Design Dialogue is a leading multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to exploring the intersections of architecture, design, engineering, and technology. Our journal serves as a dynamic platform for researchers, scientists, engineers, architects, educators, and thought leaders to share groundbreaking research, innovative ideas, and insightful perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the design and construction industries. At Design Dialogue, we are committed to advancing the fields of architecture and design by promoting collaboration and encouraging the exchange of knowledge across diverse disciplines. Our aim is to support the development of innovative sustainable, resilient, and intelligent design solutions that address the complex needs of our evolving built environment. The journal welcomes contributions in the following areas, but not limited to: Architecture and Urban Design: Exploration of contemporary architectural practices, urban planning strategies, and the integration of technology in the design of the built environment. Engineering and Construction: Advancements in engineering methodologies, construction technologies, and materials science that contribute to innovative building solutions. Sustainability and Resilience: Studies on sustainable design practices, resource management, eco-friendly approaches, and resilient infrastructure for long-term viability. Futuristic and Smart Design: Visionary and forward-thinking design concepts, smart technologies, and responsive systems for future habitats and environments. Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications of AI, machine learning, and autonomous systems in architectural design, construction, and project management. Design Pedagogy and Education: Research on educational methodologies, curriculum development, and pedagogical innovations in design and architecture education. Graphic Design and Art: Contributions that explore the role of graphic design, visual communication, and artistic expression in the built environment. Design Dialogue encourages original research articles, reviews, case studies, technical notes, and discussions that contribute to the knowledge base, foster collaboration, and drive progress in the fields of design and construction. Our journal serves as a conduit for the exchange of ideas and expertise, ensuring that the future of design is built on a foundation of creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
The following license terms apply to all articles published in the Design Dialogue Journal: Open Access Policy Design Dialogue Journal is an open access journal. All articles are published and made freely available online immediately upon publication, without subscription charges or registration barriers. This ensures that your work is freely accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. License All articles in the Design Dialogue Journal are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. This license permits users to: Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially Under the following terms: Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. The full legal code of the CC BY 4.0 license can be accessed here. Author Rights Authors retain the copyright of their work and grant the journal the right of first publication. Authors also grant any third party the right to use the article freely as long as its integrity is maintained and its original authors, citation details, and publisher are identified. User Rights Under the CC BY 4.0 license, users are allowed to share and adapt the material for any purpose, even commercially, as long as they attribute the work appropriately. This means that readers can freely access, download, distribute, and build upon the articles as long as the original authors and source are properly credited. Compliance with Funding Body Requirements Design Dialogue Journal supports authors in meeting the requirements of funding bodies. Articles published under the CC BY 4.0 license are compliant with major funding body policies, allowing authors to meet the criteria for open access publication. Commercial Use For permissions beyond the scope of this license, such as for commercial use or creating derivative works, the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license apply. Explicit permission is not required for commercial use under this license. By submitting to Design Dialogue Journal, the authors agree to the terms of this license. If you have any questions regarding the license terms or the use of your work, please contact the journal's editorial office.
Copyright (c) 2026 Design Dialogue Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Themes and Tensions: A Bibliometric Review of AI in Design Education (2020–2025)
This review provides a critical reading of recent literature on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in design education, focusing on emerging themes corresponding to the advent of AI in the pedagogy of different design disciplines. Using systematic screening, bibliometric and thematic analyses, the study examines 114 peer-reviewed articles published since 2020. This work is a thematic and bibliometric synthesis that uses PRISMA as a reporting guide rather than a fully compliant systematic review with meta-analysis. Key themes include the integration of generative AI into curricula, the facilitation of personalised learning, the enhancement of creativity, ideation, and technical skills, and uncertainty of the future job market. The review indicates that while AI tools could serve as a catalyst for design education, they also introduce challenges such as risks to academic integrity, diminished originality and critical thinking, over-reliance, and ethical dilemmas regarding authorship. A central observation is that the literature itself leans markedly optimistic: benefits such as creative augmentation are frequently reported, often on the basis of short-term, self-reported, or small-scale studies, whereas troubling consequences such as de-skilling, homogenisation of student output, and epistemic dependence on generative tools are acknowledged in principle but rarely investigated with comparable rigour. This review therefore reads the prevailing enthusiasm with deliberate caution and treats this imbalance as a finding in its own right. It concludes by advocating for a balanced, ethically grounded approach positioning AI as a cognitive collaborator.
