Renovation Design Research Articles

Older Adults' Needs and Wishes for Contact With the Outdoors at Residential Care Facilities: Implications for Theory and Practice.

Aim: This qualitative study aimed to explore needs and wishes of older adults concerning their perceived need for contact with outdoor environments at residential care facilities (RCFs) and what implications it has for theory and practice. Background: There is increased awareness of the importance of health-promoting everyday environments for persons with special needs. Therefore, it is important to include the experiences of older adults at RCFs in research. Methods: Twelve older adults from three Swedish RCFs participated in semistructured walking interviews. Results: Two categories were identified concerning the needs and wishes of older adults for contact with outdoor environments. The first category, Outdoor environments as part of everyday life, describes aspects of normality linked to outdoor stays at RCFs. The second category, Getting outdoors in practice, describes supportive and hindering aspects of outdoor stays, as well as accessibility regarding different body positions and access to personal support. Conclusion: It was found in this study that the needs and wishes of older adults are important to consider to increase their opportunities for outdoor stays. Their needs and wishes could also be included in briefs and programs for the design and planning of new construction or refurbishment of RCFs. The results of the study can serve as the basis for further discussions concerning older adults' outdoor stays and the accessibility of outdoor environments. Further, the results are intended to facilitate practical knowledge that is useful for care workers and managers at RCFs and to support decision makers, property developers, architects, and planners.

Design process of ruins of the Great East Japan Earthquake: Nakahama Elementary School

PurposeThis study clarifies the design process for preserving and opening Nakahama Elementary School, damaged in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, to the public in 2020 as a museum facility that allows visitors to view the interior and learn about what was experienced here on March 11, 2011.Design/methodology/approachThere are several unique aspects of the processes for preserving Nakahama Elementary School and the design for reopening it as a disaster ruins and museum facility. This paper explains the significances of the processes and results and provides detailed insights from involvement in the design process and includes a detailed chronology of the process. It also deals with important questions raised regarding the preservation of disaster remains and what lessons should be conveyed to visitors based on the reality of the disaster experience on this site.FindingsOver 10 years, storytelling, committee recommendations, a master plan, regulations and renovation design were developed through a layered, step-by-step process to determine the meaning of the ruins. Rather than emphasizing earthquake threats or reconstruction achievements, it was important to understand the latent meaning of the site through stakeholder discussions, capture details of the disaster experience for visitors to relive and express the region’s unique disaster culture.Originality/valueThis original case study comprehensively describes administrative procedures and community relationships in preserving and utilizing disaster remains. As the author served on the initial study committee and continued to be responsible for the basic planning, architectural renovation design, exhibition planning and actual production of the guidebooks, the paper presents rare insights from the real experience of practical involvement in the planning and design process of the preservation of this heritage site.

Multi-objective optimization of rural residential envelopes in cold regions of China based on performance and economic efficiency

Building envelope renovation solutions are critical to building performance and post-renovation economics. Building renovation is easier to carry out if the impacts of building envelope renovation solutions on building performance and post-renovation economic efficiency can be foreseen and a more sustainable and efficient renovation design can be achieved. This paper explores the optimal design of building envelope renovation using genetic optimization algorithms and statistical analysis methods, taking the performance of the renovated building and the economic efficiency of the renovation solution as the starting points. In Qingdao, a cold region of China, a survey was carried out on typical rural areas in seven regions. The selected design variables include the external wall and roof insulation material type(TWall, TRoof), external wall and roof insulation thickness(δWall, δRoof), type of window construction(TWc), and area radio of the window to the wall(WWR). Minimization of total building energy consumption(E) and renovation cost(COSTRE) and after renovation maximization of the combined incremental cost-benefit ratio over a 20-year life cycle(CICBR20-year life-cycle), effective natural daylighting illuminance(UDI), and percentage of time spent in indoor comfort(PTC) were considered in the optimization of the envelope. The results show that in cold regions, different envelope renovation solutions affect the optimization objectives to different degrees; changing the south-facing window-to-wall ratio(S_WWR) has a bigger effect on E, PTC, and UDI; and choosing different TRoof has a bigger effect on COSTRE and CICBR20-year life-cycle. Renovation of the selected typical rural residence with the optimal solution results in an energy-saving rate(Re) of 53.08 %, an increase of 940.86 h/year in annual indoor comfort hours(HIC) and 377.00 h/year in annual effective natural lighting hours(HUDI).

