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A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 13013

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Haibo Guo

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Guest Editor

School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: low-carbon building; energy efficiency; thermal comfort; overheating; bio-based material; phase change materials (PCM); sustainable city

Bolun Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

School of Architecture, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
Interests: bio-based material; thermal comfort; overheating; traditional settlement; mass customized housing; computational design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our present era stands at a pivotal juncture, calling for a profound transformation in our approach to shaping the built environment. The intricate interplay of challenges encompasses a spectrum as diverse as global climate change, the depletion of finite energy resources, the escalating emission of greenhouse gases, and the multifaceted demands of sustainable development within traditional architecture. This dynamic landscape underscores the imperative to reimagine our architectural paradigms, a call that resonates robustly and finds consensus in the growing acknowledgment of the pivotal significance of embracing energy-efficient, environmentally conscious, and sustainable building practices.

Emerging technologies such as green building techniques, artificial intelligence, and digital twins are redefining sustainable architecture. They empower us to design and operate eco-friendly buildings in ways previously unimaginable. In parallel, the preservation of architectural heritage and culture introduces added complexity. Revitalizing traditional methodologies, safeguarding cultural heritage, and renewing communities together shape the essence of sustainable building. These initiatives harmoniously blend tradition with modern innovation.

These imperatives underscore the compelling need for multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions. Embracing these challenges presents a unique opportunity to guide our architectural future towards sustainability. This transformation transcends mere environmental concerns; it encompasses heritage preservation, community enhancement, and the exploration of new frontiers in sustainable architecture.

Dr. Haibo Guo
Guest Editor

Bolun Zhao
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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

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Keywords

green building technologies
sustainable urban development
residential sustainability
healthy building
ecological village
traditional settlement revival
architectural heritage conservation
computational design
resource metabolism
inclusive development

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 21020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Pathological Diagnostic Method for Traditional Brick-Masonry Dwellings: A Case Study in Guangfu Ancient City

by Qinghong Li, Tiejian Zhang, Yingming Fang and Fengzeng Lin

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3563; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113563 - 8 Nov 2024

Viewed by 458

Abstract

Many regions of the world have traditional dwellings, which not only represent the main form of residential architecture, but also carry the local vernacular culture, display the region’s unique architectural style, materials and technology, and have important historical and cultural value. Due to environmental factors, traditional dwellings often suffer from architectural damage that threatens the stability of their structure and affects their esthetics value, resulting in a significant number of abandoned and demolished houses. In order to scientifically and effectively solve the damage problems of traditional dwellings, based on the theory of architectural pathology, the following diagnostic method for damage manifestation and the characteristics of traditional houses is proposed: “Architectural Pathology Appraisal–Pathological Environment Analysis–Mechanical Properties Testings”. The traditional dwellings in the ancient city of Guangfu were used as a case study for the practical application of the methodology for analyzing the main types and causes of the damage of the dwellings by examining the damage information of the dwellings, collecting the environmental data of the damaged walls, and testing the mechanical properties of the damaged walls. The results show that the main damage type in the ancient city dwellings of Guangfu is dampness damage, with corrosion deterioration, wall alkali flooding, and the moisture infiltration phenomenon as the manifested symptoms, and the damage is mainly concentrated in the lower part of the wall. In addition, the humidity and moisture content in the lower part of the wall is higher than that in the upper part of the wall, and the compressive strength of the damaged part of the wall is lower than that of the undamaged part. The humid environment of the old town contributed significantly to the destruction of the dwellings, and water intrusion led to a reduction in the strength of the dwellings’ bricks. Through the diagnostic method of building pathology, the causes of Guangfu dwellings’ damage are identified, and scientific and targeted damage intervention suggestions are made. This is expected to provide guidance for the treatment and prevention of building pathology in the ancient city of Guangfu and serve as a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology in traditional dwellings in other areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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31 pages, 17737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Impact of the Built Environment on Multidimensional Urban Vitality: Using Milk Tea Shops and Coffee Shops as New Indicators of Urban Vitality

by Ziqi Xu, Jiang Chang, Fangyu Cheng, Xiaoyi Liu, Tianning Yao, Kuntao Hu and Jingyu Sun

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3517; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113517 - 4 Nov 2024

