Author：Spaeth, AB;Dounas, T;Kieferle, J

Abstract:This paper describes the challenges and approaches to introduce computational thinking to a large and diverse group of architecture students during an international workshop with 300 students from different cultural backgrounds and educational levels, also integrating a diverse group of tutors whose computational expertise varied extremely. The approach suggested articulating a design task which enforced computational thinking but enabled different levels of engagement with the computer as a tool. Hypothetically this would allow all participants to engage with the computational thinking agenda regardless their computational affinity even whilst applying analogue methods. Besides the intercultural experience the workshop was successful in exposing a large group of students and tutors to the concepts of computational design whilst accommodating different learning preferences and engagement with the computer as a device.

Author：Zhang, R;Waibel, C;Wortmann, T

Abstract:Using an integrated workflow with parametric design, Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) and Fast Fluid Dynamic (FFD) simulations, structural analysis and optimization, this paper evaluates the relative suitability of CFD and FFD simulations for Aerodynamic Shape Optimization (ASO). Specifically, it applies RBFOpt, a model-based optimization algorithm, to the ASO of a supertall high-rise. The paper evaluates the accuracy of the CFD and FDD simulations relative to a slower, more exact CFD simulation, and the performance of the model-based optimization algorithm relative to CMA-ES, an evolutionary algorithm. We conclude that FFD is useful for relative comparisons, such as for optimization, but less accurate than CFD in terms of absolute quantities. Although results tend to be similar, CMA-ES performs less well than RBFOpt for both large and small numbers of simulations, and for both CFD and FFD. RBFOpt with FFD emerges as the most suitable method for conceptual design, as it is much faster and only slightly less effective than RBFOpt with CFD.

Author：Raonic, A;Raonic, M

Abstract:This paper is situated in a specific research by design setting, where the realised work of architecture has been generated with digital tools operated by analogue minds of designers. It examines the relation-ship between the two entities, the designer and the tools, in an attempt to understand their specific roles better, trusting that this can lead to anew ways of enhancing the design process. Through revisiting the processes, methods, techniques and tools employed within various design-cycles of the project, authors present their own/designerly/experience, pointing to both the potentials and limitations of the digital tools used. The attention is drawn to the importance for a human designer to have a critical awareness of the true nature of the computational systems and the capacity of both to adapt to the given context, in order to be able to embrace them and use to their full potentials.

Author：Gritti, A;Rosero, V;Dall'Asta, JC;Rocchio, D;Porreca, R;Tagliabue, F

Abstract:In the age of globalization, architecture (through an identity crisis) is directly connected with the loss of progressive recognition of morphological studies of city and territory, in a gradual replacement with real-time views of phenomena and urban facts. The satellite gaze finally flattens the interpretation ability of living spaces that were the prerogative of the morphological studies. The actual complexity of cities and territories escapes from the architect's eyes as they increase their technical capability to know details. The season of great renovations and methodological studies that had powered the 1960s, 70s and 80s seems hopelessly distant. Studies on social, economic, and environmental components of the cities and territories (infrastructure, public space, environmental networks) are so proliferated without actually being supported by adequate interpretations of their physical-spatial dynamics. The result: a substantial failure of architectural design to express human habitat visions. It is imperative a theoretical and practical effort to pick up the threads of an interrupted conversation, and return where these studies have expressed their richest potential: the historical centers, the places with most dense and rich heritage. Historical centers of cities like Quito, Syracuse and Suzhou have settled and stratified the morphological structures of several different settlement patterns. As a result, architecture has demonstrated an ability of description and interpretation. Reflecting on how this goal was reached in these cities (by means much less powerful than the current) settlement will be able to bid the morphological component of urban and regional studies and architecture project as a fundamental tool for understanding the human habitat.

Author：Li, ZY;Xi, YM

Abstract:Drawing on the knowledge-based view of the firm, this paper investigates the effectiveness of different organizational mechanisms on knowledge transfer. In this study, we propose a paradigm for managing the complex process of knowledge transfer. Its central theme is that the effectiveness of knowledge transfer depends on the fit between knowledge characteristics and transfer mechanism. It is argued that different knowledge requires different organizational mechanisms to support its transfer. A theoretical framework is developed to provide an analytical perspective on this issue. Two categories of organizational mechanism for knowledge transfer are identified (i.e., formal and informal mechanism), the types, dimensions, and characteristics of knowledge are discussed, and the nature of this fit is examined.

