Multifunctional Building Research Articles

Applying multi-criteria decision analysis to combine life cycle assessment with circularity indicators

Monitoring the transition to a circular economy requires not only the measurement of circularity but also of environmental impacts, which often present trade-offs due to different perspectives when assessing a product. This article proposes a novel approach, named ECI-MCDA, to combine circularity and Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) indicators via Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) non-compensatory methods (Electre I and Electre TRI). The proposed approach includes a clustering analysis to inform the choice of circularity indicators, and a robustness analysis to assess the influence of the MCDA parameters. The ECI-MCDA approach is applied to a multifunctional building sandwich-block (CleanTechBlock) composed of a thermal insulation layer incorporating over 90% recycled glass. The environmental performance and circularity of CleanTechBlock is assessed for different end-of-life (EoL) scenarios, including reuse, closed- and open-loop recycling. The ECI-MCDA approach has demonstrated its efficacy in handling divergent results between circularity and environmental performance, identifying an alternative that addresses both perspectives. Additionally, the proposed approach shows the potential to support decision-making to improve circularity and environmental performance, thereby promoting the eco-design of products.

Multifunctional and recyclable aerogel/fiber building insulation composites with sandwich structure

Fire, electromagnetic (EM) pollution, and sustainability require building insulation with fire resistance, EM interference shielding, and recyclability. However, fewer building insulation materials can fulfill these multifunctional requirements. Here, we report a multifunctional building thermal insulation material with a sandwich structure that uses SiO2 aerogel powder as the insulating filler phase, α-Al2O3 fiber as the refractory reinforcing phase, and carbon fiber mat (CFF) as the electromagnetic interference shielding layer prepared by the mixing-pressing-drying method. The effects of different SiO2 aerogel power contents on fire resistance, thermal insulation, and hydrophobicity, the effects of different carbon fiber contents on EMI performance, and the effects of CFF as an interlayer on compressive strength and recyclability were investigated. The results demonstrated exceptional fire resistance properties and low thermal conductivity (0.0529 W/m·K) with a SiO2 aerogel powder content of 11.2 wt%. Specifically, the structure of the aerogel/fiber composite remains intact and the temperature of the non-heated surface is lower than 75.8 ℃ after 4 min of continuous flame combustion. It can achieve a commercial shielding standard of 20 dB at a carbon fiber content of 5 wt%. In addition, CFF as interlayers can effectively improve the compression strength of the material and solve the problem of difficult recycling of carbon fiber. In conclusion, this sandwich structure of multifunctional aerogel/fiber composites provides new ideas for the manufacture of fire resistance, energy-saving, EM-protection, and recyclable building insulation materials.

Evaluating the impact of urban morphology on urban vitality: an exploratory study using big geo-data

ABSTRACT The United Nations has proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), of which SDG11 aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. This is in line with Urban Vitality's objectives. This study proposes a quantitative framework to evaluate the impact of urban morphology on urban vitality. In this framework, a proxy that is more reflective of economic and human activities is proposed for depicting urban vitality based on geographic big data; then we use a Multi–scale Geographically Weighted Regression (MGWR) regression considering spatial heterogeneity to analyze the different effects of urban form on urban vitality. Taking the Beijing Sixth Ring Road area as the study region, the results indicate that tall, large–area, multi–functional buildings have a significantly positive impact on urban vitality. These areas exhibit single–function buildings and high levels of greenery, leading to inefficient space utilization. Increasing road network density, as well as the density of transportation and public facilities, also positively influences urban vitality. However, commercial density has a negative impact on workday vitality. Furthermore, excessive green space density, a high proportion of the largest green patches, and complex green space borders all contribute to a reduction in urban vitality.

Pastorale urbana. Kampung Admiralty a Singapore e il mito del villaggio

The strategies for the construction of national identity devised by the Singaporean government in the years following independence as a British colony included the evocation of an ideal original landscape, epitomized both by the tropical forests that covered the archipelago of Singapore and by the productive landscape of rural villages, or kampung in Malay. The idealized representations of these two local landscapes were entrusted to the plants selected to shape the greening campaigns accompanying the massive urbanization process that rapidly transformed Singapore into a high-density metropolis. Evolving from that approach is Kampung Admiralty, a large contemporary multifunctional building crowned by roof gardens designed by Singapore-based architectural practice WOHA, with Henning Larsen Landscape as landscape consultant. The architectural and landscape architectural complex appears as a technological celebration of the rural landscape: while the botanical associations employed suggest the varied spaces and lively atmospheres of traditional villages with their distinctive mixture of agricultural, wild, and ornamental plants species, the introduction of nature-based solutions and plant communities promoting biodiversity adapt the operational role of tropical vegetation in sustaining the survival of the community that inhabited the kampung to the needs of the contemporary city.

