Architecture, Building and Planning - Theses
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ItemFlood Risk Reduction in a Dynamic Urban Context: Exploring the Urban-Water-Resilience Nexus( 2022)In the dynamic context of urban growth and environmental change, today’s cities are confronted by compounding effects resulting from interactions between socio-spatial changes and frequent hazards. In particular to existing urbanised areas, interrelated forces of historical development paths, the ongoing process of incremental urban change and environmental uncertainty pose critical challenges to the management of flood risk. This research aims to identify desirable pathways and associated challenges to dealing with flood risk in urban areas by examining the cross-scale dynamics of urban changes over a long time and their consequent effects on stormwater flooding. The study uses a mixed-method, single case study for the longitudinal and multi-scalar examination of the research objectives. Underpinned by complex adaptive systems thinking, it combines evolutionary resilience and risk-based strategies to identify pattern-process feedback within each scale as well as their cross-scale interactions. In the context of metropolitan Melbourne, findings show that historically, urban growth planning and water sectors took separate development paths and are now gradually converging towards an integrated urban-water management regime. However, a major challenge for urban resilience to floods still remains in a governance capacity to deal with flood risk in this area arising from broad-scale factors such as the aspect of path dependency, metropolitan growth targets, inadequate policy guidelines for slow-onset change management as well as local factors such as interconnected legacy risks, policy conflicts between local character and stormwater management objectives and overconsumption of land by the growing affluent society. The study also reveals that these factors may not affect the whole system evenly; rather risk distribution may be influenced by two physical properties of urban systems such as spatial heterogeneity in urban forms and characteristics of local drainage systems. Further, at the micro-scale, enhancing ‘balanced’ diversity in the housing system is found to be critical for enhancing resilience. Overall, these findings call for an integrated, spatially explicit approach to urban flood risk reduction that accounts for both spatial and temporal characteristics of urban form, and institutional capacity to modify them.
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ItemExpertise, playfulness, analogical reasoning: Three learning mechanisms to train Artificial Intelligence for design applications( 2022)Following the success of AI in statistical regression, image generation, and decision-making tasks, new computational tools based on AI have been proposed for design applications since 2014. Engineers have used AI models to improve the efficiency of software for structural analysis and optimisation, whereas architects have started exploring the potential of AI tools for image generation to support conceptual design. This thesis aims to demonstrate that AI can support the design process at an even deeper level. In other words, AI models can autonomously learn design strategies and interact with a designer to suggest design options that are unconstrained and unbiased by a formal description of the design problem, which is often required in structural optimisation applications. AI models can also learn to produce technical descriptions of a design object, whereas current applications of AI in architectural design primarily focus on synthesising visual output. To do so, this thesis examines how AI models can be trained in architectural and structural design and how the trained AI models can be integrated with CAD software to support the design process. This thesis takes the view that training AI in design can be considered as training a novice designer. Therefore, in line with early studies in AI in design conducted in the 1990s, this thesis examines how AI can simulate a designer’s cognition and, in particular, acquire design knowledge by simulating three learning mechanisms relevant to design education: expertise, playfulness, and analogical reasoning. In design education, expertise is related to studying and analysing design precedents; playfulness is linked to model-making, and analogical reasoning pertains to finding inspiration in domains other than architecture, such as nature, art, music, and literature. Through a set of applications, the thesis shows how AI models can be trained in design by simulating the three learning mechanisms and how the trained AI models can be interfaced with CAD software. The applications aim to open a new path for research in AI in design by demonstrating that AI can effectively simulate some aspects of human cognition and interact with a designer through an exchange of visual information. The designer can decide to use the outputs obtained through the interaction with these tools to inform different stages of the design process, which could include problem-framing and decision-making. Although no given tool can be guaranteed to expand a designer’s creativity or automatically lead to outstanding design solutions, the AI models described in this thesis reveal a certain degree of autonomy and thus have a higher potential than other computational techniques to support the design process at a deep level.
