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            <title><![CDATA[Editorial]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0011</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[Enhancing comfort and energy efficiency in buildings: A systematic review of double skin façade performance]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0015</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Double skin façades (DSFs) have emerged as a promising architectural solution for enhancing building energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This comprehensive review synthesises current research on various DSF configurations, including box-window, corridor, shaft-box, double-glazed glass, multi-story, and curved types. The study examines the thermal, energy, and ventilation performance of DSFs across diverse climatic conditions and building types. This study examined 80 articles from 2019 to present. A systematic analysis of recent literature reveals that DSFs can significantly reduce heating and cooling energy demands by 15–59%, depending on design parameters and local climate. The review highlights the adaptability of DSFs in different contexts, from tropical to cold climates, and their potential for integration with renewable energy systems. Key factors influencing DSF performance are identified, including cavity width, ventilation strategies, and shading devices. The study also notes trends towards climate-specific optimisation, multi-functional façade designs, and the integration of smart technologies for adaptive control. While DSFs show considerable promise, challenges remain in standardising performance metrics and assessing long-term operational data. Future research directions are proposed, emphasising the need for longitudinal studies, advanced material integration, and holistic sustainability assessments. This review underscores the significant role DSFs can play in advancing sustainable building practices and meeting increasingly stringent energy performance targets in the built environment.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Max Rosenfeld as architectural educator: Translating Czechoslovak functionalism into New Zealand domestic practice]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0013</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This paper examines the work of Max Rosenfeld (1902–1985), a Czechoslo-vak-trained architect who immigrated to New Zealand in 1939, positioning him as an émigré architect whose influence on post-war domestic architecture was realised pri-marily through publication and architectural communication rather than built form. While fellow émigré architects such as Henry Kulka (Czechoslovakia, 1900–1971) and Ernst Plischke (Austria, 1903–1992) are generally recognised through their professional practice and built work, Rosenfeld’s impact operated through mass media, addressing homeowners and builders in a context where architectural involvement in domestic con-struction remained relatively uncommon. Between 1949 and 1965, Rosenfeld authored more than 800 columns for The Home Architect Page in The Weekly News, a widely cir-culated publication reaching urban and rural audiences throughout New Zealand. He also produced a series of house-plan books published between 1951 and 1973. Through these platforms, Rosenfeld engaged directly with the country’s expanding domestic building sector during a period of rapid suburban growth, introducing principles of ra-tional planning, construction efficiency, environmental responsiveness, and functional design derived from interwar Czechoslovak modernism. The paper argues that Rosen-feld’s significance extended beyond the popularisation of modernist ideas. Rather than merely transmitting architectural knowledge, he translated professional design princi-ples into accessible frameworks for everyday building practice. Drawing on archival re-search, the study reframes publishing as a form of architectural practice and positions Rosenfeld as a cultural mediator who facilitated the adaptation of modernist concepts to the social, economic, and material realities of housing production in post-war New Zea-land.]]></description>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Landscape as a structuring framework for urban development: Research-by-design comparison of zoning-oriented and landscape-oriented planning in Nitra, Slovakia]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0014</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Cities face growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity loss, landscape fragmentation, and urban expansion. At the same time, statutory planning still depends mainly on land-use categories and fixed regulatory boundaries. This article examines how landscape-oriented planning can complement statutory zoning through an exploratory case study of Nitra, Slovakia. The research combines a focused review of theory, analysis of planning documents, research by design, and a qualitative comparison of two planning approaches. The following eight criteria are used: spatial continuity, ecological connectivity, the relationship between the city and landscape, public-space integration, adaptability and resilience, relationships across several scales, blue-green infrastructure, and landscape as a structuring framework for development. The results show that the current planning instruments of Nitra recognise landscape through ecological-stability systems, watercourses, agricultural land, forests, and environmental regulations. However, these elements are only partly connected with development, mobility, public space, and long-term change. Research by design makes spatial gradients, possible landscape connections, and blue-green systems more visible, but it remains an exploratory and non-binding method. The study does not prove that landscape-oriented planning is generally better than zoning. Its main contribution is a clear method for comparing the two approaches and a set of possible ways to include landscape relationships in statutory planning, planning studies, implementation, and monitoring. The findings are limited by the use of a single case study, assessment by the author, and the absence of post-implementation evaluation.]]