Introduction: Numerous previous studies addressed the use of vertical facades for side lighting. They were found to be an effective daylighting aperture that helps to establish a pleasant environment, improve academic performance in schools, and promote better health. Recent studies also identified the potential for using vertical facades on high-rise buildings as building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems thanks to the large available area. In the tropics, this potential use is also supported by the availability of abundant solar energy. The technology of transparent PV (TPV) offers the opportunity to meet both needs. It serves as a side lighting aperture and building-integrated transparent photovoltaic (BITPV) depending on several factors, such as the visible transmittance (VT) value and the number of cells. For side lighting, a higher VT value is required to allow for optimal daylight penetration. However, more cell numbers and lower VT are preferable for BITPV. Previous studies found that BITPV is suggested for buildings with a window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of 45 % or more, which seems too high for tropical buildings where the suggested WWR is typically in the range of 30–40 %. Purpose of the study: This study aims to find the optimum configuration and present a systematic method for optimizing BITPV for tropical school building facades. Methods: An experimental approach using simulation as a tool was employed to achieve the objective. A site with a typical school layout in the tropics was selected as the research context. Treatment based on VT and cell numbers was applied to create several post-test models. Results and discussion: In the tropics, when using low-transparency TPV, BITPV with 31.25 % WWR and 30 % cell coverage ratio is found to provide the optimum visual health and comfort, as well as energy performance. Meanwhile, BITPV with 31.25 % WWR and 50 % cell coverage ratio is found to be the optimum configuration when using high-transparency TPV. Furthermore, this study presents a systematic method for designing BITPV for a multi-story school building in the tropics.

Introduction: Various studies have been conducted to analyze the buckling behavior of concrete spherical shells. Nonetheless, no research is available that would investigate the buckling behavior of EPS (expanded polystyrene) shells. EPS has a very low self-weight compared to concrete. The purpose of the study is to investigate the comparative buckling characteristics of concrete and EPS shells. The respective self-weight and live load of 1.5 kN/m2 were considered. The methods used are Linear buckling analysis (LBA) and geometrically nonlinear buckling analysis (GNA) of sample domes with and without imperfections performed using Abaqus software. The results of the comparative analyses show that the critical buckling pressure of EPS and concrete spherical shells of the same geometry was found to be 122,634 N/m2 and 5560 N/m2, respectively. The ratio of the critical buckling pressure to the practical ultimate (dead load + live load) loading of concrete is 23.2, while for EPS, it is 2.22. Moreover, increasing the thickness of EPS from 100 to 200 mm increased the critical buckling pressure factor by 15.4 times. The maximum loading displacement of EPS (15.6 mm) was times less than the displacement caused by the buckling pressure. This finding demonstrates the feasibility of constructing EPS shells, with further research on the optimum geometry and construction mechanism.

Introduction: The study of the adhesive strength formation mechanisms in polymer composites involves the deliberate selection of components to facilitate their joint action in transferring stresses from the fibers to the binder through the phase interface. The strength of the adhesive interaction between components can be expressed through their energy characteristics, provided technological and other factors are ensured. Purpose of the study: The study aims to investigate the energy characteristics of hybrid polymer composite phases at the air interface. Methods: The optical method was used to capture micrographs of wetting fibers of different nature by liquids, based on which contact angles were determined. Tensile tests of fibers were conducted, and thermal analysis of fibers was performed using a synchronous thermal analyzer. The surface tension of epoxy resin and the epoxy resin / hardener system was determined using a tensiometer. Results: The method for determining surface energies of solids was upgraded. The upgraded method makes it possible to determine the free surface energy of fibers of different nature and the surface tension of the binder. The effect of oiling compositions (finishing agents) was quantitatively evaluated.

Introduction: The nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete elements under monotonic and cyclic loading is one of the most important research topics in seismic regions. Over the past 30 years, several experimental investigations have been conducted with the aim of better understanding the behavior of reinforced concrete elements and determining the various parameters influencing this behavior. Purpose of the study: The present research investigates this behavior and aims to develop an interactive computer program designed for use within the Windows environment. Methods: Several material models (confined/unconfined concrete and reinforcing steel), as well as hysteresis laws, are employed in an analytical approach using the fiber element. For each specimen, geometric characteristics, material models, plastic hinge locations, axial loads, and the history of corresponding horizontal displacements were input into the program. Numerical predictions are validated against experimental results from diverse studies. Results: Convergence analysis using experimental data demonstrated good agreement between numerical and experimental results, particularly in hysteresis behavior, force-displacement envelope curves, maximum strength, initial stiffness, stiffness degradation, and cumulative energy dissipation. The findings underscore the efficacy of the developed program in accurately predicting the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete elements. The developed program provides a reliable tool for predicting the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete elements under cyclic loading, validated through convergence analysis with experimental data.

