Authors

Danilov Ivan A.
THE GLOBAL SPATIAL GEOGRAPHICAL STRUCTURE OF THE SPREADING OF CITIES THROUGHOUT THE HISTORY

Architecton: Proceedings of Higher Education №4 (76) December, 2021

This work is based on our original research into the global spreading of cities throughout the era of civilization. The narrative is lined up from an idea to reconstructive modeling of the gradual process of city spreading in the geographical space of the planet. The three sources of modeling are: 1) insights into the geography of ancient civilizations in the great river valleys in the range of latitudes 23° to 40° N; 2) concepts of relatively successive emergence of cities pertaining to the Mediterranean branch of civilizations in the spatio-temporal historical frontiers of global city spreading; 3) historical examples of foci and vectors of outward expansion demonstrated by corresponding agents of civilization. This research endeavor has enabled us to identify, on the one hand, three latitudinal zones of city spreading including a chronologically forthcoming one and, on the other hand, two interzonal portals. The general model established helps broaden and deepen the concept of a well-ordered process of city spreading in the geographical space of the planet up until its completion in the future.

Danilov Ivan A.
ON A CONTEMPORARY CONTRADICTION IN THE USE OF THREE DIMENSIONAL IMAGES IN STUDENTS ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS

Architecton: Proceedings of Higher Education №1 (73) March, 2021

The study addresses the reasons for and the mechanism and possible negative consequences of using an incomplete 3D image, which does not give a full 3D picture of the designed building. By main general view, we mean the visual frame of a perspective view from a pedestrian position. The following methods of creating a complete 3D image are compared: perspective bird's-eye view and axonometry. These are also comparable to a physical model in terms of the degree of objectivity of perception. It is shown how the placement of the main 3D image in the design graphics on the presentation boards impairs readability, the essential quality of any layout. The reason for this situation is associated with the use of computer 3D modeling and its ability to influence viewer’s emotions. It affects the rational perception of a design and does not allow one to adequately assess the level of professional thinking in a student. Other related impairments are highlighted. It is shown how this range of methodological fallacies, in both professional and academic environments, can lead to violations of professional ethics and affect the technical rigor of the architecture student. Altogether, the above can ultimately downgrade the professional culture. It is concluded that it is necessary to assess the situation that has arisen in the recent years and adjust relevant technical guidelines in the era of digital design.

Danilov Ivan A.
UNIVERSAL ENTRANCE TO A PUBLIC BUILDING: A TERM-PROJECT CASE STUDY

Architecton: Proceedings of Higher Education №4 (72) December, 2020

The article deals with the challenge of designing an entrance that meets the requirements of a barrier-free environment and is aesthetically pleasing. Two entrance design options were considered: with a porch and without it. The first one is treated within historical timeframe and the second one is modern, allowing for massive use of wheeled portable vehicles to move purchases and personal belongings, driven by the power of one person. Two main contradictions have been revealed in the professional designer’s mindset when choosing entrance design for wheelchair users. The first is associated with the habit of using a porch as a historically traditional, unquestionable spatial form. The second is due to the usual reluctance to more carefully develop the vertical layout of the site in order to provide a porchless entrance to the building. The student design project considered demonstrates a creative solution overcoming these contradictions. The result is considered as a typological novelty in contemporary architecture.