Latest preprints

Monolithic Structure Technology (MST) is a new construction process patented in Morocco, offering significant advantages in terms of durability, resilience, and energy efficiency. This technology enables the mass production of low-rise green buildings thanks to the design of a monolithic metal formwork with a high reuse rate for the bonding of the structure working mainly in compression. Unlike conventional approaches to construction, the architectural design and load-bearing structure are studied simultaneously from the formwork design phase, as the structure mobilizes its form to guarantee stability. The design of architectural models adapted to MST is therefore of paramount importance if we are to exploit the full potential of this innovative technology. In this context, we developed the most suitable designs for MST based on a user-centered approach by directly involving the presumed future operators through a structured questionnaire to identify their preferences.115 respondents were interviewed, and the results were analyzed and used to design 10 different models. We then complemented the design process with a neuro-architectural approach to optimize design factors (facades, levels and rooms, shape and openings, roof type, interior layout, green spaces, and materials). The 10 designed models were then used for a closed card sorting study, followed by another semi-structured interview. User preferences were synthesized and the optimum design for the Moroccan countryside was selected.

Building secure environments is becoming a critical measure as global crime rates are constantly on the rise, whether at the level of national policy or inside the safety of our own homes. Conservations and discussions on crime against women, children, and the elderly have been at the forefront for the longest time, while the injustice against individuals with disabilities continues to remain in the shadows.Individuals with disabilities are severely vulnerable to criminal violence, mistreatment, and victimization. This paper focuses on the crime against individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its prevention.Individuals with Autism may feel sensorially overwhelmed in public spaces, leading to a huge risk of them losing their way or other adverse scenarios due to cognitive (and physical) disorientation.Hence, the built-environment plays an important role in generating a sense of stability as well as security for a comfortable experience for individuals with all kinds of disabilities, be it of visible or invisible kind.Further, there may be traits associated with Autism that increase or decrease an individual’s tendency to breach the law. They may struggle to regulate their aggressive behaviour, and emotions, and misinterpret other people’s standpoints. They could exhibit problematic behaviours which draw the authorities such as law enforcement into the picture. Nevertheless, individuals with ASD also regard laws and norms to be beneficial in the context of comfortable, non-threatening surroundings.The aim of this research is to expand the scope of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in relation to interventions for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The paper seeks to explore this area of research, particularly considering the impact of technology and its association with crime.The methodology of this research paper aims to study the sense of safety generated by the built-environment within an individual with Autism, and their response. Further, analysis has been included on how a secure environment can be designed keeping security systems in perspective. Case examples from various parts of Australia have been examined in this context, following a detailed analysis of global CPTED strategies. Although there is a growing body of knowledge on this subject, the best design practices as still unclear. The research provides suggestions and recommendations on how the original CPTED guidelines can be viewed through the lens of autism and other intellectual disabilities.Thus, this research aims to uncover and establish parameters essential to create a safe and secure built-environment for individuals with ASD within the existing CPTED guidelines. The paper emphasizes the significant role of CPTED in designing the built environment to enhance inclusivity at a contextual level.

Campus violence in India is a significant public health issue that needs to be addressed in the present scenario. It affects the user groups physically and psychologically. As per the statistical report of Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) in 2020-21, the total crime incidents occurred in India are 136 along with 2385 harmed members.Out of which the crime rate in Telangana has increased by 4.4% from 2021-2022. The paper attempts to highlight various emerging problems in most of the Indian campuses and as an architect, what has to be adopted while planning for spaces to prevent Crime through Environmental Designing (CPTED) in future is explained. These are achieved by conducting surveys and analyzing based on users and author’s perception at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) and Osmania University (OU) campuses of Hyderabad. Along with these, secondary data from relevant research papers were obtained and finally formulating architectural findings for an exterior safe campus model. The scope for future research, are adopting the mentioned findings in future campuses and checking for crime reduction rate, along with interior spaces and mechanical systems for CPTED measures. The result of this paper has important implications for the college authorities in India to find practical solutions and plan student- friendly frameworks to prevent violence on a macro level in campuses.

This study is based on the feedback received from students of 3rd year Architectural undergraduate degree at a leading architectural education college in India. This degree in India leads to a professional license to practice as an architect in India. The study tests the design based immersive integration of National Building Code 2016 and its fire provisions into the curriculum in order to overlay fire safety interventions on design projects familiar to students. The detailed course pedagogical structure has been presented. For feedback, an 11 point questionnaire was circulated which was answered by 32 students in anonymous mode in order to prevent any conflict of interest. The results show an overall positive response where the students prefer a design integration based fire safety curriculum which introduces fire codes to the students in the applied format.