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This study takes a unique approach by investigating the integration of Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) within residential architecture. It explores their combined potential to foster neuro-responsive, sustainable environments within the framework of Construction 5.0. The methodological approach involves real-time BCI data and subjective evaluations of occupants' experiences to elucidate cognitive and emotional states. These data inform BIM-driven alterations that facilitate adaptable, customized, and sustainability-oriented architectural solutions. The results highlight the ability of BCI–BIM integration to create dynamic, occupant-responsive environments that enhance well-being, promote energy efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. The primary contribution of this work is the demonstration of the viability of neuro-responsive architecture, wherein cognitive input from Brain–Computer Interfaces enables real-time modifications to architectural designs. This technique enhances built environments' flexibility and user-centered quality by integrating occupant preferences and mental states into the design process. Furthermore, integrating BCI and BIM technologies has significant implications for advancing sustainability and facilitating the design of energy-efficient and ecologically responsible residential areas. The study offers practical insights for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, providing a method for implementing BCI–BIM systems to enhance user experience and promote sustainable design practices. The research examines ethical issues concerning privacy, data security, and informed permission, ensuring these technologies adhere to moral and legal requirements. The study underscores the transformational potential of BCI–BIM integration while acknowledging challenges related to data interoperability, integrity, and scalability. As a result, ongoing innovation and rigorous ethical supervision are crucial for effectively implementing these technologies. The findings provide practical insights for architects, engineers, and industry professionals, offering a roadmap for developing intelligent and ethically sound design practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper sets out to investigate the alignment between the logistics architecture and resources across China's nine logistics regions, while also examining the individual advantages these regions possess. With the goal of establishing an evaluative framework for sustainable logistics development, the research introduces the principle of logistics equilibrium to augment traditional evaluation metrics, thus forming an assessment index system designed to quantify the congruence between logistics architecture and resources.Utilizing a democratic evaluation approach that emphasizes individual regional advantages, and leveraging empirical data from the decade spanning 2011 to 2020, this paper reveals a general upward trajectory in the matching level of logistics resources to architecture albeit with notable regional disparities. It is observed that while certain areas have made significant strides, others lag, underscoring the varied pace of development among different logistics regions.The research also brings to light the distinct advantage characteristics that emerge as each region evolves, suggesting that these attributes can be harnessed to foster a more environmentally conscious and forward-thinking approach to logistics. By implementing a democratic evaluation to rank these regions, this paper aims to identify exemplars that are not only recognized for their achievements but also serve as models for the formulation of green and sustainable logistics strategies tailored to each region's specific needs and potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of conventional fossil fuel supplies and the growing global population necessitate a significant reduction in energy use and harmful emissions. High sun radiation in the Mediterranean region increases summer overheating, and results in increasing energy expenditures and building emissions. But, this also presents an opportunity for solar energy systems, as building designers see photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSD) as an innovative and environmentally friendly solution for multi-story cities with limited rooftop space. Integrating a photovoltaic (PV) system into a building's exterior is a challenging process that, if not done correctly, might lead to the PV system failing. Consequently, it's crucial to assess alternative design options' energy performance from the initial planning stages. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the potential effects of different PVSDs on the energy efficiency of apartment complexes in the Mediterranean area. In order to accomplish the study's goal, computer simulations were conducted to evaluate and compare the energy consumption of various configurations of PVSDs. Additionally, a comprehensive energy index was established by considering several energy factors, including the energy demand of the building and the energy generation of the photovoltaic system. Based on the results obtained, it has been determined that the PVSD system is capable of satisfying a range of 25.1% to 35.6% of the electricity demands of the apartment complex. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of sustainable innovation, highlighting its potential to address the urgent need for emission reduction and energy conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Container Houses (CHs), leveraging shipping containers as their fundamental structural components, are increasingly popular for various compelling reasons. This innovative architectural solution, initially offering a more cost-effective alternative to traditional constructions, especially when employing recycled containers, has been enthusiastically embraced worldwide for its ability to provide quick, affordable, and environmentally friendly housing. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the energy efficiency of shipping container homes across various European locations, focusing on their adaptability in different climatic conditions. This study stands out by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the energy efficiency of different container house configurations in thirty distinct European locations. The novel aspect of this research lies in its detailed exploration of how climatic factors, geometric variations, and solar radiation exposure distinctively affect these homes, especially in the context of temporary housing. Moreover, the development of empirical correlations to calculate the thermal loads necessary for these innovative housing solutions represents a significant contribution to the design and planning of efficient and effective housing in diverse environmental settings. Utilizing Heating Degree Days (HDD) and Cooling Degree Days (CDD) concepts, the study delves into the exploration of climatic zones, integrating HDD, CDD, and solar irradiance data for a clearer view of climatic adaptability. The research employs dynamic simulations performed with the TRNSYS software, utilizing specific hourly climatic data for each location. Different CDD calculation methodologies are proposed and evaluated, establishing a baseline temperature for comfort and examining the thermal loads for various climatic contexts and geometric configurations of container houses. The findings reveal a significant correlation between climatic classification and the specific energy needs of container houses, emphasizing the impact of regional climatic characteristics on energy efficiency, particularly in small-sized dwellings like container houses. The analysis indicates the critical importance of conscious design and adaptation to local climatic contexts to ensure maximum energy efficiency. The proposed climate characterization model based on HDD, CDD, and solar irradiance finds an effective correlation with the Köppen-Geiger classification, especially in extreme climates, offering a new perspective for urban planning and housing design. The study underscores the importance of adaptive designs in developing sustainable, resilient architecture to meet contemporary environmental and societal challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods are increasingly becoming a significant concern due to climate change, global warming, and excessive urbanization. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that global warming will continue to contribute to more frequent and severe floods and hydrological extremes. In response to these challenges, nature-based solutions (NBSs) have gained recognition as effective approaches to mitigate the adverse impacts of floods by focusing on ecosystem conservation, restoration, and sustainable utilization of natural resources. This study examines a flood that occurred in the Erkilet District of Kayseri, Türkiye on September 22, 2022, as a result of intense rainfall. It involves a thorough on-site investigation to assess the hydraulic, hydrologic, and geotechnical attributes of the study area. The findings from the field study indicate that the primary cause of the flood is attributed to excessive urbanization. To further analyze the impact of urbanization, a hydraulic model is developed considering both the physical and topographical conditions of the study area for both the year 2006 and 2022. The simulation results reveal that the extent of inundation area and water depth has increased significantly due to the excessive urbanization that occurred within a 16-year period. Additionally, the effectiveness of green roofs and permeable pavements as NBSs to mitigate urban flooding is explored. The implementation of green roofs and permeable pavements shows promising results, reducing the adverse effects of urban floods by 3% to 8%, depending on their specific locations and configurations. However, the results suggest that NBSs alone cannot fully prevent floods so they should complement gray infrastructure. The novelty of the study lies in its ability to demonstrate the impact of urbanization and the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in mitigating flood extent based. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, most of the new buildings in China are high-energy buildings, and electromechanical system, as a construction project, occupies a large proportion of energy consumption, which is an important way to improve the green design of buildings. The components of electromechanical system are complex, which have dialectical relationship between performance indexes under the multi-objective optimization of low energy consumption and low cost. Aiming at the common problem of high energy consumption in China's new buildings, this paper comprehensively applied NSGA-Ⅱ method in genetic algorithm and building information technology (BIM), combined with Matlab, Revit, Ecotect and other computing tools. Seven indexes of electromechanical energy consumption have been analyzed for multi-objective optimization design, which namely ACE, REE, CE, HE, LE, BMS and EE The case study of Shandong Province hospital project is selected to reveal the high share of building building electromechanical system in energy consumption through the optimised energy saving effect, and at the same time, there is a huge space for energy saving optimisation. On the basis of BIM technology, genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal solution set of multi-factors of building electromechanical system, so as to provide data support for solving multi-objective and multi-variable problems in green building design. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) The NSGA-Ⅱ method is suitable for the energy consumption optimization calculation of electromechanical equipment in green building projects, and the efficiency and quality of index optimization analysis can be improved by quickly searching Pareto optimal solution set through multiple iterations, which provides an important reference for scheme optimization in the design stage; (2) Pareto optimal solution sets of seven indexes of electromechanical energy consumption are obtained. The highest variation rates are CE(3.23%) and HE(2.67%), and the lowest variation rate is BMS(0.16%). (3) Through optimization simulation calculation, it is found that ACE, REE, HE and LE have a large contribution to reducing the overall energy consumption, while CE, BMS and EE have certain fluctuations before and after optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rational urban design helps to build sustainable cities with high ventilation capacity and pollutant removal capacity, but the effect of building height on ventilation and pollutant dispersion inside asymmetric canyons has not been fully studied. In this paper, we studied the effect of increasing the degree of building height asymmetry (DBHA) on canyon ventilation and pollutant diffusion in shallow and deep asymmetric street canyons by considering six different building height ratios (BHR = 3/4, 1/2, 1/3, 4/3, 2/1 and 3/1). The results show that increasing the DBHA in asymmetric canyons can improve the ventilation and pollutant removal capacity. For step-up canyons, increasing the downwind building height is very useful to improve ventilation and pollutant removal. For shallow/deep step-up canyons with BHR = 1/3, the air exchange rate (ACH) increased to 211.2% and 380.1% of the flat canyons, respectively. The spatially-average pollutant concentration in the pedestrian zones (leeward Kavg* ang windward Kavg*) decreases significantly with the increase of DBHA, especially for the deep step-up canyon with BHR = 1/3, the leeward Kavg* and windward Kavg* decrease to 15.3% and 3%, respectively. Also, increasing the upwind building height can also improve the ventilation capacity in the step-down canyons. For the deep step-down canyon with BHR = 3/1, the leeward Kavg* and windward Kavg* decreased to 40.6% and 24.1% of the deep flat canyon, respectively. Notably, the ventilation capacity is very low for step-down canyons with BHR = 4/3, and for step-down canyons with BHR ≥ 2/1, the ventilation capacity and pollutant removal capacity increase significantly with the increase of DBHA. Therefore, in urban planning, step-down canyons with BHR = 4/3 should be avoided and designed to satisfy the condition of BHR ≥ 2/1. These findings will be a valuable reference for urban designers to build sustainable cities with high ventilation capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of green architecture in addressing urbanization challenges and promoting sustainability. It highlights the differences in awareness and implementation of green building technologies between developed and developing countries, emphasizing the need for education and awareness-raising efforts. The study conducted among Syrian architecture and civil engineering students reveals varying levels of knowledge and awareness of green architecture, with factors such as education level, field of specialization, and place of residence influencing understanding. The findings underscore the significance of integrating green architecture into educational curricula and urban policies to promote sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. [Extracted from the article]