Energetic sustainability of the building substitution: the rewards and the facilitations of the Italian Piano Casa

The residential building estate of a large part of the Italian cities is formed by poor quality buildings. In fact, until the last decades of the past century, the current standards were lower than the actual ones (with regards to the structural safety, the indoor comfort, the thermal plants, etc). Moving to the more suburban part of the city, it is possible to see how the high quality of the urban landscape of the city centre vanishes therefore the substitution of the buildings becomes more convenient than the refurbishment, as it is possible to obtain high standards in an easier way. To promote this type of actions, the Italian Government has introduced a group of regulations, called the “Piano Casa”. With the Piano Casa is possible to obtain an enlargement of the building volume during the reconstruction of residential buildings. The Sicilian Regional Government, with the adoption of these regulations in its jurisdiction, has introduced some further advantages which can be obtained using various topics of energy sustainability in the design. The authors, in the present work, have developed this subject through the cases of a multifunctional building.

Cyanoesterthiophene Based Low‐Cost Polymer Donors for High Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

AbstractTo achieve commercial application of organic solar cells (OSCs), it is necessary to reduce material costs and improve device efficiency. This paper reports on the utilization of a multifunctional building block, namely 3‐cyanoesterthiophene, which exhibits simple structure and accessibility of synthetic for cost‐effective and high‐performance polymer donors (PDs). Meanwhile, ternary and terpolymerization strategies have been studied. Two similar PDs, PBTCl0‐TCA and PBTCl100‐TCA, are synthesized, and the devices exhibit less‐than‐satisfactory efficiency of 13.21% and 11.53% due to mismatching energy level and imperfect morphology. The two PDs with comparable structures and commendable compatibility easily form alloy‐like phase in active layer, which can effectively boost the efficiency of ternary devices to 14.17% with retained high JSC and significant improved open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). Encouraged by the ternary blending phenomenon, a polymer donor (PBTCl50‐TCA) with same ratio by random terpolymerization is designed. And over 17% efficiency binary OSCs using terpolymerization donor are demonstrated. The synergies of incorporation of the cyanoester‐group and terpolymer endow the developed PDs with deep‐lying energy levels, face‐on orientation, thermodynamic miscibility with the prevailing nonfullerene acceptor and appropriate polymer crystallinity. The findings study provide valuable insights and support for the advancement of cost‐effective and high‐performance PDs.

РАЗРАБОТКА СХЕМЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЖИЗНЕННЫМ ЦИКЛОМ МНОГОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ВЫСОТНОГО ЗДАНИЯ КИНЕТИЧЕСКОГО ТИПА НА СТАДИИ ЭКСПЛУАТАЦИИ

The aim of the research is to explore paths and solutions for the effective management of capital construction objects during the operational phase. Throughout the study, life cycles of capital construction objects were examined and analyzed, justifying the feasibility of enhancing the life cycle management system during the operational stage. To optimize the operation of a building and improve its efficiency, the implementation of BIM technologies into the management process of capital construction objects is proposed, taking into account the peculiarities of the kinetic construction project. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring of structures and mechanisms, determining their "fatigue" level, microclimate, the functionality of automation systems, alertness, and the impact of human factors on the attractiveness of the real estate object. Specifically for the project, a conceptual management scheme has been developed, adapted for a multifunctional kinetic high-rise building, and its applicability can also extend to other capital construction objects. Such a scheme includes multi-level automation of the management system, implying subordination to a unified center, the system's brain, and a multitude of controllers that collect and process information from sensors. Using a well-defined algorithm, they quickly respond to tasks and efficiently manage one or several elements of the system

ВОЗМОЖНЫЕ ОСНОВЫ ДЛЯ ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЯ СТРУКТУРНЫХ И ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ АРХИТЕКТУРНЫХ ОБЪЕКТОВ В РАМКАХ ФЛОРИСТИЧЕСКОЙ МОДЕЛИ