Viewed by 771

Abstract

Urban vitality is a critical driver of sustainable urban development, significantly contributing to the enhancement of human well-being. A thorough and multidimensional comprehension of urban vitality is essential for shaping future urban planning and policy-making. This study, focused on Chengdu, proposes a framework for assessing various dimensions of UV through the distribution of milk tea and coffee shops. Using random forest and multi-scale geographically weighted regression models, this study investigates the factors influencing urban vitality from both mathematical thresholds and spatial heterogeneity, and develops spatial maps of future vitality to inform targeted urban strategies. The results show that (1) the milk tea index is effective in capturing population vitality, while the coffee index is more closely associated with economic vitality and urban renewal; (2) office buildings (13.46%) and commercial complexes (13.70%) have the most significant impact on both economic and population vitality, while the importance of transportation factors has notably decreased; (3) the influence of these factors demonstrates spatial heterogeneity and nonlinear relationships, with subway station density of 0.5–0.8 stations per kilometer being optimal for stimulating both types of vitality. The minimum threshold for economic vitality in a given unit is a housing price exceeding 6000 RMB/m²; (4) the future vitality map suggests that urban planners should pay greater attention to non-central districts with high development potential. Moreover, spontaneous social interactions and consumer behaviors stimulated by various shops are critical components of urban vitality. In designing the physical environment and urban spatial forms, special attention should be given to enhancing the attractiveness of physical spaces and their capacity to accommodate social interaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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30 pages, 19653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction and Optimization Strategies for Rural Residential Spatial Models Based on the Concept of Resource Metabolism: A Case Study of Rural Areas in the Shandong Plain

by Zhongkai Zhou, Meng Liu, Jilong Zhao and Chaoxian Li

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3302; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103302 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 635

Abstract

Rural communities can be conceptualized as spatial organisms interconnected by optimized resource utilization systems. Investigating the efficient utilization of rural resources and spatial construction methods grounded in resource metabolism is a pivotal step toward achieving the ecological transformation of rural spaces. This paper examined rural settlements in the Shandong Plain as a case study, exploring the relationships among three scales: village, neighborhoods, and courtyards. This analysis was based on elucidating the interaction mechanisms between “space and resource” and the integration of key resources and spatial elements. From the perspective of resource circulation and metabolism, this study aimed to elucidate the equilibrium of each resource element within three resource metabolism subsystems: the agricultural production system (core element), the ecological technology system (technological link), and the human life system (spatial carrier) in Shandong Plain’s villages, considering general climatic conditions. To achieve this, this research utilized the resource production volume, the utilization and transformation volume of resource metabolism technology facilities per unit area, and the average per capita resource consumption as fundamental measurement units. The concept of a rationing relationship is introduced to clarify resource allocation. Combining the aforementioned research on spatial resource metabolism in ecological villages in Shandong Province with the material flow analysis method, this study constructed a bottom–up spatial model of resource metabolism at three scales, courtyards, neighborhoods, and villages, under various resource metabolism scenarios. This study is anticipated to significantly contribute to the theoretical understanding of rural habitat environments, offering novel methods and perspectives for constructing ecological rural settlements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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21 pages, 1192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Building Evaluation Framework for Biophilic Design in Architecture

by Rafa Ramisha Tabassum and Jihyun Park

Buildings 2024, 14(10), 3254; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14103254 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 2521

Abstract

Biophilic design has gained prominence in architecture as a strategy to integrate natural elements into built environments, aiming to improve human comfort, well-being, and environmental sustainability. This paper critically reviews existing biophilic design frameworks, identifying gaps in their integration of health outcomes and the relationship between indoor and outdoor environments, with a primary focus on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors such as air quality, natural light, thermal comfort, and acoustics. The review was conducted systematically, comparing frameworks using criteria such as health benefits, human–nature connections, and user satisfaction. Key findings highlight a lack of comprehensive frameworks that explicitly link biophilic design to measurable improvements in human health, comfort, and satisfaction. To address this gap, the study proposes an enhanced biophilic design framework that bridges IEQ-focused indoor environments with urban outdoor elements, prioritizing human comfort alongside environmental sustainability. The framework also emphasizes the role of post-occupancy evaluation (POE) in assessing the real-world performance of biophilic interventions, particularly in achieving user satisfaction and ensuring long-term effectiveness. This research contributes to the advancement of biophilic design by offering actionable strategies for architects, urban planners, and policymakers to adopt biophilic principles that create resilient, healthy, and sustainable spaces. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need for empirical testing and validation of the proposed framework, including POE and user surveys, to assess its real-world impact on human well-being and satisfaction, thus setting the stage for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

23 pages, 7110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revitalizing Rural Landscapes: Applying Cultural Landscape Gene Theory for Sustainable Spatial Planning in Linpu Village

by Shuhu Liu, Lin Wu, Chenlu Xiang and Wenyuan Dai

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082396 - 3 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1155

