This study aims to analyze and evaluate the influence of digital technologies on the inter-action of design and manufacturing processes by representing an outlook of digital tech-nologies through developments in modeling capabilities, manufacturing techniques, mate-rial science, and design strategies. The digital era reached by the technological developments in different fields of sci-ence influenced the field of architecture, just like the others. Thus, a new kind of spa-tial and tectonic quality in architecture is emerging with the lately introduced design tools and materials that are novel to the building industry, while redefining the role of architect in this contemporary medium. The evolutionary process of Frank O. Gehry and his office, being a pioneer in using digital design and manufacturing tools in architecture, is represented with realized examples that point out the formerly discussed developments in the realm of architecture and visualize the tectonics of the digitally designed and produced buildings / culminating with the case study of Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao.

In the aftermath of natural disasters, providing temporary housing to displaced people is essential to alleviate human suffering. However, in some cases, the chosen post-disaster temporary housing strategy may not be suitable for the local conditions, which can worsen the negative impacts, particularly when decision-makers need to change their original plan due to the uncertainty of post-disaster conditions. As most temporary housing design strategies have their weaknesses, the best approach is the one that matches the specific circumstances of each scenario. This thesis proposes design strategies, including prefabricated and modular units, foldable units, upgradable units, grid and linear expansion, and passive energy units, to determine the most appropriate policy to minimize conflicts between local requirements and temporary housing characteristics while maximizing the comfort and sustainability of temporary housing design. The strategies were analyzed based on their strength and weaknesses by following the previous research, and their implementation possibilities on recently occurred natural disasters, e.g., Turkey's earthquake in 2023, were also evaluated. It was found that all strategies except for grid and linear expansion might be suitable for the studied natural disaster.

Vehicle manufactures have adopted different strategies for improving the environmental performance of their fleet including lightweight design and alternative drivetrains such as EVs. Both strategies reduce energy during use but may result in a relative increase of the impact during other stages. To address this, a lifecycle approach is needed when vehicle design strategies are developed. The thesis explores the extent that such a lifecycle approach is adopted today and assesses the potential of these strategies to reduce the lifecycle impact of vehicles. Moreover it aims to contribute to method development for lifecycle considerations during product development and material selection. Current practices were explored in an empirical study with four vehicle manufacturers. The availability of tools for identifying, monitoring and assessing design strategies was explored in a literature review. The results of the empirical study showed that environmental considerations during product development often lack a lifecycle perspective. Regarding the use of tools a limited number of such tools were utilized systematically by the studied companies despite the numerous tools available in literature. The influence of new design strategies on the lifecycle environmental performance of vehicles was assessed in three case studies; two looking into lightweight design and one at EVs. Both strategies resulted in energy and GHG emissions savings though the impact during manufacturing increases due to the advanced materials used. Assumptions relating to the operating conditions of the vehicle e.g. lifetime distance or for EVs the carbon intensity of the energy mix, influence the level of this tradeoff. Despite its low share in terms of environmental impact EOL is important in the overall performance of vehicles. The thesis contributed to method development by suggesting a systematic approach for material selection. The approach combines material and environmental analysis tools thus increases the possibilities for lifecycle improvements while minimizing risk for sub-optimizations. / <p>QC 20160920</p>

