Bioclimatic design

This paper analyzes a series of studies and proposals for the municipality of Tepotzotlán in the outskirts of Mexico City, that have been developed using a geodesign methodology and bioclimatic design principles. The area is in the north west entrance to the Valley of Mexico where all major land routes from the north and center of the country are located. For this reason, uncontrolled industrial growth has happened next to the Mexico Queretaro Highway, producing a major impact in the area of study. Industry has expanded on farmland, isolating the housing area and the historic core from their main communication roads and affecting environmental systems, particularly on its hydrology. A newly developed industrial zone (2015) that borders with the state park is a major concern, as it starts a trend for uncontrolled industrial development in both sides of the highway.
KEYWORDS: Geodesign, Bioclimatic Architecture, Climate Change,

In recent years, there has been a wide concern regarding climate change and the future development of human beings. Some scholars support the idea that construction activity has been exacerbating the global warming issue, which requires a sustainable transformation of the building industry. This article examines the correlation between the construction sector and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) published by the United Nations. Within the framework of global advocacy for sustainable development, the construction sector is progressively advancing the creation of green buildings to facilitate the achievement of the SDGs by minimising resource use and pollution. Researching convincing academic materials and completing the relevant analysis elucidates the low-degree relations between the construction industry and the relevant goals (1, 2, 4, 10, 14, 16 and 17) and the medium-level correlation with objectives 5 and 8. More importantly, the building sector, especially considering the use of modular constructions, significantly contributes to SDGs 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 15 considering its influence on energy efficiency, climate change mitigation, urban infrastructure, clean water preservation and many other aspects. A comprehensive research framework is proposed to explore the challenges of using modular constrictions and improve the building industry's sustainability, facilitating SDG achievement. More first-hand data can be collected in the subsequent investigations, and the multi-criterion analysis method can be employed in further research, improving the accuracy and objectiveness of current research findings.

In the District of Rio Tambo, specifically in the village of Cana Eden in Satipo, rural dwellings face a significant problem of thermal comfort. Structures built with industrial materials present greater thermal discomfort compared to those built with mixed or natural materials. This research focused on determining the incidence of construction materials on the level of thermal comfort of these dwellings. The methodology used was applied, with an explanatory level and a non-experimental causal cross-sectional research design. The study population comprised the dwellings of the Cana Edén population centre, with a census sample of 30 dwellings. Observation sheets were used for data collection. The analysis included the evaluation of the thermal properties of the building materials, such as thermal conductivity and transmittance, and their impact on the thermal comfort of the inhabitants. Environmental and personal factors influencing the perception of thermal comfort were also considered. In addition, a detailed study of the sunshine of the dwellings was carried out, using tools such as the Givoni bioclimatic diagram and Mahoney tables to assess local climatic conditions. The results revealed that dwellings built with industrial materials presented greater thermal discomfort compared to those built with mixed or natural materials, which offered a higher level of thermal comfort. This finding underlines the importance of carefully selecting building materials in architectural design, considering the specific conditions of the environment and the cultural and socio-economic needs of the community. Finally, the research developed an architectural design proposal that promotes the use of natural materials in jungle dwellings, with the aim of significantly improving thermal comfort and habitability conditions for local inhabitants. This proposal not only seeks to solve the problem of thermal discomfort, but also to contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency in housing construction in the region.

This study evaluates thermal comfort and energy efficiency in residential buildings in Oran and Béchar, Algeriaregions with contrasting climates. Using TRNSYS dynamic simulation, it examines how three types of building envelopes affect temperature stability and energy demands for heating and cooling. Findings highlight that building envelope design and material choice significantly impacts energy efficiency. Advanced 3D panel technology demonstrated notable energy savings, reducing consumption by up to 29% compared to traditional materials, while also maintaining thermal comfort in both climates. The study further investigates the energy performance of 3D panels, double-brick walls, and insulated double walls, showing that 3D panel systems consistently lower energy consumption by reducing heating and cooling needs. These results underscore the value of climate-responsive designs and passive cooling strategies, positioning 3D panel technology as a promising solution for enhancing thermal comfort and reducing energy use in Algeria's residential sector.