Research on the protection of and renewal strategies for historic buildings in the ancient city of Liaocheng based on multisource data

ABSTRACT Historic buildings play an important role in studying the evolution of urban history. However, fast urbanisation has proposed challenges to maintaining its vitality. These challenges highlight the importance of identifying solutions for the revitalisation of historic buildings. Therefore, this paper aims to explore solutions for the revitalisation of historic buildings in the ancient city of Liaocheng. A comprehensive evaluation of the existing eight unused historic buildings was conducted using the building adaptive reuse potential method to determine the potential for renovation design and the priority of reuse. Simultaneously, the Reach value, core density, and correlation of supporting facilities within the ancient city were analysed based on GIS technology and urban network analysis tools. Based on the evaluation, strategies for functional transformation and optimisation of surrounding facilities are proposed to provide a reference plan for the sustainable development of historic buildings in the ancient city of Liaocheng.

Jilin city central wastewater treatment plant renovation design scheme

Jilin City is one of the top ten famous Chinese cities worth introducing to the world. To further improve the construction of urban infrastructure and meet the needs of the economic and social development of Jilin City, the Jilin City Government Joint Development and Reform Commission and the Ecological Environment Bureau decided to expand and renovate the former Jilin City wastewater treatment plant. This study designs a wastewater treatment plant by comprehensively considering the policy needs and the local basic background characteristics of Jilin to solve the wastewater overflow problem. The design modified the anaerobic tank and Carroussel oxidation ditch processes, which have more advantages than traditional treatment processes, mainly including better BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency, less power consumption, and lower operating costs. This treatment plant design contains two special characteristics: the design considers the overall plan and pipeline layout of the wastewater treatment plant, and the size data of each module are calculated through theoretical study conforming to the real case.

A discussion on the application of green building materials in the renovation of buildings

With the continuous improvement of peoples living standards, enhancing living conditions has gradually become a consensus for many. In addition to choosing new construction, the renovation of some old buildings has also gradually become a topic of discussion. In the process of building renovation, the selection of building materials has become a general concern. Green building materials are gradually entering the public eye, and green buildings have become a widely favored type of construction. The use of green building materials has become a trend. This paper, through introducing the concept, necessity, and characteristic advantages of green building materials, takes the example of the renovation design of an expert reception center to explore the feasibility of using green building materials in six aspects: building doors and windows, energy-saving glass, building walls, building insulation materials, decorative materials, and wood structure materials.

Optimization and Renovation Design of Indoor Thermal Environment in Traditional Houses in Northeast Sichuan (China)—A Case Study of a Three-Section Courtyard House

The three-section courtyard is the most representative traditional residence in the traditional villages in northeast Sichuan. As a unique cultural landscape, it carries the local historical style and cultural connotation. However, the high temperature weather in summer leads to a poor thermal environment in traditional residential buildings, which cannot meet the needs of building users for human thermal comfort, and the wall is the most critical factor affecting the indoor thermal environment. Therefore, to optimise the indoor thermal environment of traditional residential buildings, this study designed four groups of wall renovation schemes according to the original traditional residential buildings and modern technology, and simulated and verified the feasibility of the building renovation schemes by using Design Builder. Then, the four groups of wall renovation schemes were compared and tested based on the Design Builder. Comparative results of the thermal-performance evaluation index revealed that compared with Case 1 and Case 2, the building refrigeration energy consumption of Case 3 in the hottest week was the least, only 427.7 kW·h, which indicates that the external wall renovation scheme using aerated concrete blocks had the best thermal insulation and energy-saving effects. The cooling energy consumption of Case 4 in the hottest week was 422 kW·h, which was 4.3 kW·h less than that of Case 3, indicating that the wall renovation scheme with an air inter-layer had better thermal insulation and energy-saving effects. The refrigeration energy consumption of Case 7 in the hottest week was only 409.8 kW·h, which was 4.19% lower than Case 3 (without insulation material), indicating that the scheme of selecting central insulation and extruded polystyrene board (XPS) had better thermal insulation and energy-saving effects in practical projects. In summary, the above transformation scheme not only improves the indoor thermal environment of traditional residential buildings, but also provides guidance for architectural designers on green, energy-saving and sustainable design.

Green and energy-saving ecological renovation design of buildings based on energy consumption monitoring data

Green and energy-saving ecological renovation design of buildings based on energy consumption monitoring data

Exploring the Pedagogical Paradigm of “Practice of Transformation and Renovation Design” Course through Collaborative Academic Endeavors

Collaborative academic endeavors between local governments and universities can leverage their respective strengths, facilitate talent development and resource sharing, and reflect win-win situations for both the institutions and the local communities. Practical courses in the field of environmental design occupy crucial positions in academic training, requiring close ties between regional authorities and enterprises to align with social demands and industry development. This approach can enable the cultivation of innovative and versatile professionals and promote the growth of the field. This paper takes the Practice of Transformation and Renovation Design course as an example to explore the pedagogical paradigm of student skill development through collaborative academic endeavors. The research will provide valuable insights for the construction of practical courses in environmental design.

METAMORPHOSIS: A DIGITAL APPROACH TO TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES THROUGH PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND METAVERSE

Abstract. This research employs a digital strategy to counter rural population decline and urban migration by integrating drone photogrammetry, metaverse, and blockchain technology. The focus is creating detailed 3D models of the settlements, which are subsequently optimized for metaverse platforms such as Voxels and Mona. Voxels facilitates participatory design, utilizing voxel parcels and Rhino- Grasshopper to involve all the stakeholders for renovation design work. Mona transforms parameterized projects into an immersive virtual experience, fuelled by blockchain technology, providing non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces and economic transitions. These virtual and real realms serve purposes such as decision-making, cultural preservation, economy generation, and virtual tourism, fostering rural revival, virtual economy, and digital representation of real-world environments.

A Mixed Reality Design System for Interior Renovation: Inpainting with 360-Degree Live Streaming and Generative Adversarial Networks after Removal

In contemporary society, “Indoor Generation” is becoming increasingly prevalent, and spending long periods of time indoors affects well-being. Therefore, it is essential to research biophilic indoor environments and their impact on occupants. When it comes to existing building stocks, which hold significant social, economic, and environmental value, renovation should be considered before new construction. Providing swift feedback in the early stages of renovation can help stakeholders achieve consensus. Additionally, understanding proposed plans can greatly enhance the design of indoor environments. This paper presents a real-time system for architectural designers and stakeholders that integrates mixed reality (MR), diminished reality (DR), and generative adversarial networks (GANs). The system enables the generation of interior renovation drawings based on user preferences and designer styles via GANs. The system’s seamless integration of MR, DR, and GANs provides a unique and innovative approach to interior renovation design. MR and DR technologies then transform these 2D drawings into immersive experiences that help stakeholders evaluate and understand renovation proposals. In addition, we assess the quality of GAN-generated images using full-reference image quality assessment (FR-IQA) methods. The evaluation results indicate that most images demonstrate moderate quality. Almost all objects in the GAN-generated images can be identified by their names and purposes without any ambiguity or confusion. This demonstrates the system’s effectiveness in producing viable renovation visualizations. This research emphasizes the system’s role in enhancing feedback efficiency during renovation design, enabling stakeholders to fully evaluate and understand proposed renovations.

Optimization and Renovation Design Strategies for Existing Hotels in Urban Renewal—Taking Jinan Great Wall Building as an Example

Optimization and Renovation Design Strategies for Existing Hotels in Urban Renewal—Taking Jinan Great Wall Building as an Example

Exploration of Renewal and Renovation Design of Historical and Cultural Protection Areas Based on Smart Cities

Exploration of Renewal and Renovation Design of Historical and Cultural Protection Areas Based on Smart Cities

Research on the Spatial Renovation Design of the 798 Art District and Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art Guided by Gordon Cullen’s Methodology

This research analyzes the spatial renovation of Beijing's 798 Art District and the Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art (UCCA), using Gordon Cullen's urban design principles. It examines the transition of the 798 District from an industrial complex to an art hub, highlighting its alignment with Cullen's concepts like 'serial vision' and 'sense of place'. This transformation blends industrial heritage with contemporary art to create a dynamic environment. The study also looks at how UCCA's spatial redesigns have enhanced its sense of place and visitor experience, in line with Cullen's principles. A comparative analysis between the 798 District and UCCA shows the synergy of old industrial elements with modern artistic interventions, respecting historical context. The study discusses how design elements in these spaces align with Cullen's vision, emphasizing the importance of these methodologies in urban redevelopment and cultural heritage preservation. This paper contributes to understanding sustainable urban redevelopment and the application of urban design theories.

Research on the Design Methods for Green Renovation of Existing Buildings in Lingnan Region

China’s urbanization has entered a new stage with the promotion of “Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals” and “Urban Renewal Strategy”. Problems such as poor comfort, high energy consumption and unreasonable functions of existing buildings have attracted extensive attention from society. The climate-adapted human environment created by traditional buildings in the Lingnan region offers insights for the green transformation of buildings in this area. This paper summarizes the wisdom from the climate-adaptive construction of traditional buildings in Lingnan region, and proposes a green transformation design scheme that meets the requirements of energy efficiency and comfort, which provides a reference for the green renovation design of existing buildings.

Qiao borrow "shape" potential —— Building renovation design based on traditional dwellings in northern Guangxi

The northern Guangxi region has beautiful scenery, and its special landform type and the cultural characteristics of multi-ethnic settlement give birth to the traditional architectural culture with distinct regional characteristics. The traditional dry dwellings in northern Guangxi take advantage of the landscape through the wooden pillars, so that the building is no longer restricted by the foundation of the house, and forms settlements between the complex landscape. Through the analysis of the structure vocabulary, the relationship between the building monomer and the mountain and the layout of the building settlement, this paper explores the out the path of integrating the abstract landscape environment view into the concrete architectural design, in order to enlighten the modern activation of the traditional residential buildings in northern Guangxi.

Research on Lighting Environment Design Strategies in Obstetric Spaces Based on the Whole Process of Natural Childbirth: A Case Study of Labour, Delivery, and Recovery Rooms in Xiamen Lotus Hospital

This study is based on the analysis of the behaviour and emotional characteristics of parturient women during the natural delivery stage. It also combines on-site lighting environment investigations and questionnaire interviews with postpartum women in the maternity ward of Xiamen Lotus Hospital. Based on the results, it proposes indoor lighting environment renovation design plans, as well as parameter suggestions for different scenarios (pre-delivery mode, delivery mode, delivery completion mode, postpartum mode). Finally, it summarizes the lighting design strategies for LDR delivery rooms based on the entire process of natural childbirth for parturient women. These strategies include pre-delivery lighting to meet visual comfort, emotional lighting to promote delivery, and soothinglighting environment for postpartum recovery, also aiming to provide references for lighting design in other obstetric spaces.

Development of an early design tool for the sustainability assessment of positive energy districts: methodology, implementation and case-studies

The concept of Positive Energy District is one of the research ideas that embody the ambitions of decarbonization, renovation (both literal and in a wider perspective) and inclusivity for the urban environment portrayed in the EU activities. In this framework, the paper presents a modeling and simulation tool which allows for an early-design depth to be applied in the field of Positive Energy Districts renovation design and integrated performance assessment. The work aims at creating a tool for stakeholders and designers that would allow them to: a) Calculate carbon impacts along the life cycle for different technical systems and materials used for retrofitting; b) Compute use stage carbon emissions, including import-export of electricity; c) Computations of PED carbon emission balances, along the expected useful life of the district computing both embodied and the use stage carbon emissions. The tool has been created as a spreadsheet including typical profiles of energy use per building archetype, with the inclusion of available and free Life Cycle Assessment data within the life cycle carbon assessment and aims at jointly developing use stage and life cycle considerations. It was tested on a district case studies in the EU.

Research on the Design of Experiential Renovation of Rural Residential Buildings in Inner Mongolia

This research explores the experiential renovation design for rural residential buildings in Inner Mongolia, aiming to revitalize rural areas and develop the tourism industry while preserving traditional culture. It incorporates literature review, field study, and case analysis to explore design principles, strategies, and practices applicable to the region. The overview of rural dwellings in Inner Mongolia emphasizes geographical variation, ethnicity, ecological adaptability, use of local materials, architectural forms, spatial layout, and symbolic meanings. The proposed design principles prioritize respect for tradition, environmental sustainability, enhanced comfort and practicality, integration of modern technology, fostering regional interaction, and improving the tourism experience. Two case studies illustrate the pre-renovation analysis, design schemes, and effects of renovating a village residence in Tengke and a yurt tourism village in Tsarsen. The schemes involve preserving traditional features, adopting green technologies, adding modern facilities, and enhancing visitor experiences. Suggestions for operation and management include exploring operation modes, integrating tourism resources, promoting community participation, implementing effective marketing strategies, providing training programs, establishing supervision mechanisms, and conducting evaluations. The research acknowledges limitations and proposes future research directions, including further exploration of rural dwelling diversity, integration with other fields, practical exploration, sustainability considerations, and in-depth study of operation and management mechanisms.

Post-pandemic Office Spaces:

This research investigated renovation considerations and design strategies for post-pandemic, hybrid office environment within an academic institution. The focus was on two case-study office spaces that are part of the same organization at the University of Utah, where the existing physical space was insufficient for future growth and non-functional for its novel, hybrid work mode structure. The objective was to evaluate the physical conditions of the existing office spaces, to investigate the employees’ working patterns and office culture, and to propose renovation strategies that would meet both the current and the projected future needs that support a hybrid work structure. The study was based on mixed-mode research methods, which included qualitative and quantitative methods. Qualitative methods included archival and empirical research of the existing office space conditions, as well as users’ input through online survey and focus group interviews. Using the latest, as-built construction drawings and current state photographs, 3D BIM models of each of the two office wings were developed, inclusive of their structural elements, partition walls, existing lighting fixture locations and specific furniture arrangements. These models were then used for egress, circulation, daylighting, and existing space planning analysis. Literature review was also conducted, identifying rising trends and design considerations for hybrid office workflow. Surveys and focus group interviews were conducted with current employees of the two offices to evaluate work patterns and space needs through user insight. Meanwhile, quantitative methods included quantitative analysis of the survey and focus group interview results, computational modeling, and visualization of the existing and proposed design strategies, as well as a review and validation of final design’s egress and accessibility compliance. Through several design option iterations, these results were used to provide space planning strategies and recommendations that meet the specific needs of these two office spaces. The final design, which considered users’ input regarding team dynamics, work schedules, and specific space and function needs, achieved a significant improvement in balances between team and individual space functions, private and public circulation, access to daylight and accessibility, while respecting the existing wall partitions, egress paths and occupancy counts. Moreover, the design solutions provided inclusive, comfortable, and functional spaces that catered to the specific work culture and individualized needs of employees. While this research focused on two specific case-studies, results demonstrate that through a user-integrated approach, significant improvements can be achieved to provide well-functioning spaces and a more comfortable and inclusive working environment. Additionally, the presented process that focuses on user-input and participation in the renovation design process can be applied to other existing, traditionally structured office spaces when transitioning to a hybrid office structure.