Government Buildings Research Articles

Factor Analysis of Policymaking Process on Timber Utilization for Constructing Main Municipal Government Building

Factor Analysis of Policymaking Process on Timber Utilization for Constructing Main Municipal Government Building

Primary health care strengthening through the lens of healthcare system thinking

Despite the strides made in healthcare, many countries still struggle to meet citizen healthcare needs, leading to global and regional health inequalities. The complex interactions between healthcare systems and disciplines present challenges for primary care providers and family physicians. Primary care providers must be equipped with tools and resources to effectively fulfil their duties, such as clinical governance, leadership and capacity building. This article focusses on various thinking approaches that primary care providers can employ, namely systems thinking, complexity science thinking and learning health systems thinking. We appreciate that individual styles and preferences, organisational culture and systemic realities influence multiple modes of thinking and decision-making. A range of modes of thinking and mental models will assist with tackling challenges and opportunities in the primary healthcare system. We hope this brief overview encourages readers to experiment with different ways of thinking to help facilitate innovative solutions.

Portland Water District: Promoting a Maine Legacy With Bottle‐Filling Stations

Key TakeawaysIn Portland, Maine, a program to install water bottle–filling stations has exceeded expectations.The Water Bottle Filling Station Grant Program increased public perception of local tap water and strengthened its brand.Bottle filling stations should be sited in high‐profile, high‐traffic locations, and good candidates include nonprofit organizations, government buildings, and schools.

Energy performance of an operational government building retrofitted with ceiling phase change material tiles in a mixed-humid climate

Energy performance of an operational government building retrofitted with ceiling phase change material tiles in a mixed-humid climate

지역 연계 생태중심 지속가능발전교육 실천 방안 연구

This study examines cases of regional collaboration in ESD practices, focusing on the domestic RCEs in Inje County and Gwangmyeong City. It explores practical approaches for regionally connected, ecology-centered ESD, dividing the analysis into five domains: policy, governance building, education enhancement, development of teaching materials and curriculum design, and the creation of regionally connected programs. Based on the analysis, the study proposes the following improvements for each domain. First, relevant ordinances and laws should be revised to strengthen policy support for regionally connected ESD practices. Second, the formation of governance entities should be strengthened, along with the revising legal foundations. This will promote policy feedback for ESD practices and help expand civic participation. Third, it is essential to enhance local civic engagement and their capacities. This requires fostering an understanding of ecology-centered ESD. Fourth, tailored teaching materials should be developed to meet the specific needs and characteristics of each region. Fifth, programs should be developed that utilize regional characteristics and resources while comprehensively addressing environmental, economic, and social aspects. Lastly, diagnostic tools should be used to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of activities.

Accessible infrastructure´s diagnosis with mobility emphasis, about educational and guberment institutions. Ciudad Valles, S. L. P. Mx

This document is to promote the citizens interest through parent associations, urban sector improvement committees; educational and governm institutions heads; to participate in the first Ranking about accessible infrastructure of the schools and government buildings. The construction elements are analyzed at the time that may lead establishment of indicators to identify opportunity areas to Institutions; with a technical justification aligned at current standards; can support urban-architectural intervention, remodeling and expansion projects, which they can participate for obtain financial support from government programs or private initiatives.

Architectural solution by saving energy using photovoltaic panels as an environmentally friendly solution: Existing Egyptian government buildings

Conventional electric power generation methods require excessive burning of fossil fuel, which leads to global warming, excessive carbon dioxide emissions, and resulting in global climate change. Nowadays, the world's main concern is using green electrical power generation methods. Government office buildings currently use excessive electrical power, mostly during the morning. Solar electric power generation through its envelopes is one of its electrical energy-saving methods. The research goal is to illustrate an applicable methodology that can be applied to convert existing office-building envelopes into solar electrical power-generating ones with the minimum effect on their architectural aesthetics. To accomplish the research goal, it began by choosing one of the existing governmental office buildings with a south-oriented façade. Using a 3-dimensional terrestrial laser scanner, a building facade survey was done to distinguish its existing situation. Three architectural adaptation alternatives for merging photovoltaic panel types available in the Egyptian market on the south building façade were done, followed by evaluating the solar amount of electrical power generated by each alternative and the annual savings in electricity costs that could be accomplished. The research concluded that getting an appropriate architectural photovoltaic panel (PVP) façade merging solution will affect the amount of solar electric power generated.