Abstract

In the context of rapid urbanization, it is imperative to address the preservation and sustainable development of rural landscapes. This study introduces a novel framework using cultural landscape gene theory to enhance the landscape spatial pattern of Linpu Village, China. Employing a multi-method approach, including data collection and historical data analysis, GIS analysis, and field surveys, we analyze the village’s landscape features and identify a well-preserved “one core, two wings” spatial configuration with diminishing accessibility from the center to the periphery. The study uncovers significant challenges to landscape coherence and legibility, including landscape element discontinuity, inadequate maintenance, and fragmented information. To address these issues, we propose optimization strategies aimed at revitalizing weakened cultural landscape genes, repairing disrupted elements, ensuring corridor integrity, and improving spatial organization. The extraction–construction–analysis–preservation model established in this research not only delivers a comprehensive analysis of Linpu’s cultural landscape but also offers a scalable framework for preserving the ecological and cultural integrity of traditional villages. This study contributes to the practical implementation of sustainable landscape strategies, enhancing the ecological adaptability and resilience of rural environments in the face of urban encroachment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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24 pages, 10493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation Model of Distributed Photovoltaic Utilization in Urban Built-Up Area

by Siyuan Chen, Zao Zhang, Cheng Wang, Lifeng Tan, Huanjie Liu, Hong Yuan, Rui Zhang and Rui Hu

Buildings 2024, 14(4), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14040943 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 993

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is emerging as a key aspect of the global shift towards a more sustainable energy mix. Nevertheless, existing assessment models predominantly concentrate on predicting the overall capacity of PV power generation, often neglecting temporal dynamics. Drawing upon the urban energy substitution rate, utilization rate, and power supply stability, this study has devised a comprehensive evaluation model for the utilization of distributed photovoltaic systems (SUS). This model integrates the quantification of spatio-temporal features inherent in urban settings and buildings. Using Hohhot city as a case study, this study conducted simulations to analyze how the installation of PV systems affects the electricity consumption patterns across different land plots within the urban core. The study additionally examines how urban planning influences the adoption of PV power, taking into account both the timing of PV power usage and the stage of PV technology development. The evaluation model surpasses the constraints of current urban PV assessments, which primarily emphasize enhancing power generation potential without adequately quantifying supply–demand dynamics or spatial and temporal variations. This breakthrough significantly improves the precision and reliability of assessing the efficiency of distributed PV systems. Its implications extend widely to subsequent comprehensive evaluations of urban PV applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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15 pages, 4056 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Field Investigation of Water Infiltration into a Three-Layer Capillary Barrier Landfill Cover System Using Local Soils and Construction Waste

by Yuedong Wu, Jincheng Ren and Jian Liu

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010139 - 5 Jan 2024

Viewed by 973

Abstract

In response to the rapid urban expansion and the burgeoning number of landfill sites, managing water infiltration in these areas has become a critical challenge, especially in cities like Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Singapore where traditional cover materials such as silt, clayey gravel, and sand are scarce. A three-layer (silt/gravelly sand/clay) capillary barrier cover system has been proposed to address this issue in humid climates. As an alternative to scarce traditional materials, using local soils and construction waste (CW) for this system presents a viable solution. However, the real-world performance of this adapted three-layer system, constructed with local soils and CW under natural rainfall conditions, remains to be fully evaluated. This paper presents a field test evaluating the water infiltration behavior of a three-layer capillary barrier landfill cover system under natural conditions. The tri-layered system is comprised of a 0.6 m loose local unscreened soil layer, covered by a 0.4 m CW layer and topped by a 0.8 m heavily compacted local screened soil layer. Monitoring findings reveal that, during the wet season, infiltration through the top two layers was staved off until the third rainfall, after which these layers retained moisture until 15 September 2016. The fluctuation in pore water pressure in the topmost layers showed each rainfall was contingent not only on the day’s precipitation but also the hydraulic state. Beyond the hydraulic state’s influence, a deeper tensiometer showed resulted in a diminished correlation between the surge in pore water pressure and daily rainfall. This declining correlation with depth can be attributed to the capillary effect and the reduced permeability of the screened soil layer. Rainfall patterns significantly affect percolation, with the combination of a short-duration, intense rainfall and prolonged weak rainfall resulting in a marked increase in percolation. In the foundational screened soil layer, the pore water pressure remained relatively low, with the cumulative percolation over six months (June to December) registering approximately 10 mm. These findings suggest a promising performance of the three-layer capillary barrier cover system, integrating local soils and CW, in the year of the study conducted in a humid environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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20 pages, 46305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards an Evaluation System of Disabled Individuals’ Friendly Communities from the Perspective of Inclusive Development—A Case Study in Jinan

by Yaqi Wen, Yuyao Li, Yang Yang and Jiang Wang

Buildings 2023, 13(11), 2715; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13112715 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1343

