International Journal of Architecture and Urbanism

The Implementation of the Biophilic Architecture in the Design of the Office and Automotive Centers in Surabaya

2025-08-01T05:15:14+07:00

Urban buildings often disconnect occupants from nature, primarily due to the increasing scarcity of land. Many urban planners prioritize economic value, favoring built structures over green spaces, as buildings can accommodate various activities. This disconnection negatively impacts occupants' psychological well-being, depriving them of spaces to relieve stress and fatigue, which can ultimately reduce productivity. To address this issue, the design of office and automotive centers on Basuki Rahmat Street, a high-density area in Surabaya, is proposed to promote an environmentally friendly approach while also addressing the challenges of typical urban development and enhancing the surrounding business district. By applying biophilic design principles, the building aims to foster a strong connection with nature. This strategy not only challenges conventional urban development patterns but also strengthens the district's sustainability and livability. The automotive-related function of the site can be preserved and integrated with natural elements, creating a dynamic and interactive space. This fusion offers occupants a new way to engage with their surroundings while maintaining the site's original character. Additionally, the building is designed with flexible spaces to accommodate the evolving needs of modern urban areas. Ultimately, this project seeks to redefine the relationship between architecture and nature in dense urban settings, offering a sustainable and human-centered solution to the challenges of urbanization.

The Shifting Preferences of Private Outdoor Spaces for Future Healthy Housing

2025-08-01T05:24:33+07:00

Private outdoor spaces were found to have contributed to residents' health and well-being and become an important aspect of achieving a healthy house. The aftermath of the lockdown period changed the behavior of residents and therefore shifted their preferences toward the living environment. This paper examines Indonesian residents' shifting housing preferences on private outdoor spaces post the Covid-19 pandemic, by examining respondents' activities in outdoor spaces during lockdown, and comparing their existing and preferred types and access to the outdoor spaces. This mix of qualitative and quantitative research used online questionnaires to collect data. The analysis was conducted qualitatively by distribution analysis, and quantitatively by comparing mean and standard deviation values. The results of the study show that in general Indonesian residents were dissatisfied with the existing quality of private outdoor space. Modern society in post-pandemic prefers to have more private outdoor spaces (indoor terrace, garden, and front terrace) which can be accessed privately through the inside of the house and linked to common areas like the living room and dining room. The results emphasized the need to improve the quality of residential outdoor space to support a healthy, sustainable, and resilient living environment. This research focuses on the point of view of residents as the end users which will be useful information for stakeholders for residential buildings.

Integration of Green Architecture and Renewable Energy in the Development of Sustainable Tourism Destinations

2025-08-01T05:31:58+07:00

In recent decades, the tourism sector has experienced rapid growth and become a key pillar of the global economy. However, this expansion has often been accompanied by significant environmental degradation, including increased carbon emissions, energy inefficiency, and ecosystem disruption. In response, the integration of green architecture and renewable energy has emerged as a vital strategy for promoting sustainable tourism development. This study aims to examine how these two approaches can be synergistically applied to create environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and socially inclusive tourism destinations. Using a systematic literature review methodology, this research synthesizes findings from scholarly journals, international reports, and conference proceedings published between 2010 and 2025. The analysis focuses on three main dimensions: green architectural strategies in tourism design, the implementation of renewable energy systems such as solar PV and biomass, and the combined environmental, social, and economic impacts of their integration. Results indicate that green architecture contributes significantly to reducing energy consumption by up to 70%, while renewable energy enhances energy independence and lowers operational costs, especially in remote or off-grid destinations. Moreover, community participation in planning and operating these systems fosters local empowerment and sustainability awareness among tourists. The study also reveals existing gaps in the literature, including a lack of quantitative performance metrics and limited exploration of policy and institutional frameworks in developing countries. The findings affirm the relevance of sustainability theory and energy transition frameworks, highlighting the importance of cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration in implementing green solutions. This research contributes a comprehensive conceptual foundation for the design and planning of low-carbon tourism destinations and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, architects, and tourism stakeholders. Ultimately, integrating green architecture and renewable energy is not only feasible but essential in addressing climate challenges and ensuring a resilient and competitive future for global tourism

