Sri Yuliani, Shania Putri Nyolinda, Alavia Nur Siasa Jauhari
et al.
The rapid expansion of urban development in tropical regions has substantially increased local microclimate temperatures, primarily as a consequence of the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. Landscape design is widely acknowledged as an effective passive strategy for mitigating these adverse thermal conditions. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of landscape layout and design at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Surakarta in reducing both surface and ambient air temperatures within the surrounding neighborhood. The research adopts a quantitative methodological approach that integrates systematic temperature measurements, direct field observations, and an in-depth review of relevant literature. The investigation was carried out through the combined use of satellite imagery, in situ surface temperature measurements, and spatial analysis focusing on the distribution of vegetation, water ponds, and shading elements. The findings demonstrate that the strategic placement of vegetation and water features is capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 5°C during daylight hours. These results underscore the critical role of landscape design as a climate-adaptive component in public building environments, particularly within tropical contexts. Moreover, the research provides a meaningful contribution to the development of tropical climate-responsive landscape design strategies aimed at enhancing building thermal comfort and supporting the realization of sustainable development in religious public spaces.
Architecture, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Building information modeling (BIM) has proven to be a valuable technology in the fields of architecture, construction management, and maintenance management. However, its full implementation in structural engineering remains unfulfilled due to the persistent use of outdated design methods. Insufficient automation in the design process could lead to structural defects, construction rework, and structural clashes, each of which can have significant financial implications. Given the inherent complexity of large-scale construction projects, manual structural design and detailing are challenging tasks and are prone to human errors. This paper presents a novel BIM framework that leverages BIM, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Python scripting, the IfcOpenShell library, and Octave programming to automate the design of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs, benefiting design professionals and contractors by integrating automated processes into project workflows. The framework achieved a 40% reduction in design time and a 25% decrease in human errors, as demonstrated through case studies. In this study, a 3D structural model in BIM software is firstly created, extracting slab geometrical data that are linked to Microsoft (MS) Excel/.csv and Octave spreadsheets via Python and IfcOpenShell. Midspan and end span moment coefficients and floor perimeter data following Indian standards are then gathered in Octave, and this information is further processed with Python scripts. Octave programming is used to determine the most accurate, reliable, and economical design for the slab and its detailing. This design information is then pushed back to BIM software via FreeCAD using Python coding, which can be used to develop bar bending scheduling and 2D drawings of the reinforcement details. The proposed framework is validated through case studies, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing design time, minimizing human errors, and improving overall project efficiency. The core finding of this research is an automated approach that offers a cost-effective and accurate solution to the limitations of traditional RC slab design, addressing structural errors and reducing rework through seamless BIM integration. This research presents a novel contribution to the integration of structural design, construction processes, and operational aspects within BIM. The findings highlight the potential for further advancements in BIM adoption, particularly in addressing the lag in structural engineering applications compared to architecture.
Angelo Bertolazzi, Ilaria Giannetti, Pedro Ignacio Alonso Zúñiga
Within the postwar building stock, prefabricated buildings represent a significant subset in both terms of the quantity and the urgency of its safeguard, which is increasingly needed by their ongoing and extended deterioration phenomena. According to “The Twentieth-Century Historic Thematic Framework”, published in 2021 by Getty Conservation Institute, the heritage of prefabricated buildings is outlined in Theme 2, “Accelerated scientific and technological development”, enclosing the product of the large-scale pervasive effects of the technological progress of the 20th century. Nevertheless, at the time of this writing, the post-war industrialised buildings are still generally neglected and rarely protected: supported by the generalised public negative image of the prefabricated buildings – which have aged poorly – demolitions and the canceling of memories are broadly the case worldwide. In this text, some matters of fact and open issues functional to the reframing of industrialised buildings within the 20th-century architectural and technological heritage are outlined and discussed.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Nodir Karimov, Maman K. Sarybaev, A. Kaipnazarov
et al.
