Sustainable Design Practices Research Articles

Digital Fabrication in Architecture

Digital fabrication has emerged as a transformative force in the field of architecture, revolutionizing design, and construction processes. The paper begins by providing an overview of digital fabrication and its evolution within the architectural domain. It discusses the integration of advanced technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD), additive manufacturing (3D printing) into architectural processes. The advantages of digital fabrication, including increased design flexibility, enhanced precision, reduced material waste, and accelerated construction timelines, are highlighted. Furthermore, the paper investigates various case studies showcasing the successful implementation of digital fabrication in architecture. Through these examples, the potential of digital fabrication techniques to enable complex geometries and facilitate sustainable design practices is underscored. To conclude, this paper emphasizes the immense potential of digital fabrication as a tool for architectural innovation. It advocates for further research and development in this field to overcome the challenges and maximize the benefits. By embracing digital fabrication, architects can push the boundaries of design, create structures of unparalleled intricacy, and achieve sustainable and efficient built environments.

MetaPhysics of architecture: An integral theory framework for sustainability

This essay criticises prevalent current sustainable architecture and proposes a conceptual framework for sustainable design practice. It argues that sustainable building standards, have failed to capture a more multi-dimensional and inclusive worldview, and therefore many influential architects have neglected implementing such principles. An analysis of literature shows that a large body of research published in the field of sustainable architecture takes a positivistic perspective and that few published articles have looked at sustainable architecture from the standpoint of the critical humanities, allowing non-positivistic viewpoints. The proposed conceptual framework, adapted from Ken Wilber’s integral theory and substantiated through the lens of Gumbrecht’s identification of a culture of meaning and a culture of presence, provides an opportunity to oscillate between positivistic and non-positivistic ideologies and between subjective and objective values. The framework’s usefulness is demonstrated through case studies of Glenn Murcutt’s work. Architects are invited to practise sustainability through this integral framework: to entangle subjective and objective, individual and collective approaches, and to exercise the physics and metaphysics of sustainable design through consideration of the culture of meaning and the culture of presence.

Green imaginaries

Our current models of urban and rural development urgently require radical rethinking due to the problems caused by rapid twentieth-century urbanisation.The notion of nature as a socio-cultural construct driven by our need to understand and control our environment is a significant argument in the debate of how Western urban planners perceive the dichotomy between the notions of nature and city. In this light, nature, in contrast to culture, is one of the main obstacles to a socio-ecological future. This paper argues that alternative views on the notion of nature and its relationship to culture are needed to imagine radical socio-ecological change. The aim is therefore to discuss how alternative ways of understanding this relationship could provide a practice of sustainable urban planning and design through a series of spatial explorations into socio-ecological processes. Focusing on changing urban and landscape conditions, the paper maps the forces and processes behind their transformations over time to project alternative future scenarios. Departing from the framework for developing these explorations into ‘Green Imaginaries’, their transformative and generative potential as strategies for sustainable futures beyond the dichotomy of nature and culture is discussed.

Integrating Sustainable Concepts into Textile Design Courses: An Effective Teaching Practices

This study investigates the integration of sustainable design practices into the university's textile curriculum through upcycling practices. The objective of this research is to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry while promoting innovation and providing opportunities for students. This study provides a comprehensive literature review and case studies to outline the approach to textile upcycling. The upcycling approach is then integrated into the university's textile courses, encouraging students to recycle textiles and adopt sustainable design practices. This research analyses the design practices used and identifies considerations and steps for upcycling sustainable design approaches. Ultimately, this research serves as an extension of the university's textile design curriculum, contributing to a more sustainable future for the textile industry.

The Influence of Multistakeholder Value Cognition and Risk Attitudes on Sustainable Interior Landscape Design Decisions

With the increasing demand for interior landscapes, sustainable interior landscape design (SILD) has become part of a desirable lifestyle. However, consumer attitudes and a lack of consciousness and understanding of SILD have led to potentially negative impacts on design decisions regarding the use of sustainability in SILD. This study recruited 405 stakeholders to explore the relationships among value cognition, risk attitude, and decision intention. The value–attitude–behavior (VAB) model method was adopted to evaluate stakeholders’ cognitions and attitudes toward sustainable design and factors that influence sustainable design practices. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between multistakeholders’ value cognition, risk attitude, and SILD decisions. The relationship between value cognition and SILD decision intention is mediated by risk attitude. Furthermore, the value cognition of multistakeholders impacts risk attitude on the practice of SILD, thus changing design decisions. These findings provide insights into the sustainability of interior landscapes and design, particularly in terms of addressing diverse needs within multistakeholder practices.

