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Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

Ann Heylighen, Caroline Van Doren and Peter-Willem Vermeersch

The relationship between the built environment and the human body is rarely considered explicitly in contemporary architecture. In case architects do take the body into account…

Abstract

The relationship between the built environment and the human body is rarely considered explicitly in contemporary architecture. In case architects do take the body into account, they tend to derive mathematical proportions or functional dimensions from it, without explicit attention for the bodily experience of a building. In this article, we analyse the built environment in a way less common in architecture, by attending to how a particular person experiences it. Instead of relating the human body to architecture in a mathematical way, we establish a new relationship between architecture and the body—or a body—by demonstrating that our bodies are more involved in the experience of the built environment than we presume. The article focuses on persons with a sensory or physical impairment as they are able to detect building qualities architects may not be attuned to. By accompanying them during a visit to a museum building, we examine how their experiences relate to the architect's intentions. In attending to the bodily experiences of these disabled persons, we provide evidence that architecture is not only seen, but experienced by all senses, and that aesthetics may acquire a broader meaning. Senses can be disconnected or reinforced by nature. Sensory experiences can be consciously or unconsciously eliminated or emphasized by the museum design and use. Architects can have specific intentions in mind, but users (with an impairment) may not experience them. Attending to the experiences of disabled persons, and combining these with the architect's objectives, provides an interesting view of a building. Our analysis does not intend to criticize the one using the other; rather the combination of both views, each present in the building, makes for a richer understanding of what architecture is.

Details

Open House International, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Robin Schaeverbeke, Hélène Aarts and Ann Heylighen

Teaching drawing in architectural education raises questions regarding the representation of spatial experiences: to what extent can sensory experiences of space be intensified…

Abstract

Teaching drawing in architectural education raises questions regarding the representation of spatial experiences: to what extent can sensory experiences of space be intensified through observing and drawing and, perhaps equally important, what those drawings would look like?

In the context of their drawing classes, the authors started to inquire the discrepancy between conceiving and perceiving space, and the aptitude of representing spatial concepts upon a two dimensional surface. Through observation and translating observation into drawings, students discover that conventionalised ways of drawing, such as linear perspective, only reveal part of the story. While linear perspective remains the dominant way of representing space, obviously visible in photography, film, 3D-imaging and architectural impressions, the authors started looking for ways of drawing which inquire possibilities of expressing spatial experiences. Drawing as an activity which is able to enhance spatial understanding, rather than as a tool to communicate virtual spaces. Next to drawing as a ‘skill’, which can be learnt, the drawing classes started to inquire non-visual aspects of space by analysing attributes of spatiality, which are difficult to convey through two dimensional drawings.

Starting from a contextualisation of spatial drawing within architectural practice, the article examines the discrepancy between geometric space and lived space, in order to reveal the dubious role of linear perspective within (architectural) culture and history. After a brief return to how we imagined and represented space in our childhood, the article presents a series of practice based examples. Drawing on the authors’ teaching practice, it illustrates possibilities to expand our visual language by exploring space and spatiality through observing and drawing.

Details

Open House International, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 December 2022

Phuong Nguyen, Viviana d'Auria and Ann Heylighen

This scoping review aims to (1) summarize research and design writings on residential design for adults on the autism spectrum in peer-reviewed and grey literature, (2) identify…

Abstract

Purpose

This scoping review aims to (1) summarize research and design writings on residential design for adults on the autism spectrum in peer-reviewed and grey literature, (2) identify research gaps in this field and (3) understand the concept of independent living based on this literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search was conducted in seven databases using 47 search terms related to residence, design and autism. It was supplemented with a manual search for recommended authors and architectural websites.

Findings

A final review of 37 sources highlighted that existing residential design guidelines are supported by weak evidence due to the lack of methods for involving and limited direct contact with autistic adults. Moreover, the needs of people living or working with them tend to be overlooked. Finally, the role of independent living has received little attention in the literature on residential design for adults on the spectrum.

Research limitations/implications

The findings show a need for taking on board autistic people's understanding of independent living. Future research about residential design for autistic adults should be conducted with them, in diverse housing settings, providing nuanced insight into their housing needs and those of the people around them.

Originality/value

This scoping review is the first to provide an overview of what is known about residential design for autistic adults with a focus on the concept of independent living.

Details

Open House International, vol. 48 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2017

Evelyne Mertens, Ann Heylighen, Anja Declercq, Karin Hannes, Fred Truyen, Yvonne Denier and Bernadette Dierckx de Casterlé

Novice researchers experience difficulties in analysing qualitative data. To develop the skills necessary for qualitative data analysis, theoretical manuals are often…

Abstract

Purpose

Novice researchers experience difficulties in analysing qualitative data. To develop the skills necessary for qualitative data analysis, theoretical manuals are often insufficient. Supervisors supporting students in analysing qualitative data stress the need for practical guidance, including exercises and feedback. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss QualiBuddy, an interactive online support tool in answer to this need.