Although several buildings of cultural and commercial significance have emerged in different parts of the world, imbibing the structural and functional features of floral anatomy, floristry is still at an evolutionary stage as a new dimension of biomimetic architecture. In response to the worldwide adoption of flower-oriented architectural designs, this paper proposes a framework to follow in developing a floristry-based model that could be used while forming structural and functional architectural objects to suit buildings constructed under multi-dimensional urban development projects. A detailed presentation of the exercise is created, encompassing all the essential biomimetic principles based on floristry. When constructing this framework, the primary focus is on integrating sustainable and environmentally conscious architectural concepts, which are paramount to the proposal. During the development of the model, techniques for drawing inspiration from floral morphology and behavioral patterns are examined, along with guidance on how to integrate them into architectural designs. In that respect, the paper strives to identify a set of fundamental elements in a building focused on its usage, sustainability, and maintenance in an environment-friendly mode. In addition, to present an appropriate set of floristic sources to assist the design of objects of the boundary field of "biology", laying the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of floristry in contemporary architectural activity. The focus of this paper is on public multifunctional buildings

Rescue system for people evacuation for highrise buildings

The article deals with the issues of ensuring fire safety of multifunctional high-rise buildings and structures. Measures are given to ensure fire safety of multifunctional high-rise buildings and structures. Effective modern methods of improving the safety of using constructive solutions that prevent the spread of fire and the evacuation of people from places covered in flames and smoke by combustion products and blocking access to stairwells are reflected. Since in some cases it is not possible to save people from a burning building in traditional ways, structural solutions are additionally presented that contribute to the safe evacuation of residents of the house. When reviewing existing designs, their shortcomings were identified. The authors proposed a new design of an effective, non-traumatic and safe device for saving people, especially those with low physical fitness and limited physical abilities. It allows you to simplify the design, provide the necessary speed, ensure the availability of evacuation of people with physical disabilities, avoid the presence of auxiliary equipment on a stationary ground object, ensure manufacturability in use, which does not allow, if necessary, to save people from windows and balconies, increase productivity in the “descent-ascent” mode.

Thermography of the extensive green roof of multifunctional building Brno

The article describes the state of the extensive green roof in winter. It deals with heat transmission on a vegetated roof with a vegetation layer thickness of up to 10 cm. The case study describes the condition of the green roof, which was implemented a year ago on a multi-functional building on Bratislavská Street in Brno. A pre-grown vegetation carpet on a coir mat was installed on the roof. A control segment of the vegetation roof is installed in the roof structure, the influence of which was also monitored as part of the preparation of the article. The article follows the control measurement of humidity in a green roof and the investigation of the influence of the vegetation composition on the thermal-technical properties of the roof.

CASCINA OREMO: A Renovation of a building for people with disabilities, where we all learn to achieve efficiency together

Cascina Oremo is a group of buildings conceived by the “Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Biella” to accommodate associations that focus on childhood disabilities. It is a multifunctional complex converted from an old farmhouse located in Biella. It consists of two different buildings: the multifunctional farmhouse building, created by renovating the existing farmhouse structure, and the pool building, a new building that houses the pool and sports areas. It hosts four different associations, each allocated specific spaces. This case study aims to illustrate the automation and control system choices, particularly highlighting the metering not only for cost allocation in accordance with DLgs 102/14 but also for interfacing with the Building Management System designed to assist the designer in ensuring that the building’s performance adheres to the project specifications over time and improves the overall system efficiency within the Deming cycle perspective. Furthermore, it integrates with Artificial Intelligence and the smart grid. The Building Management System also serves as an enabling platform for informing occupants to achieve a high level of Sustainable and Responsible Investment.

The warning and security system of the multifunctional complex

This article describes the warning and security system in the building of a multifunctional complex located in the city of Rostov-on-Don. The project includes the positioning of radio and telephone equipment, the installation of an Internet transmission network, as well as an alarm system for the entire building. The building must be a subscriber in order to gain access to one of the Internet networks and cable operators that can connect the transmitted object and the Internet. A radio network and a telephone network have been designed, as well as the reception of radio waves has been provided. A bell alarm system of the building is provided and installed. There are many different public multifunctional buildings in Rostov-on-Don, but there was a clear shortage of it in this area of the city. Moreover, this facility is distinguished by the fact that it has not only the usual shopping and entertainment areas for the city, but also a business space, which is now very much in short supply to many, as work at home and online is gaining more and more momentum.

