Built Environment Research Articles

Optimization of building thermal environment and VR industrial heritage landscape design enhanced by computer vision algorithms

With the acceleration of urbanization, the optimization of thermal environment of buildings has become an important topic to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. This paper aims to enhance the optimization of building thermal environment through computer vision algorithm, and explore its application in VR industrial heritage landscape design, so as to achieve the dual goals of building energy conservation and cultural inheritance. In this study, advanced computer vision technology is used to monitor and analyze the thermal performance of buildings in real time. Through the construction of thermal environment model, combined with deep learning algorithm to extract building thermal energy data, and use VR technology for visual display, so as to provide scientific basis for design decisions. The research objects include several representative industrial heritage buildings, and analyze their thermal energy consumption characteristics and optimization potential. The results show that the application of the computer vision algorithm reduces the heat loss of the building and significantly improves the energy efficiency. At the same time, the VR visual model intuitively shows the design effect after thermal optimization, enhancing the communication and understanding between designers and stakeholders. Therefore, the combination of computer vision and VR technology can effectively improve the optimization ability of building thermal environment and promote the sustainable design and operation of traditional industrial heritage.

Electrochemistry of Phase-Change Materials in Thermal Energy Storage Systems: A Critical Review of Green Transitions in Built Environments

This article reviews recent research on phase-change materials (PCMs) used in thermal energy storage systems with the aim of enhancing their performance. The study explores various methods to improve heat transfer in PCMs, such as microencapsulation, infill materials, fins and nanofluids. Additionally, it evaluates techniques to boost heat transfer in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems and investigates ways to increase thermal conductivity using porous and low-density materials. PCMs store thermal energy, making them suitable for use in solar energy systems when solar energy is not available. The need for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional heating and cooling in global construction and the significant energy consumption of buildings has driven research on this topic. As such, this study additionally examines current advancements in free cooling systems with latent heat storage to identify the key factors affecting their effectiveness. The findings show that using PCMs for overnight cooling maintains the room temperature within the comfort zone and reduces the cooling loads in various climates. Using machine learning methods, this study also compares recent advancements in the use of PCMs in various solar energy systems, including solar thermal power plants, solar air purifiers, solar water heaters and solar appliances. Results derived feature key factors crucial for the optimal selection of PCMs and the challenges associated with sustainable green transitions in built environments. HIGHLIGHTS This review provides an in-depth examination of PCM thermal energy storage systems. This study investigates the use of fillers, nanofluids, and nanoparticles for enhanced heat transfer. Analytical methods for boosting the PCM thermal conductivity are briefly outlined. Geometric design and thermal conductivity enhancement affect the Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES). The assessment also evaluates advanced free-cooling systems using the LHTES. PCMs help to store heat energy in solar systems and bridge supply gaps. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Digital Design Quality Management: The Theory of Faults

Built environment and infrastructure designs are produced in complex information systems. Managing this complexity poses a significant challenge; data scarcity and bias are substantial obstacles. This paper addresses the gap in data availability by mining building information modeling (BIM) meta-databases. Two case study databases are studied and assessed through various analytical tools, including network modeling, statistics, entropy, fast Fourier transform (fft), and information constraint (IC). Through analytical and empirical investigation, insights into the morphology, characteristics, failures, causes, and trajectories of design information systems are derived, showcasing that complex systems can be retroactively deciphered and predicted to a certain extent. This study acknowledges design errors as social and psychological phenomena and proposes behavioristic and systemic remedies for addressing design faults. Applying design quality-control management tools, risk assessment, and responsibility allocation becomes feasible, enabling proactive and real-time corrective actions. This research contributes a theoretical framework and practical methodologies as well as the application of data analysis tools to design quality control management, addressing both the information gap and the complexity challenge.

Social Determinants of Health in Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review.