Embodied Spatial Learning: Enhancing Design Education Through Experiential Pedagogy and Cognitive Engagement

2025-08-01T11:28:43+07:00

Understanding space as an embodied and cognitive construct is fundamental in early architectural and interior design (AnID) education. This study introduces a workshop-based pedagogical model aimed at enhancing spatial sensitivity, representation, and imagination among first-year AnID students. Informed by post-pandemic challenges in design learning, the research integrates experiential activities—such as spatial accessibility, proxemic zones, furniture layout, and public space configuration—into an immersive learning framework. A mixed-methods approach involving 45 students utilized pre- and post-surveys alongside in-depth interviews to evaluate affective and cognitive outcomes. The results indicate significant improvements in spatial cognition, design confidence, and student motivation. These findings support a shift from abstract, theory-only models to embodied learning environments, aligning with neuro-architectural discourse on the multisensory nature of spatial perception. The study affirms that integrating cognitive and physical processes within the design curriculum fosters deeper spatial understanding and creative capacity in foundational design education.

Friendly City, Friendly Urban Space: Public Open Space Integration to Urban Settlement

2025-08-01T21:30:23+07:00

One of the features of a friendly city is the existence of public open spaces. Cities in Indonesia, particularly North Sumatra Province, do not have many good quality public open spaces on a residential scale. This paper aims to explore the criteria and strategies for planning and designing public open spaces that are integrated with the residential environment. This paper consists of three parts. The first part will review the results of research on public open spaces that the author has done in the period 2012 to 2022. The second part describes problems related to public open spaces and settlements, especially in urban areas, with special note on post-pandemic conditions. The final section contains the author's ideas regarding the integration of public open space in settlements, especially in cities in developing countries such as Indonesia. The ideas proposed in this writing would be the basic for implementing a more responsive public open space in a city that lack of urban design tradition.

Rooftop Turbine Ventilator performance for Terrace House in Malaysia

2025-08-05T11:41:54+07:00

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a Rooftop Turbine Ventilator (RTV) in expelling hot air from the attic and reducing heat accumulation in a terraced house in Malaysia. By integrating the RTV with natural ventilation, the system improves indoor air quality and reduces dependency on air-conditioning, consequently lowering energy consumption. The RTV operates as a form of wind-assisted stack ventilation, relying on the pressure difference between indoor and outdoor air to generate airflow through the building's openings. While wind-driven ventilation may be less reliable in densely packed terraced house areas, the stack effect, which requires lower air intakes and taller building heights, is more effective. However, while this stack effect can aid natural ventilation, it can also introduce hot and humid tropical air into the building. Therefore, a balanced design is necessary to manage temperature and humidity effectively. This paper provides a preliminary investigation into the role of RTV in enhancing stack ventilation within a terraced housing unit.

Romancing the River Fringe and the Demise of Malay Settlement

2025-08-05T11:45:35+07:00

Urbanization is a defining trend of the 21st century, with villages and towns merging into larger urban areas at an accelerating pace. This global transformation is particularly evident in developing countries, where the demand for housing is growing amidst rapid urban expansion. Currently, more than half of the world’s population resides in urban areas, and nearly 1,000 urban agglomerations with populations of over 500,000 exist, predominantly in developing nations. The world’s population, currently at 7.6 billion, is projected to grow to between 8.4 and 8.7 billion by 2030, intensifying the need for shelter, especially in urbanizing regions. Traditionally, settlements in developing nations have been located along riverbanks, but these areas are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. This study focuses on the decline of Malay settlements, deeply connected to the river in both cultural and livelihood aspects. The research methodology involves analyzing the morphological changes of settlements over time through historical comparisons, archival research, visual documentation, and mapping tools such as Google Earth. Additionally, CADD drawings were employed to present a detailed visualization of the case study area. The findings suggest that urbanization, combined with natural disasters such as floods, has led to the disintegration of these riverfront communities. The younger generations no longer view the river as a symbol of prosperity, marking a shift in cultural and social dynamics.

