Architecture, Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 11 articles

The worldwide energy crisis is causing people in most countries to reduce their energy use to prevent the next generation from being unable to fulfill their needs. The Osing people use sustainability values based on traditions passed down from generation to generation with appropriate technology to fit the needs of the people and their environment. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a literature review and data collection. Based on the framework used by Iwanmura, Osing house construction primarily focuses on the principles of low impact and health and amenity. This study reveals that the architectural design and construction process of an energy-efficient traditional building can be adapted to contemporary sustainable housing. The primary aim was to identify and analyze sustainability values in the construction process and techniques of traditional Osing houses in Kemiren Village, Banyuwangi, which can serve as a reference for modern sustainable architecture practices. The study reveals the uniqueness of traditional Osing construction using the local material Bendo wood, which can be dismantled from the foundation up to the roof joint systems, thus allowing the materials to be repaired and recycled down to the smallest parts and minimizing construction waste. The advantage of this building construction process is the use of traditional housing techniques to minimize the need for mechanical systems. This traditional construction method, using wood as the building material and considering climatic features, demonstrates how to achieve sustainable building values throughout all elements of a building that provides users with comfort and safety. Full article

Climate change is a pressing global challenge, significantly influenced by human actions. Considering that buildings account for approximately 40% of total US energy use in the United States, this study examines how humanized energy labeling can influence home buyers’ preferences, shaping total energy demand and usage. “Humanized energy and carbon data” refers to the simplification of complex energy metrics into accessible formats for non-expert audiences. By presenting energy data in a user-friendly manner, this approach aims to empower consumers to prioritize energy-efficient buildings, consequently driving demand for sustainable practices in the building sector. To test this approach, a survey of 163 participants was conducted. Participants were presented with six building façade designs in two rounds: one without energy, carbon, or utility cost data, and the second with comprehensive performance information. Results revealed that 77.3% of participants shifted their preferences after reviewing energy-related data. Furthermore, the study found consistent impacts across demographic groups, highlighting the broad applicability of humanized labeling. These findings confirm the potential of humanized energy labeling to influence housing decisions, driving demand for sustainable practices in real estate. By empowering consumers with accessible information, this approach contributes to mitigating climate change while fostering informed decision-making in the housing market. Full article

Digital Twins (DTs) of buildings can generate large volumes of dynamic data from various sources (e.g., sensors and IoT devices), enabling real-time representation of physical building states in a digital environment. Although machine learning (ML) techniques are increasingly used to predict building energy consumption from this DT data, existing approaches often lack scalability in handling data growth (data scalability) and/or adapting to evolving data patterns (model scalability). This study aims to address both drawbacks by developing a scalable cloud-based framework for the prediction of the building energy consumption. A key contribution to the field is the inclusion of a “monitoring and maintenance” module, which continuously evaluates model performance and triggers retraining only when needed. This enables timely adaptation of the ML model while avoiding unnecessary retraining and the associated computational costs. The framework was implemented and tested in a case study of a commercial building for 90 days, demonstrating its applicability. In a practical setting, the developed model could detect anomalies in time when the accuracy declined below the set threshold (70%) for five days and prevented unnecessary retraining of ML models. The findings support the feasibility of using cloud-based approaches to implement scalable ML models for energy prediction in buildings. Full article

The natural environment plays a vital role in children’s health, influencing their physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual well-being. Maintaining a continuous relationship with nature is essential for children and is a key consideration for professionals, such as architects, urban and interior designers, and landscape architects. School design should balance students’ abilities and environmental challenges and offer opportunities to alleviate mental fatigue, supporting sustained learning. The well-known architectural approach, biophilic, fostering a stronger connection between nature and humans, can significantly enhance students’ learning experiences and mental health in school settings. However, implementing this style in Iranian primary schools has largely been overlooked despite its potential to develop a more peaceful and dynamic environment. This research ranked several schools in northern Iran based on biophilic criteria to help authorities identify which schools require improvements. To this end, biophilic design elements in schools were identified through a literature review and provided to research experts. The most important criteria for evaluating and prioritizing options (schools) were selected based on their opinions. Subsequently, each criterion’s importance (weight) was determined using pairwise comparisons, and, finally, the schools were prioritized using the TOPSIS method. Full article

