This article discusses the visual perception of selected buildings located in the historic centre of Cologne, Germany, that have been designed by outstanding architects. It presents eye-tracking research, both from a theoretical perspective and that of its application potential in, among other fields, psychology, management, architecture and urban planning. It also presents an experiment which was performed to evaluate the suitability of eye tracking in the assessment of the visual perception of architecture and its surroundings, utilising the case study method and members of Generation Z as the subject population. Analysis of the experiment’s results enabled the authors to formulate commentary on findings concerning typically observed attractors and distractors in the perception of architecture and its surroundings depending on context-specific conditions. The study provided evidence of the suitability of eye tracking in the assessment of the visual perception of works of architecture and indicated the possibility of continuing research concerning the assessment and shaping of the state of awareness and knowledge of architecture and urban planning, which can significantly affect public participation in urban governance.

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of a multi-method approach for the restoration of a historic building (train station) in Poland. The project employed field investigations, laboratory analyses, and close-range photogrammetry to create a Historic Building Information Model (HBIM). This comprehensive data set informed the development of targeted conservation strategies that addressed the station’s specific needs while respecting its historical significance. Interventions prioritized the use of locally sourced and sustainable materials, minimized the visual impact on the exterior, and achieved net-zero emissions through improvements to the building envelope and a switch to a heat pump heating system. Additionally, an intelligent monitoring system was implemented to continuously collect data on environmental conditions and structural displacement. These data will be used to develop a predictive model for future maintenance needs, allowing for a preventative approach to conservation and minimizing resource consumption. Overall, this project serves as a model for integrating advanced technologies in historical building conservation, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the longevity of irreplaceable cultural landmarks. The key findings derived from this approach encompass a comprehensive assessment of the station’s condition, optimized conservation strategies, insights from HBIM modeling, and the ongoing benefits of the intelligent monitoring system. Field investigations revealed several areas of concern, such as structural cracks, material deterioration, moisture infiltration, and significant heat loss through the building envelope. This information was crucial for developing targeted conservation strategies. The use of internal thermal insulation systems, particularly capillary active mineral blocks, significantly improved thermal performance. Moisture management interventions, including the restoration of the rainwater drainage system and the application of moisture-proof insulation, reduced reliance on the municipal water supply. The intelligent monitoring system, with sensors measuring temperature, humidity, and structural displacement, plays a crucial role in ongoing conservation efforts. This system allows for continuous monitoring and the development of predictive models, ensuring targeted and preventative maintenance, reducing resource consumption, and extending the lifespan of the building.

The article analyzes and formulates the characteristic features of traditional Ukrainian landscape design, which had authentic roots and was based on minimal interference in the existing natural environment and its maximum use to enhance the properties of architecture. The purpose of the article is to identify traditional and innovative elements in the landscaping of modern Ukrainian Orthodox churches.The descriptive method, the graphical-and-analytical method, the methods of historical and comparative analysis were used. The main traditional methods of Ukrainian landscape design of the XVII–XVIII centuries are determined. Examples of traditional landscape design of Polish monasteries are given, taking into account the rather long influence of Polish culture on a large part of Ukrainian territories. The modern landscape techniques in Ukraine based on the use of folk traditions are described and analyzed. Two main directions of modern landscape design of territories around cult buildings are defined – repetition of the established receptions (in ethno-complexes) and creative modernization of architectural forms in combination with landscape design (on examples of newly built churches). It is shown how both methods enhance the properties and aesthetic expressiveness of architecture.

Research on perception of objects and spaces

This article analyses the phenomenon of Chinoiserie style in European architecture. The basic principles of Chinese landscape design and the role of pavilions in the natural environment are highlighted. The fundamental difference between European and Chinese pavilions is shown at different levels – from the structure of the park to the composition to individual details – and it is also shown that European Chinoiserie-style pavilions were a much simplified and averaged version of the Chinese ones.The ambiguity of purpose and variety of functions inherent in ancient Chinese pavilions are lost in European ones, as the “Chinese-style” pavilion is intended for only one purpose – aesthetic entertainment. The appearance of the European pavilion, sometimes called a “tea pavilion”, does not follow that of ancient Chinese tea ceremony pavilions. In addition, the European park pavilions cannot be compared to the most famous Chinese “landscape pavilions”, as none of the former are located in such a majestic landscape with the possibility of viewing from a long distance.

In the case of historic buildings, especially those under protection, it is important to replace elements of the roof covering, while maintaining current technical standards, to meet the requirements of the conservator. The authors of the article present alternatives to commonly used solutions, based on their experience with replacing historic building roofing with ceramic tiles made according to the production and firing technology of the nineteenth century. They emphasize that the correct/specialized restoration of existing tiles in a building makes it possible to preserve and reuse them, which is in line with the principles of historic preservation. However, due to the preservation of the roof tiles, it is not always possible to revitalize them. As a solution to the problem, the use of clay roof tiles manufactured according to 19th-century firing technology, including handmade methods, is presented, which preserves the geometry of the historic roof tiles. The approach presented by the authors meets both the requirements of conservation theory and the building standards for roofing elements. Although it is much more expensive than the solutions currently commonly used that result from modern technical requirements and tile-manufacturing technology, in the case of objects of significant cultural heritage, it is a solution that meets modern technical requirements while not compromising the original appearance of the monument.