Author：Wang, YN

Abstract:This paper examines Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) Year-2 students' perception of Sony's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and activities with regard to environment. To study in depth, this research mainly focuses on two research questions by means of questionnaire. Overall, the findings of the report show that environmental policies become increasingly necessary for consumers, so it could significantly affect their choices.

Author：Yuan, RZ

Abstract:The emergence of collaborative tourism presents a rich vein for advancing the empirical and theoretical understanding of tourists' satisfaction towards the destination. Recent literature suggests that the social and networked nature of social media is an ideal environment for peer to peer interaction in the travelling scenarios. However, there has been limited research into defining and developing collaboration tourism, including how do collaborative tourists interact and how do these collaborative behaviours influence their emotional reactions towards the travel destination. This study provides insights into the impact of tourism collaboration on tourist satisfaction due to tourists' perceived intimacy towards the destination. A sample of collaboration members was drawn from tourism community in China. The structural equation modelling results show that information sharing and behavioural collaboration have significant impacts on tourists' physical, verbal, spiritual and intellectual intimacy towards the peers in the destination, which lead to higher level of satisfaction towards the place. This study contributes to the existing literature on collaboration tourism by examining that: (1) the collaborative tourism becomes important to consumers, and is an interpersonal relationship; (2) the collaboration behaviours among tourists create intimacy within the tourism experience, and (3) those physical and emotional sensations/intimacies increase tourists' satisfaction towards the destination.

Author：Bao, CZ

Abstract:Without engaging the students effectively, the likelihood of success in any particular teaching format is questionable. Engagement in the classroom or lecture theatre is a joint negotiation between student and faculty. Students should be provided with the environment to play an active part in meeting desired learning outcomes. This can in part be achieved by educational institutions investing in the student through providing appropriate educational practices and conditions to create a positive and active learning environment, thus facilitating student engagement in the learning process. Student engagement is complex and involves a number of variables, including those that affect the potential for learning success (Horstmanshof & Zimitat, 2007). Student engagement is particularly important in the Chinese higher educational context, where large classes are the norm. This is particularly the case in transnational educational (TNE) institutions, where students may not only be in large classes, but also learning in a second or foreign language. This paper draws on one of the findings from an internally funded teaching development project that investigated engagement issues associated with a multidisciplinary business module delivered to year 2 students at an English speaking university in Suzhou, China. Large classes have become increasingly common as the university continues to expand, especially in student intensive disciplines such as those found in the Business School at the university. Mulryan-Kyne (2010) suggests that increases in class size at university bring new issues and problems, including increases in staff: student ratios, and resultant lack of contact with lecturers and tutors, leading to a return to passive teaching methods and learning. Using a content analysis from data collected through focus groups of students associated with the module, an 'Introduction to Organisation and Management', as well as staff teaching on the module and from the wider and business school, a number of themes have been identified. These can be broadly categorized as being related to innovative use of technology in the lecture room; enriching educational delivery; and faculty presentability. The current paper concentrates on the use of personal response systems, or 'clickers', which the student focus groups identified as being beneficial in large classes. The literature suggests that clickers can have positive benefits for promoting active learning (Hinde and Hunt, 2006; Patry, 2009) and promoting teacher: student engagement (Roschelle et al, 2004), encourage critical thinking during class (Cooper and Robinson, 2000) and that there may be some positive correlation between use of clickers and assessment (Morling et al, 2008). Less positive reactions include the 'gimmick effect' where there seems to be no clear rationale for the learning value of 'clickers' beyond the sake of using it (Simpson and Oliver, 2006), and possible increased student anxiety (Johnson and McLeod, 2004). This paper discusses how the student experience of 'clickers' in the Chinese and TNE context reflects the literature. Drawing on personal experience of how my own teaching practices have been informed by the research, it concludes by providing pointers for future successful engagement in this unique context.

Author：Guo, HJ;Huang, X;Craig, P

Abstract:This study looks at factors that influence user adoption of third-part-payment systems such as Alipay and PayPal. A research model and five hypotheses are proposed based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). These relate different factors to user adoption and form the basis of a survey which we present to a sample of 207 Chinese consumers. Our hypotheses are tested using a paired t-test with results revealing that, social influence, performance expectancy and facilitating conditions are the factors most likely to affect user adoption.

