Residential Environment Research Articles

A Critical Review of Smart Residential Environment Research Focusing Human–Building Interaction

Most studies on smart residential environments have focused on adopting cutting-edge technologies rather than on user factors. There is little research on interaction with building technologies to support residents’ experiences in smart residential environments. This paper explores the current status of smart residential environment research from the human–building interaction perspective through a critical review of articles published in Q1 journals during 2013 to 2022. For our critical review, we developed an evaluation framework based on our definition of human–building interaction. Our results identified there are limitations in smart residential environments research: a lack of consideration of human-building interaction in the field of the built environment, an excessive focus on the user–technology interaction for performance, and less consideration of urban and architectural design issues regarding human–building interaction. To bridge the gap in the research, the three key points are discussed. Last, we propose a conceptual framework for designing and delivering improved smart residential environments, emphasizing the role of stakeholders in each smart residential environment lifecycle stage to achieve a balanced interaction between the three key elements: users, the built environment, and technologies.

Langfristige Wohnstandortpräferenzen: Schlechte Nachrichten für ländliche Regionen

Abstract Increasing urban-rural disparities with regard to housing are receiving considerable attention in the public debate and in regional policy. The article discusses the extent to which microdata from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) can be used to analyse changes in residential location preferences. The analysis finds that, among various categories of the residential environment, housing in urban peripheral locations and in rural regions has become less attractive in recent decades.

The parental perspective of residential environments associated with children's self-regulation

BackgroundThe lack of early development of self-regulation (SR) skills in children can significantly impact their future success. Multiple theories emphasize the role of the environment on child development including SR skills, with income level influencing this relationship. The research used a framework that ties together theories on environmental design and establishes a relationship between the physical environment and a child's ability to self-regulate and manage stress. Limited research exists on addressing physical environmental factors in low-income households and how these factors affect children's self-regulation. PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify physical environmental factors that can help children deal with stress. The study uses Shanker's self-regulation model and the ecological model to guide the study's data collection and analysis concerning the home environment in relation to child self-regulation from the perspective of caregivers. MethodThis research qualitatively explores affordances factors in the home physical environment in relation to child self-regulation. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and included participants from different income levels and diverse ethnicities. FindingsFifteen affordances factors in the home environment were derived from caregivers' perspectives. The key findings of the study include: (1) The more affordance aspects applied to the home physical design, the better the design is for the child's stress management; (2) Supportive environmental factors can be used to solve hindering effects generated by the environment.

Residential Area vs. Home Environment: Analysis of Surrounding Factors on Children’s Health Using Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in Japan

Residential Area vs. Home Environment: Analysis of Surrounding Factors on Children’s Health Using Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in Japan

도시형 집합주택의 교육환경 커뮤니티공간 선호도 연구

As interest in children's education grows in densely populated urban residential environments today, community spaces that meet the efficient educational environment needs of collective housing have become a key issue. This study examines domestic and international exemplary cases to review trends and current situations, and explores how cultural and social characteristics related to educational environments and community spaces are being applied in domestic cases and collective housing. Based on publicly available data, a literature review was conducted, followed by a survey analysis for frequency analysis. The results reveal that in order to enhance residential satisfaction through educational approaches, there is a necessity and importance for the design of educational community spaces that reflect local cultural and social needs. This highlights the demand for sustainable designs that can respond to contemporary needs.

Hydrothermal synthesis of nanostructured Zn2SnO4 ternary metal oxide semiconductor for toxic gas sensing application and its characterization study