In the context of China's sustainable development and dual carbon goals, research on thermodynamic architecture theory and vernacular architecture increasingly aligns with international trends, developing distinct characteristics. This research addresses the challenge of rapid changes in the built environment by focusing on climate adaptability and passive technologies. However, the development of thermodynamic theory in vernacular architecture faced technical limitations in the early 21st century and was later overshadowed by the industry's reliance on active technologies to meet green building standards, resulting in a reduced role for architects in the green building field. This article traces the origins of passive architecture, rooted in vernacular architecture, and applies thermodynamic theory to explore architectural prototypes. It examines the theoretical feasibility of architectural design in achieving low-carbon and sustainable goals, aiming to fill a gap in thermodynamic theory within the broader context of sustainable architectural development. After demonstrating the various passive prototypes inherent in vernacular architecture, this paper proposes a courtyard prototype focused on residential comfort for design translation and analysis. The research methods employed include bioclimatic charting, balance point temperature analysis in time series, and extensive computer simulations. Through the process of prototype extraction, performance analysis, validation, and optimization, the paper systematically discusses sustainable design methods within the framework of thermodynamic architecture theory. It also provides practical demonstrations of these methods across four distinct climate regions in China. By translating vernacular architectural designs, this research systematically organizes the theoretical framework for architects' early involvement in low-carbon and green building design, offering a theoretical foundation for initiating the design process through prototype translation while guiding the generation of green ecological buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of global resources has intensified efforts to address energy scarcity. One promising area is the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs for energy savings. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of 333 articles published between 1993 and 2023 in the Web of Science (WOS) core database to provide a global overview of research on solar photovoltaic (PV) roofs, with a particular emphasis on their energy-saving benefits. The analysis identifies current trends and future development trajectories in this field. Over the past three decades, research on solar PV roofs has shown steady growth, progressing from initial exploration to stable development. Key research themes include integrating renewable energy with building efficiency, the synergistic benefits of green roofs and PV systems, the design and practical application of PV-integrated roofs, and optimization techniques for parametric models. Future research will likely prioritize the efficient integration of PV components with roof maintenance structures, shifting from solely assessing PV component performance to evaluating the holistic performance of roofs and their broader impact on the built environment. This shift underscores the importance of improving the overall sustainability of the building. By aligning research efforts with these emerging trends, stakeholders can contribute to developing more effective and sustainable energy solutions for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy management models for buildings have been designed primarily to reduce energy costs and improve efficiency. However, the focus has recently shifted to GEBs with a view toward balancing energy supply and demand while enhancing system flexibility and responsiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of GEBs and other building energy management models, categorizing their features into internal and external dimensions. This review highlights the evolution of building models, including intelligent buildings, smart buildings, green buildings, and zero-energy buildings, and introduces eight distinct features of GEBs related to their efficient, connected, smart, and flexible aspects. The analysis is based on an extensive literature review and a detailed comparison of building models across the aforementioned features. GEBs prioritize interaction with the power grid, which distinguishes them from traditional models focusing on internal efficiency and occupant comfort. This paper also discusses the technological components and research trends associated with GEBs, providing insights into their development and potential evolution in the context of sustainable and efficient building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is the contents list for the journal "Chemical Communications" published on September 25, 2024. It includes various articles on topics such as responsive DNA hydrogels, lithium metal-based battery systems, and strategies in photochemical alcohol oxidation. The journal is published by The Royal Society of Chemistry, a leading chemistry community, and aims to connect the world with the chemical sciences. [Extracted from the article]

We prepared a 3D FeZn–N–C based catalyst by green in situ growth of 1D Fe–N–C carbon nanotubes by introducing ferrocyanide ions on the surface of 2D exfoliated MOF-5. The 1D/2D FeZn–N–C based electrocatalyst is conducive to O2 diffusion and ionic/electron transfer, exhibiting an excellent ORR catalytic performance and a peak power density of 294 mW cm−2 for Zn–air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Desertification, deforestation, climate change, global warming, and economic instability are leading to serious problems in many countries. Two of these negative factors are the decrease in agriculture areas and food scarcity. This situation caused many countries to reconsider their agriculture polices and think of new solutions. The United Nations also addressed the problem via its "SDG—Sustainable Development Goals" agenda. One of its major goals is the change towards green and sustainable communities that can produce their own food. Rooftop farming in places with suitable climatic conditions was encouraged by the "SDG" and governments of many countries. The paper discusses the potential of utilizing Egyptian residential rooftops for rooftop farming, the Egyptian urban fabric is very dense with residential buildings. Taking the Egyptian "Asmarat" residential neighborhood as an exercise, the study aims to fulfilling the following three goals: 1- On a food security Level: if rooftop farming is extensively applied across all cities and villages in Egypt, a mass production threshold of exporting vegetables and fruits may be reached that will significantly participate in the overall national GDP, 2- On a socio-economic level: rooftop farming will create jobs for informal workers and the jobless, turning an individual from a jobless person to a busy one is the best practical solution for changing behavioral norms from the tendency towards crime, hanging around on the streets, and drug addiction towards a decent and productive society., and 3- On an environmental level.: Large cities