Indoor Thermal Assessment of Medium-Cost House in Arid Climate

An environmental responsive design of building internal spaces is important criteria and should be taken into account in the pre-design stage of the residential buildings. This study aims to analyze the existing spatial spaces of a residential building in terms of thermal performance in a dry desert climate area. Temperature data loggers were utilized in the duplex house. Results indicate that wall exposure, window size, floor level and orientation play are the key to designing a friendly environment of internal spaces. The neighbourhood fabric has an important role in terms of shadows and time of direct exposure to radiation. Keywords: Indoor house, Arid climate, Air temperature, spatial design eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i18.3076

Lapping at the edges: A time-responsive exploration into coastal communities adaption to sea-level rise

<p>Global warming poses an increasingly relevant risk across the globe. Among one of these risks is sea-level rise. The total population exposed to flooding could triple from 50 million people to 150 million by the 2070s due to sea-level rise and increased occurrence of storms, subsidence, population growth and urbanisation (Adeyeye & Emmitt, 2017). Projections suggest that managing a 2°C rise in temperature, as per the Paris Agreement, will still cause a rise of 0.36 to 0.87m by 2100. Sea-level rise is a lagged representation of the effects of rising temperatures. This response time is considered in the research and design process timelines. ‘Lapping at the edges’ proposes a design strategy that reinvents architecture and living environments to respond to sea-level rise. This proposition explores how design, as both a process and outcome, can encourage a shift in mentality from defending against, to engaging with water. Two processes have driven this research. ‘The Execution’ explores flooding and sea-level rise and considers how to respond to this. Reviewed literature and case study analysis provided categories of architectural typologies. The adaptability criteria allows for cross-comparative analyses of each case study and how successful their respective proposals are at being adaptable. The Palette of Solutions proposed in this thesis is a library of urban and architectural ideas designed to rethink urban environments and their relationship to water. These ideas can be realised over time and in diverse arrangements for a myriad of scenarios and settings. ‘The Idea’ refers to how adaptability can be applied to urban development - exploring the maximum alternatives with design iterations. Adaptability, informed by the literature review and the creation of the timeline, is analysed through ‘The Execution’. The methodology analyses how the ‘execution’ and ‘idea’ can complement one another, creating a back and forth of research methods and design methods to execute the final idea. The design proposes a series of changes over 70 years, from 2030 to 2100, resulting in The Hub. An idea that allows modification for most settings provides a vision of the future of coastal architecture, applied to the context of Kilbirnie, Wellington. This thesis is presented in chronological order, to showcase the progression of beliefs, lifestyle, behaviour and architecture accordingly. Projections of living with water create catalysts for adaptive urban development. The Hub proposes floating infrastructure that combines architecture and urban design techniques. Integrating these solutions into a circular economy concept generate prosperity long-term. This research is utilised as a comprehensive study on sea-level rise, and the responsive design opportunities that are possible. The Hub is a representation of the possibilities of sea-level rise and responsive architectural solutions. The research has achieved the intention to generate awareness of the impacts of sea-level rise and create criteria which encourage a different approach to these dynamic living environments.</p>

Lapping at the edges: A time-responsive exploration into coastal communities adaption to sea-level rise

<p>Global warming poses an increasingly relevant risk across the globe. Among one of these risks is sea-level rise. The total population exposed to flooding could triple from 50 million people to 150 million by the 2070s due to sea-level rise and increased occurrence of storms, subsidence, population growth and urbanisation (Adeyeye & Emmitt, 2017). Projections suggest that managing a 2°C rise in temperature, as per the Paris Agreement, will still cause a rise of 0.36 to 0.87m by 2100. Sea-level rise is a lagged representation of the effects of rising temperatures. This response time is considered in the research and design process timelines. ‘Lapping at the edges’ proposes a design strategy that reinvents architecture and living environments to respond to sea-level rise. This proposition explores how design, as both a process and outcome, can encourage a shift in mentality from defending against, to engaging with water. Two processes have driven this research. ‘The Execution’ explores flooding and sea-level rise and considers how to respond to this. Reviewed literature and case study analysis provided categories of architectural typologies. The adaptability criteria allows for cross-comparative analyses of each case study and how successful their respective proposals are at being adaptable. The Palette of Solutions proposed in this thesis is a library of urban and architectural ideas designed to rethink urban environments and their relationship to water. These ideas can be realised over time and in diverse arrangements for a myriad of scenarios and settings. ‘The Idea’ refers to how adaptability can be applied to urban development - exploring the maximum alternatives with design iterations. Adaptability, informed by the literature review and the creation of the timeline, is analysed through ‘The Execution’. The methodology analyses how the ‘execution’ and ‘idea’ can complement one another, creating a back and forth of research methods and design methods to execute the final idea. The design proposes a series of changes over 70 years, from 2030 to 2100, resulting in The Hub. An idea that allows modification for most settings provides a vision of the future of coastal architecture, applied to the context of Kilbirnie, Wellington. This thesis is presented in chronological order, to showcase the progression of beliefs, lifestyle, behaviour and architecture accordingly. Projections of living with water create catalysts for adaptive urban development. The Hub proposes floating infrastructure that combines architecture and urban design techniques. Integrating these solutions into a circular economy concept generate prosperity long-term. This research is utilised as a comprehensive study on sea-level rise, and the responsive design opportunities that are possible. The Hub is a representation of the possibilities of sea-level rise and responsive architectural solutions. The research has achieved the intention to generate awareness of the impacts of sea-level rise and create criteria which encourage a different approach to these dynamic living environments.</p>