The New Trend for A Sustainable Regeneration of Built Environment: Green Solutions and Digital Twin for Human Centres Design and Well-Being

2025-08-05T11:37:52+07:00

During the period when we were confined to our homes, engaging with family members around the clock and interacting with the world digitally while conducting remote work, numerous shortcomings in the architectural design of our buildings and indoor comfort levels became apparent. A significant issue highlighted by this experience was the lack of natural elements in living spaces, particularly the absence of green areas and vegetation, which are often considered exclusive features of luxury homes, offices, or villas. This paper explores how we focused on improving the ecological quality of building environments through a retrofitting project of existing office buildings in the historic city of Lucca, Tuscany. The eco-systemic design approach, pioneered by the Bexlab team at the University of Florence, not only supported and compared various retrofitting scenarios through digital twin simulations, but also emphasized the importance of integrating natural living spaces. This initiative aimed to foster a new connection between inhabitants, architecture, technology, and nature.

Understanding Behaviour and Space Organization for Sustainable Housing at Pandemic Covid-19

2025-08-05T11:51:08+07:00

The surge in COVID-19 cases in mid-2021 across several cities in Indonesia saw a rapid increase, with research confirming that the virus spreads primarily through direct contact, including respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. In the context of residential settings, the virus exhibits a high rate of transmission, particularly within family units, making family clusters a significant concern, especially in urban areas. This study examines a family in Tangerang living in a small residential space, focusing on understanding their behavior, the organization of their living spaces, and the home's lighting and ventilation systems. Using a phenomenological approach rooted in qualitative research, this study identifies key factors contributing to the potential spread of COVID-19, including: 1) poor ventilation; 2) inadequate natural lighting; 3) frequent use of shared spaces; and 4) the absence of dedicated isolation areas for infected individuals. These findings provide insight into the typologies of homes that may contribute to family clusters. Based on these case study results, this research proposes recommendations for sustainable housing designs that are better equipped to manage pandemic situations. These recommendations include: 1) incorporating isolated rooms; 2) providing access to private outdoor spaces for sunbathing; and 3) relocating public spaces such as living rooms to areas with better air circulation and natural lighting.

Urban Heat Island Appraisal by Historical Building: A Case Study of Gunongan and Kandang in Banda Aceh City

2025-08-05T20:29:28+07:00

Urban Heat Island (UHI) remains a persistent challenge, primarily driven by the use of dark materials such as asphalt, steel, and brick in urban environments. Although these materials dominate, heritage buildings, particularly in city centers, continue to exist throughout urban areas. This research focuses on the thermal impact of the heritage buildings Gunongan and Kandang in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. These structures, made from limestone and finished with white surfaces, are situated close to the city center, a location where UHI effects are commonly observed. This study evaluates the thermal performance of Gunongan and Kandang to determine their potential contribution to or mitigation of the UHI effect. Data was collected over two days in June 2022, measuring air temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH), air velocity (Av), globe temperature (Tg), and surface temperature (Ts). The results revealed that the majority of the Ts of Gunongan and Kandang were lower than the surrounding air temperature, with the exception of the dark brick surfaces within Kandang, where Ts reached up to 58°C. The outdoor thermal comfort of the area was also assessed through Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET), which ranged from 34°C to 38°C, categorized as warm. The findings indicate that the white limestone surfaces of the buildings were effective in maintaining a lower Ts than Ta, contributing to the reduction of the UHI effect. Additionally, the study shows that shading plays a significant role in lowering urban temperatures as indicated by the mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), derived from the collected thermal data.

