Sustainable Strategies in Architecture, Urbanism and Beyond

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Frontmatter

2. Cultural Heritage Preservation, Adaptive Reuse and Transformation

   1. Frontmatter

   2. The Barefoot Architect (Hassan Fathy’s Vernacular Architecture)

      Zakeia A. Benmoussa

      Abstract

      Industrialization in the field of construction has led to significant changes in building methods and their various applications worldwide. The growing friction and overlap have resulted in sudden changes, creating environmental and societal imbalances and increasing economic injustices in terms of number and type. The most affected are those who are compelled by their needs to consume industrially produced goods. The result is cultural, psychological, ethical, and material destruction. “Look under your feet and build” A creative, simple idea by Hassan Fathy. Fathy Bey¹ remains a profoundly important figure, partly because of the way in which his work mirrors the complexity of those cultural and traditional changes that have taken place during the second half of the twentieth century. The originality of Hassan Fathy's thoughts and works is considered a heritage as well, and today's architects still have a lot to learn from the lessons of Hassan Bey. Fathy’s unique philosophy towards architectural movements such as postmodernism, community architecture, eco-architecture, and his passion for earth building are what shape his architecture. His theory has multiple aspects: an economical aspect, a philosophical aspect, and the return to Arabic identification. Fathy's theory also revolves around building technology compatibility. In essence, what did he mean by compatible technology? How has Hassan Fathy's emphasis on technology compatibility influenced sustainable design movements? In this paper, my objective is to emphasize the importance of Hassan Fathy's approach in relation to sustainable design movements and the future needs of communities. Also, highlight the significance of his work and situate it within a broader perspective to showcase how his ideas align with the long-term goals of creating sustainable and resilient communities.

   3. Risk Management Planning of Cultural Heritage Sites: al-Hallabat Complex as a Site in Urban Transitional State

      Ayman Abuhamdiyah, Anan Kakani, Mohammed Yousef Abu-Hussein, Zaid Fayez Al-Hamad, Shereen Tabbalat, Mutasem Al-Karablieh

      Abstract

      Cultural heritage sites are witnessing threats and natural disasters, and all of that have negative impact on the sites value. As the need for conservation is not only based on restoration repairing the effect of the threats but it must have a proactive measure that could prevent or eliminate any threat factor opposed on the site, hence comes the necessity of risk management plan of cultural heritage sites as fundamental part of any management plan of cultural heritage sites. The author has chosen the site of al-Hallabat Complex because it represents one of the main significant situations of cultural heritage sites as a site in transition from a rural to an urban context. Also, since the site has its own urban context transition state, it has been selected as case study for the formulation of a risk management plan. This paper shows how the risk management planning of the site is a process that should not be based only on the protection and conservation of the monument in isolated manner, but it should be planned as a more integrated approach that takes into consideration the context of the site as a part of its value.

   4. Sustainable Revitalization of AlRusafa Historic Area in Baghdad, Iraq: Combining Urban Heritage Preservation with Environmental and Sociocultural Sustainability

      Dhirgham Alobaydi, Rasha Albayati, Saif Albabely

      Abstract

      This paper further discusses sustainable revitalization strategies for AlRusafa as a historic district in Baghdad, Iraq, through a combination of urban heritage conservation with an environmental and socio-cultural sustainability approach. The paper highlights the importance of safeguarding urban heritage given sustainable development since it is pertinent and vital to most of the international agendas concerning sustainability. The following shows that a multi-faceted strategy will be used to help outline in detail a roadmap towards the sustainable future of AlRusafa by using a case study approach, SWOT analysis, and the Circles of Sustainability model. Indications are that it might very well be possible that AlRusafa is a model that fuses heritage preservation with sustainable urban planning, which will help restore infrastructure deterioration, legal problems, and wealth distribution issues. Recommendations are made on the improved livability of cities, their resilience, and vibrancy in the field of culture through development strategies balanced by heritage and sustainability principles.