Composition of Gingerbread Fretwork: Case Studies of Chanthaboon Waterfront Community

The gingerbread pattern refers to ornate, perforated wooden carvings with curved motifs, commonly used to embellish architectural elements such as gables and balconies. This style gained considerable popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria of England (1837-1901). Architects designed countryside summer palaces in harmony with nature, incorporating gingerbread patterns into the buildings to evoke a sense of relaxation and softness. These patterns, influenced by Gothic art seen in cathedral decorations, feature distinct motifs such as tulips, spiraling vines, geometric shapes, and teardrop designs1. The introduction of gingerbread patterns in Thailand began during the reign of King Rama V, who visited Europe, a period when British and French artisans were also arriving in Siam. This led to a transformation in building styles and architectural ornamentation, with many European-style buildings emerging, initially in Bangkok before spreading to other regions. In Thailand’s southern region, ingerbread patterns reflect a blend of Islamic artistic influences from Penang, Malaysia. In the northern region, some gingerbread designs were influenced by Burmese art. In the eastern cities, such as Chanthaburi, which was under French occupation for 11 years, gingerbread patterns are also prominently found within the town center2. Gingerbread patterns in Thailand are commonly found in areas where community administration centers are located, as well as in foreign residences or commercial hubs. These patterns requently adorn the houses of the royal family, government buildings, affluent residences, and monastic dwellings. This research explores the gingerbread fretwork patterns found in the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. This community is known for its cultural history and unique architecture, featuring traditional houses that blend Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences3. This study aims to document, classify, and analyze the gingerbread fretwork patterns on these houses to preserve and understand the community’s artistic heritage before it deteriorates further. The research employs qualitative methods, including field surveys, interviews, photographic documentation, and analysis of existing literature. In selecting case studies, the focus was limited to houses situated in the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community with exterior gingerbread fretwork that remains intact and in good condition. The findings reveal that 15 houses along Sukhaphiban Road in the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community are decorated with gingerbread fretwork, with a total of 26 distinct patterns identified. The gingerbread patterns, often used in architectural features such as eaves, doors, windows, and balconies, not only enhance the visual appeal of the structures but also serve functional purposes, such as ventilation. These designs, primarily floral and geometric motifs, were found in various architectural elements. The study categorized these patterns into three main types: attached, detached, and mixed—based on their design and carving techniques. The findings indicate that the gingerbread fretwork in the Chanthaboon Waterfront Community is influenced by Victorian and Gothic styles but has been adapted to the local environment and aesthetic preferences. This unique fusion reflects the diverse cultural background of the area.

History and Historicism in ‘British’ Cyprus and ‘French’ Tunisia: A Comparative Study of Colonial Architecture Across the Mediterranean

British and French colonial administrations exploited various aspects of the histories of Cyprus and Tunisia to justify their occupation of those countries during the late 19th and 20th centuries. There, archaeologists unearthed Greek, Roman, Christian, and medieval artifacts that testified to the Mediterranean’s rich, complex history and the various cultural networks that have bound it together. As the same time, designers created complementary historicist architectures that facilitated self- aggrandizing presentations suggesting that the European colonial presence was both historically precedented and superior. Architecturally, such claims can be seen in many of the government buildings, Christian churches, and antiquities museums built by colonizers in each context. This article presents an account of these colonial-era built environments constructed in Cyprus and Tunisia by Britain and France (1878–1960 and 1881–1956, respectively) through several conceptions of the Mediterranean cultivated by colonizers, including Ancient Greek and Roman, early Christian, and medieval Crusader lenses. It does this through an underutilized comparative thematic method that crosses the boundaries of European empires and is thus an approach with potential for application to other colonial situations. Ultimately, the article invites the development of additional comparative projects that span empires, geographies, and themes, in order to facilitate an understanding of salient colonial-era built environments and global architectural histories that transcend national borders and colonialist rhetoric.

Definition of Decorative Pediment Elements of the Building in Palladian Architecture in Thailand

This article presents the development of symbolic interpretations that appear on the pediment in Palladian architecture in Thailand. Palladian architecture originated from an Italian architect, Andrea Palladio. The distinctive identity is that it has beautiful proportions that are harmoniously consistent, with the style unraveled from ancient Greco-Roman architecture. It emphasizes symmetry and incorporates classic building elements into the design, especially in pediment. Studies have shown that pediment is an important element. It is located on the top of the building. In the Greco-Roman period, pediment was used to decorate the temple for worshiping the gods. Andrea Palladio adapted pediment elements in residential buildings, adhering to the beauty of proportions rather than excessive decorations according to the humanist approach that was popular during the Renaissance. As a result, the pediments in Andrea Palladio's designs were interpreted as majestic. The Palladian style of architecture clearly reflects the essence of Western architecture. It has been popular in Thailand since the 19th century onwards. The study found that Western architects adapted the architectural style to be more oriental. The unique pediment elements of the Palladian architecture have been redefined. Sculptures decorated with stories of various gods were replaced by the symbols of the monarchy, royal emblems, coat of arms and Garuda. Such decorations often appear on the pediment of the palaces and various government buildings to indicate the status of the monarch as the builder of the buildings and reflect the center of power in the rule of the monarch under the absolute monarchy.