There is growing interest in social determinants of health for surgical populations. Within diverticulitis, no systematic collation of available evidence has been performed. To assess frequency, variety, and association directions for social determinants of health in colonic diverticular disease. Four electronic databases were queried: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science. Included studies reported symptomatic left-sided colonic diverticular disease with respect to a social determinant of health according to the Healthy People 2030 initiative or applicable proxy variable. Studies with non-English full text, cohort size fewer than 50, pediatric cohorts, and exclusively non-left sided disease were excluded. Quality assessment through modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale, frequency of variables reported, and effect size trends for common comparisons. Among 50 included studies, 40 were good and 10 were fair in quality. Social determinants of health in diverticulitis were identified across Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Health Care Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Social and Community Context domains. The two most common variables were self-reported race and ethnicity (n = 33) and insurance (n = 22). Among 18 unique studies reporting comparisons of white versus any other self-reported race and ethnicity, twelve identified a disparity disadvantaging non-white groups with effect sizes (95% confidence interval ranging from 1.23 [1.10 -1.37] to 5.35 [1.32 - 21.61]). Among 15 unique studies reporting a non-private versus private insurance comparison, nine identified non-private insurance as a risk factor with effect sizes (95% confidence intervals ranging from 1.15 [1.02 - 1.29] to 3.83 [3.01 - 4.87]). Retrospective studies, heterogeneity across cohort and variable definitions. Social determinants of health domains are associated with a variety of diverticulitis outcomes. Additional studies are needed to address infrequently reported domains and identify optimal strategies for intervening in clinical settings. CRD42023422606.

Digital Twin Technology in Built Environment: A Review of Applications, Capabilities and Challenges

Digital Twin (DT) technology is a pivotal innovation within the built environment industry, facilitating digital transformation through advanced data integration and analytics. DTs have demonstrated significant benefits in building design, construction, and asset management, including optimising lifecycle energy use, enhancing operational efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, and improving user adaptability. By integrating real-time data from IoT sensors with advanced analytics, DTs provide dynamic and actionable insights for better decision-making and resource management. Despite these promising benefits, several challenges impede the widespread adoption of DT technology, such as technological integration, data consistency, organisational adaptation, and cybersecurity concerns. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration, standardisation of data formats, and the development of universal design and development platforms for DTs. This paper provides a comprehensive review of DT definitions, applications, capabilities, and challenges within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries. This paper provides important insights for researchers and professionals, helping them gain a more comprehensive and detailed view of DT. The findings also demonstrate the significant impact that DTs can have on this sector, contributing to advancing DT implementations and promoting sustainable and efficient building management practices. Ultimately, DT technology is set to revolutionise the AEC industries by enabling autonomous, data-driven decision-making and optimising building operations for enhanced productivity and performance.

Hygienic problems of using terahertz electromagnetic radiation (literature review)

The purpose of the work is to review and analyze domestic and foreign scientific works, systematize the scope of application of terahertz electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to determine hygienic problems in the field of health risk prevention in the development and use of modern radioelectronic devices. The literature search was conducted on the databases: eLibrary, Web of Science, and fifty. During the study of scientific literature, from over fifty works were analyzed, there 36 sources were selected 36 sources corresponded to the purpose of the study. Today, the urgent tasks are to predict the parameters of a complex electromagnetic environment in open areas and inside buildings using mobile communication standards 4, 5 and 6G, scientific justification of hygienic standards for the combined effects of the electromagnetic factor, methodological approaches to monitoring EMR levels, including the development of domestic selective EMR meters in a wide range of frequencies (radio frequency and terahertz ranges)

