Sustainable Architecture Research Articles

Retrofit of green architecture through adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in sustainable tourism management

ABSTRACT The adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings as tourist attractions is a growing trend. From an architectural point of view, this concept can be optimized with green architectural retrofit strategies, which help minimize construction waste and encourage environmental conservation. The challenge lies in technically implementing green architectural strategies to transform cultural heritage buildings to ensure safe and comfortable use as tourist destinations. This research uses method in-depth observations of several case studies to identify the subject’s strengths and weaknesses through SWOT analysis. The findings from this analysis are used to develop strategies for managing cultural heritage buildings through green retrofit architecture. The research results provide detailed insights into the effectiveness of management practices based on previous research, addressing issues such as limited awareness and capacity, challenges in interpreting and managing cultural heritage, data management, costs, and inadequate knowledge. Research recommends applying green retrofit techniques such as energy efficiency, water and waste management, landscaping, building material, and indoor air quality to cultural heritage buildings. This approach aims to optimize and increase energy efficiency by revitalizing buildings through landscape designs that consider environmental conservation and climate change.

An Overview of the Effects of Passive Solar Strategies on Thermal Comfort

The paper presents the impact of passive solar strategies on residential buildings concerning the thermal comfort factor. This study focuses on passive solar design elements like orientation, shading, and thermal mass to offer improved energy efficiency and occupant comfort. With a global natural gas crisis looming, interest in alternative heating and cooling is surging. With the growing concern of reducing the energy use by buildings while maintaining proper thermal comfort, both in cold and hot climates, the interest shifts to passive solar strategies. In this view, 547 publications have been analysed to reveal knowledge gaps and trends in the research. The bibliographic and thematic analysis techniques identified some approaches to passive solar design but no dominant method. Further, the study found under-researched areas within themes that appeared established. The authors have finally concluded with calls for further research and collaboration across institutions and nations to address these gaps and develop effective passive solar strategies. These findings contribute to sustainable architecture by pointing out the pros of applying passive solar strategies to reduce heating and cooling loads. In this respect, this was an original approach since it brought both quantitative and qualitative data together to measure thermal comfort. This is further underpinned by raising the need for energy-efficient building designs as measures toward mitigating climate change impacts.

Impact of space utilization and work time flexibility on energy performance of office buildings

This study investigates the impact of different space utilization on energy use intensity, heating load, cooling load, and thermal comfort of occupants using a combination of empirical data gathering and simulation-based studies. The increasing worldwide preoccupation with energy consumption and environmental sustainability has led to increased attention on optimizing interior spaces to mitigate total energy demand. The considered case study for conducting this research was the Norwegian living lab namely Zero Emission Building (ZEB) Flexible Lab in Trondheim, Norway. In this study, 10 different scenarios of occupancy schedules based on flexible arrangements from standard workweeks to extensive remote work configurations were designed and analyzed using IDA ICE 5.0. The findings demonstrate significant reductions in energy use across scenarios with increased teleworking and compressed work weeks. The remote scenario achieved the most significant decrease in Energy Use Intensity (EUI), with a reduction of 46 % compared to the base case. Similarly, the implementation of flexible hours and remote working in scenarios resulted in a reduction of electric heating demand by up to 23 %, underscoring the potential of occupancy-based strategies in enhancing building energy efficiency. However, uncomfortable hours increased by 59 % in the 2-day remote working scenario compared to the base case, demonstrating the need to consider climate conditions when implementing remote work. The research offers valuable insights into the complex connections between flexible arrangements and energy efficiency, considering many elements such as occupancy schedule and use dynamics. This article offers a comprehensive analysis that may give architects, building managers, and policymakers valuable insights. This study contributes to the developing sustainable architecture by emphasizing the impact of dynamic occupancy on the energy performance of office buildings.

