The salutogenic theory is not a model of disease, but rather a model of health. Salutogenesis looks in the opposite direction, towards a more vibrant sense of well-being; toward better and more robust health, toward health promotion and recovery orientation, rather than to the illnesses that threaten life. Salutogenesis is a way of understanding the entire spectrum of wellness and illness, regardless of specificity and detail. The salutogenic theory does not only seek to improve health but to assist in all other human endeavors because that is the level at which it works. Thus, salutogenic interventions do not make people better; they make architectural and other interventions better, and in that way, salutogenic interventions help people to help themselves, to get the most out of their lives, and to be their best selves. Salutogenic principles are a practical way to integrate the dynamics of health and experience with architecture. As a result, the Journal of Salutogenic Architecture is dedicated to bridging the gap in the literature on salutogenic principles and looking at how they can be applied in architecture and the built environment, with the goal of covering the lack of new studies to apply salutogenic principles in architecture. Hence, this journal tries to respond to the following questions: How can we bring salutogenic theory into practice using architectural design? How can we link the theory of salutogenesis with other theories in architecture? In considering these questions, the journal has aimed to: - The potential for the architectural design industry to benefit greatly more from salutogenic theory than it currently does. - Examination of an Overview of Salutogenic Theory and its Relevance to Architecture - Comparing other health-oriented architecture models to Salutogenic theory in architecture, then looking at it in general and how it can be applied to address greater good design. - Linking the theories of aesthetic design with health and well-being in architecture and demonstrating the effects. - An investigation of the conditions of being persuaded within the built environment in terms of the thermic environment satisfaction, salutogenic scope, and socio-economic level. - In design strategies, investigate the parameters of a healthy environment. - Suggesting and comparing the different solutions for the problems identified in the main objective of the journal. - Discover and identify innovative methods and techniques. Therefore, the journal is classified into three main sections: Section A: Salutogenic Architecture and the Built Environment: Beyond Health Architecture; Aesthetic Design and Health; Manageability in Architecture and the Built Environment; Comprehensibility in Architecture and the Built Environment; Meaningfulness in Architecture and the Built Environment. Section B: Well-being in Architecture and the Built Environment: Indoor air quality, public health, and pandemic control, sick buildings, thermal comfort, visual comfort, sustainable acoustic design systems, passive and low-energy built environments, smart skin and responsive architecture, biophilic design, and resilient built environments Section C: Green Built Environment and Technologies: Sustainable Design in Built Environments, Green Building Technology, and Sustainable and Non-Toxic Building Materials All contributions are welcome from all fields of pure sciences, applied sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. The journal hopes to contribute to the field of salutogenic architecture and design for health and well-being. Publication priority is given to research articles with the highest quality and impact, specifically for an interdisciplinary audience. Hence, the journal is looking for innovative articles that demonstrate the high quality of research in terms of topics and methodology.
Towards Salutogenic and Sustainable Urban Environments: A Heat Vulnerability Assessment of Lusaka City through Environmental Exposure
Assessing vulnerability to extreme heat is paramount in the face of escalating climate change impacts. Recognizing the pressing need to understand the urban vulnerabilities of Lusaka City to rising temperatures, this study exclusively targets environmental exposure dynamics while omitting considerations of adaptive capacity and sensitivity. Leveraging Landsat 8 imagery, the study uses Heat Vulnerability Indices (HVI) to quantify the contributions of land surface temperatures, impervious surfaces, vegetation, and bare land to heat vulnerability. The findings reveal that over 60% of neighbourhoods are highly vulnerable, with maps highlighting significant spatial disparities in susceptibility to extreme heat, underscoring the need for localised assessments. Affluent, vegetated neighbourhoods like Kabulonga and Tukunka exhibit lower vulnerability due to sparse built-up areas and extensive greenery. In contrast, unplanned settlements such as Chibolya and Chainda, along with the CBD, show higher vulnerability due to dense built-up areas and minimal vegetation. This study provides critical insights for evidence-based policy formulation and resource allocation, advocating for interventions like green infrastructure and reduced density in built-up areas to foster more resilient and sustainable urban environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jedidiah Chibinga, Penjani Hopkins Nyimbili, Masauso Sakala, Faustin Banda, Erastus Misheng’u Mwanaumo, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mapping Informal Mobility: A Comparative Study of GPS Tracking of Motorcycle Taxis to Better Understand Users’ Behaviors Between University Campuses in Vietnam
Rapid urbanization in Southeast Asia has intensified pressures on urban transportation systems, with motorcycle taxis emerging as crucial informal transport services in cities especially. This study examines the spatial behavior of informal motorcycle taxi services in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, focusing on the UEH University campus. Using 201 recorded GPS trips, space syntax analysis, and user surveys, the research explores how spatial configuration influences movement across trip types - short (≤2 km), medium (2–5 km), and long (≥5 km). Metrics such as Global Choice, Choice_R2, Choice_R3, Integration_HH, and Connectivity were computed. Findings show that short trips concentrate on highly connected local grids (e.g., campuses, hospitals), medium trips align with neighborhood connectors (e.g., schools, offices), and long trips follow arterial routes toward commercial centers or transport hubs. Nighttime and off-peak trips displayed higher average speeds than daytime trips, especially for longer distances. User behavior insights highlight convenience, flexibility, and traffic avoidance as key motivators. The study reveals a gap between planned urban structure and lived mobility, positioning informal transport as essential for first-last mile access. By combining spatial metrics and behavioral data, the research offers a framework for incorporating informal modes into urban mobility planning to improve accessibility and reduce congestion.
