2 An Architecture for Homogenizing Federated Databases
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Biomimicry, the practice of emulating nature's efficient designs, has emerged as a revolutionary approach in the field of architecture. This summary aims to provide an overview of the key concepts, applications, and benefits of biomimicry in architecture.IntroductionArchitecture has historically been influenced by various factors, including cultural, social, and technological advancements. However, with the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, biomimicry has gained significant attention as a means to create buildings that are not only functional but also harmonious with nature. By studying and replicating the strategies employed by nature,architects can design structures that are energy-efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.Key Concepts of Biomimicry in Architecture1. Inspiration from NatureThe core concept of biomimicry in architecture is to draw inspiration from nature's designs. This involves studying the ways in which living organisms adapt to their environments and incorporating these strategies into building design. For example, the structure of a honeycomb is an efficient use of space, which has been replicated in the design of honeycomb-shaped solar panels.2. Self-Organizing SystemsNature has developed self-organizing systems that are highly efficient and adaptable. Biomimicry in architecture aims to mimic these systems, such as the self-healing properties of human skin or the modular nature of certain plants. By incorporating these concepts, architects can create buildings that are more resilient and adaptable to changing conditions.3. Passive DesignPassive design is a key aspect of biomimicry in architecture. This approach focuses on using natural systems to reduce the need forartificial energy sources. Examples include the use of natural ventilation, solar shading, and thermal mass to regulate indoor temperatures. This not only reduces energy consumption but also creates a more comfortable living environment.Applications of Biomimicry in Architecture1. Green RoofsGreen roofs, also known as living roofs, are an excellent example of biomimicry in architecture. These roofs are covered with vegetation, which helps to insulate the building, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality. This concept is inspired by the natural insulating properties of vegetation found in nature.2. Geothermal EnergyGeothermal energy is another application of biomimicry in architecture. By tapping into the Earth's natural heat, buildings can be heated or cooled without the need for traditional energy sources. This approach is inspired by the Earth's internal heat, which is a key factor in regulating the planet's climate.3. Structural InsulationThe use of natural materials, such as bamboo or straw, for structural insulation is another example of biomimicry in architecture. These materials have excellent insulating properties and are biodegradable, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional insulation materials.Benefits of Biomimicry in Architecture1. Energy EfficiencyBy emulating nature's efficient designs, biomimicry in architecture can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.2. Environmental SustainabilityBiomimicry promotes the use of sustainable materials and practices, which helps to minimize the impact of buildings on the environment.3. Aesthetic and Health BenefitsBiomimicry in architecture can lead to aesthetically pleasing buildings that enhance the well-being of their occupants. Natural materials and design principles can contribute to a healthier indoor environment, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.ConclusionBiomimicry in architecture offers a promising approach to creating sustainable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. By studying and emulating nature's designs, architects can design structures that are not only functional but also harmonious with the environment. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, biomimicry is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of architecture.。
初三英语过去将来时句子转一般过去时练习题20题1<背景文章>Tom had always dreamed of an exciting vacation. He planned that he would go to the beach and swim in the clear blue sea. He thought he would build sandcastles and watch the beautiful sunsets. He also hoped that he would visit some historical places and learn about different cultures.However, when the vacation finally came, things didn't go exactly as he had planned. Instead of going to the beach, he ended up going to a mountain resort. There, he went hiking and enjoyed the fresh air and beautiful scenery. He also visited a small village and experienced the local way of life.In the end, Tom realized that even though his vacation didn't turn out as he had expected, it was still an amazing experience.1. Tom originally planned to go to _______.A. a mountain resortB. a historical placeC. the beachD. a small village答案:C。
architectural practices -回复Architectural Practices: Creating Functional and Aesthetic SpacesIntroduction:Architectural practices play a crucial role in shaping the world we live in. From soaring skyscrapers to humble residential homes, architecture combines functionality with aesthetic appeal to create spaces that enhance our lives. In this article, we will take astep-by-step approach to understand the process and principles behind architectural practices.1. Conceptualizing the Design:The first step in any architectural practice is conceptualizing the design. Architects draw inspiration from various sources, including natural elements, cultural influences, and client requirements. They analyze the site's context, weather conditions, and social aspects to develop a design concept that addresses these factors. This conceptualization phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for the rest of the architectural process.2. Initial Design Development:Once the design concept is established, architects proceed to develop the initial design. This involves translating the concept into drawings and plans. Architects use a variety of tools and techniques, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, to create detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, and three-dimensional models. These drawings help visualize the design and ensure that it meets functional requirements and regulations.3. Functional Analysis:Functionality is a core aspect of architectural practices. Architects analyze the spatial requirements of the building, considering factors such as circulation, ergonomics, and accessibility. They also study the programmatic needs, determining the relationships between different spaces and their functionalities. This functional analysis ensures that the design optimizes space usage and accommodates the intended activities.4. Material Selection and Sustainability:Sustainability has become a significant consideration in modern architectural practices. Architects carefully select materials that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. They explore sustainable building techniques, such as green roofs, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems, to minimize the building's impact on the environment. By embracing sustainable practices, architects contribute to a more eco-friendly and sustainable future.5. Structural Design and Engineering:Architectural practices incorporate structural design and engineering principles to ensure the safety and stability of the building. Architects collaborate with structural engineers to design the structural system, considering factors such as load-bearing capacity, seismic resistance, and wind loads. They also account for materials' properties, such as their strength and durability, to create a solid and structurally sound building.6. Construction Documentation and Specifications:Architects prepare detailed construction documentation, includingplans, sections, and specifications, to guide builders during construction. These documents outline construction details, material specifications, and quality standards. Architects also collaborate with contractors and suppliers to address any queries or concerns during the construction process. Clear and comprehensive construction documentation ensures the design intent is maintained during construction.7. Project Management and Coordination:Architectural practices involve project management and coordination to ensure a successful outcome. Architects oversee the project's progress, ensuring that it adheres to the design intent and meets the client's expectations. They coordinate with various stakeholders, including builders, subcontractors, and suppliers, to ensure smooth execution. Effective project management ensures that the project stays on schedule, within budget, and meets all necessary standards.8. Interior Design and Finishes:Interior design is an essential aspect of architectural practices.Architects collaborate with interior designers to create cohesive interior spaces that complement the overall design. They select finishes, such as flooring, wall treatments, and lighting, that enhance the aesthetics of the space. Architects ensure that the interior design aligns with the functional requirements and design intent, creating a harmonious and pleasing environment.9. Post-Construction Evaluation:Once the building is completed, architects conductpost-construction evaluations to assess the performance of the design and identify any areas for improvement. They analyze factors such as energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and user satisfaction. Feedback from the occupants of the building helps architects refine their future designs and continuously improve their architectural practices.Conclusion:Architectural practices involve a step-by-step process that combines creativity, functionality, and sustainability to create inspiring spaces. From conceptualizing the design topost-construction evaluations, architects work diligently to bring their vision to life. By considering the site context, incorporating sustainable practices, and ensuring structural integrity, architects shape our built environment in a way that enhances our lives and fosters a sustainable future.。
