Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies

Environmental Retrofit and Energy Performance Scenarios Of Building's Skin In Temperate Climates: Case Of Office Buildings In Palestine

Sameeha Hushlamoun — 2026-08-10

Despite the rapid increase in energy demand in Palestinian office buildings and the widespread, imitation-driven adoption of fully glazed façades, locally adapted façade design and retrofit guidelines remain absent. Consequently, a significant research gap exists in understanding the performance-based potential of glazing retrofit strategies to enhance thermal performance, reduce heating and cooling loads, and improve energy and cost effectiveness under the specific climatic and political conditions of Palestinian cities. This research thoroughly assesses the energy and cost impacts associated with retrofitting glazed façades in office buildings across Palestine, aiming to develop environmental retrofit solutions adaptable to the specific microclimatic conditions of Hebron city. Simulations tested shading devices, advanced glazing types, and multi-glazed skin façades, both separately and in combination, to identify the best solutions for improving the overall energy and cost performance of glazed façades. Three office buildings were selected as case studies, each with a single-glazed facade facing a different orientation. Cases were simulated using Design Builder software. The results show the best retrofit option for each case to save the most energy and obtain long-term financial benefits. These two factors were the focus of the evaluation. The results suggest a combination that works well in function and cost, achieving energy savings between 38% and 81% in the retrofit scenarios, depending on the specific conditions. In terms of cost, the study shows that applying the optimal retrofit scenario can lead to annual savings of approximately $149 to $442. This insight encourages engineers and investors to adopt a cost-effective, environmentally friendly approach for improving energy and cost efficiency in existing office buildings.

Territoriality of Space as Social Sustainability Strategy in Radakng Betang Sahapm, Landak Regency, West Kalimantan

Claudia Olla Mandayu — 2026-08-10

Radakng Betang Sahapm represents the cultural identity of the Dayak Kanayatn community and remains one of the few surviving traditional Dayak longhouses. This communal dwelling features a multi-space structure that allows multiple families to reside within a single building, thereby creating a colony-like environment and fostering reciprocal social relationships. As a spatial manifestation of the long-established Dayak social system, the Radakng Betang reflects recurring patterns of collective activities that shape both physical and non-physical spatial boundaries. These long-standing patterns require further examination to determine whether they remain relevant in contemporary life or have begun to shift under the influence of modern lifestyle changes.This study aims to explore the boundaries and dynamics of territoriality within the Radakng, particularly in relation to its function as a shared living space. Employing a descriptive qualitative method, the study interprets territoriality and privacy through Habraken’s theoretical framework and validates the findings through on-site observations. The results indicate that Altman’s theory of privacy and territoriality cannot be fully applied, as the functions and meanings of space are dynamic and evolve according to temporal contexts and residents’ perceptions.

Students’ Preferences and Satisfaction in Activity Centres for Nigeria's Hot-Dry Climate

Benjamin Moral — 2026-08-10

Student Activity Centres (SACs) are vital for holistic student development, providing platforms for social interaction, intellectual exchange, and recreation. In the hot-dry climate of Nigeria, the architectural design of these centres must respond to bioclimatic challenges while meeting evolving user expectations. This study, therefore, investigates the architectural factors that enhance user satisfaction within SACs in this specific climatic context, guided by two research questions: What are the key architectural factors influencing satisfaction, and what preferences do users assign to them? A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires, visual surveys, and focus group interviews across two case studies at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Data from 194 respondents were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean scores (M), and the Relative Importance Index (RII). The results delineate six critical factor categories: Spatial Organization, Service Quality, Maintenance Mechanism, Morphological Configuration, Social Factors, and Physical Environment. A significant finding was a pronounced sense of exclusion among female users (59.8% felt activities did not favour their gender, vs. 16.7% among males). User preferences strongly favoured the incorporation of outdoor social spaces and modern amenities like movie theatres and advanced gaming facilities. The study concludes that in Nigeria’s hot-dry climate, a user-centric and climatically-responsive design approach, which prioritizes the identified factors, integrates passive cooling strategies, and addresses gender inequity, is paramount for enhancing satisfaction and ensuring the relevance and sustainability of SACs.

Daylighting Simulations of Gunong Kleng Mosque: Implications for Heritage Conservation and Worship Comfort

Teuku Muhammad Al Aiyubi — 2026-08-10

Natural lighting plays a critical role in shaping visual comfort, energy performance, and spatial quality in tropical heritage mosques, where architectural constraints and vernacular materials influence daylight availability. This study evaluates daylight performance in Gunong Kleng Mosque (Masjid Nurul Hidayah), a 1927 vernacular timber mosque in West Aceh, using a simulation-only approach due to limited heritage access. A 3D model was developed in SketchUp and analyzed in the Velux Daylight Visualizer, with illuminance sampled on a 0.5 m grid and Daylight Factor (DF) calculated under CIE overcast-sky conditions. The results show that the prayer hall receives adequate daylight between 09:00 and 15:00, generally meeting SNI 6197:2011, CIE, and SLL benchmarks, with a DF of 1.9%—slightly below the ideal 2–5% range but acceptable for a heritage structure. By contrast, the imam and mimbar zones consistently record low illuminance (≤150 lux) and DF values below 1% due to recessed placement, internal obstructions, and limited lateral daylight penetration. Sensitivity analysis indicates that variations in surface reflectance and window transmissivity moderately affect daylight distribution but do not alter the overall pattern of underperformance in peripheral zones. The findings underscore the need for minimally invasive, reversible interventions such as maintaining roof gaps, enhancing internal reflectance, and introducing discreet upper-level daylight elements to improve visual comfort without compromising architectural authenticity. The study highlights the importance of quantitative daylight assessment for informing conservation strategies and recommends future research that incorporates field measurements and user perception studies.

