As the civil aviation market is in a state of continuous growth, the architecture of passenger airport terminals needs to follow the industry’s constant development. The objective of this research is to investigate the current state of terminals in Poland in relation to the aspects of representativeness and low-tech sustainability solutions incorporated into design strategies. The conducted study is a critical review of existing literature followed by a case study of relevant examples of airport terminals, from an architectural perspective. The main findings show that seemingly contradicting principles can co-exist in particular spectra of design. The broadly used big shed design method, which provides terminal buildings with an adequate level of prominence, can also facilitate sustainable solutions, especially in the areas of user comfort, energy efficiency and life cycle assessment, i.e., buildings are easily adaptable, what is demanded by constantly evolving operational models and increasing airport terminal capacities. As further improvements are definitely needed to answer the increasing demand for a reduction in the carbon footprint of buildings, changes are desirable and should focus on establishing an adequate balance between a sustainable approach and the urge to create representative, state-of-the art terminal buildings.

The aim of the study is to analyze the challenges and opportunities of conversions and adaptations of Polish modernist hotel buildings to new functions. Preliminary research shows that hotels constitute a significant group among unused buildings from that period. This issue remains unexplored, while the market situation shows that investors will increasingly face an economic, social, and environmental dilemma as to demolish existing facilities and replace them with new structures or thoroughly rebuild and reuse. The study was conducted based on an analysis of groups of criteria in terms of the potential and difficulties associated with investments utilizing the existing hotel fabric, taking into account environmental, formal, structural, functional, and socio-cultural aspects. The results of the study show that the conversion or adaptation of modernist hotels in Poland to a new function is primarily determined by technical issues, i.e., the original structural layout and technical condition of the building, and such investments require decisive action, primarily in terms of replacing external partitions and adapting internal communication systems. However, it has been proven that, in many cases, such investments are possible, and they bring a number of environmental and social benefits, so they are at least desirable from the perspective of sustainable development.

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Influence of a multi-method style of narration style on stimulating learning environments in a museum

This paper presents the new, theoretical idea for a short range, city transportation system typology. Taking people’s expectations as a major concern, the idea aims to improve travel comfort by creating a sustainable and efficient system of communication. The short review of various visions for cities development, as well as analysis of current research are presented as a background for the new solution. Then, the analysis of present, data-based environment indicates a high level of society’s dependency on the Internet and Mobile connections. Finding a strong relation between transportation and IT sector, the paper exposes the necessity of interdisciplinary approach towards innovative communication solutions. Questioning the current model of ownership-oriented society, the proposal introduces a shift towards sharing-oriented tendencies. On that basis, idea of the system of shared between users, self-driving vehicles is established. Moreover, architectural intervention into traditional street typology is introduced. Vertical division of separate functions, allowing unobstructed flow of people and vehicles, creates a possibility to adopt existing street level for accommodating additional functions. By incorporating theoretical model into the city of Singapore, certain decisions about combining newly designed idea with existing underground MRT system infrastructure were stated. Putting stress on the holistic, multidisciplinary approach to the idea of future mobility, it is inevitable to introduce various fields of research into the process. Only by connecting administrative decisions, architectural statements and technology (IT) development can a coherent vision of future be proposed.