Physics in architecture projects, a perfect match on Alamillo’s bridge by Santiago Calatrava

The Alamillo’s bridge by Santiago Calatrava was studied, who develops projects and structures with morphological, sculptural, and conceptual aspects associated with physics and contemporary architecture, through experimentation with forms of nature, the movement of the human body and, materials such as steel and reinforced concrete. The methodological framework corresponded to a documentary study that determined the importance of the bridge from its historical context as part of the infrastructure of the 1992 Universal Exposition in Seville, as well as the analysis of the physical concepts used in its design and construction; and, a quantitative-descriptive study applied to the seventh semester students of the Architecture program of the Universidad Francisco de Paula Santander, Colombia, which determined their level of recognition of the physical concepts of this project. As a finding, it is highlighted that this bridge applied physical concepts such as: aerodynamics, torsion, compression, tension, traction, and gravitation, in compliance with its formal-aesthetic design criteria, and those students recognize the physical concepts, design and technical characteristics-formal, typical of the project. Likewise, it was determined that this urban landmark represents a comprehensive solution that solves the structure and form through solutions associated with the field of engineering, architecture, and physics.

THE ROLE OF URBAN AESTHETICS ON ENHANCING VITALITY OF URBAN SPACES

Several scholars have focused on the different approaches in designing convivial urban spaces, but literary evidence shows that the essence of aesthetic design in public urban spaces, by referring to the main dimensions involved in the shaping of urban vitality, has not been adequately researched. In this regard, this study, by hypothesizing that the quality of urban design leads to a vital urban environment, focuses on urban vitality from the aesthetic point of view. Thus, in using qualitative grounded theory as a main methodological tool and using a systematic review of the related literature as the main induction approach for collecting qualitative data, five main dimensions of urban vitality, which are necessary to attain a correlation with the aesthetic quality of urban design, were conceptualized. The study concludes that the aesthetic design of an urban setting has a direct effect on the active involvement of its users and that this, therefore, has a direct consequence on the level of public urban vitality, manifested. Integrating the complexity theory with the five main dimensions used for assessing urban vitality was suggested as a viable area for further research.

Assessing Robotics Skills in Early Childhood: Development and Testing of a Tool for Evaluating Children’s Projects

Children’s robotics skills can be assessed in various ways, one being examining the unique projects that they create. This paper discusses the multi-phase development and testing of a robotics project rubric. The rubric considers both the programming concepts and the aesthetic design elements of a project, which enables researchers and practitioners to determine the overall level of complexity exhibited in the robotics project. This paper presents the background literature and theoretical framework that contributed to the rubric design and summarizes findings from iteratively developing and testing the rubric with a total of 173 robotics projects. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed.

Powell Flutes: Innovating Products and Markets

The purpose of this case study is to provide an understanding of how innovation is possible even when an artistic product has a 180-year history of design stability. Innovation does not come from a lightning bolt out of the sky. Rather, it emerges from an openness to new ideas and deep experience in your industry or product. There are numerous parameters on which a business can innovate, including materials, mechanics, aesthetic design and manufacturing technology. One approach is to eliminate constraints blocking innovation by working backwards from Z to A, rather than working incrementally forward from A to B to C. Market surveys must be conducted cautiously, as consumers may not be able to envision a hypothetical product for which a prototype is not yet available. When innovation breaks new ground, it can also create new markets or market segments. Therefore, it is generally preferable to own 100% of your own market segment than 10% of a highly competitive market.

Investigation of Heat Transfer for the Wall between Polyurethane Foam and Polystyrene

In construction, polyurethanes are used to make high-performance products that are strong yet lightweight, perform well, durable and versatile. Polyurethane products can also help improve the aesthetic design of homes and buildings. Polyurethane is a key ingredient in several types of high-performance insulation materials, sealants and adhesives used in home and building construction. Here I will show the difference between using polyurethane foam and polystyrene using the example of a 1.5 m high wall and different widths depending on the thickness of the polyurethane.