Sustainable Design Practices for Eco-Interiors

Abstract: This research paper aims to explore sustainable design practices for eco-interiors. The increasing environmental impact of the built environment has led to a growing interest in the use of sustainable design principles in the construction of interior spaces. The focus of this study is on the application of sustainable design strategies for eco-interiors, with the goal of reducing the environmental impact of these spaces while also promoting energy efficiency and comfort for the occupants. The paper begins by reviewing the current state of sustainable design in the construction industry, including the various approaches and principles that are used to create eco-friendly interiors. The literature review also examines the key challenges and barriers to the implementation of sustainable design practices in the interior design industry. The research methods used in this study include a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, including online surveys, case studies, and interviews with industry experts. The results of the study provide insight into the most effective sustainable design practices for eco-interiors, as well as the key considerations that must be taken into account when designing these spaces. The discussion section of the paper explores the findings in greater detail and highlights the key takeaways for practitioners in the interior design industry. The conclusions of the study suggest that sustainable design practices for eco-interiors can have a significant impact on the environmental performance of interior spaces, and that these practices should be more widely adopted in the industry.

Exploring the Design Practice, Trends, and Gaps of Urban Bridges in Ethiopia towards Sustainability

Bridges carrying railways, roads, and pedestrians in rural and urban regions have tremendous characteristics. The case of urban bridges is quite typical for a visual view of the complexity of the characteristics of urban Ethiopia. The existing urban environment in Ethiopia demands great attention regarding bridge infrastructure. The dynamism of urbanity depends on multiple factors such as institutional capabilities for commissioning, monitoring, and decommissioning; professional competence; and culture. The provision of urban bridges should be viewed holistically, beginning with planning and design and continuing through construction. The approach so far has been single-handed, and this creates an unbalanced delivery of the infrastructure. This article explores the existential trends and practices of urban bridge design and identifies the main challenges of practicing sustainability in the design process in Ethiopia. The research is methodically based on a qualitative approach to identify the expert opinions of professionals and designers who are currently participating in urban infrastructure design. The data were gathered through interviews, and the findings show that the practice of sustainable urban bridge design is still in its infancy, and even the concept is unclear to many professionals in the field. While the study emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban bridge provision, it also highlights challenges such as lack of awareness, weak institutional capacity and culture, and lack of mandatory sustainable codes and standards.

Examining Challenges in Complying with the Principles of Sustainability for the Design of Urban Bridges in Ethiopia

Existential issues obstruct the practice of incorporating sustainability concepts, which is the holistic consideration of urban bridge design factors. Bridge infrastructure is considered a connecting structure for separated highways and railways. The case for ensuring the safe mobility of people and goods across obstacles from one urban corner to another is viewed as an essential component of transportation infrastructure. The design and provision of urban bridges to attain sustainability are associated with tremendous challenges because of a lack of awareness and existential issues and obstacles. The problem in the practice of urban bridge design in Ethiopia is indicated as being “traditional” in delivery, with a lack of accommodation for many essential components of sustainable design. Therefore, a change in thinking is needed to address sustainability. The question of how designers could make design practice sustainable is complicated by multiple challenges. In this research, we used a survey questionnaire to collect the opinions of design professionals. Principal component analysis was employed to explore the major gaps in sustainable urban bridge design practice. A lack of sustainable design impact; sustainability awareness; design codes, practices, and standards that consider sustainability criteria; working guiding protocols and frameworks; and support for sustainability practice were identified as major challenges. Addressing the design problem requires a mechanism to consider the challenges through the defined participation of the designer, client, and public during rule setting, monitoring, and evaluation. Sustainability rating tools must also be deployed to evaluate and quantify the performance of urban bridges.

Using the metaphor of a repertory performance season as a tool towards developing sustainable theatrical design practices.

The world of theatrical production is ephemeral. This has often resulted in a tendency towards less than sustainable practices within industry and art form. It has also often placed a potential “barrier of entry” for certain demographics whose resources cannot provide for “single use” production elements.It is, however, feasible to at least compensate for a portion of the challenges by utilizing a design and production mindset that emulates a repertory production schedule.

