Aleksandar Čučaković

Examination of the Experience of Biomorphic Form Materialized in Urban Design Model

This research provides initial examination of the impact that biomorphic forms, implemented in public space as urban design model, has on its potential users. The methods, which were included in this research, was modeling process of biomorphic form of species Bell flower (Campanula persicifolia L.) into urban design model of bench and a visual questionnaire for examination of the visual perception from two target groups. The visual research was based on a validation of a frequently used urban element—bench, on the original photo material which was taken at the city of Belgrade, and a photo-realistic material. At the photo-realistic material, the original urban element was removed by the conceptual model of bench constructed from the biomorphic form. Evaluation of two photos in the visual questionnaire included five criteria that rely on visual capabilities of user’s free assessment and user’s ability for visualization: (1) harmony, unity of space; (2) the legibility of the form of the elements; (3) comfort, amenity; (4) design of the element and (5) innovativeness, attractiveness. Categorical scale was used for assessing quality of criteria by subjects: EXCELLENT, GOOD and BAD. Results of the visual questionnaire indicate that the biomorphic urban design model was generally considered to be excellent and of innovative design, compared to the standard urban model. This innovative urban design model of the public space could be the part of a new approach that has been trying to find a new ways for connecting people with nature and its hidden patterns and forms.

Triangular Proportional Scheme and Concept of the Two Serbian Medieval Churches

Serbian medieval architectural heritage is notable for its sacred architecture including numerous Christian Orthodox churches built at the territory of former Raska state during the period from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Built in the so-called Raska architectural style, characterized by overlapping features of Romanesque and Byzantine traditions, two monuments—the church of the Mother of God in Studenica monastery complex and the church of Holy Dormition in Žica monastery complex, are exquisite sacred structures and cultural monuments of exceptional importance. They are also remarkable due to geometric-proportional regularities of their design. This paper highlights the importance of geometric concept in relation to proportional analysis of these two structures. Here presented study is conducted by two means: first one—by investigating geometric scheme with equilateral triangles, incorporated into the layout and cross section patterns of each church structure; the second one—by classical proportioning that includes proportional roots, golden section and numeric ratios.

Challenges and Promises of Mobile Devices Usage for Spatial Visualization Skills Assessment in Technical Drawing for Engineering Course

Modern education systems and curricula attend are largely based on the application of new technologies. The traditional way of working on subjects from group based on engineering drawing using computers includes adequate theoretical training and practical exercises which are solved by drawing and constructing a pen and aids on paper. The modern method has brought numerous news. The tasks that were solved with a pen on paper, in this case, are solved by using computers and appropriate software tools. There has been a wide acceptance of CAD software packages. Spatial visualization skills is the ability to which it is the application of new technologies and specialized software had both a positive and a negative impact. Due to the great importance of this skill in all areas of engineering, it is necessary to work on its improvement. This present study was designed to determine challenges and promises of mobile devices usage for spatial visualization skills and achievement in Technical Drawing for Engineering course for students at University of Belgrade.