Revista de Arquitectura (Bogotá)

Contribution of the Journal of Architecture (Bogotá) to the SDGs: thematic and bibliometric analysis (2015-2025)

Anna Maria Cereghino-Fedrigo — 2025-07-10

The present study evaluates the influence of the Revista de Arquitectura (Bogotá) in the promotion and dissemination of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during the period 2015-2025. A qualitative and bibliometric approach was employed to collect and analyze articles addressing the SDGs, facilitating the identification of trends, gaps, and opportunities to enhance the journal's impact. The findings indicate that, while there have been notable contributions in domains such as sustainable urbanism and, to a lesser extent, sustainable technology, certain Sustainable Development Goals have garnered less attention or have been overlooked entirely. The journal's editorial strategies are designed to address these challenges by diversifying the subject matter and enhancing the visibility of research in sustainability. The implementation of an instrument is a key component of these strategies, with the objective of consolidating the journal's position as a leading reference in the field.

Resilience of Regional Bahareque Architecture: Agent-Based Simulation Using NetLogo software

Carlos Eduardo Rincón-González — 2025-06-26

The article presents the results of a simulation of behavioral patterns of agents involved with vernacular housing using a computational model designed to adequately represent perceptions both in favor of and against the value of regional bahareque architecture made of guadua in Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape. The underlying controversy reflects contemporary tensions between vernacular and modern elements that coexist within territories across the global sphere. The creation of the model using the NetLogo 5.3.1. software allowed for the evaluation of posible scenarios, considering key variables in decision-making processes regarding whether or not to preserve and replicate culturally significant housing. This constitutes valuable input for the formulation and management of public policies in developing countries. The key factors include: 1) the perception of the families inhabiting these dwellings; 2) the presence and proximity of guadua groves as both an environmental asset and a material resource for construction, maintenance, and restoration; 3) the influence of neighbors based on their perceptions, and 4) the recurring influence, either positive or negative, of institutional agents operating in the territory. The role of extension agents from the National Federation of Coffee Growers is highlighted as a potential force in tipping the balance towards the protection and resilience of this heritage.

Comfort associated with remote work in IPV and Procrear housing: warm temperate climate

Yesica Alamino-Naranjo — 2025-05-29

The COVID-19 pandemic and the global lockdown measures transformed household dynamics, solidifying remote work as a growing trend in the post-pandemic era. This change invites reflection: how do our homes adapt to the challenges of remote work? In this context, this research aims to evaluate the level of satisfaction of residents in social housing regarding the integration of remote work activities in warm temperate climates. To this end, six case studies were analyzed, and surveys were conducted on the sensation and perception of comfort in the homes. The results show that these homes do not provide an adequate level of comfort during remote workdays, highlighting issues such as visual discomfort, low adaptability, and spatial discomfort. Based on these findings, critical reflections are proposed on the architectural and spatial characteristics necessary to ensure comfort in social housing in remote work contexts. Among the highlighted issues, it is suggested that future studies explore the impact of minimal ventilation surfaces, the arrangement of homes with non-party walls, and designs that promote contact with the natural environment as key elements to improve habitability. These reflections aim to open new lines of research that contribute to the development of housing policies more aligned with contemporary challenges.

¿What do they choose when they choose the earth? Houses, lifestyles and social meanings What Do Those Who Choose Earth Choose? Houses, Lifestyles, and Social Meanings

Antonela Lucía Mostacero — 2025-03-07

In the context of the expanding transitional spaces between cities and rural areas, there is a growing interest in earth-based construction techniques as a material option for building homes. The decision to build in this way is understood as more than a mere architectural choice: it reflects social meanings constructed around this material, alternative ways of inhabiting space, and reinterpretations of this choice conditioned by the social position of those making the choice. The aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of what people living in the rururban área of the Santa Fe-Paraná Metropolitan Region are choosing when they decide to live in an earthbuilt house. Using a qualitative methodology with a flexible design, this exploratory study reveals that the decision to opt for this construction material is part of a broader lifestyle choice, where the individual’s pursuit reflects meanings associated with nature, rurality, work, and urban life.

