender budgets of 21 reconstruction projects to be carried out between 2020 and 2023. The analysis compared tender prices with standardised indicative prices to identify significant discrepancies and the reasons for them. The proposed methodology integrated market-based price analysis and traditional pricing tools, providing a robust framework for accurate cost estimation. This approach not only ensured the preservation of the cultural value of historic buildings, but also provided a practical, financially sound strategy for their restoration. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for stakeholders involved in the pricing and budgeting of restoration projects, helping to refine cost estimation methodologies and improve the efficiency and accuracy of budgeting processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary trends focus on exploiting the value of historical buildings and actively involving them in urban development projects, The integration policy is a middle ground between preserving the building as it is and demolition and removal, that is, integration aims to achieve a balance. Most of the historical buildings in Iraqi cities, including the Khans, suffer from the absence of a clear vision of the factors of urban integration in the levels and dimensions of the relationship between the historical building and its urban surroundings. The research assumes that the approach to the integration process depends on the determinants of the historical value of the building and its urban surroundings. The research aims to determine the approach for Khan of Alexandria according to the determinants of its historical value and the type of integration. The research relied on the analysis of previous studies to build a theoretical framework for the concept of urban integration according to the determinants of historical value, the visual and functional characteristics of the buildings and the surrounding spaces were analyzed, and the questionnaire was designed according to the extracted indicators.. The theoretical framework Showed that urban integration depends on valuable indicators such as the availability of architectural symbols and connotations, availability of aesthetic characteristics, availability of current function, integrity of origin, originality of materials, etc. These indicators were applied according to a questionnaire system for architectural and conservation experts and another model for indicators for users of the urban area in Al Khan. The applied results of the study area showed that the integration of the Khan requires integration into its urban environment in addition to the integration of the building itself, as the Khan needs functional integration due to the lack of economic value of the Khan, and the urban environment needs spatial integration (visual and functional) due to the loss of most historical values and functions that would reintegrate the Khan with its urban surroundings and not harm its historical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through this study, the analysis of 6 types of plaster suitable for the rehabilitation of historical monuments is proposed. The proposed types of plaster have superior thermal insulating properties compared to commonly used plaster. The study is purely theoretical and aims to compare the efficiency of each type of plaster when applied as a rehabilitation solution to a case study building. The case study building is an historical building located in Timisoara for which classical facade insulation system cannot be applied due to its historical status. Their analysis and comparison will be carried out from an economic perspective, thermal transfer and water vapour behaviour and impact on the energy consumption of the building. The purpose is to identify the solution that is the most cost-effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial buildings, serving as markers of cultural heritage, connect our cultural identity from the past through the present and into the future. Unfortunately, many of these buildings lose their identity when they are converted into another function. Through the case study analysis (the Silo of Erbil City), a qualitative method is employed to examine design strategies and spatial transformations in recent adaptive reuse projects of existing structures. Through the literature review, this research investigates the importance of adaptive reuse and heritage buildings, underscoring their historical and theoretical underpinnings, and subsequently examines contemporary approaches to architectural criteria towards habitation for existing structures in the public, creative, and cultural domains. The study findings identify common fundamental elements of industrial heritage adaptive reuse and innovative design strategies applied in recent adaptive reuse projects, highlighting the potential to transform neglected or vacant abandoned buildings into urban open spaces. The study uses a comprehensive methodology involving case study analyses and diverse data collection techniques. The case study properties are the structural systems, natural lighting, and the surrounding open spaces. As a result, a hotel with a multipurpose hall, and a museum dedicated to the history of the Silo have been proposed, aiming at conserving the valuable heritage in this industrial area as well as providing an alternative perspective for the adaptive reuse of industrial structures in Erbil city. Finally, the implications of the research for the economic and social dimensions of urban development lie in understanding and promoting sustainable preservation strategies. This work is considered the first step for future research in Iraq, specifically in Kurdistan Region. The research concludes that the Silo of Erbil is one of the successful examples of the process of reusing buildings. It also concludes that less intervention in reusing a building can protect the building identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the potential of low-cost LiDAR technology for 3D modeling and assessment of the degradation of historic buildings, using a section of the Koszalin city walls in Poland as a case study. Traditional terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) offers high accuracy but is expensive. The study assessed whether more accessible LiDAR options, such as those integrated with mobile devices such as the Apple iPad Pro, can serve as viable alternatives. This study was conducted in two phases—first assessing measurement accuracy and then assessing degradation detection—using tools such as the FreeScan Combo scanner and