Creating a Environmental Sustainable Design Practices Case Bank: Integrating Industry and Teaching at the Threshold

Creating a Environmental Sustainable Design Practices Case Bank: Integrating Industry and Teaching at the Threshold

Influence of Circular Supply Chain Practices on the Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya

Purpose: Previous studies conducted in Kenya and elsewhere in the world have investigated how circular economies affect various aspects of the firm’s performance such as supply chain performance, distribution, customer service among others. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of Circular Supply Chain Practices (CSCP) on the performance of the Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi County, Kenya.
 Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive Research design. The target population of this research was the eight hundred employees working in the160 manufacturing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. It employed a stratified sampling method whereby a sample of 100 respondents were selected, and used questionnaires to collect data. It adopted descriptive and inferential statistics to evaluate the variables numerically whereby Statistical Package for Social Students (SPSS) was used in the data analysis. In determining the relationship between Circular Supply Chain Practices and the performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya, the regression model was used. The data and results of the study were presented in tables.
 Findings: Findings showed that circular supply chain practices have positive and significant influence on performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County. The regression analysis reveals that 89.2% Variations in the performance of manufacturing firms in Nairobi County are as a result of circular supply chain practices with (R2=0.892)
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that manufacturing firms should put in place mechanism to improve reverse logistics, green policy regulation, sustainable supply chain collaboration and product design practices. Further, the government should formulate adequate policies that would provide a good framework to make use of circular supply chain practices.
 

Architects’ Perceptions about Sustainable Design Practice and the Support Provided for This by Digital Tools: A Study in Australia

The fundamental goal of sustainable design for the built environment is to optimise the performance of buildings to minimise their impact on the environment. To achieve this goal, contemporary architects use a range of digital design environments, such as Computer-aided Design (CAD) or Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools. These allow architects to implement sustainable design principles and make optimal decisions about the ecological and energy properties of the building or environment being designed. Past research about architects’ uses of these tools for sustainable design have been focused on their capacity for optimising building performance and meeting architects’ design needs. In parallel, other studies have identified technological barriers and readiness factors for implementing sustainable design in several countries, including Australia. Researchers have suggested that presently, most architects are unlikely to perceive Building Performance Analysis (BPA) as their responsibility. It has also been found that the digital design tools need to more effectively support sustainable design. However, despite this body of past research, to date there is a lack of a more holistic understanding regarding architects’ perceptions about the alignment between sustainability practices and the capacity of digital design environments for supporting these, particularly in Australia. This paper addresses this knowledge gap, by presenting findings derived from semi-structured interviews with 18 professional architects in Australia, each with experiences in sustainable design and the use of digital design tools. The results are used to establish a conceptual model, which illustrates the relationships between a variety of factors affecting architects’ sustainable design practices. The findings suggest that in Australia, architects have more negative than positive experiences regarding their sustainable design practices, due to factors ranging from those related to the practice itself, to the digital design technologies and budget available for supporting their goals. This study also identifies an urgent need to enhance and better align the capabilities of digital design technologies with sustainable outcomes and associated organisational objectives, which the new model can assist in understanding and facilitating.

Practice of sustainable fashion design considering customer emotions and personal tastes.

This study aimed to determine a sustainable design practice approach that can satisfy customer emotions and personal tastes, which designers need in the early stages of the SFD process, and improve environmental performance. The research was conducted through a case study and interviews. For case studies, the specific design methods of fashion brands, which have been ranked sustainable over the last 3 years in the world’s top fashion magazines favored by the public, were researched. The results of the case studies were used to draw questions for the in-depth interviews. The results are as follows: first, the design approaches of SFBs were categorized into “eco-friendly materials,” “functional durability design,” “reuse and remanufacturing,” “emotional durability design,” and sustainable fashion technology. Each type’s specific design approach methods were organized into a checklist for the practice of SFD and then reflected in the interview questions. From the results of the interviews, it was noted that the sustainable design approaches perceived by Korean designers were “eco-friendly materials,” “reuse and remanufacturing,” and “functional durability design.” Moreover, it was mentioned that specific methods of emotional durability design and sustainable fashion technology need to be acquired. By applying the checklist to the interviewees, interview participants could conveniently and quickly recognize how to apply sustainable design through the inventory. This study is significant because it presents a checklist, an efficient tool for sustainable design approaches, and a sustainable design practice method that can satisfy customer emotions and personal tastes and improve environmental performance.