Abstract
To evaluate the essential role of energy efficiency in achieving net-zero emissions and combating climate change,
this comprehensive review was conducted based on a thorough analysis of academic literature, diverse case
studies, and industry reports, focusing on key energy efficiency sectors and technological advancements. It begins
by outlining global efforts, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, which have
driven initiatives to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors. The review examines key technological
innovations, such as advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient building designs, transportation electrification, and
smart grid integration contributing to energy savings and decarbonization. It also discusses policy frameworks,
regulatory incentives, and financial mechanisms that encourage energy efficiency. The study provides the detailed
outcomes of the different strategies and initiatives, showcasing successful case studies from different regions in
transportation, urban planning, power generation, and industry. It illustrates how countries have effectively
implemented energy efficiency measures to reduce emissions and meet climate goals. Additionally, the review explores the potential of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain, to
optimize energy management, enhance grid flexibility, and promote further efficiencies. Despite these
advancements, the review identifies several key barriers - financial, technological, and behavioral challenges that
impede the widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices. Finally, it offers strategies to overcome these
obstacles, emphasizing the need for tailored policies, innovative business models, and greater consumer
engagement. This review underscores the importance of energy efficiency in achieving a sustainable, net-zero
future by synthesizing successful case studies and highlighting emerging solutions.

This is the third volume of a four-volume work on passive solar greenhouses, presenting both consolidated techniques and experimental ones. This particular volume deals with the design of envelopes for wooden greenhouses, presenting both mainstream and experimental techniques. It addresses both agricultural greenhouses and greenhouses or sunspaces intended for architectural purposes, including solution that may be typical of urban agriculture, and deals both with self-standing greenhouses and attached ones. The topics range from glass-panel envelopes to multi-layer polycarbonate panel envelopes, polyethylene film envelopes, and design and construction of operable openings. In the final part of the volume, the topic of greenhouses and shadehouses for hot climates is explored. The book is richly illustrated, with many 3D illustrations. I enjoyed writing all four volumes, but this third volume is the one I enjoyed writing the most.

This paper reviews the challenges impeding the adoption of bioclimatic design principles in informal settlements and explores the potential of bioclimatic design in such contexts. One significant obstacle is the relaxed mindset stemming from the belief that informal settlements develop organically and are thus inherently optimized for functionality. Another challenge lies in the intrinsic nature of bioclimatic design, which emphasizes integration-often perceived as a "weaker" approach compared to robust strategies like active climatic control. Additionally, the technical complexities associated with environmental simulations of open and intermediate spaces, particularly in hot climates, further hinder the application of these principles. In this context, promising research avenues related to climatic control and passive cooling are identified. These approaches, which benefit from a synergy of practice and theory, hold potential to enhance the appeal of bioclimatic principles for the rehabilitation of informal settlements.

This is the first volume of a four-volume work on passive solar greenhouses. This particular volume deals with the preliminary design choices for defining the shape of a passive solar greenhouse and presents both mainstream techniques and experimental ones. The design choices involve selecting the solutions for the construction of its envelope, back wall, gable walls and ground treatment, positioning the thermal masses, sizing and placing the ventilation openings, as well as choosing and positioning the shading devices and thermal shades. The treatment addresses both agricultural greenhouses and greenhouses or sunspaces intended to serve architectural purposes, such as those that may be encountered in urban agriculture, and deals both with self-standing greenhouses and attached ones. The concepts are richly illustrated, and the topics build up incrementally, beginning with the historical trajectory of greenhouses and progressing to criteria for achieving advantageous solar exposure, wind-driven ventilation, and stack-effect ventilation, as well as advanced strategies for balancing thermal stability with thermal responsiveness through the arrangement of openable enclosures, shading devices, thermal curtains, and reflectors.

RESUMO Apresenta-se a proposta de intervenção com vista à transformação da Casa da Renda, em Braga, num moderno Hotel Rural. A intervenção abrange várias estruturas do edifício, implicando tarefas de total substituição, reconversão de usos e criação de novos espaços. Num edifício com paredes de alvenaria de pedra, pavimentos e cobertura em madeira, prevaleceu o respeito pela concepção existente. A cobertura em madeira maciça foi substituída e os tradicionais pavimentos reconvertidos em soluções à base de madeira lamelada-colada que pontualmente se transformam em sistemas mistos madeira-betão leve. Introduziram-se ainda, paredes divisórias leves de estrutura em madeira.

Adapting architectural spaces to the climatic conditions of one site implies
the adoption of spatial configuration solutions that are subject to the
sustainability principles. On the background of an increasing concern for
the environment’s protection, it is worth mentioning the development of
wood usage as a building material in various aspects: as structural material,
building enclosure, thermal insulation or finishing. The relationship between its physical qualities and the environment in which it is to be placed
leads to certain conditions that determine its choice as a sustainable
option. Starting from the physical qualities that support the use of wood
in architecture, those principles of bioclimatic design that can motivate
the use of this material will be highlighted. The paper wishes to represent
an „itinerary“ in completely different climatic areas, using examples of traditional and contemporary architecture.

