Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies

Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Building Design for Soldiers’ Accommodation in Pakistan

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In hot, arid regions like Jacobabad, Pakistan, military barracks must be sustainable and energy-efficient. This study investigates architectural techniques to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the comfort of military soldiers. The research is guided by a systematic process that includes experimental design, climate assessment, case study analysis, and energy performance modelling. Case studies and climate analyses are crucial elements in detecting environmental issues like excessive heat and sun radiation. The Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are used in energy performance modelling to assess the effects of ventilation, shading, insulation, and orientation. Materials, window locations, and shading strategies are evaluated using a design of experiments (DOE) framework. The integration of renewable energy sources, especially solar photovoltaic panels, and passive cooling techniques are given top priority in this study. Practicality is ensured by validation and optimization, which results in a framework for military accommodations that use less energy and are more sustainable in harsh environments.

A Systematic Review of Nurse Station Performance at Outpatient Room in Hospital

Aprodita Emma Yetti, Tika Ainunnisa Fitria — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The outpatient area is important in the hospital because it provides care and services to patients with complex and high-standard operational flows. Medical personnel must be able to work according to professional, operational, and service standards. The factors considered are the accuracy and speed of service to patients. For this reason, the layout of the nurse station used by medical personnel plays an important role in the patient service process. This study uses a qualitative method with an inductive-descriptive discussion. Data were obtained through literature studies. The results of the literature study are variables that can be developed for further research, which are also the objectives of this study. The study's results explain the relationship between the effectiveness of the nurse station layout in the outpatient area and the performance of medical personnel. It can enrich existing theories and become recommendations for arranging the layout of nurse stations in hospitals.

Exploring Outdoor Space Experience: A Study of Kopi Nako Café

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Enjoying outdoor space in a café is not limited to the existing furniture. However, it includes all design elements that affect the way visitors feel and enjoy a comfortable space atmosphere. Kopi Nako Café in Lampung has an outdoor café concept that gives a tropical feel to the outside space of the café, which can be felt directly by visitors. The purpose of this research is to find out how the outdoor space experience at Kopi Nako Café Lampung can be felt in fulfilling the comfort of movement and the atmosphere of the built space. The research was designed using qualitative methods with field observation methods. From the findings, the outdoor area of Kopi Nako Café provides an outdoor space experience to visitors through the volume of space, through movement, seeing shapes, hearing sounds, feeling the wind, and so on. Kopi Nako Café offers attractive atmospheres and added value to visitors. The importance of the role of Kopi Nako Café's outdoor space as a whole can be said to be the main factor contributing to the attractiveness of the café and the brand image of the café. The unique design and conceptualized details create a strong visual identity and distinguish it from other cafés.

Thermal Comfort in Kobuang Limo House: Evaluating Tropical Architectural Elements

Mulfakli, Zulherman, Al Busyra Fuadi — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the effectiveness of tropical architectural elements in maintaining thermal comfort in the Kobuang Limo House, a traditional Malay dwelling in Riau, Indonesia. Employing an embedded mixed-method approach, the research integrates field measurements and interviews with climate-based simulations. Thermal comfort was evaluated using Effective Temperature (ET), based on SNI 03-6572-2001, incorporating air temperature, humidity, and wind speed. A three-day field measurement in December 2024 showed that the hipped roof, singap ventilation, wall openings, and raised floors contributed to passive cooling, although corrugated zinc roofing increased indoor temperatures during the day. To extend the analysis over an annual cycle, statistical monthly climate data from BMKG were used in combination with deviation-based correction factors to simulate indoor conditions. Results indicate that ET values remained within the optimal to slightly warm comfort categories throughout the year, with peak values observed in bedrooms and kitchens during the dry season. The findings emphasize the adaptive performance of tropical architectural design and suggest improvements in insulation and cross-ventilation strategies.

Shaping Visitor Movement: The Role of Interior Elements In Galeri Nasional Indonesia

Shafa Dzikra Kamila, Wendy Sunarya — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Variations in interior elements, such as colour, lighting, spatial scale, and exhibition layout, can create distinct spatial atmospheres that influence how visitors perceive and behave in gallery settings. This study investigates the relationship between interior spatial qualities and visitor movement in the Indonesian National Gallery. Employing a qualitative observational approach, the research involved direct documentation of visitor paths, time spent in each room, types of activities, and spatial preferences. Eight gallery rooms were evaluated based on observable interior characteristics, including ceiling and wall colours, lighting contrast, spatial layout, and display arrangement. The findings reveal that certain interior qualities, such as smooth lighting contrast, open circulation, and balanced display arrangements, encourage more extended stays and interactive behaviors like lingering and photography. In contrast, high visual contrast, clustered displays, or enclosed layouts may prompt visitors to move more quickly through the space. This study also demonstrates the value of combining qualitative spatial judgments with behavioural observations to explore how design elements influence visitor experience. While exploratory, the method provides a framework for further research in evaluating gallery design to create more engaging and emotionally resonant spatial experiences.