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ItemCar dependency in metropolitan Melbourne: a travel pattern analysis of journey to work( 2022)Car dependency is one of the most complex transport issues in Australia and other developed countries worldwide. From traffic congestion to health problems, the negative impacts of car dependency are critical and multifaceted. In Melbourne, despite public transport services covering 31 local government areas (LGAs), about 64% of trips to work are made by private vehicle, making car-driving the most preferred travel mode among Melbournians and making use of public transport relatively low. This situation is due in part to the failure of policies implemented to reduce congestion and in part to politics that favoured road-oriented design. However, studies of car dependency tend to focus on broader rather than small-scall demographic and geographic aspects. Therefore, this research has focused on comparing inner with outer Melbourne LGAs by analysing Victoria Integrated Survey of Travel and Activity (VISTA) data from 2012 to 2018 to find out who is car-dependent and why they are car-dependent. The detailed analyses focus on travel to work by different demographic groups and the cost of various travel modes. The study is guided by the following research question: What makes people choose cars over other transport modes in metropolitan Melbourne? There are two sub-questions. The first relates to the demographic factors (income, age, and gender) and compares inner-city and outer-city LGAs. The second compares motor vehicle drivers, public transport users, and walking/cycling users in both inner-city and outer-city LGAs in metropolitan Melbourne, examining cost, travel time, and distance. The results reveal the distribution of motor vehicle users appears to be higher in the outer suburbs of Melbourne where there are lower incomes and longer travel distances, implying that forced car ownership affects people’s choice of travel. Furthermore, the analysis of public transport travel patterns found that people choose motor vehicles because of a lack of connectivity between home and public transport, security concerns around public transport, and the reliability and flexibility of having private transport. The cost of various travel modes is somehow difficult to measure, therefore, further studies on how policies can influence people’s travel choice will help better understand the causes of car dependency in the urban areas.
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ItemFear and Loathing in Urban Development: Examining community reactions to high-density developments( 2022)High-density developments are often perceived, by local residents, as a threat and proponents of these sorts of developments often experience high volumes of opposition. The creation and use of two broad categories of community reactions to high-density development can help to discern between two broad types of concern, that which seeks to improve planning outcomes for the benefit of the wider community and world, and that which is more self-interested and personally motivated. Such differentiation can provide clear information about the issues that communities care about and can be used to inform better development decisions by developers, local and state government. This research uses the case study of the Preston Market Precinct Structure Plan to test a method of categorising community opposition into two categories, those that are concerned with broader more global issues; ‘selfless’ concerns, and the more parochial, ‘self-interested’ forms of opposition that are often labelled by others as NIMBYism. Understanding the nature and prevalence of concerns of the two types will aid in the future management of community responses to development and help determine better development outcomes.
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ItemBetween physical and virtual space: how does Instagram affect peoples' perception of and engagement with art centres?( 2022)Place is shaped by an assemblage of diverse individuals and materials, and the relationship between space and time in a place affects individuals' feelings, recognition, behaviour, and interaction. An individuals' sense of place is created by travelling back and forth in both physical and virtual spaces, which is the so-called hybrid space. However, it is unclear how place-based information published in virtual space affects viewers' recognition of the place and to what extent it stimulates their willingness to engage in the place. This thesis examines how Instagram, a popular image-sharing social networking service, affects individuals' perceptions of and engagement with art centres. The case studies discussed in this thesis are Abbotsford Convent, Collingwood Yards, and Footscray Community Arts: all publicly accessible inner-Melbourne art centres that hold Instagram accounts. Qualitative image content analysis by inductive descriptive coding was adopted to dissect the similarities and dissimilarities between art centre organisers and their users' perceptions of the place. Quantitative online questionnaires were used to understand how Instagram spurs users to visit physical places. Analysis indicates that the place organisers’ images affect users' locational perception. Also, it shows that virtual information is prioritised to that obtained through physical interaction but inferior to their personal experience of an actual place in person. The social networking service marketing theory to strengthen an individual's engagement in a brand seems not to be congruent with the physical place-based online communication context. These findings clarify the need for further studies to understand how place-makers and urban planners interact with people more effectively in virtual space to connect individuals with local stories and intangible assets in a place.