suffer from crowds, high building densities, pollution, and scarcity of open green areas. Rooftop farming increases the "Urban Green Space—UGS" of the city, reduce pollution, decrease global warming, and purify the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green roofs and walls play an important role in promoting biodiversity, reducing the urban heat island effect and providing ecosystem services in urban areas. However, the conditions on green walls/roofs (low nutrient and organic matter content, drought, high temperatures) are often unfavorable for plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the growth and development of plants under stress conditions as they can increase nutrient and water uptake. In a 6-month pot experiment, we investigated the effect of AMF inoculation on the growth and NPK uptake of Festuca ovina L. and Trifolium medium L., which are used for green roofs and walls. Two variants of mycorrhizal inoculation were used in the experiment: a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant AM Symbivit (Symbiom Ltd., Lanskroun, Czech Republic) and a mycorrhizal inoculant collected from calcareous grassland in the Silesia region (Poland). Funneliformis mosseae was the most abundant species in the roots of F. ovina and T. medium with IM inoculum. In the CM variant, a dominance of F. mosseae was observed in the roots of F. ovina. In contrast, Archaeosporaceae sp. node 317 dominated in the roots of T. medium. Both inoculations had a positive effect on the increase in dry weight of the shoots of T. medium, but only the commercial inoculum had a positive effect on the growth of F. ovina. Both inoculations improved the P uptake by the roots and the P and K uptake into the shoots of T. medium. In addition, both inoculations improved the K uptake by the roots of F. ovina and the N, P and K uptake into the shoots. In conclusion, both AMF communities included in the inoculations had a positive effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake, but the effect depends on the plant and the mycorrhizal fungus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the world of dependable systems, specifically focusing on system design, software solutions, and architectural decisions that facilitate collaborative work on shared text documents across multiple users in near real time. It aims to dive into the intricacies of designing robust and effective document collaboration software focusing on understanding the requirements of such a system, the working principle of collaborative text editing, software architecture, technology stack selection, and tooling that can sustain such a system. To examine the pros and cons of the proposed system, the paper will detail how collaborative text editing software can benefit from such an architecture regarding availability, elasticity, and scaling. The intricate nature of this system renders this paper a valuable resource for prospective investigations within the domain of dependable systems and distributed systems. This research first examines the requirements of a real-time collaboration system and the necessary core features. Then, it analyzes the design, the application structure, and the system organization while also considering key architectural requirements as the necessity of scaling, the usage of microservices, cross-service communications, and client–server communication. For the technology stack of the implementation, this research considers the alternatives at each layer, from client to server. Once these decisions are made, it follows system development while examining possible improvements for the issues previously encountered. To validate the architecture, a testing strategy is developed, to examine the key capabilities of the system, such as resource consumption and throughput. The conclusions review the combination of modern and conventional application development principles needed to address the challenges of conflict-free document replication, decoupled and stateless event-driven architecture, idempotency, and data consistency. This paper not only showcases the design and implementation process but also sets a foundation for future research and innovation in dependable systems, collaborative technologies, sustainable solutions, and distributed system architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the peak of carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality, China is placing greater emphasis on energy expenditure. Office buildings occupy a prominent position in building energy consumption, which is one of the main energy consumption areas. Taking an administration building in Chengdu as an example, this article simulates the building energy consumption based on Design Builder software, examines the variables influencing energy consumption, and suggests energy-saving strategies combined with fresh ideas for sustainable architectural design. The results showed that the modeling building was a high-energy-consuming building, with an energy consumption of 724,857.59 kWh, and a unit area energy consumption of 288.17 kWh/m2 in Chengdu. For energy conservation and emission reduction, this article proposes the following three energy-saving measures. The first is to apply heat recovery technology for air conditioning systems. The second is photovoltaic glass, which provides partial electricity demand for buildings and reduces dependence on traditional energy sources. The third is roof greening, which utilizes the plants to purify the air and beautify the environment. The results showed that the heat recovery technology in air conditioning systems reduced the total energy consumption of buildings from 642144.04 kWh/m2 to 502937.83 kWh/m2, photovoltaic glass reduced 552243.87 kWh/m2, and roof greening reduced to 635947.35 kWh/m2. All of these have good energy-saving and emission reduction effects. The above three strategies not only help reduce building energy consumption, but also provide substantial support for China to achieve carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an era marked by increasing environmental challenges affecting human well‐being, traditional acoustic materials struggle to effectively handle the diverse and multi‐frequency nature of harmful environmental noises. This has spurred a demand for innovative acoustic metamaterial solutions by utilizing sustainable design strategies. This research introduces tunable Schwarz metamaterial capable of transforming into a soft meta‐foam to solve the complex problems of varying environmental noises. This study primarily focuses on adjusting single to multiple sound‐blocking bandgaps mechanism using a multi‐layered approach, incorporating the Schwarz P‐type triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) and its elective soft foam counterpart, known as tunable Schwarz meta‐foams (TSMF‐x). The tunable design parameters of the unit cell, multi‐layered TPMS, and soft programmable TSMF‐lichen version are comprehensively explored including a fire‐safety test. The results demonstrate these enhanced flame retardant meta‐foam families have the potential to be used for mid‐to‐high‐frequency environmental noises in industrial equipment and smart homes for sustainable architecture and environmental health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive approach is essential in India's ongoing battle against air pollution, combining technological advancements, regulatory reinforcement, and widespread societal engagement. Bridging technological gaps involves deploying sophisticated pollution control