Vernacular architecture employs numerous elements for enhancing natural ventilation, especially in the Mediterranean climate. However, the cooling effectiveness of natural ventilation also relies on occupant behaviour and is highly determined by urban scale attributes. Still, airflow in real, inhomogeneous historic urban settings is rarely integrated in the thermal comfort studies of historic buildings. In this study, a multi-scale approach is adopted in order to assess the role of ventilation in establishing thermal comfort in earthen buildings, in real field conditions. This is achieved by addressing field monitoring of air velocity, temperature and relative humidity in: a) a dense (packing density λp=0.60) and inhomogeneous historic neighbourhood in Nicosia, Cyprus (measurement at a reference height); b) the street-canyon (measured at the mid-height of a narrow canyon with aspect ratio 2); and c) the interior of a typical adobe building with semi-open, pass-through spaces (portico) and closed timber projections with multiple openings, called sachnisi. Building ventilation was addressed as a function of in-street and rooftop airflow. Indoor thermal comfort was assessed in the case of specific ventilation patterns, comparing three adaptive comfort models. The results highlight the complexity of airflow in real inhomogeneous urban canopies and demonstrate that air velocity level in the street canyon is approximately one third of the reference free-stream wind velocity, while indoor air velocity remains at minimum levels. The study also reveals the contribution of night-time ventilation in cooling. Finally, spatial differentials of indoor environmental conditions in the portico were recorded for the first time, demonstrating the role of the sachnisi as a wind-capture element.

Se muestran los resultados de la evaluacion de la sensacion termica al interior de espacios semi-cerrados, como es el caso de cuatro rutas del transporte publico que los estudiantes de la zona metropolitana de Guadalajara utilizan para sus traslados a los Centros Universitarios de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuarias y al Centro Universitario de Ciencias de Salud de la Universidad de Guadalajara. Se presentan los resultados de evaluacion del bienestar subjetivo de los estudiantes a partir de encuestas dirigidas aplicadas paralelamente al proceso de medicion de temperatura y de humedad al interior del transporte. Se hizo el calculo de valores de sensacion termica por medio del Indice de Temperatura Aparente (ITA) para las cuatro rutas de estudio a fin de valorar el confort que se presenta en las unidades de transporte. Los promedios generales de mayor frecuencia en las mediciones oscilan entre los 30 °C - 38 °C. Se calcularon los indices de ITA para octubre, mayo y enero. En general l...

Se describen las principales características de la atmósfera sobre el Altiplano Central (3800 msnm) para poder estimar el potencial eólico de la región. Se recolectó simult áneamente datos de la dirección e intensidad del viento, temperatura y humedad relativa del aire, y presión atmosférica; en intervalos de cinco minutos, durante el período septiembre de 2010 a enero de 2012. Los sensores estaban a 3 metros sobre el nivel del suelo. Se analizan los promedios de la energía eólica en periodos estacionales, mensuales y diarios. También se consideran par ámetros como variaciones de la densidad del aire e intensidad de la turbulencia. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una correlación interesante entre la disponibilidad y la demanda local de energía.

At present, there are numerous studies of methods that evaluate indoor thermal comfort of buildings incorporating energy efficiency criteria in the design and architecture. All bioclimatic planning in buildings is to grant comfort conditions to the occupants, because a negative impact could be generated if sustainable tourism is not planned. This paper presents the results of a design proposal of the Tourist Hotel inserted in the area of regional conservation of Huaytapallana. Therefore, the use of thermal comfort indices suitable for the study of climatic conditions in tourist places is analyzed, in addition to the study of representative cases of places with the greatest influx of tourism, also because they have similar climates and cultural contexts. The methodology to be used is experimental for the proposal, of a descriptive and applicative type, for having contributions of information, applying tools and techniques of design for the proposal. Three tools are used: Mahoney Tables, Psychometric Abacus and the Bioclimatic Chart, which are executed and then contrast the results with each other, to later discuss them and determine if the tourist hotel responds to the thermal comfort needs of tourists in Huaytapallana snow mountain.

Usually, modular construction involves the off-site manufacturing of standard building components in a factory before the components are assembled on the construction site. It is common to use terms like "prefabrication," "off-site construction," and "modular construction" interchangeably. The construction of modular constructions nowadays is flourishing all over the globe. The roots of the Albanian prefabricated constructions are extended for the first time around the 1970s. This paper will indeed analyze some recently built modular construction in Albania, considering and comparing it with international case studies. The demand for new construction in Albania is rising rapidly. Currently, the most common structures are cast-in-place beam-column designs, driven by both traditional mindsets and industrial capabilities. However, with Albania's economic growth, there is an increasing need for affordable, quickly built, and technologically advanced buildings. Modular construction, which assembles prefabricated modules on-site, offers a solution. This method aligns with bioclimatic design principles, reducing environmental impact and optimizing resources, marking a shift toward sustainability in the construction industry. The purpose of this article is to explore the potential integration of "modular construction techniques" with "bioclimatic design concepts" to create buildings that are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and multipurpose by function. This study explores the use of modular construction techniques in conjunction with bioclimatic techniques to increase "building sustainability". Combining these tactics encourages energy efficiency and a reduced environmental effect, making people far more resilient and weather-adaptable. The synergy between the two of them is necessary.

