Search Results (180)

Sustainability has become an important focus in the construction industry due to growing environmental concerns, resource depletion, and the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The construction sector contributes significantly to the world’s carbon emissions and energy consumption, making it a prime candidate for sustainable transformation. In response to these challenges, there has been a shift towards utilizing earth-based products, especially earth blocks, as sustainable alternatives. Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) are garnering increased attention because of their ability to lower environmental impact. These blocks are made from locally sourced materials, reducing the transportation-related emissions and energy use. Their production processes typically require far less energy than traditional building blocks, which results in reduced carbon footprints. Earth blocks also contribute to sustainability through their thermal performance, which can enhance energy efficiency in buildings by naturally regulating indoor temperatures. As a result, less artificial heating and cooling is required, leading to further energy savings. Furthermore, CSEBs and other earth blocks can incorporate waste materials promoting a circular economy and resource efficiency. This paper explores the multifaceted role of earth blocks in sustainable construction by conducting a comprehensive systematic and bibliometric analysis. By evaluating research trends, the evolution of the field, and the broader impact of these materials, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the contributions of earth blocks to sustainability. Key areas of focus include identifying prominent research themes, emerging technologies, and future opportunities for incorporating earth blocks into mainstream construction practices. This approach aligns with the vision of advancing sustainable architecture and green buildings to minimize environmental pollution and resource consumption while supporting the transition to a circular economy in the built environment. Full article

The building sector, responsible for 40% of global energy consumption, faces increasing demands for sustainability and energy efficiency. Accurate energy consumption forecasting is essential to optimise performance and reduce environmental impact. This study introduces a hybrid machine learning framework grounded in Sparse, Interpretable, and Transparent (SIT) modelling to enhance building energy management. Leveraging the REFIT Smart Home Dataset, the framework integrates occupancy pattern analysis, appliance-level energy prediction, and probabilistic uncertainty quantification. The framework clusters occupancy-driven energy usage patterns using K-means and Gaussian Mixture Models, identifying three distinct household profiles: high-energy frequent occupancy, moderate-energy variable occupancy, and low-energy irregular occupancy. A Random Forest classifier is employed to pinpoint key appliances influencing occupancy, with a drop-in accuracy analysis verifying their predictive power. Uncertainty analysis quantifies classification confidence, revealing ambiguous periods linked to irregular appliance usage patterns. Additionally, time-series decomposition and appliance-level predictions are contextualised with seasonal and occupancy dynamics, enhancing interpretability. Comparative evaluations demonstrate the framework’s superior predictive accuracy and transparency over traditional single machine learning models, including Support Vector Machines (SVM) and XGBoost in Matlab 2024b and Python 3.10. By capturing occupancy-driven energy behaviours and accounting for inherent uncertainties, this research provides actionable insights for adaptive energy management. The proposed SIT hybrid model can contribute to sustainable and resilient smart energy systems, paving the way for efficient building energy management strategies. Full article

In the image era, architectural drawing gradually evolved from being a part of traditional architectural design to an artistic form with independent aesthetic value. However, a systematic evaluation method for this unique art form is still lacking. This study analyzes the works of four Chinese and Japanese architects, focusing on the functionality and artistry of architectural drawings. Combining iconography, semiotic analysis, and theories from visual culture studies, it explores the visual language and cultural significance embedded in architectural drawings from a new perspective and attempts to establish an evaluation framework. The analysis of visual symbols, cultural codes, and social contexts reveals how architects convey architectural concepts, historical memories, and urban landscapes through their drawings. This study finds that architectural drawings not only convey architectural information but also integrate cultural narratives and artistic expression, serving as an important intersection between architecture and other disciplines. Although interpretations may vary across cultural contexts, the semiotic approach offers a relatively objective evaluation system. This research helps architects, artists, and educators better understand the role of architectural drawing and promotes its application in architectural design, artistic creation, and education. Full article