Copyright (c) 2025 An Le (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Linking Urban Landscape Design, Health, and Sustainability: Insights from Nature‑Based and Environmental Psychology Approaches
This study highlights the crucial role of urban landscape design as a multidisciplinary and strategic approach for promoting healthy and sustainable behaviors in urban areas. This research, grounded in environmental psychology, integrates theories such as Attention Restoration Theory (ART), the Biophilia Hypothesis, and the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine how natural and socio-spatial design elements influence mental well-being, physical activity, and behavioral patterns. The findings suggest that urban landscapes designed thoughtfully can significantly enhance psychological restoration, social interaction, and a sense of environmental responsibility. Moreover, incorporating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles contributes to increased public safety. Emphasizing participatory planning, historical preservation, and socially inclusive design practices, the study proposes an integrated framework for creating resilient, equitable, and health-promoting urban environments. This framework responds to the growing global demand for adaptive, research-driven urban strategies rooted in both ecological and psychological sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2025 Azadeh Mohajer Milani, Milad Golmohammadi, Abdolhossein Hoveyzavi, Fershteh Rahdar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
How Can User-Oriented Evaluation Enhance Public Space Design? Insights from the Üsküdar Waterfront
User-oriented public spaces are central to urban livability, as they address diverse needs, preferences, and everyday experiences while fostering inclusivity, accessibility, functionality, and comfort. These qualities enhance well-being and support sustainable urban development. Aligned with this perspective, the present study conducts a user-oriented post-occupancy evaluation of the regenerated Üsküdar waterfront in Istanbul, a historically layered district undergoing significant transformation. While urban waterfront regeneration is typically assessed through ecological, design, or economic lenses, socially grounded and user-oriented evaluations remain limited. This study addresses that gap by examining user perceptions across four key dimensions: demographic diversity, accessibility, spatial functionality, and environmental quality, using a structured questionnaire. Based on survey data from 100 users and supported by statistical analysis, the findings reveal strengths in aesthetic quality and multimodal accessibility, particularly through effective landscape design and integration with public transport. However, notable deficiencies persist in disability inclusion, sanitary infrastructure, safety, and comfort. These results underscore the importance of aligning physical interventions with users’ lived experiences. By placing user experience at the center of evaluation, the study offers actionable insights to guide more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable waterfront development in Istanbul and other similarly evolving urban contexts.
Copyright (c) 2025 Melody Safarkhani, Seher Başaran (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enhancing Well-Being in High-Rise Residential Buildings by Biophilic Design in Erbil, Iraq
Understanding how nature impacts mental health highlights the importance of biophilic design for high-rise residential buildings. Architectural solutions that connect residents with nature or incorporate nature-inspired elements are essential to elevate life quality and improve mental health. This connection is particularly important in rapidly growing cities like Erbil. This paper investigates the potential of biophilic design for improving well-being and promoting environmentally sustainable practices in designing high-rise residential buildings. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey of 100 residents with qualitative analyses of five selected biophilic patterns for two case studies in Erbil city: Park View and Ganjan Life. The quantitative survey gathered residents' feedback, while the qualitative analysis involved on-site assessment of specific biophilic patterns (Visual Connection with Nature, Presence of Water, Biomorphic Forms & Patterns, Material Connection with Nature, and Prospect). The results indicate a statistically significant positive correlation between applying biophilic design features and the residents' enhanced mental health and well-being. The research revealed growing interest in biophilic design in urban housing as a valuable strategy for creating healthier and more sustainable environments. It delivers evidence of biophilic impacts in Kurdistan’s high-rise housing, advancing salutogenic design scholarship and offering replicable metrics for similar fast-growing cities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nareen Al-Hity, Shahad Ashnaitar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quality and Quantity Parameters for Developing Urban Design Regulations for Public Open Spaces in Kerala
Urbanization is rapidly diminishing open spaces, presenting numerous challenges for Kerala, including reduced access to green areas, intensified urban heat island effects, fragmented ecosystems, diminished water retention, erosion, pollution, weakened community cohesion, economic impacts, loss of cultural identity, and decreased resilience to climate change. This study aims to address these issues by developing a comprehensive framework for open spaces in Kerala, ensuring both quantitative and qualitative standards are met. Through a detailed examination of existing policy frameworks and master plans, significant gaps were identified in the criteria used to assess the quantity and quality of public open spaces. To bridge these gaps, this research identifies essential qualitative and quantitative parameters necessary for creating a robust and context-specific framework for Kerala. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and field assessments, to formulate actionable guidelines. The findings contribute to improved urban planning practices, promoting sustainable, accessible, and culturally relevant open spaces in Kerala, enhancing overall urban resilience and community well-being
Copyright (c) 2025 Dilshana Siyad, T Ashfina, Nirmal Chandy Mathew (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Interplay of Water, Space, and Human Behaviour: Urban Morphology by means of Urban Palimpsest and Juxtaposition Concepts at the Bosphorus