Design/methodology/approach

An online support tool was developed in answer to existing problems regarding analysing qualitative data. The tool provides a learning trajectory of 11 stages of analysis, which all contain examples, exercises, feedback, verification questions and questions for reflection. This tool is developed from a multidisciplinary perspective and is constructed around various steps. During the development process, internal feedback from the members of the project team, as well as external feedback from an international steering group with experts in qualitative research were taken into account.

Findings

The tool QualiBuddy is based on an empirically and theoretically grounded approach to qualitative data analyses. Pilot tests with experienced qualitative researchers suggest that the tool potentially allows novice researchers from various domains to develop and improve their skills in conceptualising interview data, specifically within a grounded theory approach.

Originality/value

QualiBuddy is a newly developed interactive online education tool based on and complementary to existing guides for qualitative data analysis.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2006

Kevin Mitchell

The second-year studio presented here investigates the potential of reducing the gaps between the academy and professional practice by using the results of practice as a teaching…

Abstract

The second-year studio presented here investigates the potential of reducing the gaps between the academy and professional practice by using the results of practice as a teaching tool. Part of a two-semester sequence intended to introduce students to the fundamentals of architectural form and space, the design studio emphasizes discipline-specific notions of inquiry, exploration and process. The range of fundamental concerns is addressed through in-depth analyses of exemplary buildings in order to discover how practicing architects have incorporated basic design principles into overall design strategies. The “design in the style of” methods that characterized architectural education at the École des Beaux Arts and the pattern books which served as sources for 19th and early 20th century practice in North America provided definitive models that were subject to limited interpretation. In contrast, the analyses projects described here do not provide “answers” to questions regarding style, but rather focus questions on a range of concerns which are fundamental to architectural practice. Employing exemplary projects in beginning-level studios assists in demonstrating that highly regarded practitioners aspire to a synthesis of program/use requirements, conceptual ideas, structural solutions and constructional systems. The fact that the students were able to make concrete connections between their activities and the profession resulted in an intensity and sense of purpose that is evident in both the process and products of the studio.

Details

Open House International, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2013

Magda Mostafa

Architecture, at its very essence, is the process of providing physical space and place for human activity. Primarily concerned with responding to the specific needs of users and…

Abstract

Architecture, at its very essence, is the process of providing physical space and place for human activity. Primarily concerned with responding to the specific needs of users and their societies, the built environment plays a tremendous role in shaping and facilitating the every day world we live in. Although being inextricably concerned with this man-environment dynamic, architecture however seems to limit its mainstream practices, education and standards to the conventional spectrum of “normal”. This leaves numerous user groups and victims of social circumstances largely excluded from the luxury of an architecture that deems itself specifically to serve them.

Details

Open House International, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2022

Isaac Chairez, Israel Alejandro Guarneros-Sandoval, Vlad Prud, Olga Andrianova, Sleptsov Ernest, Viktor Chertopolokhov, Grigory Bugriy and Arthur Mukhamedov

There are common problems in the identification of uncertain nonlinear systems, nonparametric approximation, state estimation, and automatic control. Dynamic neural network (DNN…

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Abstract

Purpose

There are common problems in the identification of uncertain nonlinear systems, nonparametric approximation, state estimation, and automatic control. Dynamic neural network (DNN) approximation can simplify the development of all the aforementioned problems in either continuous or discrete systems. A DNN is represented by a system of differential or recurrent equations defined in the space of vector activation functions with weights and offsets that are functionally associated with the input data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study describes the version of the toolbox, that can be used to identify the dynamics of the black box and restore the laws underlying the system using known inputs and outputs. Depending on the completeness of the information, the toolbox allows users to change the DNN structure to suit specific tasks.

Findings

The toolbox consists of three main components: user layer, network manager, and network instance. The user layer provides high-level control and monitoring of system performance. The network manager serves as an intermediary between the user layer and the network instance, and allows the user layer to start and stop learning, providing an interface to indirectly access the internal data of the DNN.

Research limitations/implications

Control capability is limited to adjusting a small number of numerical parameters and selecting functional parameters from a predefined list.

Originality/value

The key feature of the toolbox is the possibility of developing an algorithmic semi-automatic selection of activation function parameters based on optimization problem solutions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 June 2020

Brian Matthews, Jamie Daigle and Joy Cooper

The purpose of this study is to validate multiplicative cycle that exists between the job readiness and satisfaction model explored by Matthews et al. (2018), the satisfaction and…

2873

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to validate multiplicative cycle that exists between the job readiness and satisfaction model explored by Matthews et al. (2018), the satisfaction and performance paradigmatic nuances analyzed by Judge et al. (2001) and Gu and Chi (2009), in addition to the expectancy model theorized by Vroom (1964). The motivation to transfer learning serves as a conveyable variable transmitted within a learning continuum that sustains cyclical outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

An archetype to explore the connection between the three hypothesized theories is created through a neural network program. Exploring this connection develops deeper understandings of the derivatives of employee motivation as it pertains to its effect on readiness, satisfaction, performance and achievement dyads. A detailed analysis of the literature leads to the hypothesis that the motivation to transfer learning creates a multiplicative effect among hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The neural network program scaffolds the proposed general belief that positive effects of transfer motives cause a cyclical effect that continues to perpetuate among hypothesized dyads. Conversely, if this motivation decreases or ceases among one or more dyads, the cyclical effect will retract and, eventually stop.