Dynamic Architectural Site: An Experimental Idea for the Recording Landscape

2025-08-05T20:26:30+07:00

Since indicating the dynamic landscape, the site of the active area as Mount Merapi, people around the slopes have begun to develop new livelihoods through tourism. Since then, facilities have emerged to support the tourism sector on the slopes ranging from lodging to food stalls and souvenirs. But while growing tourism potential, the risk of Mount Merapi eruption still endangers all activities around Mount Merapi. From pyroclastic Flow, volcanic ash to hot lava flows can result in material losses to loss of life. Based on this phenomenon, it is necessary to have facilities that can accommodate tourism potential but still pay attention to the risk aspects of the eruption of Mount Merapi. The architecture response is a hotel, an experimental architectural model that can record the Merapi eruption's impact on environmental conditions and protect tourists from eruption hazards. The result highlighted that the adaptable building approach is the direct approach applied to the design object. It was changing environmental conditions in the area with adaptive facades to meet the occupant safety aspects

Study of Spatial Structure of the Old Port Area of the Kingdom of Aceh in the West Coast of Aceh and its Sustainability System Case Study: Settlement Around Kuala Bubon, West Aceh District

2025-08-05T20:07:27+07:00

The Kuala Bubon area on the west coast of Aceh was one of the important ports during the XVII-XIX centuries of the Aceh Kingdom, which had a hinterland of royal economic commodities in the interior. Its current existence is as an important fishing area in West Aceh district, although it was destroyed during the 2004 tsunami. The difference in the role of the area can be seen in the difference in the structure of the area's space. This paper aims to explore the concept of the spatial structure of the region and the regional sustainability system in the context of the geographical environment and development policy. This paper is important related to climate change mitigation strategies related to the revitalization of old residential areas on the coast related to SDGs. point 11. The research approach is a phenomenological study of the history of settlements. The qualitative descriptive research method examines and interprets the eco-logic of important places in an area as an element forming the spatial structure of the area and understands the phenomenon of the development of the place until present day. The data consists of 3 types of topics: a) geographical conditions of the place, b) the spatial structure of the area, and c) data on regional development policies. The results showed that the condition of the bay waters and the position of the headland in the Kuala Bubon area has the potential to develop as a traditional port, which is connected to the interior with the hinterland activity center by the Kreung Bubon River. Thus, it formed a spatial structure with a linear pattern towards the interior (North-South). Plantation farming villages developed around the river. The period of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia until the XXI century with the 2004 tsunami disaster with the construction of infrastructure for the mainland West coast of Aceh that crossed the Kuala Bubon area, attracted the growth of villages around the road with a linear pattern (West-East) and a centralized pattern in Muara Kuala Bubon with developing aquaculture community. The role of rural villages is weakening. The conclusion of the study is that the shift in the orientation of the spatial structure of the area shows the pattern of the regional sustainability system which is related to 3 things: a) the right choice of place for a city traditionally and the ability to revitalize itself by managing natural potential in a contextual manner, b) political policy for regional development according to the potential of the place, and c) the high spirit of place from the community

Adaptation of the Omah Jawa to the Magersaren Houses Concept in Boro Sumbersari Hamlet UB Forest, Malang Regency, Indonesia

2025-08-05T20:23:18+07:00

In the several production forest areas on Java island, there are groups of people who live in these areas. They are known as magersari or magersaren. One of the Magersaren settlements is located at Boro Sumbersari hamlet, Tawangargo village, Karangploso, Malang Regency. The area is specifically located in the UB Forest Education and Training area. Unfortunately, like in other places, the Magersaren there lives in inadequate housing buildings. Several things keep them in this situation. Besides the regulation that applies in this zone, the financial situation also becomes a burden. Thus, a feasible residential design concept is needed following the needs of Magersaren settlers and according to the regulations. This research runs qualitatively with a deductive approach. The design concept used the ‘Kampung Srotongan’, one of the Javanese house types which have been built long ago in this area. The concept of the houses is designed with a pragmatism paradigm. From the analysis, four models adjusted to the number of magersaren's family members. The model uses a modular house concept that is supported by a semi-permanent structural system. The combination of natural (local) and fabricated materials in the model considered improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the development process, especially in inviting CSR programs to get involved.

