Browsing by Department "Department of Architecture"
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Item 100 years of built environment: Societal transformation affecting the visibility of architecture in Finnish Defense Forces 1917-2017(2018) Merinen, Jenni; Lapintie, Kimmo; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Department of Architecture; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Lapintie, KimmoIn this work I discuss the transformation of the societal power-status of the Finnish Defense Forces as the function of military architectures’s visibility between 1917-2017. The goal of the study is to address, how architecture and its existing visibility as a part of societal reality and transformation is affecting the national power status of an institution—in this case the Finnish Military Forces. The main research questions are (1) How does architecture affect the power status of an institution inside a society and what is the role of an overall visibility in this relation? (2) Are the traditionally accepted theories concerning architecture as communication still essentially valid in the transformed societal conditions, where everything from transportation to maintaining of social relationships has drastically changed along with technological development? (3) And ultimately how conscious planners and users are of their rights and responsibilities concerning the conveyed power-relation in built environment? As a theoretical base I use the studies of Michel Foucault and the social constructivist paradigm of social-psychology. Also media research and visual communication theories are applied here. The main methods include interviews, surveys, observations and existing literature. In the core of Foucault’s power theory is power a relation, not as an attribute and its inseparable connection to knowledge and its construction. Based on these, the role of built environment in regard to the execution of power is twofold: it simultaneously targets power through spatial restrictions and possibilities, and creates legitimacy to the institution of which the building is a representation of. However, due to the dramatic societal transformation of past few decades, I question the uncritical application of Foucault’s theories to modern society. It seems, though, that the societal role of Finnish Defense Forces has not changed in relation to the decline of architectural visibility, as their public image is being created widely in other medias (especially social media). As well, the physical role of architecture as the conveyor of power has not changed. Instead, the societal role and meaning of architecture seems to have decreased due to the presented societal changes (transportation, media, lifestyle, technology). The thesis aims to open discussion concerning the possibilities of an architect and architecture to affect the social, cultural, governmental and societal values and traditions. Architecture’s visual-psychological means are generally insufficiently acknowledged, which prohibits the possibilities of an individual to assess the actors affecting one’s behavior and emotions. As a result architecture is being used to convey power often without planners and users even being aware of it. The issue is being proposed to be corrected through the education and societal participation of architects.Item The 1950s and 1960s Modern Home : Magazines as research material(2021-08-11) Sanaksenaho, Pirjo; Department of ArchitectureItem 20 vuotta 10 kilpailua Suomessa - Europan, kansainvälisen arkkitehtuurikilpailun toiminnan vaikuttavuus Suomessa(Aalto University, 2016) Virta, Katja; Krokfors, Karin; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Department of Architecture; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Huttunen, HannuItem 3D dataset of a twisted bending-active beam element digitized using structure-from-motion photogrammetry(Elsevier, 2024-06) Janiszewski, Mateusz; Elmas, Serenay; Markou, Athanasios A.; Jaaranen, Joonas; Filz, Günther H.; Department of Civil Engineering; Department of Architecture; Mineral Based Materials and Mechanics; Structures – Structural Engineering, Mechanics and ComputationThe current work presents the generation of a comprehensive spatial dataset of a lightweight beam element composed of four twisted plywood strips, achieved through the application of Structure-from-Motion (SfM) - Multi-view Stereo (MVS) photogrammetry techniques in controlled laboratory conditions. The data collection process was meticulously conducted to ensure accuracy and precision, employing scale bars of varying lengths. The captured images were then processed using photogrammetric software, leading to the creation of point clouds, meshes, and texture files. These data files represent the 3D model of the beam at different mesh sizes (raw, high-poly, medium-poly, and low-poly), adding a high level of detail to the 3D visualization. The dataset holds significant reuse potential and offers essential resources for further studies in numerical modeling, simulations of complex structures, and training machine learning algorithms. This data can also serve as validation sets for emerging photogrammetry methods and form-finding techniques, especially ones involving large deformations and