Human factors in the design of sustainable built environments

Ergonomic approach is aimed at optimizing human interactions with systems, in order to make human activities more efficient, safe, comfortable and satisfying. Built environment influences people’s everyday life because all human activities are executed in a built space. In this framework, architectural design can be enhanced by the consideration of human factors perspective, because it gives the cultural and practical references to envisage how technical solutions can fit the environmental needs derived from people’s life and work activities they perform. Since the main objectives of sustainable design are to reduce, or completely avoid, depletion of critical natural resources and raw materials; prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their life cycle; create built environments that are livable, comfortable, safe, and productive, a broader consideration of the role of human factor has to be taken into account to enhance design process of sustainable buildings. Several studies evidence that to reach sustainable goals of buildings, particularly referred to energy and resources use and optimization, unexpected disadvantages for final users may occur. The paper shows recurring human side effects of building solutions and elements mainly adopted to address green strategy and technologies, in order to support building design to create working and living spaces actually fitting, in the same time, sustainable performance of buildings and needs of inhabitants.

AMPS, Architecture, 2017

The study of traditional and contemporary settlements may have been addressed in a number of publications worldwide whilst still not widely reflected in a Libyan context (Chojnacki, 2003). These topics usually were discussed in narrow sections or carried out by individuals who so often enchanted by and interested in to document the beauty of old solutions. Discussing the discord between old and new solutions needs deeper understanding of their form, elements, functions and the role of context considering the social customs and microclimatic conditions. In Cairo where simple and inexpensive design strategies were used in residential buildings such as vaulted and domed roofs showed 32% less in cooling loads than using conventional flat roofs (Dabaieh et al., 2015). The simulation carried in Dabaieh et al. (2015) study also showed 53% reduction in cooling hours when vaulted roof coated with high albedo ratio and rim angle of 70 is used. Similarly, in the Middle East the climatic features of the courtyard house was investigated by Bekleyen and Dalk (2012) to understand the seasonal movement of residents to better achieve indoor comfort conditions. It can be said that sun-path plays a key role in defining space functionality and other related architectural aspects in traditional architecture. The contemporary movement of sustainable development seems to rather concern with low energy buildings in which so often associated with cost whilst less attention paid to the environmental performance of those buildings (Taylor et al., 2009).

2011

Work recently undertaken at the University of Strathclyde, Department of Architecture, is concerned with the articulation of a management system that might support sustainable design. Aligned with the international standard ISO 14001, a system has been piloted in housing development projects around Glasgow, and offers a supporting framework for the implementation of agreed actions and addresses a number of key urban planning and building design tasks incorporating six related themes. This paper will discuss the context and introduce the themes of Human Impact (including consideration of quality of life issues, consultation and social inclusion, development factors, health factors, comfort levels, accessibility, public transportation, facilities for cyclists); Environmental Impact (including consideration of protection of local ecological features/biodiversity, environmental assessment); Pollution Prevention (including consideration of indoor air quality (emissions from equipment, out-gassing of toxins/radiations), elimination of toxins, control of pollutants during constructions); Sustainability Management (including consideration of integrated and systemic approaches e.g. sustainability/environmental performance targets, management systems and procedures, construction management, commissioning, dissemination workshops, post-occupancy feedback visits); Resource Efficiency (including consideration of, lean design, material use and recycling, embodied energy, water consumption and conservation); and Energy Efficiency (including consideration of, targets, benchmarks and best practice energy use, passive solar, renewable energy, thermal modelling, insulation, ventilation, heating, CHP, heat recovery.

Sustainable construction materials and technologies, 2019

All too often sustainability in building design is decoupled from user experience. This paper discusses how user comfort, well-being and performance should be put at the centre of the design process and how work beginning at Bath and Exeter, using the newly built VSimulators facility, is helping shape this. From a structural perspective, the drive to reduce material use, the use of more sustainable materials (e.g. CLT) and the desire to improve structural efficiency can lead to building designs which are not governed by ultimate limit state criteria, but rather by serviceability limit states. Reduced stiffness, in particular, leads to undesirable floor vibrations and/or sway in tall buildings. The question arises as to what is an acceptable level of vibration or motion. While it is a relatively simple task to define perception thresholds, acceptability is an altogether more complex problem. Subjective measures of acceptability vary significantly from person to person and is situation, context and task dependent. What's more, it is not just vibrations that affect the acceptability of the indoor building environment; temperature, humidity, air quality, lighting, noise, even smell, all have an influence on whether a building is fit for purpose. Sustainable construction practices, such as passive house design and air tightness, can lead to poor environmental conditions (e.g. increased concentrations of VOCs) unless we consider the impact on the occupants. Thus, the work being carried out using the VSimulator facility aims to understand these complex interactions between structural, environmental and human factors, using a multidisciplinary approach involving psychology, physiology, engineering, building physics and health. The challenges this issue poses and the unique facilities developed to address these challenges are described in this paper.