Author：Wang, X;Xia, J;Li, Y

Abstract:Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) has excellent mechanical properties and good durability. However, the embodied energy of UHPFRC is much higher than that of ordinary concrete due to the high usage of cement. In order to reduce the adverse environmental impact of utilizing UHPFRC, recycled rubber crumb is used as an additional component or as a replacement for fine aggregates. Cube specimens with two different mix design schemes were investigated during this study. The reduction of compressive strength was investigated. UHPFRC prisms were also cast and loaded in four point bending tests to check the reduction of flexural strength. The mixing procedure and temperature variation during the casting process was recorded. Some cube specimens were heat cured in hot water at 90 degree Celsius for forty-eight hours. Those cubes were tested following curing at around 7 days to obtain the early age strength, while other cubes are normally cured in water at around 20 degree Celsius with the prisms until 28 days.

Author：Sterling, SE;Liu, BJ

Abstract:Creativity in China in the current era of globalization has become a buzzword for industry, acting as a catalyst for innovative potential and investment. However, while 'Made in China' has long been established, 'Created in China' still requires some legitimization internationally, and alongside creativity comes the need for a more nuanced, cross-cultural perspective in design and manufacturing alike. The 'Belt and Road' initiative is one key national plan in this larger globalization-oriented process and the high speed train, which has been referred to as China's 'national identity card', plays a symbolic role in this initiative. Exporting public transport systems, e.g. high speed trains, to international markets inevitably brings with it the challenge of cross-cultural issues, due to the different cultural background of prospective passengers. The nature of creativity itself bears an intrinsic link with one's worldview, as the act of creating is variable in different perspectives. While a particular social setting in one country or society may be historically aligned with concepts of creativity or idea-generation, that same social setting elsewhere may be viewed as a deterrent or hindrance. The importance of cross-cultural perceptions of creativity in the realm of idea-generation as related to design thus requires a thorough examination. As the conditions and need for growth in innovative thinking grows, the need to understand creativity as it is understood from a Chinese lens becomes a timely area of focus. This paper will examine the relationship between culture and creativity, as evidenced by a study on employees of a publicly owned transportation company in Mainland China.

Author：Chen, SY;Chng, MT;Liu, QF

Abstract:The no-arbitrage condition is a cornerstone concept in financial market research. However, the arbitrage mechanism that is inherent in the trading process for related securities, is not readily observable. We develop a generalized smooth-transition vector error-correction model, or GST-VECM, to estimate the arbitrage mechanism from financial market data. The GST-VECM can (i) back out the implied no-arbitrage band, (ii) estimate arbitrage intensity for upper and lower bound violations, and (iii) accommodate convergence risk for statistical arbitrage. Using the introduction of CSI300 ETF trading in China as a natural experiment, we estimate the GST-VECM to reveal some insight into how a microstructural policy, by altering the index arbitrage mechanism, affects the pricing link between spot and futures markets. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Author：Lu, X;Dounas, T;Spaeth, B;Bissoonauth, C;Galobardes, I

Abstract:New possibilities of concrete constructions in architecture, the traditional formwork can be gradually replaced by the use of flexible textile. At the same time textile reinforcement combined with fabric formwork, introduces an innovative integrated solution in the fabrication of concrete. Based on a simple understanding of the textile weaving and knitting techniques, this project concentrates on the architectural production and the structural optimization of the textile as both concrete reinforcement and formwork. Furthermore, we present a robotic simulation of the process that develops using a series of computational experiments to research the sequence of weaving and/or knitting. Through the computational process and the design simulations, the research is firmly rooted in analog and digital exploration of material and its implementation in architecture, with particular emphasis on the convergence of robotics and computation. Note that the paper deals mainly with the software and weaving simulation as part of a larger research project, without dealing with the production of physical artefacts.

Author：Dounas, T;Lombardi, D;Jabi, W

Abstract:We present a Blockchain collaboration mechanism on optimisation problems between distributed participants who work with building information modelling tools. The blockchain mechanism is capable of executing smart contracts, acting as a reward mechanism of independent designers attempting to collaborate or compete on optimising a design performance problem. Earlier work has described the potential integration through different levels of Computer Aided Design and Blockchain. We present an expanded version of that integration and we showcase how a team can collaboratively and competitively work, using BIM tools, through the blockchain. The original contribution of the paper is the use of the design optimisation performance as a consensus mechanism for block writing in blockchains. To accomplish that we introduce mechanisms for BIM to Blockchain Integration but also describe a special category of blockchains for architectural design and the built environment. The paper concludes with an analysis of the relationship between trust and values as encapsulated in the blockchain and how these could affect the design collaboration.