From Modern Ideas-Theories, and Pandemic, Garden-Cities of To-Morrow, and Today

This research delves into the come-back of the garden-cities in the wake of recent pandemic changed urban dynamics and reshaping cities, particularly Istanbul. At the onset of the 20th century, E. Howard's book on Garden-cities of To-morrow and his idealized garden-city models gained global prominence. The Pandemic led to people to rethink their living and working conditions and patterns in a way that had not been considered before. Thus, with the regulations imposed by the pandemic, the people began to look for an airier, and greener lifestyle in nature. Initially in the popularized cities in the late-20th century, first innovative housing models resurfaced on the urban agenda in the context of climate-change concerns, green architecture, and sustainable design. While architectural and urban planning changes have historically revolved around innovative housing models driven by sustainability, the impact of COVID-19 prompted a renewed focus on these old models. The pandemic's effects surpassed initial expectations, became nearly permanent leading people to question old planning theories and the metropolitan life model imposed throughout the 20th century. Presently, with growing awareness of green architecture and renewed interest in historical concepts, E. Howard's garden-city model was the previous century’s phenomenal idea have recently come-back and unexpectedly regained attention following the recent pandemic. These models, widely recognized as English garden-city models in Europe, also found prevalence under different terms like <i>cité-jardins</i> in France and <i>Garten-stadts</i> in Germany. In Istanbul, the model was introduced by European, French, and Italian architects, adapting creating unique model for city, <i>cité-parc</i>, (park-city) Bosphorus-Heights by French architect-urbanist Henri Prost. According to the findings of case-study focused specifically in Istanbul, it is achieved that another unique model a healthy-city concept emerged during the pandemic as a novel derivative of E. Howard’s old garden-city model originally. Consequently, this study proves that not only come-back of the old garden-city models, but also it is possible to their adaptability within contemporary urban agendas, considering such as sustainability and pandemics.

Navigating the Complexities: A Systematic Literature Review on the Challengers of Implementing Sustainable Interior Architecture Education

Navigating the Complexities: A Systematic Literature Review on the Challengers of Implementing Sustainable Interior Architecture Education

Evolving trends and challenges in sustainable architectural design; a practice perspective

Architects play a crucial role in shaping sustainable built environments that balance utility and aesthetics without compromising ecological integrity. Hence embracing sustainability remains an urgent imperative as construction activities expand to meet Nigeria’s development needs. This research examines how architects in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria are assimilating principles of sustainability within their design practices against a transforming professional backdrop. The study utilized primary data targeting 126 registered architectural firms in the study area through a questionnaire survey and achieved 88.9% response rate. Data were analyzed using JASP and Pearson product moment correlation. Results revealed high conceptual awareness of sustainability among architects, with 32.2% consistently applying strategies like renewable energy systems in designs. Economic considerations and supportive regulations emerged as key assimilation motivators. However, uneven integration levels underline lingering barriers. While 40.6% rated sustainability incorporation in education as very good, 13.5% perceived it as moderate, indicating gaps in practical competencies. Statistical analysis (P-value = 0.001) showed a significant positive relationship between architects' awareness of sustainability concepts and their implementation of sustainable design practices. These findings highlight the need for strengthened educational programs, policy incentives, and industry collaborations to accelerate sustainable architecture adoption. Recommendations include updating curricula, mandating green ratings for public projects, incentivizing developers, and promoting interdisciplinary knowledge transfer. By addressing identified gaps, it implies that architects can lead the sustainability transition while meeting local built environment needs, ensuring a more climate-compatible and socially equitable habitat creation.

Heating, cooling and energy management of cold climate educational built environments using green roofs

Educational spaces in the world with a student population of about 600 million people are significant energy consumers. Also, 66 percent of schools are among energy consumers in the lower categories of energy consumption management. Meanwhile, the world's student population is expanding while nonrenewable energy sources are running out. Recent investigations highlight schools’ focus on energy efficiency in construction, which is driven by escalating energy expenses and depleting resources. This study presents a model of green schools featuring green roof coverings interconnected with controllable window atriums, leveraging green architecture as a renewable energy solution. It assesses the impact of green roofs coupled with atriums on summer ventilation and winter heat control in cold climate regions, contrasting with conventional school designs. This study aims to improve the thermal performance of schools, reduce heat losses from the roof and walls of schools, and also help improve natural ventilation in classrooms. The research followed a descriptive-analytical approach and employed simulation techniques. The model is simulated using the Carrier HAP, and its analyses are validated by the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification. Then, a comparison is made between the thermal loads of the proposed model and the thermal loads of the conventional school model in this climate. The results demonstrate the advantage of using green roofs in improving thermal loads in winter and cooling loads in summer in classroom models with green roofs connected to atriums compared to classrooms with conventional 40 cm thick roofs or 66 cm thick roofs without greenery. Energy savings are achieved by creating schools with green roofs associated with atriums while maintaining students' connection with nature and utilizing this cover as an auxiliary learning space. Energy savings are 54.95 % in winter and 76.11 % in summer compared to conventional 40 cm thick roofs and 66 cm thick roofs without greenery.

