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Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials

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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 6534

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Danijela Domljan

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Guest Editor

Department of Furniture and Wood in Construction, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: furniture design; interior design; user-centered design methods; design thinking; well-being; ergonomics; user’s health; interdisciplinarity

Dr. Dina Stober

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Interests: integral design; building information modeling; parametric modeling; visual perception; participatory design; urban design

Dr. Vjekoslav Živković

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Furniture and Wood in Construction, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: modified wood; physical, mechanical and surface properties of wood construction products; reuse and recycling of wood construction products

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The trend of urbanization has significantly changed the environment in which people live, work, and move. The intense need for new construction and closed spaces has stimulated innovations in the fields of materials, structures, technology, building forms, and interior design.

Traditional materials and resources such as wood became less competitive with the development of new materials whose use ensured faster and more efficient construction and furnishing. New materials, constructions, and technology have achieved certain benefits but also expressed several negative environmental impacts.

In addition to research that measures the environmental effects of the use of building materials, part of the research focuses on measuring the effects on human health and well-being in interiors.

Interior design, whether it is for residential or public buildings (such as schools, offices, hospitals, hotels, and others), and the choice of materials and styles in interiors significantly influence human behavior and a sense of comfort.

The symbiosis between natural, biophilic design and wood is closely related to better mental and physical health and contributes to the well-being of the individual.

Historically, wood has always been used as a traditional material in construction and furniture making, but the impact of wood and how wood is used in indoor design influence physiological, emotional, and cognitive indicators of well-being. Additionally, the human experience of wood in interiors and the development of the city environment are still not sufficiently researched.

This Special Issue welcomes all case studies, empirical and/or interdisciplinary research, and new methods of applying wood in interior design and city environments.

The scope of the paper includes but is not limited to:

Wood in the interiors of residential and public spaces (education, health, administration, religion, sports, recreation buildings, etc.);
Wood structures and architecture;
Wood product design;
Product and building design solutions (aesthetics, construction, energy efficiency, technical optimization);
Quality of living in building interiors;
Benefits of wood on human health;
Reuse and Recycling of Wood Construction Products
User’s perception of materials in interior design;
Environmental impacts of wooden products;
Traditional wooden products and structures in interiors;
Elements and principles of design;
Biophilic design;
Technology developments in building information modeling of wood structures;
Interdisciplinary research.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Danijela Domljan
Dr. Dina Stober
Dr. Vjekoslav Živković
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

interior design
wood products design
city environment
trends in wood application
environmental
perception of wood
human-centered design
health
human behavior
well-being
biophilic design
multisensory stimulation
traditional wooden structures
design theory
BIM

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 6691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Different Proofs of Load-Bearing Capacity, Fire Resistance of the Cross-Section and the Price of Solid Softwood

by Jurko Zovkić and Zlata Dolaček-Alduk

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071898 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 274

Abstract

The impact of ultimate limit state checks on the fire resistance of the cross-section (element) of softwood structural timber is analyzed in this study, which was found to depend on the cross-sectional area, strength class or material quality expressed through the actual price. The limit state method and the reduced cross-section method were used to obtain numerical results. The established practice suggests that, if the ultimate limit state is satisfied, the softwood structural timber will meet fire resistance according to the load-bearing criterion of 30 min (R30). This study shows that this is not entirely correct and is not always applicable. The main results of this study are precisely related to the above, and it will now be possible to provide much more precise answers to questions related to fire resistance according to the load-bearing criterion. Certainly, the price, which plays a significant role in achieving a certain or required fire resistance, should not be overlooked. This study provides the possibility of optimizing the choice of the cross-sectional area, fire resistance and price, depending on the state of stress to which the cross-section (element) is exposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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20 pages, 20026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User Preferences on the Application of Wooden Wall Coverings in Interiors Made of Oak Veneer Residue