Author：Herr, CM;Ford, RC

Abstract:In this paper we examine the adaptations cellular automata (CA) are typically subjected to when they are applied to architectural designing. We argue that, despite a number of earlier studies that portrayed CA as generic generative design tools, the transition from generic CA to specific design tools is not yet well understood. To describe this transition, we first examine this aspect in a number of previous studies relating CA to architectural design. In a following detailed analysis of an applied design case study, we trace similarities between findings made in the literature review to findings made in the case study and extend them with additional observations. We conclude with a summary of challenges and opportunities met by architectural designers employing and developing CA for design purposes.

Author：Yang, R;Zhou, C;Huang, MJ;Wen, HQ;Liang, HN

Abstract:Classroom interaction is an important part of teaching which can greatly enhance the learning performance of students. However, the following problems still exist in conducting interactive teaching in conventional classroom, such as limited interaction format, lack of enthusiasm and unequal interaction frequency. As a widely adopted interactive tool in online video websites, the bullet screen is instant and convenient with high interactivity, which is extremely popular among the young generation such as university undergraduate students. In this paper, a software platform is designed to collect the bullet screen messages generated by students in classroom and display them instantly together with teaching materials such as lecture slides via projector, which can be later collected for teaching and learning performance analysis. This paper aims to propose a possible solution of the mentioned problems to construct a convenient and efficient interactive classroom to improve the teaching quality.

Author：Silbiger, A;Barnes, BR;Berger, R;Renwick, DWS

Author：Xu, Y

Abstract:Green building has become a primary development goal in China, but how to promote the scaling development of the green building industry remains challenging. This paper overviews the development of the global green market and identifies that green building has already become a global trend with important business opportunities. It further utilises the concept of 'Industrial Cluster' (Porter 1990) and discusses its adaptation to green building cluster since the late 1990s overseas. Cases in Europe and America prove its multiple benefits to the cluster members, cluster management, industrial development and regional economic growth. An effective green building cluster combines the traditional building sector with emerging areas of opportunities, and adapts to the local industrial basis and development conditions, including demand, factor, context, and related supporting industries (Diamond Model by Porter 1990). It argues that by extending the industrial chain, developing new knowledge, products, services and business relations, as well as inducing scaling impacts within and out of the cluster, the green building cluster conforms to the primary requirement of sustainable development and industrial upgrading. This paper concludes that the green building cluster has the potential to identify new growth points and promote large-scale green urban development in China, which further contributes to the reform of the prevalent yet unsustainable urban development in China which is property-led, investment-driven and energy-intensive.

Author：Pazhoohesh, M;Shahmir, R;Zhang, C

Abstract:Increasingly expensive and polluting sources of energy dictate the need of energy conservation in the society. The major energy consumption contribution in the operation phase of modern buildings is from their HVAC systems. Well planned HVAC systems may provide healthy and comfortable indoor environment, while poor design may result in wastage of energy. Traditionally the design of the systems is based on a constant number of occupants while the situational awareness of the system has been ignored. This paper focuses on the intelligence of the HVAC system in terms of its knowledge of the occupants of the facility in real time. Thermal comfort analysis is applied to study the indoor climate of buildings for efficient use of such HVAC systems. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to model and simulate the indoor conditions. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used to be a platform to integrate all the data and apply spatial analysis and Green building standards are embedded in the BIM model to evaluate the building sustainability. Based on the results, more reasonable allocation of individual's location in a room can be provided and an automatic control of lighting, air conditioning can be suggested to optimize energy consumption based on matching occupants' comfort level.

Author：Huang, T;Wu, F;Yu, J;Zhang, BH

Abstract:This paper investigates the effect of investor protection on the value impact of stock liquidity. Using a sample of firms from 40 countries for the period between 1996 and 2010, we show that investor protection is positively associated with the value impact of stock liquidity. This association is robust to the difference-in-differences approach based on a natural experiment. Further evidence shows that the positive effect of home-country investor protection on the liquidity-valuation association attenuates in countries with globally integrated capital markets.