https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/469 Previously known as Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:28:35 GMT 2026-06-23T21:28:35Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147558 Title: Hidden narratives : the role of archival exploration in decoding Liu Kang’s painting practice Authors: Lizun, Damian Abstract: This article examines the critical role of archival exploration in decoding the painting practice of a modern Singaporean artist Liu Kang (1911–2004). Given Liu Kang’s undocumented artistic process and the absence of preserved paint tubes or technical notes, the research methodology combined a wide range of primary and secondary archival records with previous analytical investigations of his paintings. By examining works from the National Gallery Singapore and the Liu family collections created between 1927 and 1999, the research deduced the brands and types of materials he used. Hence, this article highlights the crucial and complementary role of diverse archival sources in technical art research. Consequently, primary archival sources, such as interviews with the artist, studio photographs and a TV documentary, provided evidence of his tools and methods. These were cross‑referenced with secondary sources, including colourmen printed advertisements, trade directories and colourmen catalogues, which established the availability of art supplies in Shanghai, Paris, and Singapore throughout his career. Ultimately, these diverse archival sources enriched our understanding of Liu Kang’s painting practice. They connected the historical context of his artistic activities with the technical data, allowing the research to piece together narratives that might otherwise have remained obscured. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147558 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147432 Title: The transformation of conservation strategies in a digital era : the case for St Paul’s Anglican pro-cathedral Authors: Darmanin, Charlene Jo; Dreyfuss, Guillaume; Dalli Gonzi, Rebecca; Buhagiar, Konrad Abstract: Malta’s rich cultural heritage context hosts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including that of its capital, Valletta. The tower and spire at St Paul’s Anglican Pro-Cathedral (1839–1846), one of the most significant landmarks in Valletta’s skyline, has been the subject of a seven-year restoration campaign (2017–2024). This paper aims to analyse the use of digital technologies before, during and after the restoration works of this monument. A transdisciplinary approach was adopted from the early stages of the project, enabling information and knowledge to be collected from stakeholders across various disciplines, during a period of rapid transformation of digital technologies and tools. Unlike previous conservation efforts, where digital tools were often used in isolation, this study presents an integrated, transdisciplinary framework in which data collected from ground penetrating radar (GPR), UAV inspections and photogrammetry exercises, Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) and community narratives were synthesized throughout the restoration lifecycle. The restoration campaign included for the installation of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system and a Structural Health Monitoring System, to enable the continual monitoring of the structure. Results show that the use of such technologies allowed for conservation strategies to be developed in a holistic manner, benefiting the restoration works on the tower and spire. Conclusions from this study demonstrate that digital technologies utilised throughout the lifespan of the project, in a live, decision-making environment, ensured a comprehensive approach to the restoration of built heritage, during the works and for future interventions. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147432 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147261 Title: Discussion of the turbulent swirling flow field in the residential ventilation systems with axial fans Authors: Čantrak, Đorđe; Čolić-Damjanović, Vesna Mila; Tašin, Slobodan; Miodragovic Vella, Irina Abstract: Axial fans are widely used in local and decentralized residential ventilation applications, such as bathroom and toilet exhausts and short-duct ventilation systems, but the turbulent swirling flow they generate can lead to increased hydraulic losses, reduced energy efficiency, and unstable fan operation. This study experimentally investigates the swirling flow produced by the axial fan operating in a straight duct, following the ISO 5801, case B. Original classical probes and one-component laser Doppler anemometry (LDA) were used to measure velocity components at multiple downstream locations. Results show a strong forced-vortex core (i.e., solid body profile) and a highly non-uniform axial velocity profile near the impeller (x/D = 3.35), which homogenizes downstream (x/D = 26.31), indicating significant energy loss. Circulation and swirl number decrease significantly downstream, but residual swirl remains throughout the duct, increasing pressure drops and leading to unstable fan performance. These findings demonstrate that swirl-induced velocity-profile transformations are a major source of inefficiency in residential ventilation systems employing axial fans without flow-straightening devices. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147261 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147256 Title: Recipe for AI integration in architecture : learning from good practice precedents Authors: Miodragovic Vella, Irina; Markovic, Sladjana Abstract: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming all disciplines, impacting research, practice, academia, and industry. Architecture is no exception, yet architects have not fully embraced the digital paradigm. AI tools and methods present an opportunity to enhance the positioning of architects within the evolving digital landscape and the increasing complexity and sustainability demands of architecture. The study proposes a rules-based conceptual framework for an AI-driven, procedureoriented approach to the design process, informed by historical and contemporary examples of embedded design knowledge as good practice. The recipe for AI integration is derived from an educational methodology illustrated through student projects that combine analogue techniques with digital principles to explore the interplay between algorithmic thinking and AI with a focus on architectural geometry. The paper demonstrates how intuitive investigation, iterative learning, and collaborative processes support the development of computational thinking by embedding design knowledge into procedural systems – introductory for future application. Finally, the paper discusses key guidelines for how AI can be meaningfully integrated into the discipline of architecture. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/147256 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z