Passive energy saving through thermal retrofitting of existing government office building envelopes - Case study for office-research building in Cairo, Egypt

Egypt used several million kilowatts per hour of electrical power in 2023. According to 2022 data, public utilities and agencies used 15% of Egypt's power. Most of Cairo’s government buildings built in the 50th and the 60th of the last century are composed of reinforced concrete structure skeletons, flat concrete roofs, and burnt brick exterior and interior walls. At that time, building energy efficiency was not a priority. Thus, uninsulated building envelopes were built. Nowadays, renovating buildings requires increasing energy efficiency. Previous research showed that lack of thermal insulation in roofs, walls, window solar heat gain, and window frames thermal bridging increases heating and cooling costs. The current research aims to enhance existing buildings energy saving by improving thermal insulation of its envelope components. The existing research building in Cairo was assessed for environmental factors to accomplish the research goal. The research used a three-dimensional (3D) terrestrial laser scanner to assess building facades for creating an environmental study model. The research used the building office top floor construction as a comparative environmental simulation using (Design builder® version6 software) as a base case for yearly energy consumption due to heating and cooling loads, followed by improving the thermal insulation of each building element individually in the base environmental model and comparing its effect on annual energy saving percentage, then applying all of the best annual energy saving building envelope element thermal insulation retrofitting techniques to the improved building model. The research results showed that improving roof thermal insulation saves 33.5% of the yearly top floor total electrical energy, 12% for exterior walls, 0.75% for window glazing, and 1.56 % by retrofitting window frames. Applying all of the best energy-saving thermal insulation retrofit techniques to the whole structure saved 31% of annual energy consumption.

Corrigendum to Assessment of dispute causes in government building maintenance projects through adjusted importance rating and risk mapping Results in Engineering Volume 24, December (2024) 103551

Corrigendum to Assessment of dispute causes in government building maintenance projects through adjusted importance rating and risk mapping Results in Engineering Volume 24, December (2024) 103551

Assessment of dispute causes in government building maintenance projects through adjusted importance rating and risk mapping

Despite the reliance of Saudi Arabian government facilities on private contractors for maintenance, there is a persistent rise in disputes between these contractors and government entities. This ongoing issue raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of contract management, ultimately affecting the quality of maintenance services and operational continuity. This study investigates the primary causes of disputes in government building maintenance projects, using both the Frequency Adjusted Importance Index (FAII) and risk mapping methods to analyze and prioritize the causes. A literature review and a designed questionnaire survey were employed to rank dispute causes. Thirty-six responses were analyzed. Cronbach's alpha and coefficient of variation were utilized to assess the collected data's validity and reliability. Three case studies then were utilized as a validation tool, compared against the findings of the survey to integrate practical insights with the theoretical results from the survey. The findings reveal that issues such as (1) the lack of original as-built drawings, (2) constant government interference, (3) delays in decision-making, (4) poorly defined scope of work, and (5) mistakes in bidding or cost estimation are the most critical causes of disputes in these projects. Cross-method validation with real-world case studies further strengthens the reliability of these findings, as these top-ranked causes consistently align with issues encountered in practice. The findings of this study could assist local authorities adopt alternative approaches in managing and executing maintenance contracts, thereby mitigating the causes of disputes.

Harvesting Energy Saving Through Energy Audit : A Case Study of Local Government Building in Jakarta

Electrical energy is a very important requirement to support regional government office activities. Excessive energy use can certainly cause energy waste, so to prevent excessive energy use it is necessary to take energy efficiency measurement. Energy Audit is the one method to measure how efficient the energy usage. Based on SNI ISO 50002 : 2018 regarding energy audit guidance, We conduct the energy audit at the one of local government building in Jakarta City. In doing so, the scope and objective of this energy audit project are to review and evaluate the energy consumption 3 years ago particular for electric, cooling and lighting system saving opportunities. The result from this project are the Enpi's value are 184 kWh/m2 per year. it can be indicated that the building inefficient in energy usage. The Power Quality Analyzer showing inefficient from electrical system because the cosh phi value is 0,75 and automatically get the penalty from PLN. The lighting system still in non LED technology. The Cooling system need improvement to make the energy consumption more efficient. There is a Solar pV rooftop potential installation that could give the contribution in energy saving around 134.963 kWh/Year. All of summary and recommendation that can be proposed in energy saving potential is 244.169 kWh/Year or 53% cost energy saving from existing cost energy consumption.