   5. The Neues Museum: A Palimpsest of Restoration, Preservation and Cultural Heritage

      Shahnoor Amir, Rana El-Dabaa

      Abstract

      In the heart of Museum Island in Berlin, the Neues Museum, a testament to both the ravages of history and the art of restoration, stands as a living artefact of cultural and historical significance. Built in the 1840s and scarred by the devastations of WWII, this project underwent a transformative intervention by David Chipperfield, redefining the boundaries of restoration. The paper is testing a hypothesis of maintaining the building’s scars and ruins, the Neues Museum’s modernist approach aligns with the Venice Charter, ultimately enriching the preservation of historical narrative and significance for visitors. The Neues Museum, once a repository of artefacts, has been reborn as a living embodiment of history. Within its walls, the layers of time are etched onto the surfaces, forming a palimpsest where the scars and stories of the past coexist. Chipperfield’s restoration method involved a delicate fusion of modern materials, such as concrete, timber, and metal, together with the original structure. This harmonious coexistence between past and present changes the narrative of destruction. Bullet holes and mural paintings coexist, and new architectural elements seamlessly blend with the remnants of the past. The Neues Museum’s revival aligns with the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. It is a restoration effort etched to the core in the Venice Charter and preservation of historical and cultural significance that links it to the other museums on Museuminsel. This comparative study delves into Chipperfield’s examination of historical records and the Venice Charter, emphasizing the preservation of original destruction and design while incorporating minimalist additions. The result is a dynamic narrative that testifies to the enduring legacy of German history. The restoration vision sought to resurrect the museum’s original volume, pay homage to its storied past, and conserve its historical essence.

   6. Exploring the Transformation of Local House Form in Rajshahi City Corporation Area, Bangladesh

      Md R. Jany, Nadia Monzur, Humiara Afrose

      Abstract

      Urbanization presents a unique challenge of balancing tradition and modernity in architectural development. This project report embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the transformation of local house forms within the Rajshahi City Corporation Area (RCC). To achieve the objectives, a descriptive and comparative research design is adopted. The research findings contribute to a better understanding of the transformation of local house forms in Rajshahi. Exploring the old and modern built forms provides insights into the spatial and aesthetical changes that have occurred over time. By delving deeply into a manageable number of areas, the study aspires to provide valuable insights into transforming new and old house forms. The comparative analysis highlights the transformation in built form, materials, spatial quality, indoor and outdoor space, and construction methods. The study area plays a crucial role in understanding the intricate relationship between the built environment, architectural form generation, and spatial configuration in the period of the 1920s–1980s and 2010s–2020s. This process involves dissecting the physical layout of the area, identifying patterns, and synthesizing these findings to derive meaningful insights. Rajshahi has uniform characteristics in its spatial pattern of old and new build forms. The project report underscores the pivotal role of urban planners, architects, and policymakers in RCC's architectural evolution. RCC serves as a microcosm of the universal challenge of reconciling tradition and modernity, and through this exploration, it provides a blueprint for cities worldwide seeking to integrate their past into an inclusive, sustainable, and culturally vibrant urban future.

