Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity
... Currently, there has been some progress in research on multiple environmental performances in indoor mixed-function open spaces with a major focus on the construction of air quality assessment systems [12,[15][16][17][18][19], the monitoring of environmental qualities under different states of occupant use [20][21][22], the analysis of major pollutants and their patterns of change [23], as well as the exploration of technical means and management ...
... Currently, there has been some progress in research on multiple environmental performances in indoor mixed-function open spaces with a major focus on the construction of air quality assessment systems [12,[15][16][17][18][19], the monitoring of environmental qualities under different states of occupant use [20][21][22], the analysis of major pollutants and their patterns of change [23], as well as the exploration of technical means and management measures to improve indoor air quality [24][25][26][27]. Research methodologies also integrate environmental measuring techniques, in-depth case studies, and mathematical modeling, as well as statistical analysis, to obtain comprehensive and accurate data support [6,28,29]. ...
... These surrounding factors exert a profound and far-reaching influence on the physical and psychological statuses of occupants. The theoretical underpinnings of the "healthy building" paradigm emphasize that buildings, situated within the broader socio-cultural and economic milieu, maintain a close and intricate connection with public health [11,17,46,47]. This perspective underscores the criticality of adopting integrated approaches in the design of spaces, aiming not merely to fulfill functional requirements but also to positively contribute to the holistic wellbeing of the occupants. ...
In the post-pandemic context, data-driven design interventions that can endow architectural spaces with mixed-use and open characteristics that are adaptable and environmentally resilient are increasingly important. Ubiquitous semi-public architecture, such as hotel buildings, plays a crucial role in public health emergencies. Many hotels adopt mixed-use and open room spatial layouts, integrating diverse daily functions into a single tiny space, fostering flexible utilization and micro-scale space sharing; however, these also introduce potential health risks. This study offers a comprehensive evaluation of the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a hotel room space and discusses feasible intervention strategies for healthier renovation and rehabilitation. Taking a hotel in Shenzhen as a case, a multi-domain environmental assessment was conducted during the COVID-19 quarantine period in the summer of 2022. The study examines the health risks inherent in the hotel’s guest room and the varying patterns of IEQ factors across the hotel’s domains, including volatile organic compound concentrations, physical environmental parameters, and heat stress indices. The results illustrate diverse change trends in the chemical, physical, and heat stress factors present in the tested quarantined hotel room space throughout a typical summer day. Although most of the examined environmental factors meet local and global standards, some problems draw attention. In particular, the PM2.5 concentration was generally observed to be above the World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline (AQG) standards, and the interior lighting did not meet required standards most of the time. Moreover, correlation and multiple regression analyses uncover significant influence by physical environmental conditions on the concentrations of chemical pollutants in the hotel room. The study preliminarily identifies that higher relative humidity could lead to a lower concentration of CO2 while a higher PM2.5 concentration. Wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was observed to positively affect CO2 concentration. Further, the results suggest that even with relatively rigorous initial adjustment and re-renovation, multi-domain environmental quality in air-conditioned quarantine hotel rooms should be monitored and ameliorated from time to time. Overall, this study offers a scientific foundation for healthier upgrades of existing hotel buildings as well as provides insights into achieving environmental resilience in newly constructed hotel buildings for the post-pandemic era.
... Visual comfort depends on direct sunlight and the natural lighting of the space. Research shows that the degree of thermal and visual comfort strongly affects the productivity of users [19,20]. Users usually prefer the possibility to control the comfort conditions of the environment in which they work [21][22][23][24]. ...
... The field of office glass façade energy efficiency research [3,4,8,9,19,[42][43][44][45][46][47] and indoor environmental quality [6,15,16,[18][19][20][21][22][23]27,28,[30][31][32][33]35,36,38,39,41,45,[48][49][50][51][52][53][54] is extensive. Numerous studies focus on the combination of the research into the energy efficiency of a façade and its impact on user comfort in certain climate contexts [3,5,7,8,12,18,26,28,34,55,56]. ...
... The field of office glass façade energy efficiency research [3,4,8,9,19,[42][43][44][45][46][47] and indoor environmental quality [6,15,16,[18][19][20][21][22][23]27,28,[30][31][32][33]35,36,38,39,41,45,[48][49][50][51][52][53][54] is extensive. Numerous studies focus on the combination of the research into the energy efficiency of a façade and its impact on user comfort in certain climate contexts [3,5,7,8,12,18,26,28,34,55,56]. ...
Glass façades are being increasingly applied in the typology of office buildings. The environmental quality parameters of indoor spaces have an exceptional influence on the wellbeing and productivity of users. In the past, climate defined the architecture of a particular area. Façades of contemporary office buildings have similar characteristics regardless of their location. This study comprises four office buildings with different types of glass façades located in areas of continental and coastal climate in Croatia. Also, the research relates to a graduate study course, during which the students designed a survey to gain insight into the satisfaction of users of the analyzed buildings. The aim of this research is to explore the impact of the design of glass façades in a certain climate context on users. This paper will address the following research questions: (1) Is a fully glazed office building pleasant to work in? (2) Is a fully glazed façade an appropriate solution for office buildings in hot and sunny climates? The research results show that to achieve a comfortable indoor environment for buildings’ users, it is necessary to design the façade according to the orientation, especially in terms of glazing characteristics, a sun protection system, and window control.
... Sick building syndrome can lead to decreases in performance and productivity through symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, muddled thinking, mental fatigue, and drowsiness [1]. Healthy buildings that incorporate sustainable design principles and materials tend to have a positive effect on occupants' well-being, satisfaction, and productivity [2]. To that extent, microalgae facades as a design solution address environmental concerns as well as occupants' health and well-being. ...
... Creativity in ideation is a prerequisite for innovation [43]. As architects, it is essential to understand the impact that built spaces have on occupant health, safety, and happiness [2]. Designing for sustainability requires innovation beyond traditional design approaches [44]. ...
... In addition to evaluating their technical performance, it is important to understand their impact on humans occupying these spaces. Indoor spaces have a significant influence on our psychology and experiences [2]. Implementing novel sustainable architectural elements, such as microalgae facades, is a way to move forward and improve our living spaces. ...