Identification of Barriers in the Interaction Between Industrialized Construction and Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Italo Sepúlveda Solari — 2025-06-17

This article addresses the challenges posed by barriers limiting the effective interaction between Industrialized Construction (IC) and Building Information Modeling (BIM), two innovative approaches that promise significant benefits in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and quality within the construction industry. Despite their advantages, obstacles persist related to economic, cultural, technological, regulatory, and managerial factors, hindering their integrated adoption. This study identifies and analyzes these barriers through a comprehensive literature review and professional experience, evaluating their impact on the global implementation of IC and BIM. However, the lack of a standardized method to measure this impact and propose solutions is noted. The article proposes practical approaches to overcome these challenges, such as interdisciplinary collaboration, the development of common standards, professional training, and the promotion of research. It concludes by reflecting on the transformative potential of IC and BIM for the sector, provided that the identified barriers are effectively addressed.

Heritage in the Age of Globalization

Alberto — 2025-06-17

The main purpose of this research is to examine the current situation of cultural heritage in light of the constraints imposed by a globalized world. The study is divided into two parts. The first part reviews the historical development of this topic based on classical authors, from the approval of heritage protection in 19th -century France to the present day. The second part defines the concept of heritage in today's globalized world, and subsequently engages in a debate among specialists. This debate helps to understand the ideological role heritage has played throughout history, what it currently represents for society amid the controversial issues of modernization and globalization and, finally, what can be expected for the future of heritage in the face of limitations imposed by the economic model. The article concludes with a discussion on the role the State has historically played in manipulating heritage for its own benefit. Today, it is possible to observe the various ways in which heritage is transformed and divided due to globalization, which increasingly exploits it for tourism, generating substantial revenue.

Sustainable Construction as Getting Dressed of Place: Two Experiences in the Tropics

Carlos Mauricio Bedoya-Montoya — 2025-06-17

This article addresses the environmental impact of building materials resulting from construction and demolition waste and debris. It presents the potential of material resurrection through recycling and reuse, which enable the production of optimally performing and affordable building supplies. In addition to the production of materials with a lower CO2 footprint, such practices allow for the integral management of sustainable construction processes that optimize resources and minimize the waste of energy, water and material inputs such as prefabricated structures or concrete. The study aims to apply research results to present the concept of sustainable construction and architecture as "getting dressed of place", i.e. recognizing contextual variables to determine the aesthetic and technical guidelines that must be considered for the materialization of a project. It also shows how contextualized design of buildings can promote comfort and efficiency through bioclimatic strategies, as well as how the people involved in building activities must have decent working conditions, which includes everything from formal hiring to the provision of protection and industrial safety elements, an often neglected precaution in Latin American countries. Finally, relevant reflections are considered throughout the article, including the thoughtful use of water, the promotion of rainwater harvesting systems in buildings, and the understanding of sustainable construction activities as holistic issues, which recognize the integrality of the trade.

Creativity in the Design Process: Cognitive Actions and Conceptual Transformations

Nazife Asli Kaya — 2025-07-30

This research explores the relationship between creativity and cognitive actions in a design process that cause conceptual expansion and shift to understand how creative insights develop. The research was conducted with 25 participants using the think-aloud protocol who were given a design problem to solve. Linkographic entropies were obtained from the verbal data of design sessions to determine critical moves (CM) and their associated design decisions. CM networks were then coded using Function-Behaviour-Structure (FBS) ontology to determine design actions, and semantic analysis was used to determine the design transformation types.

The results showed that conceptual shift is only achieved through Synthesis, while conceptual expansions serve as a base for conceptual shifts. Cognitive actions such as reformulations and evaluations were found to cause conceptual expansions and contribute to conceptual shifts at different levels. The distance between knowledge sets used during cognitive actions influences the effectiveness and types of conceptual transformations. The research concludes that Formulation and Analysis do not contribute to conceptual transformations. The research provides insights into the cognitive processes underlying design creativity and can inform design education and practice.