   7. Cultural Characteristics of Rammed Earth Building Materials in Architectural Aesthetics

      Kissi E. Neizer, Khalil Ivan, Wang Zonghui

      Abstract

      Rammed earth buildings today are in a dynamic development process. While many parts of the world considered rammed earth buildings an exotic and inappropriate building material at the climax of the last century, it is now valued as a sustainable, affordable, and appropriate building material. The growing concern for sustainable buildings has brought about the exploitation of different materials by international organizations, governments, associations, and building planners, with rammed earth reigning among the many. International organizations, governments, associations, and building planners have constructed various residential and commercial buildings and structures around the globe in recent decades, using rammed earth. Countries of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the UK, etc., showcase some examples of residential and commercial buildings and structures constructed using rammed earth in recent decades. This study assesses the modern rammed earth construction practice in parts of the world based on sets of questions to some professionals in the local rammed earth construction industry (Hive Earth in the UK and Ghana), as well as exploration of different research of prominent organizations and architects (such as Dachverband Lehm e.V. German association of building, British Architect David Adjaye). The data collected is based on these technical areas: (i) the mode of construction and design quality of rammed earth; (ii) the pros and cons of rammed earth; (iii) the environmental satisfaction of rammed earth; (iv) the aesthetic characteristics of rammed earth. This study will, therefore, explore native cultural processes and traditions to establish the cultural characteristics and expertness of endogenous knowledge systems on which these traditions and processes are based. The lessons help define and promote sustainable design practices for more aesthetic realization.

   8. Residential Façade Developments in Abu Dhabi: Simulation of Sustainable Key Concepts

      Mohamed Elkaftangui, Nilufer Ozak, Basant Sayed Mohamed Helal, Ayah I. Alkhatib

      Abstract

      Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, has witnessed a rapid surge in the construction of residential buildings, both in terms of quantity and architectural style. However, the facades of these contemporary units do not encompass the sustainable principles found in traditional homes as the city continues to grow. Given Abu Dhabi’s extreme climate, it is vital to establish a comfortable indoor environment in residential buildings while efficiently managing solar heat gain and reducing energy consumption for cooling. Failure to address these issues in facade design can lead to problems such as intense heat and glare, air leakage, and increased lighting demands, all of which can impact the performance of interior spaces in housing units. From traditional settlements to modern housing developments, the facade design of residential buildings in Abu Dhabi has evolved in terms of materials, window sizes and shapes, and shading elements, resulting in some improvements in sustainable performance. This study seeks to explore the fundamental principles of sustainable housing facade design in Abu Dhabi, tracing the progression from traditional settlements to modern residential buildings, specifically focusing on recent developments in the Al Raha Beach area. The research emphasizes that recent facade designs prioritize sustainability by integrating various design elements to address Abu Dhabi’s challenging climate conditions. Additionally, the study conducted a solar radiation analysis on the south facade of three residential buildings from the case study, using Ladybug and Grasshopper software to assess the environmental impact of the design concepts. The research concludes that there are still several key concepts that need to be developed to achieve highly sustainable performances in residential units, emphasizing the importance of sustainable facade design to ensure better thermal comfort in response to the local climate and building orientation.

3. Architecture and City Sustainability

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Biomimicry for Solar Integrated Innovative Sustainable Architecture and Interiors

      Ola Samaa Sherif, Yomna Shaker

      Abstract

      The idea of biomimicry is discussed as a key source of inspiration for cutting-edge, environmentally friendly architecture and interior design. It highlights the idea that people may gain important design principles from nature, notably by examining how living things use resources effectively, improve structural strength, and provide comfortable and energy-efficient settings. In particular, the animal kingdom, where species adapt their surroundings via creative and technical means, serves as a prime example of the intelligence and architectural innovation found in natural instances. In general, the concept promotes mimicking nature’s design principles as a model for creating intelligent and sustainable man-made structures. Using sustainable renewable energy for such projects is absolutely considered a magic solution for saving the earth, preventing pollution, and proving that high-tech solutions can serve both humanity and nature by mimicking nature’s principles and benefiting from sunlight, movement of water, wind, or geothermal heat, etc. to produce unlimited innovative ideas. The design is integrated with solar energy system as the main source of electrical energy. The outer surface is embedded with solar panels and absorbs sunlight during the day and converts it into electricity taking advantage of the natural construction and the shape for collecting the required energy. Biomimicry principles also guide the ventilation system with its special design that helps to reduce the need for energy-consuming HVAC systems. The design acts as a showcase for sustainable technologies with interactive displays demonstrating the conversion of solar energy, air circulation, and sustainable architecture principles. It’s a model of sustainability, merging biomimicry and renewable energy in architecture and interior design while providing a unique and immersive experience for the targeted users.