In Brazil, the lack of meteorological data is an issue in order to apply a bioclimatic approach for building design. As one of the consequences, designers frequently apply general climate data from one region to another rather than specific data for design strategies purposes. However, this general climate data not necessarily represent accurately microclimatic conditions for different cities even when they are part of the same region. Facing this, this work discusses design strategies for bioclimatic housing in Maceió, Palmeira dos Índios and Pão de Açúcar, located in different geographical mesoregions in Alagoas, in order to adapt to local climate, to thermal comfort, energy efficiency and sustainability of the living space. The methodological steps were: choice of cities, field research, meteorological data evaluation and buildings design recommendations discussion. Meteorological data for approximately ten years was used, obtained from INMET (National Institute of Meteorology) and processed by statistical analysis and the methods of Test Reference Year (TRY) and Project Typical Day. The results showed that there are differences between the cities, especially about annual temperature range, precipitation and direction of winds. The main bioclimatic strategies recommended were: shading, ventilation and protection from rain for Maceió; shading, ventilation, protection from rain and high-mass in daily use rooms for Palmeira dos Índios and shading, ventilation, high-mass in daily use rooms and evaporative cooling for Pão de Açúcar. Besides that, inconsistencies between the recommendations made by the NBR 15220-3 for cities and the data analyzed were found. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / No Brasil, a escassez de dados meteorológicos ainda é um desafio e em conseqüência disto, muitas vezes, o clima é desconsiderado ou adotado de maneira generalista na prática arquitetônica. Diante disto, o presente trabalho discute estratégias bioclimáticas para habitação nas cidades de Maceió, Palmeira dos Índios e Pão de Açúcar, localizadas nas diferentes Mesorregiões Geográficas do Estado de Alagoas, de forma que se adaptem ao clima local, visando conforto térmico, eficiência energética e sustentabilidade do espaço habitado. Os procedimentos metodológicos adotados foram: escolha das cidades; pesquisa de campo; tratamento e análise de dados meteorológicos e discussão das recomendações de projeto. Foram utilizados dados meteorológicos de um período de aproximadamente dez anos, obtidos junto ao INMET (Instituo Nacional de Meteorologia), tratados através de análise estatística e das metodologias de Ano Climático de Referência e Dia Típico de Projeto. Os resultados mostraram que, existem diferenças climáticas entre as cidades, em especial quanto à amplitude térmica anual, precipitação e direção dos ventos. As principais estratégias bioclimáticas recomendadas para as cidades foram: sombreamento, ventilação e proteção contra as chuvas para Maceió; sombreamento, ventilação, proteção contra as chuvas e massa térmica para resfriamento em ambientes de uso diurno para Palmeira dos Índios e sombreamento, ventilação, massa térmica para resfriamento em ambientes de uso diurno e resfriamento evaporativo para Pão de Açúcar. Além disto, foram identificadas contradições entre as recomendações feitas pela NBR 15.220-3 para as cidades e os dados analisados.

The human intuitive search for shelter was the reason for their survival. In this process, the climate takes an outliner role, making the architectonic production unique, which finds in the house its greatest adaptive strategies repository. Even though, throughout history, this repertoire has been forgotten. Concerned about life and its maintenance, the bioclimatic approach constitutes a way to redeem and develop solutions that reinstate architecture and environment. Thereby, it reflects in the architectural design the climate and site consciousness, and embraces, in an interdependent way, the environment and life which singularizes it. The present work investigated the existence of a possible architecture and climate dialogue, born with the primary intention of dwelling in the tropics, through the embodying of bioclimatic strategies by the vernacular architecture of Pilar-AL. The methodology was based in a multiple case study and was developed based on the context and selection of six houses; survey and iconographic material production; measurement of air temperature and relative humidity data; creation of bioclimatic diagrams; simulation of wind and shading behavior; collected data processing and systematization of the results, in which comparisons between architectonic examples obeyed a qualitative approach. The results suggest an efficient bioclimatic response of the studied houses against the considered thermal comfort range in the evaluated period, shading and ventilation. The answers confirm the coherent use of verandas, crafted window design, porous internal partitions, wind permeable roofs, thick external walls protected from sun incidence and light inner walls. Therefore, it was possible to recognize, considering the work&#8223;s limitations, an architectonic repertoire adapted to its climatic context and the importance of the constructive heritage to the cultural enrichment and the strength of the bioclimatic approach in architecture. / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A intuitiva busca do homem por abrigos foi razão de sua sobrevivência. Nesse processo, o clima assume contornos delineadores, particularizando a produção arquitetônica, que encontra na casa o maior repositório das estratégias adaptativas. Todavia, ao longo da história, esse repertório tem sido esquecido. Preocupada com a permanência da vida, a abordagem bioclimática constitui uma forma de resgatar e desenvolver soluções que reintegrem arquitetura e meio. Desse modo, reflete no desenho arquitetônico a consciência do lugar e do clima, e abrange de forma interdependente o ambiente e a vida que o singulariza. O presente trabalho investigou a existência de um possível diálogo entre clima e arquitetura, nascido com a intenção primeira de habitar os trópicos, através do processo de incorporação de estratégias bioclimáticas à arquitetura vernácula da cidade de Pilar-AL. A metodologia fundamentou-se em um estudo de casos múltiplos e foi desenvolvida a partir da escolha do contexto e de seis edificações; levantamento e produção do material iconográfico; aferição dos dados de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar; elaboração de diagramas bioclimáticos; simulação do comportamento dos ventos e do sombreamento; tratamento dos dados obtidos e sistematização dos resultados alcançados, cujas comparações entre exemplares arquitetônicos seguiram uma abordagem qualitativa. Os resultados sugerem a eficiente resposta bioclimática das casas investigadas frente à faixa de conforto térmico considerada para os períodos monitorados, ao sombreamento e à ventilação. Respostas que corroboraram o coerente uso de alpendres, esquadrias trabalhadas, elementos vazados, telhados permeáveis aos ventos, grossas paredes externas abrigadas da insolação e leves divisórias internas. Assim, foi possível perceber, dentro das limitações estabelecidas, a construção de um repertório arquitetônico adaptado ao contexto climático local e a importância da herança construtiva para o enriquecimento da cultura e o fortalecimento da abordagem bioclimática da arquitetura.

