Michihiko Shinozaki

Elaboration Model for Mapping Architectural Space

Abstract The key objective of this study is to develop an experimental computational method for mapping architectural space, and further validate the method using several case studies. The result will offer possibilities for quantitative design analysis, particularly on spatial quality influenced by architectural elements. Our proposed method for this computation consists of two phases: determination of L-shaped enclosed spaces and axial lines to establish an enclosed space relative to a circulation space, and determination of subdivided enclosed spaces using territorial lines. The concept underlying this method is that architectural space is composed of subdivided enclosed spaces each of which has distinct physical properties influenced by different elements. Therefore, it is possible to develop mapping for the further qualitative evaluation of architectural space.

Evidence-based neighborhood greening and concomitant improvement of urban heat environment in the context of a world heritage site - Malacca, Malaysia

Abstract Malacca, located on the west coast of the central part of the Malaysian Peninsula, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At present, the urban heat environmental condition is feared to gradually worsen in the future. By applying a new design that modifies the heat environment by creating organically linked neighborhood green spaces, which encourage pedestrian use, will assist in efforts to conserve and improve the town as a sustainable heritage site. In this research, areas with future greening potential are first extracted based on field surveys and the results of overlaid site appraisals that, by using computer simulations, account for pedestrian thermal comfort, visibility of the historical landscape, and movement. Based on the identified and extracted areas with greening potential, three neighborhood greening scenarios are established: case 1 is based on the existing conditions, case 2 is based on following existing conservation plans, and case 3 is based on maximizing green areas by implementing the proposed pedestrian walkway. A microclimate simulation was done for each scenario and the results are compared specifically from the viewpoint of where and how much each scenario contributes to mitigating the urban heat environment, focusing on changes in physiologically equivalent temperature distribution and numerical changes. From the results, we conclude that the streetscape conservation-oriented neighborhood greening approaches proposed herein should improve the urban heat environment in such historical towns in tropical regions.

テラスハウス周辺の緑被率と周辺気温低減効果に関する定量的把握:東南アジア・蒸暑気候地域における環境配慮型住宅地デザイン手法に関する研究 (その2)

The aim of this study is to investigate environmental situation surrounding terraced houses with greenery patterns, and to accumulate objective data and features in the new developed residential area in Malaysia. A computer microclimate simulation technique is applied by combining stored digital spatial data on GIS as main tools. As a results, i) There is almost no temperature changes between the current building shape and after changing the building aspect ratio without additional greening. However after green space added, some contributions for reducing surrounding temperature can be observed. ii) The relatively higher cooling effects of greenery in the surrounding building and block can be observed in the afternoon and evening. iii) Increasing approximately 11% green coverage ratio make effects of reducing about 0.5°C above the green spaces and about 0.3°C on the surrounding area.

Computing Level of Privacy in a Virtual Environment

This paper presents a computational model designed to analyze architectural space and to a develop privacy level using two methods: visual distance method and viewing angle method as those are primary cognitive mechanism to experience architectural space. We suggest that the result will offer possibilities for quantitative design analysis of privacy that influenced by architectural elements. The proposed method consists of two stages: determination of subdivided enclosed spaces and measuring privacy level on each subdivided enclosed space. Previous models showed that spatial quality is related to the visual distance to the architectural elements. In addition to distance variables, our model includes viewing angle variables to determine area and the direction angle from any observation point to the architectural elements on the boundary of an interior space. The case study evaluation is able to rank the quality of design of interior spaces with respect to their privacy level.

Approximate Enclosed Space Using Virtual Agent

In agent-based pedestrian model, steering movement is driven by position of attractor or goal, and a graph of their relations. Our work studied on constructing relationship between spatial cognition and enclosed space using virtual agent. Instead of focusing on location-based goals, we are investigating enclosed space as primary factor for locomotion. Our contribution on the identification of enclosure enhances the artificial model of spatial cognition. This is significant for the development of agent-based simulation with spatial cognition to determine and to measure space in architectural design model. We present our approach using three stages of methods. First, we constructed object detection algorithm on agent line of sight. Second, by decomposing detected objects as set of points, we analyzed their attributes and properties to define center of enclosed space. Third, as point of enclosed spaces determined, we classified them into L-shaped space and U-shaped space using simple arithmetic algorithm. Finally, computational results of points represent goals for navigational purpose.

Daylight Simulation in Urban Open Space Using Radiance

This study aims at making simulation system to evaluate the residential environment considering the quality of daylight. First, we discuss new indexes for evaluation of the quality of daylight conditions in urban open space. Second, the basic calculation of illuminance, irradiance, and sky factor are executed. Comparing the distributions of their levels, it was found that there are remarkable differences among the distributions or relative sunshine duration, relative solar irradiance and sky factor. Moreover, they can be effective indexes for the planning method lead up to new urban form. Third, the system is integrated for use in the evaluation of urban residential environment. As a result, it works well to shorten the data manipulation time, to help data sharing and to visualize the quality of daylight in urban open space.

A study on communication tool for urban disaster prevention using multimedia

The Hyogoken-Nanbu Earthquake caused serious damage in Hanshin-area in Japan, on 17, Jan., 1995. This damaged area had already been pointed out by Environmental Karte made by Kobe-City Office 20 years ago. The aim of this study is to construct the system that notice efficient widely information related to urban disaster prevention to the inhabitant. Firstly, we collect the basic data related to the urban planning. And the risk for disaster in the district scale is ranked is by GIS. In this research, The following results were obtained: Firstly, the index is limited by the presence of a variety of basic information which composes the risk rank. Secondly, in the present state, to maintain of information is uneven depending on each administrative division. Thirdly, it is possible to treat the maps of various scale and adequate information by using the system that we constructed. And the present state photograph of the forecast danger part is added to the explanation. So that, we can explain information visually.