The analysis of tools for the digital consultation of cultural heritage has highlighted the need for a dynamic approach between the architectural asset and digital knowledge, in order to promote conservation, restoration, enhancement, and communication actions. Within the framework of the PRIN 2022 – DIMHENSION project (DIgital twin and Modern HEritage modelliNg towards Sustainable InfOrmed maNagement), the collaborative platform DIMHENSION Library was developed, capable of facilitating interaction between the cataloging of 20th-century works, the H-BIR digital repository and H-BIM. In this way, users can interactively engage with the history of the construction, technical and construction aspects, and the parametric model of the recorded architecture. For the development of the web platform, which brings together multidisciplinary skills, a methodological approach traceable to LOIN – Level of Information Need – was adopted, with the aim of establishing a structured and dynamic relationship between the Real Twin and Digital Twin models. This approach allows the methodology and framework to be reproducible, not only in the twentieth century but across different historical periods of architecture, from antiquity to the contemporary era, without the need for code refactoring.
Editorial VITRUVIO - International Journal of Architectural Technology and Sustainability, Volume 11, Issue 1 (2026)
This study explores the role of AI-powered predictions in shaping the interior design of technology stores projected for the year 2070, with a particular focus on emerging retail trends and the integration of artificial intelligence into architectural design processes. The research sought to understand not only how AI systems generate design proposals, but also how these outputs align with established professional standards. To achieve this, a structured survey was conducted with a group of architects and interior designers. Participants were asked to evaluate AI-generated visualizations, assessing their compliance with standard design criteria. The collected expert evaluations were then systematically compared with parallel assessments produced by ChatGPT 4.0, creating a basis for measuring similarities, differences, and potential biases between human and AI perspectives. Critical design parameters were carefully analyzed, including floor durability, the effective use of display areas, integration of advanced technology into spatial solutions, circulation efficiency, and considerations of user comfort and well-being. The results demonstrate clear differences between human and AI assessments, alongside notable professional divergences among human evaluators. While AI showed notable strength in areas such as technology integration and circulation optimization, human professionals identified significant weaknesses in other domains, particularly regarding customer orientation systems, signage clarity, and the organization of checkout areas. Furthermore, comparative analyses between professional groups revealed that architects placed a significantly higher emphasis on material diversity and circulation efficiency compared to interior designers, highlighting a professional prioritization of structural and flow-related parameters. A Bland-Altman analysis further revealed a systematic bias, showing that AI-generated evaluations were approximately 9% more positive compared to those of human experts. This suggests that AI tends to adopt a more optimistic lens, whereas human experts approach the same criteria with a more cautious and conservative stance. The study emphasizes the necessity of integrating human expertise into AI-driven design processes, both to ensure methodological rigor and to uphold ethical responsibility. Ultimately, by combining computational efficiency with human judgment, this research contributes to the development of more innovative, resilient, and human-centered design strategies for future retail environments.
This article examines material substitution as a technical phenomenon in which a new material is employed according to the constructive grammar conventionally associated with another. The study focuses on two episodes situated in the early implementation of new structural materials: the Iron Bridge (1779), where cast iron engages with masonry and timber logics, and the Hennebique reinforced concrete system (1892), whose timber-derived structural organization later became the object of critical reformulation by Robert Maillart and Pier Luigi Nervi. The analysis combines historiographical interpretation, examination of mechanical behaviour, and comparative finite-element models in order to study how constructive transfer operates at different levels of structural organization. In the Iron Bridge, the transfer remains concentrated in joints and assembly techniques derived from timber construction. In the Hennebique case, finite-element models clarify the transition from hierarchical beam grids toward more continuous and bidirectional force transmission in the work of Maillart and Nervi. The study argues that inherited constructive grammars may generate processes of technical reconsideration capable of expanding the operative capacities of structural materials within architectural technique.
This article explores the dynamics and effects of the current processes of spatial migration from the real physical world to the virtual digital one. While our society is aware of the move towards a virtual and computerised universe, it seems to ignore what moves from the digital world towards the physical one: the process of importing intangible laws from the virtual world towards the concrete one is less evident. An increasingly vague and invasive blurred line is involving our way of inhabiting physical space through our body, which is the element most challenged in this process. Indeed, the characteristic of virtual spaces is that of being intangible (at least in experience) and immaterial. To enter immersive virtual space, one must leave one’s organic and sensory body outside. Recognizing the current level of dependence on technological devices and given the risks of spatial and sensorial alienation posed by the information technology era on humanity, causing a crucial alteration of its interaction with its environment, this text contemplates the necessity of redefining the relationship between humans and technology. Focusing on the practice of Performing Media, the paper illustrates how multimedia interactions can reconnect humans with their lived spaces, creating vibrant, augmented stages for daily life.