The thesis aims to deconstruct the traditional dualities between design and use and blend the boundaries between them. It characterises design as a process that is complex, dynamic, and integral to other processes, such as use. The thesis utilises Latour's concept of the collective. Although this concept has been applied to architectural contexts in previous studies, this thesis expands the collective to include actors of use. The thesis elaborates on the inscription and description of technologies inspired by Akrich (1992). It shows how the collective is shaped and reshaped through such processes. Building parallels with previous studies, it analyses the importance of fluidity and fluid actors in de-scribing technologies and reshaping the collectives. The thesis utilises the case of Masdar City, which has been designed in the UK by the architectural and urban planning firm Foster + Partners and implemented in the Middle East, specifically in the United Arab Emirates. The thesis focuses on its first developed stage represented by Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST). Based on a qualitative and inductive approach, the conducted research utilises interviews and site observations with the designers, users, and other main contributors. Through this approach, the thesis reflects on the concept of sustainability that is itself contested, changeable, and vague. The thesis concludes that sustainable design processes should be seen as continuous loops between design and use. In acknowledging this, it is further suggested that concepts such as the living laboratory, which support the adaptation of designs and learning from use, are adopted at the outset in architectural production.

Fully autonomous vehicles are expected to revolutionize transportation, reduce the cost of ownership, contribute to a cleaner environment, and prevent the majority of traffic accidents and related fatalities. Even though promising approaches for achieving full autonomy exist, developers and manufacturers have to overcome a multitude of challenged before these systems could find widespread adoption. This multiple case study explored the strategies some IT hardware and software developers of self-driving cars use to adapt traditional vehicle design frameworks to address consumer and regulatory requirements in autonomous vehicle designs. The population consisted of autonomous driving technology software and hardware developers who are currently working on fully autonomous driving technologies from or within the United States, regardless of their specialization. The theory of dynamic capabilities was the conceptual framework used for the study. Interviews from 7 autonomous vehicle hard and software engineers, together with 15 archival documents, provided the data points for the study. A thematic analysis was used to code and group results by themes. When looking at the results through the lens of dynamic capability theory, notable themes included regulatory uncertainty, functional safety, rapid iteration, and achieving a competitive advantage. Based on the findings of the study, implications for social change include the need for better regulatory frameworks to provide certainty, consumer education to manage expectations, and universal development standards that could integrate regulatory and design needs into a single approach.

