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Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability...
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Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability in the Built Environment

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Energy, Physics, Environment, and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 November 2025 | Viewed by 3348

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lidia Badarnah

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Architecture and Environment, Faculty of Environment and Technology, University of the West of England, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK
Interests: adaptive architectural design; environmental building systems; biomimetics; responsive building envelopes; climate change adaptation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesco Sommese

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P. le Vincenzo Tecchio, 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
Interests: nature-based solutions; adaptive building envelope; kinetic facade; daylighting; biomimetics; smart materials; bioclimatic and green building; rural architecture

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our planet is undergoing constant change, with increasingly frequent and severe climate events. In response, the construction sector must undergo a significant transformation. Traditional construction methods, developed for a stable environment, are now facing limitations. Therefore, it is imperative to rethink how we design and construct buildings, seeking innovative solutions that can adapt to environmental fluctuations and reduce their impact on our ecosystem.

How can we create buildings that effectively address the challenges of climate change? How can we enhance the resilience of buildings against extreme events? What role can the construction industry play in combating climate change and reducing its carbon footprint? What are the latest innovations and future directions in the construction sector?

This Special Issue aims to offer a thorough exploration of current trends and future advancements in environmentally adaptive building design. Through the analysis of state-of-the-art practices, case studies, and innovative methodologies, it seeks to equip professionals and researchers in the construction sector with insights into solutions that address both present and future challenges, ultimately contributing to the development of sustainable cities and communities.

This Special Issue welcomes review articles, research papers, and case studies.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Responsive architecture;
  • Biodesign and adaptive technologies;
  • Innovative and advanced design approaches;
  • Sustainable materials for carbon footprint reduction;
  • Adaptation and mitigation strategies for environmental hazards;
  • Physical analysis of buildings for energy efficiency.

Dr. Lidia Badarnah
Dr. Francesco Sommese
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Buildings is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • adaptive facade
  • bio-design
  • energy efficiency
  • climate change adaptation
  • built environment

