Building Space Research Articles

A designerly approach to a novel method for combining closed and semi-open spaces in a mid-rise office building envelope to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort

This article introduces a new method of combining closed and semi-open spaces in a mid-rise office building. This method presented in the paper aims to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort and emphasize the use of open spaces on all floors and in different directions. Usually, open spaces in buildings such as courtyards, balconies, atriums, and sky_court, despite their positive performance, have limitations in terms of geometry, location, enclosure, and connection with the building. However, this approach has tried to solve these limitations using a modular network in the plan production process. This approach allows the creation of open spaces with various geometries and areas on the floors. This study pays attention to the presence of semi-open space in mid-rise buildings and the creation of porosity in the volume, which reduces energy consumption and increases the comfort of employees. This article introduces an innovative approach to utilizing semi-open space on the floors of office buildings. This approach, by allocating a part of the area of each floor to semi-open space with two different parameters, i.e., “semi-open space with the most connection with the façade” and “semi-open space with the least connection with the facade,” is a framework for the design and optimal placement of the semi-open space in It offers office buildings. This research tries to generate all possible situations to achieve 40 % of open space in the building. By dividing the plan into 5 × 5 modules in the presented simulation model, 320 modules are available, and to convert 40 % of the building into semi-open space, 128 modules should be allocated for this purpose. The models simulated by Ladybug and Honeybee plugins show that in the volumes where the semi-open spaces in the building have a combination of the maximum connection with the facade and minimum connection with the facade, they perform better in energy consumption and thermal comfort. The research results show that a volume comprising closed and semi-open spaces with a suitable porosity ratio can perform best. In other words, the change in volume porosity significantly affects energy consumption and thermal comfort.

Shared space and resource use within a building environment: An indoor geography

AbstractIndoor spaces are essential to most humans' lives. Furthermore, in many cases, buildings are shared indoor environments that contain diverse people and resources. Spatial patterns of use are important but under‐examined aspects of human‐building interactions. This study leverages perspectives from human‐environment geography and mechanical engineering to examine spatial patterns of use within a network of shared indoor spaces in an academic building at a research university in the United States. Here we ask: (1) What spaces and resources do building users value? and (2) How are values associated with observed measures of use? We hypothesise that spatial patterns of use follow an ideal free distribution (IFD), a common ecological model of resource use. To test this, we define measures of value and use derived from mixed qualitative (n = 50) and survey‐based social data (n = 196) and data from a building‐based system of accelerometers. Our analyses provide some support for the IFD hypothesis. We discuss the implications of this finding and potential new avenues for geographic research in shared indoor environments.

Design framework to renewal abandoned areas in historic districts

ABSTRACT Urbanization and population growth have profoundly impacted the environment of historic and cultural blocks, resulting in a lack of public buildings and spaces for internal adjustment, fostering pronounced homogeneity. This study focuses on completely abandoned areas within historical streets, integrating space syntax analysis with semantic analysis to explore reshaping regional public buildings. Unlike previous studies centered around restoring old objects, the abandoned disconnected areas require a novel regional public architecture design framework through the semantic transformation of archival photographs, historical plans, and local culture. Taking Huishan Ancient Town in Wuxi as a case study, this research comprehends the abandoned disconnection area through a literature review and examination of archival data. By using spatial syntax analysis to combine the overall pedestrian flow space with the depth of ancient historical plans, entrances are set according to the pedestrian flow, preserving unique spatial characteristics and transforming the abandoned land into new public building spaces with distinct regional and contiguous features. Through semantic translation rooted in local culture, classical elements were extracted from intangible cultural heritage and applied to the ancient town’s architectural facades, navigation systems, and structures, thereby mitigating homogenization tendencies in both spatial and cultural elements.

