Papers by Arlind Dervishaj
Parametric design workflow for solar, context-adaptive and reusable facades in changing urban environments
Journal of Building Performance Simulation, 2025
This study proposes a concept and workflow for solar, context-adaptive and reusable facades. Inte... more This study proposes a concept and workflow for solar, context-adaptive and reusable facades. Integrating solar control with parametric facade design, the workflow uses solar radiation to inform facade modules with variable openness or properties (e.g. frit cover), enabling envelopes to adapt to urban context changes while promoting circularity. The method was tested through simulations, assessing daylight, glare, energy and circularity in changing urban scenarios. A Solar Circularity Indicator (SCI) was introduced to track façade alterations and reuse. In the 100 m new obstruction scenario, 79% of facade modules were maintained, while 29% of altered modules were reused, yielding an 85% SCI. Sunlight Autonomy metrics aligned well with SCI. Re-design improved Spatial Daylight Autonomy by up to 4% with minimal energy increase (<1%). Our solution provided 2% more useful daylight (100–3000 lux) than glazed facades and 11% less glare. The workflow provides a framework for circular, performance-based designs that preserve aesthetics and adaptability.
A digital workflow for assessing lifespan, carbonation, and embodied carbon of reusing concrete in buildings
Journal of Building Engineering, 2024
Concrete is the most used construction material, accounting for 8% of global CO2 emissions. Vario... more Concrete is the most used construction material, accounting for 8% of global CO2 emissions. Various strategies aim to reduce concrete’s embodied carbon, such as using supplementary cementitious materials, utilizing cleaner energy, and carbonation. However, a large potential lies in reusing concrete for new buildings in a Circular Economy, thereby closing material loops and avoiding CO2 emissions. This study focuses on the reuse of precast concrete elements. We present a digital workflow for assessing reuse by predicting the remaining service life, estimating CO2 uptake by natural carbonation, and calculating the embodied carbon savings of concrete reuse. Both carbonation rates from EN 16757 and our investigation were applied to a case study building. While EN 16757 rates suggest that most precast elements have reached the end of their service life, our assessment shows that these elements have a sufficient lifespan for reuse. Plaster and coverings significantly delay carbonation and extend service life. During the first service life following EN 16757, carbonation was 19,2 kg CO2/m3, whereas our prediction was 5,4 kg CO2/m3. Moreover, CO2 uptake during service life, including reuse, was less than 6% of the embodied carbon. The climate benefits of reuse greatly exceeded those of carbonation. Furthermore, carbonation did not have a decisive influence when applying Cut-Off, Distributed, and End-of-Life allocations for assessing embodied carbon of re-used elements in subsequent life cycles. The digital workflow is useful in quickly assessing lifespan, carbonation, and embodied carbon of concrete. It can be leveraged as a decision-making tool when designing for reuse.
Sunlight Autonomy for Buildings: A New Methodology for Evaluating Sunlight Performance in Urban and Architectural Design
LEUKOS, the Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society, 2024
Due to urbanization and growing density in cities in the past century, metrics were introduced to... more Due to urbanization and growing density in cities in the past century, metrics were introduced to assess daylight performance such as minimum sunlight hours and the daylight factor. The paper initially explores the shortcomings of early-stage daylight and sunlight evaluation methods. A novel methodology called Sunlight Autonomy (SA) is proposed for evaluating sunlight performance in buildings. The SA is based on the “Exposure to sunlight” criteria in EN 170307 “Daylight in Buildings,” where a computational method is used for the evaluation on a specified day. The SA concept expands the analysis temporally over the entire year, and spatially on building facades, leading to new metrics for a point of evaluation, and spatial metrics for buildings. The SA methodology is analyzed in a case study across four European cities. The SA metrics on facades between February 1st and March 21st, days in EN 17037, led to differences up to 63%. This revealed a significant shortcoming in EN 17037, relevant for Nordic regions. The differences of spatial metrics between March 21st and 50% of the year were within 5%, and up to 33% between February 1st and 75% of the year. The timestep affects the metrics and a window evaluation showed that the error of a 10-minute analysis was within 5% of daily insolation and 5 days for the annual SA. The potential of these metrics for urban planning and the architectural design process is examined. The interaction between SA and EN 17037, as well as other ongoing research developments, is discussed.