   3. Rural Housing Sustainability in India: A Comprehensive Evaluation

      Priya Tyagi, Parul Bhyan, Bhavna Shrivastava, Nand Kumar

      Abstract

      India is a nation where the majority of people reside in rural regions. Traditional rural settlements are known for their sustainability, but as civilization advanced into the modern period, unhealthy and carbon-intensive locations developed. Assessment of rural housing is an essential first step in establishing the viability of rural settlements. This research aims to identify areas for future research in rural housing as well as its current sustainability. The evaluation will be built on an approach to sustainability that has three pillars and considers social, economic, and environmental concerns. This knowledge is essential for comprehending the underlying reasons for unsustainable growth and decreasing living conditions in rural settlements. A thorough survey will be carried out in the village in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to accomplish these objectives. The Cochrane formula will be used to calculate the sample size for the survey, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected. The outcomes of this study will shed important new light on the issues that are now encouraging unsustainable expansion and poor living conditions in rural houses. Future development and policy activities will be able to improve and benefit from these findings. Conclusively, a variety of stakeholders, including civil engineers, architects, academics, and decision-makers, will find this study helpful. This study proposes prospective sustainable options by analyzing the current sustainability of rural housing.

   4. Designing Neighborhood Urban Form for Car-Oriented Arabian Cities Toward Realizing Sustainable Cities

      Hiroki Kikuchi, Ahmet Basid Dogru, Ahmet Yildirim

      Abstract

      Globally, the car significantly impacts new urban design forms by adapting transportation networks to vehicles. In recent decades, the car-oriented neighborhood urban design form has significantly shaped most modern Arabian Cities. Accordingly, private cars have become the primary mode of transport in neighborhoods in these cities. The car-oriented neighborhood urban design form posed two primary challenges in these cities: shifting user behavior from public transport to private cars, limiting neighborhood accessibility to public facilities and community services, and reducing personal activities. The discussion of the negative impact of car-oriented cities on sustainability has become increasingly critical for reducing energy consumption and air pollution, as well as for improving community public health by encouraging sustainable urban design that mitigates the harmful effects of car-oriented development. However, the lack of realistic and scientific tools to measure the efficiency of neighborhood design is still the main challenge. Therefore, this paper focuses on the car-oriented neighborhood urban design and road/street network form and evaluates the accessibility issue to reach public facilities and community services. The study developed a GIS-based tool and indicators to measure the mobility efficiency of existing car-centric neighborhood levels to adapt sustainable mobility strategies. Accordingly, they could adjust the sustainable, efficient road network to promote walking, cycling, e-scooter, and public transit services in neighborhood design concepts. This study selected six neighborhood design case studies from four cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha) in the Arabian cities to apply the GIS digital tool to examine mobility efficiency based on road network design for each, and developed critical neighborhood urban design and sustainable mobility strategies to adapt car-oriented neighborhoods to sustainable cities from a sustainable urban design and mobility perspective. This study would contribute to future urban and transportation planning for car-oriented Arabian cities toward realizing sustainable cities.

   5. The Phenomenon of Cities Swallowing Cities and the Transformation in the Urban Function Performance of Planned Cities—A Case Study of Cairo

      Sahar Sayed Gado, Said Hassaneen Al-Sayed, Youssef Elsayed

      Abstract

      There are cities that have grown to the point that they can swallow up many cities of varying areas and population size. Some of these cities are integrated with the urban settlements within the Mega city through the integration of services and activities distribution, some of them are independent on their own by containing jobs and activities necessary and sufficient for the livelihood of their residents, which reduces dependency on other urban settlements, even those neighboring them. There are also cities that depend completely or partially on neighboring communities and cities, the functional performance of these swallowed up cities varies according to their integration, independence, or dependency, even though they exist in one megacity environment that includes them. The research aims to study the urban functional performance of planned cities within the major city that includes them, to identify the extent to which the quality of functional performance of cities has been achieved within the framework of applying and realizing the concepts of sustainability and the principles of smart cities, As well as identifying the extent of the independence of these cities or whether they follow the function of the major city, making them a satellite city or integrated with the urban settlements within the city, and thus comparing the functional performance of each type and knowing its pros and cons. As well as reaching the best and most appropriate of the three types (independence, dependency, or integration) to use it as a model that can be followed for new city planning in Egypt.