Ways of seeing architecture and landscape in the voids of presence

The article examines the multi-layered roles of photography and film in “cultural translation,” representing architecture and landscape as a mediated place of conflicting visions, meanings and experiences. Taking the concept of the “production of space” as a starting point, it aims to contextualise the mediatory practices of photography and film by means of analysing the case study of a multifunctional building – the Krvavica Children’s Health Resort – designed in the 1960s by Rikard Marasović on the Adriatic coast of Croatia (formerly Yugoslavia). Focusing on an analysis of three paradigmatic examples of visual practices, the photographic series by Wolfgang Thaler (2011), the episode Mysterious Object in the Pine Forest filmed as part of the documentary series Slumbering Concrete (2016), and the experimental film A Record of Landscape without Prehistory by the artistic duo Doplgenger (2020), the article explores how photography and film communicate quality, in particular how mediated representations (re)create current interpretation and understanding of the intertwined heritage of modern architecture and landscape. Examining aspects of recording the site from different perspectives, a series of questions arise when addressing the issue of space, focused on its role in reshaping meanings, memories, emotions and experiences, narrating not only what architecture and landscape are but also what they could become and how they might be constituted in the context of different cultural identities.

GLASS PARTITIONS FOR FIRE PROTECTION IN CONSTRUCTION

The text discusses the principles of designing and implementing building structures using fire-resistant glass partitions. It presents the research conditions for these elements and their potential applications, emphasising the need to ensure people's safety and limit fire spread inside and outside buildings. The work showcases technical solutions derived from technical construction regulations and standards concerning the requirements of contemporary architectural design, especially for high-rise and multi-functional buildings, particularly those at high risk.

Performance evaluation of phosphor-based luminescent bricks using different coating methods

This study investigates the luminescence and durability properties of SrAl2O4: Eu/Dy phosphor (SP) coated bricks incorporating different coating materials, such as glaze powders (Fx200 and TranspG) and epoxy resin. The luminescent brick specimens were differentiated by materials and methods used for coating, including only SP (S1), SP with low content of glaze powders (S2), SP with high content of glaze powder (S3), and SP with epoxy resin (S4). The performance of specimens was evaluated through surface brightness, spectral analysis, decay characteristics, UV-VIS diffuse absorbance spectral (DAS) analysis, solar light aging resistance, and freeze-thaw resistance. The results revealed that S1, S2, and S4 exhibit the highest surface brightness and radiate slowly for more than 45 s after exciting specimens for 2 min. The peak excitation spectra of S1, S2, S3, and S4 exist between 517.5 nm and 519.5 nm, representing the electron transition between 4d and 5f in Eu2+. The decay characteristics and UV-VIS DAS analysis revealed that all specimens can absorb incident light energy and emit it for a longer time, and the capability of absorbing light energy and afterglow duration of S1 and S4 outperformed that of S2 and S3. Moreover, S1 and S4 exhibit high resistance against solar light aging and freeze-thaw cycles. However, such bricks may lead to a cost increase of 38–75 % compared to conventional bricks, which can be offset by energy conservation. This study suggests that luminescent bricks can be used as a multi-functional building material and contribute towards sustainable development goals.

District Energy Viewed from the New Bauhaus Initiative Perspective—Sustainable, Inclusive and Aesthetic Heat

(1) Background: To support the energy transition in Europe, the EU has launched multiple initiatives. Supporting the “Green Deal” is the New European Bauhaus (NEB). District heating and cooling (DHC) is an important part of a decarbonized European energy system, and its role in the transition has been stressed by the EU. In this paper, DHC is, for the first time, reviewed assuming the NEB principles. (2) Method: a literature review combined with a review of three cases was used for collecting data. (3) Results: It is confirmed that DHC has strong sustainability values. It is also identified that DHC can become increasingly inclusive by adopting updated digital platforms and new technologies for heat recovery that necessitate close customer interaction whilst recovering waste heat. The least exploited principle is aesthetics. It could sharpen city planning by combining energy system and energy efficiency perspectives, increase the practice of multifunctional buildings (for example energy provision and recreation), and foster a closer interplay between architecture and energy. (4) Conclusions: for both innovating and expanding DHC, the NEB principles can serve as catalysts.