The study examined the effects of natural ventilation on residents’ comfort in the houses of the core of Ogbomoso with a view to determining the ventilation comfort requirements in the core of the warm humid climate of Ogbomoso. Data for the study were derived primarily through the use of questionnaire. The study selected one out of every five residential buildings (5%) using systematic sampling technique giving a sample size of four hundred and nine (409) from sampling frame of eight thousand one hundred and seventy three (8173) residential buildings in the core of Ogbomoso. A household head was sampled in each of the selected houses.  The modified comfort and Likhert scales were used for the comfort rating. The Ventilation Comfort Mean Rating (VCMR) of the respondents indicated that morning and night periods were fairly comfortable with the value of 2.5 and 2.8 respectively, while the afternoon and evening periods were ‘’not comfortable’’ with the values of 1.9 and 2.2 respectivel...

En este estudio se presentan los mapas del bioclima de España, referidos al bienestar termofisiológico del ser humano y al confort para cada mes del año. El confort higrotérmico en cada lugar se ha obtenido con los datos climáticos del periodo 1981-2010, proporcionados por de la Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET, 2022). Por ser los datos mas recientes, se le designa como actuales o presentes. Para el caso del escenario prospectivo al 2050, los datos climáticos se generaron con el programa Meteonorm, para poder determinar el impacto del cambio climático en el bioclima. Los lugares de estudio seleccionados corresponden a los registrados en 40 estaciones meteorológicas, distribuidas a lo largo del territorio español, y son representativas de todos los climas en el país. Los datos climáticos de la AEMET, son promedios mensuales de las temperaturas máxima, media y mínima, así como de la humedad relativa. Para llevar a cabo el estudio del bioclima se estimaron los datos medios horarios de temperatura y humedad relativa a partir de los mensuales (Biosol, 2013). Con los datos mensuales y la ecuación propuesta por Auliciems (1981), se definió la zona de confort térmico para el humano, adaptando el diagrama bioclimático de Olgyay (1963) para cada mes del año en los diversos lugares de estudio, determinando la sensación térmica media horaria para cada mes. Con los datos se elaboraron los diagramas del bioclima, que representan la percepción del frío, calor y el confort. A partir de los estudios del bioclima se elaboraron los mapas para representar la sensación térmica predominante en las regiones de España para cada mes del año. En dichos mapas se podrá definir el diseño y la adecuación bioclimática de los edificios existentes para lograr la eficiencia energética en la climatización de edificios, con los sistemas pasivos adecuados para las estrategias bioclimáticas necesarias, considerando los estudios del bioclima.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION ARE COMPLEX SUBJECTS THAT ARE INTERTWINED WITH OTHER COMPLEX ISSUES. TO MAKE SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION EASIER TO UNDERSTAND, EVALUATE, AND APPLY, THE HOLCIM FOUNDATION DEVELOPED A FIVE TARGET ISSUES DEFINITION. THIS PUBLICATION EXPLAINS IN DETAIL HOW EACH CRITERIA IS MET BY THE OFFICE BUILDING OF HOLCIM IN COSTA RICA, DESIGNED BY BRUNO STAGNO.

Background: Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), known as monkey fever was for the first time reported in 1957 from Shivamogga district of Karnataka. But since 2011, it is spreading to the neighbouring state of Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The disease is transmitted to humans, monkeys and by the infected bite of ticks Haemaphysalis spinigera. It is known that deforestation and ecological changes are the main reasons for KFD emergence, but the bio-climatic understanding and emerging pathways remain unknown.Methods: The present study aims to understand the bio-climatic determinants of KFD tick distribution in southern India using Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. The analysis was done using 34 locations of Haemaphysalis spinigera occurrence and nineteen bio-climatic variables from WorldClim. Climatic variables’ contribution was assessed using the jackknife test and mean AUC 0.859 which indicated the model performs with very high accuracy.Results: Most influential variables affect...

The nexus between ergonomic (human factor) and housing design and occupants' satisfaction is essential for housing quality. The need for housing that is comfortable, functional, safe and decent cannot be over emphasized. These can be realized with the application of ergonomic / human factor principles in housing design. This paper examined the critical issues that promote the application of ergonomic/ human factor principles in housing design. They include the following: Comfort and Efficiency in housing design, Users' participation in building designs; the role of ergonomic / human factors in architectural design and the relationship between ergonomic / human factors in sustainable housing designs. The paper made use of library research method, which involved critical review of related literature relevant to the study. The articles were analyzed descriptively. Suggestions that would help in the realization of human factors in housing designs and construction were made. The paper concludes that occupants' satisfaction could be increased and enhanced when architects and other professionals in the built environment give adequate consideration to ergonomic / human factor principles in their building designs.

