Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are inviting submissions of original research papers for a topic of the sustainable built environment.

The built environment is a huge determinant of sustainability and, at the same time, a crucial element for the achievement of a truly sustainable society. The alarming challenges that society faces, including climate change, energy consumption, rapid urbanization, social inequality, population aging, and deteriorating infrastructure, urgently call for the rethinking of conventional planning, design, and construction practices. Well thought-through multidisciplinary and multidimensional approaches, strategies, and tools, including all relevant stakeholders at different urban levels (individual buildings, communities, and entire cities) should first reverse the current trends with their adverse environmental, economic, and social effects, and then enable and foster environmental, social, and economic regenerative growth. The fight against climate change and for a reduction in our carbon footprint should be the primary considerations while enabling a high level of comfort and well-being for users.

For example, energy efficiency is a key factor at the building level, as buildings account for a significant share of the world’s total energy consumption and offer a large potential for energy savings. Specifically, at this level, the integration of renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, will play a vital role in achieving a green and efficient built environment.

Furthermore, a sustainable built environment is associated with concepts and ideas such as the integration of renewable energy systems, BIPV, zero-energy buildings, vertical farming, adaptive building skins, affordable housing, integrative open public spaces and landscapes, age-friendly built environments, etc. These mechanisms and actions entail a careful, simultaneous consideration of various aspects and complex processes that are related to the built environment and its users, including the inevitable balancing between environmental, economic, social, and cultural sustainability, while enabling appropriate connectedness and harmonization between micro-, meso-, and macro-urban levels. Considering the complex and dynamic nature of the built environment and the Sustainable Development Goals, state-of-the-art technologies together with urban and building performance simulation, modeling, digitalization, informatics, and artificial intelligence may facilitate addressing the above-mentioned challenges and pave the road towards a sustainable built environment.

Therefore, the Editors of this Topic encourage submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following topics and issues—all in line with the Sustainable Development Goals:

• Urban planning and processes for sustainable development:
  • Sustainable urban–rural planning;
  • Urban policy and governance;
  • Smart cities: case studies, trends, and challenges;
  • Urban farming;
  • Participatory and people-centered planning and design practices.
• Affordable and clean energy:
  • Low- and zero-energy and -carbon buildings;
  • Energy consumption and efficiency in building and urban design;
  • The integration of renewable energy technologies into the built environment;
  • The implementation of solar systems (photovoltaics (PV), solar thermal systems) into the built environment;
  • Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV);
  • Green building envelopes.
• Net-zero carbon and circular economy:
  • Economic sustainability;
  • Life cycle assessment (LCA);
  • Circular construction;
  • Sustainable renovation of existing buildings and districts;
  • Vertical farming;
  • Adaptable buildings.
• Inclusive and healthy neighborhoods and buildings:
  • Design for human health and well-being;
  • Age-friendly built environments: buildings, transportation, and outdoor spaces;
  • Landscape and open public space design for sustainability;
  • Sustainable affordable housing;
  • Social sustainability.
• Methods, strategies, tools, and practices for delivering sustainable solutions:
  • Sustainable design and construction;
  • Design methods and strategies for environmental protection, pollution prevention, decarbonization, and resilience;
  • Experimentation and pilot projects: case studies, real solutions, and performance evaluation;
  • Urban and building performance simulation, informatics, digitalization, building information modeling (BIM), and artificial intelligence;
  • Sustainability in decision making;
  • Multiobjective assessment and optimization for sustainable development;
  • Building and neighbourhood sustainability assessment tools, standards, and certifications;
  • Socio-economic challenges for the delivery of sustainable solutions;
  • Barriers and drivers for sustainable development within the built environment.

We encourage researchers and practitioners working in areas that are related to sustainable built environments to submit their research papers and help shed light on this topic from a multidisciplinary perspective.