The history of architecture has been molded with the development in modes of construction, reflecting the social, economic, and technological advancement of different civilizations. This paper discusses the chronological development of the various methods of construction from ancient architecture to modern engineering and cites some key milestones shaping today's construction processes. The study embraces developments throughout four major periods: early developments during the era of 'Masters of Structuring Matter', geometric and structural novelties developed during Gothic and then during the Renaissance, revolutionary industrial development throughout the 19th century, and technological and sustainable approaches of the 20th and 21st century. The paper highlights how iconic constructions, like ziggurats, Greek temples, Roman infrastructure, Gothic cathedrals, and modern skyscrapers, specify technology, culture, and architecture as being interdependent because of the characteristics which involve structure and materials. Results show that learning construction practices from the past not only brings new light to today's design but also presents new demands toward sustainable and resilient building techniques in facing challenges during modern times. Future research is likely to be more directed toward integrating traditional methods with advanced technologies for the development of new, environmentally friendly construction solutions.
Amidst growing environmental concerns, the push for energy conservation and recycling is gaining momentum across all industries. In the construction sector, green building materials are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendliness, lack of pollution, lower energy consumption, and cost-effectiveness. These materials not only cut costs but also play a role in ecological restoration in practical applications, making them a cornerstone in the transition towards sustainable construction practices. This study delves into the essential features and categorization of green building materials and analyzes their implementation in construction projects. It highlights how these materials, such as autoclaved aerated concrete, Aerogel Composite and fly ash bricks contribute to the reduction of a building’s carbon footprint and enhance indoor environmental quality. By selecting the appropriate eco-friendly materials, we can bolster the ecological and energy-saving aspects of construction endeavors, leading to buildings that are not only structurally sound but also environmentally responsible. The adoption of green building materials is pivotal in reducing energy usage, maintaining ecological balance, and fostering the sustainable development of the socio-economic framework. As these materials become more prevalent, they offer solutions that are aligned with the global goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources. The integration of green building materials into architectural design and construction is a significant step towards creating a built environment that is healthier for occupants and less harmful to the planet. Furthermore, the ongoing research and development in the field of green building materials are leading to innovations that improve the performance and reduce the environmental impact of construction even further. This includes the use of renewable materials, recyclable components, and materials with a lower lifecycle assessment impact. The future of construction is poised to be more sustainable, with green building materials at the forefront of this transformation, driving industry standards towards greater environmental responsibility and efficiency.
Abstract This study analyzed the mechanism of shopping difficulties for low‐income groups in central Tokyo, where economic disparity is progressing due to gentrification. Through questionnaire and interview surveys, as well as analysis of time‐series environmental changes, we found that since 2000, shopping difficulties have been induced by the decline of shopping streets and the upgrading of supermarkets in parallel. Furthermore, in the areas where the percentage of high‐income groups due to redevelopments has significantly increased, luxury supermarkets opened at the same time as the construction of luxury condominiums, making it difficult for affordable supermarkets to locate.
Architecture, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Niharika Pawar, Yasmeen Qureshi, Rachit Agarwal
et al.
Phase change materials (PCMs) are an interesting technology due to their high density and isothermal behavior during phase change. Phase change material plays a major role in the energy saving of the buildings, which is greatly aided by the incorporation of phase change material into building products such as bricks, cement, gypsum board, etc. In this study, an experiment has been conducted with three identical small chambers made up of normal, grooved and PCM-treated grooved bricks. Before the inclusion of PCM in grooved bricks, PCM material behavior has been studied by different techniques such as DSC, TG/DTA, SEM, and XRD. Thermal properties and thermal stability were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to determine the microstructure and crystalloid phase of the PCM before and after the accelerated thermal cycling test (0, 60, 120). These three identical model rooms built were exposed at a temperature just above 40 °C with a heater. When the maximum outdoor temperature was 40-41 °C, then the temperature of the PCM-treated grooved chamber was 32-33 °C. The PCM-treated wall was tested and compared with a conventional and grooved wall. The difference between the PCM-treated grooved chamber and the untreated one was 8-9 °C. PCM-treated bricks provided more efficient internal heat retention in summer when the outside temperature increased.