The interplay of water, space, and human behaviour plays a central role in shaping the morphological development of coastal cities. This study focuses on Istanbul’s Bosphorus to examine how historically layered environments respond to rapid urbanism. The research explores how coastal cities can strengthen morphological resilience through the concepts of urban palimpsest and urban juxtaposition. A systematic literature review of 144 peer-reviewed articles (2000–2025) was conducted to assess how theory and practice address spatial configuration, heritage continuity, and public behaviour in waterfront planning. The results reveal a critical gap between theoretical models and applied urban practices, particularly in addressing adaptive spatial structures, heritage integration, and participatory planning in water-bound cities. This study addresses a major gap in urban morphology literature by offering a comprehensive framework that links morphological resilience with interdisciplinary planning for both theoretical and practical perspectives. It introduces a novel synthesis of water–space dynamics, spatial morphology, and human interaction, grounded in the context of Istanbul’s coastal transformation. By conceptualizing the Bosphorus as both a living spatial archive and a planning challenge, the study provides a transferable model that advances scholarly understanding and supports salutogenic, resilient design in coastal urbanism.
Copyright (c) 2025 Beyza Kurtulmus, Selin Yıldız (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Human Smart City: An Integrated Vision for Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, KSA 2030
Saudi Arabia is embracing Smart Cities Initiatives to transform urban and rural areas into sustainable, citizen-centric hubs aligning with Vision 2030—a blueprint for a prosperous, inclusive, and equitable future. The research explores the potential of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, one of the world’s most significant religious cities, to evolve into a human smart city. Human smart cities are the new generation of smart cities, which balance the technological infrastructure with human aspects. Compared to existing literature that typically views smart and human city models as separate or even conflicting, this study promotes their integration. Previous research has largely focused on the technological aspects of smart cities, highlighting efficiency, automation, and data-based governance, but has paid less attention to incorporating human values, cultural identity, and active community engagement within these systems. This research aims to analyse the technology-based solutions and the human-centered initiatives in Al-Madinah, supported by a literature review and case studies of projects that emphasise citizen participation. The research begins with a theoretical overview of smart city concepts. Then, the research analyses both the technology-based solutions and the human-centered urban initiatives shaping Al-Madinah’s development. The research concludes with an integrated framework outlining strategies to transform Al-Madinah into a human smart city, ensuring a sustainable future for both residents and visitors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shimaa M Ahmed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Bibliometric Study on Antimicrobial Materials in Interior Architecture: Health Concerns, Sustainability, and Research Perspectives
This study examines the evolution of research on antimicrobial materials in interior architecture through a bibliometric approach, focusing on their intersections with health, sustainability, and design innovation. It responds to the heightened demand for hygienic environments prompted by global health crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on data from Scopus and ScienceDirect, it analyzes over 228,000 publications (2016–2025) to identify trends, key authors, research typologies, and institutional contributions. Statistical tools—including correlation analysis, regression models, and ANOVA—were used to assess the pandemic’s impact on publication volume. Results show a marked rise in interdisciplinary output post-2020, with a shift from technical development to integrated design strategies. The study also notes the absence of standardized guidelines and theoretical models in the field. By mapping trends and knowledge gaps, it establishes a bibliometric baseline on antimicrobial materials in architecture and reveals thematic and disciplinary convergence. The study supports the integration of hygienic materials into sustainable design strategies and encourages collaboration among material scientists, architects, and policymakers. Grounded in theories of material agency and environmental health, it positions materials as active agents shaping resilient, hygienic spaces within architectural discourse.
Copyright (c) 2025 Donia Maalej (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Efficient Spatial Organization for Occupants in Need: Innovative Spatial Solutions for Displaced and Vulnerable Groups
Natural disasters and conflicts not only cause physical damage to the environments in which people live but also deprive individuals of adequate shelter. As one of the most fundamental human rights, access to proper housing is of critical importance. In this context, this study investigates how the spatial organization of temporary shelter camps affects user satisfaction across various international contexts. A web-based documentary analysis method was applied to examine nine case study regions that were significantly affected by disasters and conflicts in the 21st century. These regions, Sri Lanka, the United States, Haiti, Turkey, Japan, Greece, the Philippines, Nepal, and Italy, were selected through purposive sampling, based on the severity of the disasters and their impact on local populations. Data were obtained through the review of academic literature, media archives, and institutional reports, with affected areas identified accordingly. Triangulated analyses within the reviewed academic sources provided valuable insights into the conditions of temporary camps. The findings reveal pervasive security vulnerabilities, insufficient user-focused assistance from local governments and civil society organisations, feeble spatial design, poor sanitation facilities, and restricted access to social infrastructure. These deficits adversely affect psychological well-being and community integration. The study indicates that temporary shelters created during catastrophes and wars must adhere to international humanitarian standards, integrate adaptable and sustainable spatial plans, and get backing from local authorities and the Sustainable Development Goals through user-centred interventions. The study is to provide a reference for future research and the efficient organisation of temporary shelter camps.