Sustainable Architecture Implementation of Mosque in Indonesia (Case Study: Mosque Istiqlal, Jakarta)

Abstract In the context of global dynamics influenced by climate change and environmental sustainability awareness, the implementation of sustainable architecture becomes an urgent necessity in infrastructure development. Mosques, as centers of spiritual and social activities, play an undeniable role in responding to and facing these challenges. This research focuses on Mosque Istiqlal in Jakarta, a symbol of religious and national significance in Indonesia. Mosque Istiqlal, as a case study, becomes a crucial representation of efforts to integrate principles of sustainable architecture into religious buildings. To comprehensively analyze and understand the implementation of these principles, this research aims to detail how Istiqlal Mosque creates a functional and environmentally friendly built environment. By delving into the design and construction of Istiqlal Mosque, this study employs a qualitative descriptive method, involving document analysis, field observations, and interviews with architects and stakeholders. The research results are expected to provide profound insights into the positive contributions made by the implementation of sustainable architecture in the context of mosques and serve as a foundation for the development of more sustainable mosques in Indonesia in the future. With a focus on Mosque Istiqlal, this research is anticipated to offer valuable guidance for understanding and promoting sustainability in the spiritual and architectural aspects of religious buildings.

Fuzzy based Decision-Making Algorithm for Solving Big Data Issues in Smart Cities

To better provide urban services and build an increasingly sustainable architecture, big data can be used to make more efficient use of current assets while enhancing the caliber of services offered to local inhabitants. However, there are several challenges to incorporating big data into existing infrastructure. Therefore, this research aims to determine the problems associated with Big Data’s effectiveness in developing intelligent towns and to investigate the connections between those difficulties. The 14 issues with Big Data were found through a literature study, and the precision was checked by feedback from professionals. Next, we employ a combined approach based on fuzzy interpretation, Structured simulation, and the Fuzzy Making Decisions Trial and Assessment Laboratories to decipher the connections between our identified problems incorporating Big Data into the development of smart cities is hampered, as shown by the analysis of links between challenges, primarily by the heterogeneous inhabitants in developed cities and the lack of connectivity. The findings of this study will provide creative city practitioners and policy planners with the information they need to successfully tackle these obstacles, clearing the way for the widespread adoption of smart city technologies. This research is a first step towards creating an interpretive structural model of the difficulties brought on by Big Data in cutting-edge urban planning. The study attempts, in part, to use this paradigm to better understand the relationship among the highlighted issues.

CIGS박막전지를 이용한 컬러BIPV 디자인 현황 및 사례고찰

This study examines the development status of domestic color solar cells and eight domestic and international application sites to overcome the limitations of early-stage BIPV modules that focus only on expanding and distributing power generation and do not meet various building regulations and rules, and to solve somewhat neglected building and cityscape problems. In addition, it analyzes its characteristics to improve the misconceptions and limitations of existing BIPV and to contribute to improving domestic architectural application conditions and future energy policies by reborn as a true product with the function of building exterior materials. In this study, it was found through domestic and international cases that the common feature of BIPV installation cases using CIGS thin-film cells is that BIPV is installed on the entire exterior of a building to meet power generation while pursuing consistency in the design of the exterior, and that CIGS modules satisfy most of the architectural functions that BIPV should have. In addition, although the inevitable efficiency reduction occurs when PV modules have color, it was confirmed that this is a part that must be tolerated to some extent in the comprehensive and combined sense that the ultimate goal of BIPV is to realize sustainable architecture by replacing existing building materials while generating energy. However, there are still many shortcomings in satisfying the color and size required in architecture, and the color that takes into account regional characteristics, so further technological development and advancement are needed.

Increasing citizen engagement in sustainable architecture using augmented reality: A pilot study

Sustainability processes aim to include citizens as it is their behaviour and use of the cities that will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable communities. Yet, active participation of citizens can be challenging, mostly due to lack of information about the topic. Augmented Reality (AR) has been identified as a useful tool to provide information to people, yet it is unclear whether its use can contribute to achieve citizen engagement in sustainability. The present study explores whether the use of AR can increase people's understanding of sustainable architecture topics, thus increasing their interest and engagement. An experimental pilot study was designed, using a self-developed AR application (app). The AR app presented information on how different façade materials of a Sports Hall building in Oslo might impact the CO2-emissions. Two aspects were evaluated in the study: the technical aspect (related to the use of the AR tool), and the sustainability aspects (related to the users' engagement in sustainable architecture). Both aspects were evaluated via subjective assessments (i.e. how user-friendly, useful, realistic and satisfactory the app is evaluated for the technical aspects, and how users understand, get interested and engaged in sustainability aspects). In addition, possible effects of reported gender and professional background (experts vs non-experts) on the subjective evaluations were evaluated. The pilot study included 27 participants, who evaluated the AR tool using a Likert-scale to rate both the technical and the sustainability aspects. The statistical results showed that there were no significant differences between males and females or between experts and non-experts in the technical evaluation of the AR tool nor the evaluation of environmental interest. The results also showed positive correlations between the positive technical experience of the AR tool with the increment of understanding, engagement and interest of the users in sustainability. The findings show advancement in understanding the potential of the use of AR as a practical tool for increasing users' interest and engaging them into the creation of more sustainable communities.