An Ontology for the Reuse and Tracking of Prefabricated Building Components
The 2nd International Workshop on Knowledge Graphs for Sustainability (KG4S 2024), 2024
Several assessment methodologies have been proposed to measure the environmental impact of buildi... more Several assessment methodologies have been proposed to measure the environmental impact of buildings. However, these methodologies require processing data which is often not available or requires a high integration effort. In this paper, we propose an ontology to describe the use and reuse of prefabricated components in buildings. This ontology describes the relation between the physical object, the building component, with the digital object that represents the element in the building information model. We show that this ontology can be used to answer questions like which building components have been reused and which activities were involved in the life cycle of a building.
Operationalization of Regenerative Design Indicators: An Integrated Framework of Design and Analysis
Proceedings of the UIA World Congress of Architects Copenhagen 2023, 2023
Different frameworks, sustainable design theories, and green building rating systems have been de... more Different frameworks, sustainable design theories, and green building rating systems have been developed to reduce environmental impact on the planet. However, environmental challenges are growing due to climate change. The impact of the built environment on the planet requires an immediate transformation to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDG) and Paris Agreement. This study reviews some key concepts of regenerative design (RD), and how this can be integrated with state-of-the-art digital design methods. Even though building information modelling and design computation are of interest, their use and discussion have focused on sustainability rather than regeneration. Thus, there is a gap when it comes to their use for regenerative design. For this purpose, an integrated design and analysis framework is proposed where methods, processes, and tools can be used to measure indicators for regenerative design. The framework can be applied to case studies by researchers or designers and further expanded in future research.
Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2024
This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environmen... more This paper reviews digital tools for supporting the Circular Economy (CE) in the built environment. The study provides a bibliometric analysis and focuses on computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and computational plugins that can be used by practitioners. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the primary methodology for evaluating buildings' environmental performance, the study identifies tools beyond LCA, including computational methods and circularity indicators, that can support the evaluation of circular design strategies. Our review highlights limitations in tools’ functionalities, including a lack of representative data for LCA and underdeveloped circularity indicators. The paper calls for further development of these tools in terms of interoperability aspects, integration of more sources of data for LCA and circularity, and possibilities for a comprehensive evaluation of design choices. Computational plugins offer greater flexibility, while BIM-LCA integrations have the potential to replace dedicated LCA software and spreadsheets. Additionally, the study identifies opportunities for novel digital methods, such as algorithms for circular design with various types of reused building elements, and sharing of digital twins and material passports. This research can inform future studies and support architects and engineers in their efforts to create a sustainable built environment.
Digital workflow to support the reuse of precast concrete and estimate the climate benefit
International Conference on Challenges for the Next Generation Built Environment, 2024
Concrete production contributes to around 8-9% of global CO2 emissions. Reusing building componen... more Concrete production contributes to around 8-9% of global CO2 emissions. Reusing building components in a circular economy can contribute to closing material loops and lowering CO2 emissions. When reusing concrete elements, it is necessary to have effective methods for evaluating their reuse potential. In this study, a novel digital workflow is developed to support the reuse of precast concrete elements by evaluating their lifespan based on carbonation depth. The workflow relies on automated retrieval of material quantities and information from a digital model. This model is then coupled with environmental data on construction products and calculation methods for CO2 uptake in concrete by carbonation. The remaining service life of concrete elements was calculated for a case study. For reference, CO2 uptake during the first service life was estimated at 4973 kg CO2 or 4% of the embodied carbon. Hence, the potential benefits of reuse outweigh those of carbonation. The presented approach supports the decision-making process when evaluating the reuse potential for concrete elements. The digital workflow can help designers make quick decisions concerning the lifespan and carbon footprint of concrete. The digital tool can be extended in future work with more parameters to evaluate additional sustainability indicators.