小学上册英语第5单元综合卷英语试题一、综合题(本题有100小题,每小题1分,共100分.每小题不选、错误,均不给分)1.I like to ______ (参加) community service.2.What do we call an animal that only eats plants?A. CarnivoreB. HerbivoreC. OmnivoreD. InsectivoreB3.Plants use __________ (光合作用) to make food.4.The bread is ___. (fresh)5.I want to learn how to _______ (技能). It could help me in my future _______ (职业).6.What is the chemical symbol for potassium?A. KB. KrC. PD. Pt7.I see a _____ in the sky. (cloud)8. A ______ (有机农业) promotes healthier ecosystems.9.Acids taste ______.10.What is the main ingredient in pesto sauce?A. BasilB. ParsleyC. CilantroD. Rosemary11.What do you call a large, slow-moving animal with a shell?A. TurtleB. SlothC. SnailD. ArmadilloA12.The rabbit loves to dig in the _________. (土壤)13.I like to wear ___ (hats) in the sun.14.The frog sits on a ______.15.The bridge is very ___ (strong).16.What is the name of the longest river in the world?A. AmazonB. NileC. YangtzeD. MississippiB17.What do we do to express gratitude?A. YellB. ThankC. IgnoreD. FrownB18.Birds build _______ (巢) in trees.19.The _______ (Egyptian Pharaohs) ruled over ancient Egypt for thousands of years.20.The parakeet loves to sing and _______ (跳舞).21.My grandmother tells me __________. (故事)22.The pH scale measures how ______ or basic a solution is.23.The ice cream is ______ on a hot day. (refreshing)24.I see a ________ (彩虹) after the rain.25.What do you wear on your feet?A. HatB. GlovesC. ShoesD. ScarfC26.Which fruit is known for having seeds on the outside?A. GrapesB. StrawberryC. BlueberryD. RaspberryB27.We have a ______ (快乐的) family dinner every Sunday.28.green architecture) promotes sustainable building practices. The ____29.The chemical symbol for tungsten is ________.30.The _______ (The Great Society) aimed to eliminate poverty and racial injustice.31.What is 3 x 4?A. 10B. 11C. 12D. 1332.I want to ________ (influence) positive change.33.What do you call the longest bone in the human body?A. TibiaB. FemurC. HumerusD. Radius34.How many players are there in a basketball team?A. 5B. 6C. 7D. 8A35.What do we call the period of time before written records?A. AncientB. PrehistoricC. MedievalD. ModernB36.What is the name of the famous French landmark known for its iron lattice structure?A. Eiffel TowerB. Louvre MuseumC. Arc de TriompheD. Notre-Dame Cathedral37.I call my friend’s mom __________. (阿姨)38.What do you call a young penguin?A. ChickB. PupC. CalfD. Kit39.How many players are on a soccer team?A. 9B. 10C. 11D. 1240.I enjoy playing outside with my ______.41.I want to travel to ________ (意大利) one day.42.She is _____ (writing) in her notebook.43.My cousin is very __________ (有趣)。
小学下册英语第四单元测验试卷英语试题一、综合题(本题有100小题,每小题1分,共100分.每小题不选、错误,均不给分)1.The Earth's crust is constantly being reshaped by ______ forces.2.The __________ (历史的展现) reflects our journey.3.The _______ (老虎) is known for its strength.4.The chemical formula for aluminum sulfate is _____.5.I have _____ (ten/twenty) fingers.6.__________ (惰性气体) are used in lighting and welding due to their non-reactive nature.7.The _____ (松鼠) stores acorns for winter.8.My __________ likes gardening. (妈妈)9.My grandmother loves to __________. (讲故事)10.I love to ______ (dance) to music.11.Which holiday celebrates the New Year?A. ChristmasB. ThanksgivingC. New Year's DayD. Halloween答案:C12.His favorite color is ________.13.My hamster loves to explore its ______ (笼子).14.What do you call a person who flies an airplane?A. PilotB. EngineerC. MechanicD. Navigator答案:A15.What is the capital of Nigeria?A. LagosB. AbujaC. KanoD. Port Harcourt答案:B16.What is the sound of a clock?A. Tick-tockB. RingC. BeepD. Buzz答案:A17.She is _____ (practicing) her dance moves.18.What is the name of the longest river in the world?A. AmazonB. NileC. MississippiD. Yangtze答案:B19.There are _____ (三) birds in the tree.20._____ (根系) help to absorb water and nutrients.21.My brother is good at ____ (drawing) cartoons.22.The ________ (环境适应策略) is developed over time.23.The ancient Egyptians built temples for their ________.24.The sky is _______ (很蓝)。
高中英语世界著名科学家单选题50题1. Albert Einstein was born in ____.A. the United StatesB. GermanyC. FranceD. England答案:B。
解析:Albert Einstein(阿尔伯特·爱因斯坦)出生于德国。
本题主要考查对著名科学家爱因斯坦国籍相关的词汇知识。
在这几个选项中,the United States是美国,France是法国,England是英国,而爱因斯坦出生于德国,所以选B。
2. Isaac Newton is famous for his discovery of ____.A. electricityB. gravityC. radioactivityD. relativity答案:B。
解析:Isaac Newton 艾萨克·牛顿)以发现万有引力gravity)而闻名。
electricity是电,radioactivity是放射性,relativity 是相对论,这些都不是牛顿的主要发现,所以根据对牛顿主要成就的了解,选择B。
3. Marie Curie was the first woman to win ____ Nobel Prizes.A. oneB. twoC. threeD. four答案:B。
解析:Marie Curie 居里夫人)是第一位获得两项诺贝尔奖的女性。
这题主要考查数字相关的词汇以及对居里夫人成就的了解,她在放射性研究等方面的贡献使她两次获得诺贝尔奖,所以选B。
4. Thomas Edison is well - known for his invention of ____.A. the telephoneB. the light bulbC. the steam engineD. the computer答案:B。
解析:Thomas Edison( 托马斯·爱迪生)以发明电灯(the light bulb)而闻名。
建筑专业英语试题及答案一、选择题(每题2分,共20分)1. What is the term for the main vertical structural element in a building?A. ColumnB. BeamC. SlabD. Foundation2. The process of applying plaster to walls is known as:A. TilingB. RenderingC. PlasteringD. Drywalling3. Which of the following is a type of roofing material?A. BrickB. ConcreteC. AsphaltD. Glass4. The term "architectural scale" refers to:A. A set of rules for building designB. A tool used for measuring distances on architectural drawingsC. A method of constructionD. A type of building material5. What is the function of a lintel in construction?A. To support a wallB. To support a door or window openingC. To provide insulationD. To prevent water infiltration6. The abbreviation "RC" in construction stands for:A. Reinforced CementB. Roof ConstructionC. Residential ConstructionD. Raw Concrete7. The term "load-bearing wall" is used to describe a wall that:A. Carries the weight of the roof and floorsB. Is used for decorationC. Is non-structuralD. Separates rooms8. What does "green building" refer to?A. A building covered in plantsB. A building made from recycled materialsC. A building designed to reduce environmental impactD. A building with a lot of windows for natural light9. The process of attaching a building to the ground is known as:A. AnchoringB. FoundationingC. GroundingD. Embedding10. What is the purpose of a "cantilever" in construction?A. To provide additional supportB. To allow a structure to extend beyond its supportC. To increase the height of a buildingD. To create a decorative effect二、填空题(每空1分,共10分)11. The structural system that uses a series of arches to distribute weight is known as a _______.12. The process of cutting and shaping stone is known as_______.13. A _______ is a type of joint that allows for some movement between connected parts.14. The term "facade" refers to the front of a building, which is often the _______ of the structure.15. The _______ is the part of a building that connects the roof to the walls.三、简答题(每题5分,共20分)16. Explain the difference between "load-bearing" and "non-load-bearing" walls.17. Describe the role of a "cantilever" in architectural design.18. What is the significance of "sustainability" in modern architecture?19. Discuss the importance of "thermal insulation" in building construction.四、翻译题(每题5分,共30分)20. Translate the following sentence into English:“悬挑结构能够创造出独特的建筑形态,但同时也需要精心的设计以确保结构的稳定性。
SECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE 11.4 Great Architects and Their Masterpieces1.4.1 Zaha Hadid — Space for Art①Architectural expectations for a museum are always high because of the aspirationthat the structures themselves might be works of art. But hopes were especially elevatedat the CAC②, where the building would effectively become the only artifact permanentlyowned by a museum that pointedly does not collect. The CAC was not only commissioning a structure but also committing itself to an image that might affirm itslong-standing record as an innovative, risk-taking institution. On several occasions—most famously in its support of a controversial exhibition of photographs byRobert Mapplethorpe—the CAC took stands that attracted national attention. With thechoice of London architect Zaha Hadid, the museum affirmed its own traditions of“innovation and free inquiry” by hiring an architect with a comparable record of uncompromising integrity.Hadid’s building is quietly complicit③with its surroundings because it growsindirectly out of the city. Sited opposite large-scale modern structures, but adjacent toolder buildings in a more finely grained urban fabric, Hadid’s design pivots④the newer neighborhood to the older, suturing⑤two sides of a split boulevard. The architect recallsthe scale of the adjacent older section because, conceptually, she tooktraditionally-scaled building volumes, laid them on their sides, and then rolled themtoward Sixth Street like so many Cleopatras in a rug: the volumes stack lengthwise alongthe street, and the carpet turns up the back wall of the site. By looking at the urbancontext broadly and transforming buildings in the older city into abstract after-images,she automatically inherits the scale of the city in her stacked cluster. The materiality ofthe volumes, surfaced mostly in precast concrete panels left raw, refers to the newer①This text is from Joseph Giovannini: Zaha Hadid Space for Art, 1st Edition, Switzerland: LarsMuller Publishers, 2004.②CAC:Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, USA③complicit a. having complicity④pivot v. axis consisting of a short shaft that supports something that turns⑤suture v. an immovable joint2建筑专业英语concrete structures across the street. Like the older building neighbors, all slightlydifferent, the volumes are variously sized and shaped, and displaced in what appears tobe a Rubik’s Cube rocked slightly out of regularity. Hadid’s building, then, does notstand aloof in detached aesthetic object-hood. Without being literal, Hadid derived herbuilding from the surrounding context and then wove her building back into the fabricthrough plays of scale and material. One of the most formally gifted architectspracticing today, Hadid is also a dedicated urbanist. She believes in dense, intense citiesas a forum and springboard①for lively democratic societies, and in downtownCincinnati, she invites the streetscape into the building via what she calls an “urbancarpet”. The architect simply extends the idea of the sidewalk into the building, throughthe lobby, to the back, where the concrete floor curves up to form the rear wall of theseven-story structure. In the canyon between this verticalized sidewalk and the volumesstacked along the street, long steel channels of stairs scissor their way past the galleriesand administrative floors up to the children’s Museum on the sixth floor.Hadid’s dancing flight of angled stairs is a successor of the ramp of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim. Both handle the verticality of a tight city site, encouragingvisitors onto an architectural promenade②instead of ushering③them through a mazeof white spaces or an enfilade of doors in a line-up of rooms. The stairwell is notremoved from the museum experience but plays an active role in shaping it. Hadid’sstairs, however, improve on the Guggenheim ramp. They lead visitors to expansivelandings in Piranesian atria④that double as galleries opening into other galleries,located within the stacked volumes at the front of the building. Hadid keeps herramp-like stairs detached from the galleries, so that visitors never feel they are lookingat works of art from a traffic lane. The stacked gallery volumes and elevator banks areseparated, creating flows of interior space that climb through a porous interior. Naturallight washes down and through the interior from skylights above the stairs.……The CAC competition brief originally called for adaptable loft-like spaces, but Hadid proposed instead what she termed “a catalogue of galleries” that collectively, allowed for avariety of viewing environments-short and tall, grand and intimate, structured andunstructured. Individually defined on the outside by their separate respective volumes, thegalleries may appear simple, but each prism is different in size, material and lighting.①springboard n. a flexible board for jumping upward②promenade n. a public area set aside as a pedestrian walk③usher v. someone employed to conduct others④atria n. the central area in a building; open to the skySECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE 3……Some critics misconstrue Hadid’s elusive end illusory geometries as arbitrary. Theyare, instead, highly disciplined results of a rigorous design process and philosophy aboutthe change and perceptual flux that permeate our world: Hadid’s architecture isanti-classical because spaces and shapes exist in a constant becoming that is neitherPlatonic nor eternal. The instability of forms always changing relative to each other on apromenade creates an interpretative space that stimulates the eye and mind to make itsown sense and find its owe order. In Cincinnati, her forms and spaces deliver visitors tothe art preconditioned for the experience.But the architectural statement that now presides in the middle of Cincinnati is notjust a work of art: Hadid has also designed a portrait building that captures the characterof this experimental institution, consolidates①its identity and expands its mission.Hadid’s design ushers the CAC and its programs into a more public arena that is participatory, democratic, and open. The building represents the kind of stand andstatement people would expect the CAC to make. After its long sojourn②in a nearbymall, the Center has succeeded in repositioning the institution in the city—and perhapsin the national consciousness, meanwhile the art in it achieves a larger life through environmental experience Hadid has invented. Art and institution both escape thecooling limitations of the white box. Museums today are taking the lead as patrons ofadvanced thinking in architecture. With its new building, the CAC has taken the leadamong museums.ExercisesI. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.1.Zaha Hadid’s architectural drawings are more often like paintings than workingdrawings, which express architecture so free that it appears to ______ gravity.A. controlB. changeC. escapeD. catch2.Hadid’s boldness lies precisely in the fact that she does not compromise withconventions but behaves as an .A. archeologistB. engineerC. artistD. inventor3.Hadid’s structures came close to an experience of space exploding _______ tensionand movement.①consolidate v. make firm or secure; strengthen②sojourn n. a temporary stay4建筑专业英语A. byB. atC. withD. in4.With the choice of London architect Zaha Hadid, the museum affirmed its owntraditions of “innovation and free inquiry” hiring an architect with acomparable record of uncompromising integrity.A. byB. inC. atD. with5.The first woman to win the Pritzker Prize for Architecture in its 26 year history,Zaha Hadid has defined a radically new approach to architecture by creatingbuildings, such as the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art in Cincinnati,with multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry to evoke the ofmodern life.A. chaosB. systemC. orderD. logic6.Zaha Hadid was single-minded an early age. Born in 1950 in Baghdad, shegrew up in a very different Iraq from the one we know today.A. fromB. withC. byD. inII. Translate the italic sentences in the text into Chinese.SECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE 51.4.2 Venturi House①Robert Venturi is famous for his book Complexity and Contradiction(1966) inwhich he called attention to the importance of Baroque architecture in contradiction torectilinear②Modernism. In his later book Learning from Las Vegas (1972), Venturi andDenise Scott Brown proposed the idea of the “decorated shed③” (ordinary American architecture) and proposed it could be perceived as artistic inspiration. Venturi arguedfor an architecture that was neither pure nor picturesque, but which made the most of complexities, contradictions, ambiguities and paradoxes④—qualities which he thoughtwere more understanding of the times. Venturi said that architecture did not have to be“heroic and original”. Instead it was “OK” to look back upon r ich architectural historyfor inspiration and references.Venturi calls the house “a small house on a large scale” thus Venturi’s mother sits ina chair with a pot⑤of flowers at her feet to help create a sense of scale. This house forhis mother allowed Venturi to build his ideas about complexity and contradiction.Historical references were used boldly with a bit of humor. Venturi violates the rules ofModernism with his gabled roof, fake arch, exposed post and lintel and green paint. Thebroad roof and prominent⑥chimney are classic symbols of “home”, except the widechimney is not what it seems to be (actually much smaller) and the sheltering roof(inspired by the Low House) is split⑦down the middle. The classic string course isbroken by the windows. The lintel that joins the two halves looks unusually narrow forthe weight above. Thus, Venturi adds the symbolic arch above, which was just a molding(attached decoration), to give more support — except the arch is also broken! Still, thearch helps break the weight of the facade. The tension between the large and smallwindows on the front facade contributes to the conflict of a broken arch over arectangular entrance. To add to the confusion, the building is not trying to be quaint⑧or picturesque but has a very tight modern—like surface. To Venturi, these decorative①This text is from anonymousness.