   6. Identifying Spatial Patterns in a Suburban Neighborhood of Doha: Rawdat Al Hamama

      Aamna Azad, Mark David Major

      Abstract

      Many cities in the Gulf region share a similar socioeconomic profile, climate, and urban growth trajectory. They are characterized by a historic organic layout in the city center spreading outward over time into an ortho-radial grid pattern as new suburban developments occur in the periphery. In Doha, Qatar, most residents preferred to live in these suburbs over the past few decades. Most are characterized by low-density residential villas surrounded by compound walls. For such suburbs, a delicate, necessary balance is sought between meaningful development and urban sprawl. In this paper, we argue that there is an urgent need to qualitatively and quantitatively assess these suburbs’ morphology and spatial layout within their urban context. The aim should be to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their design and planning to (1) retard the risk of further suburban sprawl and (2) develop sustainable planning strategies to inform future suburban development. For this purpose, researchers selected the Rawdat Al Hamama neighborhood in the Al Daayen Municipality of Doha as a pilot study. Based on municipal resources, on-site surveys of built environment characteristics, and photographic documentation, we collected, compiled, and prepared morphological and spatial data providing a diverse set of parameters about Rawdat Al Hamama. It includes space syntax analysis of the neighborhood within its larger urban context. Based on this analysis, we argue that the ortho-radial geometry of the plan, in combination with the land use planning of neighborhood commercial activities, favorably addresses the privacy concerns of residents in the Islamic culture of the country. However, opportunities remain to promote further accessibility and walkability beyond those currently favoring private vehicles in the neighborhood. The study can serve as a model for future research into suburban neighborhoods in Doha and other GCC cities.

   7. Evaluation of Impact of CO2 Emission Reductions by Multimodal Transport Toward Designing Future Low-Carbon Society Using Dynamic Land Use and Transport Model

      Hiroki Kikuchi, Noriyasu Tsumita, Atsushi Fukuda, Guenter Emberger, Tetsuhiro Ishizaka

      Abstract

      The shift to a low-carbon society is required to deal with global warming. CO₂ emissions in urban areas are increasing rapidly as Asian developing cities become increasingly motorized to keep pace with economic growth. However, reducing CO₂ emissions in urban areas cannot be achieved simply by switching from automobiles to public transportation, so it is necessary to estimate how much CO₂ emissions will be decreased by implementing multimodal transport policies for a low-carbon society. Therefore, this study assessed the long-term CO₂ emission reductions based on the dynamic simulation results of the performance of the multimodal transport policies using the “Metropolitan Activity Relocation Simulator (MARS),” one of the land use and transport models. For this case study, the developing city of Ahmedabad in India was selected because public transport will be introduced to establish a low-carbon society. Consequently, the reduction of CO₂ emissions of up to approximately 18% in the whole urban areas compared to the baseline scenario was indicated by implementing those policies because people will shift from private vehicles to public transport. This study revealed that the impacts of multimodal transport policies are effective for CO₂ emission reductions and contribute to the design of a low-carbon society in developing cities.