></description>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Scenario-based facility plant design strategies for post-industrial coastal area transformation: A decision support framework for sustainable urban landscape at İzmir Port, Türkiye]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0012</link>
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            <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The transformation of post-industrial coastal areas holds critical potential for sustainable urban development yet planting design decisions in this process are largely based on qualitative and subjective principles. This study aims to demonstrate how plant design strategies can be structured using a quantitative, transparent, and multi-criteria decision support model, in the case of Izmir Port. The research adopts a two-stage methodology integrating site-specific data obtained through SWOT analysis with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Among the six main criteria weighted by expert evaluation, ‘Ecological Suitability and Sustainability’ (33.19%) received the highest priority, followed by ‘Green Infrastructure and Ecological Connectivity’ (19.46%) and ‘Aesthetic and Visual Quality’ (19.46%). This weighing confirms the central role of ecological restoration in the transformation of the region. The AHP results were used to create a ‘design spectrum’ based on the relative importance of the criteria, and four different plant design scenarios (Ecological Maximisation, Social-Aesthetic Focused, Cultural Heritage Focused, Economic -Feasibility Focused) were developed. A comprehensive evaluation of the scenarios revealed that the Ecological Maximisation scenario was the most suitable option within the framework of all the defined criteria. Consequently, this study offers a repeatable and scenario-based decision-making framework that prevents arbitrary decisions in post-industrial port transformations. The presented integrated SWOT-AHP-Scenario model provides an adaptable methodological contribution for similar coastal transformation projects.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Editorial]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0006</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Co-creativity between human, nature, and artificial intelligence]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0008</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Creativity is an unconditionally unique characteristic of the human brain. This is how it is perceived by the majority of people; this thought is what gives the illusion of human exceptionalism towards Nature. This article challenges that and questions whether creativity could exist beyond humans. It reinterprets creativity not only as an inherent part of the natural world (which humanity still belongs to), but also as something that does not require consciousness or intent (meaning an author) and can be expressed by natural and digital systems alike. The study observes creativity from different perspectives: classical philosophical definitions of creativity, different typologies of creativity in psychology and neuroscience, including the theory of functional network connectivity of the human brain in creative processes. It examines the differences and similarities in how creativity manifests in self-aware humans, non-conscious Artificial Intelligence, and the collective intelligence of Nature. The practical experiment showcases a framework of co-creativity between Human, Nature, and Generative Artificial Intelligence. Utilising the complementary properties of the Triad, the paper explores how a personalised dataset can influence bioinspired and local specific design. The developed AI-assisted Biodesign workflow was used to generate novel architectural solutions that integrate both human-centric and nature-inclusive perspectives on form-finding and problem-solving design strategies.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics and Space Syntax simulation of evacuation efficiency and fire spread in informal local markets]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0009</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Local markets make a significant contribution to urban livelihood and economic development, especially in low-income areas. This research evaluates the contribution of the spatial design of a local market to reducing fire risk in the urban areas of low economies. Fire calamities in regional local markets have caused extensive economic losses and property damage, resulting from ineffective spatial organisation, inadequate fire safety measures, and combustible building materials. Supported by interviews, field observations, and QGIS mapping, the study has integrated Space Syntax analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation to quantify both human evacuation performance and environmental fire spread within the same context. Though both CFD modelling and Space Syntax have long-established applications in formal building design, the study denotes the integrated application of both techniques to assess fire safety in informal market contexts. The study revealed low visual integration, critical vulnerabilities, narrow aisles, and a lack of evacuation routes as significant problems. The findings have shown difficulties in firefighting equipment and combustible building materials present for rapid fire spread. The evacuation simulations through Pathfinder and CFD have identified bottlenecks in most of the high-density areas, causing delays in escape. The research proposes a spatial design intervention in terms of the use of fire-resistant materials, zoning of highly combustible commodities, evacuation routes optimised, and signage and awareness provided to the occupants. The results highlight essential policy implementation via the Fire and Rescue Force Act and practical redesigning of local market structure to promote safety. It is about guiding fire risk reduction policy measures to provide solutions to policymakers and urban planners to protect economic stability and livelihoods in low economies.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Computational Fluid Dynamics-based simulation to analyse viral dispersion and spatial resilience in Tanzania]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[An airborne transmission of COVID-19 in resource-constrained healthcare facilities, such as isolation centres in Tanzania, poses significant infection risks owing to insufficient ventilation. This study employs Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyse airflow patterns within the 716 m2 isolation centre of Shinyanga Regional Referral Hospital, aiming to identify high-risk regions and provide architectural remedies. A steady-state k-epsilon turbulence model with an 11×106 element mesh simulated both unoccupied and occupied conditions at breathing heights of 1.0 m and 1.7 m. Results demonstrate notable height-dependent airflow variations: the male ward maintained acceptable velocities (1.34–1.33 m/s) conducive to contaminant removal, but the triage and ante-lobby displayed insufficient inflow (0.08 and 0.031 m/s, respectively) when occupied. At a height of 1.0 m within the respiratory zone of bedridden patients, velocities diminished by up to 57% near bed railings, leading to the formation of stagnation pockets. Medical apparatus disrupted local airflow, diminishing velocities by 25-40% around ventilators. Turbulence kinetic energy was increased at 1.7 m (standing HCW level), indicating improved mixing. The airlock operated efficiently at 0.71–0.72 m/s. This work identifies airflow velocity and turbulence kinetic energy as verified surrogate indicators for the potential of contaminant dispersion, instead of employing direct virus dispersion modelling. Proposed resilience techniques include hybrid natural-mechanical ventilation, adaptable spatial reconfiguration, real-time indoor air quality monitoring, and sustained airflow maintenance (≥1.5 m/s at patients' bedsides). These findings provide a replicable, data-driven approach for improving airborne infection control in resource-limited hospital settings.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Public aquatic facilities as enablers of human-marine active interactions: An affordance-based conceptual approach]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0007</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A key feature of urban regeneration projects along waterfronts is the focus on reconnecting with the wider urban environment. However, the relationship with the aquatic environment is less explored, as are attempts to promote a deeper and more varied connection between urban dwellers and urban blue spaces. This study highlights the potential of public aquatic facilities to assist this reconnection and foster closer, more active relationships with the marine environment, since human–nature interactions are considered to be critical for the environmental conservation agenda. This study examines how active engagement with water differs from passive enjoyment, building a different kind of relationship that deserves more attention. The dual nature of the seascape, which can be both therapeutic and treacherous, is also discussed, and the study sheds light on the lesser-discussed issue of how to promote exposure to nature in challenging environments such as aquatic ones. Theoretically based on the concept of affordances, the study suggests that public aquatic facilities could be understood in terms of their capacity to create positive affordances in order to mitigate negative ones, whether perceived or actual, brought about by the marine ecosystem for different users. This would expand their role as architectural tools to shape the relationship between users and the environment, instead of just being seen as recreational or aesthetic facilities. A conceptual approach is used to consider how facilities such as harbour baths and sea pools could manage affordances related to the physical aspects of the marine environment, environmental conditions and the personal characteristics of users. It is expected that public aquatic facilities would likely enable active human– marine interaction by shaping affordances such as legibility, swimmability, and safety, offering the associated benefits of contact with the marine environment while mitigating constraints.