LiDAR and CAD Reconstruction of Queen's University Ontario Hall

The emergence of highly accurate LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has opened new avenues for engaging with and understanding cultural heritage sites. How do we convert buildings like Ontario Hall into editable 3D models to engage various stakeholders in a campus setting? This initiative developed from the goal of MobArch (Queen's Mobile Laboratory for the study of Architecture and the Built Environment) to use non-invasive visualization technologies to understand the social, developmental, and environmental impacts upon our built environment and architectural past. Current initiatives involving LiDAR for heritage conservation investigate hidden aspects of sites or address structural disrepair. The Ontario Hall project uniquely documents the state of a heritage building before structural concerns arise. This project creates an accurate digital record of Ontario Hall for future infrastructure initiatives and cultural preservation. In addition, this project tests the limits of LiDAR with 3D reconstruction in CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. This project used the Leica RTC360 3D Laser Scanner to create over 300 scans with a point cloud density of 6mm. The resulting cloud was optimized using Leica Cyclone Register 360 Plus software and was imported to Sketch Up where a 3D model was manually reconstructed based on the cloud data. The result of this project is a SKP file containing the 3D model, and the point cloud. The cloud is a highly accurate resource for future infrastructure projects. The 3D model contains room volumes, windows, staircases, and external architectural elements in a more edit-friendly software environment allowing diverse stakeholders to creatively reimagine Ontario Hall. The model can be integrated into archives, websites, games, and VR. Heritage architecture can contribute to the marketing appeal and visual identity of Queen’s. Moreover, awareness of community heritage improves social wellbeing and addresses the need to connect with our built history.

3D Cementitious composites printing with pretreated recycled crumb rubber: mechanical and acoustic insulation properties

ABSTRACT Cementitious materials incorporating recycled crumb rubber have become a common sustainable resolution in diverse building environments to achieve various functions in terms of lightweight, ductility, as well as energy absorption. This study explored the 3D printed rubberised cementitious composites (3DPRC) in two aspects: examining the effects of crumb rubber pretreatment conditions on compressive properties; conducting experimental and numerical analysis on the acoustic dissipation characteristics of 3DPRC. Fine crumb rubber granules (3-5 mm) replaced 10%, 20%, and 30% of river sand in the composites. Uniaxial compression tests indicated that the compressive strength of 3DPRC decreased with the increase of crumb rubber content and introduced anisotropic behaviour. Impedance tube tests were conducted to evaluate the sound absorption and insulation capabilities of 3DPRC. An optimal Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) of 0.35 was achieved with 30% crumb rubber. The sound insulation properties depend strongly on the mass density and porosity of the 3DPRC. Additionally, it is proved that the volume of built-in air gap has positive effects on both sound absorption and insulation properties. The results from Finite Element Method (FEM) numerical simulations correlated well with experimental data, proving the efficiency of the simulation and validating the experimental results.

Digital Twins in 3D Printing Processes Using Artificial Intelligence

Digital twins (DTs) provide accurate, data-driven, real-time modeling to create a digital representation of the physical world. The integration of new technologies, such as virtual/mixed reality, artificial intelligence, and DTs, enables modeling and research into ways to achieve better sustainability, greater efficiency, and improved safety in Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies. This paper discusses concepts, limitations, future trends, and potential research directions to provide the infrastructure and underlying intelligence for large-scale semi-automated DT building environments. Grouping these technologies along these lines allows for a better consideration of their individual risk factors and use of available data, resulting in an approach to generate holistic virtual representations (DTs) to facilitate predictive analyses in industrial practices. Artificial intelligence-based DTs are becoming a new tool for monitoring, simulating, and optimizing systems, and the widespread implementation and mastery of this technology will lead to significant improvements in performance, reliability, and profitability. Despite advances, the aforementioned technology still requires research, improvement, and investment. This article’s contribution is a concept that, if adopted instead of the traditional approach, can become standard practice rather than an advanced operation and can accelerate this development.

Closing the City Cycle: An Approach for Defining Cross-Sectoral Circular Actions to Be Included in a Circular Urban Plan

The topic of the circular economy and its potential applications to urban areas is currently widely discussed as it is seen as a possible solution to the state of environmental, economic, and social unsustainability resulting from the previous consumption model. However, although many contributions focus on one or more key sectors affecting the urban environment (Mobility, Waste, Built Environment, Water, Energy, and Food), few attempts address the topic comprehensively, promoting a broad vision that encompasses all sectors and evaluates their interrelation. This paper aims to meet this need by first providing an overview of the topic of circular cities, best practices, and circular actions, and subsequently defining a synergistic methodological framework of intersectoral circular actions that considers the interrelation of the various key sectors and that can be used as a tool to contribute to the overall closure of the urban cycle of a city. The city of Genoa is proposed as a case study for a first application. This research should be incorporated into a possible Urban Circular Action Plan aimed at implementing current international strategies.

Inclusivity in Physical and Digital Theater Environments

Today, there is a problem with the organization of inclusivity in theatrical institutions, which becomes very significant for groups of people with increased needs, when the lack of certain solutions and the inability, for one reason or another, directly affects the attendance of people with limited mobility.Purpose: The aim of this work is to explore the possibility and methods of organizing inclusivity in theatrical space using up-to-date technologies such as VR, AR, metauniverse, etc. Methodology: The analysis of modern research projects related to reorientation of design and construction to the inclusivity and well-being of the architectural environment of buildings and identification of the main criteria, tools and alternative solutions. The use of high technologies in theaters are considered using real-life projects.Research findings: The main criteria are identified for reorientation of design to architecture that consider increased needs of citizens. Focusing on existing theater projects, the possibility of using virtual and augmented reality technologies and metaverses, is determined for the theater space.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Emerging Technologies on Student Learning, Engagement, and Employability in Built Environment Education

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the impact of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and gamification on student engagement, learning outcomes, and employability in Built Environment (BE) education. This review covers studies conducted between 2013 and 2023, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. From an initial pool of 626 studies, 61 were identified and rigorously analyzed. The findings reveal that these technologies significantly enhance student engagement by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Furthermore, their use is shown to improve learning outcomes by facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts and increasing student motivation. In terms of employability, the integration of digital tools into BE education equips students with the requisite skills that are increasingly demanded in the modern workplace. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including high costs, limited resources, and the need for extensive faculty training, which act as barriers to the effective implementation of these technologies. Despite these challenges, this review underscores the transformative potential of digital technologies in BE education. This study is significant as it synthesizes recent evidence to highlight the critical role of digital technologies in reshaping BE education. It offers practical recommendations for educators and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning practices. Providing pathways for integrating these technologies into BE curricula, this study aims to inform future research and pedagogical strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

A Framework for Measuring Neighborhood Walkability for Older Adults-A Delphi Consensus Study.

While mobility in older age is of crucial importance for health and well-being, it is worth noting that currently, there is no German language framework for measuring walkability for older adults that also considers the functional status of a person. Therefore, we combined the results of an expert workshop, a literature review, and a Delphi consensus survey. Through this, we identified and rated indicators relevant for walkability for older adults, additionally focusing on their functional status. The expert workshop and the review led to an extensive list of potential indicators, which we hope will be useful in future research. Those indicators were then adapted and rated in a three-stage Delphi expert survey. A fourth additional Delphi round was conducted to assess the relevance of each indicator for the different frailty levels, namely "robust," "pre-frail," and "frail." Between 20 and 28 experts participated in each round of the Delphi survey. The Delphi process resulted in a list of 72 indicators deemed relevant for walkability in older age groups, grouped into three main categories: "Built environment and transport infrastructure," "Accessibility and meeting places," and "Attractiveness and sense of security." For 35 of those indicators, it was suggested that functional status should be additionally considered. This framework represents a significant step forward in comprehensively covering indicators for subjective and objective walkability in older age, while also incorporating aspects of functioning relevant to older adults. It would be beneficial to test and apply the indicator set in a community setting.

Association between Built Environment and Bus Usage among Older Adults: Urban–Rural Differences in the Nonlinearities

Public transport improves mobility and well-being for the rapidly aging population. However, few planning interventions have addressed the urban–rural disparity in bus usage among older adults. Using data from Zhongshan, China, this study adopts the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model to examine urban–rural differences in the nonlinear relationship between built environment and daily bus usage among elderly adults. The results indicate nonlinearities across all built environment variables and stronger effects of the built environment in rural areas. Distance to transit contributes the most in urban neighborhoods but least in rural ones. Furthermore, dwelling unit density and green space accessibility play the biggest roles in the rural context. Additionally, the most effective ranges of intersection density, land use mixture, and CBD accessibility are greater in rural areas. The findings facilitate fine-grained and diversified planning interventions to facilitate bus usage among older adults in both urban and rural areas.