eCAADe 2023: Digital Design Reconsidered, 2023
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in adopting circular approaches in the built e... more In recent years, there has been a growing interest in adopting circular approaches in the built environment, specifically reusing existing buildings or their components in new projects. To achieve this, drawings, laser scanning, photogrammetry and other techniques are used to capture data on buildings and their materials. Although previous studies have explored scan-to-BIM workflows, automation of 2D drawings to 3D models, and machine learning for identifying building components and materials, a significant gap remains in refining this data into the right level of information required for digital twins, to share information and for digital collaboration in designing for reuse. To address this gap, this paper proposes digital guidelines for reusing precast concrete based on the level of information need (LOIN) standard EN 17412-1:2020 and examines several CAD and BIM modelling strategies. These guidelines can be used to prepare digital templates that become digital twins of existing elements, develop information requirements for use cases, and facilitate data integration and sharing for a circular built environment.
Architecture, Structures and Construction, 2023
Design methods, frameworks, and green building certifications have been developed to create a sus... more Design methods, frameworks, and green building certifications have been developed to create a sustainable built environment. Despite sustainability advancements, urgent action remains necessary due to climate change and the high impact of the built environment. Regenerative Design represents a shift from current practices focused on reducing environmental impacts, as it aims to generate positive effects on both human and natural systems. Although digital design methods are commonly employed in sustainable design practice and research, there is presently no established framework to guide a digital regenerative design process. This study provides an analysis of existing literature on regenerative design and digital design methods and presents a framework based on building information modelling (BIM) methodology and computational design methods, that can be applied to both urban and building design. This framework identifies digital tools and organizes indicators based on the pillars of climate, people, and nature for regenerative design, drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of literature, including standards, sustainability frameworks and research studies. The framework is illustrated through a case study evaluation. The paper also highlights the potential and limitations of digital methods concerning regenerative design and suggests possibilities for future expansion by incorporating additional quantifiable indicators that reflect research developments, to achieve positive outcomes.
Computing in Construction, 2023
Tracking of building components can be instrumental in reuse for a Circular Economy. Tracking tec... more Tracking of building components can be instrumental in reuse for a Circular Economy. Tracking technologies (TT) for building components can be used to identify and access information for decision-making from deconstruction to design for reuse. Prior research has mainly been concerned with single technologies, limited life cycle applicability and new construction. This study aims to explore the potential of combining multiple technologies, such as QR codes, NFC, and Bluetooth tags, with BIM to support reuse along the life cycles of prefabricated concrete components. The benefits and limitations of choices in TT are examined concerning information integration in circular construction.
Sunlight Autonomy (SA) for building facades
Inside–Out: Daylight in Sustainable Urban Design Conference, 11 March 2023, ETH Zurich ONA, 2023
E3S Web of Conferences (IBPSA BuildSim Nordic), 2022
This paper investigates novel computational methods for Regenerative Design by developing further... more This paper investigates novel computational methods for Regenerative Design by developing further on the European Daylight Standard EN 17037, to make it useful at both urban and architectural scales. Case studies are evaluated for sunlight, daylight and quality views. A computational method, compliant with EN 17037, is introduced for the evaluation of sunlight. An assessment of daylight metrics, for an office building in Helsinki, with a 300 lux target, demonstrates a 12% difference between spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA; occupied hours) and Illuminance levels (EN 17037 method 2; daylight hours), 37% between sDA and Daylight Factor (EN 17037 method 1), and 25% between methods 1 and 2. A new computational method for evaluating ‘views’ on the floorplan is proposed that considers ‘view content’ (EN 17037 View Out layers), ‘view access’, the potential viewpoint-based ‘outside distance’, and can be extended to add the ‘quality of environmental information’. Further research directions and use of spatial metrics are discussed for sunlight, daylight, and view quality.