Abstract

The quality of travel for residents has improved in China’s urban renewal development, but there are still barriers to the activities of disadvantaged groups like people with disabilities in the city, including challenges with accessible travel and a lack of accessible design. All urban people should have access to services and be guaranteed equal rights, according to the inclusive development theory. This study examines the travel requirements and behavioural patterns of the barrier-free groups to safeguard the right of underprivileged groups to participate equally in the urban space. It also determines the impact of various types of urban land use and service facilities on the distribution of barrier-free facilities. An evaluation system based on the needs of the disabled group is established to evaluate the degree of barrier-free facilities in the surveyed areas, summarise the problems shown by the evaluation scores, and propose improvement strategies for the shortcomings of accessibility to residential areas and the controversy through web data crawling and a geographically weighted analysis. From the standpoint of inclusive development, the goal is to lessen the travel issues faced by underprivileged groups and to improve their capacity to take advantage of opportunities and have access to resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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16 pages, 43267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rule-Based Design Approach to Generate Mass Housing in Rural Areas of the North China Plain

by Jiang Wang, Wei Fan, Bolun Zhao, Yang Yang and Zhijun Zhang

Buildings 2023, 13(10), 2539; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102539 - 8 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1280

Abstract

Affected by the development strategy of Rural Space Reconstruction in China, the demand for rural mass housing has peaked in the North China Plain in the past 20 years. However, due to the inefficiency of conventional design methods, the rural houses built appear to have a noticeable trend of urbanization and homogeneity. To propose a more effective design approach to change the hitherto unsuccessful homogenized phenomenon of rural design, the study is based on investigating the composition, configuration and characteristics of the dwellings in some traditional villages of the eastern Shandong Province, and it compares and analyzes the differences between conventional methods and generation methods through three design tests: Test 1 is for the reappearance of a general mode of planning, Test 2 is based on the definition of shape-grammar-based rules and Test 3 is mainly used for the optimizing and programming of rules. Furthermore, based on the three prototypes of homestead combination, three-level rules are determined through the three tests mentioned above: Level-1 describes the housing prototype consisting of four homesteads, which generates a variety of spatial relations through the translation of homesteads. Level-2 describes a neighborhood prototype consisting of 16 homesteads, which generates various samples through splitting prototypes and expanding homesteads. Level-3 describes a block prototype consisting of 64 homesteads, which controls open space and identifies a given base during sample filling. Through the analysis of the tests results, the rationality and feasibility of the generative design approach are verified, proving that this approach effectively solves the design monotony problem that commonly exists in rural mass housing in the North China Plain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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Review

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26 pages, 5521 KiB

Open AccessReview

Promoting Circular Economy of the Building Industry by the Use of Straw Bales: A Review

by An Li, Chong Guo, Jian Gu, Yanyuan Hu, Zhaoyang Luo and Xunzhi Yin

Buildings 2024, 14(5), 1337; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14051337 - 8 May 2024

Viewed by 1448

Abstract

Over the past decade, the concept of a circular economy has increasingly gained attention as a framework for guiding businesses and policymakers. Given its significant environmental impact, the building industry plays a pivotal role in the transition toward a circular economy. To address this, our review proposes a bio-based building material, specifically straw bale, which elaborates on the circularity of bio-based buildings based on the 3R principles of a circular economy: reduce, reuse, and recycle. In terms of the “reduce” principle, straw-bale buildings can reduce construction waste, the environmental impact, energy requirements, and carbon emissions. Regarding the “reuse” principle, straw-bale buildings utilize agricultural waste resources and are easily disassembled due to their prefabrication. As for the “recycle” principle, straw-bale buildings can undergo physical, biological, and biochemical conversion processes (thermochemical conversion), yielding both wooden composite boards and potential biogas and biomass fuels for electricity and heating. This study evaluates the contribution of straw packaging construction and the use of straw as a raw material, using the 3R principles to determine future research opportunities for the construction industry to achieve a circular economy. The results of this study offer circular economy solutions and interdisciplinary research insights for researchers and practitioners interested in the building environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research towards the Green and Sustainable Buildings and Cities)

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