Nowadays, the technology enhanced learning area has experienced a strong growth with many new learning approaches like blended learning, flip teaching, massive open online courses, and open educational resources to complement face-to-face lectures. Specifically, video lectures are fast becoming an everyday educational resource in higher education for all of these new learning approaches, and they are being incorporated into existing university curricula around the world. Transcriptions and translations can improve the utility of these audiovisual assets, but rarely are present due to a lack of cost-effective solutions to do so. Lecture searchability, accessibility to people with impairments, translatability for foreign students, plagiarism detection, content recommendation, note-taking, and discovery of content-related videos are examples of advantages of the presence of transcriptions. For this reason, the aim of this thesis is to test in real-life case studies ways to obtain multilingual captions for video lectures in a cost-effective way by using state-of-the-art automatic speech recognition and machine translation techniques. Also, we explore interaction protocols to review these automatic transcriptions and translations, because unfortunately automatic subtitles are not error-free. In addition, we take a step further into multilingualism by extending our findings and evaluation to several languages. Finally, the outcomes of this thesis have been applied to thousands of video lectures in European universities and institutions. / Hoy en día, el área del aprendizaje mejorado por la tecnología ha experimentado un fuerte crecimiento con muchos nuevos enfoques de aprendizaje como el aprendizaje combinado, la clase inversa, los cursos masivos abiertos en línea, y nuevos recursos educativos abiertos para complementar las clases presenciales. En concreto, los videos docentes se están convirtiendo rápidamente en un recurso educativo cotidiano en la educación superior para todos estos nuevos enfoques de aprendizaje, y se están incorporando a los planes de estudios universitarios existentes en todo el mundo. Las transcripciones y las traducciones pueden mejorar la utilidad de estos recursos audiovisuales, pero rara vez están presentes debido a la falta de soluciones rentables para hacerlo. La búsqueda de y en los videos, la accesibilidad a personas con impedimentos, la traducción para estudiantes extranjeros, la detección de plagios, la recomendación de contenido, la toma de notas y el descubrimiento de videos relacionados son ejemplos de las ventajas de la presencia de transcripciones. Por esta razón, el objetivo de esta tesis es probar en casos de estudio de la vida real las formas de obtener subtítulos multilingües para videos docentes de una manera rentable, mediante el uso de técnicas avanzadas de reconocimiento automático de voz y de traducción automática. Además, exploramos diferentes modelos de interacción para revisar estas transcripciones y traducciones automáticas, pues desafortunadamente los subtítulos automáticos no están libres de errores. Además, damos un paso más en el multilingüismo extendiendo nuestros hallazgos y evaluaciones a muchos idiomas. Por último, destacar que los resultados de esta tesis se han aplicado a miles de vídeos docentes en universidades e instituciones europeas. / Hui en dia, l'àrea d'aprenentatge millorat per la tecnologia ha experimentat un fort creixement, amb molts nous enfocaments d'aprenentatge com l'aprenentatge combinat, la classe inversa, els cursos massius oberts en línia i nous recursos educatius oberts per tal de complementar les classes presencials. En concret, els vídeos docents s'estan convertint ràpidament en un recurs educatiu quotidià en l'educació superior per a tots aquests nous enfocaments d'aprenentatge i estan incorporant-se als plans d'estudi universitari existents arreu del món. Les transcripcions i les traduccions poden millorar la utilitat d'aquests recursos audiovisuals, però rara vegada estan presents a causa de la falta de solucions rendibles per fer-ho. La cerca de i als vídeos, l'accessibilitat a persones amb impediments, la traducció per estudiants estrangers, la detecció de plagi, la recomanació de contingut, la presa de notes i el descobriment de vídeos relacionats són un exemple dels avantatges de la presència de transcripcions. Per aquesta raó, l'objectiu d'aquesta tesi és provar en casos d'estudi de la vida real les formes d'obtenir subtítols multilingües per a vídeos docents d'una manera rendible, mitjançant l'ús de tècniques avançades de reconeixement automàtic de veu i de traducció automàtica. A més a més, s'exploren diferents models d'interacció per a revisar aquestes transcripcions i traduccions automàtiques, puix malauradament els subtítols automàtics no estan lliures d'errades. A més, es fa un pas més en el multilingüisme estenent els nostres descobriments i avaluacions a molts idiomes. Per últim, destacar que els resultats d'aquesta tesi s'han aplicat a milers de vídeos docents en universitats i institucions europees. / Valor Miró, JD. (2017). Evaluation of innovative computer-assisted transcription and translation strategies for video lecture repositories [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/90496 / TESIS

Today, circular economy is becoming more and more important to think about when developing new solutions, and considering the growing and aging population it may be extra important when it comes to the design of solutions for health care. This thesis aims at exploring how a digital health technology solution for incontinence care can be designed to contribute to a circular economy. In order to achieve the aim, a case study is performed with the intention to answer four different research questions. To gather data and information, the study also uses methods such as interviews, surveys, and a literature study. The first conclusion that can be drawn is that there are eight different circular design strategy categories, each category with a unique focus area, that are assessed to be suitable to investigate for the given purpose. Three examples of focus areas of these categories are to reuse resources, to influence the user behaviour, and to prolong the use phase for a solution somehow. Furthermore, the users and the production company are seen as the most significant actors for the studied digital health technology solution, and together they have ten important requests including needs regarding provision of knowledge, easily understandable solutions, and peace of mind to mention some. Based on the conclusions regarding circular design strategies and important requests, three concepts are developed which in different ways are assessed to contribute to both circularity and to fulfilling actor requests. One of the concepts focuses on prolonging the use of some components by providing an adapted cleaning kit to keep the components at a high hygienic standard. Another concept focuses on encouraging correct usage of the whole solution through giving the users personal statistics and notifications related to monetary and environmental costs. The last concept aims at providing a simple way to return reusable components to the company in order to enable reuse by another user. Finally, conclusions regarding positive and negative aspects of the three developed concepts are presented, focusing on attributes such as circularity and value creation. The thesis presents different ways regarding how circular design strategies can be applied to a digital health technology solution, which can inspire and aid organisations in their way towards providing solutions that are adapted to fit a circular economy.