the Z+F 5016 IMAGER TLS. The results show that, while low-cost LiDAR is suitable for small-scale documentation, its accuracy decreases for larger, complex structures compared to TLS. Despite these limitations, this study suggests that low-cost LiDAR can reduce costs and improve access to heritage conservation, although further development of mobile applications is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical maps provide insights into the morphology, cultural, and political shifts of ancient societies. Pingjiang Map is one of the earliest comprehensive ancient Chinese maps, depicting the heritage water city of Suzhou. This study takes it as the subject to examine the temporal and spatial reconstructions of Suzhou city after its devastation in the Song-Jin wars during the twelfth–thirteenth centuries. It uses historical geographical information system (H-GIS) and historical building information management (H-BIM) to simulate Suzhou city in the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) and the city's subsequent modernization to the present. By comparing and contrasting Pingjiang Map, the Song dynasty Suzhou, and the current city in the configuration of clusters such as urban wall, canal, street, government and citadel, temple, and residential ward, we establish evolutionary links between Pingjiang Map and the city, providing insights to the mechanism underlying urban transformation. Through H-BIM, we conducted a temporal and spatial analysis of the twelfth–thirteenth centuries' citadel of Suzhou, simulating the construction sequence of palatial artefacts. Our research argues that Pingjiang Map stele forged an imperial vision, serving both for documentation and planning. It encoded building information for the central government to manage post-war reconstruction. The research establishes the workflow of 'SQS'—spatialization, quantitative analysis, and simulation—to investigate the evolution of imperial cities and their cartography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the structural behaviour of iconic historic buildings represents one of the most current structural engineering research topics. However, despite the various research works carried out during recent decades, several issues still remain open. One of the most important aspects is related to the correct reconstruction of the complex geometries that characterise this type of construction and that influence structural behaviour, especially in the presence of the horizontal loads caused by seismic action. For these reasons, different techniques have been proposed based on the use of laser scanners, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and terrestrial photogrammetry. At the same time, several analysis methods have been developed that include the use of linear and non-linear approaches. In this present paper, the seismic performance of the Santa Maria Novella basilica and Santa Maria di Collemaggio basilica (before the partial collapse due to the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake) were investigated in detail by means of several numerical analyses. In particular, a series of non-linear time history analyses (NTHAs) were carried out, as reported in the Italian Building Code. To represent the non-linear behaviour of the main structural elements, smeared cracking (CSC) constitutive law was adopted. The geometry of the structures was reconstructed from a complete laser scanner survey of the churches, in order to consider all the intrinsic irregularities that characterise the heritage buildings. Finally, a comparison between the structural behaviour of the two case studies was carried out, highlighting the differences and similar aspects, focusing on possible collapse mechanisms and the identification of the most critical structural elements represented, in both cases analysed, by the main pillars of the transept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urbanized area of Rome is largely built over volcanic deposits, characterized by a significant radionuclides content and consequently a high radon emanation potential. An accurate monitoring of workplaces and residential dwellings constitutes a first step towards mitigating the indoor radon exposure. Since radon diffusion dynamics involves complex interactions among many environmental parameters on different time scales, a proper assessment of radon concentration variations can be better achieved by means of active monitoring approaches. We present here the results of 1 year of continuous measurements conducted in six premises (five apartments and a basement) at different floors of the same building in the Esquilino district, in the historical center of Rome. Collecting annual series of radon concentration enables us to identify fluctuations over a seasonal scale, with radon generally decreasing in the warm season. The simultaneous tracking of different floors should cancel the influence of geogenic radon and of building characteristics like age, typology, and construction materials. While the basement shows the highest radon concentration, indicating a major contribution from the ground, we observe indoor radon levels comparable at all the upper floors, questioning the common belief that high-risk exposure be limited to the lowest storeys. The use of active devices makes it possible to discriminate between average indoor radon measured during the day and overnight, when residents are more likely to be at home. Our analysis provides the characterization of the dynamics of the gas emanation and transport inside the buildings and of its temporal fluctuations, in relation to the environmental and meteorological conditions. Since the experiment was performed in the Roman urban contest, we cannot ignore the specificity of the retrieved data, affected not only by endogenous factors like life habits relative to ventilation and conditioning of the apartments, but also by exogenous factors, among which the warmer microclimate compared to the surrounding suburban and rural areas, due to the effects of urbanization (urban heat island effect). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural diagnosis of monumental buildings necessitates organizing diverse cross-disciplinary data. The H-BIM procedure employs 3D digital models to create a comprehensive virtual repository, offering advantages in documentation access, interoperability, intervention design, cost evaluation, and maintenance management. This work proposes an approach to combining different models while addressing interoperability challenges by best exploiting their positive characteristics. After evaluating the advantages and limitations of textured-mesh and NURBS-based models, and virtual reality environments based on specific comparison criteria, an integrated system of these models within the H-BIM framework is proposed. The latter is applied to study the relevant case of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Pisa, Italy. The integrated H-BIM model is designed primarily to facilitate the structural diagnosis of the monument, and illustrates how combining different 3D representations, each providing multiple information with different levels of detail, enhances its capabilities. This integration results in a more effective tool for the multidisciplinary conservation of cultural heritage, accommodating a wide range of data beyond structural aspects, thus fostering collaboration among professionals from various fields of expertise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the historical and geological background of the refectory of the Manzana Jesuítica in the city of Córdoba (Argentina), as a basis for characterising some of the building materials used in it. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the raw materials, labour, and production methods employed by the Jesuits in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. To this end, six fragments containing brick, render, and paint layers were studied by X-ray diffraction and using optical and scanning electron microscopies. Our results show that the ceramics differed solely in terms of their firing temperature, while the mortars were either air lime- or gypsum-based. The paints, mainly lime-based with clays, have similar mineralogical compositions, with some differences in colour due to the presence of goethite. This study demonstrates that the Jesuits, through their strategically situated settlements in the province of Córdoba, developed an economic system for the extraction and transport of raw materials, centred around the use of local resources. This, combined with construction techniques imported from Spain and adapted to local circumstances, was a sign of the adaptability of the Jesuit Order and their lasting influence on the region. Understanding the materials and techniques used by the Jesuits provides valuable insight into the methods of construction employed in historical buildings, offering key perspectives for their conservation. Moreover, it highlights the significance of local resource management in the longevity and preservation of these architectural works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overview to study the climate change impact on degradation in historical buildings. • Changing risk is uncertain due to emissions, climate variability, and model itself. • Ensemble spread reveals the robustness of the climate change impact. • Global warming levels enable communication with stakeholders. • Three approaches on studying the climate change impact are presented. The durability of historical building envelopes is affected by changing climate conditions. The impact of climate change on degradation phenomena can be assessed by means of hygrothermal simulations. Often, studies only use a single climate projection, and thus only consider a single evolution of the climate system. However, an ensemble of multiple climate projections is necessary to assess the uncertainty of the results. This paper presents an overview of three types of uncertainties in climate projections (i.e. uncertainty due to the greenhouse gas emission scenario, climate variability, and the climate model itself), and their influence on the degradation of building envelopes. In total, the study includes the results of 16,088 1-dimensional hygrothermal simulations of solid masonry walls, prior to and after the application of a thermal retrofit, in Delphin 5 and 6. Firstly, scenario uncertainty is studied for 3 emission scenarios (one climate model) in Brussels (Belgium). The ensemble members agree on the change in freeze-thaw damage. The spread of the percentage of cases, i.e. combinations of building and exposure parameters, with an increasing freeze-thaw risk is 6%. Though, the change in wood decay is uncertain with a spread of 51%. Secondly, climate variability may cause a large uncertainty in freeze-thaw damage. In Ottawa (Canada), the spread between ensemble members (i.e. 15 realisations of one model) of the change in freeze-thaw damage goes up to 100% for individual cases. Thirdly, model uncertainty is assessed in Hamburg (Germany). Towards the end of the 21st century, the spread in percentage of cases is ca. 20% for increasing freeze-thaw damage, mould growth, and wood decay. When evaluating the change for global warming level +1.5°C, +2°C, and +3°C together, the spread increases. The risk for freeze-thaw damage in the masonry increases (decreases) in 0–52 % (8-77%) of the simulated cases. For mould growth on the interior surface of uninsulated walls, the risk increases (decreases) in 0-19% (0-10%) of the cases. Wood decay of embedded beam heads is projected to increase (decrease) in 14-42% (0-18%) of the cases. Furthermore, this paper presents three approaches on how to assess the impact of climate change on historical buildings. The generic response-based degradation atlas answers the question ' How does climate change impact the degradation risks in the overall collection of historical buildings?'. Secondly , case-specific decision trees are used to assess which cases are most at risk, and to identify how climate change and parameter variations affect degradation risks. Finally, the in-depth Superior Advanced Minimum Requirement Approach (SAMiRA) is employed when an even more exhaustive assessment of the risk for degradation in building envelopes is required, e.g. qualification of renovation strategies. This offers a step-by-step framework that stewards the selection of simulation parameters. This paper provides an overview of how hygrothermal simulations can support decision making in heritage conservation practices, and demonstrates 3 approaches with a trade-off between specificity and (computational) cost. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• HBIM for conservation and management of heritage structures in archaeological sites. • HBIM-based workflow for valorization and conservation of the Stylite Tower in Jordan. • BIM process for accurate 3D representation at the level of detail of a single block. • Advanced informative modelling according to IFC standards. • Application of HBIM process for enhancement and dissemination of masonry structures. [Display omitted] The Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is a consistent approach to support the multidisciplinary process of knowledge, conservation, and valorization of the historical building heritage, exploiting the combination of advanced 3D modelling and heterogeneous informative data. In the present paper, a highly customized HBIM workflow is developed for the enhancement and conservation of the byzantine Stylite Tower in the Jordan archaeological site of Umm ar-Rasas. The case study is considered a benchmark to test the effectiveness and the scalability of the proposed methodology for the broader set of ancient structures located in archaeological sites. The proposed HBIM process has a dual aim: the organization of heterogeneous and fragmented sources concerning the history and the actual state maintenance of the Tower and the development of a flexible tool to perform fast qualitative and quantitative analysis oriented towards conservation and management projects. The small scale of the structure and an innovative semi-automatic modelling process based on visual coding allowed for a stone-by-stone segmentation of the Tower. The model procedure is based on an information management workflow based on CIDOC-CRM ontology and the interchange format Industry Foundation Classes to ensure interoperability, developing an open-access interactive visualization of the model of the Tower, embedding organized document sources. The proposed HBIM model can also be a valuable tool for enhanced monument fruition and dissemination activities of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Preventive conservation approach is recommended to preserve architectural heritage. • Bio-colonisation processes cause degradation of historic buildings facades. • Machine learning techniques can be used for automatic detection of facades damages. • Convolutional neural network is able to recognize bio-colonisation on brick facades. • Early detection of damages performed using "common" images results less accurate. Built cultural heritage is exposed to various deterioration problems caused by different types of actions. To reduce the need for major interventions, preventive conservation (PC) approaches were proposed, based on data collection, regular monitoring, inspections, and control of environmental factors. Monitoring actions able to depict the evolution of buildings' deterioration state, have been proposed and implemented in real cases. Considering that digital images (DI) of historical facades are constantly collected by different subjects and for different purposes, they represent the widest existing data source to support PC approaches and develop predictive tools. DI of historical façades can be used to help in the early recognition of different types of deterioration processes, supporting the creation and application of predictive models based on machine learning (ML) methods. This work proposes a method for the automatic detection of biological colonisation of building facades. A convolutional neural network (CNN) has been trained and tested with images representing the microalgae and cyanobacteria growth process on historical bricks' facades, collected during experimental activities in controlled conditions. The trained model is characterized by an accuracy of 87 % and can recognise bio-colonisation on different types of bricks. The trained model has been applied to a historical building used as a case study. The facades of the case study are constantly monitored by surveillance cameras, and DI of the facades are often collected due to the public function of the building. The study shows that by simply processing these images with the trained network it is possible to detect the first stage of bio-deterioration processes. This work is part of more extensive research for the early detection of different types of building façade damages and can be easily implemented where DI coming from surveillance cameras or other sources are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the near future, the building sector will continue to absorb the greatest share of primary energy worldwide. It is necessary to find innovative solutions that promote energy efficiency through renovation measures, especially in historical buildings, for which refurbishment is constrained by several issues. In this study, we propose a novel Trombe Wall configuration that is easily integrable and based on a rock wall made of caged stone to use as a thermal accumulator. The system was investigated preliminarily using a transient Finite Difference Method (FDM) code to analyse the temperature field inside the rock wall. Successively, FDM results were employed as input data in TRNSYS simulations to determine the savings achievable in thermal heating requirements. The results demonstrated that the proposed solution, in the considered climate and on a reference historic building, can produce monthly heating savings varying between 26% and 85%. So, the rock wall results in a reliable solution for buildings in which refurbishment is difficult, allowing for preserving aesthetic features and improving energy efficiency by rationally using solar radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the frame of the Venezia2021 project the private 'Byzantine house' designed by Giuseppe Torres in 1905 was chosen as the emblematic architectural site which marks Venice's transition towards modernity, requiring study of its conservation in the lagoon environment of the city of Venice. In conjunction with the definition of a specific Path of Knowledge of the ground floor, a series of stone and lithoid materials as well as their related deterioration products from the interior rooms were sampled for analysis. The investigations covered a wide range of materials (plasters, mortars, natural and artificial stones, bricks, glass and finishings). They were carried out by means of a multi-analytical approach comprising SEM-EDX and optical microscopy; XRPD; XRF, ion chromatography; and Raman and infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. The stones identified are linked to the Venetian architectural tradition (Euganean trachyte and Istrian stone). The sands in the mortars are mainly of regional origin and the glass is compatible with traditional Venetian (Murano) recipes. Of particular interest is the presence of an intonachino charged with ground fluorite. The deterioration products are linked to the extensive and intense phenomenon of capillary rising damp and efflorescence deposition induced by the lagoon environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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