Lightweight steel-concrete structures (LSCS) are a type of steel-concrete structures where the filling concrete is monolithic (pouring) foam concrete with density 100-1000 kg/m3, the profile steel is lightweight steel thin-walled structures (LSTS), and fiber cement panels perform the function of non-removable formwork. As a rule, these structures are made of structural and heat-insulating foam concrete, which has good insulation and technical characteristics and sufficient strength. The object of the study is lightweight steel-concrete slab panels, which are one of the special cases of LSCS, made of monolithic foam concrete with density of 400 kg/m3. An analysis of the bending stiffness of LSBC slab panels by comparing the experimental data with analytical calculations was carried out. It was found that bendable LSCS made of monolithic foam concrete with density of 400 kg/m3 operate in physical nonlinear way. It was shown that the bending stiffness of LSCS floor panels can be determined as the sum of stiffnesses of profiled steel and foam concrete at the linear stage of work. The reliability of the proposed methodology within the limits of linear operation was demonstrated. It was proved both experimentally and theoretically that the bending stiffness of panels based on LSCS is higher than the bending stiffness of similar panels made of lightweight thin-walled steel (LTSS) by about 30%.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Alexander D. Beglov, Rudolf S. Sanzharovskiy, Tatyana N. Ter-Emmanuilyan
The authors analyze the theory used in many countries, containing two independent directions: 1) the theory of stability of rod systems, including flat frames; 2) the theory of calculation of structural elements from various materials. The main feature of these theories is the application of the principle of plastic fracture. The assumption about a plastic hinge, due to the inconsistency with the experimental data, is supplemented by the incorrect application of theories of infinite elastic deformations, as well as of infinite creep deformations, which are incompatible with this hinge. Using the rules of mathematics, the principles of mechanics and the results of reliable experiments, it has been revealed that the analyzed theory contains several theories for different applications that reject each other, including the erroneous ones.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
I Kadek Pranajaya, Made Mariada Rijasa, Ni Made Emmi Nutrisia Dewi
There is a need to preserve areas with distinct identities by utilizing several local architectural potentials to develop their appearances. One example of this is in the Denpasar and Badung regions of Bali, where the use of peciren bebadungan ornaments is currently being applied to shape their respective identities. The peciren bebadungan is an expression of brick tectonics with strong, hard, and simple characteristics. However, it has been observed that the designs of some public building facades in Bali were produced without due consideration for the meaning and philosophy of these ornaments. Therefore, this research was conducted to examine and analyze the importance of the cultural value symbol expression associated with the peciren bebadungan in Bali using a qualitative exploration method. The findings showed the implementation of the style on several public buildings in Bali, specifically in Denpasar City and Badung Regency, in combination with contemporary designs. Some others also apply the style but with incomplete implementation and modification through a simpler and more minimalistic concept. This was observed to have eliminated the inherent meaning and cultural symbol value. Therefore, it is recommended that the government, architects, as well as the entire community, need to play a very important role in preserving the peciren bebadungan cultural value symbol expression.
Architecture, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, A. Kineber, O. Olanrewaju
et al.
The advent of digitalization has brought many benefits to all sectors of the economy, including construction. When fully implemented, various Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools have the potential not only to improve project planning and execution, but also to enhance project performance. This study therefore investigated the critical factors for the adoption of 4IR technologies in the construction industry, with the aim of promoting sustainable construction project delivery. The study was conducted using a questionnaire sent to experts in the construction industry. The data collected were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and categorized into operational, management, and demographic variables. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for model development using the four groups of data. In this way, variables that were not significant to the model were identified. Judging from the analysis, there is a need for proper user training in engineering tools in the construction industry. This is one of the drivers of the adoption of 4IR in the construction industry. In addition, the professionals, contractors, authorities, and other stakeholders responsible for managing projects in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (AECO) industry should ensure effective coordination and collaboration between participants in the construction industry.