Impact of transition spaces on the indoor thermal environment: A case study of traditional dwellings in Southern Shaanxi, China

Transition space connecting internal space and external environment of buildings, which has a buffering effect on improving the indoor thermal environment and saving energy consumption. This research focuses on thermal environment regulation performance of the corridor space of traditional dwellings in hot summer and cold winter region in China was investigated. Firstly, the field investigation and thermal comfort measurement were conducted to clarify the regulating performance of corridor space in the indoor thermal comfort and human adaptability to the environment. Then, the research uses the Grasshopper and Energy plus platforms to analyze and quantitatively verify the effectiveness of the corridor space in enhancing the indoor thermal comfort. Finally, based on the multi-objective optimization by NSGA-II, the Pareto set is generated to obtain the optimal solution for the corridor space to meet the thermal comfort. The results show that corridor of dwelling has a width of 2 m, a slope of 15°, and a height of 3.9 m. The traditional dwellings with corridor space could improve the thermal comfort hours increase by 5.1 %, the energy consumption reduce by 18.7 %. This research could help inhabitants achieve the adaptive design of corridor space and improve the livability of residential habitats in southern Shaanxi.

Research on Microclimate Optimization of Traditional Residential Buildings in Central Anhui Based on Humid and Hot Climate Characteristics and Regional Architectural Features

This study examines how building space, materials, and structure affect the microclimate of Liu Tong Xinglongzhuang in central Anhui, known for its hot, humid climate and distinct architecture. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, including field monitoring, PHOENICS simulation, and Ladybug Tools, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Building materials: wood reduces indoor temperature; a glass roof over the patio lowers temperature and improves wind speed; and reducing tile area decreases solar radiation. (2) Building space: optimal comfort in stairwells is achieved with a length-to-width ratio of 1.5:1 and height-to-width ratio of 2:1; courtyards are most comfortable with a length-to-width ratio of 2.5:1 and height-to-width ratio of 1.5:1; walk-through halls are optimal with a length-to-width ratio of 2:1 and height-to-width ratio of 1.5:1; and wings achieve the highest comfort with a length-to-width ratio of 2.5:1 and height-to-width ratio of 1.5:1. (3) Building structure: optimal wind speed and temperature are achieved with specific window height-to-width ratios of 1:1 for exterior and 1.5:1 for interior windows; the lowest temperatures occur at 2:1 ratios; hexagonal exterior and circular interior windows maximize wind speed and temperature reduction; and smaller exterior door openings lower indoor temperatures and are best achieved with an interior door ratio of 2:1. These findings offer valuable data and methods for optimizing the microclimate of traditional houses, with significant practical implications.

Designing movement space for elderly and disabled people in the construction law in selected countries.

Building law regulations determine designing the built environment recognising the needs of users of different ages and psychophysical abilities. Seniors and their spatial needs are covered there to a limited extent. The benchmark for design are wheelchair users. Their spatial requirements are greater in relation to independent walkers, including most older people. This makes it difficult to adapt the whole built environment to the needs of people with less mobility dysfunction. This can be considered in terms of spatial design and investment costs. The paper analyses the building regulations of 3 countries in terms of legal conditions to shape the architectural movement space of older people and disabled people. Analytical and comparative methods are used. Such research is becoming relevant and necessary. The analyses are conducted in the context of ageing populations. They are justified by statistical data on the age groups of Polish society. This is followed by design analyses of the legal requirements in the wheelchair movement space and proposals for alternatives, e.g., people walking with canes (case study). Their aim is to indicate methods to limit excessive communication spaces in buildings while maintaining functional values for all users. Research may show the possibility of greater diversification of regulations and alternatives to current laws. They are dedicated to participants in investment processes to shape accessible buildings. They can also be used in legislative work on amendments to the construction law. Changes in building regulations and a detailed approach to the mobility needs of older and disabled people (walking independently) are proposed. These decisions can provide benefits (spatial and economic savings). They fall into the "design for all" trend and sustainability of the built environment. These demands are based on no longer valid normative regulations. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3):189-197.