Strategy for the Partial Implementation of a Didactic Tool for Assessing Sustainability in Architectural Projects

Carlos Antonio Rada-Solano — 2025-06-17

This article presents partial results from an ongoing research project aimed at proposing a methodological strategy for the partial implementation, in educational practice, of a didactic tool for measuring sustainability in architectural projects. It stems from the question: How can a didactic tool be developed within the educational practice to enhance the outcomes of the teaching-learning process in the field of design? To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted using Participatory Action Research (PAR), through the development of several phases including a preliminary diagnosis, direct interaction with the educational community, construction of a theoretical framework, categorization of the information, and the design of an action plan. The partial results show that the strategy implemented, based on the use of worksheets to assess the economic, social, environmental, technological, and administrative dimensions, makes it possible to objectively record sustainability in architectural projects. Additionally, an improvement was observed in students’ interpretative, argumentative, and collaborative skills, along with enhanced interaction between teachers and students. The partial implementation of this didactic tool stands out as an innovative and effective resource for transforming traditional teaching paradigms, promoting meaningful, autonomous, and collaborative learning. These findings underline the importance of integrating systematic assessments that allow for accurate evaluation of sustainability in architectural projects, laying the groundwork for future improvements in educational practice.

Circularity as a sustainable alternative in self-construction of homes in vulnerable areas of Latin America

Patricia González-Vallejo — 2025-07-09

This study evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of incorporating by-products derived from construction and demolition waste, as well as recycled materials, in the construction of enclosures for social housing in vulnerable areas. It is applied to a case study in the city of Temuco (Chile), comparing the proposed solution with a conventional construction method and with other studies that also employ by-products in building. The methodology includes cost analysis based on construction databases and the architectural project to determine resources and economic and environmental impacts. The environmental assessment is carried out using indicators such as carbon footprint, ecological footprint, embodied energy, and the generation of construction and demolition waste, using specialized databases such as Ecoinvent and SimaPro. The results show that the use of by-products not only reduces construction costs but also lowers environmental impact, promotes the circular economy, and supports local employment. Comparison with other studies indicates that the proposal offers economic and environmental advantages. However, theuse of cement is identified as a major contributor to environmental impact, highlighting the need to explore more sustainable alternatives in future research. In conclusion, the study confirms the economic and environmental viability of sustainable construction solutions in social housing in vulnerable areas, contributing to the development of more responsible and resilient practices in the construction sector.

Research Trends on Educational Spaces and Subjectivation in Ibero-America

Wilson Riaño-Casallas — 2025-07-09

A systematic review was conducted with the aim of mapping the research landscape concerning the influence of spatial configuration in educational processes, based on three analytical categories: space, education, and subjectivation. The review also seeks to compile research references that may inform decision-making when intervening in or designing educational environments. A total of 92 documents were selected using various search and classification strategies, depending on the chosen databases. All documents were organized into analytical matrices and processed using ATLAS.ti. Research trends were identified through code and memo networks, revealing four patterns: From the Particular, Distant Globality, Inherent Globality, and From the Participants. These are further enriched by what has been defined as contemporary tensions. Among the conclusions, the increasing relevance of space in educational and research processes is underscored, along with the need to continue critically examining, from diverse perspectives, the various elements that constitute the educational fabric. The findings also highlight the potential of spatial configuration to shape and mobilize teaching practices.

The impact of BIM on project coordination: an investigation into interference detection

Praia Praia — 2025-07-10

This article presents an analysis and comparison between the traditional coordination process used by architectural project offices and the automated coordination method available through Building Information Modeling (BIM), with a focus on structural projects. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the benefits that systematization and automation of coordination bring to companies in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector that adopt BIM technology. To this end, the study maps the current coordination procedure in an architectural office and compares it with the automated process applied in two real case studies developed by the same firm. The case study reveals that the coordination process improves significantly when automated clash detection tools are used, surpassing the effectiveness of the hybrid method currently in place. Moreover, the results emphasize that while the exclusive adoption of BIM by the architectural office yields significant benefits during the design, modeling, and documentation stages, effective coordination and optimal conflict detection require the entire project to be developed using BIM-compatible tools. This finding highlights the importance of comprehensive BIM implementation across all project phases to maximize efficiency and avoid potential discrepancies during execution.