Whilst the current debates on sustainable architecture is dominated by a conversation about energy performance and abstract certification—each easily manipulated to serve commercial gain—I argue that a philosophical reconsideration of relationality is key to a sustainable built environment, examining sustainable architecture through the perspective of Luce Irigaray's philosophy of being-two. Defining sustainable architecture is a notoriously difficult proposition. Ambitious claims abound, demanding a critical distance, but equally important and necessary self-criticisms are heard. Edward Mazria (2013) founder of the Architecture 2030 Challenge, argues that " life depends on design. " Whilst the building sector as a whole, a major emitter of greenhouse gases, is currently making a significant negative impact on the natural environment, it can also be a solution to climate change. Roger Platt, President of the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing the limitations of t...

A Best Academic Paper at the Integral European Conference, this paper presents an integrally‐informed, Wilber‐influenced approach to expanding the study of occupant behaviour beyond building science. Poorly understood occupants are a main reason why predicted and actual building energy performance deviate significantly. Existing research focuses on a useful but limited objective science and engineering approach. This research project develops an integral methodology for transdisciplinary inquiry of occupants' experience and action in architectural space, with regard to their experience of nature and natural forces. Each of four major perspectives has two research questions; each question, a method from architectural design, building science, cultural theory, place phenomenology or social psychology. Our hypothesis is that spatial‐temporal patterns can serve as an integrating frame among diverse perspectives. We conclude with proposing conceptual frames for future research into architectural inhabitation from sixteen prospects generated from four levels of complexity in each of four primary perspectives.

PLEA Conference on …, 2009

This paper examines a shift from viewing building 'occupants' as passive recipients of pre-determined comfort conditions to 'inhabitants' who may play an active role in the maintenance and performance of their buildings. These are examined using the three major principles that frame the design of the UBC Center for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) currently under construction -the desire to be Green, Humane and Smart. Moving beyond the proposed reframing of comfort and comfort provisioning, the paper explores the potential ways and extent that these guiding principles and goals have shaped the physical design of CIRS but also have substantially influenced the building process, the social and economic context of CIRS and UBC and moved all those involved in the CIRS process from being occupants of yet another building project to being inhabitants of a regenerative innovation for sustainability.

2011

The paradigm shift for sustainable buildings requires a transformation of the architectural design process. This paper examines how sustainability is embedded into design methodology and mapped onto, or has transformed, the design process. Interviews with a sample of Scottish architectural and multi-­disciplinary practices were undertaken to explore the common approaches and barriers to sustainable design. Case study methodology was also employed to consider exemplar buildings and the value of post-­occupancy evaluation is discussed. Within the context of the global environmental perspective, UK and Scottish legislation, sustainable principles and blueprints, a process model is developed to provide a framework for discussion and review. The first creative step is given as an alignment of practice ethos with established architectural philosophies and principles, from across the sustainability spectrum, to move towards a typology of sustainable building design.

We don’t need sustainable buildings – We need sustainable people

The UN has called for global CO2-e emissions to be reduced by 7.6% each year for a decade. The built environment is responsible for a significant proportion of emissions and consumption and most buildings (98% in Australia) already exist. Therefore, if we are to meet this challenge, we need to find ways of engaging with the people who use and operate existing buildings and organisations. This paper argues that architects are in a unique position to help solve this problem and help communities become genuinely more sustainable because of architect's ability to embrace complexity, the multifaceted nature of problems and integrate knowledge to solve social problems. The response must be social rather than technical or scientific, although it must incorporate both, because the solutions challenge the identity and self-esteem of individuals and whole communities and so elicit powerful emotional responses in opposition to them. If we are to create buildings and communities that are genuinely sustainable, we must engage with those building-communities in a meaningful way to develop strategies that they are able and willing to implement. The relationship between people and their environment is at the heart of a sustainable response to climate change.

2023

In the realm of contemporary architecture, sustainable design has emerged as a paramount principle, striving to achieve environmental, social, and economic balance. The documents provided offer a comprehensive look into this evolution, highlighting the importance of resource conservation, life cycle design, and humane architecture. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has notably shifted the architectural landscape. Architects are now increasingly focused on health-conscious, adaptable designs. These adjustments, as showcased in various case studies, reflect a new era where architecture responds dynamically to public health needs. Climate change poses another significant challenge, urging architects to adopt climate-responsive designs. This involves understanding local weather patterns and integrating advanced technologies to create buildings that are both energy-efficient and environmentally harmonious. The concept of life cycle design in architecture stands out as a pivotal theme. This approach encompasses the entire lifespan of a building, advocating for sustainable materials and methods that lessen environmental impact from construction to demolition. Looking globally, sustainable design practices vary significantly across regions, influenced by local climates, cultures, and technologies. This diversity offers a rich tapestry of lessons and inspirations, pointing towards a more ecologically conscious future in architecture. In conclusion, the future of sustainable architecture appears promising, guided by technological advancements and a deeper understanding of our environmental responsibilities. The documents reviewed provide valuable insights into this evolving field, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices in building a resilient, efficient, and ethically responsible architectural landscape.