Spatial syntax analysis on the renewal of the external space of mining heritage buildings —— A case study of Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

ABSTRACT The renovation of external spaces of mining heritage buildings should respect their historical and cultural value and be adapted to the specific characteristics of the mining area for spatial restructuring and functional replacement. Current research often relies on subjective experience and focuses on qualitative analysis, lacking in-depth quantitative analysis. Building upon the summary of research on mining heritage exterior spaces and spatial syntax studies, this paper proposes a research methodology that quantitatively analyzes the accessibility and integration of mining heritage exterior spaces using spatial syntax convex space and axis map models. Taking the exterior connecting spaces and characteristic spaces before and after the renovation of the German Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex as the research objects, the impact of spatial location on different circulation organizations and functions of spatial places is visually expressed, providing a more intuitive explanation of the complex relationships in mining heritage exterior spaces. The research findings reveal that the spatial syntax model is adaptable in evaluating the renovation of mining heritage exterior spaces, with spaces exhibiting high integration being essentially consistent with key and highly utilized exterior spaces within the renovated mining area. In summary, it can be concluded that the integration of mining heritage exterior spaces and consequently the utilization rate and value can be improved through spatial “Connection”, “Growth”, and “Darning”, thereby offering direct reference for subsequent research and practical organization of mining heritage architectural exterior space renewal.

What Do Community Doulas Think About the Future of the Doula Workforce?

Expanding access to doula care is a key strategy for improving the perinatal experiences and health outcomes of birthing people of color in the U.S. This study investigates the future of maternal healthcare in the U.S. from the perspective of doulas and highlights emerging technology and other opportunities related to strengthening the doula workforce. The study recruited community doulas from 12 unique U.S. states, ensuring at least half of the doulas predominantly served communities of color. Doulas (N = 26) participated in semi-structured, futures-oriented interviews that explored their experiences providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic and utilization of technology. A subset of doulas (n = 8) were engaged in interactive workshops where they envisioned alternative futures for doula care and childbirth. Interviews and workshops were analyzed using the Framework Method. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened technology use among doulas and increased client accessibility. Social media serves as a unique space for critical community building and client outreach. Doulas reported opportunities to strengthen and mobilize the future workforce: recognizing doula care as a reimbursable service by health insurers, utilizing doula collectives for community practice to decrease burnout, increasing emotional support for doulas, and instilling a chain of learning through mentorship. Futures thinking served as a valuable approach for doulas to illuminate the implications of present-day challenges and empowered doulas to design roadmaps toward better futures for doulas and maternal health. Doulas should be engaged as partners to hold a meaningful decision-making role when discussing policies, employment structures, emerging technology, and other aspects of doulas' positioning within the healthcare system.

From the Translocal to the Multi‐Sited Transnational: Tracing Rohingya Refugee Networks in India

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the transnational and translocal experiences of the Rohingya in India, a stateless, refugee community forcibly displaced from Myanmar, onward migrants from Bangladesh, who currently occupy a legally precarious space in India. Drawing on approximately 90 interviews conducted with refugees, community leaders and NGOs across three Indian cities, along with informal group discussions and field notes, this paper makes two arguments that shed light on the complex, multi‐factorial ways in which networks are rebuilt in displacement as well as the emerging characteristics of Rohingya onward migration in Asia. First, that early generations of Rohingya in India leveraged translocal network building spaces and encounters to rebuild their networks with others in the community and create translocal networks of care and support with local civil society actors, cementing the notion of a ‘Rohingya refugee community’ in India. Second, that the gradual internationalisation of the Rohingya crisis as well as the transnationalisation of the Rohingya diaspora in the last decade through multiple waves of displacement, onward migration and resettlement schemes has prompted a shift towards multi‐sited transnationalism, particularly reflected in the emergence of multi‐sited transnational families, digital transnational spaces among younger refugees and extended diasporic networks.