②rectilinear a. characterized by a straight line or lines③shed n. an outbuilding with a single story; used for shelter or storage④paradox n. (logic) a statement that contradicts itself⑤pot n. a container in which plants are cultivated⑥prominent a. having a quality that thrusts itself into attention⑦split v. separate into parts or portions⑧quaint a. strange in an interesting or pleasing way6建筑专业英语elements and symbols glamorized①cheap materials through association with classicalforms—all in an attempt to celebrate middle-class lifestyle and values.On the ground floor plan a recess②leads to the front door which is hidden from view. The plan is based on the symbolic idea of the fireplace as the center of the house.Space feels ambiguous (creates many ways of understanding) as the staircase collideswith the fireplace. In the dining area, the ceiling is half-vaulted (recalling the half-circlearch form tacked③-on to the facade) .The vault seems to just miss a structural columnwhich supports the flat ceiling above. Thus, the vault appears to be resting on a wall ofglass doors! The entire design is full of complexity and contradiction. After squeezing④past the fireplace on the way upstairs, one arrives in the master bedroom complete withan enormous arched window. Another set of step with extremely high risers lead to …nowhere—one last architectural ambiguity.ExercisesI. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.1.Robert Venturi is famous for his book “and Contradiction” (1966) in whichhe called attention to the importance of Baroque architecture in contradiction torectilinear Modernism.A. CompactB. ImplicitlyC. SimplicityD. Complexity2.Venturi argued ______ an architecture that was neither pure nor picturesque, butwhich made the most of complexities, contradictions, ambiguities and paradoxes.A. atB. inC. onD. for3.Venturi said that architecture did not have to be “heroic and original”. Instead itwas “OK” to look back upon rich architectural for inspiration andreferences.A. styleB. historyC. formD. color4.This house ______ his mother allowed Venturi to build his ideas about complexityand contradiction.A. withB. for①glamorize vt. make glamorous and attractive②recess n. an enclosure that is set back or indented③tack v. fix to; attach④squeeze v. the act of gripping and pressing firmlySECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE 7C. byD. on5.The classic string course is broken by the . The lintel that joins the two halveslooks unusually narrow for the weight above.A. doorB. roofC. windowsD. portico6.To Venturi, these decorative elements and symbols glamorized cheap materialsthrough association with classical forms-all in an attempt to celebratelifestyle and values.A. high-classB. gutterC. middle-classD. noble-classII. Translate the italic sentences in the text into Chinese.8建筑专业英语1.4.3 An Introduction to Foster’s Projects①1. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters Hong Kong, 1979-1986When the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Corporation commissioned Foster and Partners to design “the best bank building in the world”, the practice responded byvirtually reinventing②the office tower.Conceived during a sensitive period in the former colony’s h istory, the brief for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Headquarters was a statement of confidence: to createthe best bank building in the world. Through a process of questioning andchallenging—including the involvement of a Fengshui geomancer—the project addressedthe nature of banking in Hong Kong and how it should be expressed in built form. Indoing so it virtually reinvented the office tower.The requirement to build in excess of one million square feet in a short timescale suggested a high degree of prefabrication, including factory-finished modules, while theneed to build downwards and upwards simultaneously led to the adoption of a suspensionstructure, with pairs of steel masts arranged in three bays. As a result, the building formis articulated in a stepped profile of three individual towers, respectively twenty-nine,thirty-six and forty-four storeys high, which create floors of varying width and depthand allow for garden terraces. The mast structure allowed another radical move, pushingthe service cores to the perimeter so as to create deep-plan floors around a ten-storeyatrium. A mirrored sunscoop reflects sunlight down through the atrium to the floor of apublic plaza below a sheltered space that at weekends has become a lively picnic spot.From the plaza, escalators rise up to the main banking hall, which with its glassunderbelly was conceived as a shop window for banking.The bridges that span between the masts define double-height reception areas that break down the scale of the building both visually and socially. A unique system ofmovement through the building combines high-speed lifts to the reception spaces withescalators beyond, reflecting village-like clusters of office floors. From the outset, theBank placed a high priority on flexibility. Interestingly, over the years, it has been able toreconfigure office layouts with ease, even incorporating a large dealer’s room into onefloor—a move that could not have been anticipated when the building was designed.①This text is from .②reinvent vt. create anew and make over;bring back into existenceSECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE 92. Commerzbank Headquarters Frankfurt, Germany, 1991-1997At fifty-three storeys, the Commerzbank is the world’s first ecological office towerand the tallest building in Europe. The project explores the nature of the office environment, developing new ideas for its ecology and working patterns. Sky gardensthat spiral around the building bring daylight and fresh air into the central atrium andare the visual and social focus for village-like clusters of offices.Working patterns: Central to this concept is a reliance on natural systems oflighting and ventilation. Every office in the tower is daylight and has openable windows,allowing occupants to control their own environment, and resulting in energyconsumption levels equivalent to half those of conventional office towers.The plan of the building is triangular, comprising three petals—the officefloors—and a stem①formed by a full-height central atrium. Pairs of vertical mastsenclose services and circulation cores in the corners of the plan and support eight-storeyVierendeel beams, which in turn support clear-span office floors. Four-storey gardensare set at different levels on each side of the tower, forming a spiral of landscapingaround the building, and visually establishing a social focus for village-like officesclusters. These gardens play an ecological role, bringing daylight and fresh air into thecentral atrium, which acts as a natural ventilation chimney for the inward-facing offices.The gardens are also places to relax during refreshment breaks, bringing richness andhumanity to the workplace, and from the outside they give the building a sense oftransparency and lightness.Depending on their orientation, planting is from one ofthree regions: North America, Asia or the Mediterranean②.The tower has a distinctive presence on the Frankfurt skyline but is also anchoredinto the lower-scale city fabric, with restoration and sensitive rebuilding of theperimeter structures reinforcing the original scale of the block. These developments atstreet level provide shops, car parking, apartments and a banking hall, and forge linksbetween the Commerzbank and the broader community. At the heart of the scheme apublic galleria with restaurants, cafes and spaces for social and cultural events forms apopular new route cutting across the site. Interestingly, on the day the Commerzbankopened, the Financial Times adopted it as the symbol of Frankfurt, just as it features BigBen and the Eiffel Tower as symbols of London and Paris.