Thermal comfort is the perception in which the environment is fulfilled. Thermal comfort varies from person to person. It is necessary to make the heat generated as a result of human activities dissipate at a rate to maintain equilibrium within the body in order to maintain thermal equilibrium. Understanding thermal comfort is vital to architectural design as it serves as the basis for building design but also affects sustainable design. An experiment was conducted where thermal comfort in environmental factors were measured. Autodesk Revit and Autodesk CFD were used to analyze and simulate the air movement for both Malay traditional house and modern house. Research shows that the Malay traditional house can provide better thermal indoor comfort compared to modern house. In addition, in the same bioclimate, these buildings consume less energy than modern buildings to gain better acceptable indoor environment.

This study investigated the potential of retrofitting rainwater collection tanks (RWH) into the facades of student residential colleges to improve internal temperature control. Carbon nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, were incorporated into the RWH facades to enhance thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. The aim was to address urbanization and climate change challenges through passive cooling strategies. The study analyzed ambient temperature, relative humidity, and wall surface temperature based on heat transfer principles. Statistical attributes, such as maximum, minimum, and average values, as well as daily fluctuations were examined. Heat transmission from external to internal walls was also quantified.   Materials analysis in this study involved the utilization of X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for investigating the morphology of CNTs, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for further characterization. The results demonstrated the cooling effectiveness and thermal efficiency of the proposed RWH technology. The west-facing walls with RWH facades showed a remarkable cooling effect of up to 14.41°C compared to non-RWH counterparts. Similarly, east-facing walls equipped with RWH facades exhibited a maximum temperature reduction of 3.41°C. Carbon nanomaterials enhanced the structural integrity of the RWH facades, ensuring long-lasting reliability under challenging conditions. This study highlighted the effectiveness of RWH facades as passive cooling strategies for student residential colleges. The utilization of carbon nanomaterials further enhanced their thermal and mechanical properties. The results indicated valuable insights for improving internal temperature control and addressing climate change challenges in urban environments.

The aim of this article is to recognize the methods of environmental control used by the master of the "constructivist" movement Konstantin Melnikov in a Melnikov's house, a creation whose architectural value has been highlighted on several occasions, it also seeks to demonstrate through modern climate software simulation and analysis tools that in the early 20th century Melnikov consciously used environmental control methods, which makes the afore-mentioned construction a historical example of bioclimatic architecture meant for Russian climate. In order to assess this topic a digital model has been built and different energy simulations were carried out using software such as Climate Consultant, Design Builder and ArchiCAD.

To reduce the energy consumption of buildings, a solution known for decades, consists of designing its envelope in order to exploit the energy resources existing in the environment. This is the very principle of so-called bioclimatic architecture. This is also true for hot and humid climates. But up to now, the lack of criteria to iden-tify the energy resources available in the environment and the level of performance of the technical solution has been a major obstacle. To solve this problem, this thesis has a double ambition. On one hand, we have developed new analysis criteria which make it possible to quantify the energy potentials of a site and on the other hand the bioclimatic performance of constructive solutions regarding these potentials. This new approach, adapted to a fully air-conditioned building in a hot and humid climate, gives an overview of the exploitable environmental resources and the capacity of the building to exploit these resources. A case study in the climate...

The aim of this article is to recognize the methods of environmental control used by the master of the "constructivist" movement Konstantin Melnikov in a Melnikov's house, a creation whose architectural value has been highlighted on several occasions, it also seeks to demonstrate through modern climate software simulation and analysis tools that in the early 20th century Melnikov consciously used environmental control methods, which makes the afore-mentioned construction a historical example of bioclimatic architecture meant for Russian climate. In order to assess this topic a digital model has been built and different energy simulations were carried out using software such as Climate Consultant, Design Builder and ArchiCAD.

Kuala Lumpur, as a major capital city, has undergone a drastic transformation in the past ten years. Many heritage buildings have been sacrificed for urban renewal projects. Those located in the touristic heritage zones within Kuala Lumpur were being converted by their owners into hotels and cafés to meet current demands to sustain their incomes. This approach, however, creates several physical and environmental issues within the new adaptation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the building performance of heritage shophouses that were adapted into budget hotels. The research focuses on two case studies in a strategic and historical location of Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur. At the initial stage, interviews and physical surveys were done to determine the context of this study. The authors of this research then used a triangulation method through indoor environmental condition assessment, measurements of indoor environmental conditions and occupant survey to determine the indoor building performance after the adaption. Results showed that adaptive reuse heritage buildings can perform and meet new indoor environmental requirements, but many sensitive design judgments need to be made before the adaptive reuse renovation. The research found that the use of natural light, natural ventilation, recycled materials and water efficiency have been neglected and thus, they should be prioritized and preserved to ensure a successful change of use. Conserving existing heritage buildings, while incorporating new usages with acceptable comfort, is in line with the principle of sustainability.