Purpose The study aims to develop an inexpensive metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor with high sensitivity, excellent selectivity for a specific gas and rapid response time. Design/methodology/approach This study synthesized Zn2SnO4 nanostructures using a hydrothermal method with a 1 M concentration of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as the zinc source and a 0.7 M concentration of tin chloride (SnCl4) as the tin source. Thick films of nanostructured Zn2SnO4 were then produced using screen printing. The structural properties of Zn2SnO4 were confirmed using X-ray diffraction, and the formation of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles was verified by transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyse the surface morphology of the fabricated material, while energy dispersive spectroscopy provided insight into the chemical composition of the thick film. These fabricated thick films underwent testing for various hazardous gases, including nitrogen dioxide, ammonia, hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ethanol and methanol. Findings The nanostructured Zn2SnO4 thick film sensor demonstrates a notable sensitivity to H2S gas at a concentration of 500 ppm when operated at 160°C. Its selectivity, response time and recovery time were assessed and documented. Research limitations/implications The primary limitations of this research on metal oxide semiconductor gas sensors include poor selectivity to specific gases, limited durability and challenges in achieving detection at room temperature. Practical implications The nanostructured Zn2SnO4 thick film sensor demonstrates a strong response to H2S gas, making it a promising candidate for commercial production. The detection of H2S is crucial in various sectors, including industries and sewage plants, where monitoring this gas is essential. Social implications Currently, heightened global apprehension about atmospheric pollution stems from the existence of perilous toxic and flammable gases. This underscores the imperative need for monitoring such gases. Toxic and flammable gases are frequently encountered in both residential and industrial environments, posing substantial hazards to human health. Noteworthy accidents involving flammable gases have occurred in recent years. It is crucial to comprehend the presence and composition of these gases in the surroundings for precise detection, measurement and control. Thus, there has been a significant push for extensive research and development in diverse sensor technologies using various materials and methodologies to monitor and regulate these gases effectively. Originality/value In this research, Zn2SnO4 nanostructures were synthesized using a hydrothermal method with ZnCl2 at a concentration of 1 M for zinc and SnCl4 at a concentration of 0.7 M for tin. Thick films of nanostructured Zn2SnO4 were then fabricated via screen printing technique. Following fabrication, all thick films were subjected to testing with various toxic gases, and the results were compared to previously published data. The analysis indicated that the nanostructured Zn2SnO4 thick film sensor demonstrated outstanding performance concerning gas response, gas concentration, selectivity and response time, particularly towards H2S gas.

A Case Study on the Odor Preferences and Influencing Factors in Chinese Residential Environments

Research on odor preference is needed to improve indoor environment quality. There-fore, to create a better odor environment in the living space, it is necessary to determine the common characteristics of odor preferences in the living environment for individuals with a similar cultural background. In this study, representative odors that are found in Chinese living spaces were selected and the odor preferences and individual traits were examined using online surveys. A total of 1236 valid responses were collected and the factors affecting odor preferences were assessed, including social, geographic, and behavioral attributes, using correlation and descriptive analysis. The results revealed that gender, age, occupation, income, mode, and frequency were correlated with odor preference characteristics in the living environment and were the primary factors for the odor preference characteristics. Further analysis revealed that the odor preferences across the gender, age, income, and frequency groups were consistent with the trend for the overall characteristics. The results of the study showed that there were significant differences in odor preferences in the living environment across occupations and living patterns. Different occupational groups showed different characteristics in odor preferences, while the complexity of living patterns and the frequency of odor exposure also had a significant impact on odor preferences. These research findings will enable us to develop customized fragrance solutions based on specific olfactory preferences related to gender, age, occupation, income level, and lifestyle. Integrating the study conclusions into the spatial layout, selection of decorative materials, and ventilation design of residential spaces has practical significance for creating living environments that better meet the needs of residents.

A Comparative Study to Explore the Variability of Heavy Metal Concentration in the Teeth of Residents of Non-gated Versus Gated Societies.

Human populations face increasing exposure to heavy metals, which pose significant health risks. Dental tissues, such as dentin and enamel, provide a reliable biomarker for assessing long-term heavy metal exposure due to their stable nature. This study aims to explore the variability of heavy metal concentrations in the teeth dentine of residents living in gated versus non-gated societies near the Yamuna Riveraround the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. Sixty-nine participants were enrolled, 27 from gated societies and 42 from non-gated societies. Participants underwent elective dental extraction,following whichheavy metal concentrations were measured in extracted tooth dentine using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Demographic data including age, gender, tooth types, and drinking water sources were recorded. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney's test, Spearman correlation heatmap, and principal component analysis (PCA). Residents of non-gated societies exhibited significantly (p< 0.005) higher mean concentrations of heavy metals compared to gated societies except for cadmium (p = 0.495). Subgroup analysis based on drinking water sources revealed significant (p<0.001) variations in heavy metal concentrations, suggesting the influence of water quality on environmental exposure. PCA provided insights into underlying trends and correlations among heavy metal variables. This study provides valuable insights into heavy metal contamination among residents living near the Yamuna River, highlighting disparities in exposure based on residential environment and drinking water sources. Participants from non-gated societies exhibited higher mean concentrations of heavy metals compared to those from gated societies, emphasizing the influence of socio-economic factors, urban infrastructure and environmental management practices on heavy metal accumulation. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address heavy metal exposure across diverse population groups, improve water quality standards, and enhance access to safe drinking water.