Dr. Siu-Kit Lau
Dr. Vesna Kosorić
Dr. Abel Tablada
Dr. Miljana Horvat
Dr. Milena Vukmirović
Dr. Silvia Domingo-Irigoyen
Prof. Dr. Marija Todorović
Dr. Jérôme H. Kaempf
Dr. Kosa Golić
Dr. Ana Peric
Dr. Tatjana Kosić
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Buildings buildings	3.1	3.4	2011	15.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Environments environments	3.5	5.7	2014	22.8 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	6.8	2009	19.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Urban Science urbansci	2.1	4.3	2017	20.7 Days	CHF 1600	Submit

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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24 pages, 19530 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

How Does the Urban Built Environment Affect the Accessibility of Public Electric-Vehicle Charging Stations? A Perspective on Spatial Heterogeneity and a Non-Linear Relationship

by Jie Sheng, Zhenhai Xiang, Pengfei Ban and Chuang Bao

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010086 - 26 Dec 2024

Viewed by 712

Abstract

The deployment of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is crucial for the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles and the sustainable energy development of global cities. However, existing research on the spatial distribution of EVCSs has provided limited analysis of spatial equity from the [...] Read more.

The deployment of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) is crucial for the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles and the sustainable energy development of global cities. However, existing research on the spatial distribution of EVCSs has provided limited analysis of spatial equity from the perspective of supply–demand relationships. Furthermore, studies examining the influence of the built environment on EVCS accessibility are scarce, and often rely on single methods and perspectives. To explore the spatial characteristics of EVCS accessibility and its influencing factors, using multi-source urban spatial data, this study initially employs the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (G2SFCA) method to measure and analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of EVCS accessibility in Guangzhou, China, with consideration of supply–demand relationships. Subsequently, it integrates the MGWR and random forest (RF) models to comprehensively investigate the impact mechanism of the built environment on EVCS accessibility from the perspectives of spatial heterogeneity and non-linear relationship. The results show that the EVCS accessibility exhibits a “ higher in the west and lower in the east, with extreme core concentration” distribution pattern, and has significant spatial autocorrelation. The built-environment variables exhibit different scale effects and spatial non-stationarity, with widespread non-linear effects. Among them, the auto service, distance to regional center, and distance to subway station play important roles in influencing EVCS accessibility. These findings offer important guidance for the efficient and equitable layout of EVCSs in high-density cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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24 pages, 8990 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Spatial Patterns of Accessibility to Metro Services Considering the Locations of Station Entrances/Exits

by Congxiao Yan, Yueer Gao and Yifu Yang

Buildings 2024, 14(11), 3532; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14113532 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 991

Abstract

Accessibility to metro services is often evaluated based on the locations of stations. However, compared to the location of station itself, focusing on its entrances/exits offers a more accurate approach to assessing station supply and demand levels. Despite this, research focusing on the [...] Read more.

Accessibility to metro services is often evaluated based on the locations of stations. However, compared to the location of station itself, focusing on its entrances/exits offers a more accurate approach to assessing station supply and demand levels. Despite this, research focusing on the supply of and demand for metro services concerning metro entrances and exits remains limited. This study employed multi-source geospatial data from Xiamen, China, to examine the supply and demand dynamics of metro stations with a particular emphasis on entrances/exits. In the first phase, we treated entrances/exits as supply facilities and used land plot boundaries as the fundamental spatial units for accessibility calculations. Taking into account the layout characteristics of entrances/exits, along with the traffic generation of various land-use types, we employed the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area (G2SFCA) method to gauge the supply and demand levels of plots. Subsequently, we computed the spatial supply-and-demand relationships of station entrances/exits for both station-level and shared usage level of entrances/exits. We found that the accessibility from plots to entrances/exits diverged from previously observed spatial distribution trends, being higher in city centers, regional boundaries, and terminal stations and lower in transitional areas. Moreover, “metro accessibility” and the “imbalance index of entrances/exits” are associated with the primary functions of stations and the surrounding urban development; yet they exhibit spatial heterogeneity. The stations with a high value for “imbalanced index of entrances/exits” were always near some business parks, and “metro accessibility” seemed to be more easily affected by location factors. Based on two metrics, stations were categorized into four types, each displaying unique characteristics regarding location distributions, entrance/exit configurations, and commuting passenger sources. This research aims to identify the phenomenon of unfair transport in metro service from the perspective of their entrances, inform the optimization of metro station designs, and tailor planning recommendations, ultimately enhancing transport equity and contributing to sustainable urban built environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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35 pages, 22750 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Public’s Visual Preferences Survey Facilitates Community-Based Design and Color Standards Creation

by Karim Najar, Ola Nylander and William Woxnerud

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2929; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092929 - 16 Sep 2024

Viewed by 923

Abstract

According to research, there is a disparity in the aesthetic design preferences of the public and architects. This is especially noticeable in urban areas environments, where there is a wide range of demographic variables and a lack of active public involvement in decision-making. [...] Read more.