geometric nonlinearities, particularly within the structural engineering field.Item Aalto ́s Finnish followers and the natural form(Alvar Aalto Museum, 2012) Vesikansa, Kristo; Department of Architecture; Pettersson, Susanna; Summanen, TomiItem Aalto through the Young Utzon's Eyes: The Role of Alvar Aalto in developing the Artistic Maturity of Jørn Utzon(2020) Niskanen, Aino; Chiu, Chen-Yu; Kılınçer, Nur; Department of Architecture; Bilkent UniversityThis article, as the first of this kind, explores the relationship between two Nordic master architects, Alvar Aalto and Jørn Utzon, with a focus on the role of Aalto in young Utzon’s architectural career. As a great admirer of Aalto, Utzon not only worked with Aalto but also studied Aalto’s work in great detail. Based on the evidence found in archive collections and comparative analyses of their design projects, the authors argue that the influence of Aalto played an important role in the maturity of Utzon’s architectural philosophy and design, especially seen in various courtyard housing schemes, the Sydney Opera House and his thematic approach to design encapsulated in the “Platforms and Plateaus” manifesto.Item Aalto University Undergraduate Centre(IOS Press, 2016-08-22) Raike, Antti; Ahlava, Antti; Tuomi, Teemu; Skyttä, Pauliina; Verma, Ira; Department of Architecture; Architects NRT; Petrie, Helen; Darzentas, Jenny; Walsh, Tanja; Swallow, David; Sandoval, Leonardo; Lewis, Andrew; Power, ChristopherThe main building of the former Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) designed by Alvar Aalto is part of the cultural heritage in Finland. The building underwent a major renovation in 2011–2015 and has now become an awarded Undergraduate Centre for the modern interdisciplinary education of Aalto University. This paper presents how the architectural masterpiece from the 1960's was renovated and updated into a modern and accessible university building. Particular attention was paid for entering the building by wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. The successful renovation was awarded in 2015 by the ‘Esteetön Suomi -palkinto’ (Accessible Finland Award), given every two years as a mark of recognition to activities or locations implementing the principles of accessibility and Universal Design for all on a broad scale and in a nationally significant way.Item Aalto University Undergraduate Centre. Protected Alvar Aalto building awarded for accessibility after renovation(Aalto University, 2016) Raike, Antti; Ahlava, Antti; Tuomi, Teemu; Skyttä, Pauliina; Verma, Ira; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Department of Architecture; Kampuspalvelut; Campus Services; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Palvelut; ServicesThe main building of the former Helsinki University of Technology (TKK) designed by Alvar Aalto is part of the cultural heritage in Finland. The building underwent a major renovation in 2011–2015 and has now become an awarded Undergraduate Centre for the modern interdisciplinary education of Aalto University. This paper presents how the architectural masterpiece from the 1960’s was renovated and updated into a modern and accessible university building. Particular attention was paid for entering the building by wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs. The successful renovation was awarded in 2015 by the ‘Esteetön Suomi -palkinto’ (Accessible Finland Award), given every two years as a mark of recognition to activities or locations implementing the principles of accessibility and universal design for all on a broad scale and in a nationally significant way.Item Aalto-yliopiston Energiatehokas townhouse -tutkimushankkeen vuosiraportti 2014(Aalto University, 2014) Kuittinen, Matti (toimittaja); Moinel, Caroline (graafikko); Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Department of Architecture; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and ArchitectureItem Access to Services in Rural Areas from the Point of View of Older Population: A Case Study in Finland(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2019-12) Verma, Ira; Taegen, Jonna-Sarianne; Department of ArchitectureIndependence and having control over one’s own life are important factors for residential satisfaction. In rural areas, the mobility of people is based on owning a private car, due to the lack of public transport. Furthermore, planning in rural municipalities is highly car oriented. Small municipalities with shrinking and aging populations have many challenges to ensure access to services for their residents. This paper focuses on a case study of a small municipality with less than 2000 inhabitants. The objective of the study was to enhance sustainable change in shrinking rural areas and maintain them as good places to live even in the future. Access to local services and social activities is a major challenge for older people, who no longer have the possibility to use their own car. The problem with relocation is the lack of suitable apartments for older people. A dense and walkable municipal centre with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Moreover, in Finland, second homeowners are an important resource for small municipalities. Spaces for social intercourse between residents