Architecture and Sustainability:Integrating Health Performance Indicators in Sustainable Architecture-A Comprehensive Study on Enhancing Human Well-Being and Environmental Efficiency

The phrase“health and well-being”includes various aspects such as social,psychological,and physical factors.The way we design,construct,and operate buildings greatly affects people and their experiences.Costs associated with employees make up a significant part of expenses,and enhancing the well-being of those in the workplace can boost productivity.Optimizing buildings offers benefits,but it also presents challenges,particularly regarding energy consumption,material usage,and environmental impact.Eco-friendly buildings provide a solution to balance our comfort with the requirements of the environment.This article examines the impact of buildings on people and the environment,suggesting a framework for a“health performance indicator”to improve the research and practice of sustainable buildings,ultimately aiming to enhance both human and ecological well-being.

A PRECEDENT IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE: BIOCLIMATIC DEVICES IN ALVAR AALTO’S SUMMER HOUSE

INTRODUCTION The problems discussed in forums such as that within the European Charter for Solar Energy in Architecture and Urban Planning are still up-to-date.1 The role architecture plays in energy consumption calls for a conceptual reorientation that ensures a responsible design approach to the environment and the use of renewable resources based on local conditions.In this sense,the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto(1898-1976)figures as a pioneering precedent of a sustainable architecture.The Nordic climate and the deeply nature-concerned culture within which he lived are factors that derived a conscious design method characterised by the exploration of environmental concepts.The contextual approach was developed since his early career and reached a peak in his own summer house erected in Finland in the year 1953.As Aalto himself comments,this building had the advantage of being the‘experimental game’of the architect,where he could freely work without worrying about the constraints of usual project requirements.2 The biography of Aalto shows that he used to help his father,who was a surveyor,by drawing plans from the Finnish territory.3 Aalto himself grew up in Jyväskylä,a town located on the same lake studied here,and worked there in the first years of his professional career.He was familiar with the landscape and knew well in advance the general features of the house’s surroundings.The Summer House is a well-known building that has drawn attention in the academic context.Aalto published a seminal,brief text when the construction of the main block was finished,where experiments concerning topographical adaptation,material durability,and solar heating passive systems are mentioned.4 After appearing in the complete work of the architect,5 the Summer House was briefly mentioned in critical literature,6 and in recent years has been the subject of numerous studies.7 This panorama has contributed important information about the site and the house,which were,nevertheless,considered mainly by aesthetical and typological means.The bioclimatic themes seem to have not been systematically explored yet.The present essay seeks to identify and explain some design strategies that can illustrate the bioclimatic structure of the building.8 The textual argumentation is supported by photographs,diagrams,and a physical model.An introduction to the house is given by describing its geographical and programmatic situation.The study is then developed through the following topics:site and program;placement;spatial organization;and exterior-interior relations.As a conclusion,the house is evaluated as a precedent of an environmentally-concerned architecture.

Collaborative Design of Parametric Sustainable Architecture

Sustainable architecture is complex. Many aspects, differently important to many stakeholders, are to be optimized. BIM should be used for this. Building Information Modellingis a collaborative process where all stakeholders integrate and optimize their information in a digital 3D model. Sometimes it is called Green BIM. But what exactly is that？ Is the International Standard Organization IFC standard useful for this？ And is it compatible with new developments in parametric design？ Advantages and disadvantages of BIM are listed. Full parametric design is needed because it keeps the design flexible and open for changes until the end of the design process. However it is not compatible with IFC; only object parametric design is. A possible way out of this paradox could be the use of scripts that only create objects if they are not already in the BIM database and otherwise only adapt their properties. An example of parametric sustainable architectural design explains the mentioned issues.