Disasters & Conflict, Vulnerable groups, Disaster camp area, Temporary shelters, Spatial organization
Copyright (c) 2025 Oytun Kayan, Halil Zafer Alibaba (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Salutogenic Parks: Health Promoting Green Infrastructure in Urban Environments
The effects of urban sprawl and global population growth have directly and indirectly negatively affected human health and well-being. Paying attention to the function of natural systems for survival and healing throughout history and the current expansion of urban green infrastructure and paying attention to salutogenic (origin of health) solutions in solving environmental problems are effective strategies for improving the quality of life and achieving appropriate health and well-being of city residents. Today, salutogenic parks are an important part of the green infrastructure of a sustainable city that improves the quality of the environment to improve health outcomes. This article examines topics such as the relationship between the development of urban areas and the expansion of urban green infrastructure with human health, and expresses the salutogenic approach to urban parks based on their cultural ecosystem services in various dimensions of human health as important health-generating resources in the city. It highlights the role of landscape architects in achieving these goals. Finally, it reaches a conceptual framework for the salutogenic effect of urban parks based on cultural ecosystem services on human health, and highlights its application in densely populated urban areas such as the metropolis of Tehran, the capital of Iran.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mehrdad Shahi, Mahdi Khansefid, Behrooz Janipour (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enhancing the Quality of Life through Design: Guidelines to Fostering Place Attachment in Bahraini Buildings
Designers' primary objective is to propose solutions that enhance occupants' quality of life. Therefore, fostering place attachment is key to attracting users and significantly contributes to achieving this objective. The new typology of the EduCare building – a multifunctional building that blends education, healthcare, and wellness spaces and is considered a new trend in sustainable building typology in Bahrain - reflects this concept. This paper investigates the architectural factors that impact place attachment in buildings in Bahrain using a sample of 194 participants. A quantitative questionnaire is utilized to systematically measure and quantify the public's perceptions and preferences. Regression and frequency analyses are used to visualize the impact of different architectural factors on place attachment sustainability. The findings highlight the significance of biophilic elements, social interaction spaces, shared facilities, and comfort in enhancing building place attachment. The presented recommendations provide valuable insights for designers and stakeholders in designing multi-functional buildings to improve users’ experiences and foster place attachment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Saleh Alalawi, Islam Hamdi Elghonaimy (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Assessing the Impact of Indoor Environmental Quality on Occupant Well-being in Bahrain's Hospitals
The quality of the indoor environment has substantial impacts on occupant well-being and quality of life. Maintaining a positive indoor environment is particularly critical in complex architectural environments such as healthcare facilities. This paper adopts a mixed methodological approach to assess occupant well-being through architectural design and indoor environmental quality in one of Bahrain’s private hospitals. A total of 54 hospital occupants participated in an online questionnaire to understand their perception of the indoor environment quality and its impact on their well-being. On-site observations are conducted to analyze the current physical state of the hospital from an architectural point of view, and triangulate the results with the questionnaire results. The findings shed light on the importance of outdoor views and thermal comfort in enhancing occupant well-being. The results provide valuable insights to designers and stakeholders to improve the quality of life in hospitals in Bahrain, through design considerations related to the indoor environmental quality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Alalawi, Najla Allani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Designing Small Urban Green Spaces for Equity: A Framework for Environmental Justice
Small urban green spaces, or pocket parks, are increasingly pivotal to environmental justice within rapidly densifying cities, yet their design shortcomings can perpetuate inequalities for marginalised populations. This study conducts a scoping review of 120 peer-reviewed articles (2015–2024) to elucidate how specific physical design elements influence equitable access for children, older adults, disabled people, and ethnic minorities. Guided by PRISMA protocols, we extracted quantitative evidence on accessibility barriers, spatial metrics, and sociodemographic correlates. Five interrelated equity dimensions emerged: spatial distribution, socioeconomic status, housing price, park quality, and demographic change. Evidence shows that inadequate entrance design, poor lighting, and deficient furniture compound locational disadvantage, diminishing perceived safety and willingness to visit. Conversely, well-maintained pocket parks within a 400-metre walk can offset broader green-space deficits, foster social cohesion, and deliver co-benefits for local climate-mitigation efforts. We synthesise these insights into a practitioner-oriented framework linking distributive and procedural justice to micro-scale design decisions. The framework equips planners and policymakers to create inclusive, resilient pocket parks that advance Sustainable Development Goals on health, equality, and urban well-being while maximising biodiversity and long-term public value.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nasim Sadraei Tabatabaei (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Historical Urban Parks in Egypt: A Suggested Criteria for Retrofitting
Historical urban parks are an essential part of public green spaces that significantly impact the quality of life in communities. This research highlights the increasing problem of urban heat islands (UHI) in major cities, which is linked to the loss of these historical parks and the damage to their landscapes. The study focuses on how historical parks influence the surrounding environment and improve outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) for visitors and residents. It reviews several environmental retrofitting strategies applied in different historical parks in Egypt to balance the microclimate. The research ultimately proposes a retrofitting criteria designed to mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance outdoor thermal comfort in and around these parks. The aim is to investigate the factors affecting the retrofitting of historical parks. The research confirms the importance of historical parks as valuable resources for enhancing human health and providing social, educational, and economic benefits. The ultimate goal is to provide a framework for urban planners and heritage authorities to transform Egypt's historic gardens into active, thermally comfortable green spaces that are both culturally significant and climatically adaptive.