   8. Integration of Habitable Farming into Residential Spaces: Lessons from Pasona HQ Urban Farm and Future Applications in Interior Design

      Paolo Caratelli, Maria Alessandra Misuri

      Abstract

      This paper explores the hypothesis of controlled domestic farming integrated into residential spaces as a means of psychophysical wellness, food production for the household, and contribution to reduction of carbon footprint especially in dense urban areas. The Pasona HQ is a nine-storey office building located in downtown Tokio hosting the main office of Pasona Group, a Japanese recruiting company with 800 employees. The entire 215,000 sqft of building space has been renovated in 2011 with a project by Kono Designs, transforming the 50 year-old building into an urban farm office with green facades and 43,000 sqft of internal spaces dedicated to farming. The farming areas within the building host around 200 species of edible vegetables including fruits and rice, are distributed throughout the office spaces integrating the working areas including partitions, ceilings, and meeting spaces, and the harvested vegetables are prepared and served daily at the cafeterias within the building. The whole concept demonstrates not only an improvement of internal air quality and an increment of 12% in work productivity, but also a positive response in terms of social interaction and collaboration between employees including a marked reduction of absences for illnesses and turnover. Studies for farming in restricted internal spaces using advanced technologies, like aeroponic systems, LED lighting, and soilless cultivations, have been developed since 1960s to provide crews of nuclear submarines and remote bases in Antarctica with fresh vegetables during long periods of isolation in confined spaces. Most recently, these technologies have been further developed to yield crops in condition of microgravity to support future long-term missions in outer space, not only in terms of food production but also for the psychological wellbeing of the crew. Furthermore, the psychological stresses experienced during Covid-19’s lockdown demonstrated how much domestic greening could represent a source of relaxation and intimate contact with nature.

   9. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)-Selection of the Best Alternative for Circular Buildings

      An-Pi Chang, Zi-Wen Zhang

      Abstract

      Circular economy has become a strategic blueprint for many countries, circular buildings have also rapidly developed against this backdrop. The purpose of this study is to establish an assessment framework for circular buildings to help stakeholders in the pre-planning stage of the project select circular building design alternatives. Based on the four dimensions of social, economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of sustainable development, circular building assessment criteria are formulated respectively. Following in-depth discussions among expert groups and subsequent decision-making processes, 21 criteria have been defined. The selection of case alternatives was finalized via semi-structured interviews and applied eigenvector of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to calculate the relative weight between criteria. The research findings are intended to provide architectural design teams with the basis for assessing circular building feasibility, pre-planning, and initial design stages when formulating circular design alternatives.

   10. Eco-designed Architecture: Perspectives for Circular Supply Chains of Stone Industry

       Fabio Fatiguso, Silvana Bruno, Arianna Baccaro, Albina Scioti

       Abstract

       Current research lines are directed towards evolving design, production, and consumption models, alongside considerations for end-of-life scenarios, in a shift towards greener and circular practices. These endeavours are anticipated to significantly influence architectural design of materials, products and systems for indoor and outdoor spaces. Technical and academic committees are carrying out multi-disciplinary investigations to structure a framework for specification development of Eco-design strategies and circular business models. Eco-design promotes a preventive approach to product design to optimise environmental performance while preserving functional properties. In this regard, Product/Service-Systems (PSS) are considered strategic models in the development of sustainable societies through the provision of technological and systemic solutions. Product-Service Systems (PSS) offers a comprehensive approach by providing products and services to enhance usage and maintenance practices, leading to environmental advantages. This includes minimizing material and energy consumption in production and use, promoting extended producer responsibility throughout the product life cycle, fostering the creation of more durable products, ensuring high-quality end-of-life storage, mitigating down-cycling, and optimising products based on their primary functions. Within this context, the STONE project (funded in the framework of Next Generation EU Program) strives to introduce cutting-edge and environmentally conscious materials and components from stone waste. The proper disposal of stone waste is a critical concern in various regions dominated by the ornamental stone industry, including Italy and Brazil, where waste is primarily relegated to landfills that are reaching full capacity. The innovative architectural products are crafted to meet the performance standards essential for designing indoor and outdoor living spaces, as well as temporary housing solutions. Additionally, the project is committed to developing a streamlined process for repurposing waste generated from stone processing. This structured approach aims to produce eco-design products that undergo validation within a reference geocluster.