Technological advancements in the second half of the century have significantly affected academic library institution. Libraries are undergoing a transition period and constantly updating their system to adapt to those advancements. However, library building is slow to adapt to the changes. This study examines those changes in academic libraries and buildings based on two main variables. namely human beings. and the medium. through which the information is transmitted The invention of first. electronic, and then digital systems significantly changed these two variables. The resulting library building is shaped by the new human Behavior and the form of information-mediums in a technology-oriented environment. The result of this study is 'five governing principles,' which explain the position of those two variables in a complex web of relations created by technological advancements. The same principles also explain the role of different variables in the future of the library building typology. / Department of Architecture

This thesis focuses on the development of design constraints for use in analyzing the capacity of the residential units' floor areas in Open Building projects. Two cases are used to demonstrate the use of these constraints: a vacant office building (Kales Building) being converted to residential occupancy; a new multi-story building the lower floors of which are hotel rooms and the upper floors are residential condominium units.The thesis suggests that these constraints and the capacity analysis of residential floor areas associated with them can assist design teams, at the beginning of similar projects; provide important "added value" to clients, and contribute to the long term "sustainability" or adaptability of buildings.The first part of the thesis addresses the question of how to design a residential base building which can accommodate an optimal number and variety of fit-out unit layouts. The answer to the question links to the need for design constraints and points to their use in capacity analysis.The second part of the thesis focuses on the deduction of "constraint-designing" for Open Building residential layout. Plumbing systems, which are one of the most significant barriers to the application of Open Building, are specifically and more deeply studied in this part. A series of constraints are developed, which can generally assist in designing and analyzing floor plate capacity. . It is akin to learning to know the rules before starting a game.The third part of the thesis focuses on the demonstration of the uses of constraints in the design process of the conversion of an abandoned office building to residential uses.The last part of the thesis demonstrates the use of constraints and capacity analysis in a new multi-story condo project.In short, the paper is initially concerned with both the design concept and its application into detail levels in one of the many issues. It is a study of methods and technical rules of designing floor plan layouts when capacity analysis is the aim. / Department of Architecture

Thesis (DTech (Civil Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / South Africa’s government is faced with the challenge of providing housing for its citizens, especially the historically disadvantaged population who seek job opportunities and improvement on their life style in urban areas. To achieve this laudable goal, the South African construction industry must be proactive in its approach to the construction of affordable housing, and must adopt construction strategies that enhances sustainable housing development. Born from this challenge is the need for research to establish how sustainable development concepts could be integrated into housing construction processes, with a view to develop strategies to achieve affordable housing that enhances sustainability, to cater for South Africans in need of decent accommodation. The study developed a conceptual model through extensive review of extant literature; South Africa housing policy and legislation, sustainable construction and development, socioeconomic considerations for sustainable building development, and strategies for sustainable building construction amongst other were reviewed. The study adopted a sequential mixed method approach for data gathering, whereby an initial qualitative pilot survey was conducted to test the existence of the research problems identified in this study and to validate the conceptual model constructs.

Thesis (MTech (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / The study investigates the predominant factors responsible for increase in the cost of building materials and the effect of this cost increase on housing delivery in Western Cape, South Africa. Sustainable housing is buildings produced to meet the present housing needs of people without conceding the ability of the future generation to meet their future needs. However, a significant increase in the cost of building materials has been a major constraint to the delivery of sustainable housings, as made evident in the literature, leading to project cost and time overruns or even project abandonment. However, building materials consume up to 65% of the total cost of construction. This factor on cost has, over the years, threatened the ability of the construction industry to deliver projects within budgeted cost, at stipulated time, and at satisfactory quality. This prompted the need to proffer solutions to these factors identified which are causing increases in the cost of building materials towards sustainable housing delivery in Western Cape. Based on this research study, housing is termed to be sustainable when it is available and affordable for the masses timely and at quality expected. The research study adopted a mixed methodological approach, involving the use of semi-structured qualitative interviews and closed-ended quantitative questionnaires administered to construction stakeholders (architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, construction managers, project managers, site supervisors and material suppliers) in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. SPSS version 24 software was used for analysing the quantitative data collected and ‘content analysis’ method was used to analyse the information collected through the qualitative interviews. The findings revealed that the major factors responsible for increasing the cost of building materials are inflation, wastages of building materials by labourers, cost of transportation and distribution of labour, design changes, client contribution to design change and change in government policies and regulation. Moreover, the research showed that fluctuation in the cost of construction and high maintenance costs due to poor workmanship also impact the cost increase of building materials for housing delivery. In addition, research findings affirmed that for optimum materials usage for the enhancement of sustainable construction, the following criteria should be considered in the selection of building materials: maintenance cost, energy consumption and maintainability. The adoption of these findings by construction stakeholders in the South African construction industry would enhance the delivery of affordable housing at reduced cost, at the required time and at the expected quality. Therefore, an adequate implementation of the framework presented in this study will enhance sustainable housing delivery.