Linguistic Thresholds in the Architecture Studio: The Role of Language Proficiency in the Academic Experience of International Students in Architectural Higher Education
The architecture design studio is, by most accounts, among the most linguistically intensive pedagogical environments in higher education, a space where verbal argumentation, critical dialogue, and disciplinary rhetoric are as integral to learning as drawing, model-making, and spatial thinking. Yet the implications of this linguistic intensity for international students studying architecture in a language other than their first remain remarkably underexplored in the literature. This paper examines how language proficiency shapes the academic trajectories of international students in architectural higher education, moving across three interconnected analytical registers: cognitive and academic performance; participation in the studio's signature pedagogical formats; and social integration and identity formation. Drawing on established theoretical frameworks from applied linguistics and education studies, and building on empirical research into architecture studio pedagogy and its learning mediums, the discussion argues that language competence operates as a structuring force in the architecture school experience, one that mediates students' ability to participate in critique sessions and jury presentations, to engage with theoretical and historical discourse, to form productive peer relationships, and ultimately to construct the kind of critical professional identity that architectural education aspires to cultivate. The paper concludes by considering the institutional and pedagogical responses that might better serve the genuinely diverse student populations that internationalized architecture schools now host, and the responsibilities that fall to architecture educators in particular.
Generative AI as a Design Collaborator: Redefining Authorship, Creativity, and Pedagogy in Contemporary Design Practice
What happens to design authorship when the machine can generate a hundred variations of a facade before the architect has finished their first sketch? This question, which might have seemed hypothetical even five years ago, is now routine in architectural and graphic design studios worldwide. This paper examines how generative AI is unsettling three interlocking foundations of design practice: the attribution of creative authorship, the cognitive basis of design creativity, and the pedagogical conditions under which design judgment is formed. Rather than treating these as separate problems, the discussion tries to show how they reinforce each other, and why responding to any one of them in isolation is likely to produce incomplete and potentially counterproductive solutions. The paper draws on a range of recent empirical and theoretical work, including jury-based studio research and computational performance studies, and situates current debates within the longer history of design's relationship with disruptive technologies. The argument is not that generative AI is simply good or bad for design. It is that the profession is, at this moment, making choices whose consequences will be difficult to reverse, and that making them thoughtfully requires a clearer sense of what design has always been for, not just what it currently does.
Copyright (c) 2025 Design Dialogue Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Challenges and Experiences of Night Shift Workers in Kyrenia Cyprus
The modern urban environment of Kyrenia, a fast-growing coastal city in Northern Cyprus, provides a promising prism through which to discuss the interplay between architecture, society, and lived human experience. This study traces the complex issues of working a night shift in the city of Kyrenia, which has been left behind in urban and architectural debates. The research is based on qualitative interviews, exploring the impact that urban design, lighting, public transportation, and social infrastructure have on the realities, well-being, and safety of people who work nocturnal shifts in the service and hospitality industries. It has also been disclosed that, as the vibrant tourism economy of Kyrenia supports many night-time occupations, the city's built environment is mainly daytime activity-based. Poor illumination in pedestrian areas, inaccessibility to late-night transport services, and inaccessibility to rest areas will increase workers' fatigue, social isolation, and perceived insecurity. The review points out the necessity of approaches to urban and architectural design which are more inclusive of the night-time life of the urban environment. Combining the ideas of the 24-hour city planning, better lighting design, and community safety infrastructure has the potential to support economic stability and human health. This study proposes a more reaching, evidence-based design model that can help to advance equitable access to the urban spaces by all members of society at all times of the day by framing the lived experiences of the Kyrenia night shift workers within the larger discourse of city, architecture, and society.