①stem n. cylinder forming a long narrow part of something②Mediterranean n. the largest inland sea between Europe, Africa and Asia10建筑专业英语ExercisesI. Fill in the blanks with the correct answer.1.The Commerzbank has a plan, with the elevator and stairs situated at thecorners thus allowing for a 49-story atrium.A. foursquareB. rectangularC. polygonalD. triangular2.Norman Foster is the founder and chairman of Foster and Partners. Founded inin 1967, it is now a worldwide practice, with project offices in more than twenty countries.A. ParisB. New YorkC. ManchesterD. London3.The bridges that span between the masts define double-height reception areas thatbreak the scale of the building both visually and socially.A. downB. inC. outD. into4.Sir Norman Foster attempted to create a new skyscraper type which was ______ tothe environment, to the users of the building and to the surrounding city.A. illegalB. uglyC. harmfulD. friendly5.To allow for natural ventilation and operable windows, Foster designed adouble-facade or “climate facade” which is made of a exterior layer, amiddle air layer and an interior double-glazed operable window.A. illegalB. uglyC. fixedD. movable6.The building is a reversal of the Modernist phrase “machine in the G arden” as theCommerzbank is the “”.A. urban in the villageB. village in the urbanC. garden in the machineD. garden in the urbanII. Translate the italic sentences in the text into Chinese.SECTION 1: ARCHITECTURE 111.4.4 Gehry House①Cloze: Fill in the blanks with any word you think fit:Frank Gehry has said “ 1 definition, a building is a sculpture, because it is athree-dimensional object” In his Los Angeles studio, all designs are developed in modelform first and then, after many developmental models, construction drawings are madefor the builder and client. Gehry is perhaps one of the most influential architects of ourtime partly because his designs are actually built and partly because with each buildinghe creates unexpected forms with unexpected materials.But it is the Gehry House (1978) that is the most influential of all his buildings as itwas the 2 time an architect deconstructed an existing house (and published theresults in newspapers, magazines and books). Construction materials and chain-linkwere used as “ 3 ” materials. While Venturi was looking at history books on theway to Las Vegas, Gehry was digging in the 4 . What he found was a newexpression of form that had never been seen before. In architecture he created sculpture,which was both shocking and exciting to see and experience.Over the past twenty years Frank Gehry has remodeled his 1920’s bungalow manytimes. 5 the existing house (1978), Gehry organizes a series of interconnectedvolumes. The living, dining, kitchen and child’s bedroom are on the ground floor. Onthe second floor, Gehry 6 walls to enlarge the master bedroom and bathroom,and created another child’s room for the future. During the first remodeling in 1978,Gehry used materials normally used in industrial architecture 7 chain-linkfencing, corrugated metal siding, plywood boarding and wire-reinforced glass. Duringlater changes, he used more refined materials such as the apple-green ceramic tiles laidaround a new pool.The house is filled with windows, skylights and unusual openings, which reveal,reflect and frame different views of the house and grounds. Gehry always intended thehouse to change with his family’s needs. In 1992 he made major changes again. The newfloor plan is similar to the old plan as the hall; kitchen and dining room have remainedin the U-shaped space on the ground floor. On the upper floor, Gehry’s son’s room hasbeen turned 8 a studio and part of the master bedroom floor has been replaced①This cloze text is from anonymousness.12建筑专业英语by glass, thus allowing more natural 9 to reach the ground floor. The old garage,previously a guesthouse, has been turned into a children’s “hangout”.In many ways, the Gehry House is like Monticello—as Jefferson was constantly ripping down, building and changing Monticello. On a much smaller scale and in amuch 10 landscape, the Gehry House is for America what Monticello was just200 years ago—the architect’s experiment, laboratory and home.。
建筑结构设计的创新与应用(英文中文双语版优质文档)With the continuous advancement of science and technology, architectural structure design is also constantly innovating and applying. Architectural structure design is a very important part of architectural design, which determines the shape and performance of the building. This paper will introduce the innovation and application of architectural structure design from various aspects.1. Structural design of suspended buildingsSuspended buildings refer to buildings that are mainly suspended from support points to maintain balance. The design of suspended buildings puts forward higher requirements for the design of building structures. In the structural design of suspended buildings, factors such as the weight of the building itself, wind loads, and earthquake loads need to be considered. At the same time, since the construction process of the suspended building requires hoisting, the safety of hoisting also needs to be considered. In order to solve these problems, architects and structural engineers have carried out a lot of exploration and research in the structural design of suspended buildings, and achieved many innovative results.2. Application of steel structureSteel structure is an important type of building structure, which has the advantages of high strength, good rigidity, and short construction period. In recent years, steel structures have been widely used in architectural design, especially in large buildings such as gymnasiums and exhibition halls. The application of steel structure not only improves the performance of the building, but also endows the building with a new shape. For example, architects have used steel structures to create stadiums like bird's nests and buildings like sailboats.3. Modular structure designModular structure refers to dividing the building into several modules, which are prefabricated in the factory and then assembled on site. The application of modular structure can greatly shorten the construction period, improve construction efficiency, and reduce the cost of construction. In the design of the modular structure, factors such as the connection mode between the modules, as well as the weight and size of the modules need to be considered. Architects and structural engineers use a variety of connection methods and materials, such as bolted connections, welding, bonding, etc., in the design of modular structures.4. Application of Building Information Modeling (BIM)Building Information Modeling is a comprehensive approach to digitize the building design and construction process. Through BIM technology, architects and structural engineers can design, optimize and simulate building structures on computers, and update building models in real time. BIM technology not only improves design efficiency, but also reduces errors and conflicts in architectural design. In the design of building structures, BIM technology can help designers simulate the stress of buildings and improve the stability and safety of buildings. In addition, BIM technology can also play an important role in the operation and maintenance of buildings, such as predicting building energy consumption, repairing and updating building facilities, etc.5. Application of new materialsThe application of new materials has also brought great innovation to the design of building structures. For example, the application of new materials such as high-performance concrete and ultra-high-strength steel can improve the strength and stability of buildings, enabling buildings to withstand greater loads. At the same time, the application of new materials can also reduce the weight of the building and the load of the foundation, thereby reducing the cost of the building. In addition, the application of new materials can also give buildings new forms. For example, architects have used materials such as fiberglass and carbon fiber to create lightweight and transparent architectural forms.6. Intelligent structural designWith the continuous development of artificial intelligence and big data technology, intelligent structural design has become a new direction of architectural structure design. Intelligent structural design can help architects and structural engineers better predict the stress of buildings and improve the safety and stability of buildings. For example, intelligent structural design can use sensors and data acquisition technology to monitor the stress of buildings in real time and give early warning of possible safety hazards. In addition, intelligent structural design can also optimize the structural design of buildings through data simulation and optimization algorithms, and improve the performance and energy saving of buildings.To sum up, the innovation and application of architectural structure design is a very important part of architectural design. Architects and structural engineers are constantly exploring and researching to promote the progress of building structure design. In the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, architectural structure design will continue to be innovated and applied to create a better architectural environment for human beings.随着科技的不断进步,建筑结构设计也在不断地创新与应用。