According to research, there is a disparity in the aesthetic design preferences of the public and architects. This is especially noticeable in urban areas environments, where there is a wide range of demographic variables and a lack of active public involvement in decision-making. The study included a visual preference survey to evaluate the perception and ranking of two dominant color schemes in local development projects in Stockholm across different age, ethnicity, and gender groups from Sweden. Over 400 people participated in the survey, which used photo-elicitation and a literature review. The objective was to determine the extent of divergence and disparities in the ranking of color schemes. The first dominant color schemes are a group of four analogous colors related to the Natural Color System’s (NSC’s) basic colors. The second is a group of four neutral colors that are related to grayscale colors. The study demonstrates that one could also measure building color schemes using visual preference ranking. Moreover, the research introduced a unique method for city planners to understand diverse ethnic, gender, and age group perceptions of color schemes in current projects, promoting active participation in decision-making and providing valuable insights. These insights can enhance people’s sense of belonging, a prerequisite for social sustainability, and improve the quality and profitability of future projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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26 pages, 82441 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying the Impacts of Courtyard Vegetation on Thermal and Energy Performance of University Buildings in Hot Arid Regions

by Mohammed M. Gomaa, Esraa Othman, Abdelaziz Farouk Mohamed and Ayman Ragab

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(3), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030136 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1627

Abstract

This study investigates the role of vegetation in enhancing thermal comfort and achieving energy savings in educational building courtyards located in hot, arid climates. The research focuses on an educational building courtyard in New Aswan City, Egypt, and employs a combination of field [...] Read more.

This study investigates the role of vegetation in enhancing thermal comfort and achieving energy savings in educational building courtyards located in hot, arid climates. The research focuses on an educational building courtyard in New Aswan City, Egypt, and employs a combination of field monitoring and numerical simulations to evaluate the thermal performance of the space. The study utilized the ENVI-met V5.5.1 model for thermal assessment and the Design-Builder software version 6.1.3.007 to quantify the potential energy savings. Nine different vegetation scenarios were proposed and analyzed to identify the most effective strategies for improving the courtyard’s thermal conditions. The results demonstrate that a 60% coverage of the courtyard with Cassia Nodosa vegetation produced the most significant improvements. This scenario led to a decrease of over 25.4 °C in physiological equivalent temperature (PET) and a reduction of more than 31.3 °C in mean radiant temperature (T_mrt). Moreover, the energy savings achieved were approximately 19.2%. Interestingly, the study also observed an unexpected decrease in the temperature mitigation efficacy of Ficus nitida when vegetation coverage was increased from 40% to 60%. This phenomenon can be attributed to the complex interplay between the inherent characteristics of the Ficus nitida species and the microclimatic factors within the courtyard environment. These findings provide valuable insights for designers and architects to integrate effective vegetation strategies into the design of educational building courtyards in hot, arid climates. By enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption, this approach can contribute to the creation of more sustainable and comfortable learning environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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17 pages, 3518 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

House Sparrow Nesting Site Selection in Urban Environments: A Multivariate Approach in Mediterranean Spain

by Edgar Bernat-Ponce, José A. Gil-Delgado and Germán M. López-Iborra

Urban Sci. 2024, 8(3), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030108 - 9 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1802

Abstract

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a common but declining bird species in its native urban areas, partly due to reduced nesting site availability caused by modern urbanisation and loss of old architectural styles. In this study, we analysed, through a [...] Read more.