Exhibition Design Strategies within Heritage Architectural Settings: A Comparative Study of Museum Gedung Sate and Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika

Fransiscus Carlos S — 2026-08-10

Exhibition design plays a critical role in mediating historical narratives within heritage architectural settings, where curatorial decisions must negotiate conservation constraints, institutional mandates, and visitor engagement. This study addresses the fundamentally different institutional and narrative statuses of Museum Gedung Sate and Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika in Bandung. Museum Gedung Sate operates within an active governmental building and emphasizes digital and immersive forms of interpretation, whereas Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika functions as a commemorative institution grounded in a specific historical event and sustained thematic narrative continuity. Using a qualitative comparative approach based on observation, interviews, and document analysis, the study examines how narrative structure, spatial configuration, and interpretive strategies are shaped by these contrasting institutional contexts. The findings indicate that exhibition performance is strongly influenced by curatorial continuity, levels of technological integration, and the rigidity of heritage conservation frameworks. Museum Gedung Sate demonstrates flexibility and experimentation in digital storytelling but encounters challenges in maintaining narrative coherence, while Museum Konferensi Asia Afrika sustains strong thematic clarity with limited interpretive adaptability. This study contributes an analytical benchmarking framework for exhibition design within heritage architecture, highlighting how institutional positioning fundamentally conditions narrative strategies and offering insights for developing more coherent, context-sensitive, and visitor-centered museum exhibitions.

Biodiversity Improvement Through Architectural Site Planning In Building Design and Construction

Rasheed Sekore Busari — 2026-08-10

Architectural site planning provides the link through which the design and construction of buildings can improve biodiversity for allocated sites in development projects. The study examines the role of site planning in enhancing biodiversity within the context of building and construction using a selected plot of land in an informal settlement of the Abojupa area, Oyo Town. A parcel of land was divided into plots and allocated for different building projects. Three particular sites in this settlement were carefully selected and measured using surveying instruments and plotted appropriately using AutoCAD software. The developed zones for the buildings and undeveloped areas were adequately calculated to identify areas and percentages of each lot in the landscape. The analysis revealed that about 20%, 40%, and 50% of the areas were used for buildings, while about 80%, 60%, and 50% were shared by green infrastructure and paved lawns respectively. The green-covered areas were allocated for native plants in the landscape to support local biodiversity, and blue areas were allocated for restoring the degraded ecosystem around the area. The site planning ensured improved biodiversity restoration by making the natural habitats, like green spaces, gardens, and ecological corridors on the site, to support biodiversity functions. The study concluded that the site planning of an area, on a plot-by-plot basis, has great potential for integrating natural systems and green spaces into architectural planning and design. These spaces, serving the area as green infrastructure, should be properly maintained for effective ecosystem service delivery in the settlement, and adequate spaces should be left as setbacks for open spaces. This research provides a framework for architects, planners, and policymakers to embed ecological considerations into the land development process, thereby contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

Cultural Placemaking to Preserve Suku Laut Heritage in Indonesia’s Riau Islands Communities

Stivani Ayuning Suwarlan — 2026-08-10

This research explores efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of the Suku Laut in the Riau Islands through placemaking initiatives within coastal settlements. Historically dependent on the sea for their livelihood and identity, the community now faces significant challenges in maintaining their cultural traditions amidst modernization and shifts in coastal ecosystems. This research aims to identify design strategies that harmonize traditional cultural values with the demands of contemporary development, focusing on revitalizing the community’s living spaces. Employing qualitative methods, including interviews, field observations, and document analysis, the research highlights the critical role of cultural placemaking. Key elements include incorporating traditional architectural features, using locally sourced materials, and restoring communal spaces to promote sustainable coastal settlement designs. The findings indicate that this approach which respects the cultural values and the Suku Laut's relationship with their natural environment can promote social and environmental sustainability. In conclusion, integrating cultural placemaking into coastal settlement design is pivotal for preserving the cultural heritage and enhancing the quality of life for the Suku Laut amidst the ongoing modernization.

Spatializing National Identity Library Interior Design Concept of UPT Perpustakaan Proklamator Bung Karno

Ayu Sabhaniyah — 2026-08-10

The concept of Spatializing Identity through the interior redesign of the UPT Perpustakaan Proclamator Bung Karno aims to transform it from a static archive into a dynamic and inspirational Third Place. This addresses the design challenge of conflict between sacred historical value and the need for modern library flexibility. The methodology employed is descriptive qualitative research using a phenomenological approach combined with the Design Thinking framework. The main focus of the study was to identify design problems based on users lived experience (via IPA), revealing functional conflicts, narrative confusion, and a lack of emotional comfort and regionalism elements. Solutions were then formulated through Metaphor Transformation, translating Bung Karno's philosophies such as Marhaenism and the Rhythm of Revolution and his national vision into concrete spatial elements. The results include interior design recommendations that resolve circulation issues by integrating the "Abu ke Api" narrative flow, creating an egalitarian Common Learner Zone with modular furniture, and strengthening identity through narrative floor patterns and passive, regional style shading. The main contribution of this research is the development of a design model that presents national identity not merely as a historical artifact, but as a living, relevant, and inclusive spatial experience for the younger generation.