Analisis Kualitas Permukiman Berbantuan Google Earth di Desa Sungai Kedukan, Kabupaten Banyuasin, Sumatra Selatan

The river basin settlement in Sungai Kedukan Village is a settlement located along the river and has an area of approximately 300,000 m2 with RT boundaries covering 8 RTs along the Nibung River, Sungai Kedukan Village with a background of the problem of residential building density where the condition of the buildings is very close together because of the large number of residents living in the settlement, irregular building layout, and lack of facilities and infrastructure. The purpose of the study was to determine the quality of settlements assisted by Google Earth in Sungai Kedukan Village, (DAS), Rambutan District, Banyuasin, South Sumatra. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey method that has a population and sample using purposive sampling with data processing using the Google Earth application and to conduct analysis, namely by entering formulas from building density parameters, building layout, road width, and access road conditions, as well as by collecting questionnaires to determine the quality of the residential environment. This study shows that the quality of settlements and residential environments in river basin areas produces the same results and is included in various categories, namely poor and moderate.

Determination of outdoor thermal comfort thresholds for hot and semi-arid climates: A field study of residential neighbourhoods in Jaipur city

Outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) plays a vital role in enhancing the livability and well-being of urban residents, making it an essential area of research, particularly in the context of climate change. However, few studies have specifically focused on hot and semi-arid regions, especially within residential environments. This study seeks to address this gap by assessing OTC in various residential areas classified as Local Climate Zones (LCZs), ensuring a diverse range of survey locations to evaluate people's comfort and stress levels. Using the Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) index, the study calibrated the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) scale for hot and semi-arid climates. In Jaipur, micrometeorological data was monitored alongside thermal perceptions, resulting in 2,428 valid responses gathered during both summer and winter seasons, between 09:00 and 21:00 h, when outdoor activity is common. The analysis revealed that microclimate parameters significantly influence thermal sensations in outdoor environments. Respondents showed high tolerance levels during summer, with variations in thermoneutrality, acceptability, preferences, and comfort across different built typologies. The threshold values identified in this study offer valuable insights for urban planners and designers, enabling them to enhance outdoor thermal comfort during the planning stages, ultimately creating more comfortable and livable urban spaces for residents.

Independent mobility and outdoor play time: Insights from urban informal settlements in India

This study assesses differences in children's independent mobility and outdoor play time between two urban informal housing settlements within India's in-situ slum redevelopment policy. This redevelopment policy involves replacement of existing slum housing with new apartment-style structures at the original site. One of the settlements under study has undergone redevelopment, while the other remains on the waitlist for redevelopment. Additionally, the study explores potential gender-based variations in independent mobility and outdoor play time, shedding light on the distinct effects of redevelopment on boys and girls. Questionnaires were administered to mothers, addressing aspects such as independent mobility licenses, the range of independent mobility, the age at which mobility licenses are granted, and the duration of outdoor play of children. Findings show that children in slum settlement were reported to have more mobility licenses, broader independent mobility range, and earlier licenses than children in redeveloped settlement. Gender differences are evident, with girls in redeveloped settlement receiving mobility licenses later than both boys and girls in slum settlement, but boys' age at which they received independent mobility licenses remained consistent regardless of their place of residence. Boys in the redeveloped settlement engage in more outdoor play time than boys and girls in slum settlement. Conversely, girls in slum settlement participate in more outdoor play time than those in redeveloped settlement. These findings have important implications for slum redevelopment policies, highlighting the need to consider morphological aspects of residential environments that support girls' outdoor play time and independent mobility. It is crucial that these considerations be integrated into the design of redeveloped settlements to ensure equitable development of children in such communities.