The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a common but declining bird species in its native urban areas, partly due to reduced nesting site availability caused by modern urbanisation and loss of old architectural styles. In this study, we analysed, through a multivariate approach, the environmental factors influencing House Sparrow nest site selection in three diverse inland urban areas within the Valencian Community, Spain. We located 584 House Sparrow nests during spring 2017 and also selected 300 random points (habitat availability) in the study localities. We used Factorial Analyses of Mixed Data to assess urban feature gradients of nests and urban variables. We carried out Generalized Linear Mixed Models to compare nest locations to random points and explore variations in nesting typologies between urban zones. Specific nest site preferences vary between urban sectors, indicating that House Sparrow nests are not randomly located in urban areas. Nests are typically found near parks, schools, vacant plots, city limits, and surrounding crops, where greater vegetation cover provides abundant food sources. Low-rise terraced houses with traditional roofs and open clay tiles are consistently preferred for nesting, whereas modern architectural trends reduce nesting opportunities. Preserving green areas and old architecture with open clay tiles is essential for maintaining nesting sites and promoting House Sparrow conservation in Mediterranean urban areas. Adherence to these conservation measures may also benefit other hole-nesting species and urban wildlife reliant on green spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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22 pages, 3803 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Green Heritage and Lanna Urban Identity: A Study of Temples in Chiang Mai Old City

by Warong Wonglangka and Feng Han

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6574; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156574 - 31 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1573

Abstract

This study employs the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) framework to explore the integration of landscape plants as green heritage with Lanna urban identity in Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand. The research focuses on 38 Lanna temples, investigating the characteristics and roles of plant [...] Read more.

This study employs the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) framework to explore the integration of landscape plants as green heritage with Lanna urban identity in Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand. The research focuses on 38 Lanna temples, investigating the characteristics and roles of plant materials in these sacred spaces. Through comprehensive ground surveys, GIS mapping, and structured interviews with monks, temple caretakers, and long-term residents, the study documents the types, locations, and uses of native and exotic plants. The findings emphasize the cultural, aesthetic, and ecological significance of heritage trees, such as the Bodhi trees and the Yang tree. These trees are pivotal in maintaining cultural continuity, supporting traditional rituals, and enhancing biodiversity. The study also reveals that while ornamental and edible plants are actively used in rituals and community practices, medicinal and applicable plants are preserved more for their historical value than practical use. This research underscores the necessity of sustainable landscape management, community engagement, and the preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge to mitigate the impacts of urbanization. By integrating green heritage into urban planning, the study provides valuable insights for enhancing the cultural and environmental landscape of Chiang Mai. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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16 pages, 3546 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

A Quantitative Investigation of the Impact of Climate-Responsive Indoor Clothing Adaptation on Energy Use

by Zhaokui Zhuang, Zhe Liu, David Chow and Wei Zhao

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2311; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082311 - 26 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1153

Abstract

Clothing adjustment by building occupants is a highly effective and prevalent thermal adaptation behavior aimed at achieving thermal comfort. This paper aims to quantify the impact of climate-responsive indoor clothing adaptation on heating/cooling energy consumption. A climate-responsive indoor temperature control strategy based on [...] Read more.

Clothing adjustment by building occupants is a highly effective and prevalent thermal adaptation behavior aimed at achieving thermal comfort. This paper aims to quantify the impact of climate-responsive indoor clothing adaptation on heating/cooling energy consumption. A climate-responsive indoor temperature control strategy based on rural residents’ indoor clothing adaptation was proposed and integrated into building energy simulations. Indoor clothing insulations were obtained using a predictive model from the author’s prior research. These values were used to calculate indoor setpoint temperatures in terms of the PMV model, which were then input into the building energy simulations. The simulations were conducted using “Ladybug Tools” in Grasshopper. Four simulation scenarios were proposed for winter and summer, respectively, to compare heating/cooling energy use with different indoor clothing strategies (constant and dynamic) and thermal comfort requirements (neutral and 80% acceptable). The results indicated that indoor clothing adaptation significantly reduced indoor setpoint temperatures by 5.0–6.7 °C in winter. In contrast, the impacts on summer indoor setpoint temperatures were not significant. The impacts of indoor clothing adaptation on energy use were evident in both seasons and more pronounced in winter. With a neutral thermal comfort requirement (PMV = 0), total heating and cooling energy use decreased by 35.6% and 20.2%, respectively. The influence was further enhanced with lower indoor thermal comfort requirements. With an 80% acceptable thermal comfort requirement ($\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}\mathrm{V}=\pm 0.85$), total heating and cooling energy use decreased by 63.1% and 34.4%, respectively. The climate-responsive indoor temperature control strategy based on indoor clothing adaptation and its impact on heating/cooling energy consumption suggested a viable approach for improving building energy efficiency in China’s rural area and similar cost-sensitive and fuel-poverty contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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18 pages, 5028 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Emotional Response and Aesthetic Perception of Shopping Mall Facade Color on Entry Decisions—Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region of China