Copyright (c) 2025 Riham Faragallah, Hourakhsh A Nia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Enhancing the Green Outdoor Spaces Towards Creating Sustainable Residential Neighborhoods in Egypt, Port Said City as a case study
Green outdoor spaces are essential for promoting social interaction and improving sustainability and quality of life in residential neighborhoods. However, in Egyptian cities like Port Said, these spaces are often neglected due to limited space, resources, and development pressures. This neglect contributes to pollution, rising crime, and weakened community bonds, negatively affecting residents' well-being. This study addresses a critical gap by integrating resident satisfaction, sustainability indicators, and spatial design into a green-space model tailored for medium-density Egyptian neighborhoods—shifting the focus beyond Cairo. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative insights from literature and site observations with quantitative data from 247 residents in Port Said’s Protex neighborhood. Findings show that 89.5% of residents are dissatisfied with the absence of green spaces and the presence of neglected lots. A strong majority (94.7%) desire accessible, well-designed green areas, with 63.5% prioritizing recreational uses and 36.5% seeking broader sustainable benefits like improved climate, social interaction, and economic potential. The research presents a model that integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions to enhance livability and resilience. This model offers a practical framework for urban designers, planners, and policymakers to guide the development of sustainable green spaces in current and future Egyptian residential areas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amr N Mohamed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quality and Perception of Public Housing Provision in Nigeria and Implications for Low-Income Earners
This study critically evaluates the quality of public housing provisions for low-income earners in Abuja, Nigeria, aiming to enhance housing policies and delivery outcomes. Employing a descriptive survey approach, data were collected from 150 residents using structured questionnaires focusing on housing quality and occupant preferences. The findings reveal a significant mismatch between the housing options provided and the disposable incomes of low-income residents, leading to widespread unaffordability. Despite increases in housing supply, the needs of low-income earners remain unmet, adversely affecting their living conditions, health, and well-being. The study highlights that current housing policies inadequately address the economic realities of low-income households. It recommends a thorough review of housing provision policies to better align with residents' financial capacities. Furthermore, the research advocates for a collaborative approach among housing designers, developers, and government agencies to promote the development of high-quality, affordable housing. By addressing these issues, the study seeks to contribute to policy amendments that ensure sustainable housing solutions for low-income populations, ultimately improving their quality of life and social inclusion.
Housing provision for low-income earners
Copyright (c) 2024 Oluwafemi Kehinde AKANDE , Oluseun Olukemi OLUBAJO, Yusuf IBRAHEEM (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Analysis of the Development of Acoustic Environment in Chinese Theater Architecture Based on SoundPLAN: A Case Study of the Wuhan Region
Considering that previous literature has focused on the structure, performance space, and acoustic design of ancient and modern theater buildings but neglected the changes, contexts, sound transmission characteristics of performances, and the connections between them, This study aims to investigate the factors that have influenced the evolution of ancient and modern Chinese theater architecture, as well as the changes in the acoustic environment of the performance space during the evolution process. This study uses SoundPLAN acoustic simulation software to simulate the acoustic environments of representative theater buildings in Wuhan in various historical periods and to obtain the sound pressure level distribution of each performance space under different sound sources. It can be found through the analysis that the performance space gradually becomes an independent theater building with the change of history; the theater building gradually evolves from outdoor open type to indoor closed type; the quality of the architectural space and acoustic environment improves with the updating of the structure and the material; different performance sound sources located in different positions on the stage are arranged according to the acoustic characteristics, which will make the quality of the acoustic environment improve. On this basis, the intrinsic relationship between the acoustic environment of theater buildings and musical instruments, the economy, acoustic experience measures, and socio-cultural backgrounds is investigated, and it is concluded that there is a correlation between them. To provide reference value for the restoration and new construction of theater-type buildings in China.
