The Adaptability of Residential Planning and Design to World-Changing Events

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Architectural Design, Urban Science, and Real Estate".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 29111

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

1. CIAUD, Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Rua Sá Nogueira, Polo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1349-063 Lisbon, Portugal
2. Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Sá Nogueira, Polo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1349-063 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: bioclimatic design; passive design; sustainable architecture; building energy retrofit; building energy simulation; heritage buildings; NZEB; construction technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. CIAUD, Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Rua Sá Nogueira, Polo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1349-063 Lisbon, Portugal
2. Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Sá Nogueira, Polo Universitário do Alto da Ajuda, 1349-063 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: building physics; environmental comfort; building energy models (BEM); building energy simulation (BES); Internet of Things (IoT); digital twins (BEM+BES+IoT)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Science, 02-787 Warszawa, Poland
Interests: architecture; construction; sustainability; interdisciplinary design; parametric design; energy saving
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
CIAUD, Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design, Lisbon School of Architecture, Universidade de Lisboa, 1349-063 Lisbon, Portugal
Interests: architecture; energy; computation; sustainability; building energy modeling; building information modeling; algorithmic design; parametric design; urbanism; design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent times, the world has been hit by a pandemic, armed conflicts, and extreme climatic events, severely affecting populations. Depending on their degree of gravity, these events can catalytically initiate drastic changes in society, impacting people's lifestyles and quality of life. As history tells us, architecture, design, and engineering disciplines have always sought to develop original solutions as an adaptative response to challenges posed by extreme events/phenomena. These solutions are visible in today's cities, particularly in residential buildings, whose origins are linked to the history of world-changing events, whether they relate to public health (such as epidemics or pandemics), as a result of extreme climate events (such as heatwaves, extreme rainfall, tropical cyclones, and a rise in sea levels) or even as an emergency response caused by an armed conflict.

This Special Issue on “The Adaptability of Residential Planning and Design to World-Changing Events” aims to compile state-of-the-art knowledge on this matter and provide a global perspective on new approaches and solutions in the residential context as a response to short-, medium-, or long-duration events, with the potential to pave the road to more resilient buildings and neighborhoods, and press for higher architectural, constructive, and environmental standards. Theoretical and experimental work resulting in research articles, case studies, and comprehensive review articles are suitable for publication.

The proposed Special Issue addresses the following research fields:

  • Incoming building policies and regulations;
  • Urban and residential planning adaption;
  • Residential heritage safeguard and preservation
  • Building maintenance;
  • Residential architecture and design following new social patterns;
  • Innovation in building systems and technologies;
  • Emergency residential typologies;
  • Buildings energy update;
  • Building resiliency strategies;
  • Overall sustainability in buildings.

The second edition is now open for submission: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings/special_issues/O415L12275

Dr. Carlos C. Duarte
Prof. Dr. Nuno D. Cortiços
Dr. Anna Stefańska
Dr. Daniel Mateus
Dr. Carol Monticelli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • residential building
  • urban transformation
  • adaptative design
  • climate change
  • extreme social events
  • health environments
  • environmental footprint
  • energy efficiency
  • sustainability design
  • building technology

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

5 pages, 172 KiB  
Editorial
The Adaptability of Residential Planning and Design to World-Changing Events
by Carlos C. Duarte, Nuno D. Cortiços, Anna Stefańska, Daniel Mateus and Carol Monticelli
Buildings 2024, 14(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010009 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 542
Abstract
History has witnessed several events with different magnitudes that have served as catalysts for drastic changes in society, impacting people’s lifestyles and reshaping the prevailing civilizational paradigm [...] Full article