An effective passive cooling strategy is essential for reducing energy consumption in a residential building without ignoring thermal comfort. Therefore, a field measurement on the thermal performance of a corner terrace house in Kuala Lumpur was conducted to reveal the effectiveness of free running (FR) with four different approaches – no ventilation, full ventilation, day ventilation, and night ventilation. The measurement was done for all bedrooms and family area on the first floor. Also, mixed mode (MM) consisting of natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation with ceiling fan, and cooling with an air-conditioner that represents the actual condition of this house was also measured at living and dining area on the ground floor for comparison. The results reveal that FR from all approaches recorded a mean indoor air temperature of approximately 31 ∘C. The actual thermal condition of the house with MM on the ground floor was recorded at 30 ∘C, 1 ∘C lower than FR approach on the fir...

Vaulted or domed roofs have been frequently adopted by builders and architects throughout the Middle East and other hot dry areas. However, the thermal performance of such buildings under hot dry climatic conditions has rarely been quantitatively studied. In this paper, a detailed finite element model for the investigation of the thermal performance of non air-conditioned buildings with vaulted roofs (VR) is suggested based on two-dimensional unsteady heat transfer in such roofs and solar geometry. This model allows a comparison of the thermal performance of non air-conditioned buildings with a VR and a flat roof (FR) under different climatic conditions. Results obtained by numerical calculation show that, irrespective of building type the VRs are applied to, buildings with a VR have lower indoor temperatures as compared to those with a FR. The reason is that such roofs dissipate more heat than a FR does by convection and thermal radiation at night due to the enlarged curved surfaces. This implies that such roof forms are suitable for buildings located in hot dry regions but not for those located in hot humid areas, and reasonably explains why curved roofs have been extensively adopted by builders and architects in the hot dry areas in the past. However, with the decrease in the half rim angle of a VR, the difference of indoor thermal condition between a VR and a FR building becomes small and insignificant. Results also indicate that the indoor air temperature is slightly influenced by the half rim angle y 0 and the orientation f v of the VR. To be effective to create a favorable thermal condition inside buildings with a VR under hot dry climatic conditions, the half rim angle of a VR should be y 0 4501, instead of y 0 o50 ; which is the optimal half rim angle of a VR of air-conditioned buildings, as found by the present authors in a previous study.

Today, the cities need to increase energy efficiency, reduce polluting emissions and achieve a sufficient level of sustainability. The urban microclimate plays an important role on the buildings energy consumption and the feeling of comfort in the spaces. The microclimate parameters are of central importance for the activities that are carried out in the open spaces and to a large extent determine the use. The responses to the microclimate may be unconscious but very often result in a differentiated use of open spaces just as function of the different climatic conditions. For this reason, the aim of this work is focused on the environmental parameters and on the methodology of analysis aiming at the establishment of bioclimatic strategies for buildings on the basis of morpho-type of the components of the geometries and surface quality of the materials used in urban spaces and in function of the consequent microclimatic conditions obtained.

One of the key features of green office buildings is the proper utilization of daylight in order to ensure a good visual indoor environment which can potentially increase the occupant's productivity. However, poor daylight condition inside office buildings can occur due to improper positioning of window blinds by the occupants. Previous studies have shown that fully lowered window blinds and the use of the artificial lightings during daytime have caused many office buildings in Malaysia to have high rates of electricity consumption. Yet, the operation of window blinds is rarely considered during the calculation of building's daylight performance in the tropics. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the frequency of window blind operations by office occupants and the driving factors behind their window blind operations. A GBI Goldcertified office building was selected for the study. The specific objectives of this paper are, 1) to find out the correlation between window blind operations with different orientations of the building, sky conditions, time and floor levels; and 2) to gauge the occupants' views on their window blind operations and also their satisfaction level with their visual working environment. This study used time-lapse photography to record the blinds positions and a questionnaire survey among the occupants. Results of the ANOVA and Pearson Correlation tests from the photographic analysis found a strong correlation between window blind occlusion values with the building orientations and floor levels, but not with time. The survey results revealed that most of the participants seldom adjusted their window blinds and, in most cases, excessive brightness or glare was the main issue. These results indicate that the occupants make a little effort in changing their blind positions, which may lead to a poor daylight condition. It is expected that the results of this study will serve as the initial steps in considering occupants' behaviour in window blinds usage during the calculation process of a building's daylight performance in order to ensure a better indoor visual environment.