Exploring the impact of lighting sources on walking behavior in obstructed walkways among older adults

The pandemic has reinforced older adults' reliance on their homes and the concept of “aging in place”. Changes like reduced physical strength and cognitive deficit, however, have heightened the challenge of simple tasks like obstacle crossing among older adults, let alone when older adults cannot perceive the surroundings well during the nighttime. The study is, therefore, to evaluate the impact of lighting on older adults' obstacle-crossing behavior during the nighttime. Twenty-seven older adults (81 ± 6 yrs., 171 ± 12 cm, 75 ± 20 kg, 14 females) were recruited. Participants were asked to cross over the obstacle in a dark residential environment under point or line light. We found that the line light tended to (1) induce more external rotation of the trailing hip (p = 0.037) and more internal rotation of the leading ankle (p < 0.001) at leading leg liftoff; and (2) result in a more upright and erect posture during stance phase (less hip flexion, p = 0.006) and swing phase of the trailing leg (reduced pelvic flexion, p = 0.038). Postural changes induced by line light demonstrated improved body control, highlighting the influence of spatial information (horizontal & vertical directions) on crossing behavior in dark environments. The findings can provide additional evidence for the design of light systems in both retirement communities and individual homes. This is particularly important when designing built environments for the aging population, in cases where the surroundings may pose challenges such as obstructed walking, and other complex floor conditions.

New Makeup Air Method through Ceiling for Kitchen Ventilation in Severely Cold Regions and Its Effect on Air Environment

Severely cold weather reduces the willingness of residents to open windows while cooking. This results in an insufficient replenishment of makeup air and a reduction in the range hood discharge capacity. For an effective trade-off between indoor air temperature maintenance and air quality aggravation in winter, a new makeup air supply method (ceiling makeup air) was proposed and established both experimentally and numerically. The improvements in the kitchen air environment during cooking were studied through experimental tests and CFD simulations, considering different makeup air arrangements. The results reveal that the ceiling makeup air scheme can significantly reduce the concentration of PM2.5 compared with the cracks makeup air scheme (wherein the kitchen window and door are closed). Moreover, it increased the indoor temperature by over 11.9 °C compared with the open window makeup air scheme. The average relative error between the experimental and simulated data was within 6.1%. Among the considered factors, the size of the air inlet had the largest impact. This was followed by the layout, size, and shape of the ceiling inlets. The ceiling makeup air scheme demonstrated the potential for improving residential kitchen air environments in severely cold regions.

Pemanfaatan Sampah Plastik sebagai Material Paving Block

As people's consumption levels increase, the plastic waste produced will also increase. It's normal if in the future it becomes a serious environmental problem. We need a technology that is able to replace plastic waste into products that have a long life so that they do not return to waste in a short time. Making paving block products from plastic waste is another way of utilizing plastic waste over a long period of time, in order to increase utilization efficiency and reduce the environmental burden on plastic waste and form innovative products into building materials. The most important problem with plastic is plastic waste which cannot be decomposed naturally. Cleaning up plastic waste takes a very long time, and also the use of plastic can hardly be regulated. Based on the results of surveys, interviews and observations conducted on the community around Kuala Village, the community's awareness of waste processing is very minimal and there are lots of piles of plastic waste which can have a negative impact on health and disrupt the preservation of environmental functions, including residential environments, forests, rice fields, and rivers. To reduce the volume of plastic waste that is not managed properly, efforts are being made to utilize plastic waste to make paving blocks in Kuala Lemang Village. to explore the potential for using plastic waste as an alternative material in making environmentally friendly and sustainable paving blocks. Plastic waste collected from the surrounding environment is processed into mixed materials in making paving blocks. This process involves chopping, mixing with conventional materials such as sand, and testing the strength of the final product. Public acceptance of plastic-based paving blocks has proven positive, especially after trials in the local environment. This research contributes to better plastic waste management and offers new economic opportunities in the construction sector, while supporting sustainable development.