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

26 pages, 3223 KiB  
Article
An Automated Prefabricated Facade Layout Definition for Residential Building Renovation
by Kepa Iturralde, Samanti Das, Aravind Srinivasaragavan, Thomas Bock and Christoph Holst
Buildings 2023, 13(12), 2981; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13122981 - 29 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 964
Abstract
The rising global energy demand has made it essential to reduce energy consumption in the residential building stock. Adding a new insulating envelope with Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) onto the existing buildings’ facade is one way to achieve zero energy consumption in residential [...] Read more.
The rising global energy demand has made it essential to reduce energy consumption in the residential building stock. Adding a new insulating envelope with Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) onto the existing buildings’ facade is one way to achieve zero energy consumption in residential buildings. The ENSNARE project aims to semi-automate this process by using prefabricated facade modules and developing new building data acquisition techniques. Prior to this research project, an analysis was carried out and several research gaps were identified. One of the obstacles to using prefabricated modules with RES is that the layout needs to be drawn and adjusted during different phases of the project. That is time-consuming. For this reason, this article describes two new solutions: (1) automated drafting of the optimized layout of prefabricated modules of the facade and the number of solar panels based on the existing residential building model, and (2) automated adjustment of the layout depending on the phase of the renovation project and the accuracy of the measurements in each step. The proposed semi-automated approach has the potential to significantly reduce the time used in drafting the layout of the prefabricated modules, which benefits the whole renovation process, contributing to a more sustainable future for the residential building stock. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1636 KiB  
Article
A Study on Recommendations for Improving Minimum Housing Standards
by Donghyun Kim, Hyunnam Sim and Seiyong Kim
Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2708; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112708 - 27 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 801
Abstract
Minimum housing standards aim to safeguard housing rights and enhance residential conditions. Governments develop housing policies, including provision, preservation, and support for welfare programs, guided by the status of households below these standards. Growing nations commonly utilize this approach to decrease the proportion [...] Read more.
Minimum housing standards aim to safeguard housing rights and enhance residential conditions. Governments develop housing policies, including provision, preservation, and support for welfare programs, guided by the status of households below these standards. Growing nations commonly utilize this approach to decrease the proportion of households not meeting these criteria. In South Korea, the ratio of households below these standards was 4.5% in 2021, down from 16.6% in 2006, as indicated by the initial Korea Housing Survey. However, this downward trend has stalled over the past decade. With the 2004 and 2011 revisions, the standards have been effective for 12 years, yet no longer mirror current housing realities due to ongoing improvements. This study aimed to propose enhancements to Korea’s minimum housing standards. Through analyzing laws, prior research, present household statuses, international cases, and expert insights, recommendations emerged. Categorizing households by size, we developed precise standards covering area, facility, and location aspects. These new standards led to an 8.4% non-compliance rate in 2021. This research’s findings anticipate aiding the revision of minimum housing standards, formulating pragmatic policies for enhancing residential conditions in line with present situations. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