Solar radiation is a phenomenon that affects millions of people in tropical climate regions. The urbanization rate of developing countries like the case in Malaysia is increasingly rising; this has led to the increasing effects of solar radiation in the cities. The solar radiation also leads to increased energy needs due to exposure to uncomfortable outdoor. This study investigates the impact of trees shading on building cooling demands in the tropical climate regions by implementing a passive design method on a small residential building to improve the indoor thermal conditions. A comparative analysis work for two scenario models of a two-story residential building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was conducted in April 2018. The study analyzed possible cooling solutions to suit Malaysia’s hot climate. In this research, it was observed that trees shading plays an important role in reducing local temperatures in urban areas. The results obtained from our simulation show that the maximum so...

The article presents some conclusions on the comfort microclimate at educational buildings, by monitoring the temperature during the summer. The laboratories are located in two buildings, which differ from the point of view of the construction and building envelope, different positions, from the cardinal point of view, and therefore with considerable differences of solar inputs, but having the same type of glazed elements in terms of technical characteristics. The values of the interior temperatures were recorded in the two laboratories. The conclusions of the study are important in the context in which, for occupants, the resulting thermal discomfort can be reduced by implementing shading, proper ventilation / cooling measures, measures that can mitigate the negative effects brought by solar intakes.

The green roofs were used since antiquity as cover for homes in northern Europe, for their exceptional conditions as thermal insulation, and the availability of their building elements in the environment. At present, its use has been diversified due to the excessive thermal increase that the buildings generate through the roofs, in order to make the constructions more environmentally friendly. This research is justified insofar as the scientific review and its implementation in a controlled environment such as that of the university, allow a continuous monitoring of its development, the conditions that make it possible, thermal, humidity, and other measurements. factors of incidence in the environment. The applied methodology was based on the Investigation-Action model, consisted in previously carrying out a theoretical review based on the existing bibliography and three seminars presented by: 1) Doctor Architect Gernot Minke of Germany; 2) The Architect Carlos Placitelli of Uruguay...

The green roofs were used since antiquity as cover for homes in northern Europe, for their exceptional conditions as thermal insulation, and the availability of their building elements in the environment. At present, its use has been diversified due to the excessive thermal increase that the buildings generate through the roofs, in order to make the constructions more environmentally friendly. This research is justified insofar as the scientific review and its implementation in a controlled environment such as that of the university, allow a continuous monitoring of its development, the conditions that make it possible, thermal, humidity, and other measurements. factors of incidence in the environment. The applied methodology was based on the Investigation-Action model, consisted in previously carrying out a theoretical review based on the existing bibliography and three seminars presented by: 1) Doctor Architect Gernot Minke of Germany; 2) The Architect Carlos Placitelli of Uruguay...

Analysis the changes on the city's image of the traditional desert communities and the principles of urban planning in their cities as a result of technical and environmental changes which achieved in the modern era. It was concluded, that It was necessary to research and emphasize the concept of urban sustainability in overcoming the development problems in these cities by maximizing and activating the role of desert cities, revealing their development potentials and the best way to exploit them. It was concluded defining planning principles for desert cities adapted to the harsh environment, by examining the impact of the environmental content on the planning concepts of the Syrian desert cities (Palmyra city as an example), defining principles and criteria for environmental control in the planning of these cities and evaluating the existing planning of the traditional communities in the Syrian desert and the degree of its interaction with the surrounding environment.

Particular ventilation design can create effective natural air movement into the indoor environment by flowing the outside wind. The window, as a kind of ventilation, has various designs. It combines three primary constructions: simple opening, vertical-pivot, and horizontal-pivot opening. Each has a particular characteristic to control air velocity and direction which flows through it. However, the wind is not always certain in the mean of its velocity and direction, which heavily relies on the season. This study is written to investigate the single window’s performance by measuring its effectiveness to control wind velocity in some directions. The effectiveness is conceived as a percentage rate that a window could maintain the outside wind velocity when it flows through the window. This experimental study employs three factors that are wind direction, window design and opening angle. This study operated 1:1 model of ten window designs, a simulation wall, and an electric fan to gen...

The paper presents energy use for heating and ventilation (one of the energy performance components) determined in three ways. A case of a single family building located near Wroclaw in Poland is analyzed. The first and the second variant are both computational and the third presents actual measured energy consumption. Computational variants are based on the Polish methodology for the EPC (the Energy Performance Certificate). This methodology is based on 'the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2010/31/EU'. Energy use for heating and ventilation is calculated using monthly method presented in EN ISO 13790. In the first computational option standard input data (parameters such as indoor and outdoor air temperature etc. are taken from standards and regulations) are implemented. In the second variant this input data are partially taken from measurements. The results of energy use from both computational variants are compared to the actual measured energy consumption. On the basis of this comparison the influence of three factors: solar radiation heat gains, building air tightness and the SCOP of the heat pump on energy use calculations are analyzed. Conclusions aim to point the differences between them and the actual energy consumption.