The influence of nature on occupant well-being and performance has been proved in office, hospital, and educational settings. There is evidence that plants and green colors affect creative and psychological responses. The microalgae facade in the study integrated spirulina, blue-green microalgae, which were cultivated using natural daylight and room air. While a good body of research explores nature’s impact on people, research on microalgae systems has not been linked to creative performance. This pilot study, therefore, focused on how the microalgae facade influences occupant mood and creativity. Forty architecture students were randomly assigned to the control and experimental rooms. The control group was surveyed in a room with a traditional window, whereas the experimental group was surveyed in a room with a biochromic window. Research design for the two conditions remained the same under IEQ-controlled environments except for the inclusion of the microalgae facade. Forty architecture students completed two creativity tasks—alternative use test (AUT) and remote association test (RAT)—and brainstorming for sustainable design in control and experimental settings. Our preliminary findings indicate that the microalgae facade did not affect divergent ideas and convergent thinking during tasks, but participants in the microalgae façade developed more design solutions that included greenery than students in the control space. This research is a preliminary investigation into the human impact of a microalgae façade and represents a new focus for scientific research. More work is needed to better grasp to what extent implementing a microalgae façade will impact human behavior in space.
... In many cases, we can use buildings to learn about history and civilisations (e.g., Refs. [22,[24][25][26][27][28]). At present, about 90% of our time is spent indoors [29,30]; therefore, buildings have recently become more significant than ever. The building industry affects the materials flow, the need for products, job markets, etc., on a massive scale. ...
... [70,77,78]), schools (e.g., Refs. [30,68,79,80]), etc. By classifying the literature from a different perspective, housing-sector-related research on WB also incorporates categories such as humidity balance, thermal insulation and comfort, air circulation and ventilation, lighting and view, energy usage and optimisation, etc. (e.g., Refs. ...
... Thus, for the housing sector, WB is extraordinarily essential, by which the industry, especially designers and planners as well as authorities, can invisibly improve the health of society. Designers of buildings, public and private spaces, and districts and urban areas build up the contexts and patterns of people's lives, which influence society to the extent that they cause certain patterns and behaviours [30,[100][101][102][103][104]. ...
The health of humans and the planet are the most vital contemporary issues and essential components of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scientists and professionals strive for integrated, evolving, healthy, and sustainable solutions encompassing biodiversity and industrial ecology, while offering viable economic attainments. The building industry, especially construction, is an extensive economic counterpart that largely influences health on various levels. On a practical scale, most direct or indirect impacts on health are related to conventional construction systems (CCSs), particularly their materialisations and implementation methods. Therefore, from a global perspective, emerging technologies or remodelled methods to accomplish sustainable use, reuse, and recycling, and improving the planet’s health to ensure the wellbeing of its inhabitants, are crucial. The current research is part of a broader study on “programmable construction systems” (PCSs), concentrating on “programmable construction materials” (PCMs) for health. Therefore, issues are reviewed, relevancies are addressed, and health-oriented concepts are discussed. Example concepts of formulation and the simplified toolkit creations follow the problems’ sources in a case study, providing insight into the resulting multiscale impacts on real-life practices. The results prove the method’s potential and validate its simplicity and applicability through an abstract examination of a newly built case study. Finally, the summarised outcomes of other extensive studies on societal preferences also confirm the feasibility of the hypothesis (i.e., the healthy materialisation) also from a social perspective.
... Healthy building initiatives encourage active designs to support physical activity, promote health, and limit chronic disease. 11,12,14,15 This concept has been described in several publications, 11,12,14,15 and was recently expanded in a published report "The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building". 14,15 The healthy building determinants described in this report by Allen et al 14,15 are: air quality, ventilation, dust and pests, lighting and views, moisture, noise, safety and security, thermal health, and water quality. ...
... Healthy building initiatives encourage active designs to support physical activity, promote health, and limit chronic disease. 11,12,14,15 This concept has been described in several publications, 11,12,14,15 and was recently expanded in a published report "The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building". 14,15 The healthy building determinants described in this report by Allen et al 14,15 are: air quality, ventilation, dust and pests, lighting and views, moisture, noise, safety and security, thermal health, and water quality. ...
... 11,12,14,15 This concept has been described in several publications, 11,12,14,15 and was recently expanded in a published report "The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building". 14,15 The healthy building determinants described in this report by Allen et al 14,15 are: air quality, ventilation, dust and pests, lighting and views, moisture, noise, safety and security, thermal health, and water quality. While no gold standard exists for defining healthy building determinants, this report offers a structured attempt at describing some of the important healthy building determinants and provides a general framework from which to expand. ...
Objective
Back pain and neck pain are very common, costly, and disabling. Healthy building determinants within the built environment have not been adequately assessed as contributors to these conditions. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the relationship of healthy building determinants with back and neck pain.
Data Source
PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and PEDRo. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Studies were included if they met the following criteria: Adults, comparison of healthy building determinants (air quality, ventilation, dust and pests, lighting and views, moisture, noise, safety/security, thermal health, water quality) with back and neck pain, original research, English. Studies were excluded if full text articles were unavailable and if the focus was patient and materials handling or ergonomics.
Data Extraction
Data extraction and other review procedures were elaborated according to PRISMA guidelines. Data Synthesis: Data were synthesized with an approach adapted from Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and American Physical Therapy Association.
Results
37 articles enrolling 46,223 participants were eligible. Most articles were cross-sectional (31/37) and fair quality (28/37). None were interventional. Evidence was found to generally support a relationship indicating that as healthy building determinants worsen, the risk of back and neck pain increases.
Conclusion
Although the available evidence precludes interpretations about causality, the study's findings are starting points to guide future research, knowledge creation, and health promotion initiatives about the relationships of the built environment with back and neck pain.
... The center pioneers research on how the physical environment created by today's buildings impacts human health, welfare, and productivity to create healthier buildings in the future. Nine items detail the fundamental guidelines for creating a healthy building (Allen and Macomber, 2020). The nine basic conditions in this list that must be met for a healthy building are summarized in Table 1. ...
... The nine basic conditions for a healthy building (Allen and Macomber, 2020). ...
Considering that people spend 90% of their time indoors, the indoor environment is by far the most important environment for human health in the modern world. It is thought that indoor environments are linked to numerous ailments related to indoor air quality, including lung cancer, allergies, and airborne infections. The risk of illnesses linked to indoor air quality is, nevertheless, understood to be relatively low in the "Healthy Building" concept if there is no moisture issue endangering the building and all indoor spaces-including wet areas-are suitably ventilated. Numerous scientific investigations show that potentially dangerous compounds known as indoor air pollutants are emitted by various building materials and harm the interior environment's quality. Sick building syndrome is a term used to describe a variety of particular symptoms caused by the interaction of numerous dangerous substances (pollutants) and indoor environment components, reflected in the comfort and health of building users. Sick building syndrome, which frequently causes a drop in workforce productivity, is becoming a substantial public health problem in many countries, mainly developed countries, and generates significant economic loss. However, it is observed that there is a lack of concrete data on the concept of healthy building and sick building syndrome, which has become a widespread problem. Indoor air quality, which can be defined as ventilation level or Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentration, is influenced by "Volatile Organic Compound" (VOC) emissions from building surface materials and furniture, building occupants, and their activities. Total VOC concentration values are critical in developing effective strategies for creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment. The quantity and variety of physical, chemical, and biological contaminants in the interior environment present an urgent need for measures within the building production process to address potential health risks to building users. The literature research paper is about indoor air quality, which aims to describe healthy buildings and sick building syndrome, explain how to maintain indoor air quality through material used and architectural design, how chemical occurs and degrade air quality in the house, and how to measure, simulate and analyze through models.