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Editorial]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0001</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Functional micro-region and its cultural potential: Skalica, Slovakia]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0004</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This paper addresses the issue of the development and cooperation of micro-regions in the context of their cultural potential, which represents a significant, yet in practice often insufficiently and unsystematically utilised, territorial development factor. The topic reflects both the current academic discourse and the needs of applied practice and has a distinctly interdisciplinary character extending across the fields of spatial planning, regional development, cultural policy, and sustainable tourism. Despite the growing interest in this issue, the set of instruments for managing development processes at the micro-regional level remains, in many respects, theoretically and methodologically underdeveloped. The paper is based on research conducted in the Horné Záhorie micro-region (Skalica district) in Slovakia, defined as a geographically and functionally coherent area located between the White Carpathians, the Little Carpathians, and the Morava River, characterised by strong historical, cultural, and cross-border linkages. The aim of the paper is to identify, through an analysis of spatial, socio-cultural, and development processes, the key factors influencing the degree of cooperation among actors within the territory, as well as the ways in which cultural potential is reflected in strategic and planning documents. Based on the synthesis of the findings, recommendations are formulated to improve the effectiveness of development strategies and to strengthen cooperation at the micro-regional level. The generalisation of the identified approaches and diagnostic conclusions creates conditions for their application not only within the Slovak Republic, but also in a broader context of comparable micro-regions within the European Union, particularly in cross-border areas with similar structural characteristics.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Plasticity of public space: Framework for spontaneous user-driven transformation]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0005</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Contemporary public spaces suffer from over-regulation and digital displacement, reducing urban activity and spontaneity. This article introduces spatial plasticity—the capacity of environments to absorb spontaneous, user-initiated physical and programmatic modifications across scales and timeframes without losing essential functions. Unlike flexibility or adaptability, which rely on pre-scripted scenarios embedded in design, plasticity focuses on a space’s threshold to accommodate unscripted, bottom-up interventions. The study employs a dual methodology combining conceptual analysis with research-by-design, drawing on theoretical synthesis and empirical experiments conducted between 2019 and 2026 in Central Europe and Berlin, Germany. By distinguishing between natural/artificial and material/immaterial dimensions, the article links the political question of who modifies space with the design question of how an environment enables such action. Through case studies-from snow-induced transformations to residential front gardens, the argument demonstrates plasticity’s value as both an analytical tool to identify spatial limits and a design principle for calibrating urban openness. The findings suggest that enhanced plasticity fosters spatial activation and reinforces identity through visible user traces. Ultimately, the paper argues that cities can be designed to enable everyday interventions that deepen residents’ attachment to the public realm, offering a more hands-on alternative to formal participation.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Turning environmental design simulation algorithms into parametric objects: Experimental study of BIM-compatible dynamic blocks]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0002</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[European building legislation increasingly emphasises improved indoor comfort, higher energy efficiency, and systematic reduction of CO₂ emissions across the building life cycle. In response, environmental simulations are becoming integral to architectural design workflows, particularly within the Building Information Modelling (BIM) environments. However, simulation processes in parametric platforms such as Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper typically remain dependent on active script files, limiting interoperability, scalability, and accessibility for non-expert users. This study proposes and experimentally validates a workflow that transforms Ladybug Tools-based Grasshopper environmental simulations into BIM-compatible parametric objects using VisualARQ GH-Styles. Instead of managing simulations as external or file-based scripts, the approach encapsulates simulation logic within reusable object-based elements embedded directly in the modelling environment. The restructuring of a Ladybug Incident Radiation script into a VA GH-Styles definition is documented and compared with the standard Grasshopper workflow. Quantitative evaluation across multiple simulation sensor grid sizes shows convergence of both approaches at high resolution, with deviation below one per cent, while the object-based workflow exhibits reduced sensitivity to grid variation. In addition, the proposed method removes dependence on an active Grasshopper window and simplifies variant management within the modelling environment. While the study is limited to a single case and specific software ecosystem, it demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed workflow for early-stage environmental analysis. The novelty of the study lies in demonstrating environmental simulation as a parametric BIM object rather than as a standalone script, contributing a functional interoperability strategy for early-stage environmental design integration.