Lightweight Technologies in Sustainable Architecture:The Importance of Connections in Disassembly

The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of lightweight structures and connections in the DfD(design for disassembly)framework.The construction sector is facing pressure to reduce its environmental impact,which has led to heightened interest in DfD as a strategy for transitioning from a linear“Cradle to Grave”economic model to a circular“Cradle to Cradle”model.At the social level,DfD’s technological and spatial flexibility provides opportunities for self-build and self-maintenance processes,which can decrease land consumption and reduce costs for both owners and tenants.In this context,lightweight structures and connections are crucial for enabling these processes.The methodology used for analysis involves breaking down three technological elements chosen from three different projects to evaluate ease of disassembly,flexibility,potential for reuse,and recyclability.As a result,this paper aims to promote the development of an abacus of existing technological solutions,to provide designers with a tool that can help them pursue DfD strategies.

Energy-saving performance investigation on sustainable architecture design of open-plan housing in temperate region

With the increasing requirement of a higher living quality and the growing awareness of energy saving, how to improve the indoor comfort level and to reduce the expenditure of energy and slow down the rate of natural resource consumption is becoming increasingly important. The theory of open-plan housing is able to provide a more flexible and adaptive space for the users and bring sustainable and economic benefit in the way of making full use of construction materials. Sustainable architecture design, as a method to respond the phenomenon, is able to low down the building＇ s energy consumption and has enormous potentials in creation of sustainable living environment and a high-quality dwelling condition. The primary aim of this research is to create a new sustainable architecture design method for occupancy by integrating openplan housing theory and application of sustainable technologies. Numerical simulation by computer program is applied in order to investigate and evaluate the possibility of this method in teruas of improving indoor comfort level and energy-saving capacity.

TEACHING AND RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES VIENNA-FH CAMPUS WIEN

The University of Applied Sciences in Vienna has offered university degree programs in the field of construction for more than twenty years and has thus gained great expertise in developing its curriculum. Founded in 1996, the department of Building and Design consists of six university degree programs. A major strength of the department is the possibility to adapt to recent challenges in a timely manner. As shown in Figure 1, in the winter term 2008/2009, the master’s degree program, Sustainability in the Construction Industry, was held for the first time;it was transformed into the master’s degree program, Architecture-Green Building, in 2016. In 2013/14 the bachelor’s degree program, Architecture-Green Building, started with the first students graduating in 2016. For ten years the department has focused on sustainability within the building, planning and designing processes.

Environmental Strategies for Design of Sustainable Buildings in Technique of Green Eco-Architecture

Architecture is defined as a symbiosis of function, aesthetics, technology and economics. This paper introduces the concept of development of technology in architecture for a sustainable society. The concept is based on a systemic link building-climate-energy. The scientific analysis of this link allows us to define three technical levels of modern architecture. The lowest level is represented by low energy architecture that gives priority to the element of energy. Climate is defined only by physical parameters here. It is characterized by the production of emissions that deplete the Biocapacity of the Earth. Higher level of architecture is represented by green architecture which gives equal priority to both energy and ecology. Climate is defined by physical and chemical parameters here. It is characterized by the tendency of reduction of emissions production and move towards environmentally clean energy, material and water sources. Sustainable architecture represents the target program of development of human settlements in the interaction of society-energy-ecology. It is characterized by the balance of categories nature-man-technology and by minimizing the emissions production to the extent of their coverage by the Earth＇s ecosystems. This paper introduces design strategy for green building. The basic structure of the strategy defines, and internal structure of the strategy emphasizes, principles and concepts of green buildings. In this strategy, the vital role is played by renewable energy sources as a production technology of the capital provided to man by nature.

PROGRESSING PRACTICES OF SUSTAINABLE SCHOOL DESIGN

This article discusses a survey of contemporary practices of sustainable school design.It reveals a trend that relies on technological fixes and outlines barriers to this,primarily related to lack of awareness of benefits,and a limited perception centring on the process of pre-design,design and construction but ignoring the use phase.To overcome the barriers,this article argues that a paradigm shift is required,embracing the creation of sustainable systems through a holistic approach to education,so that design operates and interacts with other disciplines.The suggestions provided could also be used to improve sustainable architectural practices in general。