31 pages, 18889 KiB  
Article
Energy-Based Design: Improving Modern Brazilian Buildings Performance through Their Shading Systems, the Nova Cintra Case Study
by Daniel Mateus and Gonçalo Castro Henriques
Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2543; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102543 - 08 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 856
Abstract
Current research applies an energy-based design model to improve performance in existing modern buildings, in Rio de Janeiro, from the 1940’s, improving these buildings’ shading systems. This article proposes a methodology tested through a case study, the Nova Cintra building. The methodology starts [...] Read more.
Current research applies an energy-based design model to improve performance in existing modern buildings, in Rio de Janeiro, from the 1940’s, improving these buildings’ shading systems. This article proposes a methodology tested through a case study, the Nova Cintra building. The methodology starts by analysing the original shading system performance, regarding insolation, illuminance and air temperature. Using these results, proposes two computacional methods to improve performance: (1) a combinatorial modelling process, recombining the existing shading systems positions in the building’s north façade; and (2) a transformation process, using parametric and algorithmic–parametric modelling, to improve the existing shading systems performance. Both processes use optimization algorithms. The results of these modelling and optimization methods are compared with the results of the original system and suggests an improvement between 111.1% and 590.4% for insolation; between 360.9% and 84.4% for illuminance; and between 2.9% and 3.0% for air temperature, considering winter and summer solstices. This improvement aims at reducing the buildings’ energy consumption and foresees the production of renewable energy from solar harvesting, to mitigate climate change. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 8822 KiB  
Article
Weaving Octopus: An Assembly–Disassembly-Adaptable Customized Textile Hybrid Prototype
by Ziqi Cui, Siman Zhang, Salvatore Viscuso and Alessandra Zanelli
Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2413; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102413 - 22 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 913
Abstract
As global challenges evolve rapidly, lightweight architecture emerges as an effective and efficient solution to meet rapidly changing needs. Textiles offer flexibility and sustainability, addressing spatial requirements in urban and residential designs, particularly in underutilized areas. This study developed a user-friendly and customizable [...] Read more.
As global challenges evolve rapidly, lightweight architecture emerges as an effective and efficient solution to meet rapidly changing needs. Textiles offer flexibility and sustainability, addressing spatial requirements in urban and residential designs, particularly in underutilized areas. This study developed a user-friendly and customizable textile hybrid structure prototype by exploring different weaving methods to find more flexible and adaptable solutions. The research adopts a three-stage process: concept design, parametric simulation prototype, and physical scale-up testing. Methodologies include Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for assessing structural bending and tensile behavior, evolutionary computation for multi-objective optimization, Arduino for enabling interactive dynamic and lighting systems, and a website interface for bespoke decisions. Results revealed a groundbreaking textile hybrid prototype, applicable individually or collectively, with flexible assembly and disassembly in various scenarios. The prototype also offers an eco-friendly, cost-efficient facade renovation solution, enhancing aesthetics and providing shading benefits. The research encompasses interactive lightweight construction design, bending-active textile hybrids, form-finding, circular economy, and mass customization, contributing to advances in lightweight construction design while promoting sustainable practices in textile architecture. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 1794 KiB  
Article
Apartment Space Planning Directions for Infectious Disease Prevention and Management: Insights Based on Residents’ Experiences
by Mi-Kyung Kim and Eun-Jeong Kim
Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2203; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092203 - 30 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 803
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised people’s interest in pandemic-safe housing. This study aims to present insights into apartment housing space design to prevent and manage infectious diseases based on the actual living experiences of apartment residents. The relevant literature was reviewed, and overall [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised people’s interest in pandemic-safe housing. This study aims to present insights into apartment housing space design to prevent and manage infectious diseases based on the actual living experiences of apartment residents. The relevant literature was reviewed, and overall satisfaction was assessed through a questionnaire targeting apartment residents in South Korea. Finally, using the photovoice method, residents’ space needs were identified. By applying a mixed-use methodology and identifying the needs of residents, the following two recommendations were derived: (1) a flexible space plan to support multifunctional use while securing work efficiency and privacy in the living room, bedroom, and space for hobbies/work/learning; (2) a facility for removing contaminants at the entrance with sufficient storage space. The residents emphasized the importance of non-structural changes to the space and the convenience of use to increase actual space utilization. When planning future pandemic-safe apartment housing spaces, it is important to consider structural aspects like functionality and facilities. Convenience of use and methods of supporting family members’ privacy should also be taken into account. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6260 KiB  
Article
Supply–Demand Matching of Smart Parcel Lockers in a Residential Area: Insights from Tianjin
by Mengyue Ding, Yan Song and Yike Hu
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082088 - 17 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1118