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Minimal adaptive conservation for saving urban memory in conflict areas: Gaza, Palestine]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2026-0003</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Conventional theories of architectural conservation mainly focus on the application of extensive programs and the deployment of large resources, on authenticity of materials and high expertise conservation. Usually, they fall helpless in dealing with abnormal situations in conflict areas. Few projects attempted to introduce new concepts for architectural conservation in conflict areas with innovative practical implementation. One of these projects was the conservation of Al-Alami house in Gaza, Palestine in 2010 (destroyed by Israel in 2023). Despite the innovative theoretical approach and practical applications used in this project, there is still a need for further development to arrive at a more theoretically sound and practically stronger approach that will still be appropriate for architectural conservation in conflict areas. This research introduces the Minimal Adaptive Conservation for Saving Urban Memory - MACSUM, as a new approach for architectural heritage conservation in conflict and post conflict areas. This approach calls for a shift from material-centred, expert-led restoration and puts the continuity of urban memory and identity in its focus. MACSUM is a theoretical framework that aims to safeguard heritage through minimal intervention, adaptive reuse, and local partnerships. It brings the community as the primary carrier of cultural dignity and urban memory. The research uses case study analysis to examine the application of MACSUM in the preservation of Al-Ashi historical house in Gaza, Palestine. MACSUM highlights the activation of local partnership, incremental conservation, and adaptive reuse as major foundations for conservation in conflict areas. This project demonstrated that the context and innovative conservation approach are of great importance and play the vital role in conservation in conflict areas. This article opens the door for future research to develop MACSUM and to examine its applications in other conflict areas like Syria, and Ukraine.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[On memorability of place and installation]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2025-0020</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Memorability of place and artwork is an important issue for exhibitions in museums and galleries. Understanding the memorability of an exhibition and its effects on visitors might guide curators and designers in exhibition design. The main questions of this study are ‘Can a temporary installation remain memorable for visitors?’ and ‘Which features of installations and place affect visitors?’. The study focuses on the visitor experience to understand the memorability of both an installation named Brain Forest Quipu and the exhibition place which is the Turbine Hall in the Tate Modern Museum. Therefore, visitor comments on social media (Instagram and YouTube) and the Internet were examined with the content analysis method. In order to make the analysis clearer and obtain more precise data, words that are taken from comments were grouped under “Definition” and “Interpretation” titles. Also, five parameters that can affect memorability were identified based on the literature review and included in the analysis. As a result, visitors’ comments revealed the feelings and expressions which both installation and exhibition place created, and it can be said that installation had an impact on most of the visitors because of its topic and the representation. However, it was hard to define the degree of memorability because of the lack of information about visitor’s background and interests. On the other hand, using this perspective about social media comments to discover the thoughts and feelings of visitors can be useful for future studies. The method can be developed with the involvement of some other scientific measurement techniques used in studies on memory.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Theoretical review of aesthetic principles in architecture to enhance urban quality of life]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2025-0019</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Today, built environments play an increasingly prominent role in human life, with individuals spending over 90% of their time within residential and office structures. The evolving nature of occupations and extended working hours have rendered attention to architectural design quality essential for enhancing occupants’ physical and psychological health. Architectural aesthetics, by emphasising visual and sensory dimensions, can significantly improve the quality of life for urban residents. This study employs a theoretical review and an analysis of distinguished architects’ perspectives to identify and examine five key aesthetic components: lighting design, geometric proportions, spatial flow, material texture, and connection to nature. The findings demonstrate that the deliberate integration of these components can elevate user