Introduction: This paper examines a type of real estate speculation that plays a key role in urban redevelopment, characterized by densification and unaffordability. Purpose of the study: The study aims to analyze how pericentral housing in the form of a garden city is being subjected to incremental renewal in the historic core of Setif, Algeria. It reflects on UN Sustainable Development Goal #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, in terms of relationships between housing densification, loss of green spaces, and socio-economic implications. Methods: We used a survey strategy based on observation and a sustainability indicator questionnaire as quantitative sources as well as semi-structured interviews and focus groups as qualitative sources. Results: Our study revealed that the typological shift from single-family houses to multi-family apartment buildings is not driven by changing housing preferences, but rather by a profit-oriented land-use strategy. This shift has led to affordability issues and gentrification, which in turn challenge socioeconomic cohesion. The process of densification and apartmentization causes the erosion of the architectural character of buildings and the physical characteristics of the neighborhood. The study emphasizes the importance of proactive, participatory, and inclusive methods in urban planning and management for a bottom-up approach to counteract speculative neighborhood renewal driven by liberal policies. It proposes a densification toolkit to promote the principles expressed in the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Introduction: Buffer zones in the context of World Heritage sites play an important role in protecting historic monuments and buildings, as well as their adjacent conservation areas, from disruptions caused by urban development. However, properties within the boundaries of buffer zones may be subject to legislative limitations and restricted construction regulations. This may affect the market value of these properties and make them unfavorable for public and private investors. Purpose of the study: The study aims to critically analyze the impact of buffer zone policy on urban development, specifically on the land value and the quality of the built environment in the context of World Heritage sites. The case study for this research is Kampung Jawa (KJ) in the World Heritage City of Melaka, Malaysia. Methods: A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to conduct this research. The required data was gathered through direct observations, semi-structured and informal interviews with stakeholders and local authorities, as well as a review of available statistical data and maps. A site observation and a questionnaire survey were conducted to examine all the structures in KJ. Results: The research findings revealed that the low land value of buffer zones might be caused by several context-specific conditions, eventually turning them into greyfields. The research recommends a design solution for the area. The research also suggests that certain decisions at the policy-making level, including the involvement of all stakeholders, can be the key to improving the land value and property market within buffer zones.

Introduction: The region of Dakshina Kosala (also known as South Kosala) is mentioned in various ancient Indian texts. The exact geographical boundary has continuously changed over time, and today, only a rough estimate can be made of the Dakshina Kosala region, which approximately covers the northern and central parts of the present-day state of Chhattisgarh, along with the western part of the state of Odisha, India. Excavations and writings show that this was a prosperous region near central India, without any seaport, but with large markets, trade centers, and educational institutions. To access this region, many trade routes were established from various parts of India. This led to the development of cities with markets along these trade routes. Many temples were also seen in this region, serving as examples of the intangible heritage of the place. Purpose of the study: This region made a significant contribution to the temple art and architecture of India. The present study aims to determine if there is a spatial and architectural link between the temples in this region. Methods: The methodology involved an initial phase of reading and analyzing pertinent literature to prepare detailed maps delineating the boundaries of Dakshina Kosala. Subsequently, employing rigorous analysis with Google Earth and GIS tools, ancient trade routes were traced, temples were located on the maps, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted to derive conclusive results. Results: This paper establishes a relationship between the geographical locations and construction materials of the temples within and outside the geographical boundary of Dakshina Kosala.