Copyright (c) 2024 Chen Haojie, Peng Ran, Ding Keyuan, Liu Yehao, Liu Xueliang (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Relationship Between Materials, Design and Comfort Used in Office Furniture for Improved Ergonomic Performance
While furniture is an important item in every aspect of our lives, office furniture has become one of the prominent product groups with the change in working culture over the years. Comfort and ergonomic design became one of the targets of furniture designers and producers. Connection systems (although used in different ways), which are among the most important issues in office furniture, add a different value to the office furniture they are used in and stand out as an important factor in the marketing of the product. The fact that connection systems have such importance in office furniture has been an issue taken into consideration in the context of gaining a competitive advantage for manufacturing companies. With this study; The effect of connection systems on office furniture design and the functionality/ergonomics of the final product using connection systems within the scope of usability and comfort performance. These mentioned points were investigated through a survey conducted on a total of 73 companies in terms of scale, large, medium, small, and micro. Research results have revealed that the connection systems used in office furniture are of great importance in every aspect, and the ergonomic design criteria in this part of furniture are concerned only with large and micro-scale companies. The micro-scale companies are undermining this factor in their product. It is thought that this study will contribute to the institutionalization of manufacturing companies, increasing their comfort, and ergonomics, increasing the number of enhanced connection systems used, and improving product quality and sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2024 Burcin Saltik (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Evaluating Sustainable Approaches for Enhancing Building Resilience in Response to Climate Change (Case study: Tehran City)
As climate change poses significant challenges to our built environment, enhancing building resilience through sustainable approaches becomes crucial. This research evaluates sustainable strategies to fortify buildings against climate change impacts, specifically focusing on residential buildings in Tehran. Future climate data for Tehran are generated using Meteonorm 8 software. Comprehensive investigations identify predominant residential patterns, leading to the selection of a representative case study for detailed simulations. Energy simulations are conducted using DesignBuilder software to explore the impact of consumption reduction strategies on thermal performance under present and future conditions. Results indicate an increase in cooling energy consumption and a decrease in heating energy consumption from 2020 to 2090, with no significant change observed in total energy consumption. The implementation of insulation, double-glazed windows, and shading devices is shown to decrease overall energy consumption in the future. Notably, WI models with thermal insulation demonstrate the best performance in reducing heating energy, while WDG models with double-glazed windows significantly reduce cooling energy consumption. This study fills a gap in understanding the long-term impacts of climate change on building energy performance and provides practical design guidelines. The findings underscore the importance of sustainable building strategies in developing energy-efficient and resilient buildings capable of withstanding future climate conditions.
Copyright (c) 2024 Paria Saadatjoo, Hourakhsh Ahmad Nia (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Notions of Well-being through Urban Architecture and Planning: The Case of 'Course of the Revolution,' Annaba, Algeria
This study aims to research well-being in the city. Well-being refers quite systematically to the notion of an urban atmosphere and the quality of outdoor spaces. In Annaba, the central core of the city inherited from French colonialism, ‘Course of Revolution,’ constitutes one of the last places of ‘well-being’ par excellence for the inhabitants of the city. But mainly the backbone of the creation of the new town of Bône during colonialism. The emblematic artery is both geographically in the center and above all the route in an exceptional way; it is central because of the activities that it brings together and the interest that the population has in it. This centrality continues to operate today and is remarkable everywhere and with everyone. Consequently, a historical reading will allow us to identify the factory, the operating methods of the latter, and its involvement in the creation of the new town of Bône. Moreover, a morphological and functional diagnosis is essential to better understand its design and its components and its various and practical aspects, in the form of micro-developments. This project will serve as a starting point to identify and qualify the relationship between the urban space ‘Cours de le Revolution’ in downtown Annaba and its urban and architectural quality. A region of eastern Algeria, recognized by its rich and diverse urban structure. This diversity will lead us to seek its place and its value in the production of urban space by evaluating its role in strengthening urban resilience.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ouafa BOUMAZA (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Spatial Synergies: Between Humans and Non-Human Citizens: A Critical Literature Review
This paper addresses the historical oversight of architectural design and urban planning, where architectural and urban planning endeavors were exclusively tailored for human occupancy, often at the expense of indigenous species. This shortsighted approach has caused massive ecosystem changes, resulting in an explosive imbalance that reverberates through land, air, and water systems, culminating in the spectrum of global climate change. Focusing on the "Spatial Synergy" concept, the paper establishes a mutual dialogue between architecture and nature, underscoring their interdependence for attaining environmental justice. It explores the living cycle between humans and non-humans, emphasizing environmental and ecological impacts, and then examines psychological and economic ramifications on spatial design. This study investigates the gap between human-centric architectural designs and the needs of non-human inhabitants, aiming to develop a framework that addresses both. We identify critical knowledge gaps by analyzing historical oversights and current practices and propose a synergistic architectural approach. Methods include a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies. Our results reveal that integrating detailed biodiversity data into design processes leads to environments that better support local ecosystems, marking a significant shift from conventional practices toward regenerative design. The implications suggest shifting from sustainable to regenerative design principles is essential for creating healthier urban landscapes.
