Issue
Issue 1
Volume 1
Issue 1
Published 7 July 2026
Articles
Issue contents
5 articles
Subterranean Air Design for Underground Parking in Sustainable Cities
Samira Akbarova
Pages 3-9
This study investigates the interdisciplinary relationship between subterranean environmental engineering and surface-level urban architecture, focusing on large-scale underground parking complexes in Baku, Azerbaijan. Utilizing the original "Spatial form—Integration—Climate resilience—Emergency resilience" analytical matrix proposed herein, a comparative analysis is conducted between the linear-extended facility beneath Winter Park and the compact, two-level coastal structure under Azadliq Square. The research evaluates how spatial morphology, structural geometry, and marine-coastal macroclimates dictate mechanical engineering solutions. Specifically, it assesses the fluid dynamics of longitudinal jet fan arrays versus hybrid ducted frameworks, the aesthetic and ecological integration of above-ground ventilation nodes as small architectural forms, and the deployment of ISO 12944 C5-M (Marine) corrosion protection to counter aggressive Caspian Sea salinity. The empirical findings demonstrate that integrating scenario-based Building Management Systems yields a 40–55% contraction in operational energy loads. Furthermore, the study exposes a critical structural asymmetry in toxic gas evacuation dynamics—specifically hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions—during electric vehicle lithium-ion battery thermal runaway, revealing systemic gaps in current NFPA 502 and ASHRAE standards. Ultimately, this work establishes a validated methodological baseline for "Subterranean Air Design," proving that surface landscape typologies and climatic variables are primary determinants for the safety, operational resilience, and environmental sustainability of underground urban infrastructure.
Climate-Responsive Residential Design Across Azerbaijan’s Climate Regions: Linking Passive Traditions, Envelope Strategies and Energy Efficiency
Tarana Bakirova, Firuza Badalova
Pages 10-21
Residential construction in Azerbaijan is expanding alongside rising demand for heating and cooling, making energy-efficient housing design increasingly important. The country’s semi-arid coastal areas, hot lowlands, humid subtropical zones and mountainous settlements create different thermal conditions; therefore, one uniform housing model is insufficient. This article proposes a climate-responsive framework for energy-efficient residential buildings across Azerbaijan’s climate regions. The study synthesizes climate data, building-physics principles, passive design literature, envelope-performance studies and observations of traditional climate-adapted dwellings. It examines orientation, compactness, window-to-wall ratio, envelope continuity, thermal-bridge control, thermal mass, natural ventilation and efficient active systems. The findings show that passive strategies are most effective when combined with continuous envelope performance and region-specific planning. Traditional elements such as courtyards, shaded spaces, thick walls and controlled openings can inform contemporary design without direct imitation. The framework supports housing that improves thermal comfort, reduces operational energy demand and strengthens climate resilience under future climate pressures.
Bioclimatic Code of Absheron Vernacular Architecture: Towards Mahalla 2.0
Farida Gasimova
Pages 22-30
Abstract. Contemporary urban planning in Baku exhibits a critical misalignment between high-rise morphology and the severe microclimate of the Absheron Peninsula, exacerbating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects and pedestrian-level wind turbulence. This study decodes the passive climate-control mechanisms embedded within the traditional mahalla of Baku's historic fortress, Icheri Sheher. Utilizing an integrated framework, the research combines in situ aerodynamic observations during peak Khazri winds, time-based photographic surveys of street-canyon shading, and macro-photographic evaluations of native Absheron limestone (aglay). The empirical findings demonstrate that the vernacular fabric operates as a calibrated environmental control system. Streamlined chamfered and rounded corners mitigate turbulence by minimizing stagnation pressure and flow separation. Deep street canyons, restricted Sky View Factors, and cantilevered shushebands optimize self-shading, lowering summer mean radiant temperatures. Additionally, the high capillary porosity of the 0.6–1.0 m thick limestone walls enables thermal mass dynamics and localized evaporative cooling, establishing effective thermal retardation. Extracting these parameters, this study introduces "Mahalla2.0"—a computational, data-driven design framework that structurally inverts the vernacular archetype. By replacing historical cantilevers with a progressively terraced building profile, the model preserves shaded pedestrian paths, neutralizes wind downdrafts, and safeguards indoor daylighting and ventilation for upper floors. Ultimately, this research repositions vernacular heritage as a transferable, algorithmic methodology for climate-resilient, high-density urban development in hot-arid regions.
Managing Creative Talent Flow in Graphic Design Education
Parviz Aliyev
Pages 31-43
This article examines the management of creative talent flow in higher education through the case of graphic design education. The relevance of the topic is determined by the transformation of the creative economy, the expansion of visual communication markets, the growth of branding, media design, digital platforms and artificial intelligence tools, and the increasing demand for graduates who can convert creative potential into professional visual communication outcomes. The article treats creative talent not as a static personal quality visible only at admission, but as a managed educational trajectory formed through the interaction of curriculum, studio culture, teacher feedback, visual literacy, digital tools, project practice, public visibility and industry links. The study uses a qualitative case study of the Department of Graphic Design and Media at Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction. The empirical material includes curriculum analysis, first-year studio exercises, diploma projects, portfolio materials, a pilot survey of 20 teachers and 124 students, and interpretation of university-industry links. The findings show that talent flow cannot be managed through a single tool. Basic exercises diagnose visual thinking; studio projects develop conceptual and systemic design capacity; portfolio practice documents growth; exhibitions, competitions and industry contacts provide visibility and transition to the labour market. The article proposes an integrated model of creative talent flow management: selection, diagnosis, development, studio practice, public visibility, portfolio, industry linkage and professional integration. The model can support curriculum renewal, assessment design and professional transition strategies in university graphic design education.
Climate-Adaptive Brick Bonding Patterns for Parametric Façades and Energy-Efficient Buildings: The Azerbaijani Context
Zamina Rasulova
Pages 44-56
This article investigates the application potential of historical brick bonding patterns from Azerbaijan's architectural heritage in the design of contemporary parametric façade systems. The study aims to establish a scientific and methodological framework for integrating the geometric, structural, and climate-responsive characteristics of brick decorative systems developed in medieval Azerbaijani architectural schools into energy-efficient architectural design. Brick façade examples from the Aran, Nakhchivan–Maragha, Shirvan, Qazvin–Hamadan, and Tabriz architectural schools were analyzed using historical-typological and comparative research methods. The modular organization of ornaments, relief depth, light–shadow dynamics, air permeability, and surface morphology were further interpreted within the principles of parametric design. The findings indicate that the generative principles embedded in historical brick bonding systems can be translated into digital design workflows to support climate-responsive façade optimization, solar radiation control, daylight enhancement, and improved energy performance. The study proposes that historical architectural heritage should be regarded not only as an aesthetic reference but also as a functional source of performance-oriented design knowledge. The proposed methodological framework provides a basis for developing energy-efficient parametric façade systems adapted to the diverse climatic zones of Azerbaijan while preserving regional architectural identity.