In the realm of housing, the concept of adaptability has emerged as a pivotal solution to address the evolving space needs of households. The hypothesis and contribution that this paper puts forward is that dwellings can be designed to accommodate society’s demographic transformation and facilitate the evolving interior space needs of their occupants. It investigates the concept of Life Cycle Homes manifested through designs of flexible living spaces that can be easily modified to align with the changing dynamics of family structures over time to achieve user satisfaction, circularity, and sustainability. The investigation begins with an exploration of contemporary demographic shifts and variations in family sizes. The discussion underscores how different types of families interact with their homes, highlighting the necessity for adaptable housing solutions. The paper then continues with the study of past theories and application in adaptable housing, most notably through the work of Habraken and Japanese housing innovation. A detailed examination of various flexible housing strategies is presented, focusing on innovative approaches like demountable partitions. These strategies are instrumental in creating versatile living spaces that can seamlessly adapt to households’ diverse and dynamic requirements. Following a research and development process, and as part of the methodology, the paper introduces the Life Cycle Home project that was conceived by the author to illustrate a practical implementation of adaptable housing strategies. The three-floors home exemplifies how flexibility and versatility can meet the changing needs of homeowners, offering a blueprint for future residential design. Full article

In various climate conditions, courtyards have a major impact on a building’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. The purpose of this study is to understand and analyze the environmental aspects of a courtyard in a particular area. The chosen region is Trichy, which has generally warm-humid climate. To understand environmental factors like thermal comfort, natural ventilation, natural lighting, and microclimate, cases from the region were chosen. The primary objective of this paper is to utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate how these environmental factors affect the courtyard in the stated location. The chosen case is stimulated using DesignBuilder software. The field investigation is the first step in the study, which is then followed by the model-making process and stimulation. This study investigates the impact of environmental parameters on courtyard efficiency, focusing on their response to environmental conditions. Through field investigation and modeling of chosen examples, the study reveals critical elements for courtyard design success, emphasizing the relevance of knowing these characteristics for effective courtyard planning in the region. The results are beneficial for analyzing the courtyard’s circumstances since they take into consideration the courtyard’s performance towards microclimate and influences on various courtyard components. Additionally, they offer a helpful coefficient factor for additional courtyard studies. Full article

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems facing rapid degradation. This research explores architectural design solutions for bio-enhancing modular prototypes to support coral attachment and growth. Inspired by coral polyps, nine biomimetic designs were created using Maya and Rhinoceros 3D to optimise surfaces for coral settlement. A total of 75 prototypes (15 × 15 cm) were fabricated, incorporating four materials—PETG, concrete, oyster concrete, and clay—and seven colour variations—sand, translucent green, translucent brown, red, pink, grey, and reddish. The findings indicate that 3D printing with PETG was the most efficient fabrication method but required structural support and long-term underwater testing, while oyster concrete demonstrated potential for self-sustaining structures. This study highlights the role of architectural design in marine restoration, promoting biodiversity and resource-efficient solutions. By integrating corals into the design, these structures can self-grow and adapt, reducing material consumption and long-term maintenance. Full article

Construction is considered an ecosystem that incorporates many technical, legal, and practical aspects. This article focuses on the practical side of construction, specifically on the use of BIM (building information modeling) during the design phase. In the construction industry, BIM ensures better collaboration and project management by centralizing all information on the same platform. It allows each project stakeholder to exchange documents in real time and contribute to resolving any unforeseen issues or constraints that are encountered. Following an extensive literature review, it has been demonstrated that a lack of communication and collaboration among stakeholders is considered one of the major obstacles to the widespread use of BIM in architectural offices and agencies. The main contribution of this work is to clarify the roles of stakeholders and the rights and temporalities of access, consultation, and modification of the digital BIM model. To achieve this, a collaborative engineering method was applied to propose organizational models for the work of construction stakeholders who are using a collaborative engineering approach during the initial stage of a project (design phase), in order to define the roles of stakeholders and their access to the BIM model. Full article