‘GREENING’ THE PROVISIONS OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS: AN APPRAISAL OF THE PWD, PAM AND CIDB STANDARD FORMS

Green building and sustainable design and construction practices (SDC) are at the centre of the Malaysian construction industry’s move towards sustainable development and green growth. One of the most vital aspects of this shift to accommodate the new challenges and innovations in green building with the implementation of the SDC is the contract. However, despite the widespread use of standard forms of contract in Malaysia, both in public and private projects, there is currently no standard form of contract specifically designed for green construction projects. Hence, the impetus of this study is to assess the adequacy of commonly used standard forms of contracts in Malaysia in addressing the specific requirements of the SDC vis-à-vis green building and their associated risks. Towards this end, the study adopts doctrinal legal research methodology to investigate and evaluate the adequacy of the standard forms of contracts under review (Standard Forms) in addressing the requirements peculiar to the SDC vis-a-via green buildings. Within the parameters of this methodology, the study employs ex post facto or descriptive analysis and analytical analysis approaches. The analysis mainly focused on the relevant terms and conditions of the Standard Forms comparatively with the documented requirements of the SDC to highlight the gaps. From the analysis, the inadequacies are apparent. The terms and conditions of the Standard Forms do not adequately provide for the approaches and innovations in green building and the SDC and the legal challenges these approaches and innovations pose to the industry players’ rights and liabilities. This paper provides an analysis of these shortcomings and highlights the areas that require reform.

Demands, default options and definitions: How artefacts mediate sustainability in public housing projects in Sweden and Cyprus

Sustainable building design practices are influenced by requirements, guidelines, criteria for green procurement and certification, assessment tools such as life cycle assessment, etc. This study investigates how such artefacts support or define aspirations towards sustainability, through case studies of public housing projects in Sweden and Cyprus. The study first illustrates how constraints mediated by artefacts set boundaries to the range of available sustainable design options. On one hand, fulfilling sustainability requirements conveyed in regulations, certifications and directives is a major driver of designers' involvement with sustainable design. On the other hand, cost calculations, procurement laws and development plans exclude certain design options. Moreover, default solutions and standardised design guidelines within the organisation streamline and simplify the design process, indirectly determining what sustainable design options are considered. However, these demands and default options are also bent and adapted on a case-by-case basis. The ways in which sustainable design arises from the interplay between artefacts and actors' agency differed significantly between the Swedish and Cypriot cases. Swedish actors' operational definition of sustainability is strongly codified and enforced through interconnected artefacts. The Miljöbyggnad certification is often a de facto definition of sustainability used by actors to set sustainability criteria and targets. Environmental databases for construction products act as black boxes, implicitly determining what aspects of sustainability are addressed in design decisions. Conversely, Cypriot designers' work with sustainability depends to a larger extent on their motivation, experience and ability to convince their peers.

Co-Creating a Framework to Integrate Sustainable Design into Product Development Practice: Case Study at an Engineering Consultancy Firm

There is a growing recognition of the need to incorporate sustainability considerations early-on in the product development (PD) process (PDP). As part of a case study at an engineering consultancy firm, this paper identifies considerations that influence the integration of sustainable design practices into real-world PD practices. This is informed by the first author becoming embedded in the firm as an intern, and closely observing the PD workflow across various projects, conducting interviews and group discussions with a wide range of practitioners, and iteratively designing and testing various potential interventions. From the literature and observations, we find that designers and engineers often struggle to identify and apply the right sustainable design methods and tools (SDMTs) to tackle the environmental impacts associated with their products. Through a human-centered design process, we co-created a reusable, modular framework of practices that aids the selection of relevant strategies, based on the environmental hotspots, stage of the PD process, and the client’s sustainability priorities. Our prominent findings highlight the importance of: (a) co-creation in enhancing receptivity and retention, (b) the use of LCA iteratively to inform design decisions throughout PD, and (c) sharing case studies of successful application of the framework to promote sustainable design among employees and clients, alongside several other takeaways. The paper further presents insights related to the framework’s real-world application and impacts in the firm, based on results of longitudinal engagement with the firm.

