Wind Conditions at Pedestrian Level in Different Types of Residential Urban Development for a High Degree of Land Use Efficiency

This paper addresses wind conditions in urban building development at the pedestrian level. The article aimed to identify aerodynamic phenomena around three types of multi-family housing developments with different forms and the same urban parameters of building development density (high density was taken into account). The aim of the research was mainly to achieve qualitative results that would lead to understanding fundamental processes and phenomena. Wind tunnel experimental studies were conducted on physical models at a scale of 1: 400 using visualization and erosion methods. These experiments yielded data regarding the arrangement of airflow directions and changes in airflow velocity, expressed as the amplification coefficient (α), the occurrence of which was caused by the presence of buildings. An analysis was conducted concerning wind conditions that constitute pedestrian comfort and influence the possibility for ventilation of spaces between buildings for the three selected models. The research results were compared, and an attempt was made to assess the most beneficial and the least favorable building development types in this respect.

TENDENCIES IN SETTLEMENT PLANNING IN LIGHT OF THE IDEA OF ‘A VILLAGE IN A PARK SPACE’ IN THE OGRODZIENIEC MUNICIPALITY

This paper discusses the planning and spatial transformation of the municipality of Ogrodzieniec in the context of the idea of ‘a village in a park space’. The rural area of the Ogrodzieniec municipality has undergone significant landscape transitions over the past several decades. The dynamic development of single-family housing has generated the greatest amount of functio-spatial and compositional and landscape problems. The idea of ‘a village in a park space’ is to counter these negative development trajectories. It defines general perspectives of rural area development in a spirit of sustainable development.

‘Keeping the children close and the daughters closer.’ Is family housing support in Greece gendered?

The welfare regime of Southern Europe, and Greece in particular, does not adequately cover the needs of its citizens. On the contrary, and within this context, family welfare has to be much more efficient. Moreover, the support received from the family imposes a sense of reciprocity, as receivers are expected to be givers in the future. This reciprocity is assisted mainly by the female members of the kin, defining to a degree their housing practices. Data for this paper is derived from a wider research project investigating young people's housing practices and family strategies through in-depth interviews in Athens, Greece. Bringing gender to the fore, it explores how the housing provision from family is impacted by the receivers’ gender role in connection to family welfare obligations.

Suburban to Urban: Wellington High Density Family Housing

<p>‘Suburban to Urban’ explores a family-focused high-density residential model as an inner-city alternative to the suburban detached home. The research responds to two key criteria; first how to meet the needs and desires of families in an inner city high-density environment, second the spatial qualities that encourage a sense of community in a high-density mixed demographic environment to enable the creation of a positive public realm. Located in Te Aro, Wellington, this thesis identifies through research a criterion of qualities intrinsic to suburban living in New Zealand and defines a methodology that enables the translation of this criterion into the spatial design of a family-focused high-density development in Wellington’s inner city.</p>

Suburban to Urban: Wellington High Density Family Housing

<p>‘Suburban to Urban’ explores a family-focused high-density residential model as an inner-city alternative to the suburban detached home. The research responds to two key criteria; first how to meet the needs and desires of families in an inner city high-density environment, second the spatial qualities that encourage a sense of community in a high-density mixed demographic environment to enable the creation of a positive public realm. Located in Te Aro, Wellington, this thesis identifies through research a criterion of qualities intrinsic to suburban living in New Zealand and defines a methodology that enables the translation of this criterion into the spatial design of a family-focused high-density development in Wellington’s inner city.</p>

On-Line Water Consumption Monitoring as a Tool for Optimal Management of Water Distribution Network

Monitoring and computer modeling of water networks is an effective tool supporting water management in the city. The aim of this paper is to present the results of measurement campaigns carried out in Polanica-Zdrój, preceding the construction, calibration and validation of the hydrodynamic model of the water supply network. The obtained results showed that the changed conditions of the functioning of the local community during a pandemic also significantly affect the way water is used. Daily distribution of water consumption by residents of multi-family housing has been significantly “flattened” due to remote work and extended time at home. This confirms the necessity to conduct on-line measurements in order to calibrate the model reliably and effectively use the results of computer simulations.

Materials and technologies to achieve better energy efficiency of buildings

The article will discuss the aspects of the possibilities of improving the energy efficiency of buildings. In particular, the author will analyze innovative technologies in the field of improving the thermal insulation of external partitions and improving the efficiency of underfloor heating. The author will present the results of research on the thermal properties of metal and wooden frame structures, as well as innovative veneer floor panels. Frame structures are increasingly used in single-family housing, and veneer floor panels are used in underfloor heating. Innovative solutions of building partitions are to improve the energy efficiency of newly constructed buildings, and thus reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.