From Load Shedding to Energy Independence: Solar Energy and the Energy Transition in Punjab, Pakistan
Persistent electricity shortages and routine load shedding have long constrained social and economic development in Pakistan, with Punjab—its most populous and industrialized province-bearing a disproportionate share of the burden. In recent years, solar power has emerged as a key component of provincial strategies aimed at improving energy security and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based generation. This paper examines the role of solar energy in Punjab’s gradual transition from chronic load shedding toward greater energy independence. Using a qualitative multiple-case study approach, the research draws on national and provincial policy documents, secondary reports, and peer-reviewed literature. The analysis focuses on four sectors—residential, agricultural, educational, and industrial—where solar initiatives have been promoted through programs such as subsidized solar panels for low-income households, school solarization, solar-powered irrigation, and industrial rooftop systems. A comparative sectoral assessment evaluates these initiatives in terms of affordability, reliability, sustainability, and scalability. The findings indicate that solar adoption has improved electricity reliability for many households and public institutions, reduced operating costs in agriculture and industry, and supported decentralized energy generation. However, implementation remains uneven, program scale is limited relative to demand, and progress is constrained by financial, institutional, and technical barriers. The paper argues that Punjab’s experience highlights both the potential and the limitations of solar-led energy transitions in developing contexts, emphasizing the need for stronger policies, innovative financing mechanisms, and institutional reforms to enable solar energy to become a structural driver of energy independence.
Integrating Universal Design in Museums: A Comprehensive Checklist for Accessible and Inclusive Cultural Spaces
This research focuses on the need for inclusive design in museums by creating a detailed checklist that incorporates Universal Design principles and ADA regulations. The study employs a qualitative comparative case study design, integrating a comprehensive literature review with the examination of seven international museum case studies. The resultant checklist functions as a pragmatic resource for architects, designers, and museum managers, including essential design components from entrances to displays. The research establishes emerging tendencies in accessible design, including the integration of digital technology and concerns for neurodiversity. The findings underscore a comprehensive approach to accessibility, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and social dimensions of the museum experience. The study emphasizes the significance of including varied user demographics in the design process and the need for continuous assessment. This research connects theoretical concepts with actual implementation in museum environments, enhancing the domain of accessible design and perhaps guiding future accessibility standards. The checklist and suggestions seek to improve museum experiences for visitors of all abilities, fostering more inclusion in cultural institutions.
Spatial Lighting Considerations to Develop Sustainable Lighting Design
This study explores the dual role of lighting design within the broader framework of sustainability, emphasizing the need to balance technical efficiency with the subjective human experience of space. Light functions not only as a quantifiable physical phenomenon but also as a symbolic medium that shapes perception, emotion, and cultural meaning. Drawing on the metaphor of an iceberg to illustrate the layered nature of lighting, the research highlights how its often-overlooked qualitative aspects, such as spatial identity, emotional resonance, and user experience, are integral to sustainable design. Through a qualitative descriptive methodology supported by extensive theoretical analysis, the study examines how lighting can be used as a communicative and interpretive tool to enrich architectural environments. The findings underscore the importance of integrating both measurable performance criteria and experiential design strategies to achieve holistic and human-centered sustainability in built spaces.
Analysis and Ranking of Urban Quality of Life in Districts 11 and 12 of Tehran: An Approach Based on Multi-Criteria Decision Making (AHP and ANP) and GIS
Urban quality of life has become a central focus in sustainable urban development and policymaking. This research was conducted to rank the quality of urban life in the neighborhoods of districts 11 and 12 in Tehran. The research method utilized multi-criteria decision-making methods (AHP and ANP) and GIS analysis. First, the factors affecting quality of life were identified, and the relevant spatial layers were prepared. Then, using AHP and ANP methods, the weights of the criteria were calculated, and these weights were used in GIS to combine the layers and create the final maps. Unlike previous studies, this research integrates two decision-making models with spatial analysis to provide a comparative and location-specific understanding of urban quality of life, offering targeted insights for Tehran’s historical and densely populated districts. The findings showed that the deteriorated urban fabric and air pollution have the greatest impact on quality of life (in AHP, 19.53 and 18.506; in ANP, 19.56 and 18.731), while green spaces and gender ratio (in AHP, 2.206 and 2.39; in ANP, 2.197 and 2.342) had the least impact. Ultimately, the study highlights how spatial decision-making tools can effectively guide interventions toward equitable and sustainable urban improvements.