technologies and addressing the rural–urban disparity through innovative solutions. The review found that integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI&ML) in air quality forecasting demonstrates promising results with a remarkable model efficiency. In this study, initially, we compute the PM2.5 concentration over India using a surface mass concentration of 5 key aerosols such as black carbon (BC), dust (DU), organic carbon (OC), sea salt (SS) and sulphates (SU), respectively. The study identifies several regions highly vulnerable to PM2.5 pollution due to specific sources. The Indo-Gangetic Plains are notably impacted by high concentrations of BC, OC, and SU resulting from anthropogenic activities. Western India experiences higher DU concentrations due to its proximity to the Sahara Desert. Additionally, certain areas in northeast India show significant contributions of OC from biogenic activities. Moreover, an AI&ML model based on convolutional autoencoder architecture underwent rigorous training, testing, and validation to forecast PM2.5 concentrations across India. The results reveal its exceptional precision in PM2.5 prediction, as demonstrated by model evaluation metrics, including a Structural Similarity Index exceeding 0.60, Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio ranging from 28–30 dB and Mean Square Error below 10 μg/m3. However, regulatory challenges persist, necessitating robust frameworks and consistent enforcement mechanisms, as evidenced by the complexities in predicting PM2.5 concentrations. Implementing tailored regional pollution control strategies, integrating AI&ML technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging international collaboration are essential policy measures to mitigate air pollution in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green building (GB) is a design idea that integrates environmentally conscious technology and sustainable procedures throughout the building's life cycle. However, because different green requirements and performances are integrated into the building design, the GB design procedure typically takes longer than conventional structures. Machine learning (ML) and other advanced artificial intelligence (AI), such as DL techniques, are frequently utilized to assist designers in completing their work more quickly and precisely. Therefore, this study aims to develop a GB design predictive model utilizing ML and DL techniques to optimize resource consumption, improve occupant comfort, and lessen the environmental effect of the built environment of the GB design process. A dataset ASHARE-884 is applied to the suggested models. An Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) is applied, which involves cleaning, sorting, and converting the category data into numerical values utilizing label encoding. In data preprocessing, the Z-Score normalization technique is applied to normalize the data. After data analysis and preprocessing, preprocessed data is used as input for Machine learning (ML) such as RF, DT, and Extreme GB, and Stacking and Deep Learning (DL) such as GNN, LSTM, and RNN techniques for green building design to enhance environmental sustainability by addressing different criteria of the GB design process. The performance of the proposed models is assessed using different evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score. The experiment results indicate that the proposed GNN and LSTM models function more accurately and efficiently than conventional DL techniques for environmental sustainability in green buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of urbanisation has a significant impact on climate change, with projections indicating that over 70% of the global population will live in cities by 2050. The challenges associated with climate change impacts on urban areas include urban heat islands, unsustainable water management, floods and air pollution. This study explores the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and renewable energy in Torino, Italy, with a particular focus on the exploitation of rooftops for solar panels and green roofs. The data from 159 buildings in San Salvario was collected using aerial photogrammetry. The solar potential was analysed with ArcGIS, taking into account both geographic and building-specific factors. Buildings that were unsuitable for solar panels were identified for green roofs. This research supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). The annual solar potential was estimated at 100,300 kWh, with 2,450 m2 of suitable roof area for green roofs. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using rooftops to increase urban sustainability, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents. The integration of NBS and solar energy can facilitate the creation of more sustainable and resilient urban environments. The study recommends the implementation of spatial-enabled urban planning as a means of overcoming barriers and promoting the development of green, energy-efficient communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of PLANARCH - Design & Planning Research is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water, a fundamental and indispensable resource necessary for the survival of living beings, has become a pressing issue in numerous regions worldwide due to scarcity. Urban areas, where the majority of the global population resides, witness a substantial consumption of blue water, particularly in commercial buildings. This study investigates the potential for enhancing water efficiency within an ongoing high-rise office building construction situated in a tropical climate. The investigation utilizes the green building guidelines of leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) through a case-study-based research approach. Strategies included using efficient plumbing fixtures (such as high air–water ratio fixtures and dual-flush toilets), the selection of native plants, implementing a suitable irrigation system, introducing a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) and improving the mechanical ventilation and air conditioning (MVAC) system. The results showed a 55% reduction in water use from efficient fixtures, a 93% reduction in landscaping water needs and a 73% overall water efficiency with a RWHS from the baseline design. Additionally, efficient cooling towers and the redirection of condensed water into the cooling tower make-up water tank improved the overall water efficiency to 38%, accounting for the water requirements of the MVAC system. The findings of this study can contribute to more sustainable and water-efficient urban development, particularly in regions facing water scarcity challenges. The significance of these findings lies in their potential to establish industry standards and inform policymakers in the building sector. They offer valuable insights for implementing effective strategies aimed at reducing blue water consumption across different building types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green Building Materials (GBMs) are construction materials Green building materials (GBMs), sustainable building practices, resource conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, environmental impact reduction, and renewable and recyclable materials. The drive to adopt GBMs is fueled by the need to reduce energy consumption, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and preserve natural resources. By incorporating renewable, recyclable, and non-toxic elements, GBMs are integral to sustainable