Simulation study of dynamic building insulation with transpired solar collectors

This study conducts a comprehensive numerical analysis using Ansys Fluent to investigate the thermal behaviour of transpired solar collectors (TSCs) focusing on temperature distribution, airflow dynamics, and heat recapture capabilities. The research evaluates TSC performance across various environmental conditions. A significant observation from the study is the TSCs' ability to recapture heat losses from the enclosures during nighttime, particularly under higher airflow conditions, where TSCs effectively redirect heat back into building spaces, contributing to energy conservation. Subsequently, the study reveals an inverse relationship between solar radiation levels and TSC efficiency in heat loss recapture. As solar radiation increases from 200 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2, the recaptured wall heat loss decreases by a percentage, ranging from 125 % to 241 % compared to the maximum observed during nocturnal periods. Additionally, the temperature analysis of the TSC backplate demonstrates a complex thermal response under different operational conditions. Solar radiation, airflow rates, and environmental properties influence this interplay. The study also uncovers a consistent linear increase in airflow velocity from the inlet to the outlet within the TSC air cavity, suggesting efficient airflow management. This insight is crucial for optimizing TSC design for improved heat exchange efficiency. In conclusion, the findings of this research offer valuable insights into the operational dynamics of TSCs, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in their design and functionality.

Domestic, Not Private: Feminine Proposals for Carabanchel PAU Expansion, Madrid, Spain

This paper offers a gender-based analysis of collective space in the domestic realm, beyond privacy, produced in significant social housing case studies in the urban expansion of Carabanchel neighbourhood (Carabanchel PAU, Madrid, Spain). Designed at the beginning of the 21st century, this period involves the incorporation of women into young architectural teams. Thus, this study seeks to delve into the significance of this role through the detailed study of eleven cases. Focussing on the common spaces of housing buildings, these small elements seem to recall the passage from the safe to the unsafe environment, from the space of the reproductive labour to that of the intersectionality. Following this finding, we propose an incipient study of the transitional spaces between the private and the public, where contacts between neighbours and the exchange of care beyond the private sphere are celebrated, as well as the public representation of domestic life. The methodological approach has stablished four meaning aspects to analyse, related to inhabitants’ life and intended as architectural parameters: spaces for neighbourhood flows, both for residents and visitors; areas of activity and leisure, available for resident daily life; connections between these areas of activity and leisure and, finally, connections of the common areas with the dwellings. The aim is to investigate the extent to which the participation of women architects makes these spaces more effective for care giving—or simply, more suitable for the expansion of intimate life and socialisation with neighbours. The results provide optimistic data for the discipline and its capacity, through this type of sensitivity, to correct some of the errors in the system of production of public space.

Design-based approach to technology innovation: Teacher educators’ experiences with tablets as instructional tools in South Africa

The role of higher education in improving educational practices and access through research in technology innovations across the wider spectrum of schooling has especially increased in the information driven 21<sup>st</sup> century lifestyle. Pre-service teacher training plays a significant role in this transformation. For South Africa, research in technology integration has not provided requisite skills for teacher educators to bring about this envisaged transformation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the affordance of the design-based research (DBR) when combined with community of practice (CoP) framework in mitigating context-based technology integration related challenges and professional development in teacher education through the social learning theory. The qualitative paper explores the experiences teacher educators had of using tablets in a DBR as technology integration tools for contextual pedagogical practices. Teacher educators (n = 10), in one university in South Africa were given tablets to use over a year before they responded to semi-structured interviews about their experiences and were also observed as they engaged in both the CoP and in classroom practice. After a thematic analysis, the main results were that the CoP provided space for teacher educators to improve their confidence and technology integration skills. The combination of DBR and the CoP was found to be complementary in bridging the gap between theory and practice for teacher educators. The CoP provided the much needed safe space for professional growth and confidence building for teacher educators. However, learning engagements were limited by inadequacy of ICT tools for the students. In light of this, the implication of the study is that professional development plans for teacher educators in technology integration skills must be context based and subject specific through DBR programs for practical results and sustainability.