Quality of life, urban management, urban development,districts 11 and 12 of Tehran
Reinforcing Urban Identity and Social Sustainability: A Case Study of Kizil Hamam Street in the Walled City of Famagusta
This study explores the relationship between urban identity, sense of place, and social sustainability through a qualitative analysis of Kizil Hamam Street in the historic Walled City of Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. Using observations, photographs, and maps, the research evaluates key urban identity elements such as street form, building shapes, façade characteristics, and natural features and their influence on residents’ sense of place. The findings indicate that historical continuity in building functions and facades contributes positively to place attachment. However, the limited presence of vegetation weakens the environmental identity of the street. The study concludes that preserving architectural identity and enhancing environmental features can strengthen the sense of place and, consequently, improve social sustainability in historic urban areas.
Representation of Culture Through Architectural Space In Video Games: The City Of Saint Denis, Red Dead Redemption II
Video games especially in the 21st century serve as more than just entertainment. They are a reflection of realities of either the past, the present or the predicted future. Video games can serve as a way of learning about past cultures. RDR 2 is an excellent example on how video games can be used to teach about the culture, architecture and social dynamics of a particular era in a particular geographic location. The environment, characters, sounds and game mechanics make it a crucial case study in discussions about video games as potential means of educating students. The aim of this paper is to present an understanding of the western culture of the late 19th century through an analysis of the architectural environment of the town of Saint Denis in Read Dead Redemption II. The methodology used is a qualitative interpretive approach. It draws upon a cultural semiotic framework. The method involved interacting with the game, observing and capturing information in form of pictures. This then underwent semiotic analysis to identify the denotative (literal) and connotative (signified) meanings of the architecture in 19th century America both at an urban scale (macro) and architectural scale (micro). The findings show that RDR 2 does an excellent job in detailing the city of Saint Denis. The several building types and spaces such as industries, hotels, restaurants, Public Park etc portray a rich cultural city that is a representation of various themes. The themes depicted include those of industrialization, governance, urbanization, economic and technological progress.
Post-Pandemic Hybridism: Rethinking Residential Architecture in the Age of Digital Life
The digital revolution and COVID-19 pandemic have catalyzed fundamental changes in how residential spaces are conceived, designed, and utilized. This paper examines the emergence of hybrid living spaces through the lens of three interconnected phenomena: the rise of remote work, the evolution of shared living arrangements, and the increasing digitalization of domestic life. Existing architectural frameworks, anchored in clear divisions between work, home, and public space, struggle to accommodate the fluid, asynchronous, and technology-driven demands of contemporary life. Through illustrative case studies including co-living facilities (e.g., The Collective in London), long-term hostels (e.g., Moda Drei in Istanbul), and hybridized corporate workplaces (e.g., Spotify and Google offices), this research identifies key patterns in the transformation of residential design. Our findings indicate that traditional distinctions between working and living spaces are dissolving, giving rise to what we term post-pandemic hybridism: an architectural paradigm characterized by digital connectivity, spatial flexibility, and communal interaction. Successful contemporary residential design must now accommodate acoustic privacy, digital accessibility, and opportunities for both social interaction and focused work. These findings suggest a shift away from fixed urban density models toward distributed, technology-enabled living. The paper concludes with a proposed framework for interpreting these emerging spatial typologies and their implications for architecture, urban planning, and social organization.
Copyright (c) 2024 Design Dialogue Journal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0
Sustainable Design in the Long Beach Region of North Cyprus: A Qualitative Research Approach
Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean, is located in a seismically active zone, making it vulnerable to earthquakes and associated risks such as soil liquefaction. The Long Beach region of Northern Cyprus, in particular, faces significant challenges due to its ground conditions, which exacerbate structural vulnerabilities during seismic events. This research aims to address seismic risks and promote sustainable architectural practices through earthquake-resistant design strategies. By adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study examines resilience design factors specific to the Long Beach area. Data was collected through field investigations, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews with ten experts specializing in geotechnical, civil, and urban fields. The research further employed MAXQDA software to systematically analyze qualitative data, identify recurring themes, and derive key insights related to soil conditions, structural requirements, and infrastructure needs. The findings highlight the importance of implementing earthquake-resistant design techniques, including soil stabilization, reinforced foundations, and suitable construction practices, to reduce seismic risks. Additionally, the study identifies the role of regulatory frameworks, monitoring processes, and sustainable building strategies in enhancing resilience within the Long Beach region. Solutions such as stricter adherence to construction codes, integration of landscape design principles, and collaboration between urban planners, engineers, and policymakers are proposed to mitigate the impacts of seismic events. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions and interdisciplinary approaches to promote sustainable development and ensure the safety and durability of urban infrastructure in earthquake-prone areas.