Quality Assembly: Designing to offsite fabrication for medium density living in New Zealand

<p>This research portfolio looks at how consciously activating prefabrication into the design process early, and subsequently designing to the onsite assembly stage by using three key design principles, can contribute to a responsive design that embodies quality medium density living in New Zealand. Prefabrication is at the forefront of the New Zealand Government’s conversation about its residential construction industry. The potential attributes of this efficient construction method of fast on-site installation time, reduced cost, improved construction safety, and improved construction quality, have the potential to positively impact the issues that our housing industry faces. However, the intrinsic limitations that come with prefabrication being based on the ideals of efficiency, carry the risk (as seen throughout its history) of compromising the design quality. With the motivation to integrate this construction process into New Zealand’s commonplace residential construction industry based on its positive attributes, it is essential to address its relationship to the designed outcome, and consequently the design process. Ryan E. Smith of Washington State University in Prefab Architecture expresses that prefabrication is a construction process not a product so a poor design results from a poor designer. He specifies that for a prefabrication project to achieve quality construction and aesthetics the design process must be directed to “quality assembly”. This idea endorses the integration of this chosen construction process in accordance with the design intent and guide the design through various scales to the detailing of assembly. For this integration of ‘quality assembly’ into the design process three principles have been interpreted from founding literature as being key drivers: standardisation, repetition, and personalisation. Standardisation is the act of simplifications to efficiently design. Based on chosen factors measurements are controlled allowing pieces, elements, and/or units to relate to one another cleanly. Repetition is the act of reducing variances within the construction, maximising the efficiency of prefabrication. Traditionally this can improve quality. Personalisation is the principle that relates the desirability of the outcome with the necessity appropriately suiting its site and occupancy. This research is positioned within New Zealand’s residential climate, which is seeing a growing demand for medium density living. The defined programme accommodates two key demographics within this density of first-home buyers and homeowners downsizing. The focus is to design a system that assists quality living – giving an alternative archetype – for New Zealand’s evolving climate. Key findings from this research support the design intent of ‘designing to assembly’, whereby the construction process and the outcome are integral to one another. By focussing collectively on standardisation, repetition, and personalisation, a responsive design that is suitable to various sites and occupancies can be realised. The challenge lies within balancing flexibility with restriction efficiently.</p>

Quality Assembly: Designing to offsite fabrication for medium density living in New Zealand

<p>This research portfolio looks at how consciously activating prefabrication into the design process early, and subsequently designing to the onsite assembly stage by using three key design principles, can contribute to a responsive design that embodies quality medium density living in New Zealand. Prefabrication is at the forefront of the New Zealand Government’s conversation about its residential construction industry. The potential attributes of this efficient construction method of fast on-site installation time, reduced cost, improved construction safety, and improved construction quality, have the potential to positively impact the issues that our housing industry faces. However, the intrinsic limitations that come with prefabrication being based on the ideals of efficiency, carry the risk (as seen throughout its history) of compromising the design quality. With the motivation to integrate this construction process into New Zealand’s commonplace residential construction industry based on its positive attributes, it is essential to address its relationship to the designed outcome, and consequently the design process. Ryan E. Smith of Washington State University in Prefab Architecture expresses that prefabrication is a construction process not a product so a poor design results from a poor designer. He specifies that for a prefabrication project to achieve quality construction and aesthetics the design process must be directed to “quality assembly”. This idea endorses the integration of this chosen construction process in accordance with the design intent and guide the design through various scales to the detailing of assembly. For this integration of ‘quality assembly’ into the design process three principles have been interpreted from founding literature as being key drivers: standardisation, repetition, and personalisation. Standardisation is the act of simplifications to efficiently design. Based on chosen factors measurements are controlled allowing pieces, elements, and/or units to relate to one another cleanly. Repetition is the act of reducing variances within the construction, maximising the efficiency of prefabrication. Traditionally this can improve quality. Personalisation is the principle that relates the desirability of the outcome with the necessity appropriately suiting its site and occupancy. This research is positioned within New Zealand’s residential climate, which is seeing a growing demand for medium density living. The defined programme accommodates two key demographics within this density of first-home buyers and homeowners downsizing. The focus is to design a system that assists quality living – giving an alternative archetype – for New Zealand’s evolving climate. Key findings from this research support the design intent of ‘designing to assembly’, whereby the construction process and the outcome are integral to one another. By focussing collectively on standardisation, repetition, and personalisation, a responsive design that is suitable to various sites and occupancies can be realised. The challenge lies within balancing flexibility with restriction efficiently.</p>