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ItemEmbedding placemaking in planning Nature-based Solutions: A complementary case study of Nature-based Solutions’ policies in Melbourne and Guangzhou( 2022)Nature-based Solutions (NBS) is an adaptative measure addressing climate change and urban regeneration by restoring the ecosystem services of the natural system. However, existing research has illustrated a lack of consideration of local context and community participation in the current planning and implementation of NBS. Therefore, there is an urgent need to promote ‘nature-based placemaking’, which embraces local context and community perspective in practice. This research examines how placemaking principles are reflected in the Nature-based Solutions policies in Melbourne and Guangzhou. This research will investigate the functions and implications of placemaking strategy in Nature-based Solutions (NBS) planning, with a complementary case study on two river management policies: 1) Yarra Strategic Plan 2022-2032 in Melbourne, Australia; 2) Guangzhou Ecological Belt Master Plan 2019-2035 in Guangzhou, China. Qualitative policy analysis is based on the five transformative elements in the ‘Nature in Place’ framework (Bush et al., 2020). The comparative analysis found that both case studies illustrate a transformative nature-based placemaking in river management, though with different focuses. Melbourne’s plan embedded placemaking principles in the planning stage, while Guangzhou’s plan embedded placemaking in co-design and co-management in the implementation stage. The different focuses of Melbourne and Guangzhou present context-specific planning governance with different levels of community participation. The top-down planning approach effectively delivers the concept of NBS and intergovernmental collaborative governance. Nevertheless, community participation and empowerment in NBS are the keys to maximising multiple co-benefits and achieving integral environmental management and nature stewardship.
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ItemUnderstanding the relationship between urban design and walking to inform sustainable urban development: a case study of Hanoi( 2022)Background Walking is increasingly seen as a crucial instrument in promoting sustainability all over the world due to its various benefits to the health and well-being of urban citizens as well as the environment and the economy of the cities. A growing body of evidence in the literature, mostly from Western countries, shows that urban design largely influences the prevalence of walking in urban environments. However, there is a limited number of studies on the relationship between walking and urban design from low- and middle-income countries in Asia, where urban forms are traditionally more compact, complex and with multiple layers and varied urban typologies. Due to the advent of rapid motorisation and urbanisation, Asian cities are now losing their traditional walking lifestyle and instead, embracing urban development that prefers access via private motor vehicles rather than active transport modes such as walking. Aim and objective Choosing Hanoi as the case study, the present thesis explores the relationships between walking and urban design by investigating the prevalence, variation, and characteristics of walking across the city, and at the same time, evaluating urban design across the varying urban typologies. Methods. Using a multidimensional approach, four studies were conducted simultaneously across Hanoi including a travel survey focusing on walking, an urban design qualities audit, a perceived urban design survey and a study on environmental factors such as weather and pollution. The obtained data are analysed together to explore the relationship between them. Results The results highlighted that walking still plays an important role in Hanoi’s urban transport with a high share in both the number of trips and travel time. Urban typologies and their characteristics have been found to have particular impacts on urban design and walking. Old, high-density and mixed-use urban typologies like Ancient Quarter tended to report better urban design and higher walking rates than modern but low-mix typologies like New Urban Areas. The likelihood and the prevalence of walking were also significantly associated with different factors of demographic, perceived urban design and urban design qualities. Land use mix was found to be positively associated with both walking rates and time, suggesting it is the most important urban design feature in promoting walking. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, air and noise pollution did not significantly influence the prevalence of walking. Conclusion Overall, the study contributes to our understanding of the prevalence of walking and urban design in Hanoi, providing policymakers, planners, urban designers and architects with important insights for sustainable urban design policies, strategies and interventions.
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ItemDensity, mix, and access of walkable community: a spatial analysis of the urban walking environment in Shanghai( 2022)Walkability is the key to livability and sustainability in cities. As a theory for understanding the urban structure and better planning for future changes, Urban DMA demonstrates the expression of density, mix, and access in urban form, interacting with each other to affect walkability in the area. This thesis explores the Urban DMA in Old Simon Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai as a case study, by using spatial analysis. The results show that Old Simon Street has high walkability. The Urban DMA has significance for the practice of urban walkability planning in China, but it needs to be adjusted according to the urban environment and background, especially in cities that already have a high-density form and functional mixed. The recommendations include: density control; moving from quantity to quality improvement in living places; decreasing closed communities and increasing open and active streets.