An Architecture for Homogenizing Federated Databases Kamalakar Karlapalem Qing Li Chung-Dak Shum Technical Report HKUST-CS94-13July 1994An Architecture for Homogenizing Federated Databases Kamalakar Karlapalem Qing Li Chung-Dak ShumDepartment of Computer ScienceHong Kong University of Science and TechnologyClear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Konge-mail: {kamal, qing, shum}@t.hkAbstractMany large organizations have a number of heterogeneous localized databasesthat are maintained and managed to support a set of local applications. One of themain difficulties in supporting global applications over a number of localizeddatabases and migrating legacy ISs to modern computing environment is to copewith the heterogeneities of these systems. We propose a novel flexible architecture(HODFA) to dynamically connect these localized heterogeneous databases informing a homogenized federated database system and to support the process oftransforming a collection of heterogeneous information systems onto a homoge-neous environment.We further develop an incremental methodology of homoge-nization in the context of our HODFA framework, which can facilitate differentdegrees of homogenization in a stepwise manner.1Introduction and MotivationIn many large organizations a number of localized databases are maintained and managed to support a set of applications. Typically, these localized databases are owned by the departments or sections of an organi-zation and are autonomous. Moreover, these local databases are heterogeneous, that is, managed by differ-ent database management systems (DBMS) based on different models (like hierarchical, network, relational, object oriented). With the organizational data spread over various parts of the organization there is a need to provide a common platform over these localized databases that support global data processing applications. These applications cater to maintaining consistency of local databases, generating consoli-dated global reports, supporting local and global on-line transaction processing and decision support sys-tems.Information systems (IS) came into existence long before the introduction of any DBMS. These ISs may consist of a large collection of programs and data, usually written in COBOL, and use a legacy database service, for example, IBM’s IMS. They are important assets and are critical for the day-to-day operation of an organization. Today, these legacy information systems pose one of the most difficult information man-agement problems for many large organizations. The cost of maintaining a legacy IS often takes up a major portion of all the IS resources. Lack of documentation, inflexibility in the design, poor performance, inap-propriate functionality all attribute to the high cost. The lack of understanding of a legacy IS also makes it difficult for organizations to take full advantage of newer technologies, such as client-server architectures, and current software, such as relational DBMS. The migration of legacy IS to very flexible modern com-puting environment is an important undertaking that we will address in this paper.One of the main difficulties in supporting global applications over a number of localized databases and migrating legacy ISs to modern computing environment is to cope with the heterogeneities of these sys-tems. Each database or IS may be based on a different model and each system may provide its own set of services for supporting its individual applications. These systems are not originally designed to facilitate any cooperation and there is no general model for interoperability among such isolated software systems. Should these systems exist under a homogeneous environment, global applications built upon a common set of tools and services can be developed much more efficiently. Legacy ISs in a homogeneous environ-ment will also be much simpler, easier to understand and more readily to be migrated to better computing environment in future. In this paper, we explore the concept of homogenization: the process of transform-ing a collection of heterogeneous systems onto a homogeneous environment.We propose a novel flexible architecture to dynamically connect these localized heterogeneous databases in forming a homogenized federated database system to support the above mentioned applications. This architecture is based on the concept of homogenization of federated databases by managing and maintain-ing a mirror copy of each of the localized databases (as a member database) in a single robust DBMS. By interconnecting and homogenizing localized databases, we want to achieve the following specific goals: (1) to provide the ability to streamline the replacement of the legacy localized databases in a graceful man-ner by a member database system, so that existing applications on the localized databases will not be affected during the transition, and they get gradually migrated on to the homogenized federated database system; (2) new global applications at different levels of abstraction and scale can be developed on top of the homogenized federated databases, and provide a flexible and extensible system that facilitates efficientglobal/distributed constraints derivation and enforcement; (3) provide interoperability among a set of het-erogeneous databases in a practical and economic way, so that previously isolated heterogeneous localized databases can be loosely coupled and become interoperable in a homogenized federation of databases in which data/information can be integrated and shared as and when needed.The rest of the paper is organized as follows. In Section 2 we present an overview of the proposed architec-ture (HODFA) by describing the various components and their inter-relationships and/or interactions, and evaluate this architecture with respect to the above-mentioned objectives. In Section 3 we note that various level of homogenization can be achieved. We elaborate on a practical incremental methodology of con-ducting the homogenization process within HODFA framework, and examine the issues of supporting migration and development of applications. In Section 4, we compare our approach with others work. W e conclude this paper with a summary and several “open issues” in Section 5.2An Overview of the ArchitectureOur approach for homogenization of disparate databases is supported by a versatile architecture shown in Figure 1. This architecture, termed as HODFA (for HOmogenized Database Federation Architecture), con-sists of a hybrid of preexisting and new ISs. We shall first briefly introduce the various components of this architecture by describing their functionality and interrelationships. W e will then evaluate this architecture with respect to our goals.2.1Components of HODFAAs shown in Figure 1, HODFA is composed of a set of localized databases managed by pre-existing local database systems (LDS), a set of local applications accessing the local databases, a set of member data-bases that are “mirror copies” of localized databases, a set of applications (MASS) that manage the data movement between localized and member databases, a coordinator DBMS with multilevel materialized view support system, a case base (CB) and a system data/knowledge directory (SD). These are detailed immediately below.2.1.1Localized databasesLocalized databases are a set of preexisting databases each of which is managed by a local database man-agement system. These databases support a set of localized applications for the individual department and section use, and are totally autonomous and possibly heterogeneous (either in terms of hardware platformFigure1. HODFA - HOmogenized Database Federation Architectureor data model and languages used). As indicated in section 1, an important goal of HODFA is to convert these disparate databases into homogenized, federated databases in a graceful manner, so that they can be used to support not only existing localized applications but also different kinds of (global) applications. To this end, the following components are deemed to be appropriate and useful.2.1.2Member databasesMember databases are derived databases through what we call “mirroring processes” (see below). In par-ticular, each member database is a mirror copy of a single localized database. The purpose of the mirroring process is to convert the localized heterogeneous databases into a set of homogeneous databases which can be efficiently managed by a single robust DBMS (namely, the coordinator DBMS). Depending on the requirements of the global applications and the sensitivity of the data in localized databases, a member database (in the coordinator DBMS) may be created through mirroring its corresponding localized data-base, either as a full copy of data, or partial copy of data, or a view of the data, or only just the schema def-inition with no data. Note that if all the member databases consist of only schema definitions of localized databases and no data, then we have the classical federated database system architecture. If all the member databases are replicated consistent full copies of localized databases, then we have homogenized the local-ized (heterogeneous) databases. In all other scenarios we have some degree of homogenization of the localized databases. In general member databases can be populated by the mirroring application support system as described below, and will be accessed by a set of applications. Some of these applications emu-late the processing done by the localized applications accessing the corresponding localized database. This way it is possible to replace an outdated (legacy) localized database by a consistent and fully replicated mirror copy (namely, the corresponding member database).2.1.3Mirroring application support system (MASS)In HODFA, the process of homogenizing localized heterogeneous databases into member databases is con-ducted by tailored (customized) Mirroring Application Support Scheme (MASS) components. Each MASS component consists of a set of applications to extract data from a localized database and populate a member database and vice versa. In case of full or partial homogenization (of localized databases), the MASS components will also be responsible for maintaining the consistency between the localized data-bases and their corresponding member databases. There can be potentially many MASS modules