Introduction: Tropical climate is characterized by high temperature, the consequence of which induces indoor thermal discomfort. This is attributed to high solar gains through various elements of the building envelope, including windows, walls, and roof among others. However, in an attempt to optimize indoor thermal comfort with minimal or no recourse to mechanical installations, this study explores the roles of the walling fabrics by comparing varying thermo-physical properties of two identified masonry units in the study area of Ogbomoso, Nigeria (adobe bricks and hollow sandcrete blocks), with a view to identifying a more thermally comfortable and sustainable material option. The methodology involves virtual models of two similar residential buildings each composed of either adobe bricks or sandcrete blocks, as masonry units. These models were subjected to energy performance simulation analyses using DesignBuilder software, over a 12‑month cycle period, to experience year-round differential thermal conditions. Through the observed comparative annual heat loads as experienced in the models, the results show improved indoor thermal comfort in the brick building (i.e., 7119.54 KWh), with heat loads being 11% lower than that of the sandcrete building (i.e., 8875.65 KWh) due to the brick walling fabric. This may be associated with the brick’s lower thermal conductivity (U-Value) of 1.798 W/m2-K, compared with the sandcrete blocks’ value of 1.999 W/m2-K. Results: In general, adobe bricks as a walling unit exhibit more thermal resistance against the harsh outdoor weather conditions than sandcrete blocks. The study is part of an ongoing effort towards reviving this partially neglected low impact material — adobe brick — with a view to attaining sustainable indoor thermal comfort as well as protect the environment in the study area.

Introduction: During its long and dramatic history, Montenegro has had close political, economic, and cultural ties with Russia. However, in the context of architecture, the connections between these two countries are the least known and explored. Purpose of the study: The present study aims to present for the first time some of the most significant achievements made by Russian architects in the city of Nikšić in Montenegro in the period between the end of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century to a wider professional audience. We present two cases: the project of the Cathedral Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog, which was designed by the architect Mikhail Timofeevich Preobrazhensky, and the project of the Upper Ostrog Monastery, the most significant achievement of the architect Vladimir N. Sukurenko. Methods: The methodological approach required classification and comparison of archival materials through the processes of synthesis, analysis, and deduction. Based on the guidelines of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property of Montenegro, we formed criteria that were used to evaluate the work of the aforementioned architects. The criteria are sorted into three groups. The first group involves building characteristics, where we evaluate authenticity and integrity, degree of preservation, uniqueness, and rarity. In the second group, covering the significance of the building, we assess the historical and scientific significance, archaeological significance, architectural and artistic significance, and technical significance. Finally, in the third group of criteria, we study the age of the buildings, social and economic importance, environmental and landscape importance. Results: Based on our criteria, we find that the Cathedral Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog is a symbol and the most important spatial element of the identity of the city of Nikšić, while the Upper Ostrog Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries in orthodox Christianity, represents the pinnacle of the construction and architectural process.

Introduction: The FEM reduces the problem of structural analysis for various building structures to the formation and solution of a system of linear algebraic equations. For this purpose, there are techniques available for obtaining FE stiffness and flexibility matrices where the main structural deformation characteristics are taken into account. However, the FEM can also be considered as a special case of the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of the required functions. In the functional of full potential deformation energy with regard to the considered structure, all adopted stress-strain state characteristics are taken into account. Since it is difficult or impossible to find continuous approximation functions both in the classic version of the Ritz method and in the Bubnov–Galerkin method for some types of edge restraint in such building structures as beams, slabs, or shells, it is possible to use the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of the required functions (by analogy with the FEM). This paper presents a method of such calculations using slab calculations as an example. It is shown that, due to introducing some notations (operators), the process of finding the coefficients of the system of linear algebraic equations creates no difficulties and is easily programmable. The proposed method is not an alternative to the FEM, which is the most effective numerical method for the calculation of complex three-dimensional building structures. Purpose of the study: We aimed to create a method for calculating slabs by the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of the deflection function for edge restraint cases when it is difficult or impossible to find continuous approximation functions in the classic version of the Ritz method and the Bubnov–Galerkin method. Methods: Based on the application of the Ritz variational method in the discrete approximation of displacements for slab calculation, all the basic relations for rectangular finite elements with 12 degrees of freedom are obtained, and an algorithm for forming the coefficients of the system of linear algebraic equations is developed. Results: For the first time, the solution by the Ritz method in the discrete approximation of slab displacements is obtained for the case when two edges of the slab are rigidly restrained and other two edges are free. In this case, the correct solution of the above problem is possible only with the use of the proposed method and FEM. For the test problem, we performed a comparison of the results of the calculation using the proposed method with the results using the classic Ritz method, which showed their very close agreement. The accuracy of the obtained results was assessed.