by Zhenxing Zhu, Yiran Liu and Yuewu Chen

Buildings 2024, 14(8), 2302; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14082302 - 25 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1701

Abstract

Color is one of the essential visual aesthetic design elements for shopping mall building facades, dramatically influencing customers’ aesthetic perceptions, emotions, and behavioral responses. This study explains the relationship between shopping mall facade color and customers’ emotions, aesthetic perceptions, and behavioral responses by [...] Read more.

Color is one of the essential visual aesthetic design elements for shopping mall building facades, dramatically influencing customers’ aesthetic perceptions, emotions, and behavioral responses. This study explains the relationship between shopping mall facade color and customers’ emotions, aesthetic perceptions, and behavioral responses by applying the S-O-R model. A total of 149 subjects evaluated ten computer-generated shopping malls with different façade colors, and each subject was asked to rate their emotional and aesthetic perceptions and decide whether or not to enter the shopping mall. The results indicate that neutral colors lead to higher pleasure and higher aesthetic perceptions; warm tones and high brightness lead to more positive emotions and aesthetic perceptions; color is positively correlated with aesthetic perceptions; and emotions and aesthetic perceptions positively influence entry decisions, with pleasure being a key predictor of entry decisions. This study elucidates for the first time the process by which shopping mall façade color affects shoppers’ aesthetic perceptions, emotions, and entry decisions; expands the theoretical literature related to environmental psychology; and at the same time, bridges the theoretical gap of shopping mall façade color as a stimulus in the S-O-R model, and provides designers and operators with a strategy for visual attractiveness in the color of the shopping mall’s architectural façade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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27 pages, 5999 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Optimization Strategies for the Envelope of Student Dormitories in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Regions: Multi-Criteria Assessment Method

by Fangyuan Xie, Yi Wu, Xinqi Wang and Xiling Zhou

Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6172; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146172 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1587

Abstract

Energy consumption in student dormitories, key living and study spaces, is a major concern for institutions and communities. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model to address the issue of incomplete single-dimensional analysis in existing research. Firstly, optimization was conducted separately for the [...] Read more.

Energy consumption in student dormitories, key living and study spaces, is a major concern for institutions and communities. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization model to address the issue of incomplete single-dimensional analysis in existing research. Firstly, optimization was conducted separately for the external walls, windows, and roof to study different parts of the building envelope. Secondly, a student dormitory in a hot summer and cold winter region was used for a comprehensive optimization analysis. The study compared energy consumption, carbon emissions, and costs with the original building, showing a 31.79% reduction in energy savings (ESR), while carbon emission savings (CESR) and cost savings (CSR) increased by 57.18% and 15.58%. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate window configurations for sustainability. Optimized thermally broken Low-E glass windows save 5.6% in annual energy consumption compared to aluminum alloy double-glazed windows, with only a 0.03% increase in energy consumption and a 4.49% rise in costs. Long-term, optimized windows provide greater positive feedback for energy efficiency. This case study offers insights for retrofitting buildings with good wall performance but poor window performance and emphasizes the comprehensive decision-making authority of designers and policymakers in sustainable renovations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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21 pages, 7084 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Urban Design in Creating Resilient Public Open Spaces Surrounding Urban Small Watercourses: A Case Study of the Kumodraz Stream in Belgrade

by Visnja Sretovic Brkovic and Aleksandra Djukic

Sustainability 2024, 16(13), 5723; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135723 - 4 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319

Abstract

Small urban watercourses, often neglected and underdeveloped, have the potential to become integrated parts of the network of urban open public spaces. In this process, urban design plays the key role in their functioning and resilience, strengthening their capacity as high-quality open spaces. [...] Read more.