moving data among localized and member databases. Depending on the needs, the mirroring/homogenizing pro-cesses can be conducted in various ways, including (i) to extract the relevant data from localized database into an intermediate medium (like tapes) and populate the member database from this intermediate medium, (ii) to use the localized applications to update both the localized database and its corresponding member database simultaneously, (iii) to employ a classical federated database management system to sup-port maintenance of both localized and member databases, (iv) to populate the member databases from the manual records.2.1.4Coordinator DBMSJust as a distributed DBMS provides integration without centralization [Ozsu91]; a coordinator DBMS provides for the conceptualizing of member databases as a centralized set of federated homogenized data-bases with a flexibility for integration. The coordinator DBMS is a single robust DBMS that supports, manages and maintains the member databases. Moreover, as a DBMS the coordinator DBMS provides capabilities like transaction management services, recovery, and access to multiple member databases (interoperability). This is a major advantage for having a coordinator DBMS because lack of advanced transaction management services and interoperability has impeded the development of full fledged hetero-geneous database system based solution. Moreover, due to the local autonomy constraints, supporting recovery in heterogeneous database systems is a very difficult problem in contrast against our approach wherein the support for recovery is packaged along with the coordinator DBMS. Since the schemas for all member databases are defined using the same data model (on which coordinator DBMS is based) the prob-lem of schema integration reduces to resolving semantic conflicts between member database schemas.The heterogeneous database system technology has not advanced so far as to provide a set of tools for managing and designing databases, and providing utilities and languages for developing and maintaining applications [Ozsu91]. Whereas a coordinator DBMS (like anyone of the top commercial relational DBMSs) comes packaged with all such tools and utilities that support development of new applications and databases. The coordinator DBMS provides the access to the member databases for the MASS and all the applications including (emulated) localized and newly developed (global) applications. The coordina-tor DBMS is also responsible for supporting the maintenance of global consistency between the member databases, and identification of the inconsistencies in the localized databases.2.1.5Local ApplicationsEach of the localized databases has a set of applications that access it. These local applications are pro-cessed at the sites of the localized databases. Therefore, it may not be possible to execute these applications on the coordinator database system so as to access the corresponding member database. Hence these local applications have to be migrated on to the coordinator database system. Migration of local applications onto coordinator DBMS can be achieved by: (1) rewriting the code by changing just the database access statements in the applications (this is possible if both localized DBMS and centralized DBMS are based on same data model (say relational)), (2) designing, implementing and testing new applications from scratch, and (3) emulating the local applications by a combination of 4GLs and user interface. Note that the migra-tion can be done only after the member databases are designed, created, and populated. If the member data-bases are not full mirror copies (see Section 3 for no and partial homogenization) of the localized databases then local applications cannot be migrated to the coordinator DBMS. In this case the local applications may have to become distributed applications in order to maintain the data consistency.2.1.6Miscellaneous Components and Their InteractionsThere are some other components used by HODFA to support miscellaneous functions, which also interact with the above components. Specifically, there is a system data/knowledge directory (SD) used to maintain consolidated information about the processing requirements of applications on the member databases, and facilitate dynamic schema integration. This is done by the coordinator DBMS with the input from the data-base designer. A case base (CB) is used to store the access plans of frequently issued ad-hoc queries or transactions. This can enable the coordinator DBMS to efficiently support these queries and transactions. Also the member database design can be facilitated by using the access semantics for the database opera-tions issued by the applications. In case the coordinator DBMS is a distributed database system (see below), then the information in the system directory and case base could be used for distributed database design to efficiently process the applications. This is especially useful for supporting distributed OL TP applications.Within the coordinator DBMS, a view mechanism is provided to support different kinds of applications with different levels of abstraction. The coordinator DBMS supports the specification and maintenance of materialized views, which enables the coordinator DBMS to efficiently execute decision support applica-tions and ad-hoc queries. The support for materialized views and their use by the decision support applica-tions has not been investigated by the current heterogeneous database systems. This is because of the difficulty in supporting materialized views in heterogeneous database system environment. As HODFA homogenizes the heterogeneous localized databases under a single DBMS it is feasible to support such kinds of applications based on materialized views.2.2Evaluation of the ArchitectureWe shall now evaluate the proposed architecture with respect to our general objectives listed in Section 1, namely, replacement of the legacy database systems based on this architecture, support for the new global applications, and to facilitate interoperability. We also consider the feasibility aspects for the implementa-tion of HODFA.Legacy database systems replacement:The way HODFA supports the mechanisms to homogenize localized heterogeneous databases into uni-formed member databases brings up a novel feature of the system, namely, it is now possible for any of the outdated/legacy databases to be upgraded (and ported) to more advanced data model (and hardware plat-form), and be able to eventually get replaced by its corresponding member database if it is fully homoge-nized. Obviously it will be more desirable (and for some applications extremely necessary) for the existing localized applications to be able to continue function during the upgrade and replacement period. This calls for a practical methodology (see Section 3) for conducting the homogenization of the localized databases properly, which can enable the system to accommodate both existing localized applications and newly developed global applications at all times.Support for new global applications:The architecture set up for HODFA is not only suitable for replacing legacy localized database systems by member databases, it is also flexible and extensible in supporting different kinds of distributed/global applications on top of it. In particular, with a multilevel materialized view support system to be incorpo-rated by the coordinator DBMS (cf. Figure 1), HODFA allows a wide range of applications to be devel-oped using a view mechanism. A materialized view support system can accommodate both localized and global/distributed applications at different levels of abstraction. With the help of the case base (CB) and the system data/knowledge directory (SD), it is possible for HODFA to derive global/distributed constraints by employing some efficient machine learning techniques, and maintain such constraints through interactions with individual member databases.Facilitate interoperability:The feasibility of devising the desired level of interoperability between the localized database system and the coordinator DBMS depends on several aspects. Besides the necessary networking facilities (for inter-connectivity), other issues need to be resolved include the resolution of system and semantic heterogeneity, the derivation and/or integration of schemas and views, and of course, the successful implementation of the system in terms of its key components and their interactions. On the first two issues, there have been “stan-dard” algorithms and techniques resulted from the past two decades’ research [Batini86, Ceri86], which are both efficient and robust, and are readily available so that they can be applied to our system. Once the homogenization of disparate localized databases is completed, the problem of facilitating interoperability becomes simple as all the member databases can now be managed by a single robust coordinator DBMS.Feasibility for implementing HODF A:As for the feasibility of implementing the system, the key components involved are obviously the coordi-nator DBMS and the MASS mechanism, with the latter mainly relying on schema conversion and program translation techniques. For the coordinator DBMS, there is