This thesis investigates the manifestations of circular business models and circular product design strategies in the Swedish clothing industry, using a multiple case study approach that examines five Swedish clothing companies. Guided by the first research question: What are the current circular product design strategies and circular business model strategies for companies operating in the Swedish clothing industry? the findings reveal an emphasis on circular product design strategies compared to circular business models, among the studied clothing companies. Prominent product design strategies encompass timeless and adaptable designs, utilization of high-quality materials, rigorous product testing, and a focus on minimizing components, while permanent collections and standard spare parts are less frequently used. Regarding circular business models, the study reveals an adoption of strategies such as repair, reuse, internal upcycling, and recycling. Conversely, approaches such as clothing rental- and subscription services, secondhand- and repair services as well as collaborations for repair and refurbishment are employed to a lesser extent.  In addition, the study explores the influencing factors that determine the adoption or non-adoption of these circular approaches, guided by a second research question: What are the factors that influence the companies to adopt, or not to adopt circular product design strategies and circular business model strategies? The study reveals that the companies prioritize producing durable goods, but that challenges emerge in achieving a balance between circular objectives and material quality, without compromising either aspect, especially within childrenswear and workwear that has certain requirements. Despite these challenges, the companies both exhibit a commitment to integrating circular practices into their operations, aswell as show a willingness to explore new and innovative circular product design concepts, including increased utilization of mono- and recyclable materials. Another significant challenge lies in the alignment of circular business models with existing organizational practices, which requires substantial organizational transitions. However, permanent collections are found to be a potential facilitator for circularity within the clothing industry, as it allows for comprehensive testing, feedback loops, streamlined supply chains, things of which could enable better opportunities for both circular product designs, and circular business models such as repair- and secondhand services. The study highlights future trends in circular business models, including a focus on repair services, secondhand offerings, and enhanced recycling practices. The research contributes to the understanding of the adoption of circular strategies in the clothing industry and underscores the need for further investigations into the influencing factors at play and the implications across international contexts. / Denna avhandling undersöker strategier för cirkulära affärsmodeller och cirkulär\\ produktdesign inom den svenska klädindustrin, genom att använda en flerfallsstudie som undersöker fem svenska klädföretag. Med utgångspunkt i forskningsfrågan: Vilka är de nuvarande cirkulära produktdesignstrategierna och cirkulära affärsmodellstrategierna för företag som är aktiva inom den svenska klädindustrin? visar resultaten en tyngdpunkt på cirkulära produktdesignstrategier jämfört med cirkulära affärsmodeller, bland de studerade klädföretagen. De främsta produktdesignstrategierna omfattar tidlös och anpassningsbar design, användning av högkvalitativa material, omfattande produkttester och ett fokus på att minimera antalet komponenter, samtidigt som permanenta kollektioner och standardiserade reservdelar användsmer sällan. När det gäller cirkulära affärsmodeller visar studien att strategier som reparation, återanvändning, intern upcycling och återvinning används. Däremot används strategier som uthyrning av kläder och prenumerationstjänster, secondhand- och reparationstjänster samt samarbeten för reparation och renovering i mindre utsträckning.  Vidare undersöker studien de påverkande faktorer som avgör om dessa cirkulära strategier antas eller inte. Detta besvaras med hjälp av en andra forskningsfråga: Vilka är de faktorer som påverkar företagen att anta, eller inte anta, cirkulära produktdesignstrategier och cirkulära affärsmodellstrategier? Studien visar att företagen prioriterar att producera hållbara produkter, men att det finns utmaningar med att uppnå en balans mellan cirkulära mål och materialkvalitet, utan att kompromissa med någon av aspekterna. Detta gäller i synnerhet barnkläder och arbetskläder som har särskilda krav. Trots dessa utmaningar visar alla studiens företag både ett engagemang för att integrera cirkulära metoder i sin verksamhet och en vilja att utforska nya och innovativa cirkulära produktdesignkoncept, inklusive ökat utnyttjande av mono- och återvinningsbara material. En annan stor utmaning ligger i att anpassa cirkulära affärsmodeller till befintliga organisatoriska rutiner, vilket kräver omfattande organisatoriska förändringar. Permanenta kollektioner har dock visat sig vara en potentiell facilitator för cirkularitet inom klädindustrin. Detta mot bakgrund av att permanenta kollektioner möjliggör omfattande tester, feedbackloopar och effektiviserade leveranskedjor, vilket kan ge bättre möjligheter för både cirkulär produktdesign, och cirkulära affärsmodeller som reparations- och secondhand-tjänster. Studien visar att framtida trender inom cirkulära affärsmodeller inkluderar ett fokus på reparationstjänster, secondhand-erbjudanden och förbättrad återvinning. Dessutom bidrar studien till en förståelse av hur cirkulära strategier inom klädindustrin kan tillämpas. Slutligen understryker studien att framtida studier bör utvärdera samtliga faktorer som påverkar tillämpningen av cirkulära strategier i klädindustrin, samt hur dessa kan variera ii nternationella sammanhang.