The regions of the Far North and the territories equated to them today have a great potential for development, which is primarily due to the presence of rich natural resources, among which are unique resources of hydrocarbon raw materials, the development of which directly affects the prospects and directions of development of fuel and energy complex and related industries, which in turn requires the development of several support facilities for various purposes, without which the existence of any enterprise is impossible The article deals with the constructive solution for the construction of urban buildings adapted for specific natural and climatic conditions, as well as the conditions of joint manifestation of permafrost and seismic impacts of high intensity. The technical result is achieved by reducing the effect of seismic loads, by developing elements of special stationary seismic protection (seismic insulation), representing a system with a seismic insulating sliding belt, which is mounted between the heads of piles and the building rostrum. The proposed solution makes it possible to increase the seismic resistance of buildings erected on a soil base according to the first principle by reducing the impact of the stresses arising in the structural elements.

Background
Kyasanur forest disease (KFD), known as monkey fever, was for the first time reported in 1957 from the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. But since 2011, it has been spreading to the neighbouring state of Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The disease is transmitted to humans, monkeys and by the infected bite of ticks Haemaphysalis spinigera. It is known that deforestation and ecological changes are the main reasons for KFD emergence, but the bio-climatic understanding and emerging pathways remain unknown.

Methods
The present study aims to understand the bio-climatic determinants of distribution of tick vector of KFD in southern India using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. The analysis was done using 34 locations of Haemaphysalis spinigera occurrence and nineteen bio-climatic variables from WorldClim. Climatic variables contribution was assessed using the Jackknife test and mean AUC 0.859, indicating the model performs with very high accuracy.

Results
Most influential variables affecting the spatial distribution of Haemaphysalis spinigera were the average temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10, contributed 32.5%), average diurnal temperature range (bio2, contributed 21%), precipitation of wettest period (bio13, contributed 17.6%), and annual precipitation (bio12, contributed 11.1%). The highest probability of Haemaphysalis spinigera presence was found when the mean warmest quarter temperature ranged between 25.4 and 30 °C. The risk of availability of the tick increased noticeably when the mean diurnal temperature ranged between 8 and 10 °C. The tick also preferred habitat having an annual mean temperature (bio1) between 23 and 26.2 °C, mean temperature of the driest quarter (bio9) between 20 and 28 °C, and mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8) between 22.5 and 25 °C.

Conclusions
The results have established the relationship between bioclimatic variables and KFD tick distribution and mapped the potential areas for KFD in adjacent areas wherein surveillance for the disease is warranted for early preparedness before the occurrence of outbreaks etc. The modelling approach helps link bio-climatic variables with the present and predicted distribution of Haemaphysalis spinigera tick.

Se presentan resultados de estudios realizados en el Departamento de Iglesia, provincia de San Juan, donde próximamente se concluirá el tramo fronterizo del Corredor Bioceánico Central, que une Porte Alegre con Coquimbo. Caracterizados ambientalmente 10 asentamientos en el área de influencia de dicho Corredor, se calcularon Estrategias de Diseño Bioclimático, individualizándose Pautas de diseño Urbano-Arquitectónico Ambiental; de Diseño Arquitectónico Bioclimático y de Diseño Tecnológico Bioclimático; además de Prácticas Constructivas Bioclimáticas. Los resultados reúnen información ambiental y climática necesaria para aplicar al diseño urbano y arquitectónico en estas zonas rurales de ecosistemas áridos.

Since its inception, World Expositions have anticipated innovations and new de¬sign systems in relation to the issues that concern the society of every historical period. Producing an important contribution and impact on the design solutions of each era as pilot experiences and experimental systems.

Our investigation focuses on the analysis of bioclimatic and ecological design strat¬egies together with technological solutions for urban spaces in European World Expos during the 1990 to 2000 decade. From Seville World Expo in 1992 to Hannover World Expo in 2000. Thus, highlighting the evolution from a user comfort point of view in terms of bioclimatic control into an ecological sustainable approach, identi¬fying the experiences of the Seville World Expo as a turning point in a global plan¬ning for the development of ecological oriented strategies in urban scale.

The systems are exposed and analyzed within their historical and geographical context, showing their ability to adapt in urban or geographical situations of a similar nature in contemporary contexts and proposing possibilities for their use and future development.
This decade of World Expos, highlight the development of experimental systems, bioclimatic experiences and ecological design in urban spaces that will have an impact for its adequacy and implementation in future solutions.

We will witness a redefinition of the parameters and values that Expos represent with the arrival of the end of the century. Where the recovery and preservation of balance with the ecosystem will be part of the conceptual ideology of these inter¬national events.