Interactive morphologies: An investigation into integrated nodal networks and embedded computation processes for developing real-time responsive spatial systems

The design-research illustrated in this research article focus on the emerging field of interactive architecture focusing on developing real-time information exchanging architectural bodies. These interactive bodies demonstrate a fusion between the material, the electronic and the digital domains. This fusion is explicitly attained through a synergistic merger between the fields of ambient sensing, control systems, ubiquitous computing, architectural design, pneumatic systems and computation. The resultant spatial bodies are thus visualised as complex adaptive systems, continually engaged in activities of data-exchange resulting in physical and ambient adaptations of their constituting components in response to contextual variations. Interdependent nodal networks, where every node/junction of a spatial prototype becomes a potential information hub by means of its ability to collect, process and communicate contextual data apart from working as an actuated detail owing to its ability to kinetically re-position itself in three-dimensional space is thus a critical outcome of this inter-disciplinary way of working. A strategy apt for binding material logistics with the digital to materialize dynamic spatial behaviours owing to real time data exchange between the prototypes and their context is thus embarked upon via three research and design projects, namely: Electronic Media Augmented Spatial Skins, The InteractiveWall and the Muscle Re-configured.     

A Ti L3,2 - and K- edge XANES and EXAFS study on Fe3+ - substituted CaCu3Ti4O12

The electronic structures of stoichiometric, single phase, coarse-grained CaCu_3-xTi_4-xFe_2xO₁₂ (x?=?0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7) polycrystalline ceramics have been investigated using powerful X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopic measurements, performed near Ti L_3,2 and Ti K- edges, registered at 300?K. The absence of pre-edge structures in Ti L_3,2 – edge are indicative of a departure from octahedral cubic symmetry, while the observed small increase in the intensity of absorption peaks has been attributed to increasing spin-orbital coupling with increasing Fe-content (x) in the system. The presence of a pre-edge feature in Ti K- edge spectra confirms the presence of octahedrally coordinated Ti⁴⁺ ions in the system. The EXAFS spectra measured at Ti K- edge indicate the first shell Ti—O bond distances to be nearly 1.56?Å in the sample without Fe. With the increase in the Fe- concentration (x), the Ti-O distance shows a slight reduction. The second shell Ti-Ca bond distance comes out to be nearly 2.6?Å which decreases with an increase in the Fe - concentration.     

First observation of reversible mechanochromism and chromaticity study on calcium–copper–titanate

First ever intriguing reversible mechanochromism espied in and chromaticity study on polycrystalline CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ composition milled up to 16 hours are reported. The composition changes its color from blackish-brown (un-milled sample)-reddish-brown (1 hours milled sample)- heina-green (6 hours milled sample)-spinach-green (16 hours milled sample) mainly due to the phase separation and corresponding change in band-gap energy on milling. The UV-Vis spectra show three observable absorption edges correspond to , , and _, d_yz transitions. A marked mechanochromic effect with crystallite size reduction is explained in the light of the difference in the site group symmetry of CuO₄ and ligand-metal charge transfer coupled with Cu²⁺ d-d transitions. The observed mechanochromism is reflected and well supported by photoluminescence spectral analysis. CIE chromaticity coordinates are located in the light blue region for an un-milled sample and violet color region for 6 hours milled sample. The profound correlation between the structural and optical properties has been revealed.     

From smart to empathic cities

This paper acknowledges the contemporary neoliberal mode of operation of Smart Cities. The pitfalls of Smart Cities concerning its propensity towards techno-centric and efficiency-focused governance are identified, with diminutive emphasis on social equity and human-centric urban growth. Thus, the paper elaborates upon an alternative mode of person-environment-interaction based approach towards placemaking: Empathic Cities. This approach implies embracing a shift from efficiency to sufficiency and wellbeing embedded regenerative perspective for conceiving the built environment. First, the variable dimensions of urban growth and governance, which gave rise to the smart city, are contextualized. The embedded neoliberal operational agenda of smart cities are established. On this basis, the underpinnings of an empathic city are established by acknowledging the shift from technocentric to human-centric and from product-based to context-based smart city and wellbeing perspectives. Strategies toward urban development are proposed, such as embracing a regenerative perspective wherein the city and its constituents need to be understood as interdependent systemic elements while embracing a human-centric and ethical approach. Additionally, a transition from efficiency to sufficiency-oriented practices and a shift towards inclusive modes of participatory governance are proposed as fundamental principles for an empathic future of the built environment.     

Creativity in ArchitecturemA Review on Effective Parameters Correlated with Creativity in Architectural Design

Human civilization can be ameliorated by human creativity. Innovation and progress of human civilization result from a change in our thinking patterns, thus, potentially transforming the present into a creative future. Accentuating the role of creativity in design even more than other disciplines pushes one to underpin the understanding of creativity as a key role player in architecture. Furthermore, by identifying the basic principles of our ingenuity/creativity, researchers might be able to enhance this ability in the future. A key point in ＂creativity＂ is the role of previously gained experiences, which cause expanding the inventory of experiences. According to accepted def＇mition in different disciplines, creativity is no more than new combinations of previous ideas. The paper explores different effectual parameters correlated with creativity in architectural design including notion of conceptual blending, improbabilist and impossibilist creativity, tolerance of ambiguity and its correlation with creativity and creativity aided tools and interfaces. At the end, we suggest necessary experiments to obtain empirical results for some speculations that are discussed in the paper. Also, practical approaches will be suggested to apply the results in pedagogy of architecture.