Diagnosa Penyakit Tuber Culosis (TBC) menggunakan Metode Case Based Reasoning (CBR)

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the infectious diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infection in the human lungs. Tuberculosis is a disease that can be transmitted from people with TB through coughing, sneezing, talking, laughing or singing. Lack of public knowledge about TB and lack of funds for health checks make many people late to be treated. Expert systems are technologies developed based on programs, in accordance with human methods and mindsets. This aims to help people who want to check their health, but are hampered by costs, besides saving time if the examination place is far from the residential environment of the community concerned. Expert systems require a method that can help solve existing problems. In this study, the method used is the Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) method, because the main function of this method is to diagnose the disease. The calculation process of the Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) method which looks for the similarity value or proximity of old cases to new cases of a patient.

Application of the Adaptive Approach for Forming the Concept of an Inclusive Residential Environment in the Context of Regional Differences

Application of the Adaptive Approach for Forming the Concept of an Inclusive Residential Environment in the Context of Regional Differences

제주지역 노인의 지역사회 계속거주에 미치는 영향요인 연구

This study examined the factors influencing Aging-in-Place(AIP) in older adults in the Jeju region. Also, the study tried to find supporting ways of AIP for older adults. The study used data from the 2020 Ministry of Health and Welfare Survey on Korea Older Adults and analyzed 375 cases of older adults in Jeju. The influencing factors of AIP consisted of functional, structural, phenomenological, and ecological factors. The main results are as follows: First, 98.2% of older adults in a healthy situation chose AIP, but this number drops to 59.5% when their health becomes weak and unhealthy. Second, the factors influencing the AIP of older adults in the Jeju area were age as a functional factor, household type and economic satisfaction as a structural factor, housing and residential environment satisfaction variables with a phenomenological factor, and satisfaction with neighborhood relationships as an ecological factor. Based on the above results, this study suggested the policy to support older adults in the Jeju area as they lead their daily lives and face old age. In particular, the willingness to AIP decreases significantly when the health of older people in the Jeju region deteriorates; the study emphasized and discussed the importance of creating a residential environment.

A Qualitative Exploration of the Residential Environment and Culture of Students in the University Sports Department

A Qualitative Exploration of the Residential Environment and Culture of Students in the University Sports Department

Preferences for Features of Current and Future Residential Environments Among Korean Middle-Aged Adults.

This study examined differences in middle-aged adults' preferred features of their current versus future residential environments and how these differences varied by health and social characteristics. A sample of 1,651 Korean middle-aged adults (aged 49-64) rated their preferences for each of 12 features (e.g., proximity to family/relatives, house price) regarding current and future residential environments, separately. Respondents considered "accessibility to health services" and "opportunity for leisure activities" more important for future residential environments than for current ones. Respondents with poorer health considered features that help them compensate for health decline more important, while those who contacted friends/neighbors more frequently and participated in more cultural activities considered features that help them maintain their social interactions more important for future residential environments than the past. Our findings identified middle-aged adults' various demands for residential features after retirement, which reflect their strategic reactions to future needs for successful adaptation in later years.

Systematic Literature Reviews of Architectural Soundscapes Study

Sound is an inseparable part of human activity, exhibiting various phenomena related to its source, duration, timing, and interpretation. In residential environments, sound contributes uniquely to each building&amp;apos;s character, shaped by its spatial dimensions. This auditory phenomenon is subject to interpretation by both residents and the surrounding environment, though these interpretations may differ. This study aims to explore the boundaries of recent research in soundscape studies, particularly within the field of architecture. Utilizing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method, this study analyzes journals from the past 20 years using the Publish or Perish (PoP) application and the keywords &amp;quot;Soundscape&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Architecture&amp;quot; in the Scopus Index. The objective is to present a research map of the past 5 years, identifying patterns and trends in Soundscape Architecture. The findings reveal distinct concentrations in the object of study and scale within the architectural scope, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of Soundscape Architecture research. Furthermore, this study highlights areas for future investigation and development, emphasizing the evolving nature of this interdisciplinary field.