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ItemNo Preview AvailableVictorian architectural ornament( 1972)Summary. Part One Is concerned with a technical and historical account of the chief materials employed in architectural ornament in the period indicated; cement and plaster, terracotta and brick, wood and metal. Part Two is a catalogue of the ornamental types and forms produced in these materials based on an analysis of over two thousand buildings and illustrated by just over one thousand drawings, encompassing the following categories : cement and plaster - acroteria, parapet treatments (chiefly pediments), scrolls, finials, balustrades, window surrounds, shells, keystones, swags and festoons, studs, friezes, consoles or brackets, capitals and chimneys (rendered); clay products - ridge cresting, finials, chimney pots, brickwork patterns and chimneys (exposed brick); wood - gable end fillers, bargeboards, struts or brackets, verandah woodwork; cast-iron - balustrades, friezes, brackets, ridge cresting and window guards; pressed metal - wall and ceiling lining, centre roses, cornices, roofing finishes and finials. Part Three deals with the buildings as a whole, considering stylistic changes and the typology of distinct groups of structures under the headings: offices, warehouses, factories and banks; shops - major and minor; hotels; town and shire halls; court houses; hospitals; schools; railway buildings; theatres and halls; miscellaneous public buildings; houses employing bricks in contrast colours; houses employing red brick with cream dressings; "Italianate" houses ; "Italianate" terraces; Queen Anne style houses; sub-Queen Anne and bungalow houses. The stylistic changes in general may be summarized broadly as proceeding from a mixture of details derived from Gothic and Classical sources applied to buildings of non-historical (nineteenth century) character via another pseudo-historical revival (Queen Anne in two major forms), followed by an admixture of fairly superficial Art Nouveau influence to a welter of historically oriented revivals and abstractions and simplifications of preceding forms. These developments overlap considerably and appear with variable force and diversity according to the type of buildings. Part Four is a brief account of the work of one hundred and seventy-five leading architects or builders of the period arranged alphabetically under the name of the architect or firm. The emphasis throughout is on dealing with as broad a range of examples as possible, rather than concentrating only on large scale and/or progressive projects.
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ItemGreen urbanism as a way of life in the Anthropocene: A characterisation of green urban life with its social-ecological and psychological determinants( 2022)Scientists predict that in the current Anthropocene, climate change will have irreversible effects on the biosphere, affecting the lifestyles of many people. Some urbanists suggest green urbanism provides the quickest way to steward climate transformation of lifestyles and societies. They argue for a top-down application of expert knowledge on smart, sustainable, and secure cities and believe necessity, common-sense and technology will transform urban life. In contrast, psychologists suggest bottom-up processes of transforming attitudes towards pro-environmental action. They believe this provides individuals with the ability to cope and adapt to climate change. But barriers remain. Even whilst most Australians believe in anthropogenic climate-change, Australian per capita greenhouse gas emissions are one of the highest in the world. However, action on climate change is contested at all levels, shaped by the politics-of-place. Walking the talk is easier said than done. If green urbanism is a desired outcome, then what denotes green urban life to households? This study aimed to fill this gap. This transdisciplinary study sought to examine household green behaviours in context. The study took the view that households are multi-level agents within social-ecological systems that can collectively influence green lifestyle outcomes. Using an embedded mixed-methods design, an online survey comprising closed and open-ended questions was administered in Australia (n=768). A range of quantitative and qualitative analytical procedures was employed to examine the data. The study revealed several insightful findings. First, the multi-level geodemographic, sociodemographic, and psychographic predictors of green behaviours were described and found to be inter-correlated. Second, a typology of four behavioural spheres, private, public, lifestyle, and niche types, was uncovered. Third, six lifestyle segments of Laggards, Adopters, Cheerleaders, Contributors, Strivers and Trendsetters were identified within the population. Fourth, twenty variables formed the effective context from which five index measures were revealed: attitudes and dispositions, life-stage and mobility, cultural orientation and worldviews, socio-spatial comparisons and norms, and neighbourhood and its households. Together, these index measures determined the green lifestyle outcomes of households. Fifth, the spatial embeddedness of green urban life within Melbourne was uncovered in two areas defined by the CBD and Northeast clusters. Finally, a thematic analysis of open-ended responses uncovered ten domains of everyday life: climate, biodiversity, civic engagement, place, process, consumer lifestyle, waste, water, transport, and energy. It is in these domains of everyday life, care about climate change was meaningfully contextualised. In sum, this study defines community perceptions that can inform planning for climate change action. Its multidimensional and multi-level perspective has both theoretical implications for studies on pro-environmental engagement at individual and household levels, and applications for policy development and communication to motivate behaviour change in different segments of the population.