Housing informality (HI), and particularly unauthorized modifications, are a widely spread phenomenon in Morocco’s rapidly growing coastal suburb of Harhoura, Rabat. While previous research has already focused on the socio-economic aspects of informal adaptations in affordable and middle-class housing contexts in Morocco, it leaves a gap regarding how HI is expressed in affluent settings independently and in relation to the other contexts. This research aims to visually capture how residents adapt their housing through unauthorized modifications. The research objectives are to analyze informalities that are unique to affordable, middle-class, and affluent housing and to examine if there are any shared HI patterns that transcend socio-economic contexts. This paper utilizes a mixed-methods approach by superposing fieldwork data, including the recollection of existing buildings and authorized archival data, with the help of a referential grid based on three case studies in Harhoura, Rabat, affordable, middle-class, and affluent settings, which enables effective individual and communal spatial-morphological analyses. The findings reveal distinctive and shared patterns from one side and propagation dynamics from the other, including important concepts, such as mirroring (the replication of similar informalities) and contrast (the implementation of informalities in contrast with the existing ones), between the different socio-economic contexts, which suggest higher transcending shared needs between them. By showcasing that people of diverse socio-economic means adapt their homes in strikingly similar ways, this study discredits the assumption that poverty is the primary driver of renovation approaches. This broadened lens enriches our understanding of how urban housing evolves and points to the urgency of inclusive strategies addressing key housing priorities for all. Full article

Post-disaster resettlement often faces abandonment and modification; yet, the factors influencing long-term residential satisfaction, especially within diverse communities, remain underexplored. This study examines how satisfaction evolves over time in relation to socio-economic status and community participation comparing the underprivileged Thami community in Panipokhari and the privileged Brahmin community in Jillu Integrated Settlement of Nepal. Using a mixed-method case study approach, this research integrates quantitative satisfaction scores with qualitative insights from surveys, interviews, and observations over three years. Findings reveal diverging satisfaction trends: Jillu’s satisfaction remained stable (3.55 to 3.43 from 2021 to 2023), whereas Panipokhari’s declined (3.27 to 2.33) due to unmet housing needs and limited participation. Correlation tests and qualitative interviews confirmed that while all five key factors—housing design, thermal comfort, water, cultural appropriateness, and architectural aesthetics—influenced satisfaction, their importance varied. These findings challenge “one size fits all” top-down resettlement models, demonstrating that housing adaptability and participatory decision-making are more critical than structural adequacy alone. The study underscores the need for flexible, community-driven housing strategies within the Build Back Better (BBB) framework. By integrating the housing satisfaction theory, the housing mobility theory, and the BBB framework, it advances understanding of socio-economic agency in shaping post-disaster housing outcomes, providing insights for sustainable and inclusive resettlement policies. Full article

Mental health challenges among university students and staff are a pressing concern globally and in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Despite adopting frameworks like the Okanagan Charter to promote health and well-being, there is a lack of empirical research on how campus landscapes contribute to mental health promotion. This is a preliminary study based on a Ph.D. research project aiming to investigate the role of campus landscapes in supporting relaxation and internal recovery through everyday activities. We conducted a comparative multi-case study involving 66 participants from the University of Auckland, Lincoln University, and the University of Otago, exploring how they use and prefer campus landscapes for relaxation. Our findings indicate that ‘enjoying nature’ is the most preferred relaxation activity, with participants engaging both actively and passively with various spaces such as gardens, open lawns, and forested areas. Additionally, in campus settings, the proximity of relaxation spaces appears to be more important than design quality because of the limited time during working hours, which points to the importance of thoughtful campus planning. This study also found that university staff are often overlooked in discussions about healthy universities, despite their significant role in the campus setting. Overall, this study highlights the importance of biophilic design principles in creating health-promoting campus environments and offers initial insights for integrating natural elements into campus planning to enhance mental health and well-being. Full article

This study presents a detailed analysis of the doors found in traditional buildings located in the historical Konuralp region of Düzce. Within the scope of the research, three structures were selected from the traditional neighborhoods of Konuralp, focusing on those that have preserved their original architectural features. The analysis encompasses the functions of the doors, their opening directions, horizontal and vertical alignments, dimensions, and material properties, as well as decorative and ornamental characteristics. Location information and photographs of the buildings, along with the distinctive features of each door, were documented through comprehensive inventory studies. The results of the study reveal the structural and aesthetic qualities of the doors belonging to traditional Turkish houses and emphasize the necessity for restoration and preservation efforts for doors that have experienced deterioration. This study aims to contribute to the preservation of the traditional architectural heritage in the region. Furthermore, it suggests that appropriate conservation strategies should be developed to transmit the construction techniques and unique characteristics of these doors to future generations. In this context, the study aims to serve as a resource for documenting and preserving traditional structures in the Konuralp region and provides a scientific foundation that can be used as a reference in similar research studies. Full article

