Impact Of Outdoor Environment Research Articles

Special Issue: Advances on Indoor Air Quality Systems for Healthy and Sustainable Buildings

Abstract This special issue is an outcome of a Workshop “Impact of Sustainable Buildings in Arid Environment on the Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality,” held in Doha, Qatar, on May 17–19, 2022 with the participation of more than 50 experts in the field . We reported the highlights of the workshop in the February 2023 issue of this Journal [2]. There was a great response to the call for papers and eight manuscripts were accepted and selected for this Special Issue. These articles are authored by an outstanding roster of experts in their respective fields and tackle various research gaps that impact the quality of our indoor environments. The topics of this Special Issue spanned a large area that included the use of microchannels as a viable building insulation technique [3], enhancing the energy storage capabilities for solar-powered air conditioning systems [4], the impact of outdoor environment on the indoor air quality of commercial buildings using natural ventilation [5], utilizing machine learning for optimum manufacturing processes scheduling [6], utilizing a decision support tool for HAVC filters selection [7], Decarbonization through electrification [8] improving demand-response flexibilities in pharmaceutical buildings using optimization software, [9] and methodology for predicting the energy consumption of buildings using deep neural networks [10].

Open spaces and wellbeing: the impact of outdoor environments in promoting health

ABSTRACT Although open spaces are known to improve the health and well-being of residents, little contextual evidence is reported in developing countries. This study examined the relationships among socio-economic characteristics of residents, the attributes and uses of neighbourhood open spaces and self-rated health of residents. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey with 1659 participants in Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria. Primary data were collected through pretested questionnaires, while direct observation was used to obtain information on attributes of open spaces. Secondary data, such as maps were obtained from Osun State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Structural equation model (mediation analysis) was used to examine the relationships among the variables by estimating their direct and indirect paths of relationships as well as their mediating effects on self-rated health. The mediation analysis results showed that age, household size, income and education level significantly influenced residents’ assessment of open space quality. Also, physical, stress reduction and social cohesion activities influenced the relationship between open spaces and health indirectly (CFI = 0.802, RMSEA = 0.015, p < 0. 005). The study concluded that open spaces influenced residents’ health indirectly through activities performed.

Impact of Outdoor Environments on the Quality of Life

The characteristics of the outdoor environment in urban spaces and morphology distress the quality of life (QoL) of urban dwellers and visitors. The main purpose of this study is to develop an extensive hypothesis on the parametric evaluation related to the adaptation of the urban environment and dwellers' QoL by methodical literature review, field observation and proposal on an alternative design strategy. The parameters include microclimate, urban space and traffic, waste management and other influencing factors that are desired to envisage for effective investigation. Factors play a key role in the variation of QoL and instinctively affect the dwellers' approach and comportment.

Impact of Outdoor Environment upon Physical Activity across Ages and Seasons in Swedish Pupils at Compulsory School

Impact of Outdoor Environment upon Physical Activity across Ages and Seasons in Swedish Pupils at Compulsory School

FUTURE RESEARCH ACTIONS IN PASSIVE COOLING

The PASCOOL program was the most important European project on passive cooling of buildings. The project addressed topics included solar control, the combined effect of ventilation and thermal mass, thermal comfort during summer and the potential of natural cooling techniques. PASCOOL put in evidence also the axes towards which future research on passive cooling should be oriented. This research, giving the continuously increasing trend of energy consumption for cooling purposes, is absolutely necessary in order to take advantage of the complete potential that passive cooling can offer to buildings while maintaining the living standards, health and comfort of the occupants. This paper presents these future issues that comprise (a) research on the microclimatic scale in order to address the impact of outdoor environment on the cooling load of buildings, (b) investigation of comfort requirements under transient conditions during summer, (c) research on natural ventilation in urban environments and the impact of outdoor pollution on indoor air quality, (d) development of alternative cooling systems and techniques, (e) development of integrating design concepts optimising the use of solar heating, passive cooling and natural light in buildings.