... However, a 2017 report from the U.S. Department of Energy cites "Technology Enhancements for Current Systems" as one of four high priority interventions for reducing energy usage, with the topranked technology, "Advanced HVAC Sensors", projected to cut current annual commercial energy use by 3.5 percent [1]. Given that Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, increasing HVAC efficiency while providing high indoor air quality (IAQ) is paramount [2]. Intensive HVAC operation maintains high IAQ, but at a significant energy cost. ...
... Particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in width is classified as PM 2.5 , which is generated from vehicle exhaust, burning fossil fuels, cooking, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere [9]. PM 2.5 can be filtered from building air streams using HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) or high MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) filters, yet buildings that lack these technologies can have elevated indoor PM 2.5 levels, leading to negative health effects [2]. The EPA maintains a 24-hour maximum PM 2.5 exposure standard of 12 µg/m 3 [10]. ...
... Notably, the economic impact of this productivity decrease also demonstrated that regaining that 2% productivity increase yields a 9% increase in net revenue for a company working within that environment. (Allen and Macomber 2020) Another study conducted in New York City identified that schools with an internal temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit saw a 14% higher likelihood of failing an exam than if that same space was controlled to 75 degrees (Allen and Macomber 2020). ...
... Notably, the economic impact of this productivity decrease also demonstrated that regaining that 2% productivity increase yields a 9% increase in net revenue for a company working within that environment. (Allen and Macomber 2020) Another study conducted in New York City identified that schools with an internal temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit saw a 14% higher likelihood of failing an exam than if that same space was controlled to 75 degrees (Allen and Macomber 2020). ...
An efficient building should be able to control its internal temperature in a manner that considers both the building’s energy efficiency and the comfort level of its occupants. Thermostats help to control the temperature within a building by providing real-time data on the temperature inside that space to determine whether it is within the acceptable range of that building’s control system, and proper thermostat placement helps to better control a building’s temperature. More thermostats can provide better control of a building, as well as a better understanding of the building’s temperature distribution. In order to determine the minimum number of thermostats required to accurately measure and control the internal temperature distribution of a building, it is necessary to find the locations that show similar environmental conditions. In this paper, we analyzed high resolution temperature measurements from a commercial building using wireless sensors to assess the performance and health of the building’s HVAC zoning and controls system. Then we conducted two cluster analyses to evaluate the efficiency of the existing zoning structure and to find the optimal number of clusters. K-means and time series clustering were used to identify the temperature clusters per building floor. Based on statistical assessments, we observed that time series clustering showed better results than k-means clustering.
... Преходните климатични условия позволяват изнасяне на ежедневните активности целогодишно или с удължен сезон и по този начин допринасят за здравето и благоденствието на обитателите. Хората притежават естествена склонност да търсят контакт с природата, който моментално им се отразява положително чрез [8]: намаляване на стреса, успокояване, ускоряване на оздравителни процеси в организма, повишаване на продуктивността, подобряване на креативността, увеличаване на усещането за благосъстояние и служи като източник на вдъхновение. ...
Настоящата статия класифицира междинните пространства в жилищните единици спрямо местоположението им в застроения обем в четири основни категории – периферни, навлизащи, пробиващи и смесени междинни пространства. Периферните се намират по граничните зони на сградата към външната среда; навлизащите прорязват обема на сградата и са проникващи в него външни пространства, празнини; пробиващите навлизат и излизат през сградата, отнемайки част от нея, а смесените са комбинация от различни видове междинни пространства. Периферните, навлизащите и пробиващите имат по три подвида. За всяка група междинни пространства се прави общ морфологичен анализ и се систематизира ролята им в архитектурата на сградата и на градската среда.
... These smart devices have introduced significant benefits to users and society at large. Continuous monitoring of indoor environmental conditions and user behaviors in smart devices-equipped buildings can help reduce energy consumption as well as enhance users' comfort and wellbeing [3], [44]. For example, Lu et al. [29] shows that using sensors to intelligently control the home's heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) system can achieve a 28% energy saving. ...
Data collection through the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or smart devices, in commercial buildings enables possibilities for increased convenience and energy efficiency. However, such benefits face a large perceptual challenge when being implemented in practice, due to the different ways occupants working in the buildings understand and trust in the data collection. The semi-public, pervasive, and multi-modal nature of data collection in smart buildings points to the need to study occupants' understanding of data collection and notification preferences. We conduct an online study with 492 participants in the US who report working in smart commercial buildings regarding: 1) awareness and perception of data collection in smart commercial buildings, 2) privacy notification preferences, and 3) potential factors for privacy notification preferences. We find that around half of the participants are not fully aware of the data collection and use practices of IoT even though they notice the presence of IoT devices and sensors. We also discover many misunderstandings around different data practices. The majority of participants want to be notified of data practices in smart buildings, and they prefer push notifications to passive ones such as websites or physical signs. Surprisingly, mobile app notification, despite being a popular channel for smart homes, is the least preferred method for smart commercial buildings.
... Or certifications such as LEED (1993), GBC Italia (2009), BREEAM (1990), Fitwel (2016) and others. In 2017, another study on Healthy Buildings was conducted, by Joseph G. Allen and Ari Bernstein of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health [3], with which many distinct components were identified that can support the well-being of the individual in buildings. The analysis of the previously mentioned studies and also the in-depth analysis of the certification protocols already in use on a national and international scale have made it possible through this study to examine the comfort and overall quality of indoor environments in historic buildings with office use, trying to develop a definition that is as broad and realistic as possible. ...
In recent decades, the construction industry has made significant progress in promoting sustainable buildings, with a particular emphasis on reducing environ-mental impact and energy efficiency. However, human well-being and occupant health have become increasingly central themes in this field. Awareness of the fact that the quality of buildings can significantly influence people’s health and psychophysical well-being has grown, leading to the adoption of a new approach in building design and evaluation. The main objective of this work is to explore the foundations for defining a “Healthy Building,” present a measurement model that takes into account various key aspects - thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, biophilia, functional efficiency of the workspace, perception of air quality, lighting quality, light colour and rendering, cleanliness, personal control of systems, privacy, emergency situations, and occupational safety prevention measures, among others that contribute to the well-being of building occupants, and propose design rules/hypotheses through a case study office building located in the city of Messina. This approach is based on sustainability principles, but it goes beyond, focusing on the comfort, health, and well-being of people living and working in these spaces, examining the various aspects of a “Healthy Building” and how they can be measured and properly certified.
