Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning

The Mapping of Sensemaking Territories Through Physical and Social Media: A Case of the Historical Bazaar of Kemeraltı, Izmir

2024-10-05T12:13:13+07:00

The paper aims to analyze and make visible the intertwined layers of a palimpsest territory, such as the historical bazaar of Kemeraltı in Izmir, Turkey, through the lens of architecture students concerning their perceptions of producing Instagrammable visual data to influence and attract the prospective visitors and to compensate the lack of interest in the bazaar as mentioned by local institutions. Through this analysis, we also aim to conduct a methodological experiment that recognizes social media as a cognitive tool by combining digital and physical representations. The study encompasses a one-month workshop for students of the visualization in an elective architecture course. The technique of theme-based cognitive mapping both in the space of places and the space of flows in Manuel Castells’ sense was utilized to investigate how the students perceive the historical and socio-cultural qualities of the region through different realms. The workshop briefs were accompanied by Instagram hashtag research and the design of visual journals, consisting of the photographs and videos taken by the students to share their influencer/sensemaker routes specific to the selected themes. The students tailored various influencer/sensemaker roles and generated place-based scenarios in combination with the themes. Ultimately, Kemeraltı’s multifaceted genius could be reflected on cognitive and sensory grounds through digital and physical cognitive maps, social media journals, and analyses. It was observed that the students could integrate the intersubjective character of the readily presented data on social media into the subjective and authentic character of the data produced mindfully on the site.

Comparative Analysis of Form and Compass Schools in Feng Shui Architecture

2024-10-24T12:47:17+07:00

This study examines the relationship between different approaches to Feng Shui architecture, beginning with the origin of Feng Shui architecture in the Zhou and Qin Dynasties and the influence of Confucianism and Daoism. We then compare the Form and Compass Schools of Feng Shui architecture, providing insights into the design principles and spatial form analysis of traditional courtyard houses in Chaoshan and Beijing, China. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of Confucianist and Daoist principles in architectural practices and identifies their design criteria, safety factors, and sustainability aspects. DepthmapX software was used to analyze spaces of social interactions in Beijing courtyard houses, revealing the dynamics of social interactions within the architectural layout. The Compass School, which incorporates bāguà and bāzì, gained prominence in the early Republic of China due to its incorporation of bāzì and more systematic analyses. Both the Chaoshan and Beijing courtyard houses follow Confucianist principles but differ in their execution approaches. The Chaoshan house design aims for a single balanced environment, whereas Beijing houses use multiple layers of balance and incorporate secondary walls and entrances to combat harsh winter climates. The Compass School's use of Yin and Yang, along with the Five Elements, employs energetically aligned spaces that promote well-being and harmony, a concept less emphasized in the Form School.

Otherness, Belonging, and Production of Space: The Case of Amenity Migration in Fethiye, Türkiye

2023-11-10T15:21:33+07:00

The article delves into the intricate dynamics of amenity migration and rural gentrification, investigating the challenges that arise when residents and newcomers encounter. Amenity migration, which occurs when individuals relocate to an area in search of desirable features, often leads to rural gentrification. This process involves economic and social changes brought about by the arrival of wealthier residents. While amenity migration can bring economic advantages, it also presents difficulties such as displacement and cultural transformations within the community. The study recognizes the concept of "otherness" is introduced to shed light on potential cultural and social conflicts between amenity migrants and the existing community. With a specific focus on British immigrants in Fethiye, Türkiye, the research aims to unravel how these immigrants establish connections with the place. It explores whether they identify themselves as locals or tourists and examines their sense of belonging within the spatial context. In order to comprehend the relational generation of distinctiveness based on person and place attributes in connection with relevant entities, the decision-tree method is employed. Moreover, an ANOVA matrix is used to recognize the most effective decision mechanisms among spatial and demographic attributes.