Unlocking data: Decision-maker perspectives on cross-sectoral data sharing and linkage as part of a whole-systems approach to public health policy and practice.

Secondary data from different policy sectors can provide unique insights into the social, environmental, economic and political determinants of health. This is especially pertinent in the context of whole-systems approaches to healthy public policy, which typically combine cross-sectoral collaboration with the application of theoretical insights from systems science. However, the sharing and linkage of data between different sectors are still relatively rare. Previous research has documented the perspectives of researchers and members of the public on data sharing, especially healthcare data, but has not engaged with relevant policy and practice decision-makers. We sought to work collaboratively with decision-makers relevant to healthy public policy and practice in Scotland to identify practical ways that cross-sectoral data sharing and linkage could be used to best effect to improve health and reduce health inequalities. We facilitated three sequential stakeholder workshops with 20 participants from local and central government, public health teams, Health and Social Care Partnerships, the third sector, organisations which support data-intensive research and public representatives from across Scotland. Workshops were informed by two scoping reviews (carried out in June 2021) and three case studies of existing cross-sectoral linkage projects. Workshop activities included brainstorming of factors that would help participants make better decisions in their current role; reflective questions on lessons learnt from the case studies; and identifying and prioritising recommendations for change. Findings were synthesised using thematic analysis. Scotland; public and third sector data. Based on the workshops, and supported by the reviews and case studies, we created a visual representation of the use of evidence, and secondary data in particular, in decision-making for healthy public policy and practice. This covered three key overarching themes: differing understandings of evidence; diverse functions of evidence; and factors affecting use (such as technical, political and institutional, workforce and governance). Building on this, workshop participants identified six guiding principles for cross-sectoral data sharing and linkage: it should be pragmatic; participatory; ambitious; fair; iterative; with holistic and proportionate governance. Participants proposed 21 practical actions to this end, including: a strategic approach to identifying and sharing key data sets; streamlining governance processes (e.g. through standardised data sharing agreements; central data repositories; and a focus on reusable data resources) and building workforce capacity. To make these possible, participants identified a need for strong political and organisational leadership as well as a transparent and inclusive public conversation. Participation from some stakeholders was limited by workload pressures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. No consensus was reached on the impact, effort, and/or timing of some recommendations. Findings were closely informed by the Scottish context but are nonetheless likely to be relevant to other jurisdictions. There is broad consensus among key stakeholders that linked cross-sectoral data can be used far more extensively for public health decision-making than it is at present. No single change will lead to improved use of such data: a range of technical, organisational and political constraints must be addressed. This article presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme as award number NIHR133585.

Navigating sustainable transition processes at the local level: The case of Energy Island Bornholm

The paper examines local sustainable transition processes related to the introduction of large-scale sustainable energy infrastructure projects in peripheralized areas, with a specific focus on understanding their role and complex development considerations, potentials, and dilemmas. Experiences are reported from the Danish `Energy Island Bornholm´, where a 3,8 GW offshore wind farm field is planned, potentially presenting new, local business and innovation opportunities, whilst raising concerns about local preparedness and capacity levels when undertaking a host role in such a massive project. The empirical base consists of qualitative data (observations and interviews) from a local development project running 2022–2023. Findings are analysed and discussed based on theoretical insights from literature on sustainable transition and peripheralization processes, resulting in four analytical dimensions: Local economic opportunities and green paths; Demography and work force dilemmas; Democracy and involvement; Governance and capacity building. The paper urges more comprehensive, comparative, and critical place-specific research on transition processes.

Conditions and Models for Implementing Multi-Actor Participation in Rural Homestead System Reform: A Case Study of Jiangxi Province

The reform of rural homestead land is a critical component of global efforts to enhance rural governance, optimize land use, and improve the livelihoods of rural residents. This study explores the implementation conditions and models for multi-actor participation in homestead system reform, focusing on the role of government, villagers, and social organizations. Using Jiangxi Province in China as a case study, we highlight collaborative governance mechanisms that facilitate successful reform, including institutional frameworks, community engagement, and the role of intermediaries. The findings indicate that a well-structured collaboration between stakeholders can effectively address issues of land allocation, resource utilization, and sustainable rural development. Policy recommendations are provided to enhance the inclusiveness and effectiveness of the reform process, emphasizing the importance of participatory governance, transparent decision-making, and capacity building at the community level. The lessons learned can contribute to similar rural land reforms in other regions globally, promoting sustainable and equitable development.