The existing building stock represents one of the main contributors to environmental impact, as a large portion of constructions were built under outdated regulations and technical requirements with low energy efficiency. This study assesses the technical feasibility of incorporating industrialized façade systems as an energy rehabilitation strategy, with particular attention to their structural compatibility under additional loads and their potential to enhance the thermal performance of older buildings. Through a case study, structural and energy simulation tools were applied to compare different modular prototypes. The results demonstrate that it is possible to integrate industrialized solutions compatible with existing structures, achieving substantial improvements in both energy performance and building habitability. Industrialization in rehabilitation enables the modernization of obsolete buildings and represents a viable alternative with reduced environmental impact. This approach provides objective technical criteria to support decision-making in rehabilitation projects, contributing to extending the service life of the building stock and aligning it with sustainability goals.
This article defines temporary urbanism as a set of practices that activate vacant land by testing programs, rules, and alliances before their consolidation. It distinguishes between two main interpretations: the first, “meanwhile urbanism,” seeks to provide a solution during the transitional period in an interrupted urban process by assigning temporary uses and activities until the planned future development takes place. The second approach views time as a process of adaptation and demonstration to reach a more robust and community-driven consensus. Focusing on “meanwhile urbanism,” the study analyses eight European case studies and identifies four main typologies: 1. Community-led participatory uses on small plots; 2. Interventions creating temporary recreational spaces with environmental and educational value; 3. Projects using modular infrastructures to address equipment or service deficits; 4. Large-scale developments incorporating temporary uses to maintain social engagement during long-term implementation. The results confirms that community participation, flexible design, and local appropriation are critical to strengthening social fabric and place identity. These interventions, varying greatly in duration, demonstrate that interim uses can adapt without obstructing final projects. The article concludes that temporary urbanism should be regarded as a dynamic complement to formal urban planning and could be very useful in Valencian Community where extensive undeveloped lands exist.
In the current context of necessary reduction of environmental impact, retrofitting historical buildings is essential, but it must be specified the total carbon footprint, considering the original construction and the current restoration. This research has a double objective: firstly, to develop a methodology to establish the carbon footprint of three historic Catalan Modernist buildings at the time of their construction; and secondly, to determine the carbon footprint of the restoration works of one of them. An exhaustive analysis is carried on about the materials used, their extraction, transportation and manufacturing methods at the time. Following the methodological structure of contemporary EPDs and LCA, both aligned with the UNE-EN 15804 standard. This ensures methodological consistency between historical and modern datasets and provides a robust basis for comparison. Then, the embodied carbon of these buildings is compared with that of modern buildings construction, in order to establish which is higher. Finally, the carbon footprint of retrofitting one of them is also calculated. The importance of this research lies in the methodology for the quantification of the total environmental impact of historic buildings, from their original construction to their restoration. The limitation of the study lies in the fact that only one of the three case studies has been retrofitted so far.
Public air raid shelters, which emerged as a response to massive bombardment of the civilian population, were put to the test for the first time in history during the Spanish Civil War. This sample of defensive architecture represents a unique type of tangible cultural heritage with a high associated significance. Taking as a case study two significant shelters in the central peninsular area, this article analyses their historical evolution, their architectural characteristics and, especially, the possibilities offered by their documentation using 3D technologies. It evaluates the physical, technical and contextual particularities that condition their documentation, conservation and enhancement. The uniqueness of its architecture and the underground context, presents many challenges when it comes to studying and documenting it. However, the new three-dimensional documentation technologies have reached a sufficient degree of maturity to allow their study in a generalised manner and the obtaining of precise and expressive documentation, which not only facilitates their architectural study, but also their dissemination and valorisation, as spaces charged with historical memory.
Bousillage is a traditional construction technique used to build vertical and horizontal enclosures in tropical, West European, and Mediterranean regions. It uses a timbered structure called colombage and a fibrous filler made from natural waste. This research paper confirms the current practice of this ancient technique by analyzing its structural, hydrothermal and environmental peculiarities through the examination of three persistent solutions that use golden broom, Spanish moss, and Posidonia oceanica as binders. The methodology begins with a theoretical framework that confirms the technique’s historical roots according to context. Then, field and hygrothermal data is collected for each vegetal binder type. The main objective is to test the initial hypothesis that bousillage is a symbiotic construction method which creates a balance between nature and anthropocentrism in the local ecosystem—regardless of the plant waste used or the climatic context in which it is developed. The research results clarify that this environmental balance is achieved when waste discarded by nature is used as an active component in thermal building improvements. This benefits both the fauna and flora species, as well as anthropized neighborhoods. In conclusion, reviving this traditional technique in accordance with the current ecological situation, creates necessary anthroponatural interdependence for the long-term survival of the ecosystem.