BIM approached Sustainable Design Methods
BIM A+ thesis, 2020
European Academic Research, 2020
Clear traces of urban gardening design and landscape architecture can be found during the second ... more Clear traces of urban gardening design and landscape architecture can be found during the second half of the 19th century in some of Albania's major cities but the very need for urban planning related to the landscape became evident only in the ’20 and ‘30s of the 20th century when the Albanian state was consolidated and cities began to grow. During communism the landscape was organized according to the ideology of the time, state-owned, and according to urban general plans of the time. The period saw the creation of some of the major public squares and parks for cities. After the transition, starting from the 1990s, for over a decade, Albania saw a boom in construction and rise of informal settlements in urban, suburban and rural areas. Actually Albanian citizens are more than ever conscious of the recent past developments and there is a wide consensus on building cities and territories which are healthier and greener. The very dynamic development of Albanian landscape needs qualified landscape architects. The history of Landscape Architecture programs has shown that its roots go back to horticulture. In developing landscape architecture programs, Albania should follow the best examples of other countries and, as a candidate country; it should try to be in line with European Union developments. In this paper we present our efforts to overcome the obstacles presented by the educational system in Albania through curricula that promotes creative, critical and systems thinking and where studio classes, research and practice have a special place.
ECLAS UNISCAPE Conference 2019: Lessons from the past, visions for the future: Celebrating one hundred years of landscape architecture education in Europe, 2019
After the transition, starting from the 1990s, for over a decade, Albania saw a boom in construct... more After the transition, starting from the 1990s, for over a decade, Albania saw a boom in construction and a rise of informal settlements in urban, suburban and rural areas. The landscape was seen as land which could be built upon or used for economic activity or it resulted as an accessory of the building. The citizens are now more than ever conscious of the recent developments and there is a wide consensus on building cities and territories which are healthier and greener. Thus the very dynamic development of the Albanian landscape needs qualified landscape architects. In this paper, we present our efforts to overcome the obstacles presented by the educational system in Albania through curricula that promote creative, critical and systems thinking and where studio classes, research and practice have a special place. In composing the curricula we followed what John Motloch, in his textbook “Introduction to Landscape Design,” identifies as four foundations of landscape design education: art/aesthetic systems, technological systems, natural systems, and human systems. The new program takes clues from the past, present and future developments in the teaching and practice of Landscape Architecture.
Healthcare Sustainability Challenge
Green Energy and Technology, 2015
Manifattura Rehab Centre : il riuso della Manifattura Tabacchi di Torino come centro di riabilitazione
Torino e una delle citta europee che ha affrontato negli ultimi vent’anni il tema del riuso attra... more Torino e una delle citta europee che ha affrontato negli ultimi vent’anni il tema del riuso attraverso numerosi progetti che riguardano la trasformazione urbana, architettonica e sociale. Il caso di cui ci occuperemo in questo volume e il riuso e la trasformazione della Manifattura Tabacchi di Torino e dell’adiacente Ex Fimit. Abbiamo voluto restituire, all’interno di questo libro, tutti i processi e le analisi che ci hanno portato all’elaborazione del progetto finale, a partire dalle prime indagini, fino allo sviluppo del progetto di trasformazione dell’area. Il lavoro e stato svolto in parallelo con la Tshinghua University di Pechino. Questa cooperazione ha avuto inizio durante il mese di Gennaio presso il Politecnico di Torino, dove insieme ai nostri colleghi cinesi, abbiamo svolto le prime visite allo stabile e sviluppato le prime idee progettuali attraverso un workshop. Il lavoro e proseguito attraverso alcune revisioni intermedie che ci hanno consentito un continuo confronto con i nostri colleghi, mentre la collaborazione si e completata mediante una presentazione finale dei lavori svoltasi il 25 Giugno a Pechino. L’obbiettivo del progetto e quello di trasformare i due vecchi stabilimenti in un edificio polifunzionale che ospiti un centro di riabilitazione post-traumatica, spazi di ricerca e aree d’interesse pubblico. Il progetto e sviluppato in modo che queste funzioni si interallaccino tra di loro al fine di dare vita ad un edificio che soddisfi le esigenze di qualsiasi utente, dal cittadino che si reca al parco al paziente che ha bisogno di spazi di cura e privacy.
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Papers by Arlind Dervishaj