Architecture Engineers Award

Architectural design is not merely a sequence of technical decisions but a complex process shaped by interactions among actors, tools, and representations. This study investigates how design documents, understood as visual artefacts, actively influence decision-making processes within architectural practice. Moving beyond traditional views that treat drawings and models as passive outputs, the research positions them as dynamic agents capable of mediating conflicts, aligning perspectives, and guiding outcomes. By focusing on the development of an urban university campus masterplan, the study frames design artefacts as critical instruments in navigating complexity and uncertainty in contemporary architectural projects. Theoretical Foundations: Actor-Network Theory and Architectural Ethnography The research builds upon Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and architectural ethnography to conceptualize design processes as networks of human and non-human actors. Within this framework, design artef...

Building lift-up design, a vernacular architectural strategy commonly found in tropical climates, involves elevating structures above ground level using columns. Traditionally used to improve ventilation and reduce heat gain, this feature has also been incorporated into modern buildings in tropical and subtropical cities. Despite its long-standing presence, only recent research has systematically examined its influence on urban microclimates. This study reviews the environmental performance of lift-up design across multiple scales, from individual buildings to complex urban configurations. Vernacular Origins and Contemporary Applications Historically, lift-up structures were developed as adaptive responses to hot and humid climates, allowing airflow beneath buildings while reducing exposure to ground moisture and heat. In contemporary architecture, this strategy has been reinterpreted in large-scale urban projects and landmark buildings. However, the transition from vernacular to mod...

This study reconceptualizes the ontological status of architecture by positioning it not as a passive backdrop or symbolic construct, but as an active participant in human cognition. Drawing on Material Engagement Theory , the research argues that architecture functions as a macro-cognitive artifact—shaping, enabling, and co-constituting thought processes through continuous interaction with its users. The investigation focuses on Ryue Nishizawa ’s Moriyama House, which serves as a theoretical probe to explore how spatial fragmentation and material conditions influence cognitive engagement. Theoretical Framework: Architecture Beyond Representation Material Engagement Theory (MET) challenges traditional views that treat architecture as either a neutral container or a symbolic system. Instead, it proposes that cognition emerges through dynamic interactions between humans and material environments. Within this framework, buildings actively participate in shaping perception, behavior, and...

The construction sector is under increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while continuing to support rapid urban development. Green building practices have emerged as a key response, but their effectiveness is often limited by fragmented workflows and insufficient integration of sustainability principles across project stages. This study investigates the role of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an integrated platform for improving energy performance, resource efficiency, and lifecycle sustainability in green building design. BIM as an Integrated Platform for Sustainable Design Building Information Modelling (BIM) enables the creation of data-rich digital representations of buildings, facilitating collaboration among architects, engineers, and stakeholders. Unlike traditional design methods, BIM allows sustainability considerations to be embedded from early design stages through to operation. By integrating energy analysis, material data, and perfo...

Architectural design processes involve complex interactions among multiple stakeholders, including architects, planners, engineers, and institutional decision-makers. Within these processes, design documents function not only as technical representations but also as visual artefacts that shape communication and negotiation. This study examines how specific architectural design artefacts influence decision-making, particularly during moments of conflict where different perspectives must be reconciled. By analyzing how these artefacts operate within collaborative planning environments, the research highlights their role in structuring and guiding design decisions. Design Artefacts as Mediators in Architectural Practice In architectural workflows, drawings, diagrams, models, and digital visualizations serve as mediating objects that facilitate communication among diverse actors. These artefacts translate complex design ideas into tangible representations that can be interpreted and debat...

Growing global energy concerns have increased the importance of energy-efficient building strategies that reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Natural ventilation is a critical passive design approach capable of improving indoor air quality, preventing moisture accumulation, and lowering cooling energy demand. However, many previous ventilation-oriented design studies rely on simplified models, focus on single climatic scales, and address only specific stages of the building design process. This study introduces an integrated methodology for ventilation-oriented building design that operates across multiple spatial scales and design phases. Limitations of Conventional Ventilation Design Approaches Traditional ventilation design methods typically evaluate airflow conditions at a single scale, often focusing only on building form or façade openings. These approaches rarely incorporate broader urban wind environments or consider how ventilation strategies evolve throughout ...

Circular economy strategies in the construction sector increasingly emphasize the reuse of structural elements from obsolete buildings to reduce environmental impact and resource consumption. However, implementing these strategies is often constrained by limited information on building composition, particularly at the structural element level. Conventional estimation approaches are typically deterministic, subjective, or lack sufficient detail to support accurate material recovery planning. This study introduces a probabilistic modelling framework to improve the estimation of structural element dimensions and material quantities in residential timber buildings. Bayesian Network Framework for Structural Estimation The research proposes a probabilistic modelling approach based on Bayesian Networks (BNs) to estimate structural characteristics under uncertainty. Bayesian Networks provide a structured framework that represents relationships among variables through probabilistic dependenc...