UV-curable aromatic polyurethanes from different sustainable resources: Protocatechuic and cinnamic acids

An innovative aromatic monomer, 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl cinnamate (CDHB), was synthesized from protocatechuic and cinnamic acids. These latter can be obtained from different sustainable resources, such as plastic waste or biomass, by biotechnology and/or chemistry routes. From CDHB, used as chain extender, and aromatic or aliphatic diisocyanates, various aromatic thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) with cinnamic pendant chains were carefully synthesized and characterized. Different techniques such as NMR, FTIR, TGA and DSC have been used. The main results show that the TPUs exhibited good phase segregation and thermal stability, due to the aromaticity of the chain extender. The pendant cinnamic chains acted as internal plasticizer with a reduction of the glass transition temperature (Tg). The cinnamic groups were also able to undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition under UV irradiation, leading to the crosslinking of PU with a strong evolution of the properties. This reaction was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. 80 % of cycloaddition was reached in 20 h, significantly increasing PU gel fraction, Tg, and thermal stability. This study highlights the potential to create modulable sustainable and aromatic PU macromolecular architectures that can be UV curable and display enhanced properties.

Smart sustainable architecture: leveraging machine learning for adaptive digital design and resource optimization

Smart sustainable architecture: leveraging machine learning for adaptive digital design and resource optimization

Innovation Ecosystems and Green Building Techniques for a Sustainable Future: Leveraging Advanced Technologies

The global movement towards environmental stewardship and sustainability largely depends on innovation ecosystems, green building techniques, and sustainable development. This study explores their future potential, focusing on how advanced technologies, eco-friendly materials, and sustainable practices could mitigate climate change and enhance environmental quality. Innovation ecosystems are crucial for advancing green technology, circular economy principles, and sustainable urban design by fostering collaboration among corporations, governments, academic institutions, and civil society. The study also investigates how the effectiveness and impact of these ecosystems can be enhanced through digital transformation technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). Employing green building techniques is essential for reducing a building’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This study highlights recent advancements in green technology, including sophisticated building management systems, energy-efficient HVAC systems, improved insulation materials, and the integration of renewable energy sources. The establishment of sustainability standards and the promotion of environmentally friendly practices rely heavily on certifications like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). The paper addresses the necessity of integrated solutions to balance environmental, social, and economic dimensions for sustainability. It also examines the role of regulations, the promotion of sustainable culture through public awareness and education, and innovative concepts such as net-zero energy buildings and biophilic design. By leveraging these advancements and concepts, we can pave the way for a more environmentally sensitive and sustainable future.

Affordable housing and resilient design: Preparing low-income housing for climate change impacts

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for integrating resilient design principles into affordable housing to prepare low-income housing to withstand the impacts of climate change. The framework emphasizes the need for architectural strategies that enhance flood resistance, energy efficiency, and disaster preparedness, specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by low-income communities. Through a detailed analysis of resilient design principles and practical examples from successful projects, the paper highlights the significance of resilient housing in promoting sustainability and protecting vulnerable populations. The paper also addresses the challenges in implementing resilient design, including financial, regulatory, and technical barriers. It explores opportunities for advancing these practices through innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and supportive policies. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, architects, and developers, focusing on fostering collaboration and community engagement. Additionally, the paper identifies key areas for future research to further refine and expand the application of resilient design in affordable housing. Ultimately, this work contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable housing by proposing actionable strategies to enhance the resilience of affordable housing in the face of climate change. Keywords: Resilient Design, Affordable Housing, Climate Change Adaptation, Flood Resistance, Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Architecture

Genome-wide patterns of selection-drift variation strongly associate with organismal traits across the green plant lineage.

