LATEST PAPERS
Paweł Mika, Jing Yifan
Abstract
The article deals with the issue of symbolism in contemporary architecture with facades made of precast concrete elements. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that such facades, beyond their structural and aesthetic roles, can also serve as a medium of communication, referring to the history of a place, local traditions, or the architect’s design intent. An analysis of more than 100 buildings was conducted on the basis of literature, project documentation, statements by architects and critics, as well as case studies. The findings identify four main methods of embedding symbolism: through the overall form of the building, the design of precast elements, the relief and tectonics of surfaces, and the structural system itself. The conclusions confirm that contemporary prefabrication is no longer limited to repetition and standardization but has become a tool of architectural narration, in which facades function as a system of signs, culturally and emotionally legible to the observer.
Sławomir Kowalski
Abstract
In urban traffic, there are situations where cars parked on the road shoulder or part of the roadway obstruct the view to other road users. That situation can lead to a road incident with various consequences. This article presents sample consequences of a road incident that occurred due to one driver failing to give way by moving his or her car too far forward to make sure they could continue the drive. A total of four scenarios were analysed, assuming two different car positions before the accident and two different driving speeds. The reconstruction of road incidents was conducted with the use of the V-SIM 6.0 software licensed by CYBID Kraków, Poland. In addition, the number of road incidents at five selected crossroads in the consecutive quarters of the year was forecast using the grey system theory.
The simulation results demonstrated that moving the front of the car that gave way by up to 1.25 m beyond the roadway centre line and the other car’s driving speed of 60 km/h will lead to the most serious consequences of the accident. The maximum volume of car silhouette coverage in that case will be 0.38 m3. The forecast of the number of road incidents at the four crossroads in the next four quarters will demonstrate an increase in the number of accidents if relevant procedures are not implemented to improve visibility of the situation on the road at these locations.
Lea Kazanecka-Olejnik
Abstract
Sunlight plays a crucial role in everyday life. Contemporary regulations and research emphasize solar access to buildings, with more limited consideration to open spaces (OSs). This preliminary study aims to explore current overshadowing tendencies in OSs adjacent to recently built residential developments. This comparative analysis is based on simulated shadow patterns observed on March 21st on OSs adjacent to residential buildings completed between 2010 and 2024 in the centre of Wrocław. OSs were analysed in relation to density and their main characteristics, with respect to comparative benchmark based on BRE guidance. Over 150 OSs were identified. The results indicate that 75% of total analysed area received at least 2 hours of sunlight. Nevertheless, nearly 30 OSs received that amount on less than 20% of their area. They were mostly small and enclosed. The varied results indicate that further consideration should be given to overshadowing and its potential performance indicators.