The construction industry is increasingly required to adopt sustainable materials as buildings grow in scale, complexity, and environmental impact. Simultaneously, post-consumer clothing waste has become one of the fastest-growing solid waste streams worldwide. Due to its heterogeneous composition and low biodegradability, textile waste poses significant environmental challenges and is often underutilized in recycling systems. This study investigates the architectural potential of unsorted clothing waste as a scalable resource for developing multifunctional interior materials capable of providing both acoustic control and thermal insulation in building environments. Material Processing and Fabrication Method A simplified thermo-mechanical processing technique was developed to convert heterogeneous textile waste into fiber-based insulation panels. The process eliminates the need for chemical additives or prior sorting of materials, making it more feasible for large-scale waste recycl...

  Improving the thermal performance of building envelopes is a fundamental strategy for reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability in the built environment. Conventional insulation materials such as polymer-based boards and mineral panels often experience performance losses due to fire risk, moisture exposure, or long-term durability issues. This study introduces a newly developed Thermal Insulation Plaster (TIP) designed for application on both interior and exterior building façades. The proposed material aims to provide a lightweight, mineral-based insulation solution with improved thermal performance, mechanical strength, and fire resistance. Material Composition and Development of Thermal Insulation Plaster The proposed TIP material was produced by combining coated perlite with Portland cement, anhydrite, and several functional additives. This composition was selected to enhance thermal insulation properties while maintaining adequate structural integrity. The ...

Accurate prediction of indoor operative temperature is essential for improving HVAC system performance, enhancing occupant comfort, and reducing energy consumption in buildings. Operative temperature represents the combined effect of air temperature and the mean radiant temperature of surrounding surfaces as experienced by occupants. In highly controlled environments such as sentry buildings, precise thermal forecasting enables more responsive and energy-efficient climate control strategies. This study proposes a hybrid deep learning framework to improve the accuracy and robustness of indoor operative temperature prediction. Concept of Operative Temperature and Its Role in Thermal Comfort Operative temperature is widely used as a key indicator of indoor thermal comfort because it integrates both air temperature and radiative heat exchange between occupants and surrounding surfaces. Traditional temperature prediction approaches often focus only on air temperature, overlooking the infl...

Dynamic façade technologies have emerged as effective strategies for improving building energy efficiency while maintaining indoor environmental quality. Thermotropic (TT) glazing is a responsive glazing technology capable of modulating solar heat gain automatically in response to ambient temperature changes. This study investigates whether TT glazing can serve as an effective alternative to conventional external vertical shading devices by examining building energy consumption, daylighting performance, and thermal comfort in office spaces across multiple climatic conditions. Thermotropic Glazing as a Dynamic Solar Control Strategy Thermotropic glazing operates through temperature-responsive materials that adjust their optical properties when exposed to solar radiation and rising surface temperatures. As the glazing becomes less transparent at higher temperatures, solar heat gain is reduced without the need for mechanical control systems. This adaptive behavior allows the glazing to...

Identifying representative buildings is essential for scalable urban energy simulation and effective retrofit planning. However, continuous monitoring data are often unavailable, limiting data-driven classification approaches. This study presents a structured methodology for selecting representative buildings through clustering of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) attributes. By grouping buildings based on certificate-based features and validating clusters against thermal performance indicators, the research establishes a generalizable framework for simulation targeting and policy support without reliance on long-term metering. Six-Phase Clustering Workflow and Internal Validation The proposed methodology follows a six-phase workflow, beginning with EPC attribute preparation and feature engineering. Three clustering techniques—K-Medoids, Agglomerative clustering, and Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM)—were implemented to group buildings based on similarity. Cluster quality was assessed...

Participatory design approaches have increasingly been applied in playground development to better align urban play environments with children’s needs and expectations. Although previous studies highlight children’s strong interest in loose parts play, limited research has explored participatory processes specifically focused on designing loose parts themselves. Considering the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benefits of loose parts play, this study introduces a structured participatory design model that actively involves children and architecture students in the co-creation of play elements for urban spaces. Theoretical Background: Benefits of Loose Parts Play Loose parts play supports creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-expression by allowing children to manipulate flexible, open-ended materials. Unlike fixed playground equipment, loose parts encourage adaptive and imaginative engagement, fostering developmental growth across multiple domains. Integrati...

Bio-based construction materials are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives capable of reducing the environmental footprint of buildings while enhancing energy efficiency. However, many comparative studies assess these materials against conventional wall systems of equal thickness, often neglecting the influence of thermal mass and climate-specific behavior at the whole-building scale. Due to their lightweight structure and limited thermal mass, bio-based systems may struggle to balance heating and cooling demands across different climates. This study evaluates the energy performance of hemp concrete, wood concrete, and straw-based wall systems, emphasizing the interaction between insulation, thermal inertia, and climate conditions. Methodological Framework and Co-Simulation Strategy A validated co-simulation methodology integrating TRNSYS and MATLAB was employed to assess whole-building energy performance. Two analytical scenarios were developed to isolate and evaluate key...