A wide range of bacteria use special protein-based organelles, termed bacterial microcompartments, to encase enzymes and reactions to increase the efficiency of biological processes. As a model bacterial microcompartment, the carboxysome contains a protein shell filled with the primary carbon fixation enzyme Rubisco. ABSTRACT Carboxysomes are anabolic bacterial microcompartments that play an essential role in carbon fixation in cyanobacteria and some chemoautotrophs. This self-assembling organelle encapsulates the key CO2-fixing enzymes, Rubisco, and carbonic anhydrase using a polyhedral protein shell that is constructed by hundreds of shell protein paralogs. The α-carboxysome from the chemoautotroph Halothiobacillus neapolitanus serves as a model system in fundamental studies and synthetic engineering of carboxysomes. In this study, we adopted a QconCAT-based quantitative mass spectrometry approach to determine the stoichiometric composition of native α-carboxysomes from H. neapolitanus. We further performed an in-depth comparison of the protein stoichiometry of native α-carboxysomes and their recombinant counterparts heterologously generated in Escherichia coli to evaluate the structural variability and remodeling of α-carboxysomes. Our results provide insight into the molecular principles that mediate carboxysome assembly, which may aid in rational design and reprogramming of carboxysomes in new contexts for biotechnological applications. IMPORTANCE A wide range of bacteria use special protein-based organelles, termed bacterial microcompartments, to encase enzymes and reactions to increase the efficiency of biological processes. As a model bacterial microcompartment, the carboxysome contains a protein shell filled with the primary carbon fixation enzyme Rubisco. The self-assembling organelle is generated by hundreds of proteins and plays important roles in converting carbon dioxide to sugar, a process known as carbon fixation. In this study, we uncovered the exact stoichiometry of all building components and the structural plasticity of the functional α-carboxysome, using newly developed quantitative mass spectrometry together with biochemistry, electron microscopy, and enzymatic assay. The study advances our understanding of the architecture and modularity of natural carboxysomes. The knowledge learned from natural carboxysomes will suggest feasible ways to produce functional carboxysomes in other hosts, such as crop plants, with the overwhelming goal of boosting cell metabolism and crop yields.
Over time, the economic and social conditions determined expansion and contraction processes of the domestic space (from the cave to the castle, from the castle to the studio flat) with important consequences on people’s life quality. This evolution stimulated the development of cultural debates and design experiments on the theme of flexibility. In the contemporary scenario, flexibility has a big value because it represents an important design strategy to meet the needs of contemporary living in a sustainable dimension. For more than twenty years, the authors have been linked by a working relationship aimed at comparing theoretical scientific developments and design practice. This paper offers some reflections on the evolution of flexibility concept in residential construction by providing concrete examples through the reading of some projects. The variations of flexibility are debated with reference to the people’s needs in the adaptive reuse of buildings. The writing faces the functional mix and the modifiability of interior spaces given by the design of flexible technological units (partitions, systems, furnishings) and mobile additions as well as the adaptability of the closures with respect to climatic and seasonal conditions. The theme of flexibility, too often “oversized” and not investigated in terms of feasibility, is presented in a possible and useful scale. Flexibility is also faced as a new way for showing the link between utility and beauty of the spaces.
Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
A new direction for developing electrocatalysts for hydrogen fuel cell systems has emerged, based on the fabrication of 3D architectures. These new architectures include extended Pt surface building blocks, the strategic use of void spaces, and deliberate network connectivity along with tortuosity, as design components. Various strategies for synthesis now enable the functional and structural engineering of these electrocatalysts with appropriate electronic, ionic, and electrochemical features. The new architectures provide efficient mass transport and large electrochemically active areas. To date, although there are few examples of fully functioning hydrogen fuel cell devices, these 3D electrocatalysts have the potential to achieve optimal cell performance and durability, exceeding conventional Pt powder (i.e., Pt/C) electrocatalysts. This progress report highlights the various 3D architectures proposed for Pt electrocatalysts, advances made in the fabrication of these structures, and the remaining technical challenges. Attempts to develop design rules for 3D architectures and modeling, provide insights into their achievable and potential performance. Perspectives on future developments of new multiscale designs are also discussed along with future study directions.