Evolving Urban Landscape: Colonial Influences and Selective Modernity in Sam Phraeng Shophouses and Aristocratic Palaces During King Rama V's Reign

2024-10-01T10:16:50+07:00

This study examines the architectural and urban transformation of Sam Phraeng, a historic Bangkok precinct, during King Rama V's reign (1868-1910). Employing Maurizio Peleggi's concept of 'Selective Modernity' and Iderlina B. Mateo-Babiano's work on urban space transformation, the research investigates modernity in an area near the Grand Palace considering historical restrictions on foreign residences.

The study notes that Western-style architecture near the Grand Palace was primarily limited to government offices, contrasting with areas like Northern Charoen Krung Road, which was developed as a foreign residential and commercial district since the late King Rama IV's reign. Against this backdrop, it explores Sam Phraeng’s unique development through historical document analysis, architectural typology, comparative analysis, and socio-economic context examination.

The research reveals Sam Phraeng’s evolution from a royal enclave to a vibrant commercial and cultural hub, reflecting broader societal changes while maintaining proximity to traditional power centers. The architectural landscape, particularly shophouses in Phraeng Nara and Phraeng Phuthon, showcases a blend of colonial design elements with local techniques and aesthetics.

This study contributes to understanding how non-colonized nations like Siam navigated the pressures of modernity, selectively adopting foreign elements while preserving cultural identity. Sam Phraeng’s architectural and urban evolution offers insights into the complex processes of engagement with modernity, urbanization, and cultural adaptation in late 19th-century Siam, highlighting nuanced development approaches near traditional power seats.

The Development of a Well-Being Environment and Age-Friendly Communities Assessment Criteria Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process: A Case of Thailand

2024-09-22T20:14:54+07:00

Assessment tools that promote well-being, widely used internationally, often focus on general populations, and lack specific indicators for older individuals, whose environmental needs differ from the general population. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to reviewing and selecting indicators necessary for creating community environments that enhance not only the well-being of people in general but also age-friendliness. The approach aligns with international standards while catering to the specific needs of Thailand. A methodology was employed to identify minimum standard indicators, carefully selected by a panel of 15 qualified experts from various fields. Subsequently, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique was used to establish a weighting system among relevant main and sub-categories.

The results indicated that the weight values of the 11 main categories and 43 criteria differ from international well-being community assessment tools because Thailand's Well-being Environment and Age-Friendly Community (ThaiWBAFC) must balance both well-being and age-friendly indicators. The main categories with the highest weights are (1) air quality (17.48%), (2) drinking water quality (17.38%), and (3) healthy food environment (15.47%). Additionally, it was found that indicators for older individuals should differ from those for other age groups due to factors such as age, physical health decline, income levels, literacy levels, and societal changes, resulting in different environmental needs. The experts recommended adding more indicators and eliminating inappropriate ones, such as those that need complex technology. Local government agencies in developing countries can benefit from using these criteria for self-assessment and improving the community's environment for older individuals.

Development of a 3D Online System for Comparative Study of Architectural Elements in Thai Stupas

2024-10-01T11:02:59+07:00

Understanding architectural names and semantics is essential for studying historical sites. New educational media in 3D and 2D formats, available online and offline, supports this by using specific buildings to illustrate shapes, positions, and proportions along with names and semantics. This approach works well for initial education, but in-depth study requires comparing architectural elements to identify similarities and differences. Today, comparative learning is recognized as an effective method for enhancing understanding. Therefore, this research focuses on developing a 3D online system for studying the names and semantics of architectural elements in Thai stupas and their architectural elements. The system features a multi-dimensional database and a real-time interactive online interface. It includes the ability to simultaneously view and compare up to three stupa models, enhancing comparative analysis and facilitating a comprehensive understanding of architectural variations. The system is tested using stupas from the Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai, and Kamphaeng Phet Historical Parks to help users appreciate Thai historical sites better. The developed system has been evaluated through teaching experiments, revealing that comparative learning deepens students' understanding. They can predict the names of stupa components, even if they have never seen that particular stupa before, by using the similarities or differences in elements as preliminary information to guess the semantics. Students who participated in the comparative interface were also able to improve their knowledge retention compared to learning with a single 3D interface.