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of self-service facilities (SSFs) in residential areas worldwide. Previous studies on SSFs mainly focused on their application in commercial or other scenarios. However, SSFs in residential areas have not been thoroughly studied. [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of self-service facilities (SSFs) in residential areas worldwide. Previous studies on SSFs mainly focused on their application in commercial or other scenarios. However, SSFs in residential areas have not been thoroughly studied. This study develops an analytical framework for assessing both the supply and demand for SSFs in residential areas. The study evaluates 2693 residential communities and 479 smart parcel lockers (SPLs) in Tianjin, China. The results show that the high-demand area for SPLs is within 300 m of home, while the high-supply area is 300–600 m from home. Further analysis using the Gini coefficient and location quotient shows that the top 20% of the population have access to 80% of SPLs, and most residential communities experience an oversupply. Our study suggests that a mismatch between the supply and demand of SPLs may result in massive public space waste, resource waste, and inequity. Given the many uncertainties of the future, this study highlights the need to consider the dynamic supply–demand relationship of SSFs. This may encourage urban planners, policymakers, and experts in other related disciplines to work towards a more service-efficient and equitable utilization of SSFs in residential areas. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 5113 KiB  
Article
Towards a Healthy Architecture: A New Paradigm in the Design and Construction of Buildings
by Santiago Quesada-García, Pablo Valero-Flores and María Lozano-Gómez
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 2001; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13082001 - 05 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2722
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed a new awareness of what living and working spaces should look like from a different perspective, and healthier cities and architecture have arisen because of inescapable public demand. Society has become clearly aware that there are still [...] Read more.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has catalysed a new awareness of what living and working spaces should look like from a different perspective, and healthier cities and architecture have arisen because of inescapable public demand. Society has become clearly aware that there are still unhealthy concentrations within its environment. Spaces in cities are still being built that can favour the spread of diseases, in addition to using harmful construction materials. Living spaces must not only be sustainable, functional, and aesthetically beautiful but also comfortable, safe, and accessible, and, above all, they must be healthy. Healthy architecture has emerged as a new paradigm. This is the subject area of this work. This paper describes and develops the nature of this concept and proposes a novel definition of healthy architecture, aiming to compile state-of-the-art knowledge with a qualitative empirical and multi-method process, using case studies. This article provides a global perspective on new approaches and proposes a Decalogue with the basic principles that an environment or building must comply with in order to be healthy. The main contribution is to establish the basis for the creation of a new healthy architecture epistemology, focussing on cognitive, emotional, and physiological stimuli. This paper can help health professionals, designers, and architects, as well as companies and public administrations, to follow an innovative path in the planning of healthier cities and buildings. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 11125 KiB  
Article
The Evolution of Multi-Family Housing Development Standards in the Climate Crisis: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Issues
by Agnieszka Starzyk, Mikołaj Donderewicz, Kinga Rybak-Niedziółka, Janusz Marchwiński, Magdalena Grochulska-Salak, Przemysław Łacek, Łukasz Mazur, Ivanna Voronkova and Polina Vietrova
Buildings 2023, 13(8), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13081985 - 03 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1298
Abstract
Contemporary problems related to the consequences of climate change and exposure to changing investment and implementation conditions are prompting the development of programmes adapting to climate change. Issues of adaptation and actions in relation to climate change are being discussed in the architectural, [...] Read more.
Contemporary problems related to the consequences of climate change and exposure to changing investment and implementation conditions are prompting the development of programmes adapting to climate change. Issues of adaptation and actions in relation to climate change are being discussed in the architectural, urban planning, and governmental communities. Models are being developed for shaping the functional and spatial structure, buildings and infrastructure in the city in relation to the projected climate change. Multi-criteria and interdisciplinary research is being carried out and solutions are being implemented for retaining water, minimising the heat island effect, reducing emissions and environmental impact by analysing the carbon footprint and introducing circular economy principles. The research is focused on the analysis of design and implementation conditions for multi-family housing projects in Poland, and the development of design guidelines enabling adaptation and mitigation of the negative effects of climate change, including heat island effects, smog, overheating, drought, and flooding in housing. Conclusions from the overview of the indicated documents and legal provisions for the implementation of sustainable development principles and adaptation to climate change in the investments under preparation (urban and architectural projects) enable the forecasting of development directions and ideological assumptions for shaping urbanised areas, providing the basis for shaping the resilience of the functional and spatial structure and the natural system in urban areas subject to transformation. Issues of implementing pro-environmental technologies and developing new urban planning standards disseminate the solutions of compact cities in which the development of multifunctional building complexes with public spaces equipped with greenery linked to the buildings are realised. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 31868 KiB  
Article
Housing Design: Furniture or Fixtures? Accommodating Change through Technological and Typological Innovation
by Laura Daglio, Elisabetta Ginelli and Giulia Vignati
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1862; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071862 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1645
Abstract