Analyzing the Effects of Shear Deformations on the Structural System Identification
Traditional structural system identification techniques often rely on redundant measurement sets due to the linearity of their governing equations, a requirement that becomes problematic when data availability is limited. To mitigate these constraints, more adaptable identification methods have recently been introduced. However, similar to many existing approaches, they are typically based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, which neglects shear deformation effects. While this assumption may be acceptable for slender members, it can lead to significant inaccuracies in elements such as deep beams, where shear contributions strongly influence mechanical properties. This study addresses this limitation by integrating shear deformation into a structural system identification framework. Through a comprehensive parametric analysis, the impact of shear deformation on the structural response across members with varying slenderness ratios is evaluated, offering improved accuracy and reliability for system identification in practical engineering applications.
Alternative Moods of Architectural Ideology: A Critical Review
Nowadays the abundance of ideas and information in our world makes it challenging to extract reliable meanings and to develop knowledge that is not influenced by the subjective bodies of its producers. This research seeks to understand the ideology of architectural design and its derivative power to shape the form of knowledge. Ideology possesses a commitment-driven nature that shapes its capacity to form and modify a set of ideas and actions that are directly related to human experience and their environment. Architectural ideology and the knowledge of the discipline are examined by looking at the alternative ideologies of the various architectural theoreticians in different times. The research observes the potential of alternative ideologies and reveals numerous relevant factors to put importance in architectural discourse. The findings of this study illustrate that contemporary practices demand pluralistic and participatory approaches in addressing the societal, environmental, and political challenges of today’s world and incorporate strategies for social equity and inclusive design solutions.
Exploring Human Perception in Sacred Spaces: A Case Study of Le Corbusier's Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ron champ
This study investigates the transformative role of daylight in shaping human perception and enhancing well-being within sacred architectural spaces, focusing on Le Corbusier's Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Haut in Ronchamp. The research goes beyond conventional lighting paradigms to explore how the dynamic interplay of natural light and architectural form creates profound sensory and spiritual experiences. Employing a phenomenological methodology, the study integrates observational analysis and visual documentation to examine light's emotional and introspective effects in sacred contexts. The findings underscore daylight's capacity to serve dual roles: as an aesthetic feature that enhances the architectural composition and as a medium that fosters psychological comfort and spiritual engagement. By revealing the nuanced interplay between light and architectural form, the research provides valuable insights into designing environments prioritizing human-centered experiences. This work contributes to the discourse on architecture's potential to influence emotional and spiritual well-being, highlighting the need for innovative approaches in sacred space design. By emphasizing human comfort and the symbolic power of natural light, it offers guidance for creating contemplative environments that inspire connection and introspection. It extends its relevance to broader architectural practices that foster well-being in built spaces.
Form Finding in Architecture, Lessons from Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Form-finding in architecture is a process that determines an optimal form or shape for a building, to achieve dynamic stability, adaptability and sustainability, using a logical process inspired by what happens in nature. The three main categories of this process are physical, analytical and hybrid form-finding. In this paper, after defining form-finding and briefly describing its history, these three categories and the advantages and disadvantages of each are explained. This article delves into the intricate process of form-finding and its evaluation in the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. It explores the innovative architectural approaches and design principles employed to achieve a dynamic and visually striking structure. The study examines the methodologies used in generating and refining the form, focusing on the integration of advanced computational tools and sustainable design practices. Additionally, the paper highlights the challenges and solutions encountered during the project, offering insights into the practical application of form-finding techniques in contemporary architecture. Through a detailed analysis, this article aims to contribute to the broader discourse on form-finding and its potential to shape future architectural endeavors.