The urban landscape of the Russian Arctic, shaped during the Soviet era of extensive urbanization, embeds narratives of colonial appropriation and serves as the foundation for ongoing urban development. In light of climatic, political, and social uncertainties, design disciplines must navigate the balance between environmental sustainability and the varied needs of residents, requiring a systemic approach to design. This study combines theoretical analysis with qualitative field research conducted in two Western Siberian cities (Novyy Urengoy and Tarko-Sale), including interviews, mental mapping, and systematic observation of urban life. Analysis of the collected data revealed significant challenges in current urban design practices, particularly regarding weather protection, seasonal adaptation, and social space creation. The proposed model constitutes a pioneering initiative in domestic Arctic urban research, aiming to conceptualize a context-sensitive approach to urban environmental formation, thereby challenging prevalent universal/mainstream methodologies and establishing a theoretical framework for future applications. Our theoretical model synthesizes representations, perceptions, and materiality, conceptualizing the architectural environment as a context-sensitive “life-support module”. This conceptualization emphasizes that successful Arctic urban design must emerge from specific local contexts rather than universal solutions, as demonstrated by our analysis of residents’ spatial practices and adaptations to extreme conditions. We reference media studies to analyze urban materiality as both an artificial construct that mediates perceptions of the immediate surroundings and as a generative force that actively shapes meanings, practices, and sensations. Our findings indicate that current standardized approaches to Arctic urban development often fail to address local needs and environmental conditions, suggesting the necessity for a fundamental shift in design methodology. Given that the urban realm is a fundamental component in shaping individual and collective perceptions, this conceptual shift has the potential to significantly influence prevailing societal views of the “empty” and “hostile” Arctic. Full article

Tactical urbanism (TU) and Virtual Reality (VR) both aim to reimagine physical spaces, with TU utilizing rapid, temporary, scalable, and cost-effective physical interventions to test and refine urban design, while VR offers immersive virtual environments for exploration and analysis. This article investigates the integration of VR with TU to address challenges in effectively communicating and evaluating temporary urban interventions. This study is grounded in a literature review on spatial perception, TU, and VR, followed by an empirical experiment involving Brazilian college students. Participants interacted with a parklet installation in both physical and virtual environments, with their spatial perception and emotional responses evaluated using the AR4CUP (Augmented Reality for Collaborative Urban Planning) protocol. The results demonstrated that VR positively impacts the perception, usability, and social dynamics of urban spaces. Participants emphasized the importance of social interaction and recreational activities, reinforcing VR’s potential to simulate and refine urban interventions. A crucial avenue for future research is identifying best practices for using VR as a platform for collaborative design and decision-making. This step could enhance VR’s effectiveness in creating public spaces that align with community needs, fostering participatory planning and promoting inclusive, functional, and enriching environments. Full article

Sustainability has become an important focus in the construction industry due to growing environmental concerns, resource depletion, and the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The construction sector contributes significantly to the world’s carbon emissions and energy consumption, making it a prime candidate for sustainable transformation. In response to these challenges, there has been a shift towards utilizing earth-based products, especially earth blocks, as sustainable alternatives. Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) are garnering increased attention because of their ability to lower environmental impact. These blocks are made from locally sourced materials, reducing the transportation-related emissions and energy use. Their production processes typically require far less energy than traditional building blocks, which results in reduced carbon footprints. Earth blocks also contribute to sustainability through their thermal performance, which can enhance energy efficiency in buildings by naturally regulating indoor temperatures. As a result, less artificial heating and cooling is required, leading to further energy savings. Furthermore, CSEBs and other earth blocks can incorporate waste materials promoting a circular economy and resource efficiency. This paper explores the multifaceted role of earth blocks in sustainable construction by conducting a comprehensive systematic and bibliometric analysis. By evaluating research trends, the evolution of the field, and the broader impact of these materials, this study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the contributions of earth blocks to sustainability. Key areas of focus include identifying prominent research themes, emerging technologies, and future opportunities for incorporating earth blocks into mainstream construction practices. This approach aligns with the vision of advancing sustainable architecture and green buildings to minimize environmental pollution and resource consumption while supporting the transition to a circular economy in the built environment. Full article