satisfaction, reduce stress, and foster psychological well-being. Finally, practical recommendations are proposed for the application of aesthetic principles in urban building design. Aesthetics is an ancient discipline, yet its universal nature demands extensive scholarly investigation. A review of architectural history reveals that aesthetics in architecture, much like water, assumes the shape of its container—its interpretation varies across cultures and scientific domains. Despite numerous gatherings and scholarly debates, architects and researchers have yet to establish unified criteria. Instead, they have come to recognise the vast and multifaceted nature of aesthetics, particularly within architecture. Today, reflection on architectural aesthetics is a vital concern for designers and architects, who strive to satisfy their intrinsic aesthetic sensibilities through creative expression—a pursuit that has historically led to the creation of timeless works. Nevertheless, it can be summarised that revisiting perspectives on aesthetics is essential for enhancing the quality of urban life. Such efforts may bring us closer to a more accurate understanding of architectural beauty.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Ornamentation as a tool of social architecture]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2025-0022</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Given the complex challenges of social architecture, this article examines ornamentation as a deliberate architectural tool that can strengthen integration processes, shape architectural identity, and foster the long-term success of social institutions and networks. The research is based on an inter- and transdisciplinary approach that links architecture with social sciences and highlights the importance of context-sensitive architectural methods. The focus is on interconnected levels of integration: the embedding of buildings and institutions within their local environment and the connection of target groups to the surrounding community. These processes are interdependent and both rely significantly on the creation of an authentic architectural identity that reflects locality and shared values. By tracing the historical development of ornamentation and its social and cultural significance, the study investigates how decorative elements in architecture have historically functioned as a means of communication, expressing belonging, familiarity, and collective identity. Based on selected historical and contemporary case studies, this article demonstrates that ornamentation can be reinterpreted within a modern architectural language that addresses current societal needs. Beyond its aesthetic function, ornamentation is presented as a mediator between architecture and society, fostering a sense of place and supporting social integration. The study also includes design-based research experiments developed in collaboration with social institutions and communities, employing participatory and qualitative methods such as observation, interviews, and co-design processes. The experience shows that ornamentation, when used consciously and contextually, can become a communicative and integrative tool that strengthens both the spatial and social dimensions of architecture. The article concludes that the rediscovery and recontextualisation of ornamentation in social architecture offers a progressive and inclusive approach—one that unites aesthetic expression, identity formation, and social cohesion in contemporary architectural practice.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Editorial]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2025-0018</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Divriği’s architectural plasticity: Study in Seljuk innovation and cross-cultural analogy]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/alfa-2025-0021</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study offers a comprehensive architectural reading of the Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği (early 1220s) in Turkey, a rare mosque–hospital ensemble commissioned under joint male–female patronage by Ahmed Şah and Turan Melek. Attributed to the master builder Hürremşah of Ahlat and a cosmopolitan workshop, the complex fuses diverse artisanal traditions into an exceptional synthesis of structure and sculptural ornament. The mosque adopts a courtyard-less, multi-aisled plan of 25 calibrated bays oriented to the mihrab, where graded supports and differentiated vaults articulate a clear spatial hierarchy. The ensemble’s portals; especially the monumental North Portal and the Darüşşifa entrance, exhibit unprecedented high-relief stone carving, dominated by vegetal programs, bundled colonnettes, and rigorously profiled mouldings. While formally sui generis within Anatolian Seljuk architecture, the portals’ plastic dynamism and shadow-rich surfaces invite heuristic analogies with later European “Gothic” (in framing logics) and “Baroque” (in surface vitality), without implying genealogical ties. Inside, the mihrab’s three-dimensional rod-interlace and the original ebony minbar by Ahmed of Tiflis underscore the workshop’s technical range. The Darüşşifa’s modified four-iwan scheme, lanterned dome, and integrated mausoleum extend the programmatic complexity. Noting phases of incompletion and later repairs, the paper situates Divriği as a uniquely ambitious medieval Anatolian monument where architecture verges on sculpture, producing intensity through local means.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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