The recent global pandemic has sped up architectural research in residential design aimed at rethinking housing layouts, services, and construction methods to accommodate the changing needs of the rapidly evolving contemporary society. New typological and technological design approaches are required to address, on [...] Read more.
The recent global pandemic has sped up architectural research in residential design aimed at rethinking housing layouts, services, and construction methods to accommodate the changing needs of the rapidly evolving contemporary society. New typological and technological design approaches are required to address, on the one hand, the adaptability of the plan as a result of higher flexibility and temporariness in familiar and working patterns, together with a downsizing of the layouts to ensure affordability and quality of life. On the other hand, the issues of sustainability and circular economy require specific attention to interpret the resilience of the building and the reuse/recycle of the fit-out systems. The paper aims at interpreting the notion of integration between fixtures and furnishing in housing design, based on a comprehensive literature review enriched with a case study analysis that shows design concepts and approaches rooted in theories and experiences of 20th-century architecture. Principles, potentials, and barriers to the development of integrated systems are highlighted and the possible implementation of industrialised production components, the potential for modularity, flexibility, and assembly are discussed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4486 KiB  
Article
Architecture towards Technology—A Prototype Design of a Smart Home
by Pedro Racha-Pacheco, Jorge T. Ribeiro and José Afonso
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071859 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
Humanity’s way of life has been irreversibly transformed by new technological advancements during the past decades. Although such technological innovations have been gradually transposed into architecture, their full integration is not yet achieved. This article addresses the issue of incorporating cutting-edge technologies (such [...] Read more.
Humanity’s way of life has been irreversibly transformed by new technological advancements during the past decades. Although such technological innovations have been gradually transposed into architecture, their full integration is not yet achieved. This article addresses the issue of incorporating cutting-edge technologies (such as smart thermostats, lighting sensors, security cameras, remote commands, graphic user interfaces, smartphones, mobile apps, gestures, voice commands, etc.) into urban small-scale residential architecture, in the future evolution context. For this purpose, a methodology was conceived that the main concepts regarding automation and information networks were researched, as well as their practice in some reference architecture cases. The guidelines for the prototype architectonic design were defined based on the previous knowledge acquired. Then, a prototype design of an intelligent home was iteratively developed as a machine for living in constant change. It was expected to contribute to increasing and disseminating knowledge in these fields, explaining their benefits and limitations. The prototype design presented in this article contributes to sensitizing architecture professionals to the importance of integrated and systematized thinking in all procedures of a smart home design. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 111384 KiB  
Article
The Impact of High-Density Urban Wind Environments on the Distribution of COVID-19 Based on Machine Learning: A Case Study of Macau
by Liang Zheng, Yile Chen, Lina Yan and Jianyi Zheng
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071711 - 04 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has become a global challenge, and the urban wind environment, as an important part of urban spaces, may play a key role in the spread of the virus. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the impact of urban wind environments on [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 epidemic has become a global challenge, and the urban wind environment, as an important part of urban spaces, may play a key role in the spread of the virus. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the impact of urban wind environments on the spread of COVID-19 is of great significance for formulating effective prevention and control strategies. This paper adopts the conditional generative confrontation network (CGAN) method, uses simulated urban wind environment data and COVID-19 distribution data for machine training, and trains a model to predict the distribution probability of COVID-19 under different wind environments. Through the application of this model, the relationship between the urban wind environment and the spread of COVID-19 can be studied in depth. This study found that: (1) there are significant differences in the different types of wind environments and COVID-19, and areas with high building density are more susceptible to COVID-19 hotspots; (2) the distribution of COVID-19 hotspots in building complexes and the characteristics of the building itself are correlated; and (3) similarly, the building area influences the spread of COVID-19. In response to long COVID-19 or residential area planning in the post-epidemic era, three principles can be considered for high-density cities such as Macau: building houses on the northeast side of the mountain; making residential building layouts of “strip” or “rectangular” design; and ensuring that the long side of the building faces southeast (the windward side). (4) It is recommended that the overall wind speed around the building be greater than 2.91 m/s, and the optimal wind speed is between 4.85 and 8.73 m/s. This finding provides valuable information for urban planning and public health departments to help formulate more effective epidemic prevention and control strategies. This study uses machine learning methods to reveal the impact of urban wind environments on the distribution of COVID-19 and provides important insights into urban planning and public health strategy development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 37810 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Residential Block Form on Summer Thermal Comfort of Street Canyons in the Warm Temperate Zone of China
by Xiaoyi Song, Guangbin Wang, Qingtan Deng, Siyu Wang and Chenxia Jiao
Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071627 - 27 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 890
Abstract
The residential block is the cognitive unit for residents to constitute urban imagery. As one of the most frequently used urban outdoor public spaces by residents, the thermal comfort of street canyons is an essential indicator for assessing sustainable and livable cities. The [...] Read more.