Originality/value

Based on the neurologic outcome, one central theme emerged: managers must offer opportunities to acquire knowledge through assistive mechanisms (i.e. training) by providing external stability through controlled channels that activates the motivation to transfer learning into new opportunities. The transference of this knowledge produces reconstructive growth opportunities through continuous learning thus increasing performance.

目的

本研究的目的、除了驗證弗魯姆 (Vroom) (1964) 建立的「期望模型」理論外,也去驗證存在於工作準備就緒與馬修斯等人 (Matthews et al.) (2018) 所探索的滿足感模型之間的倍增週期,及質治等人 (Judge et al.) (2001) 和池 (Gu & Chi) (2009) 所分析的滿足感及表現之範式細微差別。學習轉移的動機作為一個被傳送至學習漸變體內的可輸送變量而運作,而這個學習漸變體是會維持週期性的輸出的。

研究設計/方法/理念

透過神經網絡程序,創造一個用以探索這三個假設性理論之間的關係的原型。探究這些關係,會使我們更能深入了解僱員動機的衍生品,因這涉及僱員動機對準備就緒、滿足感、表現及功績二元體的影響。仔細分析文獻帶出了一個假設,就是: 學習轉移的動機會在各假設的關係裏創造一個倍增的效果。

研究結果

這個神經網絡程序續步闡釋了一個被倡議的普遍觀念,那就是轉移動機的正面影響會帶來一個在假設性的二元體中會繼續持續下去的週期性效應。相反地,如果這動機在一個或多個二元體中減弱或停止,這週期性效應將會撤回及最終停止。

研究的原創性/價值

基於神經病學的結果,一個核心主題浮現了, 就是:管理人員必須提供透過輔助機制 (就是說:培訓) 而獲取知識的機會。方法是給會引發把學習轉為新機會的動機之受控渠道、提供外在穩定性。這知識的轉移,透過不斷學習而創造重建的成長,表現因而得以提升。

Details

European Journal of Management and Business Economics, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2444-8451

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2015

Scarlat Emil and Virginia Mărăcine

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how tacit and explicit knowledge determine grey knowledge and how these are stimulated through interactions within networks, forming the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how tacit and explicit knowledge determine grey knowledge and how these are stimulated through interactions within networks, forming the grey hybrid intelligent systems (HISs). The feedback processes and mechanisms between internal and external knowledge determine the apparition of grey knowledge into an intelligent system (IS). The extension of ISs is determined by the ubiquity of the internet but, in our framework, the grey knowledge flows assure the viability and effectiveness of these systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Some characteristics of the Hybrid Intelligent Knowledge Systems are put forward along with a series of models of hybrid computational intelligence architectures. More, relevant examples from the literature related to the hybrid systems architectures are presented, underlying their main advantages and disadvantages.

Findings

Due to the lack of a common framework it remains often difficult to compare the various HISs conceptually and evaluate their performance comparatively. Different applications in different areas are needed for establishing the best combinations between models that are designed using grey, fuzzy, neural network, genetic, evolutionist and other methods. But all these systems are knowledge dependent, the main flow that is used in all parts of every kind of system being the knowledge. Grey knowledge is an important part of the real systems and the study of its proprieties using the methods and techniques of grey system theory remains an important direction of the researches.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the differences among the three types of knowledge and how they and the grey systems theory can be used in different hybrid architectures.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 March 2008

Christine Wycisk, Bill McKelvey and Michael Hülsmann

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze whether supply networks may be validly treated as complex adaptive systems (CAS). Finding this to be true, the paper turns into…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyze whether supply networks may be validly treated as complex adaptive systems (CAS). Finding this to be true, the paper turns into the latest concerns of complexity science like Pareto distributions to explain well‐known phenomena of extreme events in logistics, like the bullwhip effect. It aims to introduce a possible solution to handle these effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is a comparative analysis of current literature in the fields of logistics and complexity science. The discussion of CAS in supply networks is updated to include recent complexity research on power laws, non‐linear dynamics, extreme events, Pareto distribution, and long tails.

Findings

Based on recent findings of complexity science, the paper concludes that it is valid to call supply networks CAS. It then finds that supply networks are vulnerable to all the nonlinear and extreme dynamics found in CAS within the business world. These possible outcomes have to be considered in supply network management. It is found that the use of a neural network model could work to manage these new challenges.

Practical implications

Since, smart parts are the future of logistics systems, managers need to worry about the combination of human and smart parts, resulting design challenges, the learning effects of interacting smart parts, and possible exacerbation of the bullwhip effect. In doing so, the paper suggests several options concerning the design and management of supply networks.

Originality/value

The novel contribution of this paper lies in its analysis of supply networks from a new theoretical approach: complexity science, which the paper updates. It enhances and reflects on existing attempts in this field to describe supply networks as CAS through the comprehensive theoretical base of complexity science. More specifically, it suggests the likely vulnerability to extreme outcomes as the “parts” in supply networks become smarter. The paper also suggests different ways of using a neural network approach for their management – depending on how smart the logistics parts actually are.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

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