This research explores the role of design in fostering sustainable transitions through systemic thinking in the building sector, addressing the dynamic, multi-scalar, multi-species, and transdisciplinary challenges inherent in socio-ecological and socio-technical transformations. The study is grounded in Transition Design principles, recognizing the agency of ecological, human, and computational intelligence. By embracing systemic approaches, this paper underscores the importance of long-term thinking, collective action, pluralistic perspectives, and value co-creation among diverse actors. The results highlight the IMIP (Innovative Eco-Construction System Based on Interlocking Modular Insulation Wood & Cork-Based Panels) project’s contribution to circular economy principles, demonstrating its environmental and social impact through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as an innovative holistic approach to low-energy construction and near-zero-emissions strategies in construction, leveraging local timber and cork as materials for construction systems in building. These results demonstrate the potential of locally based bio-based materials and modular construction systems to promote circularity, reduce ecological footprints, and enhance community resilience. The findings reinforce the significance of design as a driver of systemic change in the building sector, emphasizing the interdependencies and feedback loops between human actions, natural ecosystems, and technological infrastructures.
The reinterpretation of traditional passive design strategies is of importance to modern architectural sustainability. One such effective strategy, widely used in traditional architecture to achieve indoor thermal comfort, is mashrabiya. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of adapting mashrabiya to modern architecture on energy-efficient facade design. The city of Diyarbakır, located in the hot and dry climate zone of Turkey, was selected as the study area. The mashrabiya is integrated into the living room. In this context, the effect of the use of perforated dimensions, depth and components of the mashrabiya on the indoor cooling load on four different facades was analysed. As a result of 148 different analyses, the use of mashrabiya on the south, east and west facades was found to be an important strategy. The use of appropriate perforation sizes, depths and components in the mashrabiya reduced the cooling load by approximately 21% on the south facade, 17% on the west facade and 13% on the east facade. This study shows the importance of mashrabiya in modern buildings for indoor thermal comfort. This is considered an important guideline for sustainable building in this context.
The use of AI art-generating platforms has recently become a trend in different disciplines, including the field of architecture. The relation AI has with architecture led to the idea of this paper to explore the intersection between these platforms with traditional Islamic architecture, specifically the Ottoman style. To achieve a proper evaluation, this paper discusses the use of 6 different platforms to generate 18 images using the text-to-image method and by employing 3 distinct prompts from different complexities to guide the generation process. Moreover, a comparative analysis conducted to evaluate the generated images using 2 criteria, the first assesses the Ottoman architectural elements that appeared in the images such as the domes, minarets, and arches. Then the second investigates the overall excellence of the figures considering factors such as realism, quality and resolution, overall details, and lastly the consistency with the given prompt. The results demonstrate that across all the 6 platforms, the more detailed the prompt is, the better the outcome. However, Midjourney was the only platform that was able to produce all three images consistently from the first prompt with all the required elements, and as the prompts got more detailed, the other platforms provided more accurate results.
This article explores the dynamics and effects of the current processes of spatial migration from the real physical world to the virtual digital one. While our society is aware of the move towards a virtual and computerised universe, it seems to ignore what moves from the digital world towards the physical one: the process of importing intangible laws from the virtual world towards the concrete one is less evident. An increasingly vague and invasive blurred line is involving our way of inhabiting physical space through our body, which is the element most challenged in this process. Indeed, the characteristic of virtual spaces is that of being intangible (at least in experience) and immaterial. To enter immersive virtual space, one must leave one's organic and sensory body outside. Recognizing the current level of dependence on technological devices and given the risks of spatial and sensorial alienation posed by the information technology era on humanity, causing a crucial alteration of its interaction with its environment, this text contemplates the necessity of redefining the relationship between humans and technology. Focusing on the practice of Performing Media, the paper illustrates how multimedia interactions can reconnect humans with their lived spaces, creating vibrant, augmented stages for daily life.