building practices, ensuring a balance between development and environmental responsibility. Growing awareness of environmental challenges and the emphasis on sustainable development have made green building materials a central focus in contemporary construction. Environmental Impact Reduction: GBMs help decrease the environmental footprint of construction by cutting waste, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and using less energy. These minerals are essential for maintaining ecosystems and halting climate change. Health & Well-Being: Research on GBMs makes it easier to create materials that improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to dangerous pollutants, which benefits building occupants' comfort and health. Resource Conservation: This study promotes the use of recyclable and renewable materials, helping to preserve the planet's finite natural resources and encouraging the building sector to implement circular economy principles. Alternatives taken as Bamboo, Recycled Steel, Cork, Rammed Earth, Hempcrete, Straw Bale. Evaluation Parameters taken as Thermal Insulation (Benefit), Sustainability Score (Benefit), Cost per Square Meter (Non-Benefit), CO2 Emissions during Production (Non-Benefit). The results indicate that Recycled Steel achieved the highest rank, while Straw Bale had the lowest rank being attained. "The value of the dataset for Green Building Materials, according to the VIKOR, Recycled Steel achieves the highest ranking.". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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This research paper explores the innovative integration of green plant landscape design with advanced computer image processing in cloud, grid, and cluster computing environments to enhance urban air quality purification. The study begins by highlighting the critical need for improving air quality in urban areas, considering the rising levels of pollution and its impact on public health and the environment. The methodology involves the use of sophisticated image processing techniques to analyze various sensors on air quality measures and plant species their effectiveness in air purification, facilitated by the computational power of cloud, grid, and cluster computing. A diverse range of green plants was selected, and their air purification capabilities were assessed through a series of computer-simulated models. These models were developed using complex algorithms to predict the plants' performance in real-world urban settings. The research uniquely combines landscape architecture with technology, emphasizing the role of green spaces in urban areas for environmental sustainability. The results demonstrate that certain plant species are more effective than others in purifying urban air. The study provides a comprehensive ranking of these plants based on their purification capabilities, growth requirements, and suitability for various urban landscapes. The paper concludes by proposing practical guidelines for urban landscape designers and policymakers, recommending the strategic incorporation of specific green plants in urban areas to maximize air purification. Additionally, it highlights the potential of leveraging advanced computing technologies in environmental research and urban planning. This research contributes to the fields of environmental science, urban planning, and computer science by showcasing how multidisciplinary approaches can address pressing environmental issues. It opens avenues for further research in the optimization of urban green spaces using advanced computing techniques. The results demonstrate that certain plant species are more effective than others in purifying urban air. The study provides a comprehensive ranking of these plants based on their purification capabilities, growth requirements, and suitability for various urban landscapes. The paper concludes by proposing practical guidelines for urban landscape designers and policymakers, recommending the strategic incorporation of specific green plants in urban areas to maximize air purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to increasing global temperatures and energy demands, optimizing buildings' energy efficiency, particularly in hot climates, is an urgent challenge. While current research often relies on conventional energy estimation methods, there has been a decrease in the efforts dedicated to leveraging AI-based methodologies as technology advances. This implies a dearth of multiparameter examinations in AI-driven extreme case studies. For this reason, this study aimed to enhance the energy performance of residential buildings in the hot climates of Dubai and Riyadh by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Machine Learning (ML). Detailed BIM models of a typical residential villa in these regions were created using Revit, incorporating conventional, modern, and green building envelopes (BEs). These models served as the basis for energy simulations conducted with Green Building Studio (GBS) and Insight, focusing on crucial building features such as floor area, external and internal walls, windows, flooring, roofing, building orientation, infiltration, daylighting, and more. To predict Energy Use Intensity (EUI), four ML algorithms, namely, Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Lasso Regression (LR), were employed. GBM consistently outperformed the others, demonstrating superior prediction accuracy with an R2 of 0.989. This indicates that the model explains 99% of the variance in EUI, highlighting its effectiveness in capturing the relationships between building features and energy consumption. Feature importance analysis (FIA) revealed that roofs (29% in Dubai scenarios (DS) and 40% in Riyadh scenarios (RS)), external walls (19% in DS and 29% in RS), and windows (15% in DS and 9% in RS) have the most impact on energy consumption. Additionally, the study explored the potential for energy optimization, such as cavity green walls and green roofs in RS and double brick walls with VIP insulation and green roofs in DS. The findings of the paper should be interpreted in light of certain limitations but they underscore the effectiveness of combining BIM and ML for sustainable building design, offering actionable insights for enhancing energy efficiency in hot climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable airport buildings aim to minimize environmental impacts through energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. This is achieved by employing green building materials and utilizing renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of three main construction materials—concrete, steel, and wood—used in sustainable airport buildings. These materials were selected for their widespread use in eight different airport terminal buildings with sustainability certifications. The environmental impacts of these materials were calculated and compared using OpenLCA 1.9.0 software and the ECOinvent database, adhering to the standards set forth by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) initiative. The findings indicate that wood, as a construction material, has a significantly lower impact on global warming compared to steel and concrete, with a global warming potential (GWP) ratio of less than 60%. Steel, with a GWP of approximately 90% of that of concrete, also showed a lower impact than concrete. Additionally, other environmental impacts, such as stratospheric ozone depletion potential (ODP) and acidification potential (AP), were also examined, highlighting