Mesoscopic Supramolecular Assembly of Stereolithographically Printed Microgels

AbstractMicrogels that assemble upon issuing of a trigger open up miscellaneous applications in soft robotics, drug delivery, and life‐like materials, due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this work, a novel hydrogel photoresist system is formulated, consisting of 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate, ethylene glycol diacrylate, and phenyl bis(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide, as well as redox‐sensitive supramolecular host‐guest association motifs. Complex and multi‐compartmented geometries with precisely located recognition motifs are printed in high resolution, resulting in multifunctional structured microgel building blocks for mesoscopic self‐assembly. An enzymatic feedback system is employed to dissipatively assemble and disassemble the redox‐active microgel building blocks in a temporally and spatially controlled pathway. The self‐assembling photoresist system is characterized in terms of the lower critical solution temperature, swelling behavior, and printability. The present work provides new perspectives for the design of tailor‐made mesoscopic microgels with customizable functionality and high applicability for various technological applications.

Simulation study on fire and evacuation of super high-rise commercial building

The construction of high-rise and multi-functional commercial buildings has emerged as a global trend, but it also introduces significant fire hazards. Consequently, there is a pressing need to examine the fire development trends in super high-rise commercial buildings and establish logical evacuation strategies. This study utilizes the Pyrosim program to simulate a typical fire scenario at the Yangtze River International Conference Center, allowing for the acquisition of essential fire parameters and available evacuation time. Subsequently, based on the complex functional zones and personnel distribution within the building, appropriate evacuation plans are devised and simulated using the Pathfinder software. The results reveal that by effectively utilizing stairs, elevators, and refuge floors in accordance with personnel distribution, evacuation efficiency can be substantially enhanced. Furthermore, the required evacuation time during nighttime fires is merely 36.6%–55.3% compared to unorganized evacuation. The findings of this study offer valuable theoretical guidance for the evacuation of super high-rise commercial buildings, holding immense significance in minimizing fire-related casualties within such structures.

Vertical Farm: from Agriculture to a New City Architecture

The paper deals with the architectural theme of high-rise construction by cross-referencing it with that of soilless agriculture, recognizing new typologies and critically identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a new relationship between architecture, city and agriculture. From a disciplinary point of view, the text is organized in four distinct topics. The first part deals with height construction from a theoretical and disciplinary point of view. An excursus identifies in the high-rise buildings a human archetype that today defines certain features of architecture and landscapes in the age of globalization. The second part delves into the subject of soilless agriculture in terms of agronomic technique, with the aim of understanding its origin, efficiency and potential, but also its limits and weaknesses. The analysis is carried out by investigating the production factors at play, such as land, labor and capital, in relation to the revolutions that have characterized the agricultural production sector since the 16th century. The third part analyses three different cases of vertical farms from an architectural perspective because they are alternative to each other and paradigmatic. The skyscraper model is transformed. Agricultural activity, housing models and aggregated urban functions give rise to complex buildings. The first case is Richard Rogers' 2015 Skyfarm, the second is Carlo Ratti's Jian Mu Tower designed in Shenzen in 2021, the third example is Chris Precht's 2019 Farmhouse. The last part addresses a broader picture: food, cities, social justice, but also urban regeneration, recovery and recycling. Vertical farms are observed from an urban planning angle and considered as a useful element for guiding development and growth in cities and rewriting the relationship between architecture and the countryside. An opportunity to reinvent the multifunctional tall building, open to new ways of living and to redefine the design of the city

An Integrated Workflow for Designing and Fabricating Multi-Functional Building Components through Additive Manufacturing with Clay

This article presents a project that explores the potential of Additive Manufacturing (AM) for designing and fabricating multi-functional building components for improved climate performance. In this project, an innovative façade wall design was developed by using a computational method in an attempt to integrate a displacement ventilation system into the wall. A robotic AM solution is integrated into the workflow as a potentially feasible fabrication method for the resulting wall design with an intricate geometry. Clay is proposed as the AM material, being a potential low-carbon building material. To this end, a material exploration of clay was conducted to develop an appropriate composite for AM. A displacement ventilation system was developed to achieve better indoor air quality by using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. Subsequently, an AM solution was integrated into the workflow to automate the fabrication phase. Finally, a partial prototype of the design was made through AM with clay to demonstrate the feasibility and observe the material qualities of the final product. The proposed workflow proves applicable, highlighting directions for future research.