XV, 2014/2

Editorial

This year of research shot by even faster than the previous one. We are increasingly efficient and dependent on computers, merging the programme algorithms with people’s needs. The humanisation of architecture coupled with socially more responsible education and management in architecture have lately been highlighted more and more. We are presenting three foreign contributions in the magazine, confirming the prominent role played by our colleagues abroad. The new cybernetic morphology, which the famous Isaac Asimov once described, is increasingly moving to the forefront of considerations and ideas about robotics are making their appearance. Practice marks the starting point and an orientation in the study of artificial intelligence.

In her article »RESEARCH THROUGH DESIGN: AN ARCHITECTURAL RESPONSE TO PRACTICE-LED RESEARCH«, our colleague Eli Hatleskog deals with practice as the simultaneity of the starting point and orientation. The performative research is believed to facilitate the investigation of issues and the determination of applicability in practical processes. The objective of this method is to generate new knowledge. An analogy with machine learning is made evident during the discussion, and active interdisciplinary work is emphasised.

In the paper entitled »OPEN PUBLIC SPACE ATTRIBUTES AND CATEGORIES – COMPLEXITY AND MEASURABILITY”, young researcher Ljiljana Čavić and José Nuno Beirão describe the issues associated with research into open public spaces with the aim of improving their day-to-day use and operation. When looking for finding solutions, the users of these spaces are essential. There are numerous research studies in this field, but they all quite specific and wanting in width. The contribution sheds light on fresh methods and analytics of work.

Boris Azinović, David Koren and Vojko Kilar contribute the article »SEISMIC SAFETY OF PRECAST CANTILEVER ELEMENTS FOR THE PREVENTION OF THERMAL BRIDGES« in which they meticulously examine pre-cast cantilever elements and the possibility of elevating a cantilever in the case of seismic shockwaves and vibrations. They calculate a statistically low probability (3%) of that happening, but still it is unacceptable as a degree of seismic collapse risk. In their contribution, our colleagues present a new clamping detail by embedding a proper tensile reinforcement. Economically speaking, this solution is interesting and necessary.

Another colleague, Lara Slivnik, has been dealing with the theme of world exhibitions for years. In her article “YUGOSLAV PAVILIONS AT WORLD EXHIBITIONS” she gives a comprehensive review of the architecture of the pavilions erected during the Yugoslav period at world exhibitions (1929, 1937, 1967, 1968). Judging it from a suitable time distance, she presents the parallels with selected pavilions from those exhibitions. She wraps up the discussion by summarising the common characteristics of Yugoslav pavilions.

The last scholarly paper in the magazine is co-written by our Dutch colleague Johan Verbeke and Tadeja Zupančič. They have produced a short contribution entitled »ADAPTING TO AND ADAPTED BY ADAPT-R – ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN AND ART PRACTICE TRAINING-RESEARCH« which heralds fresh ways of research in architecture.

By way of conclusion, the magazine presents the book »CONTEMPORARY SLOVENIAN TIMBER ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABILITY« by Manja Kitek Kuzman, an excellent book which has received strong international acclaim.

The Editor