Exploring factors influencing the agglomeration of implicit consumption space: A comparison with explicit consumption space

The implicit development of consumption space in buildings relying on the O2O business mode is a new form of urban renewal under experience economy and e-commerce. The concept of implicit consumption space emerged as a result. There is a lack of research on implicit consumption space and this study aims to fill this gap. Using POI data and spatial analysis methods, the paper studies the clustering characteristics and influencing factors of the explicit and implicit consumption space in the Old City of Nanjing to provide practical implications for urban renewal, and finds that the implicit consumption space grows fast and has strong clustering, and its layout basically follows the traditional commercial location theory. Commercial districts, office buildings and traffic accessibility are the common influencing factors for the distribution of explicit and implicit consumption spaces. Explicit and implicit consumption space influence each other in layout, while implicit consumption space has a stronger dependence on explicit consumption space. The influencing factors for the agglomeration of explicit and implicit consumption space have spatial variations. The implicit consumption space is an important path for the bottom-up renewal of the old city, and also provides an opportunity for urban function optimization, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Multi-objective optimization of morphology for high-rise residential cluster with the regards to energy use and microclimate

Urban morphology significantly influences building energy consumption, solar energy potential, and outdoor thermal microclimate. This study seeks to optimize the urban morphology of high-rise residential clusters, using a framework that emphasizes energy use, outdoor thermal microclimate and incremental investment cost at a preliminary stage of design. The proposed framework is based on performance oriented parametric simulation and implements multi-objective optimization using the Grasshopper platform to assess residential cluster morphology. The study analyzed the five morphological parameters (floor area ratio (FAR), building density (BD), average floor (AF), average orientation (AO), and average aspect ratio (AAR)) to achieve the minimize of the Net Energy Intensity (NEI), Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), and Incremental Investment Cost (IIC) of residential clusters. This approach aims to enhance energy efficiency and improve summer microclimate while reducing investment costs. Additionally, analyzed the correlation between morphological parameters and three key performance metrics: Energy Use Intensity (EUI) (encompassing heating, cooling, and lighting requirements), Photovoltaic Energy Generation (PVEG), and UTCI. The findings reveal that the optimal morphology of residential clusters varies significantly depending on the desired objective. When prioritizing PVEG, a morphology characterized by low height, high density, and a small aspect ratio is recommended. It is noteworthy that in this morphology, the cluster also demonstrates optimal UTCI during the summer. Conversely, if EUI is the primary objective, a configuration with higher height and aspect ratio, along with lower density, is suggested. On the other hand, balancing the requirements of these three objectives may require a moderately-spaced layout with low height, large aspect ratio, and compact front-to-back building spacing. Under these morphologies, particular attention should be given to the layout in the north–south directions. Furthermore, southward orientation is advisable. Additionally, based on analysis of Pareto solutions, a FAR of approximately 2.6 to 2.7 is recommended.

Never Felt at Home: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Faculty From Underrepresented Groups in Family Medicine and Strategies for Empowerment.

Increasing diversity among medical educators is a vital step toward diversifying the physician workforce. This study examined how gender, race, and other attributes affect family medicine department chairs' experiences with sponsoring, mentoring, and coaching (SMC). We identified strategies at multiple levels to enhance SMC for faculty from underrepresented groups (URGs). Our qualitative study employed semistructured interviews with the chairs of departments of family medicine in the United States. We used inductive and deductive thematic analysis approaches to describe the experience and name usable strategies organized along the social-ecological model. We interviewed 20 family medicine department chairs between December 2020 and May 2021. Many participants continued to be alarmed that leaders and role models from URGs have been rare. Participants described incidents of aggression in White- and male-dominated atmospheres. Such experiences left some feeling not at home. Some White male leaders appeared oblivious to the experiences of URG faculty, many of whom were burdened with a minority tax. For some URGs, surviving meant moving to a more supportive institution. Building spaces for resiliency and connecting with others to combat discrimination gave meaning to some participants. Participant responses helped identify multilevel strategies for empowerment and support for URG faculty. Understanding the experiences of URG faculty is paramount to improving the environment in academic medicine-paving the way to enhancing diversity in the health care sector. Institutions and individuals need to develop multilevel strategies for empowerment and support to actively make diverse faculty feel at home.