by Domagoj Mamić and Danijela Domljan

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061795 - 13 Jun 2024

Viewed by 318

Abstract

Guided by the principles of visual perception and basic design, this research was conducted to examine users’ preferences on how they perceive natural unique wood phenomena of Pedunculate Slavonian Oak veneers (Quercus robur L.) such as color changes, wood rays, sapwood, and knots, which in the production and technical sense represent defects and wood residue, but could be used in the design of sustainable and ecological wall decorations. The goal was to detect samples with the most positive attributes and to observe their connection with activities and functional space if they are viewed as wall coverings in the interior. The results confirm that discoloration and wood rays are considered the most harmonious (“prettiest”) decors. Discoloration is associated with quiet cognitive or medium-intensity activity that can be used in libraries, hotel rooms, and classrooms. Wood rays are connected with very quiet activity in ambulance waiting rooms or religious buildings and museums. Knot decors are considered the most natural and are recommended for interiors with very or medium-intensive activities such as restaurants, cafes, and hotel receptions, but attention should be paid to the way the wall decors are arranged on the walls. Sapwood–hardwood decors are the subject of further research and improvement concerning the relationship between the dark and light parts of the veneer. In conclusion, the results provide useful guidelines for manufacturers with a large veneer residue in production and who want to design decorative wall panels, as well as for designers and architects designing interiors for a specific purpose and function where certain user behavior and psychological stimulation are desired. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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17 pages, 3760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Wooden Furniture Color, Floor Material, and Age on Design Evaluation, Visual Attention, and Emotions in Office Environments

by Yongchun Mao, Puhong Li and Pingting Hao

Buildings 2024, 14(6), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061498 - 22 May 2024

Viewed by 411

Abstract

The selection of floors and furniture in offices can impact the interior environment and potentially influence employees’ emotions and health. This study aims to investigate the effects of floor material, furniture color, and age on design evaluation, fixation duration, and time to first fixation. Twenty-four younger adults (M = 21.9, SD = 1.75) and twenty-four older adults (M = 48.1, SD = 6.85) participated in the experiment, where they viewed four different designs: wood floor—brown furniture (WF-BF), wood floor—dark furniture (WF-DF), tile floor—brown furniture (TF-BF), and tile floor—dark furniture (TF-DF). Participants also evaluated the designs and their emotions. Results showed the main effects and interactions of floor material, furniture color, and age. WF-BF performed the best in design evaluation, fixation duration, and time to first fixation, and also scored highest in joy, admiration, fascination, and desire. Older adults favored the texture of wood, while younger adults showed better acceptance of TF-DF. This study provides insights for interior design in office environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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15 pages, 4043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural, Exterior, and Interior Medium of Wood as a Holistic Museum Experience: A Case Study of OMM (Odunpazarı Modern Museum)

by Meryem Yalçın and Esin Fakıbaba Dedeoğlu

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030649 - 1 Mar 2024

Viewed by 932

Abstract

The fundamental research inquiry in this study revolves around wood materials’ diverse facets, including structural identities, contextual considerations, interior and external spatial applications, and their user experiences. To address this research, a comprehensive literature review, case study, and survey were conducted. The objective being to elucidate technical, functional, sensory, perceptual, and psychological impacts of wood in a sample structure where it is the primary material in the overarching user experience. The Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), conceptualized by architect Kengo Kuma and inaugurated in 2019 in Eskişehir, stands as a testament to the historical significance of the timber trade in the region. The deliberate choice of wood as the primary construction material serves as a tribute to this historical narrative. The conspicuous incorporation of wooden lath materials into both the external and interior spaces signify a conscious reference to the region’s historical heritage and aligns with sustainability principles in design. Factors such as form characteristics, dimensional distinctions, spatial arrangements, and the extent of surface interactions collectively contribute to the compelling effect of this integrative approach. Within the confines of the museum, unconventional partitioning is implemented, and the strategic arrangement of masses results in multiple facades, even in the absence of overt wooden surfaces. The exterior impact of the wooden shell complements its interior application. For this reason, OMM enabled the understanding and explanation of all dimensions of the wooden material, including physical, technical, and psychosocial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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17 pages, 2703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends, Problems, and Solutions from Point Cloud via Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline to Building Information Modelling: Bibliometric and Systematic Study

by Dina Stober and Nikolina Raguz-Lucic

Buildings 2024, 14(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14030564 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1170