the trade-offs associated with each material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Façades give the first impression of a structure, reflecting the overall aesthetic appeal, architectural styles, cultural influences, and technological advancements. Emphasis on sustainability is increasing, with a shift towards eco-friendly and energy-saving materials, triggered by decreasing the environmental impact of construction. Cork is a green competitive material for various engineering and design applications due to its biological formation, sustainable production and a portfolio of properties including low density, impermeability, viscoelastic behaviour and high thermal insulation that derive from its cellular and chemical features. This work presents cork materials used in building façades and their properties, also giving information on cork production and processing into cork-based products as a review of the existing published research, while also identifying knowledge gaps and further research needed. Historical examples of cladding of constructions with raw cork are given, while the contemporary innovative use of cork façades was triggered by some designs of well-known architects with outdoor application of expanded cork agglomerates. Examples of different historical and contemporary constructions were assembled and critically assessed by the authors. The aim is to give integrated information of cork as a natural, renewable and sustainable material to raise the interest of designers, architects and engineers to explore cork, blending aesthetics with environmental responsibility, targeting a more sustainable and resilient built environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baghdad's historical centre is Old Rusafa, which has a long history dating back over a thousand years. The area enclosed within the old wall is approximately 5.4 square kilometres and contains nearly 15,700 buildings. The city's old core contains significant heritage buildings that belong to the Abbasid Empire (762–1258) and the Ottoman Period (1638–1917). This paper assesses Baghdad's historical centre and urban heritage. It addresses how the urban fabric has faced irreparable damage, a weak definition of demands, and an ambiguous formulation of what to preserve. The research examines Old Rusafa's dense irregular fabric, significant old souqs, heritage mosques, historical buildings, and traditional Baghdadi courtyard houses. The research implements various research strategies at different levels to evaluate the current condition of the built heritage in the city centre. It adopts a mixed methodological research approach that brings information from both qualitative and quantitative methods to address the research problems. The paper argues that achieving sustainable urban heritage requires considering efficient and sustainable strategies that drive urban evolution and encourage historic centre revitalisation towards sustainable heritage conservation. The outcomes of this paper raise awareness of the significance of safeguarding Baghdad's Islamic architecture and the sustainable reuse of its uniquely built heritage stock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores how to enhance ecosystem services in urban soils, focusing on managing the microbiome of Technosols to improve soil health and biodiversity. Topics include the impact of urban development on soil quality, the potential benefits of microbial inoculation and diverse plant communities, and strategies for integrating nature-based solutions into urban landscapes.

A multiobjective optimization model for energy‐saving design of green buildings is established by considering the two key indicators (energy efficiency and comfort) that are important for the design of green buildings. Using the energy consumption simulation software EnergyPlus to evaluate the fitness value of individuals, a multiobjective evolutionary optimization algorithm based on decomposition is used to optimize the above model. A multiobjective evolutionary optimization algorithm and its execution method are proposed for building energy efficiency, which integrates EnergyPlus. Taking a common multiroom residential building in northern China as an example, a multiobjective optimization is carried out. The results show that compared to classic intelligent optimization design algorithms such as nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II), the proposed method reduces discomfort time by 1.29% while only increasing energy consumption by 0.61%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization significantly influences soil quality and its sustainable use in urban garden maintenance. The widespread application of inorganic fertilizers has raised ecological concerns due to their potential environmental impacts. Organic fertilizers, while beneficial, often have slow effects and are costly. Biofertilizers, with their eco-friendly nature and low carbon footprint, are gaining attention for their multifaceted role in supporting plant growth. Despite the focus on fruit trees, vegetables, and medicinal plants, ornamental plants have been understudied. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel microbial fertilizer, 'natural soil biotin', on Rhododendron plants, specifically the Azalea hybrid 'Carnation'. The study employed a comparative approach to assess the impact of different fertilization strategies on soil properties, microbial diversity, enzyme activity, plant morphology, and physiological parameters. The application of 'natural soil biotin' was compared with the use of inorganic and organic fertilizers. The combined application of 'natural soil biotin' was found to effectively enhance soil properties and mitigate the impact of other fertilizers on soil pH. It also improved the relative abundance of beneficial microbial groups such as Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, the mixed application significantly increased the activities of urease and sucrase in Rhododendron plants, which promoted their growth, development, and stress resistance. The results indicate that the mixed application of 'natural soil biotin' with inorganic and organic fertilizers not only improved the soil quality but also enhanced the efficiency of fertilizer utilization. This approach led to increased economic and environmental benefits in Rhododendron cultivation. The findings contribute to the foundation for soil improvement and ecological restoration, suggesting that 'natural soil biotin' could be a promising alternative or supplement to traditional fertilization methods in sustainable landscape architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In performance-based approaches and quality assessment protocols used both in the technological design of architecture and the environmental design of the built habitat, the concept of psycho-physical wellbeing is usually defined in purely quantitative human-techno-centric or eco-techno-centric terms. However, in socio-technical-environmental realities in continuous transition, wellbeing extends to areas that cannot be confined within the notions of comfort or healthiness because it involves material and immaterial, cultural and technical, aesthetic and performative, real and virtual aspects. Method: The aim of this article emerges from studies being conducted as part of Ex-Mind research. The working hypothesis is to broaden performance-based approaches in a technological-environmental sense to avoid reducing the goal of psycho-physical wellbeing just to the compliance with technical-constructive