Heritage Tourism Development Strategy with a Wellness Concept for Old Town Post-Covid-19: A Case Study of Tangerang Old Town

2025-08-05T20:18:25+07:00

Over the past decade, the revitalization of historical urban areas such as Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and Semarang has inspired other cities in Indonesia to undertake similar projects. However, this trend often leads to a repetition of concepts that may dilute the unique identity of these places. In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential to redesign these old city areas while incorporating health protocols. Wellness tourism, a new concept in the tourism sector, presents an alternative approach to revitalize old cities post-pandemic. This concept aligns well with the "friendly city" idea, focusing on both health and community engagement. This study focuses on Tangerang Old Town, which experienced a decline in tourism due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The concept of wellness and heritage tourism draws on local strengths, especially in heritage and wellness sectors. Through a descriptive approach, the study identifies the tourism potential of Tangerang Old Town. The research then evaluates the application of wellness-heritage tourism using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method, based on five key criteria and their respective indicators. The IPA method reveals the priority areas for developing tourism in Tangerang Old Town. The findings suggest that Tangerang Old Town possesses ample potential for development. Key local assets, such as traditional medicine, healing places, and cultural practices, should be rebranded and integrated into tourism strategies. Improvements in infrastructure and facilities, particularly outdoor spaces, dining areas, and gathering spots, are crucial. Enhancing green spaces, providing handwashing stations, trash bins, and ensuring proper distancing in seating arrangements are necessary to comply with health protocols. By adapting to these new requirements, Tangerang Old Town can highlight its distinctive identity and become a safer, more attractive destination for tourism. The wellness heritage tourism concept is particularly suited to create an environmentally friendly city, focusing on sustainable outdoor spaces, social participation, and health services.

City Park as an Adaptive Communal Place in COVID-19 Pandemic Era (Study Case: Merdeka Town Square)

2025-08-05T20:15:34+07:00

The covid-19 pandemic has forced people to isolate themselves at home and advised them not to leave the city. All public transportation has stopped working to avoid commuting. As a human, we require relaxation to have a calmer and clearer mind. The health protocol advised safe outdoor activities (with no air conditioning to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission of the virus. Social distancing, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces can be done by doing activities in the central park (such as the town square). This town square could be an excellent decision to fulfil the need for tourism, completed by some adaptive designs to deal with this pandemic situation. Unfortunately, the government closed this facility and led some citizens to fulfil their needs by going to the mall quite often than before. People gathered into the crowd and some indoor activities, made the mall as their new preferred tourism destination. Therefore, this morphological research aims to reveal the importance of Merdeka Town Square as an adaptive communal place in the pandemic situation, using an activity approach (place-centered mapping). Through this research and some design recommendations, we hope to present an educational discussion about an adaptive communal space to the citizens and government

Analysis transformational strategy of urban vegetable market in the post-epidemic: A case study in China

2025-08-05T20:11:33+07:00

The global outbreak of COVID-19 since 2019 has caused significant losses, profoundly affecting socio-economic development and altering human lifestyles. This paper examines the challenges faced by Tanzhou Vegetable Market in Zhongshan City, China, during the pandemic and proposes a transformation design for the market. The study utilizes a combination of literature review and field research methods to identify issues and develop solutions. The primary focus includes analyzing the existing problems at Tanzhou Vegetable Market, presenting the necessary transformation strategies for epidemic prevention, and detailing the design changes required. The renovation involves improving the market's external environment with modifications to the entrances, traffic flow, and the addition of green spaces. Internally, the design reorganization addresses functional layout, internal traffic flow, and the arrangement of stalls. The transformed market successfully integrates modern aesthetics and epidemic control measures while maintaining its core function as a space for vegetable transactions. The result is a more user-friendly, secure, and pleasant environment for the public. This study provides a practical framework for transforming other urban vegetable markets in the post-epidemic era.