This study explores the emotional impact of residential architecture through the combined use of psychological and physiological measures. A neuroarchitecture field experiment was conducted in a real, fully equipped dwelling with a sample of 30 participants. The participants walked through the various rooms in the dwelling under both daytime and nighttime conditions. Emotional responses were assessed using the PAD model (pleasure, arousal, dominance), and physiological signals, electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate variability (HRV) and electrodermal activity (EDA). Statistically significant differences were found across rooms, time of day and gender. Collective areas—such as the living room and entrance forecourt—were associated with higher levels of pleasure and dominance and lower physiological activation, while individual spaces—such as bedrooms and bathrooms—elicited higher physiological activity and lower psychological emotional responses, particularly among female participants. An inverse relationship was found between pleasure/dominance and physiological activation, suggesting that physiological indicators could serve as non-intrusive proxies for subjective well-being. Nighttime exposure was also linked to increased arousal, likely due to circadian disruption caused by artificial lighting. These findings underscore the importance of integrating objective and subjective measures in architectural evaluations, as they offer actionable insights for the design of emotionally supportive residential environments. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
The historical conditions of marginality and inefficient state presence in Colombia’s deep rural areas have led peasant communities to explore local productivity alternatives that promote autonomy and social cohesion. In this search, productive projects based on local knowledge, such as those associated with traditional construction, should emerge. This article reflects on rural productivity alternatives explored during a series of awareness-raising workshops on earth as a construction material developed with rural communities in four Colombian municipalities: Icononzo, Agua de Dios, Pasca and Tipacoque. The results show that local communities possess knowledge that has been set aside over time by the different models and paradigms imposed by modernity. This knowledge can become a valuable resource in the search for autonomy and good living in remote rural communities. In conclusion, construction with earth is presented not only as an opportunity for individual habitat improvement, but also as a viable and sustainable productive community alternative.
This research adopts a historical, social, and cultural approach to analyze and illustrate the evolution of participatory architecture in Portugal, exploring its connections with critical theory and international practices. The study seeks to celebrate the achievements of the SAAL interventions while drawing inspiration from their strategies to actively contribute to a more inclusive and promising future for local communities. By addressing questions concerning the current state of SAAL interventions, how residents organize their lives and activities, and the potential for participatory interventions today and in the future, the research follows a chronological framework that considers past experiences, present conditions, and future possibilities. Focusing on four key aspects - social relations, the built environment, participatory policies and practices, and collective memory - the study provides a renewed perspective on SAAL interventions, on four neighborhoods in Portugal: Fonsecas and Calçada in Lisbon (by Hestnes Ferreira, October 1974), Lapa in Porto (by Matos Ferreira, November 1974), Maceda in Porto (by Soutinho, October 1974), and Pego Longo in Sintra (by Costa Cabral, August 1975). Reflecting on the fragility of the SAAL process, which was cut short before fully realizing its potential, this research aims to reassess these neighborhoods 50 years later. By revisiting its legacy, we propose to empower local communities and advocate for a more sustainable and participatory future.
This paper presents some results of a current research project on the knowledge, monitoring and requalification of the light prefabricated built heritage of the second half of the twentieth century in the regions of Calabria and Lazio, funded by European Union Next Generation EU, developed by the University of Calabria and by the University of Roma Tor Vergata. In the case study presented in this paper, the research group of the University of Calabria applied the methodology used in the research project. The case concerns a public housing complex built in Cosenza (Calabria) in the 1970s. Starting from the analysis of historical documents, the HBIM model of one of the buildings was developed, and then the energy analysis was conducted. The HBIM model was developed connecting the three-dimensional visualisation of the building to archival sources, selected and organised in databases. Then, starting from the present building, with a reverse investigation process, studies, evaluations and measurements were conducted to increase the level of information on the various parts of the building, underlining that the industrialised built heritage, also if combined with parts built on site, matches contemporary digital tools. Historical analysis and HBIM support the requalification, with the definition of solutions for plant updating and energy saving, outlined in a way that is conscious of the building’s technical value.
The adaptive reuse of Mediterranean earthen houses presents a critical challenge in balancing heritage preservation with contemporary functionality. This study proposes a novel framework for adaptive reuse, integrating theoretical principles with case-based analysis. Four representative cases —Alhambra in Spain, Ghadames in Libya, KTMMOB Chamber of Architects Main Building in North Cyprus, and Sheikh Hilal Beehive Houses in Syria— were analyzed based on six key dimensions: preservation of structural and aesthetic integrity, functional adaptation and minimal intervention, environmental efficiency and structural reinforcement, flexibility and adaptability, community engagement and cultural relevance, and compliance with documentation and economic revitalization. The study adopts a case study methodology, utilizing architectural documentation, photography, and existing datasets for data collection. The findings highlight that while these structures inherently support environmental efficiency and cultural significance, challenges such as structural vulnerabilities, modernization pressures, and limited economic integration hinder their adaptive reuse. The proposed framework provides a systematic approach for evaluating and guiding future preservation efforts. This research contributes to the field by bridging theoretical models with practical applications, offering valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and conservation professionals aiming to sustain and repurpose Mediterranean earthen heritage.