... The predominant goal of any functional building is to create a suitable micro-environment for the occupants to pursue the intended building function (e.g. work, education, leisure, etc.) (Allen & Macomber, 2020;Chism, 2006). Respectively, buildings deliver the temperature, humidity, lighting, and ventilation necessary for people to live, learn and work effectively (Curwell et al., 2005;Wu et al., 2022). ...
Any building creates a unique micro-environment. Educational buildings tend to offer a wide range of purposes, with more operational functions than most other buildings. This paper focuses on the occupant’s experiences of Indoor Thermal Comfort (TC) in educational buildings in Auckland, New Zealand. The TC can impact the occupant’s experience and thus affects student learning. This survey-based study examines users’ experience of the educational building’s comfort levels. The collected data from educational building users (n = 109) was analysed to evaluate the relationship between the perceived experience and the building’s function. The key findings of the survey were: (a) Identifying TC as the most significant factor that directly impacts the occupants’ mood or mental state, even when compared to more cognitive factors; (b) Identifying the lecture room as the most critical space for occupants’ thermal perception; and (c) the deviation between the preferred and experienced mental state, in the selected campus were relatively matching. This study contributes to the existing knowledge of educational buildings by quantifying the impact of TC on the occupant’s experience.
... Extensive research has already demonstrated that the implementation of biophilic design principles can substantially improve the overall experience of interior spaces, promoting better health outcomes, reducing the risk of diseases, and alleviating stress [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. Moreover, it has been found to enhance productivity, creativity, and overall user well-being, while aligning with green building strategies and contributing to energy savings [14][15][16]. ...
The increasing popularity of biophilic design in architecture and interior design has led to a widespread integration of indoor ornamental plants and green walls. While numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of such integration for people, only a few have focused on the well-being of the plants themselves. Our latest research project aims to address this gap by exploring suitable lighting conditions for indoor plants, seeking an optimal spectral composition that ensures their well-being, robust growth, and visual appeal, while also optimizing maintenance. Building upon previous applied research, we conducted experiments to analyze the lighting requirements of four species of ornamental plants commonly used indoors. Seven identical room boxes were employed, each illuminated with different light spectra falling within the CCT range of 2800K-5000K. The specific light spectra were meticulously tuned with a focus on the red/blue and red/green ratios, while keeping the photosynthetic photon flux (PPFD) and average illuminance consistent. As a result of this research project, practical guidelines were developed to help lighting designers navigating the intricate world of indoor ornamental plants effectively. By carefully considering the lighting spectrum in the suggested ranges, architects and interior designers can create spaces that not only benefit human occupants but also provide an optimal environment for the well-being and flourishing of indoor plants.
... There are emerging perspectives on the definition of "healthy buildings" (Awada et al., 2021). Several studies present that "healthy buildings" as a building practice that focuses on the fulfillment of indoor environmental quality to contribute to health, productivity, and quality of life (Loftness et al., 2007), such as 1) a building practice that focuses on human's health, satisfaction, and productivity (Cedeño-Laurent et al., 2018); 2) a building that prevents discomfort and dissatisfaction and avoids diseases and ill-health (Altomonte et al., 2020); 3) building practices that improve human health and performance and increase economic value in productivity (Allen & Macomber, 2020); and recently 4) a building that includes all systems that promote and sustain the health of its occupants as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (Awada et al., 2021). It can be concluded that healthy building practice emphasizes the essence of occupant's health for productivity and performance. ...
... Finally, the current pandemic caused by COVID-19 has revived the debate on the impact of the built environment on health and disease transmission, going beyond strictly health aspects and analysing the relationship between architecture and people's individual and collective way of life [33]. This debate can influence urban and architectural aspects, and offers the opportunity to reconcile the necessary architectural response to the pandemic with healthier and more sustainable development linked to climate change, linking energy efficiency, comfort, air quality and health [34]. An architecture capable of providing a compatible response balanced between health, social transformations, economic interests and environmental sustainability [35]. ...
This paper looks at the energy efficiency of the Cité Frugès in Pessac, designed in 1924 by Le Corbusier. Many of the innovations introduced by the Modern movement, such as flat roofs, large windows and solar protection elements, are still evident in the way architecture is carried out today. Most of these contributions were implemented in the Cité Frugès. The aim is to evaluate the architectural design criteria that most influenced the energy performance of Le Corbusier’s works, and to analyse the improvement that could be achieved by energy rehabilitation. The methodology used consisted of a systematised study of the five dwellings designed by Le Corbusier. For the modelling and calculation of their energy performance the “Líder–Calener unified tool” was used for evaluation, under the standards of compliance with European regulations for nearly zero energy consumption buildings. Energy parameters, such as thermal transmittance, solar gains and overall annual energy demand, were tested. The results obtained provide information on energy performance and allow for the analysis of possible energy refurbishment alternatives. The analysis of the results makes it possible to identify and qualitatively and quantitatively assess the limitations of the most relevant architectural and construction aspects in relation to energy efficiency and to draw up an energy map of the Cité Frugès in Pessac.
... Our study was strengthened by use of the same classrooms over a two-week period in the same elementary school. The classrooms were of approximately equal size (area: 140 m 2 and 152 m 2 ; volume: 427 m 3 and 463 m 3 ) and layout, and there was a consistent number of students (14)(15)(16) in each classroom over the sampling period (S1 Fig). This limited potential ...
Given the increased use of air cleaners as a prevention measure in classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to investigate the effects of portable air cleaners with HEPA filters and window A/C fans on real-time (1 minute) concentrations of PM less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) or less than 1 microns (PM1.0) in two classrooms in a non-urban elementary school in Rhode Island. For half of each school day, settings were randomized to “high” or “low” for the air cleaner and “on” or “off” for the fan. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used to evaluate the impacts of each set of conditions on PM2.5 and PM1.0 concentrations. The mean half-day concentrations ranged from 3.4–4.1 μg/m³ for PM2.5 and 3.4–3.9 μg/m³ for PM1.0. On average, use of the fan when the air cleaner was on the low setting decreased PM2.5 by 0.53 μg/m³ [95% CI: -0.64, -0.42] and use of the filter on high (compared to low) when the fan was off decreased PM2.5 by 0.10 μg/m³ [95% CI: -0.20, 0.005]. For PM1.0, use of the fan when the air cleaner was on low decreased concentrations by 0.18 μg/m³ [95% CI: -0.36, -0.01] and use of the filter on high (compared to low) when the fan was off decreased concentrations by 0.38 μg/m³ [95% CI: -0.55, -0.21]. In general, simultaneous use of the fan and filter on high did not result in additional decreases in PM concentrations compared to the simple addition of each appliance’s individual effect estimates. Our study suggests that concurrent or separate use of an A/C fan and air cleaner in non-urban classrooms with low background PM may reduce classroom PM concentrations.
... Students typically spend 15,600 h in classrooms by the time they graduate from high school. The amount of time spent in classes is second only to the amount of time spent at home [1,2]. A significant relationship exists between indoor environment quality (IEQ) of classrooms and student's learning abilities, psycho-social development, problem-solving abilities and health [3]. ...
Children differ from adults in their physiology and cognitive ability. Thus, they are extremely vulnerable to classroom thermal comfort. However, very few reviews on the thermal comfort of primary school students are available. Further, children-focused surveys have not reviewed the state-of-the-art in thermal comfort prediction using machine learning (AI/ML). Consequently, there is a need for discussion on children-specific challenges in AI/ML-based prediction. This article bridges these research gaps. It presents a comprehensive review of thermal comfort studies in primary school classrooms since 1962. It considers both conventional (non-ML) studies and the recent AI/ML studies performed for children, classrooms, and primary students. It also underscores the importance of AI/ML prediction by analyzing adaptive opportunities for children/students in classrooms. Thereafter, a review of AI/ML-based prediction studies is presented. Through an AI/ML case-study, it demonstrates that model performance for children and adults differs markedly. Performance of classification models trained on ASHRAE-II database and a recent primary students’ dataset shows a 29% difference in thermal sensation and 86% difference in thermal preference, between adults and children. It then highlights three major children-specific AI/ML challenges, viz., “illogical votes”, “multiple comfort metrics”, and “extreme class imbalance”. Finally, it offers several technical solutions and discusses open problems.
... People spend about 90% of their time indoors, so it is extremely important that they feel comfortable there [1]. In addition to general well-being, thermal comfort influences the effectiveness of learning and work performance [2,3]. ...
Thermal comfort affects not only the well-being of the occupants of a building but also the effectiveness of their learning and work efficiency. It can be disturbed if the ventilation airflow is increased when improving indoor air quality. When natural ventilation is used in the fall and winter period, the supply air temperature is low, resulting in a lack of thermal comfort. In existing buildings, there is often no place for mechanical ventilation; hence, decentralised façade ventilation units are increasingly used. The article presents an analysis of thermal comfort in rooms with this type of unit equipped with heat recovery exchangers of different efficiencies. Studies have shown that the alternating supply/exhaust airflow and the related unevenness of air streams flowing through the heat accumulator cause an inflow of low-temperature air, resulting in thermal discomfort. The highest value of the PMV index was −1.6, and the lowest was −4.1, which means that 54.8 to 100% of the occupants are dissatisfied with their thermal comfort. This means there is a need to change the construction of inlet/exhaust vents so that the stream of supply air is not directly parallel to the floor. In addition, the use of an air heater should be considered.
... Bacterial and fungal growth rates (CFU per ml or area of mycelium) at EC window (both clear and tinted) were compared with Blinds individually. Percentage of growth rate reduction was calculated using Equation 1. Results are summarized in Table 1. ...
Built environments play a key role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Ventilation rates, air temperature, and humidity affect airborne transmission while cleaning protocols, material properties and light exposure can influence viability of pathogens on surfaces. We investigated how indoor daylight intensity and spectrum through electrochromic (EC) windows can impact the growth rate and viability of indoor pathogens on different surface materials (polyvinyl chloride [PVC] fabric, polystyrene, and glass) compared to traditional blinds. Results showed that tinted EC windows let in higher energy, shorter wavelength daylight than those with clear window and blind. The growth rates of pathogenic bacteria and fungi were significantly lower in spaces with EC windows compared to blinds: nearly 100% growth rate reduction was observed when EC windows were in their clear state followed by 41%–100% reduction in bacterial growth rate and 26%–42% reduction in fungal growth rate when EC windows were in their darkest tint. Moreover, bacterial viabilities were significantly lower on PVC fabric when they were exposed to indoor light at EC‐tinted window. These findings are deemed fundamental to the design of healthy modern buildings, especially those that encompass sick and vulnerable individuals.
... Environmental psychology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the interplay between individuals and their surroundings. It examines the way in which natural and built environments can unwittingly shape people's perceptions, attitudes, or behaviors (Allen & MacComber, 2020;Donohoe, 2014;Goldhagen, 2017). We recently published two thorough reviews of environmental factors related to haunt and poltergeist episodes, which revealed an urgent need for additional research due to the paucity of highly relevant studies Jawer et al., 2020). ...
The idea of ‘life after death’ transcends philosophy or religion, as science can test predictions from claims by both its advocates and skeptics. This study therefore featured two researchers with opposite views, who jointly gathered hundreds of research studies to evaluate the maximum average percentage effect that seemingly supports (i.e., anomalous effects) or refutes (i.e., known confounds) the survival hypothesis. The mathematical analysis found that known confounds did not account for 39% of survival-related phenomena that appear to attest directly to human consciousness continuing in some form after bodily death. Thus, we concluded that popular skeptical explanations are presently insufficient to explain a sizable portion of the purported evidence in favor of survival. People with documented experiences under conditions that overcome the known confounds thus arguably meet the legal requirements for expert witness testimony. The equation that led to our verdict can also purposefully guide future research, which one day might finally resolve this enduring question scientifically.
Keywords: anomalous experience, empiricism, paranormal belief, probability, survival
... Environmental psychology is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the interplay between individuals and their surroundings. It examines the way in which natural and built environments can unwittingly shape people's perceptions, attitudes, or behaviors (Allen & MacComber, 2020;Donohoe, 2014;Goldhagen, 2017). We recently published two thorough reviews of environmental factors related to haunt and poltergeist episodes, which revealed an urgent need for additional research due to the paucity of highly relevant studies Jawer et al., 2020). ...
... Protects employee safety and security. When we don't feel safe and secure, our wellbeing is dramatically degraded (Allen and Macomber, 2020). ...
To prepare a new formaldehyde adsorption material with excellent comprehensive performance, high practical value, and easy industrial production, a regenerated cellulose fiber (RCF) non-woven fabric-supported ZIF-67 (ZIF-67@RCF) was prepared by in situ growth of ZIF-67 on the surface of fibers. The microscopic morphology, mechanical properties, specific surface area, and formaldehyde adsorption properties were analyzed, and the results showed that the ZIF-67 can rapidly and extensively grow on the surface of RCF under normal temperature and pressure with uniform distribution. The fiber surface can be completely covered within 25 min with a loading capacity of nearly 2 wt%. The important thing is this method does not damage the mechanical properties of RCF non-woven fabric; on the contrary, it improves the mechanical properties to some extent. In an enclosed testing space, formaldehyde was able to be removed quickly in the presence of ZIF-67@RCF and the removal rate could reach 98% in 10 min. We believe that this material could be used to prepare new air purification filter for formaldehyde removal.
El presente artículo propone establecer criterios mínimos para el desarrollo de un ambiente construido saludable a partir de categorías directas indispensables en la salud humana, considerando la definición de salud de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, que implica el bienestar físico, mental y social de los habitantes. La metodología utiliza la revisión sistemática de diversos autores e instituciones relacionadas con el edificio saludable y el metaanálisis para investigar la búsqueda de las categorías en fuentes de información y evaluar su dispersión, junto con el análisis de frecuencia de los factores directos que implican un riesgo a la salud dentro del ambiente construido. El resultado establece de manera integral siete categorías directas: calidad del aire interior, rango higrotérmico, rango acústico, humedad, rango lumínico, campos electromagnéticos, seguridad y accesibilidad. El objetivo es que dichas categorías puedan ser evaluadas y difundidas de manera accesible en países de economías de bajo y medio nivel de consumo, como los países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe, con el fin de fortalecer su marco normativo que regule los procesos de la construcción para mejorar la salud, promoviendo el desarrollo de habilidades del bienestar en los habitantes.
Ao se falar em promoção da saúde e qualidade de vida envolve-se vários segmentos sociais e profissões, a Arquitetura e Urbanismo é uma delas, pois sem a adequada utilização dos espaços, promover saúde se torna mais difícil. O objetivo principal deste estudo é analisar a relação entre Arquitetura, promoção da saúde e qualidade de vida em cursos universitários, no Brasil, com base em suas matrizes curriculares e ementas. A metodologia utilizada foi a bibliográfica, utilizando-se bases de dados online. Também foi feita a análise documental em ementas e matrizes curriculares de Cursos de Graduação de Arquitetura e Urbanismo em algumas universidades pelo Brasil, por meio da análise dos Projetos Pedagógicos dos Cursos de Arquitetura e Urbanismo das instituições elencadas neste estudo. Os documentos foram adquiridos online e/ou por meio dos canais de comunicação das instituições. Os resultados sinalizam que, embora se mencione muito sobre qualidade de vida e promoção da saúde dentro dos Projetos Pedagógicos dos cursos, grande parte não traz os termos “Promoção da Saúde” e “Qualidade de vida” em suas matrizes curriculares e ementas, sugerindo que esses temas pouco são abordados nas práticas das instituições.
This study investigates the developments and significance of human-centered residential architecture in the post-COVID era, focusing on how the pandemic has shaped architectural design better to accommodate inhabitants' evolving needs and well-being. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a comprehensive literature review, expert interviews, and case studies of innovative residential projects. The literature review highlights the fundamental principles of human-centered design, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and the integration of outdoor and indoor spaces. Expert interviews with architects and urban planners provide insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in developing residential projects during and after the pandemic. At the same time, case studies showcase successful examples of human-centered architecture addressing the unique demands of the post-COVID context. Results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of human-centered design principles in residential architecture, improving occupants' mental and physical health, enhancing social interactions, and promoting sustainability. Key findings reveal an increased emphasis on flexible living spaces, biophilic design elements, and technology integration to support remote work and communication. Furthermore, the study underscores the role of community-based amenities and shared spaces in fostering a sense of belonging and resilience. The research contributes to the growing knowledge of human-centered residential architecture post-COVID. It highlights the significance of addressing the changing needs of inhabitants to promote well-being and adaptability in an increasingly unpredictable world. The findings have practical implications for architects, urban planners, and policymakers designing and developing future residential projects. Keywords: human-centered design, residential architecture, post-COVID era, sustainable living
Non-image forming effects of electric light can be employed to address problems related to individuals' productivity in isolated and confined extreme environments (ICEs). A systematic review and meta-analysis, registered at PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD 42022326269), were conducted to thoroughly evaluate the efficacy of the daytime artificial light intervention on alertness, cognition, and mood using psychological, cognitive performance, and physiological multimodal measures. Twenty-eight studies were identified after an extensive search scope of major electronic databases including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. Results revealed that the use of daytime light interventions significantly improved alertness and cognition, and reduced the alpha wave of electroencephalogram, whereas no significant difference was observed for mood. Subgroup analyses by intervention attribute suggested that light parameters and time characteristics affected the efficacy of diurnal light intervention with varying degrees. Future work investigating the correlation between the two variables is needed to further our understanding of the impact of daytime electric light on human responses. This study and its methodology can be useful for researchers as they establish lighting design guidelines capable of improving human functions in ICEs. ARTICLE HISTORY
The paper provides an overview of research conducted in the field of wood application in the interior environment and on how solid wood as a material affects human behavior and sense of wellbeing. The analyzed literature includes articles published in the period 1989-2021 in Pub-Med, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science (WoS) databases using keywords: wood; wellbeing; psychological and physiological responses; indoor environment. Thirty-one articles were processed. Results from the studies confirmed that people have a strong connection and positive behavioral reactions in relation to the use of solid wood in interiors. Wood visually and tactilely affects the mental state of users, and affects physical state, productivity, and stress. Selected studies were reviewed to better understand the impact of the solid wood application on user behavior, health, and wellbeing using objective and subjective test methods. All the findings can be a potential guide for greater future implementation of wood in the sustainable interior design of timber buildings by wood processors, manufacturers, architects, and interior designers, as well as a more vital branding of sustainable and healthy wooden products and buildings with the aim of increasing the wellbeing in interior environments with an emphasis on furnishing sustainable public facilities.
Back pain and neck pain are important public health concerns and are among the most common and disabling conditions globally. However, the relationships among indoor air quality (IAQ), breathing parameters (pulmonary function, respiratory disorders), and back pain and neck pain have not been adequately assessed. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature about the impact of IAQ and breathing parameters on back pain and neck pain (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022380515). CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDRo, and PubMed databases were searched through January 19, 2023. Inclusion criteria for study eligibility were observational studies (except case reports) or randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in peer-reviewed journals in the English language, human research, original research, examined the relationships between IAQ, or breathing parameters with back pain or neck pain. Review procedures were conducted and reported according to PRISMA recommendations. Empirical evidence statements were developed for observational studies, and grades of evidence statements were developed for RCTs. Sixty-seven eligible studies were found (54 observational studies and 13 RCTs) that enrolled 345,832 participants. None of the studies assessed the combined impact of IAQ and breathing parameters on back pain or neck pain. No level 1 studies were found, which precludes making strong statements about causality and strong recommendations about the efficacy of IAQ and breathing exercise interventions for reducing pain and disability related to back pain and neck pain. Evidence indicates that poor IAQ and respiratory disorders are related to an increased risk of back pain and neck pain. Conflicting evidence exists about the association between pulmonary function with back pain and neck pain. Evidence for breathing exercise interventions was mixed with numerous limitations. This review provides preliminary evidence on the relationships of IAQ and breathing parameters with back pain and neck pain, which can be used to guide future research and clinical implementation efforts. Assuming positive findings in subsequent research, a wide range of stakeholders involved with this complex human-building-environment interface can be equipped to address IAQ and breathing parameters, along with other established risk factors to help those suffering from back pain and neck pain.
Detection of viable viruses in the air is critical in order to determine the level of risk associated with the airborne diffusion of viruses. Different methods have been developed for the isolation, purification, and detection of viable airborne viruses, but they require an extensive processing time and often present limitations including low physical efficiency (i.e., the amount of collected viruses), low biological efficiency (i.e., the number of viable viruses), or a combination of all. To mitigate such limitations, we have employed an efficient technique based on the magnetic levitation (Maglev) technique with a paramagnetic solution and successfully identified distinct variations in levitation and density characteristics among bacteria (Escherichia coli), phages (MS2), and human viruses (SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H1N1). Notably, the Maglev approach enabled a significant enrichment of viable airborne viruses in air samples. Furthermore, the enriched viruses obtained through Maglev exhibited high purity, rendering them suitable for direct utilization in subsequent analyses such as reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or colorimetric assays. The system is portable, easy to use, and cost-efficient and can potentially provide proactive surveillance data for monitoring future outbreaks of airborne infectious diseases and allow for the induction of various preventative and mitigative measures.
MSC paper on the effects of the pandemic on construction projects in Kuwait
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a substantial societal burden and various factors affect their causation, recovery, and prognosis. Management of MSDs is complex and requires multifaceted interventions. Given the challenges of MSDs and their continued burden, it is possible that additional elements could impact these disorders that have not been fully researched, for example, indoor environmental quality. Our previous review provided preliminary evidence that healthy building determinants (HBDs) are associated with the risk of back and neck pain. However, the relationship of HBDs with extremity MSDs and general MSDs (i.e., MSDs involving multiple body regions or in which body regions were unspecified in the original reports) has not been formally studied. The purpose of this review was to conduct a systematic literature review to assess the relationship of HBDs with extremity and general MSDs (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022314832). PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PEDRo databases were searched through April 2022. Inclusion criteria for study eligibility were as follows: humans of ages ≥18 years, reported on one or more of eight HBDs (1. air quality and ventilation, 2. dust and pests, 3. lighting and views, 4. moisture, 5. noise, 6. safety and security, 7. thermal health, 8. water quality), and compared these HBDs with extremity MSDs or general MSDs, original research, English. Exclusion criteria were as follows: articles not published in peer-reviewed journals, full-text articles unavailable. Review procedures were conducted and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Empirical evidence statements were developed for 33 pairwise comparisons of HBDs with MSDs. The search uncovered 53 eligible studies with 178,532 participants. A total of 74.6% (39/53) of the studies were cross-sectional and 81.1% (43/53) were fair quality. Overall, the majority of uncovered evidence indicates that HBDs are related to risk of extremity and general MSDs. Nineteen comparisons support that as HBDs worsen, the risk of MSDs increases. Six comparisons had conflicting evidence. Three comparisons support that poor HBDs are not related to increased risk of extremity and general MSDs. Five comparisons had no evidence. This systematic review builds upon previous work to provide useful starting points to enhance awareness about the HBD-MSD relationship. These findings can help inform research and public health efforts aimed at addressing suboptimal HBDs through appropriate interventions to improve the lives of those suffering from MSDs.
Air pollution is a persistent issue in dwellings worldwide, costing an estimated 10-25 billion US dollars per year to the United Kingdom's national health service alone. However, it is an "invisible problem" since background pollutants are often imperceptible except during acute pollution events such as wildfires. Although public awareness of ventilation has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are few tools available to assess its efficacy. Widely available sensor systems that can measure these pollutants tend to be single units with simple apps and little connection to mitigation, whereas different rooms in a house may have different pollution issues with different recommended actions. In this study, we present the results of a measurement study conducted using a multi-room sensor kit in twenty-nine dwellings across the UK. We also analyze the occupants' reaction to the hardware, data, and a prototype alerting system. The study shows broad awareness of air quality in the participants. However, this awareness rarely corresponded to effective mitigation actions or ventilation provision. The concept of alerts was welcomed by participants if accompanied by actionable recommendations. The data showed significant pollution events, as measured by proxies such as total VOC and CO 2 , occurring almost daily, particularly in households with gas appliances. These incidents were concentrated around particular times of day and behaviors, indicating that the capacity of infiltration and extract ventilation to bring in adequate fresh air was overwhelmed. No significant outdoor pollution was detected in houses, which was expected given their sheltered peri-urban locations. The study highlights the need for comprehensive implementation of measurement, ventilation, and treatment measures in the UK housing stock to reduce the impact of indoor pollution on health.
En el marco del primer encuentro de la Red Latinoamericana de Escuelas de Arquitectura realizado en Medellín, Colombia, en noviembre de 2021 se discutieron los retos que la Arquitectura en América Latina. En esta discusión fueron expuestos y discutidos, entre otros, dos retos muy alineados con la bioclimática: el cambio climático y la consideración de los factores Humanos. Derivadas de varias investigaciones académicas a lo largo de 10 años, este artículo recoge reflexiones y discute acerca de la urgencia de repensar la arquitectura a la luz de las nuevas condiciones climáticas a las que estarán sometidas las edificaciones que hoy habitamos y diseñamos. Adicionalmente, propone complementar esta discusión desde un enfoque transdisciplinar en el que se considere y visibilicen los factores humanos, específicamente desde el punto de vista de la salud de los habitantes y del rol del Arquitecto para favorecer el bienestar de las personas en espacios interiores. El artículo concluye con la importancia de repensar el rumbo de los planes de estudio de las Escuelas de Arquitectura de manera que se considere el cambio climático y el bienestar de las personas como uno de los ejes problémicos de la enseñanza de la Arquitectura.