There are many gaps in our knowledge of how life cycle variation and organismal body architecture associate with molecular evolution. Using the diverse range of green algal body architectures and life cycle types as a test case, we hypothesize that increases in cytomorphological complexity are likely to be associated with a decrease in the effective population size, because larger-bodied organisms typically have smaller populations, resulting in increased drift. For life cycles, we expect haploid-dominant lineages to evolve under stronger selection intensity relative to diploid-dominant life cycles owing to masking of deleterious alleles in heterozygotes. We use a genome-scale data set spanning the phylogenetic diversity of green algae and phylogenetic comparative approaches to measure the relative selection intensity across different trait categories. We show stronger signatures of drift in lineages with more complex body architectures compared with unicellular lineages, which we consider to be a consequence of smaller effective population sizes of the more complex algae. Significantly higher rates of synonymous as well as nonsynonymous substitutions relative to other algal body architectures highlight that siphonous and siphonocladous body architectures, characteristic of many green seaweeds, form an interesting test case to study the potential impacts of genome redundancy on molecular evolution. Contrary to expectations, we show that levels of selection efficacy do not show a strong association with life cycle types in green algae. Taken together, our results underline the prominent impact of body architecture on the molecular evolution of green algal genomes.

Numerical and Experimental Validation for Connecting Nature with Architecture by Mimicking Cranium into a Shell Roof

This study focuses on a structural element bio-mimicked from the human cranium (HC) into a shell element. As the HC is effective in resisting intracranial pressure developed by the brain, a water tank was considered to use a bio-mimicked shape of a shell as a roof. An optimized numerical model was validated experimentally and compared with a conventional specimen. The structural behavior of the bio-mimicked specimen is similar and performs more efficiently than the conventional specimen in capacity ratio, crack formation, and load-carrying capacity. Methodology followed: A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the HC was obtained in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format for finite element analysis (FEA). From the geometric parameters of the HC, the radius of the curvature-to-thickness ratio was derived for the shell. The span and thickness of the shell under two criteria were considered. The spherical and circular shell behaviors were found to be similar to those of the HC, whereas the elliptical shell behavior was not. We studied the shape effect of the HC with the conventional slab and found that the HC shape has an impact on the behavior and is the most efficient. A bio-mimicked mono column was considered as a supporting column for the water tank and analyzed. Overall, adopting this bio-mimicking of the HC into the shell roof connects nature with sustainable architecture.

SUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS IN MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE: FROM THE BEGINNINGS TO THE PRESENT

The pioneers of sustainable architecture began to question the international style of modernity with regard to its ecological qualities in the 1970s. In the decades that followed, the environmental issue was treated as a crisis. Today there is no doubt about understanding our time as a major turning point in climate change. Since half of the energy used by humans worldwide is consumed in buildings, the topic of green architecture is essential. In the history of architecture we find numerous examples that can be inspiring for solutions to today's problems. This work intends to investigate sustainability aspects in mosque architecture from its beginnings to the present day. In the introduction, the development of Islamic architecture in relation to environmental awareness is discussed. This is followed by supraregional aspects of sustainable Islamic architecture, which are analyzed under the following focal points: multifunctionality, natural materials, natural lighting and ventilation, sustainable design strategies, cultural sustainability and, finally, environmentally friendly and energy-conscious design in modern times.

The Republic of South Ossetia in the Context of Regional Security Threats

The article analyzes the security problems in the South Caucasus. The emphasis is placed on the key security threats to the Republic of South Ossetia, which is actually in a state of latent conflict with Georgia. The article uses the method of situational analysis (sitanalysis), which involves considering the problem at the applied level, identifying all the factors that influence the formation of the situation. The author considers that the most important part of the situational analysis is the development of practical recommendations in order to implement a favorable forecast and, if possible, avoid an unfavorable course of events.According to the author’s main conclusions, the Republic of South Ossetia is currently facing a number of serious external threats to its national security in the South Caucasus. The existing threats, challenges and risks for South Ossetia in the South Caucasus region tend to increase, both in local and regional variants. According to the author, efforts should continue to create a sustainable security architecture in the South Caucasus in order to prevent any violent scenarios for resolving existing contradictions and achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region.

Harnessing Vernacular Knowledge for Contemporary Sustainable Design through a Collaborative Digital Platform

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising and disseminating vernacular architectural knowledge with a focus on sustainable practices that are both culturally and environmentally conscious. The platform builds upon lessons learned from similar projects, offering key improvements such as the adoption of a Case-Based Reasoning methodology, which organises examples by geographic location, materials, and intervention types. A structured classification system based on sustainability principles and strategies enables cross-disciplinary research and comparison. The design process was highly participatory, incorporating user feedback at every stage to ensure the platform is accessible to a wide range of users, including designers, scholars, craftspeople, and the general public. A cross-device, user-centered approach further broadens its accessibility. The platform provides a public, web-based geospatial repository where users can create, update, and explore a dynamic collection of artefacts, design models, people, and institutions from across the globe. This tool marks a significant advance in promoting and preserving both physical and intangible heritage, with strong educational and practical applications for sustainable architecture. The paper details the theoretical framework and real-world potential of the platform as a critical resource for promoting sustainability in the built environment.