Journal of Design and Built Environment

Sensory Design Towards the Built Environment for Autism: An Assessment of the Physical Environment of the Selected Shopping Centers in Davao City Through Autism ASPECTSS Design Index

2024-11-19T12:52:30+08:00

The rising number of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) highlights the need for more inclusive environments, yet ASD-friendly design remains underrepresented in architectural research. This study evaluates how well-selected shopping centers in Davao City accommodate individuals with ASD using the Autism ASPECTS Design Index. Through descriptive statistics and comparative analysis, the research compares three major malls—Abreeza Mall, Gaisano Mall of Davao, and SM City Ecoland. Abreeza Mall consistently scores the highest, while Gaisano and SM show varying performances. Statistical tests, including Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA, confirm significant differences in overall performance and ASPECTSS scores. The Kruskal-Wallis Test indicates a statistically significant difference among the malls (H = 11.890, df = 2, p = 0.003). Likewise, ANOVA results show a significant effect of the shopping center on the ASPECTSS Design Index Score (F (2, 177) = 12.660, p < .001, η² = 0.125). Further analysis of Dunn's and Tukey's post hoc tests highlights differences between the malls. These findings emphasize the importance of creating sensory-friendly shopping environments for individuals with ASD.

Effectiveness of Passive Design Elements in a Malaysian Modernist Tropical Cottage

2024-12-23T21:48:44+08:00

When the general population could afford mechanical cooling, everything changed. Modern designs that were not appropriate for the tropical region are slowly introduced, and the best way to control indoor thermal conditions is by mechanical cooling. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of passive design elements in a tropical Modernist cottage on indoor thermal conditions by analyzing data obtained from fieldwork research. The building can be recognized by its simple cottage style, with a focus on practical functionality. Passive design principles are integrated into Modernist architecture to construct lasting, practical, and environmentally conscious buildings. The fieldwork research involves indoor thermal performance and ventilation data monitoring of three rooms within the cottage over an extended period. Through a comprehensive analysis, it is found that passive design elements within this Modernist cottage are effective for passive cooling during the day with closed windows and inactive fans. At night, it is advisable to open the windows for heat dissipation while keeping the fans switched off. It was observed that the ceiling fans kept the monitored room temperatures high as they circulate warm air downward instead of permitting it to flow through the ventilation blocks. Further, several design recommendations were made to improve indoor air flow and heat discharge for cooling. Although the fate of the studied Modernist tropical cottage is yet unknown, the knowledge gained through this study could improve the cooling of existing modern tropical houses through retrofits and strategic use of fans, while new houses should have suitable vents on the building envelope and roof for effective indoor cooling and less reliance on air-conditioning.

Enhancing the Level of Sustainable Campus: The Projects and Case Study of Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

2024-11-11T13:58:41+08:00

Fostering a sustainable campus environment is crucial for mitigating environmental impacts and promoting ecological responsibility. Numerous higher education institutions worldwide have demonstrated their dedication to putting the Sustainable Campus concept into action. However, the research that comprehensively examines sustainability in a holistic and linked way was insufficient. This study aimed to enhance the level of a sustainable campus at University of Malaya. The following objectives were addressed to identify the characteristics of a sustainable campus, to investigate the challenges faced by universities and to propose strategies to enhance the level of sustainable campus within this institution. A qualitative approach was used in this study. Six people were selected for interview sessions from two domain groups. The collected data was then analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that a sustainable campus environment requires a comprehensive approach encompassing green campus operations, management practices, organizational strategies, and integration into teaching and research. Several suggestions were proposed to enhance the level of sustainability at University of Malaya.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Integrity of Stylistic Properties in Historic Buildings: An Analysis of Architectural Model Levels

2025-03-07T08:46:48+08:00

Historical buildings play a pivotal role in enhancing architectural identity through their stylistic characteristics. They offer a unique set of architectural elements that enhance the value of the city and give it a distinctive character. With technological developments, artificial intelligence has emerged as an effective tool for dealing with historical buildings in general. However, the influence of AI tools on the Integrity of architectural model levels at which stylistic characteristics are manifested has not yet been proven. Hence the research problem appeared as (lack of clarity regarding the impact of artificial intelligence technologies on architectural model levels reflecting stylistic characteristics and ensuring the integrity of historical buildings). From here, the research goal took shape as (determining the impact of artificial intelligence technologies and tools on the Integrity of levels reflecting the stylistic characteristics of historical buildings). The importance of this research lies in providing a framework for the capabilities that artificial intelligence provides in historical buildings, at the level of documentation and development. It has been found that artificial intelligence tools such as ideogram are most effective in ensuring the integrity of The Associated stylistic characteristics (color/proportions/decorative features/material). They enhance the integrity of stylistic characteristics at their formal levels by being able to accurately monitor and diagnose structural problems of the building, which allows taking the necessary preventive measures. AI tools at the formal level have proven to be more effective than at the functional and aesthetic levels. The study recommends careful selection of AI tools to ensure their Integrity at the level of documentation and development.

Assessment and Proposal to Improve Hygrothermal Comfort and IAQ in Housing in Bogotá: Four Case Studies

2024-09-02T11:58:33+08:00

Low-income housing is that which is developed to guarantee the right to housing for low-income households, the value of which does not exceed 135 minimum wages. This study was conducted as part of eEvaluation and sustainable proposal for improvement of the integral habitability of low-income housing (VIS) project in Bogota, Colombia. It provides a diagnostic and assessment plan for improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and hygrothermal comfort in terms of CO2 concentrations in four residences in Bogotá. The assessment considers the city's climate, occupancy patterns, and schedules of use within the buildings. The study confirmed results using six-month monitoring data, modeling and simulation of dwellings using Sketchup, EnergyPlus and OpenStudio plugin. These methods provided accurate modeling of relative humidity and temperature behavior. Indoor air quality (IAQ) is closely tied to hygrothermal behavior, particularly in cold weather when closed windows lead to increases humidity, and CO2 buildup. To enhance comfort levels, avoiding air infiltration and implementing hygienic ventilation practices are recommended. However, it was noted in several cases that the hygrothermal comfort standards outlined by ASHRAE were not met. As a result, passive improvements based on simulation were suggested, including the use of thermal stucco, double-glazed windows, and insulating floors, all of which improved internal comfort conditions.