Copyright (c) 2024 Yara Mohamed Ewida (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Assessing the Sustainability of Adaptive reuse Methods for Traditional buildings
The aim is to arrive at a thorough comprehension of the potential of “adaptive reuse” methods in promoting the sustainability of buildings and maintaining an architectural identity. Adaptive reuse is reviving the abandoned heritage buildings that might otherwise fall into disrepair and decay, and eventually be dilapidated. The role of architectural design is crucial in the adaptive reuse method because of changes the original use of the building to another. The paper utilizes the rating system LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), in order to assess the validity of sustainable levels in adaptive reuse conservation buildings. The research relied on literature and theoretical analysis, as well as observations to evaluate the adaptive reuse method in terms of sustainability. Two case study buildings have been selected; one international with a LEED certificate, and another local from Erbil city, Kurdistan of Iraq. The latter has been assessed based on a LEED rating system depending on the observations and the assessment process applied in the international case study, and the results have been extrapolated. The findings showed that there are too many sustainable advantages to the adaptive reuse method in the conservation of buildings. The paper also demonstrated that there is a great opportunity to achieve a LEED rating system through the adaptive reuse method in the Kurdistan region of Iraq if there is enough awareness about the requirement of the LEED rating system. Moreover, the recommendation has been suggested in this context.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hadar Ihsan Ali, Hardi Wahab Ahmed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Improving Animal Welfare in Shelter Environments in Northern Cyprus
Animal shelters are facilities established to meet the shelter needs of animals that have no home or have been abandoned by their owners. Animal shelters in contemporary aim to provide homeless animals with a temporary house and at the same time try to help feed them and healthily care for them. The continuously growing animal population in Northern Cyprus highlights the importance of animal shelter design and operational aspects for animal well-being. Drawing on interdisciplinary principles from interior design, spatial quality, and animal psychology, the study aims to transform shelters from confinement spaces into environments that promote long-term welfare. Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, the research conducts a systematic review of existing literature to analyze shelter conditions, human-animal interactions, and spatial dynamics in current facilities. The implications of this study are expected to make a valuable contribution to the development of design principles and standards that target the improvement of both the physical and psychological living conditions in animal shelters. The goal of the study is to maximize the current state of shelter conditions and lead the way in maximizing animal welfare. These principles aim to provide real solutions to reduce the stress of animals in animal shelters in North Cyprus, to increase adoption rates, and more importantly to develop a humane shelter system. Through the systematic examination of these overlooked concerns, the present study substantially enhances the welfare of animals in shelters while simultaneously optimizing the efficacy of the animal care methodologies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Laden Tarhun, Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din, Ahenk Yilgin Damgaci (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Analyzing the Acoustic Performance of Unglazed Terracotta in an Indoor Office Environment
Work environments commonly address users' thermal, visual, and spatial comfort; however, acoustic comfort tends to be neglected, leading to potential discomfort. Terracotta, a durable indigenous material deeply ingrained in Indian households for centuries, is conventionally utilized in constructing roofs, floors, and decor but remains unexplored for its acoustic attributes. This study evaluates the acoustic performance of unglazed terracotta tiles as a salutogenic resource, employing the reverberation room method (ASTM C423) and the impulse response method (ISO 3382-2) in an indoor office space. Parameters such as sound absorption, background noise, sound pressure level, Speech Transmission Index (STI), Reverberation Time (RT), and noise curves are meticulously measured both pre- and post-placement of terracotta specimens using a Bedrock SM90 Class 1 Sound Level Meter. The findings from this research aim to encourage architects to consider terracotta as a prospective material for enhancing acoustic conditions within built environments. Upon analyzing the reverberation, speech intelligibility, background noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and noise curve evaluations, it was observed that terracotta demonstrates high effectiveness as a panel absorber, especially in higher frequency ranges. Further improvements were noted when the panels were given a foam backing, suggesting potential as an effective acoustic panel.
Copyright (c) 2024 Amalan Sigmund Kaushik S, Sangeetha Devarajan, Ambika K (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Factors Affecting Microclimate and Thermal Comfort in Outdoor Spaces: a literature review
Rapid urban development is a contributor to the ongoing climate change, leading to rising temperatures, frequent heat waves, and various environmental impacts. This created a pressing need for urban planning to consider the effects of thermal comfort, which greatly affects the outdoor activities as well as the quality and the mental health of the residents, in order to promote the development of more resilient and sustainable cities. The consequences of climate change result in thermal stress for urban residents, making it important to consider a wide range of factors, including climatic conditions (temperature, humidity, precipitation.), urban design (street width and orientation, vegetation, building materials...) when addressing outdoor thermal comfort. This led to the gain of interest of researchers to analyze and assess this phenomenon and provide solutions to improve people’s thermal comfort, particularly in outdoor spaces. This work highlights the key factors influencing thermal comfort in outdoor spaces, drawing upon a set of previous studies to address these challenges for the creation of urban environments that enhance the well-being of users and assist in the process of creating new public spaces to ensure their thermal adaptation with their environment. This review can provide a reference for scientific planning and construction of urban outdoor spaces to improve people’s thermal comfort.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hafida Achouri, Djamila Djaghrouri, Moussadek Benabbas (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Visual Comfort for a Healthy Indoor Environment in Design Studios: The Critical Role of the Building’s Orientation and Opening Ratio
Daylight is one of the most important sources for enhancing human activity and improving well-being. The building’s orientation and opening area in the walls are significant factors in providing daylight. Ensuring a reasonable usage of daylight in design studio rooms at universities is a crucial task for architects during the design process, as it fosters a comfortable environment for users and enhances their functionality and visual health. This paper aims to reach a comprehensive understanding of the role of windows, or opening ratio, and the building's orientation in providing daylight into design studio rooms in universities in Erbil, Iraq. The research method of this study was to select two universities as case studies in the study area. The relationship between the intensity of the natural lighting and the satisfaction of the users has been determined in these rooms by testing the window-to-wall ratio and investigating the effect of the building's orientation on the visual comfort in the rooms. For this purpose, a questionnaire method has been applied to the students who are using these rooms. The results demonstrated that the window ratio with the window side location plays a key role in the development of visual comfort inside the design studios at the universities in Erbil.