and between permanent residents and second homeowners may enhance vitality and community building in these municipalities.Item Adaptive reuse of Hanasaari power plant B(2019) Wang, Xin; Marila, Sasu; Department of Architecture; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Summanen, MikkoAdaptive reuse of buildings has generally accompanied the development of human civilization, from the Roman Empire plundering of constructions in conquered territories to the occupation of pagan architecture during the Christian period, from the pursuit of the beauty of antiquity in the Renaissance to the study and discussion about the authenticity and value of architectural heritage in the 19th century by the scholars from various disciplines including art history, archaeology and philosophy.etc. The pioneers have developed the architectural heritage conservation into a complete, sophisticated and precise discipline. Today, when reusing the emerging architectural heritage, technical and social sustainability need to be fully considered as well in addition to the research and preservation of the values. In this thesis, the subject of reuse is the Hanasaari Power Plant B designed by architect Timo Penttilä located in the Kalasatama area on the eastern side of Helsinki. Because of the development of the HELEN Company’s transition to clean energy, the large-scale plant that generates electricity and heat by fuel is about to be shut down in 2024. For the power plant building, the architect used the excellent composition of masses, precise modular design, elegant facade rhythm, and material selection to subvert the image of traditional industrial architecture and make the power plant an icon of Finnish modernist architecture in the 1970s. Therefore, even if the age of the power plant is not sufficient to be a legacy, its architectural value is worth protecting. Meanwhile, Kalasatama area is planning to be a new modern urban area in the future, Hanasaari Power Plant B should act as an anchor to connect the past to display the history and memory of the area. For this industrial buildings group in the city, the thinking of this thesis bases on the protection of the values of the Hanasaari Power Plant B, which reflect in its appearance, the enormous interior space and structure and the industrial atmosphere in the architectural group. Through urban design, the introduction of new functions and the reorganization of space and structure, the isolated area of the city would be integrated into the developing city fabric. Moreover, this industrial heritage would be involved in society and peoples’ life.Item Additive Manufacturing in the Construction Industry: The Comparative Competitiveness of 3D Concrete Printing(Springer International Publishing AG, 2021-05-01) Haghighat Khajavi, Siavash; Tetik, Müge; Mohite, Ashish; Peltokorpi, Antti; Li, Minyang; Weng, Yiwei; Holmström, Jan; Department of Industrial Engineering and Management; Department of Civil Engineering; Department of Architecture; Structures – Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation; Nanyang Technological UniversityThe construction industry is facing increasing pressure to improve productivity and decrease its environmental impact. Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, especially three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) technology, have provided many benefits for construction. However, holistic comparative studies of the competitiveness of 3DCP and conventional methods, from cost and time perspectives, are lacking. Choosing between the methods is difficult for practitioners. In this study, we investigated the current state of 3DCP in the construction industry using seven distinct scenarios. Our analysis was performed to illustrate the impact of design and supply chain configurations on performance. The results prove the notable competitiveness of 3DCP. In contrast to the conventional construction method, the more complex round design had a positive impact on the cost and process time in 3DCP scenarios. Additionally, we show that on-site 3DCP using a robotic arm was more cost-effective than off-site 3DCP.Item Advancing Low-Emission Urban Design Through Parametric Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment(Wichmann Verlag, 2024) Hermansdorfer, Mariusz; Oettinger, Christian; Skov-Petersen, Hans; Fricker, Prof. Dr. Pia; Negendahl, Kristoffer; Department of Architecture; University of Copenhagen; Henning Larsen Architects; Technical University of DenmarkThis research paper presents the development and application of Urban Decarb, a parametric tool based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) designed to integrate carbon knowledge into the early stages of urban development to guide low emission design. By modelling key components of urban fabric and utilizing the visual programming environment of Grasshopper, Urban Decarb provides a dynamic platform for comparing the carbon footprint of various urban design scenarios. Case studies from Fælledby and Aarhus Sydhavn (DK) illustrate the tool's utility, showing significant reductions in Global Warming Potential (GWP) through material innovation, reuse of existing infrastructure, and holistic design strategies. A novel approach introduced in this study is the use of carbon goggles, a conceptual visualization method aiding in identifying high-carbon elements within existing urban infrastructure, thus informing sustainable redevelopment strategies. These insights reflect the importance of incorporating sustainability from the outset of urban planning to create low-carbon cities. The paper calls for integrating such tools into broader urban planning and policy-making processes, underscoring the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration for the advancement of urban sustainability.Item The aesthetics and architecture of care environments : a Q methodological study of ten care environments in Japan and the European countries of Finland, Sweden, the UK, France and Austria(Aalto University, 2019) Ståhlberg-Aalto, Freja; Vauramo, Erkki, Prof., Aalto University, Sotera Institute, Finland; Kjisik, Hennu, Prof., University of Oulu, Finland; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Department of Architecture; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Sanaksenaho, Pirjo, Prof., Aalto University, Department of Architecture, FinlandThis study explores the aesthetic dimensions of the care environment as experienced by the users and stakeholders of ten case studies in Japan and the European countries of Finland, Sweden, the UK, France and Austria. The evaluation of the built environment in a comprehensive manner is both challenging and topical. The surrounding environment influences us in a multitude of ways and healthcare buildings, in particular, are complicated and their effects on the users difficult to estimate. To overcome these problems the study applies experimental Q methodology for this context in search of a new way of evaluating care environments. The aims are to increase our understanding of care environment aesthetics and architecture, and thus contribute to the design of future care buildings that fulfil the values and expectations of the users. In previous research, first-hand user experiences have been overlooked in favour of comparing medical reports, survey questionnaires or environmental features, thereby leaving many of the underlying reasons unaccounted for. The aesthetic is often reduced to the appearance of things, assessed by random respondents reacting to photographs. This study instead approaches the aesthetics of care environments in a holistic manner, founded in the multisensory experience of architecture, and affected by contextual, social and functional considerations. The study compares different types of healthcare buildings; hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres and facilities for the elderly, by asking users and stakeholders to react to their actual environment. Differences are explored in the aesthetic definitions and solutions of the different building types, the cultural contexts and the user groups. In a broader sense, the study touches on the role of care environment aesthetics in users’ perceptions of wellbeing and quality of life. To operationalize this framework, a Q methodological study was conducted on ten case studies in Japan and five European countries. Q methodology is a qualitative method used for systematically analysing human subjectivity. In accordance with Q methodology, I invited 45 respondents – including patients and residents, family members and visitors, care staff, administration and architects – to arrange a set of 48 statements describing the aesthetic features of the care environment on a scale of preference. These preferences were statistically analysed, identifying five aesthetic discourses: the ‘putting patients first’ (ADI), the Nightingale discourse (ADII), the nature – wellbeing – personalization (ADIII), the ‘my home is my castle’ (ADIV) and the rational wayfinding system (ADV). The findings show that although some aesthetic values and solutions stem from building type specific and cultural considerations and that they reflect users’ and stakeholders’ backgrounds, there also exist shared aesthetic values that transcend the specific. A set of consensus statements was uncovered revealing aesthetic preferences shared by all discourses. As a synthesis, best-practice features are put forward as lessons learnt from the case studies. In the future, reconciliation between the various aesthetic discourses is called for in order to respect the values of all stakeholders and users.Item Aesthetics in care environments : the Japanese experience(Aalto University, 2013) Ståhlberg-Aalto, Freja; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Department of Architecture; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and ArchitectureItem Ageing and Inclusion in Rural Areas(2021-06-04) Verma, Ira; Taegen, Jonna; Department of Architecture; Verma, IraThis paper is presenting a research and development project related to areas with decreasing and ageing population. The focus of the study is on housing and the inclusion of older people in rural communities. The case study method was implemented in three shrinking municipalities in remote areas. The population loss in small ageing municipalities is affecting the number of local services as well as access to public transport. Most people 75 years old and older live in owner occupied single-family houses. The accessibility renovations of these houses for low-income older residents are challenging. Strategic long-term concepts are needed to improve the housing for older people and the urban quality of small municipal centers. Initiatives focusing on wellbeing and social cohesion are needed to enable people to remain living in rural areas in the future. Actions related to planning and services for the older population should contribute to social cohesion within the community. A dense and walkable municipal center with accessible apartments may help municipalities provide for their older populations. Future developments need to be based on resource efficiency and an intergenerational approach to keep these municipalities good places to live.Item Agent based modelling of a local energy market: A study of the economic interactions between autonomous pv owners within a micro-grid(MDPI AG, 2021-04) Lovati, Marco; Huang, Pei; Olsmats, Carl; Yan, Da; Zhang, Xingxing; Department of Architecture; Dalarna University; Tsinghua UniversityUrban Photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide large fractions of the residential electric demand at socket parity (i.e., a cost below the household consumer price). This is obtained without necessarily installing electric storage or exploiting tax funded incentives. The benefits of aggregating the electric demand and renewable output of multiple households are known and established; in fact, regulations and pilot energy communities are being implemented worldwide. Financing and managing a shared urban PV system remains an unsolved issue, even when the profitability of the system as a whole is demonstrable. For this reason, an agent-based modelling environment has been developed and is presented in this study. It is assumed that an optimal system (optimized for self-sufficiency) is shared between 48 households in a local grid of a positive energy district. Different scenarios are explored and discussed, each varying in number of owners (agents who own a PV system) and their pricing behaviour. It has been found that a smaller number of investors (i.e., someone refuse to join) provokes an increase of the earnings for the remaining investors (from 8 to 74% of the baseline). Furthermore, the pricing strategy of an agent shows improvement potential without knowledge of the demand of others, and thus it has no privacy violations.Item Aging Neighborhood and Social Inclusion: A Case Study(IOS PRESS, 2022-09-02) Verma, Ira; Department of Architecture; Garofolo, Ilaria; Bencini, Giulia; Arenghi, AlbertoCurrently, in Finland approximately one fifth of the population live in the neighborhoods built in the 1960s and 1970s. The built environment is aging, and at the same time the share of the oldest resident cohorts is growing. The neighborhood built environment and social cohesion become important for vulnerable groups, such as older people, who spend a lot of their time at home and in the surroundings. Urban densification and renewal of the old neighborhoods need to take into consideration the local population structure, their needs for the physical and social environment. This paper presents an ongoing case study. The objective was to recognize the meaningful spaces for inclusive social activities in the neighborhood, focusing on aging residents. Qualitative and mixed methods were used to study older people’s lived experiences and their relation to the neighborhood. The case study neighborhood is undergoing an important urban development process. A new service hub, with commercial and public services as wellas a new metro station, is attracting seniors to move to the area. As most activities are concentrated in the new service hub, access to local services become more difficult for vulnerable groups. The spaces for informal social encounters within the neighborhood are getting fewer and more people of all ages are living in one-person households than previously. To build socially sustainable communities, the integration of all resident groups is important. Successful urban transformation benefits new residents, but also include current residents. The densification and renovation taking into account Universal Design principles can support the vitality, social cohesion, and attractiveness of a neighborhood.Item Agricola Academy(2019) Naumann, Blake; Kotnik, Toni; Department of Architecture; Arkkitehtuurin laitos; Taiteiden ja suunnittelun korkeakoulu; School of Arts, Design and Architecture; Sanaksenaho, PirjoItem AI as a Collaborative Partner in Landscape Form-finding(Wichmann Verlag, 2024) Tan, Chuheng; Zhong, Ximing; Fricker, Prof. Dr. Pia; Department of Architecture; Architectural Association School of ArchitectureThis study introduces an AI-assisted workflow for wind simulation in landscape form-finding. It can rapidly deliver a series of design options within designers' predefined constraints, each detailed with wind indicators. Integrating AI to detect subtle environmental changes and align with designers' intuitive decisions, this research fosters a collaborative paradigm between landscape architects and AI, aiming to shift from physics engine simulations to employing real-time AI simulations for rapidly aiding designers in the form-finding process in landscape design.