Pedestrian walkways are essential elements of university campus design and urban planning. The function of campus walkways is not only safe walking but also to hold many social activities like interacting and socializing. This paper aims to assess design criteria of successful walkways in the middle eastern arid campus. To achieve the aim, a mixed research methodological approach is adopted whereby a number of qualitative and quantitative methods like naturalistic observation on a case, in-depth interviews, and questionnaire survey are employed to gather data. The study outcomes include a framework of 10 design assessment criteria of successful campus walkways. The shortcomings of middle eastern campus walkways are ranked according to their importance whereby the most and least important shortcomings are identified as the “lack of barrier free environment” and “lack of greeneries along the walkways”, respectively. Full article

The subject of the research is the attractive Kościelna Street connecting two prestigious districts of the city of Poznań (Jeżyce and Sołacz). The oval ring layout of the street with its characteristic green separation strip sets the tone for the entire district. The urban layout, preserved for almost 300 years, is tied to its pioneers—settlers brought from Bamberg (Upper Franconia, Bavaria). The problems of maintaining the historical identity of the place and its inhabitants as well as the identity of the architecture (transformation from farmstead to frontage layout) are highlighted. The phenomenon of gentrification is the background to the deliberations. A chronicle of events over three centuries allows it to be described as creeping. Nevertheless, three types of gentrification have been examined: economic, social and symbolic (cultural). Research methods in the context of the multidisciplinary nature of the issue, emerging dilemmas and an overview of street attractiveness research are discussed. A method based on the Net Promoter Score has been used as an aid to determine the attractiveness of an architectural structure. The importance of social and symbolic aspects has been pointed out so that gentrification does not become rapacious. Full article

In recent decades, architectural design has increasingly shifted its focus from insulated, sealed, and highly technological building envelopes to more responsive façade strategies tailored to local climatic and socio-cultural conditions. This evolution reflects the growing recognition of the façade, not merely as a surface or skin, but as a vital spatial and functional element which responds to rising demands for spatial appropriation, individuality, climate adaptability, and a dynamic relationship between urban and architectural scales. Given its inherent complexity, this approach to façade design requires extensive theoretical and historical exploration, complemented by critical and typological analysis, to address the contradictions inherent in contemporary architecture. This article explores the theoretical and applied dimensions of the space-containing façade, analyzing its precedents, interpretations, and applications within collective housing design. By tracing pivotal developments in twentieth-century architecture, it highlights the transitional role of the façade as a spatial, climatic, and social interface. This combined perspective is framed within broader theoretical discussions, including the tension between tradition and modernity, the interplay between architecture and context, the emergence of bioclimatic design, and shifting notions of privacy. Within this framework, this study seeks to illuminate how housing façades can foster urban engagement and collective living while balancing formal considerations with performance demands to shape more adaptable and sustainable future environments. Full article

Aspects of increasing digitalization reinforce tendencies to normalize youth, which is reflected in underestimating and misinterpreting mistrust and stress. Creative means of interacting in public urban situations encourages physical and object-related interventions between people. According to the present hypothesis, experiences in the context of these interventions have the potential to help meet growing individualization requirements. However, these requirements are increasingly underestimated and require appropriate trial treatment spaces. We analyze the possibilities of changing social relations in the public–urban spatial structure with the help of the resonance concept. We understand public–urban spatial structures of temporary appropriation as a relevant phenomenon for the ongoing socio-spatial construction of urban reality. By analyzing the resonance levels of appropriation processes, both the proportional world relations and the respective subjective experience can be described: subjects enter into a resonant relationship with objects that represent the outside world by allowing themselves to be affected and emotionally touched and are open to a reciprocal transformation. This article will examine the extent to which the consideration of the premises derived from resonance theory can lead to changed preconditions and expanded points of reference in the field of urban and spatial planning. In relation to the theme of this Special Issue, we hope to open up a discussion about possible perspectives on inclusive urban spatial practice based on resonance and an expanded definition of sociality. Full article