The residential block is the cognitive unit for residents to constitute urban imagery. As one of the most frequently used urban outdoor public spaces by residents, the thermal comfort of street canyons is an essential indicator for assessing sustainable and livable cities. The problem of the uncomfortable summer climate in the warm temperate zone of China has not been adequately studied. The study aims to analyze the influence of the building layout form of residential block units and block configuration on the outdoor summer thermal comfort of street canyons. Outdoor air temperature (Ta), mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), wind speed (Va), and physiological equivalent temperature (PET) were simulated using ENVI-met. A new index, PETws, was introduced based on a statistical analysis of the PET index to assess the overall street canyon thermal comfort of the block. The results indicate that the number of rows of buildings in the building row layout has a more significant effect on the summer thermal comfort PET of street canyons than the number of columns in the warm temperate zone, especially on N–S-oriented streets. Reducing the number of rows can increase the overall thermal comfort PETws of street canyons by a maximum of 2.2%. The best choice for the number of building columns is two columns. Adopting different block configurations can increase the thermal comfort PETws of street canyons by up to 2.5%. An optimal block form has been created to improve the overall street canyon summer thermal comfort of the block. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 942 KiB  
Article
The Post-COVID Home. How Confinement Altered Domestic Space Use and Living Modes, in Lisbon
by Ana Moreira and Hugo Farias
Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1195; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051195 - 30 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 898
Abstract
Not only is space use a result of spatial configuration, but it is also greatly determined by social patterns and society’s living modes. The COVID-19 pandemic and confinement resulted, worldwide, in a 24/7 use of the domestic setting, which had to be adapted [...] Read more.
Not only is space use a result of spatial configuration, but it is also greatly determined by social patterns and society’s living modes. The COVID-19 pandemic and confinement resulted, worldwide, in a 24/7 use of the domestic setting, which had to be adapted to the emergence of new needs and functions in the domestic space. The paper aims at understanding how COVID confinement altered domestic space use in Lisbon and how current society has maintained some of those changes, a reflection of new social patterns. The analysis is supported by an inquiry, carried out during the first confinement of 2020, in the city of Lisbon. Results show that domestic space use had to be adjusted to a new context, gaining new functions, and bringing into evidence the need for additional spaces. In light of the proven changes in living modes, the research concludes that the post-COVID home needs to be rethought and new housing programs should take into consideration the new social patterns and living modes. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4784 KiB  
Article
Soil–Structure Interaction Consideration for Base Isolated Structures under Earthquake Excitation
by Arcan Yanik and Yalcincan Ulus
Buildings 2023, 13(4), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040915 - 30 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1581
Abstract
This study aims to analytically implement base isolation with soil–structure interaction (SSI) on a sample structure and to develop a very simple solution to add these combined effects into the mass, damping and stiffness matrices of the structure. A spectrum analysis is also [...] Read more.
This study aims to analytically implement base isolation with soil–structure interaction (SSI) on a sample structure and to develop a very simple solution to add these combined effects into the mass, damping and stiffness matrices of the structure. A spectrum analysis is also carried out considering the base-isolated structures and SSI. Dynamic simulations are performed throughout the study. In these simulations, three shear frame structures with different properties are considered. The strong ground motions selected for these analyses are eighteen different events with far-fault and near-fault components. In addition, four different base and soil structure combination cases are taken into account. These four analytical cases are a conventional structure with a fixed base and with SSI and a seismically isolated structure with or without the SSI. The numerical results showed that when SSI is considered, the effectiveness of the base isolation system may decrease, and the effect is prominent in softer soil conditions. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

26 pages, 1558 KiB  
Review
Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Composites in Civil Engineering Application—A Comprehensive Review
by Dhanasingh Sivalinga Vijayan, Arvindan Sivasuriyan, Parthiban Devarajan, Anna Stefańska, Łukasz Wodzyński and Eugeniusz Koda
Buildings 2023, 13(6), 1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13061509 - 12 Jun 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9081
Abstract
In civil engineering, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional materials. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the application of CFRP composites in various building structural elements and their characteristics and properties, such as their fatigue [...] Read more.
In civil engineering, carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional materials. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the application of CFRP composites in various building structural elements and their characteristics and properties, such as their fatigue and corrosion resistance, stiffness and high strength, and incorporation of temperature factors. The advantages and disadvantages of CFRP composites and the current trends and prospects for CFRP composites in the construction sector are discussed. In addition, the article compares various studies on CFRP composites to shed light on their performance and potential limitations. This paper aims to provide useful information to researchers and practitioners interested in using CFRP composites in civil engineering applications. In addition, the article discusses emerging materials in CFRP, such as nanostructured carbon fibres, hybrid fibre reinforcement, and self-sensing CFRP. Additionally, the paper outlines how CFRP composites promote sustainability by increasing structural durability and longevity. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop