Methods to enhance compatibility in designing of campus facades

الملخص

University campuses suffer from a state of visual chaos that affects the overall environment, due to the varying design practices in their different formal and visual characteristics, especially when new buildings are added or existing ones are expanded. This results from universities' constant need for change and adaptability to accommodate future developments across different time periods. Achieving harmony among groups of buildings and spaces, including the facades, creates an integrated and cohesive environment, particularly at the facade level. The study aims to identify the variables that designers focus on to achieve harmony in facades at the assemblage level (a part of the university master plan that includes at least three buildings and a containing space). It proposes a theoretical framework that includes variables such as: finishing characteristics, relational characteristics, and geometrical characteristics, as well as secondary properties. To achieve this goal, four assemblages from Mosul University with cumulative construction were selected. The study used quantitative measurement methods to evaluate the research variables. Facade dimensions and areas were measured within the geometrical characteristics variable using AutoCAD, while proportion and diversity were assessed. The Fractal3 program was used to measure fractal uniformity, all within the relational characteristics variable. One of the main conclusions is that in assemblages where designers focus on facade detail variables, global/overall variables are less uniform and less emphasized by the designers, and vice versa. Additionally, there are cases where designers balance attention to both levels (detail and overall).