Copyright (c) 2024 Hadar Ihsan Ali (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Parameters of High-Performance Facades for the Design of Sustainable High-Rise Buildings in the Arab Region
The construction of high-rise buildings has expanded in the last decade in Arab countries. Accordingly, the facades of these buildings are one of the most significant building components that help to separate the internal and external environments, where they have an effective impact on energy consumption and carbon emissions. Thus, facades play a significant role in the quality of high-rise buildings. Their performance is challenging and has a great effect on its design, construction, operation, and maintenance. The study explores the concept and purpose of building façades. It highlights particularly high-performance facades in high-rise buildings in terms of some environmental control systems and design methods to manage energy consumption, comfort levels, and indoor environmental quality. Also, it analyzes different facades for high-rise buildings in the Arab region and their positive impacts on these buildings. At the end, the paper concludes the main environmental control systems and especially their design parameters for high-performance facades that can be applied in high-rise buildings to achieve sustainability in the arid region generally and in the Egyptian context particularly. The main aim of the study is to raise the awareness of architects to determine the design approaches of high-performance façades in the early design stages in order to enhance the overall performance of high-rise buildings, particularly in hot temperatures.
Copyright (c) 2024 Riham Nady Faragallah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Optimizing Classroom Design with Salutogenic Approach: Thermal Comfort, Lighting, and Attentiveness
This study investigates optimizing classroom design by balancing thermal comfort and daylighting to enhance student attentiveness, a critical factor in educational settings. The research was motivated by the need to address the knowledge gap concerning the combined effects of thermal and visual comfort on student engagement, particularly considering gender differences, which have been underexplored in existing literature. Two identical lecture halls in Tiruchirappalli, India, were selected for the study: one with blackened windows and the other with standard windows. Field measurements of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and light levels were taken using a thermal comfort microclimate data logger and light meter, while student engagement and comfort were assessed through a questionnaire. The findings reveal that the lecture hall with standard windows provided superior visual and thermal comfort, resulting in higher levels of student attentiveness. In contrast, the hall with blackened windows showed reduced attentiveness. Additionally, gender analysis indicated that female students reported greater satisfaction with both thermal and visual comfort compared to their male counterparts. The study’s implications underscore the importance of integrating both thermal and visual comfort in classroom design, highlighting that optimal daylighting is essential for maintaining student attentiveness, even when thermal conditions are consistent. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the need for thoughtful design in educational spaces to create inclusive and effective learning environments that account for gender differences in comfort perception. This study contributes to the field by providing evidence that classroom design significantly influences student engagement and satisfaction, urging designers and educators to prioritize these factors in educational settings.
Copyright (c) 2024 Amalan Sigmund Kaushik S, Ayisha Firdhaws Mohammad Shafi, Pyreddy Dinesh Kumar Reddy (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Impact of Residents' Behaviour on the Energy Consumption of Buildings: A Case study of Residential Building in Guelma, Algeria
Since the beginning of this century, energy consumption has grown rapidly in various regions around the world. It seems that energy consumption will continue to increase, partly due to economic growth and partly due to an increase in per capita energy consumption. Since the implementation of the first energy-saving measures, the issue of energy efficiency in buildings has always been at the heart of energy and climate policies, whether at the European, national or local level. In this context, this article is organized into parts, starting with an introduction that summarizes the situation and then the methodology that attempts to examine the energy efficiency of buildings by taking into account the synergy between urban planning and occupant behaviour through a questionnaire. So, the question that arises is how can energy consumption in residential buildings be influenced by occupant behaviour. Among the constraints that we found in this work were the gaps in the information and the subjectivity of the answers obtained by the occupants. The main results show a significant impact of occupant behavior on energy consumption. After a questionnaire on 20 dwellings, we obtained answers on the equipment used in all the dwellings. Then, we made a provisional calculation of the consumption according to the days and times that the occupants were present in their homes. Finally, energy efficiency offers governments and communities a cost-effective way to achieve a variety of goals, such as reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, financial savings, energy security, and positive health impacts.
Copyright (c) 2023 Harbi Ikram, Salah-Salah Hana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/