Ethical Organizational Governance: Understanding and Applying Local Wisdom in Creating the Organizational Climate

The objective of this research is to analyze the understanding and application of the local wisdom of Sipakainge', Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi in building climate and organizational governance in the Kadingeh village government that can contribute to ethical and sustainable governance practices. This research uses ethnographic methods with participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and qualitative analysis to explore the understanding and application of the local wisdom of Sipakainge', Sipakatau, and Sipakalebbi in building the organizational climate of the Kadingeh village government, with the aim of presenting an in-depth report on ethical organizational governance in that context. This article highlights the role of Sipakainge', Sipakatau, and Sipakalebbi in shaping a positive organizational climate in the Kadingeh Village Government. These three Bugis local wisdoms-Sipakainge' for open communication, Sipakatau for mutual respect, and Sipakalebbi for effective collaboration-have proven to have a positive impact. Consistent application of these values not only strengthens internal relationships within the village administration, but also expands co-operation between village officials and the community. Theoretical implications include conceptual thoughts on how local wisdom values can be integrated into organizational governance practices, with their impact on shaping an ethical organizational climate at the village government level. The novelty of this research lies in the incorporation of elements of ethical organizational governance, local wisdom (Sipakainge', Sipakatau, and Sipakalebbi), and organizational climate building of the Kadingeh village government, which provides deep insights into the integration of local values in governance practices and organizational culture at the village level.

Designing Political Brand Identity Through Architecture: A Case of Malatya City Hall

Corporate level awareness and understanding of political systems are widely spreading in politics through the application of marketing concepts by parties. This study explores how party ideology, hierarchical structures, and symbolism are embedded into the design of government buildings to enhance corporate communication with stakeholders. A design strategy that links architecture with politics views specific architectural features as semiotic resources for party identity and envisions them as design patterns in the future. This paper presents the Malatya City Hall as an example, which was designed using a similar architectural style to that of the Nationalist Movement Party Headquarters in Türkiye. Employing critical discourse analysis (CDA), we unveil the political structure underlying the Headquarters, which is subsequently transposed into the design of City Hall. The Ottoman-Seljuk architectural style, in its modern interpretation, serves as a reflection of political ideology in these buildings. The corporate organizational structure is emphasized through the president’s prominent position and the restricted accessibility to his spaces, evident in the layout design. Additionally, symbolism is incorporated by aligning the building’s architectural plan with the party’s logo, creating a direct visual representation of political brand identity.

Flood Vulnerability Assessment in Paradip Coastal Area Using Weighted Overlay Index

Paradip, a prominent coastal city on India's eastern seaboard, presents a unique combination of environmental challenges and urban pressures. It has the largest tidal range among major regional tidal gauge stations, including Vishakhapatnam and Chennai. The city experiences an annual sea level rise of 2.33 mm, with projections indicating an increase of 0.183 feet by 2047 and 0.76 feet over the next century. The city's unique environmental and urban issues are exacerbated by its placement within the Mahanadi River's deltaic deposits, floodplains, and coastal marine deposits along the Bay of Bengal. The shoreline of Paradip is topographically uniform, with ground elevations ranging from 3.6 to 5.7 meters. According to India's Wind and Cyclone Hazard Map, Paradip is in the "Very High Damage Risk Zone," indicating the presence of significant wind speeds along the coast. The paper digs into these vulnerabilities and their possible influence on the coastal community, emphasizing the city's need to strike a balance between urban growth and ecological preservation. One of the main problems is flooding. Rainwater enters government buildings and impoverished areas because of encroachments on natural drainage systems. Dryland capable of residential, agricultural, and other economic activities is submerged by overflowing water which causes loss of life, property, and infrastructure. This study evaluates flood vulnerabilities in Paradip, a coastal city, using GIS and a weighted overlay index. By integrating satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEM), and historical data on rainfall and soil types, we developed a detailed flood vulnerability map that categorises areas into high, moderate, and low risk. ArcGIS Pro 2.7.3 software and a weighted overlay index were utilized for the collection, processing, and display of spatial and attribute data. spatial analysis was the process used to produce the flood vulnerability map. The results provide essential insights for urban planning and flood mitigation strategies, with direct implications for improving disaster preparedness and climate resilience. The flood vulnerability map was then compared to the masterplan of Paradip which was proposed for 2030, to know the actual vulnerable area and to defy some major which were proposed by Paradip development authority. The study illustrates how remote sensing and GIS techniques can be effectively utilized to generate flood vulnerability data essential for informed decision-making.