Future of Architecture: Buildings as Power Plants

After the energy crisis in 1970s,buildings began to be used as a platform for the elements which produce energy from renewable energies to return them into energy producing power plants.This is a safe,clean and economic way to produce energy since the energy is produced where it is needed and they use renewable energy resources.So,it promises hope for the future energy production.Therefore,the aim of this study is to examine buildings which produce electricity by using renewable energy resources and to show that this is one of the safest,cleanest and most economic ways to be used to produce energy in the future.This is done by describing power plants and how buildings are used as power producing stations by the use of renewable energy resources or other energy producing materials,then by examining case studies which are constructed and already being used,case studies which are just a design that have not yet been constructed,and by making projections to the future energy producing techniques that are just a proposal in 2021.In the conclusion,buildings are proposed as the future power plants,either here on earth or on another planet like Mars.

Leveraging AI for Energy-Efficient Smart Cities: Architectural and Urban Planning Solutions for Sustainable Growth - A Comparative Case Study of Amman City and International Examples

As cities worldwide face increasing energy demands and environmental sustainability challenges,the need for innovative solutions becomes more urgent.Smart cities,driven by advances in Artificial Intelligence(AI),offer promising avenues for enhancing energy efficiency,optimizing urban planning,and improving overall urban living conditions.This research explores how AI can be leveraged to develop energy-efficient smart cities by focusing on architectural and urban planning solutions that promote sustainable growth.The study includes a comprehensive literature review on the role of AI in managing energy consumption,optimizing transportation systems,and aiding urban planning efforts.A critical component of this research is the comparative analysis of case studies from both Jordan and international cities,such as Singapore,Barcelona,and Copenhagen,to evaluate the potential of AI-driven solutions in local contexts.This paper presents a case study applying an AI-driven smart city model to Amman,Jordan,where the city's urban infrastructure,energy management,and transportation systems are analyzed using AI-powered simulations.By integrating real-time data from IoT devices,geographic information systems(GIS),and digital twin technologies,the study simulates energy-saving interventions,improved traffic flow,and optimized urban designs.The research also compares the outcomes from Jordanian developments like Abdali Boulevard and Saraya Aqaba with international examples,revealing valuable insights into the progress and challenges of implementing smart city solutions in Jordan.Key outcomes include a reduction in energy consumption,carbon emissions,traffic congestion,and overall cost savings,demonstrating how AI can contribute to the sustainable development of modern cities.The findings from the case study provide a framework for the application of AI in other urban environments facing similar sustainability challenges,with a focus on enhancing local policy frameworks,infrastructure,and capacity to enable the successful integration of AI solutions.

Relieving a Tropical Vernacular Habitat Typology as a Source for Contemporary Social Housing Designs

This work presents an analysis for the rural vernacular dwelling （Culata Yovai）, sited in the South America Guarani region, basin of Paraguay and Paraná rivers. Outdoor climate has conducted man to build along the time a habitat climatic responsive. Nowadays, studies in progress try to show how this vernacular typology can support new low-income house designs. The intent is to guarantee for new projects the socio-cultural image that people, coming from countryside to live in city outskirts, are accostumed. Also, to provide material improvements and functional adequation for a quality and healthiness. Natural ventilation is the main bioclimatic strategy during summer for thermal comfort, which influences the house characteristics. This is proven by calculation, and simulation with the CFX-ANSYS software. Thus, the analysis performed shows the real possibity to reconcile bioclimatism with the symbolic-cultural value represented by this vernacular architecture form. It is hopped that this study can be considered as a methodological contributition for new sustainable projects （materials, technics and services） of low-incoming houses in this Latin American region.

Organic stabilization in earthen plaster:Eco-compatible architecture and ancient techniques in Tata Somba homes

The study of organic stabilization is crucial for understanding its impact on the durability and effectiveness of earthen plaster.Analyzing natural admixtures’effects on plaster properties provides insights that aid in optimizing plaster composition and application for desired characteristics.The addition of biopolymers,known to enhance plaster performance,necessitates further investigation to understand their role in earthen plaster stabilization.This study focuses on Tata Somba homes in Benin and Togo,recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.These unique architectural examples embody“architecture without architects”,relying solely on local traditional knowledge.The objective is to explore and revive Tata Somba’s ancient eco-technology for earth plaster stabilization.Research shows that biopolymers’combined stabilization and application techniques can improve earthen plaster performance.Seven promising bio-stabilizers were identified,suggesting their potential as sustainable,effective options for CO_(2) mitigation in buildings.These findings not only deepen our understanding of earthen architecture but also underscore the potential of merging traditional,eco-friendly building methods with modern scientific insights to create sustainable solutions for cultural heritage preservation and contemporary built environments.

SOLAR WALL SYSTEM, THE SUN-CENTERED APPROACH TOWARD ECOSYSTEM

Energy costs are continuing to rise as the Earth’s fossil fuel resources diminish. In addition, the population of the earth is increasing, meaning that the use of these scarce resources will increase at a faster rate than in the past. Inevitably, the result will be continuing increases in the Earth’s temperature, resulting in widespread climate change that could have devastating environmental impacts. Thus, as the Earth is moving rapidly toward an energy crisis, sustainable architecture with enhanced energy efficiency takes on great importance in seeking to establish a reasonable balance between human needs and the environment. To achieve this balance, it is essential that we use every available means to manage and reduce people’s basic needs-such as heating or cooling of living spaces-in order to minimize our use of non-renewable energy sources. The Sun is one of the largest and cheapest sources of energy. This tremendous resource has the ability to meet a large portion of human needs. In recent decades, solar energy has been used extensively to achieve environmental sustainability. One of these applications is the use of solar energy to provide warm air in buildings. The purpose of this paper is to investigate renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy and the solar systems currently in use around the world. By assessing their positive and negative attributes, we also intend to propose an alternative solar wall for producing warm air in buildings. Thus, in addition to addressing the weaknesses of previous products and approaches, we intend to augment the energy savings and decrease the costs associated with such systems by combining the positive attributes of several different systems to produce more efficient air heating, lighting, air circulation, and air purification.

TOWARDS AN ACTIVE, RESPONSIVE, AND SOLAR BUILDING ENVELOPE

The key role of the building envelope in achieving building energy efficiency and indoor comfort for the user has been long established.The most promising-and innovative-strategy for the building envelope of the future is based on a dynamic,active and integrated solution,that is able to optimize the thermal performance,integrate the active elements and systems,and exploit energy from renewable sources.This paper illustrates the most relevant results of a decade-long research activity carried out on active and integrated building envelopes at the Politecnico di Torino,in which numerical analyses and experimental campaigns,involving test cells and field monitoring,have been performed.The overall performances of different façade modules and the thermo-physical behaviour of various components,under different operating strategies,are presented and discussed.The analysis provides information on the contribution of each subsystem,e.g.glazing,sun-shading devices,natural and mechanical ventilation,...to the achieved energy efficiency and the overall performances of different typologies of Double-Skin Façades(DSFs)and Advanced Integrated Façades(AIFs).

INCORPORATING SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES INTO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EDUCATION:RESULTS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN STUDIO

Design is a structured process or a tactical guideline to accomplish a unique expectation of a product, while a design studio is the environment where students are taught the skills to design the product, which may be a building. Hence, the design studio course is the most important component of the architectural education curriculum;it is where the students get an opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through lecture-based courses. Yet most theory is not put into practice;consequently, the principles of sustainable design solutions are developed. There is an urgent need to teach future architects how to integrate sustainable design principles into their projects in order to prevent or mitigate environmental degradation due to the negative impacts of building projects. This experimental study initiated a new design studio pedagogy and a novel teaching structure for integrating sustainability principles into the architectural design projects of 3rd year students. It also evolved a testing method to assess the success of the new pedagogy and the students’ final design projects. This paper presents the results of the experimental design studio and delivers recommendations for subsequent sustainable design studio courses.

Biophilic design in architecture and its contributions to health,well-being,and sustainability:A critical review

In the last ten years,‘nature’and biophilic design have received widespread attention in architecture,especially in response to growing environmental challenges.However,open questions and controversies remain regarding conceptualizing and addressing‘nature’in practice and research.This study conducts a literature review to discuss biophilic design as a theoretical framework to interpret‘nature’in architecture.The following questions are answered:(1)How has the concept of biophilic design emerged,and how can it be defined?(2)In what ways can biophilic design contribute to the goals of sustainable architecture?(3)What are the key design strategies in biophilic design?This review identifies and compares the key frameworks of biophilic design and explains their major elements.We then analyse the benefits(e.g.,enhance health,well-being,productivity,biodiversity,and circularity)of biophilic design in achieving sustainability,as framed through the UN Sustainable Development Goals.The results indicate that biophilic design is more complex and richer than the mere application of vegetation in buildings;it broadens the variety through encompassing different types of nature from physical,sensory,metaphorical,morphological,material to spiritual.Moreover,knowledge gaps are identified to motivate future research and critical reflections on biophilic design practices.

Designing with nature:Advancing threedimensional green spaces in architecture through frameworks for biophilic design and sustainability

In the transition to a more sustainable built environment over the last two decades,the“greening”of architecture as a popular approach has received widespread attention.However,there are still many open questions and contradictions regarding how to design with“nature”and contribute to sustainability.In addition,explorations of built examples are rare,and three-dimensional(3D)green spaces in buildings are often overlooked.Therefore,we introduce“green pockets”(3D green spaces)as a typology distinct from two-dimensional green roofs and walls/facades.We draw on a mixed-method approach to study two cases(Erasmus MC and Hotel Jakarta),comprising 12 semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders,design document analysis,and site observation.We develop a critical reflection(a framework)on the impacts of“green architecture”on sustainability from unpacked benefits and adopt a biophilic design framework to analyse designing with“nature”in architectural practice.These findings demonstrate that green pockets contribute to integrating multiple experiences of“nature”into buildings and developing sustainable architecture.Designing green pockets with visibility,accessibility,and spatial characteristics(e.g.,prospect and refuge,organised complexity,peril,and mystery)of“nature”improves building quality.Furthermore,we provide design recommendations to advance green pocket designs and make suggestions for future research.

Integrating BIM and machine learning to predict carbon emissions under foundation materialization stage:Case study of China’s 35 public buildings

For the significant energy consumption and environmental impact,it is crucial to identify the carbon emission characteristics of building foundations construction during the design phase.This study would like to establish a process-based carbon evaluating model,by adopting Building Information Modeling(BIM),and calculated the materialization-stage carbon emissions of building foundations without basement space in China,and identifying factors influencing the emissions through correlation analysis.These five factors include the building function type,building structure type,foundation area,foundation treatment method,and foundation depth.Additionally,this study develops several machine learning-based predictive models,including Decision Tree,Random Forest,XGBoost,and Neural Network.Among these models,XGBoost demonstrates a relatively higher degree of accuracy and minimal errors,can achieve the RMSE of 206.62 and R2 of 0.88 based on testing group feedback.The study reveals a substantial variability carbon emissions per building’s floor area of foundations,ranging from 100 to 2000 kgCO_(2)e/m^(2),demonstrating the potential for optimizing carbon emissions during the design phase of buildings.Besides,materials contribute significantly to total carbon emissions,accounting for 78%e97%,suggesting a significant opportunity for using BIM technology in the design phase to optimize carbon reduction efforts.

Can earthen architectural heritage save us?

Contemporary architecture seems to turn its back on the past in terms of the raw materials taken from the environ‑ment,their transformation into building components and the way they are assembled to create buildings.The global challenge of preserving the environment forces us to rethink the way we produce architecture today.Within this challenge,the past shows us possible ways to fll the gap between tradition and modernity.However,we need to understand what motivates people to abandon ancestral materials and knowledge for materials that they cannot manufacture or use themselves.Is this transformation to industrial materials and forms irreversible?Is there nothing we can learn from our rich past?How can we revive endogenous knowledge to produce environmentally wise archi‑tecture?These are the questions that the authors,who have been working on the revival of earthen heritage for over 20 years,wish to answer.