Steel fiber is a material frequently used when contained in concrete because of its various architectural advantages, and it plays a role in increasing the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) of the building owing to its high conductivity. Thus, this study analyzed the SE of the steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) according to the structural parameters of the steel fiber. The equivalent permittivity of concrete was extracted using the Jonscher model; The concrete was modeled using the electromagnetic simulation tool, and the electromagnetic properties were analyzed according to the orientation, number, and length of the steel fiber. Thus, depending on the structural parameters of the steel fiber, the causal relationship of the polarization of the incident wave, level of the SE, and resonance frequency was derived.
BIM-based processes are becoming increasingly relevant in architecture, engineering and construction industries, especially for design of new engineering works. Implementation of this technology for existing buildings, Heritage BIM (HBIM), mainly focuses on the reconstruction of geometries and the collection of historical documentation, while areas of structural analyses and verifications are currently less developed.In this context, a parametric procedure in BIM environment for the structural assessment of existing masonry buildings is proposed, starting from an innovative analysis method previously developed by the authors (E-PUSH). Combining this structural analysis program with the advantages of the BIM methodology, the management of the data is improved and the assessment process is simplified.The proposed BIM workflow will be illustrated in detail with reference to a real case study, showing benefits of the BIM approach in the process of seismic risk assessment.
Thermal comfort is a condition where occupants can feel comfortable doing activities in the building. One of the ways to get comfort is done by passive design, in which the building is designed to adapt weather change outside the building. Because the weather outside is always changing, the planned building design must be responsive to these weather changes. This study uses a responsive roof ventilation model, that the movement of the roof vent covering grille, which serves as an attempt to regulate the exit of wind from the inlet. This study method begins with a literature review on the thermal comfort of residential building in the humid tropics, as a study of the application of passive design principles as building adaptation to weather changes. Furthermore, an analysis of the ventilation area is made based on the need for thermal comfort in the building. Finally, the planning of building performance systems automatically using the Arduino temperature and humidity sensors. The result is the concept of a framework as applying automation to responsive roof ventilation. This preliminary study is still basic and it is hoped that can be continued in research with the application and experimentation of the roofs in small building
Technology, Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings
Catalina Turcu, Melanie Crane, Emma Hutchinson
et al.
With more than half the world’s population living in cities, understanding how the built environment impacts human health at different urban scales is crucial. To be able to shape cities for health, an understanding is needed of planetary health impacts, which encompass the human health impacts of human-caused disruptions on the Earth’s natural ecosystems. This umbrella review maps health evidence across the spatial scales of the built environment (building; neighbourhood; and wider system, including city, regional and planetary levels), with a specific focus on urban housing. Systematic reviews published in English between January 2011 and December 2020 were searched across 20 databases, with 1176 articles identified and 124 articles screened for inclusion. Findings suggests that most evidence reports on health determinants at the neighbourhood level, such as greenspace, physical and socio-economic conditions, transport infrastructure and access to local services. Physical health outcomes are also primarily reported, with an emerging interest in mental health outcomes. There is little evidence on planetary health outcomes and significant gaps in the research literature are identified. Based on these findings, three potential directions are identified for future research. 'Policy relevance' Evidence about local built environment determinants of health have focused to date on physical health outcomes and the neighbourhood level; there is also significant evidence about mental health outcomes and greenspace. Future research can strengthen understanding of mental health outcomes across all scales and determinants of the built environment; investigate more robustly planetary health outcomes; and provide additional evidence at the building and wider urban system level, especially in relation to low-income settings, vulnerable groups and communicable disease. There is limited discussion of implications for policymaking and economic evaluations of health interventions, i.e. the cost of intervention 'versus' health outcomes. Urban health interventions have focused to date on treating the 'effects' of health conditions; however, there is potential for constructive interventions in the built environment (at various scales) which improve health and/or reduce environmental health risks if the policy focus is on dealing with the causes of health conditions.
Architectural engineering. Structural engineering of buildings