This paper has been written primarily to emphasize the need of some pattern in school building and planning. The principles and practices herein contained are not complete in all aspects. Many of the specifications have been accepted by authorities specializing in this field. The county in which the writer is employed is about to embark upon a building program. It becomes a most opportune time to carry on a study concerned with the planning and construction of a practical building. Familiarization with accepted practices might well influence thinking of all concerned. To include community participation would establish a closer tie between two groups so dependent upon each other. / "June, 1953." / Typescript. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science." / Advisor: H. W. Dean, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 60).

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016 / Children often find hospitalisation an intimidating experience because hospitals are not always the most child-friendly place. This research report is about understanding the way in which an environment can be created that will aid recovery of children in hospitals, in order to inform the redesign process of the pediatric facility at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH). Literature on the history of hospital design, architectural and evidence based design surrounding health-care architecture, and the psychological aspects that contribute towards a healing environment, shows that important design drivers are positive distraction, personal control and social support. These devices are used in precedent studies that successfully deinstitutionalised the hospital in the eyes of a child, in order to produce comfort and less anxiety. An indepth study is conducted of CHBH, with specific emphasis on the pediatric department, compiled from literature and site research. The history and challenges of the largest hospital in Africa are explored in order to arrive at an appropriate design response, which is taken through as a design proposal for a new pediatric facility at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. / GR2017

Well designed forms and spaces can maintain their inate beauty and harmony though activities in and around them will come and go. These spaces are timeless. My search is not directly for a form but rather for a pattern, dictated to by the idea, governed by rules about the space and limited only by site. A form that gracefully embraces itself and the reason for its genesis. Continually evolving. The hospital will be my instrument. I sense what a hospital is but I do not know what it will become. A functional organism by nature, it must be understood and simplified so that Architecture can triumph. Therefore, a strong, viable plan for form and space is essential. / Master of Architecture

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / The professional team play a critical role during the design phase to ensure the implementation of a green building design, but in what way do they differ from a traditional design team? The research seeks to determine, whether the professional team members need to be specifically alert to green building principles and willing to learn and apply green building principles through an investigation of a commercial project case study. The research design embraces a qualitative approach through the gathering of data on the case study, where project information was examined and the professional team members interviewed. To reinforce the project specific information, professionals in the construction industry were canvassed for their opinions on the awareness of professional team members, and their willingness to learn and apply, green building principles on commercial projects seeking green star rating. The findings from the case study indicate that a non-traditional, integrated design approach stimulated the professional team‟s alertness and willingness to learn and apply green building principles to great success, as the project achieved a four star green rating. The survey found that professional‟s perceived green buildings to have a positive impact on the environment and if possible reverse the harmful effects that conventional buildings have on the environment. Furthermore, professional team‟s early involvement is highly imperative to achieve a green star accreditation. The green design process requires continuous input and sharing of information from all professional team members. The respondents who were surveyed indicated a positive attitude towards developing their awareness and willingness to learn and apply green building principles. Knowledge of green star rating requirements for commercial developments in South Africa as well as general green building principles, allow professional team members to gain a competitive edge over more traditional practitioners in the building sector. In addition, professional members who are aware and alert to green building are at a better position to successfully implement a green building design, consequently minimising the negative impact buildings have on the environment and ensure sustainability.

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Architecture (Professional) to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Architecture and Planning at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / The aim of the facility being designed is to focus on the resident by utilizing healing architecture, the notion that architectural elements and design effect ones well being. The disease Tuberculosis will be used as a platform for this exploration. After much research, it is evident that the Tuberculosis (TB) problem is worse today due to inadequate health care facilities and ineffective treatment methods, which do not handle the issue with the urgency it deserves. Currently, TB is treated for a very limited period of time in hospitals. Once this time is up, most patients are able to return home where they have to be self medicated. This is a dangerous, expensive and unreliable practice, as neglecting to take ones medication regularly can result in other strains of TB being developed. This is clearly a weak and irresponsible method of treatment, and therefore this report proposes that the health sector returns to the traditional methods of treating the disease, which is through isolation and a long period of confinement in a recovery setting. This investigation will be performed through analysing forms of health architecture and how to achieve a humane space for long term patients. Plants featured strongly in this investigation, and therefore research into the role planting has in healing architecture has been emphasised. / XL2018

Cheung Tin Yan Jessica. / "Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 2007-2008, design report." / Includes bibliographical references. / Some text also in Chinese. / Abstracts in English and Chinese.