The building sector, responsible for 40% of global energy consumption, faces increasing demands for sustainability and energy efficiency. Accurate energy consumption forecasting is essential to optimise performance and reduce environmental impact. This study introduces a hybrid machine learning framework grounded in Sparse, Interpretable, and Transparent (SIT) modelling to enhance building energy management. Leveraging the REFIT Smart Home Dataset, the framework integrates occupancy pattern analysis, appliance-level energy prediction, and probabilistic uncertainty quantification. The framework clusters occupancy-driven energy usage patterns using K-means and Gaussian Mixture Models, identifying three distinct household profiles: high-energy frequent occupancy, moderate-energy variable occupancy, and low-energy irregular occupancy. A Random Forest classifier is employed to pinpoint key appliances influencing occupancy, with a drop-in accuracy analysis verifying their predictive power. Uncertainty analysis quantifies classification confidence, revealing ambiguous periods linked to irregular appliance usage patterns. Additionally, time-series decomposition and appliance-level predictions are contextualised with seasonal and occupancy dynamics, enhancing interpretability. Comparative evaluations demonstrate the framework’s superior predictive accuracy and transparency over traditional single machine learning models, including Support Vector Machines (SVM) and XGBoost in Matlab 2024b and Python 3.10. By capturing occupancy-driven energy behaviours and accounting for inherent uncertainties, this research provides actionable insights for adaptive energy management. The proposed SIT hybrid model can contribute to sustainable and resilient smart energy systems, paving the way for efficient building energy management strategies. Full article

In the image era, architectural drawing gradually evolved from being a part of traditional architectural design to an artistic form with independent aesthetic value. However, a systematic evaluation method for this unique art form is still lacking. This study analyzes the works of four Chinese and Japanese architects, focusing on the functionality and artistry of architectural drawings. Combining iconography, semiotic analysis, and theories from visual culture studies, it explores the visual language and cultural significance embedded in architectural drawings from a new perspective and attempts to establish an evaluation framework. The analysis of visual symbols, cultural codes, and social contexts reveals how architects convey architectural concepts, historical memories, and urban landscapes through their drawings. This study finds that architectural drawings not only convey architectural information but also integrate cultural narratives and artistic expression, serving as an important intersection between architecture and other disciplines. Although interpretations may vary across cultural contexts, the semiotic approach offers a relatively objective evaluation system. This research helps architects, artists, and educators better understand the role of architectural drawing and promotes its application in architectural design, artistic creation, and education. Full article

In the realm of housing, the concept of adaptability has emerged as a pivotal solution to address the evolving space needs of households. The hypothesis and contribution that this paper puts forward is that dwellings can be designed to accommodate society’s demographic transformation and facilitate the evolving interior space needs of their occupants. It investigates the concept of Life Cycle Homes manifested through designs of flexible living spaces that can be easily modified to align with the changing dynamics of family structures over time to achieve user satisfaction, circularity, and sustainability. The investigation begins with an exploration of contemporary demographic shifts and variations in family sizes. The discussion underscores how different types of families interact with their homes, highlighting the necessity for adaptable housing solutions. The paper then continues with the study of past theories and application in adaptable housing, most notably through the work of Habraken and Japanese housing innovation. A detailed examination of various flexible housing strategies is presented, focusing on innovative approaches like demountable partitions. These strategies are instrumental in creating versatile living spaces that can seamlessly adapt to households’ diverse and dynamic requirements. Following a research and development process, and as part of the methodology, the paper introduces the Life Cycle Home project that was conceived by the author to illustrate a practical implementation of adaptable housing strategies. The three-floors home exemplifies how flexibility and versatility can meet the changing needs of homeowners, offering a blueprint for future residential design. Full article

In various climate conditions, courtyards have a major impact on a building’s energy efficiency and thermal performance. The purpose of this study is to understand and analyze the environmental aspects of a courtyard in a particular area. The chosen region is Trichy, which has generally warm-humid climate. To understand environmental factors like thermal comfort, natural ventilation, natural lighting, and microclimate, cases from the region were chosen. The primary objective of this paper is to utilize computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate how these environmental factors affect the courtyard in the stated location. The chosen case is stimulated using DesignBuilder software. The field investigation is the first step in the study, which is then followed by the model-making process and stimulation. This study investigates the impact of environmental parameters on courtyard efficiency, focusing on their response to environmental conditions. Through field investigation and modeling of chosen examples, the study reveals critical elements for courtyard design success, emphasizing the relevance of knowing these characteristics for effective courtyard planning in the region. The results are beneficial for analyzing the courtyard’s circumstances since they take into consideration the courtyard’s performance towards microclimate and influences on various courtyard components. Additionally, they offer a helpful coefficient factor for additional courtyard studies. Full article