The Best Practices for Designing Built Environments to Promote Healthy Food Access and Dietary Behaviors in Low-Income and Underserved Communities

Background: The built environment can influence health outcomes, including access to good dietary options. Aims: The current study intends to thoroughly evaluate the literature on best practices for building environments that promote healthy food access and nutritional behaviors in low-income and underserved communities in Indonesia. Method: To discover relevant studies on this topic, a thorough literature review was done using databases from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus extracting. Result: The final analysis included 32 studies after removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracting and assessing data from the chosen research and thematic synthesis was applied. The data was extracted and processed into a detailed narrative that provided an overview of the best practices. Conclusion: According to the findings of the literature study, built environment design can have a considerable impact on healthy food availability and eating patterns in Indonesian communities. It might be possible to develop effective interventions that enhance health outcomes for all Indonesians by addressing these gaps in the evidence.

Built Environment at Fifty: Perspectives, Landmarks, and Prospects

<i>Built Environment</i> at Fifty: Perspectives, Landmarks, and Prospects

Psychological Needs in the Built Environment

We assume that the built space—as part of the physical environment—has the power to affect basic human need fulfillment. Accordingly, we investigated how design features of the built space within a physical environment contribute to this effect. In two studies, we used computer-aided design to manipulate the degree of privacy, clutter, and biophilia as well as color temperature of the environment in study spaces, then measured need fulfillment (total N = 314). In Study 1A, participants (N = 260) felt more inclined to enter private study environments than nonprivate ones and felt more competent, autonomous, and related to others in private environments. Some participants (n = 227) continued on to Study 1B, in which they preferred to enter warm, cluttered, biophilic environments and felt more competent, autonomous, and related to others in warm and cluttered environments. In Study 2 (N = 54), we investigated the effects in a virtual reality office setting. The participants indicated that they felt more competent, autonomous, and related to others in more cluttered environments than in empty ones. At the same time, they felt more related to others in biophilic environments compared to nonbiophilic environments. The findings provide the first evidence that the built environment affects need fulfillment.

Investigating the Spatiotemporal Pattern between Street Vitality in Historic Cities and Built Environments Using Multisource Data in Chaozhou, China

Investigating the Spatiotemporal Pattern between Street Vitality in Historic Cities and Built Environments Using Multisource Data in Chaozhou, China

Abstract P362: The Associations of Neighborhood Social and Built Environments with Ambulatory Blood Pressures in Young Adults of the Georgia Stress and Heart Cohort

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is an assessment method in which BP measurements are taken at regular intervals when individuals are awake and asleep, during a typical 24-hour period. Thus, ABPM is an accurate and effective way to measure BP. Neighborhood social and built environments play an important role in health, which were previously associated with cardiovascular risk factors. However, the effects of neighborhood social and built environments on ABPM is understudied, particularly among young adults and African Americans. The current study aimed to investigate the cross-sectional associations between neighborhood social and built environments and ABPM in our Georgia Stress and Heart Cohort consisting of 543 participants, aged 29.1 ± 3.6 years, 49.7% African American and 51.2% female. There were found to be consistent positive associations of neighborhood social and built environments with 24-hour systolic BP (SBP), 24-hour diastolic BP (DBP), daytime SBP, daytime DBP, nighttime SBP, and nighttime DBP ( p ≤0.01, respectively), after the adjustment for age, race and sex. Neighborhood factors such as Median Household Income and College Graduation held the negative associations with measurements of 24-hour SBP, 24-hour DBP daytime SBP, daytime DBP, nighttime SBP, nighttime DBP, and 24-hour SBP ( p ≤0.01, respectively). This study is one of the first to report the relationship between neighborhood social and built environments and ABP, particularly in young adults and African Americans residing in the US southeastern region. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to further support the findings of the current study.

Achieving Integration between Wooden Claddings and Architecture to Enhance the Interior Environment of Buildings

Achieving Integration between Wooden Claddings and Architecture to Enhance the Interior Environment of Buildings