a choice among some of the robust and power-ful DBMSs such as relational and/or object-oriented ones; further, there is also an orthogonal issue of whether to use a centralized or distributed DBMS for the coordinator DBMS. This depends a lot on the scope and the size of the applications to be supported. Fortunately, both centralized and distributed DBMSs supporting either relational or object-oriented models are commercially available now, and most of these systems can be run on both PCs and mainframes.3Fundamentals of HomogenizationGiven a set of heterogeneous localized databases, there are many aspects involved in transforming them into a homogeneous environment (the process of this transformation is known as homogenization). Homogenization can be conducted at different levels and in different ways. In this section, we classify dif-ferent ways of homogenization, and then focus on HODFA’s “incremental” approach of homogenization, which upgrades the local databases (LDs) into member databases (MDs) through mirroring. W e also elab-orate on the potential impact of this approach on both existing and new applications.3.1 A Classification of HomogenizationIntuitively, homogenization is a process that creates and maintains a mirror copy of a localized database as a member database in a federated database system. The resultant database federation system can thus work in a “homogeneous” environment, supporting different kinds of applications (both existing and new ones) accessing the member databases. Since homogenization is a process, it can be accomplished at different degrees.There can be zero-degree homogenization (no-homogenization), i.e. only localized database schema is defined in the coordinator database, but the member database does not contain any data. At the other end we can have full homogenization, wherein the member database is a replicated consistent copy of the localized database. In all other cases we have some partial-degree of homogenization (these include the case when member database schema is a view on top of localized database). A classification of various degrees of homogenization are shown in Table 1.Table 1: Nomenclature for degrees of homogenizationManner of Homogenization: A mechanism is needed by which the data gets populated into a member data-base from the corresponding localized database. This can be done in a stepwise manner, or at one-time. Any degree of homogenization can be implemented by appropriately defining the (sub-)schema/view on the localized database as the member database schema, and then possibly populating this member data-base. This is known as one-time homogenization, and any change in homogenization would require rede-fining the member database schema (and populating it in non-zero degree cases). Stepwise homogenization consists of steps to gradually homogenize the localized databases, which again can range from no-homog-enization to full homogenization. Clearly, stepwise homogenization takes longer time from the viewpoint of homogenizing legacy database systems, but can be more flexible and desirable from the perspective ofsupporting existing and new applications simultaneously. In this paper, our focus is on stepwise, partial or full degree, homogenization methodology, which is the approach taken by HODFA as described below.3.2HODFA’s Incremental Homogenization ApproachAs mentioned earlier, one of the main goals to homogenize local databases is to facilitate a “graceful” tran-sition and (eventual) replacement of the legacy systems. It would be desirable if during the transition, existing local applications will not be affected (or only to a minimum extent). In HODFA, an incremental homogenization methodology is devised for this purpose, which facilitates the following features and capabilities:(1) Co-existence of Member and Localized Databases:Generally speaking, it is almost impossible to have all the localized databases and their applications to be transformed and ported at one time to member databases under the coordinated DBMS without affecting the applications. It is therefore desirable for the transition to be taken place in a gradual, piecemeal fashion. Thus there shall be populated localized and member databases being accessed by the applications, hence co-existence of these localized and member databases becomes a paramount issue. Note that some data can be common to both member databases and localized databases, whereas some data may only exist in local-ized database or member database. The data that is common to both member and localized databases needs to be kept consistent. Also as there may be applications that need to access both localized and member databases, interoperability among member and localized database must be supported (which is supported by the MASS system). Another problem is “how does one specify the degree of homogenization?” or keep track of amount of homogenization that has already taken place. There are two approaches: i)application based: move each application and all the data that is relevant to it from localized database to member data-base, ii)database object based: move each object of database (like relation, entity) from the localized data-base to the member database. The homogenization is complete once all the applications or complete set of database objects have been moved from localized to member databases.(2) Flexibility of the Mirroring Process:For homogenization to take place, it is the function of MASS -- a middle layer of software between the localized databases (LDs) and member databases (MDs) -- to move the data from LDs to MDs. Ideally,data movement is from localized to member databases only, but because of the fault-tolerant nature of the HODFA it is required to provide data movement from the MDs to LDs as well. As HODFA aims to support homogenization from zero-degree homogenization to full homogenization, MASS has to be a flexible sys-tem. The issues for zero-degree homogenization are totally different from issues for partial/full homogeni-zation. In case of zero-degree homogenization the interoperability between the localized databases and member databases is the main issue, whereas for partial/full homogenization the consistency between localized databases and member databases (and among member databases) is the main issue. For the former, there are standard techniques for supporting interoperability between heterogeneous databases (like, RDA (remote data access) and OPEN SQL standards), therefore it is possible to support interopera-bility between (and facilitate access to) the localized databases. For the latter, as all the member databases are managed by the same DBMS (viz., the coordinator DBMS) it is feasible to maintain the consistency between member databases, and detect inconsistencies among localized databases.(3) Relocation of Localized Applications:A major problem with homogenization of localized databases is the support for the relocation of applica-tions from localized database systems to the coordinator DBMS. This relocation of localized applications is also needed to maintain the consistency between localized databases and member databases during and after homogenization. There are many ways through which applications can be moved from localized data-bases systems to coordinator DBMS:•Rewrite the applications on top of the coordinator DBMS. If there are a large number of localized applications that need to be moved then software filters can be developed to facilitate this move-ment. There are also filters available to transform code from one language to an other language (like from PASCAL to ‘C’, or FORTRAN to ‘C’, etc.).•Employ software re-engineering techniques.facilitate program conversion, evaluation of the database requirements of the applications, and detection of inherent constraints encoded in the applications (see [Rugaber90]). These techniques not only facilitate relocation of applications from LDS to coordinator DBMS, but also provide inputs for member database design.•Use advanced application program generators to emulate the localized appl2ications. Most DBMSs provide an application development environment based on CASE that facilitates fast application development and testing. This application development environment can be utilized to implement the localized applications on the coordinator DBMS. One major advantage of this approach is that the consistency criteria (that is, the constraints that need to be satisfied by the member databases) can be specified declaratively as part of the application. Thus any inconsisten-cies between the consistency criteria among member databases can be detected.So far we have elaborated on HODFA’s incremental approach towards homogenization, and examined the issues involved and features needed in supporting this approach. Such an approach allows more flexibility and in practice is more cost-effective (at least from applications’ viewpoint). From implementation view-point, incremental homogenization should also be more feasible and economic, and it can facilitate backup and recovery in cases of accidents and/or system failure. From application viewpoint, such an incremental approach is also quite desirable on a number of aspects, as discussed below.。