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has found applications not only in the planning and designing of new buildings but also in project monitoring, record-keeping, and analyses of existing structures. In addition to its primary application, information modelling spreads to other areas, developing solutions for their specific uses. This study engaged a mixed-method literature review according to the extent of the pool of knowledge for two research steps between three concepts—from point cloud to NURBS and then from NURBS to BIM. In the first step, the keywords point cloud and NURBS were analysed using scientometric methods. In the second step, a systematic analysis of the content of works obtained with the keywords NURBS and BIM is presented, extracting problems and proposed solutions for information transfer technology. The results of a quantitative analysis identified major trends, (1) research is distributed in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary areas and historical (heritage) modelling is the highlighted one, (2) development of technologies for object surveying, and (3) the application of data in different engineering fields, while a qualitative analysis points at problems in (1) model building, (2) interoperability, and (3) automatization. Solutions such as mixed models, multi-layered models, a mix of formats, or bridging elements (semantics, proto-model) are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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23 pages, 5950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Creation of “Sacred Place” through the “Sense of Place” of the Daci’en Wooden Buddhist Temple, Xi’an, China

by Minglan Zou and Azizi Bahauddin

Buildings 2024, 14(2), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14020481 - 8 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1118

Abstract

After the Industrial Revolution, new technologies and architectural forms gradually replaced China’s wooden construction system, which had lasted for thousands of years. The architectural narrative also turned a new page. As pieces of architectural and cultural heritage and as the residence of “gods”, wooden Buddhist temples carry the indelible imprints of history and religion and have become a healing place or spiritual home for people living in urban areas. In order to preserve the local cultural context and explore the creation of a spiritual “sacred place”, this study traces the spiritual and cultural value of Xi’an’s wooden Buddhist temple through ethnographic qualitative methods of text analysis, observation and interviews. The case study examines the metaphorical symbolism of the architecture’s “sense of place” and religion in terms of architectural structure and components, and the advantages of creating a “sacred place” are examined based on the characteristics of wooden materials. The results show that the design elements of wooden Buddhist temples connect cultural identity and collective memory, which are inseparable from religion, and because of the material properties of wood, they sublimate the sacred atmosphere of religion. Moreover, identifying the “sense of place” and the atmosphere of sacred spaces through the structure, components, and material characteristics of wooden temple architecture offers a new perspective that focuses on architectural emotions and creates a new topic of “sacred places”. Such temples have the potential to enhance human spiritual health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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19 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Preferences for the Visual Appearance of Desks: Examining the Role of Wooden Materials and Desk Designs

by Dean Lipovac and Michael D. Burnard

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1680; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071680 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1541

Abstract

Visually pleasing materials and furnishings may be an important component of pleasant, restorative indoor spaces, where people can rest, relax, and recover from stress. We conducted two studies to examine human preferences for different wooden desk materials and designs. In Study 1, 77 participants evaluated the visual appearance of 20 wooden materials and 18 desk designs, in which desk elements and their arrangements were systematically varied. The three highest rated wooden materials and desk designs from Study 1 were combined in 18 new desks evaluated by 80 participants in terms of visual appearance in Study 2, where we systematically varied the type of material, amount of material, and desk design. The results show that preference for different materials and desks varies greatly from person to person, but several evaluated items are on average preferred to others. Study 1 shows that certain materials, desk elements, and the arrangements of those elements received higher preference ratings than others. Study 2 indicates that the type of material, amount of material, and desk design all play a significant role in human preference for the visual appearance of desks. Researchers and designers can build on these findings to create aesthetically appealing indoor environments that have the potential to positively impact human wellbeing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Timber in the City: Interior Design and City Environment Development with Wood Materials)

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