Small urban watercourses, often neglected and underdeveloped, have the potential to become integrated parts of the network of urban open public spaces. In this process, urban design plays the key role in their functioning and resilience, strengthening their capacity as high-quality open spaces. The current principles and roles of urban design only partially meet the requirements in making these spaces resilient. This article questions the existing principles and roles of the current practice and proposes a different perspective on the urban design of open public spaces surrounding small urban watercourses, within a framework of socio-ecological resilience. The research consisted of two parts. In the first part, based on both the specific characteristics of the public open spaces surrounding small urban watercourses and discussions of their quality, framed by the concept of socio-ecological resilience, a set of attributes was developed that defined their quality. In the second part, this set was tested through a case study of the Kumodraz stream in Belgrade, Serbia and translated into responsive urban design guidelines in a specific context. This was supported by a pilot survey of 346 potential users of the location. The findings of the case study show that urban design occupies a redefined and very specific position in the revitalization process of open public spaces surrounding small urban watercourses. In addition to its fundamental role in increasing the capacity of spaces and creating high-quality open spaces, it also helps to establish an integrated approach to the revitalization of the spaces surrounding small urban watercourses in a local context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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23 pages, 13374 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Predicting the Health Behavior of Older Adults in Western Hunan Villages Using Machine Learning Algorithms

by Chengjun Tang, Shaoyao He, Tian Qiu, Chuan He, Jianhe Xu, Wenjun Tang and Yiling Li

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 1895; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14071895 - 21 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 710

Abstract

We extracted the spatial characteristics of the health-related behaviors of 1223 older adults of Tujia, Yao, Miao and Dong ethnicity living in 20 villages in western Hunan, considering three dimensions: spontaneously healthy, health-necessary, and mentally healthy behavior. We constructed separate prediction models using [...] Read more.

We extracted the spatial characteristics of the health-related behaviors of 1223 older adults of Tujia, Yao, Miao and Dong ethnicity living in 20 villages in western Hunan, considering three dimensions: spontaneously healthy, health-necessary, and mentally healthy behavior. We constructed separate prediction models using logistic regression, support vector machine, categorical boosting, random decision forest, light gradient boosting machine, and extreme gradient boosting. We then combined these models with Shapley additive explanations to complete a global explanatory analysis to explore the correlation between location and the health behaviors of older adults of different ethnicities living in villages. The support vector model and gradient boosting tree models produced the most accurate simulations of the health behaviors of older adults. We found significant differences in the health behaviors of the older adults in the different villages, noting the preferences of the older adults of specific ethnicities. This study provides a reference for the excavation of the health behavior of older adults and the aging design of village spaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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44 pages, 2886 KiB  

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of Outdoor Thermal Comfort Studies for the Urban (Re)Design of City Squares

by Lazar Mandić, Aleksandra Đjukić, Jelena Marić and Biserka Mitrović

Sustainability 2024, 16(12), 4920; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16124920 - 7 Jun 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2212

Abstract

In the upcoming period, city squares’ urban redesign will be crucial in achieving sustainable development goals. This study presents a systematic review of OTC-related studies for the urban design of city squares using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. A review included a total of [...] Read more.

In the upcoming period, city squares’ urban redesign will be crucial in achieving sustainable development goals. This study presents a systematic review of OTC-related studies for the urban design of city squares using the PRISMA 2020 methodology. A review included a total of 173 papers from 2001 to 2023. The results identified five study types—clusters based on four pre-defined criteria: study approach, data collection methods, time duration, and primary objectives. The clusters indicate that more than half of all studies are related to the comparison of thermal comfort and heat mitigation measures. Most of the case studies were located in one of three climate zones: temperate oceanic (Cfb) (58 studies), hot summer Mediterranean (Csa) (40 studies), or humid subtropical (Cfa) (28 studies). The most common geometry of the analyzed urban square is medium-sized, is rectangular, and has dominant axel orientation south–north. Also, based on all five clusters, several research gaps were identified, appropriate for future research: the majority of studies related to the traditionally considered climate areas, no typology of urban square geometry configuration based on OTC assessment, and the lack of a local design model for assessing and improving the thermal comfort of city squares. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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23 pages, 49201 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Impact of Various Vegetation Scenarios on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Low-Density Residential Areas of Hot Arid Regions

by Mohammed M. Gomaa, Adel El Menshawy, Jackline Nabil and Ayman Ragab

Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3995; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103995 - 10 May 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1995