Heritage, Space, and Satisfaction: Visitor’s Perceptions of the Businesses in the Old City of Lasem, Indonesia

Odilia Renaningtyas Manifesty — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lasem, Central Java, reflects a rich blend of Javanese and Chinese heritage, offering both opportunities and challenges in cultural tourism and preservation. This study explores how online customer feedback reveals visitor perceptions of Lasem’s architectural and cultural elements, particularly in relation to Batik and Peranakan architecture. Using data from 13 Google Maps-reviewed businesses, the study employs quantitative and qualitative methods, analyzing star ratings, review lengths, keyword frequency, and thematic patterns. Findings show that visitor satisfaction is closely tied to cultural authenticity. Positive reviews often emphasize appreciation for heritage experiences and the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, while lower ratings highlight infrastructure issues such as water and room quality. The results underscore the role of vernacular spaces in shaping meaningful tourist experiences and highlight the need to balance heritage preservation with the expectations of modern visitors. This research offers insights for improving heritage site management and supporting sustainable cultural tourism in small historic towns.

Spatial Efficiency and Site Optimization Analysis of a Vertical Educational Facility in Pekanbaru

Dadang Puja Kusumah, I Nengah Tela, Haryani — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the spatial efficiency and sustainable site development of the Poltekkes Riau Tower, a vertical educational facility, using the Greenship New Building Version 1.2 framework established by the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI). It focuses on the Appropriate Site Development (ASD) category and assesses green area ratio, site selection, accessibility, transportation, landscape quality, microclimate control, and stormwater management. The building scored 5 out of 17 points (29.4%), indicating shortcomings in bicycle access, landscaping, and runoff mitigation. The evaluation process involves four key steps: (1) Scoring Analysis, which quantifies compliance with the Greenship criteria; (2) Spatial Mapping of green cover, access, and hydrology based on site plans and field data; (3) Gap Identification, which compares actual conditions with benchmarks; and (4) Recommendation Formulation to enhance sustainability through passive design, landscape optimization, and integrated stormwater systems. The findings provide insights for improving site sustainability in future vertical educational buildings located in tropical urban settings.

A Semiotic Investigation of the Porta Mariae as a Religious Monumental Architecture

Manuel Jr Diaz — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, holds religious monumental architecture (RMA) as a vital part of its cultural and spiritual heritage. This notwithstanding, little academic focus has been given to the meanings conveyed through such structures. This study examines the Porta Mariae in Naga City using Greimassian semiotics, a framework built upon structuralist semiotics for decoding architectural communication. This neoclassical arch, built a little over a decade ago to commemorate 300 years of Bikolano devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia and inspired by Roman triumphal arches and Catholic holy doors, has become a prominent city landmark and integral to Catholic rituals in Naga. This paper interprets the structure as a symbolic communication system, uncovering layers of meaning conveyed to pilgrims, devotees, and visitors that extend beyond its visual and architectural appeal. The investigation ultimately reveals the Porta Mariae as a dynamically communicative artifact embodying profound religious, cultural, and historical meanings, serving as a living symbol of Bicolano faith, heritage, and enduring identity.

Material Circularity on Modular Wall Panel Designs

Muhammad Kholif Lir Widyoputro, Abdul Robbi Maghzaya — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the material circularity of modular wall panel designs using bamboo, wood, and light-gauge steel (LGS) as primary components. Through a comparative analysis of 9 representative panel prototypes, the research evaluates embodied energy (EE), recycling efficiency, and percentage of discarded material under a cradle-to-gate perspective to assess environmental performance. The study examines the relative circularity performance of bamboo, wood, and steel-framed panels. Furthermore, the research examined material configurations that best balance structural function and circularity. Key limitations include the modest sample size (9 prototypes), the educational provenance of prototypes (course-based fabrication), reliance on cradle-to-gate accounting rather than full life-cycle cost or in-service performance data, and uncertainty ranges in embodied-energy databases. Results indicate that biologically composed panels, such as bamboo and wood, demonstrate significantly lower EE and negligible discarded waste, aligning well with circular economy principles. These caveats are discussed and used to frame recommendations for further LCA, long-term performance testing, and scaled prototyping.

Reinventing Informal Activities through Placemaking for Community Resilience: Maguwoharjo International Stadium, Sleman

Stefy Prasasti Anggraini, Hastuti Saptorini, Any Juliani — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The degradation of life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether physiological, psychological and economic, requires a comprehensive thought on community resilience according to the capacity and context. The placemaking experiences in The Maguwoharjo International Stadium (MIS) area indicates a positive community response through sports, recreation, and informal businesses than enliven the area. This study aims to strategies for reinventing existing activities using a placemaking approach, specifically through three variables, the Person, Procedures and Place. The hope is that when the MIS area is designed and developed as a Tourism Special Economic Zone (SEZ), these actors remain included a development stakeholder. This study using qualitative descriptive methods and categorized into primary and secondary activities in public spaces. The results highlight three points: alignment of MIS with MICE-based tourism policy, the importance of placemaking for physical resilience and informal business, and the need for landscape element to mitigate pollutants.