Reconfigurable Neighborhood—Mechatronisation of the Urban Design

Today more than half of the world’s population lives in cities not yet ready for the massive growth and adaptation required to meet global urbanization predicted for the next decades. The planning, design, and urban governance must urgently evolve. Future cities should become more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable. The intelligent town we anticipate combines the concepts of new information flow as well as research proposals for the design, upgrade of buildings and municipal infrastructure using robots and mechatronic systems at the scale of dwelling, building, neighborhood, district or town. This article presents the conceptual framework for the role of kinetic and responsive design at the scale of small urban areas, taking into account dynamic adaptation to users’ needs and changing environmental conditions across a day, week, month and year.

A Sordid Chronicle of Outer Suburbia

<p>A reflection on worldly trends arouses the question as to what new attributes our Earth will manifest in the next 85 years by 2100. What effects have we wrought in a lifetime of procreation, consumption and production? With the continual expansion of our population, the sprawling and polluting, reports are depicting a negative future as the climate continues to alter. The effects of this change is most critical for those bound by coastal edges as the sea rises to claim what is now usable land. This thesis looks at one such area, Wellington, New Zealand. The city is dictated by the sea and sprawl inland is not a resolute solution. This thesis proposes that a sea-based kinetic suburb can improve upon the sordid living conditions predicted for 2100 through adaptive and responsive design. By exploring a vision of the year 2100 that has been defined by the implications of excessive suburban sprawl, in alignment with extreme environmental conditions, this thesis proposes how coastal bound communities can survive in anthropogenic aftermath. It argues that with mobile apartment towers suited to the ocean, socialisation and connectivity within a suburban area can be increased whilst still resisting new climatic demands. This research offers informed insight into the future evolution of living in considering both past and present trends; defining a new chapter for suburbia and a typology that is more flexible and convivial.</p>

A Sordid Chronicle of Outer Suburbia

<p>A reflection on worldly trends arouses the question as to what new attributes our Earth will manifest in the next 85 years by 2100. What effects have we wrought in a lifetime of procreation, consumption and production? With the continual expansion of our population, the sprawling and polluting, reports are depicting a negative future as the climate continues to alter. The effects of this change is most critical for those bound by coastal edges as the sea rises to claim what is now usable land. This thesis looks at one such area, Wellington, New Zealand. The city is dictated by the sea and sprawl inland is not a resolute solution. This thesis proposes that a sea-based kinetic suburb can improve upon the sordid living conditions predicted for 2100 through adaptive and responsive design. By exploring a vision of the year 2100 that has been defined by the implications of excessive suburban sprawl, in alignment with extreme environmental conditions, this thesis proposes how coastal bound communities can survive in anthropogenic aftermath. It argues that with mobile apartment towers suited to the ocean, socialisation and connectivity within a suburban area can be increased whilst still resisting new climatic demands. This research offers informed insight into the future evolution of living in considering both past and present trends; defining a new chapter for suburbia and a typology that is more flexible and convivial.</p>

Modern tools and current trends in web-development

In this paper, a social media platform like LinkedIn and Facebook is made using MongoDB as a database. This paper aims to touch all the modern tools required to make an efficient web app, keeping in mind both the customer satisfaction and the ease for the developers to make their web designs, front-end and back-end. In this application, a user could make an account, add or delete details of their profile, education, and experience fields. The users could post, also comment and even like a post of other users. A monolithic architectural approach is used for simplicity in maintaining the database. Postman application programming interface (API) was used to check the working of the back-end. Git, Github, and Heroku were used to deploy the website. Node package manager (NPM) packages like bcrypt and validator are used to encrypt passwords and to validate a user during login. Media queries are used in cascading style sheets (CSS) to achieve a responsive design. Therefore, the users could view the website through a mobile phone, i-pad and also a personal computer (PC), maintaining the readability and design across all these devices.