Abstract

In hot, arid regions, outdoor spaces suffer from intense heat. This study explores how vegetation can improve outdoor thermal performance for pedestrians in low-density residential areas. Specifically, it seeks to identify the best combination of grass and trees for optimal comfort. Four scenarios [...] Read more.

In hot, arid regions, outdoor spaces suffer from intense heat. This study explores how vegetation can improve outdoor thermal performance for pedestrians in low-density residential areas. Specifically, it seeks to identify the best combination of grass and trees for optimal comfort. Four scenarios were simulated using ENVI-met software, varying the proportions of grass and three tree types: 50% grass, 50% grass with 25% trees, 50% grass with 50% trees, and 50% grass with 75% trees. A reference scenario with no vegetation was also investigated. The simulated outputs encompassed air temperature (Ta), mean radiant temperature (T_mrt), relative humidity (RH), and physiologically equivalent temperature (PET). The findings show that scenarios with a higher percentage of trees exhibited the best reduction in air temperature, ranging from 0.2 k to 0.92 k. Additionally, the inclusion of trees and grass in the scenarios resulted in a substantial improvement in thermal performance, with an average reduction of 7.5 degrees in PET. Among the evaluated scenarios, the one comprising 75% trees and 50% grass exhibits the most noteworthy enhancement. This study underscores the significance of strategically positioning vegetation to coincide with prevailing wind patterns, thereby enhancing convective cooling mechanisms and improving overall thermal comfort levels. These insights offer valuable implications for urban planning and the development of sustainable design strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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24 pages, 2940 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Sustainability and Resilience Assessment Methods: A Literature Review to Support the Decarbonization Target for the Construction Sector

by Marta Maria Sesana and Paolo Dell’Oro

Energies 2024, 17(6), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17061440 - 17 Mar 2024

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Abstract

It is a well-known issue that the 2050 target of carbon emissions neutrality will be reached only with the co-operation of all the interested sectors, and the construction sector could be one of the main contributors to this change. With the built environment [...] Read more.

It is a well-known issue that the 2050 target of carbon emissions neutrality will be reached only with the co-operation of all the interested sectors, and the construction sector could be one of the main contributors to this change. With the built environment globally responsible for about 40% of annual global energy-related CO₂ emissions, the construction sector offers an important opportunity to drive transformative change and presents the most challenging mitigation potential among all industrial sectors, which also brings opportunities for adopting sustainability practices and increasing resilience. This paper presents a systematic literature review of those two pivotal concepts to reach the decarbonization goal: sustainability and resilience. Starting from an extensive literature review (2536 scientific documents) based on the PRISMA statement, the definitions and assessment methodologies of those concepts for the construction sector have been studied. The methodological approach followed for their analysis has been conducted on a first selection of 42 documents, further reduced to 12 by using clear inclusion criteria to identify the integrated assessment procedures. The main goal of this study is to clarify the correlation between sustainability and resilience concepts for constructions and their integrated assessment, in line with the latest regulations and market needs. The results show that, currently, sustainability and resilience are mainly evaluated in a distinct way to obtain building energy performance certificates, as well as to quantify the building market value and its complementary contribution to the ‘energy efficiency first’ principle and energy-saving targets towards the emergent issue of climate change. Few works focus on the integrated assessment of both concepts considering the construction industries’ point of view about materials and/or systems for buildings. The novelty of this study is the critical review of the current sustainability and resilience integrated assessment methods used for the construction value chain, declined for four main target groups. Researchers, policymakers, industries, and professionals could gain dedicated insights and practical suggestions to put in practice the elements of circular economy, ecological innovation, and cleaner production, which are essential in order to drive the decarbonization of the built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Built Environment, 2nd Volume)

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