Indoor air in residential dwellings can contain a variety of chemicals, sometimes present
at concentrations or in combinations which can have a negative impact on human
health. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) surveys are often required to characterize human
exposure or to investigate IAQ concerns and complaints. Such surveys should include
sufficient contextual information to elucidate sources, pathways, and the magnitude
of exposures. The aim of this review was to investigate and describe the parameters
that affect IAQ in residential dwellings: building location, layout, and ventilation,
finishing materials, occupant activities, and occupant demography. About 180 peer-reviewed
articles, published from 01/2013 to 09/2021 (plus some important earlier
publications), were reviewed. The importance of the building parameters largely depends
on the study objectives and whether the focus is on a specific pollutant or to
assess health risk. When considering classical pollutants such as particulate matter
(PM) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the building parameters can have a significant impact on IAQ, and detailed information of these parameters needs to be reported in each study. Research gaps and suggestions for the future studies together
with recommendation of where measurements should be done are also provided.
The perception, physiology, behavior, and performance of building occupants are influenced by multi-domain exposures: the simultaneous presence of multiple environmental stimuli, i.e., visual, thermal, acoustic, and air quality. Despite being extensive, the literature on multi-domain exposures presents heterogeneous methodological approaches and inconsistent study reporting, which hinders direct comparison between studies and meta-analyses. Therefore, in addition to carrying out more multi-domain studies, such investigations need to be designed, conducted, and documented in a systematic and transparent way. With the goal to facilitate and support future multi-domain studies and their meta-analyses, this work provides (1) a range of criteria for multi-domain study design and reporting (i.e., defined as quality criteria), and (2) a critical review of the multi-domain literature based on the described criteria, which can serve as guidelines and recommendations for future studies on the topic. The identified quality criteria encompass study set-up, study deployment and analysis, and study outcome, stressing the importance of adopting a consistent terminology and result reporting style. The developed critical review highlights several shortcomings in the design, deployment, and documentation of multi-domain studies, emphasizing the need for quality improvements of future multi-domain research. The ultimate goal of this work is to consolidate our knowledge on multi-domain exposures for its integration into regulatory resources and guidelines, which are currently dominated by single-domain knowledge.
Recent simulation-based studies have indicated that Economic Model Predictive Control (EMPC) of space heating systems can exploit the thermal mass in residential buildings for demand response (DR) purposes in district heating systems. However, there is a lack of studies on residents’ perception and acceptance of the fluctuating indoor air temperature behaviour inherent in EMPC of space heating. This paper reports on a case study featuring the residents of three one-story houses located in Denmark. The houses were equipped with technology enabling remote actuation of radiator thermostats and collection of various indoor environmental data. Four different temperature boost interventions mimicking the typical behaviour of EMPC of radiators were executed while a mixed-methods triangulation design, employing questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, was used to collect subjective data. Data showed that residents accepted the behaviour but only after the benefits of the EMPC were explained. The acceptance was motivated by either the prospect of saving money, environmental benefits, or a combination of both. The results thereby indicate that explaining the benefits of EMPC is important if residents are to abandon their current preferences and practices in favour of an EMPC concept. The explanation should consider the diversity in current preferences, expectations, and level of technological pre-knowledge. In addition, the paper also reports on a range of findings related to technical aspects of realising EMPC in practice.
Energy efficiency and occupant wellbeing are complex concepts increasingly becoming a mainstream building and construction industry focal point. These concepts demand deciding not only the appropriate building materials, techniques, and systems but also abstract qualities, which are challenging to quantify. As recent automation technologies have advanced, the building and construction sector is experiencing rapid progress, bringing about efficient building development methods. However, building design needs an efficient computerized design tool that enables designers to make more reliable decisions to help achieve the intended quality objectives of the buildings. This paper aims to explore the data preparation of energy-efficient and healthy buildings to be utilized in a machine learning (ML) model that can accurately predict the determination of the building variables. The generalized data used in this study were quantified, analyzed, and processed before being utilized in the machine learning model developed using Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) algorithms. The accuracy of the models was evaluated using the Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The outcome of this study shows that the predictive machine learning model could help decision-makers quantitatively predict the healthy building variables to an adequate level of accuracy.
The physical environment has a powerful impact on our physical and mental health, especially in our homes. One vehicle for advancing a healthier affordable housing stock is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The aim of this research was to examine the manner and extent to which various housing quality provisions pertaining to health are embedded in the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) of the LIHTC program. From content analysis of the QAP of each of the 50 states and a survey of state housing finance agencies (HFAs), results revealed that: the most frequently required healthy housing provisions address housing quality, whereas the most incentivized ones address proximity to neighborhood services and amenities; few states bundle high-priority provisions relevant to asthma, respiratory health and toxic exposures, which are major health concerns for vulnerable children; the top two motivators for considering healthy housing provisions in the LIHTC process were “championship and initiation by agency staff” and “learning of similar practices in other states”; among other findings. Recommendations are made for HFA practices, and directions for future research are proposed.
Buildings are the primary human habitat and their health impacts can be far-reaching across time and space. Homes, workplaces, schools and other buildings can be designed not only as refuges from harsh weather, noise and other environmental harms but also as places that support social interaction and ontological security. This chapter introduces several ways of conceptualising healthy buildings before a detailed exploration of the planning and design goals in the outer ring of the THRIVES framework: acoustic and thermal comfort, affordability, tenure security, lighting and space. The Nightingale Housing model from Australia is provided as an example of sustainable and healthy housing that aims to meet the needs of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Emerging topics in healthy building design are discussed, such as how sleep is influenced by lighting, noise and thermal comfort.
The status quo of urban governance is inadequate for the complex challenges affecting health in the twenty-first century. Alongside design and technology innovations, public health and built environment professionals need to find new ways of collaborating with each other, the public and other urban sectors. Transformative solutions for urban health and sustainability can be found in bottom-up and top-down approaches, which can be mutually supportive. Persuading city leaders to prioritise health equity and environmental sustainability will require professionals to learn new communication techniques—framing complex challenges with optimistic stories about what can be achieved and providing real examples. Looking to the future, smart city technologies will be offered as a solution to health problems, but they should not divert attention from the core issues determining the health impact of urban environments including power, privilege and representation.KeywordsDisaster recoveryCOVID-19Transformational changeFramingSmart citiesTransdisciplinarySocio-technical studies
The concept of eudaemonia originates from neo-Aristotelian philosophy and is associated with human flourishing. Self-determination theory, a means to attain eudaemonia, is examined here as a foundational approach to drive Eudaemonic Design--a novel design strategy that aims to achieve holistic physical, mental, and social health, or eudaemonic well-being. This chapter advances Eudaemonic Design as an architectural and organizational approach to create healthful work environments that support employee and business flourishing. The authors argue that the importance of adopting Eudaemonic Design has grown in need and complexity as work is (re)shaped by the constraints and opportunities presented by the pandemic. By contrasting dominant pre-COVID-19 Work from Office expectations against the post-COVID-19 Work from Anywhere model, this chapter explores the application of Eudaemonic Design to deliver holistic workplace well-being, rather than single variable health and wellness alone, now and into the post-COVID-19 future of work.
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