Dynamic Analysis of High-Rise Buildings for Various Irregularities with and without Floating Column

In recent urban developments, the demand for column-free spaces in multi-story buildings has risen due to space constraints, population growth, and aesthetic considerations. To meet these requirements, floating columns are frequently incorporated into building designs. However, these structural elements pose significant risks in seismically active regions, as they disrupt the continuous load transfer path essential for earthquake resilience. This research focuses on the dynamic analysis of high-rise buildings with various irregularities, both with and without floating columns. The study aims to evaluate the seismic performance of these structures by analyzing parameters such as storey displacement, storey drift, and base shear. By using structural analysis software, we model and compare different configurations of high-rise buildings under seismic loads. The findings will provide insights into the impact of floating columns on the structural integrity of high-rise buildings and suggest design improvements for enhanced seismic performance. This research is essential for developing safer building practices in earthquake- prone areas.

Integrated Impacts of Building Space Ratio and Wind Direction on Pedestrian-level Wind Environment around High-rise Buildings with Equilateral Triangle Arrangement

Integrated Impacts of Building Space Ratio and Wind Direction on Pedestrian-level Wind Environment around High-rise Buildings with Equilateral Triangle Arrangement

Placement Principles of Islamic Calligraphy in Architecture: Insights from the Al-Hambra and Al-Azem Palaces

This paper addresses a critical gap in the study of Islamic architecture by exploring the interconnected relationship between Arabic calligraphy and architectural design. Specifically, it examines the principles guiding the placement of Islamic calligraphy within the interior and exterior spaces of Islamic public buildings through a qualitative analysis of two notable case studies, the Al-Hambra Palace in Granada, Spain, and the Al-Azem Palace in Hama, Syria. This research elucidates fundamental principles that underpin the integration of calligraphy in Islamic architectural contexts. To enhance the robustness of the findings, interviews were conducted with three expert master calligraphers, providing skillful insights that enrich the understanding of calligraphy placement. This study reveals significant implications for the decoration of walls and ceilings in Islamic buildings. However, the findings are limited by the scope of the case studies and the subjective interpretations of the interviewed experts. This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field, informing contemporary architectural practices and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Hierarchical and two-step clustering to assess symptoms of sick building syndrome in office spaces in an educational building

ABSTRACT People spend a significant amount of time indoors, being exposed to situations that might lead to discomfort, illness and loss of productivity. This study addressed the symptoms reported by employees of office spaces within an educational building, focusing on sick building syndrome (SBS), a set of symptoms experienced by occupants of buildings without a known cause. Volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire reporting their symptoms during the workday. After data collection, hierarchical and two-step clustering were applied to assess the symptoms reported. The main results found were: (I) around 43.06% of people reported at least one symptom of SBS; (II) two-step clustering analysis showed that the main predictive symptoms are blurred vision, eye irritation, exhaustion, drowsiness and weakness; (III) hierarchical clustering analysis observed a high probability of simultaneous symptoms such as exhaustion and drowsiness, nasal irritation or itching and runny nose. At the same time, cough and shortness of breath showed a lower probability; (IV) the dendrogram formed a group predominantly linked to respiratory symptoms and another related to throat and skin symptoms; (V) the application of cluster analysis has the potential to describe the patterns and groups of identified symptoms accurately. Additionally, the research presented several contributions, such as identifying the most severe symptoms requiring immediate mitigation actions and enabling decisions related to employees’ health and well-being by implementing preventive measures to promote a healthier environment.

Presenting a Design Method that Begins with Space and Ends with Building

Buildings in their fundamental being are space-enclosing structures where space is a container of human activity whichin turn is exceptionally diverse and multifaceted and yet is always limited to a set of standard spaces. The spaces ofbuildings are designed to meet functional requirements or the needs of occupants, but rarely address the diversity oftheir activities in specific terms. Multifunctional, general or standard spaces have overridden a layer of spatialspecificity and relevance that could be part of any kind of building. By looking at human activity as a generator ofprogram, this paper proposes a design approach that begins with the design of space through presenting two examplesof spaces designed for a youth center in Amman, Jordan.