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  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 6747 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Glazing Technologies for Energy-Efficient Buildings in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia
by Mohammed M. Gomaa, Amr Sayed Hassan Abdallah, Mohammed A. Aloshan and Ayman Ragab
Buildings 2025, 15(9), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15091477 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 209
Abstract
This study employs Design Builder software to evaluate advanced glazing technologies for enhancing the thermal performance of residential buildings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Recognizing the energy inefficiencies caused by adopting Western architectural styles unsuited to local climatic conditions, and given that buildings consume [...] Read more.
This study employs Design Builder software to evaluate advanced glazing technologies for enhancing the thermal performance of residential buildings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Recognizing the energy inefficiencies caused by adopting Western architectural styles unsuited to local climatic conditions, and given that buildings consume 44% of national energy, we conducted a systematic parametric analysis to isolate the effects of key glazing parameters. The study examines six polycarbonate (PC) configurations and three critical comparative cases: (1) a selective double-glazed unit representing a new baseline glazing; (2) a low-U configuration to isolate thermal insulation effects; and (3) a low-SHGC configuration to evaluate solar heat gain mitigation independently. These controlled comparisons address a critical research gap by decoupling the traditionally confounded impacts of U-value and SHGC in hot climates. The simulations reveal that the 36 mm aerogel glazing (U = 0.9 W/m2·K, SHGC = 0.3) reduces cooling demand by 48.6% annually compared to single-pane glazing while maintaining indoor temperatures at 30.09 °C versus 38.43 °C at baseline. Notably, the findings demonstrate that 87% of these savings derive from SHGC reduction, with only 3.02 percentage points attributable to U-value improvements. The selective DGU benchmark delivers 85% of aerogel’s benefits at 40% lower cost, establishing it as a practical solution for most applications. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for Saudi Vision 2030’s sustainability goals, emphasizing that while aerogel glazing excels in extreme solar exposures, strategic SHGC optimization in conventional glazing can achieve the most energy savings in hot climates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability in the Built Environment)
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28 pages, 14603 KiB  
Article
Evaluation and Optimization of Outdoor Thermal Comfort of Block-Style Commercial Complex in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Regions of China
by Yeheng Zhou, Jiang Zhu, Eryu Ni and Yanzhe Hu
Buildings 2025, 15(6), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060929 - 15 Mar 2025
Viewed by 347
Abstract
In recent years, block-style commercial complexes have become a prominent form of commercial architecture in many Chinese cities. The thermal comfort of their outdoor spaces significantly influences people’s activities and the overall quality of these areas. This study explores the relationship between the [...] Read more.
In recent years, block-style commercial complexes have become a prominent form of commercial architecture in many Chinese cities. The thermal comfort of their outdoor spaces significantly influences people’s activities and the overall quality of these areas. This study explores the relationship between the morphological elements of outdoor spaces in such complexes and thermal comfort, using quantifiable methods to identify key control indicators. Enhancing thermal comfort is crucial for improving spatial quality, increasing dwell time, and boosting commercial vibrancy. Focusing on the hot summer and cold winter climate of Shanghai, this research analyzed two representative block-style commercial complexes. It employed computer simulations and sensory comfort surveys to demonstrate that block morphology significantly impacts outdoor thermal comfort. Three control variables—street density, number of street intersections, and street orientation—were selected to study their effects. Spatial prototypes were categorized, and their thermal comfort performance was evaluated using numerical simulations. Based on these findings, spatial morphology was iteratively optimized. This study concluded by proposing evaluation indicators for spatial morphology control elements to enhance outdoor thermal comfort. It also provided external spatial layout strategies for block-style commercial complexes in similar climates, offering architects and urban designers decision-making criteria to improve thermal comfort in outdoor spaces. This research contributes to creating more comfortable and vibrant urban environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability in the Built Environment)
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31 pages, 15498 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Vertical Greenery on Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Carbon Emission Reduction at the Urban Scale in Turin, Italy
by Amir Dehghan Lotfabad, Seyed Morteza Hosseini, Paolo Dabove, Milad Heiranipour and Francesco Sommese
Buildings 2025, 15(3), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15030450 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1176
Abstract
Urban heat islands (UHIs) increase urban warming and reduce outdoor thermal comfort due to changing surface characteristics and climate change. This study investigates the role of green walls (GWs) in mitigating UHI, improving outdoor thermal comfort, and reducing carbon emissions under current and [...] Read more.
Urban heat islands (UHIs) increase urban warming and reduce outdoor thermal comfort due to changing surface characteristics and climate change. This study investigates the role of green walls (GWs) in mitigating UHI, improving outdoor thermal comfort, and reducing carbon emissions under current and future (2050) scenarios. Focusing on Via della Consolata, Turin, Italy, the study combines remote sensing for UHI detection and numerical simulations for thermal analysis during seasonal extremes. The results show that GWs slightly reduce air temperatures, with a maximum decrease of 1.6 °C in winter (2050), and have cooling effects on mean radiant temperature (up to 2.27 °C) during peak summer solar radiation. GWs also improve outdoor comfort, reducing the Universal Thermal Climate Index by 0.55 °C in the summer of 2050. The energy analysis shows that summer carbon emission intensity is reduced by 31%, despite winter heating demand increasing emissions by 45%. The study highlights the potential of GWs in urban climate adaptation, particularly in dense urban environments with low sky view factors. Seasonal optimization is crucial to balance cooling and heating energy demand. As cities face rising temperatures and heat waves, the integration of GWs offers a sustainable strategy to improve microclimate, reduce carbon emissions, and mitigate the effects of UHI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability in the Built Environment)
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Review

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36 pages, 4396 KiB  
Review
Optimizing Energy Efficiency: Louver Systems for Sustainable Building Design
by Waseem Iqbal, Irfan Ullah, Asif Hussain, Meeryoung Cho, Jongbin Park, Keonwoo Lee and Seoyong Shin
Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071183 - 3 Apr 2025
Viewed by 924
Abstract
As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, architects and engineers are increasingly seeking innovative passive strategies to improve building energy efficiency. Among these strategies, the strategic integration of louvers has garnered significant attention due to their potential to optimize building envelope performance and [...] Read more.
As the global focus on sustainability intensifies, architects and engineers are increasingly seeking innovative passive strategies to improve building energy efficiency. Among these strategies, the strategic integration of louvers has garnered significant attention due to their potential to optimize building envelope performance and reduce energy consumption. Louvers effectively manage solar heat gain, mitigating the impact of extreme temperatures on indoor spaces. Consequently, louvers reduce the reliance on active HVAC systems, leading to notable energy savings and a decreased carbon footprint. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the role of louvers in enhancing building energy efficiency, highlighting their designs, efficiency, and improvement suggestions. Moreover, this review article addresses potential challenges related to louver design, such as balancing the trade-off between solar heat gain and daylighting and how to optimize louver configurations for specific building types. Approaches to overcome these challenges, including advanced modeling techniques and parametric design, are also explored to assist architects and designers in achieving the most energy-efficient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches to Climate-Responsive Building Design: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability in the Built Environment)
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