Facility Management: A Paradigm for Expanding the Scope of Architectural Practice

published in International Journal of Architectural Research in 2007

Abstract
In this paper the authors discuss challenging interrelations between the contemporary architectural practice and the expanding facility management (FM) sector. After defining FM and determining the part of it that is directly dependent on an architectural expertise, the authors identify possible interests in combining knowledge between the two fields, both dealing with the built environment.
The empirical part of the research is a study of the current development of FM concepts and strategies in Serbia, and examination of the position and a possible impact of the local architectural practice. A systematization of local real-estate from the point of FM includes three different groups of objects: the ones with integrated FM strategy in the early design stage;
the ones with imported FM strategy from international firms; and the last incomparably largest group of objects that esperately need an appropriate FM concept. The methodology of tracking the FM related knowledge has been applied with the aim to recognize key actors in the FM knowledge  exchange on the national level, as well as to understand current position and propose possible activities for the local architectural community.
Keywords: Facility management, architectural practice, Serbia

Citation: Devetakovic, Mirjana, and Radojevic, Milan. "Facility Management: A Paradigm for Expanding the Scope of Architectural Practice," in ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 1, issue 3 (2007).

Communicating Generic Processes - Some Issues Related to Architectural Design

Generative Art Conference, MIlan, 2001

Spatial Forms Generated by Music - The Case Study

Generative Art Conference, Milan 2002

Codification of Site Related Knowledge in Virtual Design Studio

Published in Salama and Wilkinson (ed.) Design Studio Pedagogy, Horizons for the Future, 2007

Based on the theoretical framework of knowledge codification (Cohendet, 2004; Cowan and Foray, 1997) and Dynamic theory of knowledge creation (Nonaka, 2004), this study examines knowledge on design sites in the context of architectural education, precisely in virtual design studio (VDS) experiments. After presenting context of the research and applied methodology, it introduces main theoretical statements on knowledge codification and connects them with the specific problem of site in virtual design studio. The knowledge on design sites is observed through the three cycles of knowledge creation within VDS identified as: initiation, realization and reflections, following its transformations between tacit and explicit forms. The VDS system is examined as a knowledge codification model that consists of specific language and allows creation of information messages. The part of the VDS codification language that is relevant for knowledge on design sites, has been systematized according to the following codification procedures: acquisition, representation, documenting, sharing, preservation and further use. Identified are needs for enlargements of codification language of VDS. 
The study proceeds with an analysis of impacts of site-related language on codification procedures in VDS. It concludes with a discussion of extents of knowledge codification in examined field, identifying the part of site-related knowledge that tends to remain tacit.   

Keywords: codification, knowledge, architecture, virtual, studio

SELF-REPLICATING SYSTEMS IN SPATIAL FORM GENERATION - THE CONCEPT OF CELLULAR AUTOMATA

Coauthored with Ljiljana Petrusevski and Bojan Mitrovic, published in SPATIUM Journal, May 2009.

The self-replicating systems introduced theoretically by von Neumann, are widely examined in biology, computing, geometry, engineering sciences etc. In this study the authors are focused on the concept of cellular automata (CA) and its possible application in processes of spatial form generation. The study has been realized with participation of 60 senior architecture students, creating various spatial forms by using the CA concept, within the series of elective courses titled Generic Explorations. The experimental activity is supported by the software Fun3D, i.e. its CA module, which has been created at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, to support generative processes in the field of architecture.
After introducing a general idea of the self-replicating systems, the authors explain the major principles of CA, particularly the issues of layered 2D automata, discussing possible approaches to spatial form creation. The study examines CA based on a cubic cell, evolving to a rectangular cuboid where width/height/length ratio can differ, as well as the gap between cells and some of the visual features, like color, transparency, texture etc. Creators of various spatial forms can set a pattern of initial cells, and define a rule for a self-reproduction of a single cell. Combinations of multiple CA systems have been introduced, as an entirely original approach to the problem of form generation in general.
A variety of approaches to the generation of spatial form, resulted from the experimental activity, indicate a significant
potential of the CA concept application in many areas of spatial design. The authors suggest a range of interpretations of a resulted generic form, such as architectural, urban, product design, exhibition systems etc.