aspects. It could be possible combining the material and quantifiable dimensions with other aspects that extend the project to sensorial, perceptive, and emotional interactions. Important theoretical-scientific evidence is already emerging on this dichotomy to be overcome from areas of project evaluation responsive to the new paradigms of sustainability such as resilience, inclusive placemaking, and wellbeing according to the flourish model. Characteristics such as dimensions, proportions, shapes, colors, scents and immaterial aspects of spaces, for example, should be evaluated with respect to the complex physical and mental comfort conditions that they can produce. Results: In the technological-environmental vision of the human habitat project, the objective of psycho-physical wellbeing should be a function of the dynamic balance between the constantly evolving users'/inhabitants' needs and the variability of context factors and agents. The concept of wellbeing therefore takes on a scalar and expanded declination. Considering the technological-environmental approach, a possible element of originality emerges in the integrated and balanced human-environmental centered vision aimed at broadening the framework of the qualitative-quantitative references of the project of the human habitat. This could be an alternative bio-psycho-socio-technological methodological vision starting from the determinants of wellbeing in a broad sense, including natural, cultural and socioeconomic environmental factors, social and collective networks of relationships and participation, individual behavioral, physical, and functional factors of people. Added to these determinants are the different technological-environmental interface systems with which the project is able to define, in a bio-psycho-socio-technological sense, multiple and variable regulatory conditions of wellbeing, at a building, urban, and territorial level. Discussion: The possible outcomes of this alternative and integrated hypothesis are related to the reconnection with the production and regeneration processes of the built material, to the reorganization and reinvention of spatial and perceptual relationships between individuals, communities, technologies, environment, and to the integration of non-directly quantifiable subjective variables into the design of the built environment. The proposed integrated bio-psycho-socio-technological vision may open for developments concerning the expansion of the determinants of psycho-physical wellbeing through new performative descriptors and the definition of agile tools, procedures, and metrics to integrate wellbeing assessments, including consensus-based approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aquaponics provide multiple benefits due to the simultaneous yield of vegetables and fish, however they are characterized by increased greenhouse gas emissions owing to intensive production system. The most appropriate method for quantifying the environmental effects of these systems is Life Cycle Assessment with which the identification of hotspots and the suggestion of improved production plans can be achieved. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the environmental impact of a pilot high-tech aquaponic system utilized for the simultaneous production of baby lettuce and rocket as well as rainbow trout, in indicators such as Global Warming Potential. Materials and methods: To achieve this goal, data on inputs and outputs were collected from 12 case studies that were implemented, combining different fertilizer treatments, substrate choices, plant species cultivated and water source provision. Life Cycle Assessment was performed using SimaPro v.9.4.0.2 software. Results: The results showcase that the optimal case studies include the cultivation of baby lettuce and rocket in perlite substrate using wastewater from fish and partial use of synthetic fertilizers. Indicatively, Global Warming Potential of these cases was calculated at 21.18 and 40.59 kg CO2-eq/kg of vegetable respectively. The parameter with the greatest impact on most of the environmental indicators was electricity consumption for the operation of the oxygen supply pump for the fish tanks, while greenhouse infrastructure had the greatest impact in Abiotic Depletion and Human Toxicity impact categories. In an alternative production scenario tested where renewable energy sources were used, system impacts were reduced by up to 50% for Global Warming Potential and 86% for Eutrophication impact. The results of this study aspire to constitute a significant milestone in environmental impact assessments of aquaponic production systems and the adoption of more sustainable farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing climate-adaptive buildings is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of climate change by enhancing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, such designs improve thermal comfort and resilience in urban environments, particularly in regions with extreme climates, thereby promoting sustainable living conditions. This study aims to mitigate climate change through strategic urban and building design, focusing on the impact of building geometry and courtyard configurations on enhancing microclimates and thermal comfort in the UAE's hot arid climate. Utilizing ENVI-met software for qualitative analysis, the research examines design modifications in a school building's layout and courtyards. The analysis and findings reveal that strategic alterations can reduce outdoor air temperatures by up to 1.45°C and average building temperatures by approximately 1.89°C. Additionally, these modifications significantly improve thermal comfort perceptions on the PMV scale. The findings underscore the potential of architectural design to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts, highlighting the importance of thoughtful building and courtyard designs in promoting sustainable architecture and urban planning. This study offers novel insights into the role of design in enhancing thermal environments, providing a practical approach for developing climate-adaptive buildings in hot, dry environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical sun control and shading devices such as louvers are essential features of modern building design. These devices are being used increasingly in the Middle Eastern region due to the extreme temperatures. These devices reduce building peak heat and cooling requirements and enhance indoor natural light. However, it is important to assess these devices so that they meet specific structural strength and serviceability criteria, because if they start to deform, discomfort for the tenants could result. Such deformation might even cause damage to parts of the building, such as the glass windows, especially if this deformation occurs repeatedly over time. An actual case study with aluminum and glass sun control devices was analyzed structurally. Aluminum devices with a twofold height curvature were made from 6-mm-thick curved tubes. They were supported by brackets at various heights with thermal expansion joints for temperature fluctuations. Aluminum devices can withstand 2.0-kPa wind loads, whereas glass fins can withstand loads of 1.8-kPa. The research assessed the induced stresses and deflections through numerical simulations using shell elements. The practical implications of this research indicate that the devices have been proven to be safe within acceptable safety standards and criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]