A Methodical Framework for Sustainable Architectural Design: Housing Practice in the Middle East

In developing countries where sustainable housing design receives insufficient theoretical and practical efforts, decisions about appropriate sustainable design strategies are often made in ignorance of situational and contextual issues and isolation from local practices. The study attempts to provide a design framework that comprises various design models for sustainable housing, enabling architects worldwide to broaden their sustainability practices in the architectural field. The study employs the grounded theory method to transform theory into viable housing design models for architects in various regions, particularly the Middle East, who will be able to trace the regional models and select design approaches and strategies in response to local situations. The research is divided into three stages. Guy and Farmer’s six logics are linked with methodical sustainable design approaches through comparative analysis to develop design models that will be chased in sustainable housing practices. The models are introduced in the next phase within a design framework and, finally, verified through Middle Eastern practices. The framework, which has been verified by tracking sustainable housing models in the design practices of Middle Eastern countries, can be used by applying the design models individually or by combining more than one model to create more responsive sustainable design practices in the housing field. The novelty of the study is that the developed framework transforms theoretical models into viable options for designers and scholars around the world, as well as enabling architects and developers in Middle Eastern cities to easily and practically trace regional design models and to select appropriate design approaches and strategies in an integrative manner.

Barriers to the practice of sustainable interior architecture and design for interior renovations: A Parsimonious-Cybernetic Fuzzy AHP approach

While the notion of sustainability has long been a major concern in the built environment, the practice of sustainable interior architecture and design still falls short. This study aimed to identify and analyse barriers to the practice of sustainable interior architecture and design. To this end, after identifying 30 potential obstacles through a review of literature, a two-round Enhanced Fuzzy Delphi Method involving 13 qualified experts was employed resulting in the exclusion of 10, and the addition of one new barrier. To prioritise the remaining, a novel Parsimonious Cybernetic Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process was introduced, significantly reducing the number of pairwise comparisons and eliminating the need for a complicated AHP questionnaire. Results showed the highest prioritised barriers are: (1) lack of sufficient sustainability modules in the education of interior architects/designers, (2) designers' lack of experience and technical understanding, (3) lack of codes, regulations and specific legal frameworks designed for different types of projects, (4) lack of interest from the client, and (5) designers’ lack of training. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for professional interior architects/designers, educators, statutory authorities, governments, and policymakers. Considering the dearth of existing literature on this topic, the present study fills this gap by providing a comprehensive list of barriers to sustainable interior architecture and design, establishes the groundwork for future research to build upon, and introduces a novel P-CFAHP that has not been employed before.

The status of sustainable concrete codes in the United States

As the focus on embodied carbon within the built environment has grown in the U.S., local jurisdictional codes have increasingly proposed and implemented code language that requires the use of concrete mixtures that have reduced environmental impacts. This paper provides details about the various ways that localized sustainable concrete provisions have been proposed and implemented in the U.S., including limits on cement content and Global Warming Potential (GWP). These laws and code revisions vary in their measurement of low-carbon concrete and their exemptions and incentives. While the current version of the ACI Building Code, ACI 318-19, does allow for the consideration of sustainability in concrete design, specifics about how the relative sustainability of concrete mixtures and systems are to be measured and compared are not included. This paper addresses how the changing landscape of local jurisdictional codes is driving the development of future ACI 318 provisions to play a part in providing more consistency in the application of sustainable design practices in the United States.

Engaging design for ecological citizenship: Informing approaches to human–nature interactions

The COVID-19 pandemic forefronted public urban and suburban nature interactions. ‘Human–nature interactions’ produce positive health impacts, knowledge production, risk perception, sustainable behaviour, engagement in conservation and more. Governmental and charitable reporting documents ‘nature deficit disorder’. The Design Economy report (2021) highlights that social, environmental and economic design must engage communities. Ergo, building community empowerment, is paramount to catalyse and embed sustainable design practices. The authors define a contemporary design space, unpick strategies and present ‘approaches to human–nature interactions’ insights. The My Naturewatch (NW) project features an accessible DIY camera trap, fostering beneficial nature engagements regardless of location, technological and/or wildlife expertise. NW is central within the outlined design space. The article reports on NW deployment(s) and catalysing organizations and communities. Three studies include: (1) The Wildlife Trusts #30dayswild, digital campaign, (2) The Durrell Trust, placed-based activity and (3) Nova New Opportunities, working with re-located communities. The authors acknowledge communities are sacrosanct and a substantial sustainable design asset for regeneration. The work leverages contemporary ‘phy-digital’ engagements, highlighting practices of social, environmental and public design spaces. The findings insights benefit cultural institutions, practitioners, conservation projects and more.