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27 pages, 8076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Diagnosis of Wind Health-Vulnerable Spaces in High-Rise Residential Areas of Xi’an

by Jiewen Chen, Siqing Ma, Yuan Meng, Yu Liu and Juan Ren

Buildings 2025, 15(9), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15091538 - 2 May 2025

As urbanization accelerates, high-rise residential areas (HRRAs) have become a dominant urban housing typology. However, their complex building layouts significantly alter local wind environments, potentially impacting residents’ health. While existing studies mainly focus on macro-scale wind analysis, there is limited exploration of the [...] Read more.

As urbanization accelerates, high-rise residential areas (HRRAs) have become a dominant urban housing typology. However, their complex building layouts significantly alter local wind environments, potentially impacting residents’ health. While existing studies mainly focus on macro-scale wind analysis, there is limited exploration of the micro-environmental interactions between wind conditions and human activities. This study proposes the concept of Wind Health-Vulnerable Space (WHVS) and addresses the following scientific question: How do building layouts affect local wind fields and influence pollutant accumulation and health risks, particularly for air pollutants like PM2.5 (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less), which is closely associated with adverse respiratory and cardiovascular health outcomes? To investigate this, a multidimensional framework integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with point-of-interest (POI) data was developed to identify and diagnose these spaces. Case studies of two typical HRRAs in Xi’an, China, reveal two types of WHVSs: (1) localized calm zones between buildings (wind speed < 0.5 m/s, pressure −0.5 to 3 Pa), where PM2.5 concentrations are 25–30% higher than surrounding areas; and (2) large-scale weak wind areas in enclosed layouts (wind speed < 0.5 m/s, pressure −1 to −2 Pa), with PM2.5 concentrations increased by 28–35%. The results highlight a dual mechanism in the formation of vulnerable spaces: wind field disturbances caused by building layout and the overlay effect of human activity distribution. This framework offers new insights and scientific support for health-oriented urban planning and building layout optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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29 pages, 6510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy-Efficient Design of Immigrant Resettlement Housing in Qinghai: Solar Energy Utilization, Sunspace Temperature Control, and Envelope Optimization

by Bo Liu, Yu Liu, Qianlong Xin, Xiaomei Kou and Jie Song

Buildings 2025, 15(9), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15091434 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 195

Abstract

Qinghai Province urgently requires the development of adaptive energy-efficient rural housing construction to address resettlement needs arising from hydropower projects, given the region’s characteristic combination of high solar irradiance resources and severe cold climate conditions. This research establishes localized retrofit strategies through systematic [...] Read more.

Qinghai Province urgently requires the development of adaptive energy-efficient rural housing construction to address resettlement needs arising from hydropower projects, given the region’s characteristic combination of high solar irradiance resources and severe cold climate conditions. This research establishes localized retrofit strategies through systematic field investigations and Rhinoceros modeling simulations of five representative rural residences across four villages. The key findings reveal that comprehensive building envelope retrofits achieve an 80% reduction in energy consumption. South-facing sunspaces demonstrate effective thermal buffering capacity, though their spatial depth exhibits negligible correlation with heating energy requirements. An optimized hybrid shading system combining roof overhangs and vertical louvers demonstrates critical efficacy in summer overheating mitigation, with vertical louvers demonstrating superior thermal and luminous regulation precision. Architectural orientation analysis identifies an optimal alignment within ±10° of true south, emphasizing the functional zoning principle of positioning primary living spaces in south-oriented ground floor areas while locating auxiliary functions in northeastern/northwestern zones. The integrated design framework synergizes three core components: passive solar optimization, climate-responsive shading mechanisms, and performance-enhanced envelope systems, achieving simultaneous improvements in energy efficiency and thermal comfort within resettlement housing constraints. This methodology establishes a replicable paradigm for climate-resilient rural architecture in high-altitude, solar-intensive cold regions, effectively reconciling community reconstruction needs with low-carbon development imperatives through context-specific technical solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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19 pages, 2196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sick Building Syndrome: Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Medical Staff in Chinese Hospitals

by Jiantao Weng, Fuyuan Huang, Jingkai Lin, Qianling Wang, Xiaoyu Ying, Yukai Sun and Yang Tan

Buildings 2025, 15(9), 1397; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15091397 - 22 Apr 2025

Viewed by 213

Abstract

Sick building syndrome (SBS) poses a significant challenge in hospital settings, adversely affecting staff health, operational efficiency, and environmental quality. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of SBS among medical staff in Chinese hospitals, advancing the literature by pinpointing [...] Read more.

Sick building syndrome (SBS) poses a significant challenge in hospital settings, adversely affecting staff health, operational efficiency, and environmental quality. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of SBS among medical staff in Chinese hospitals, advancing the literature by pinpointing actionable environmental and psychological factors tailored to this occupational group within China’s distinct regional context. A survey questionnaire was administered to 615 medical staff members across seven private hospitals located in the eastern coastal region of China. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. The survey encompassed 27 factors across four aspects, with respondents being asked to self-assess the severity of four types of SBS symptoms (never, rarely, occasionally, often). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with SBS, based on odds ratios (OR) with a significance level of p < 0.05. The prevalence rates for skin symptoms, mucosal symptoms, and general symptoms were 32.8%, 61%, and 71.1%, respectively. Gender, psychological mood, visibility of water systems and greenery from the workspace, outdoor noise environment, indoor air quality, indoor natural lighting, department of occupancy, design of workspace, cleanliness, and control over the indoor environment (temperature, lighting) were identified as risk factors related to SBS symptoms. These findings underscore the critical role of modifiable building design and psychological factors in SBS occurrence, offering a novel perspective on hospital-specific risks in China compared to global studies. Enhancing indoor and outdoor environments—through increased greenery, noise reduction, improved air quality, better lighting, and greater environmental control—emerges as a vital strategy to mitigate SBS, with implications for hospital management and staff well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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25 pages, 3656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact Characteristics of Common Low-Carbon Design Methods on Reducing Carbon Emissions in Industrial Plant Buildings in Architectural Design

by Long Shi, Duo Xu, Xin Li, Lei Huang, Yafeng Li, Tingru Huang and Yujun Yang

Buildings 2025, 15(6), 974; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15060974 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 344

Abstract

Amidst global warming and energy crises, low-carbon building design is essential. China, the largest carbon emitter, commits to peaking emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This study focuses on low-carbon strategies for industrial buildings in cold regions, aiming to develop [...] Read more.

Amidst global warming and energy crises, low-carbon building design is essential. China, the largest carbon emitter, commits to peaking emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This study focuses on low-carbon strategies for industrial buildings in cold regions, aiming to develop optimization designs centered on carbon emissions. Using ENERGYPLUS and the “standard coal method”, it quantifies operational carbon emissions and analyzes the impact of design methods on energy consumption across architectural layout, materials, and photovoltaic technology. This study, set in Xi’an and Yulin, assesses low-carbon techniques in cold and severely cold climate zones. It demonstrates that, for the architectural layout, the orientation of the building has a relatively small impact on carbon emissions, while an increase in the window-to-wall ratio significantly increases the carbon emissions of the building. For the building materials, the form of window glass, the reflectivity of roofs and walls, and the thickness of roof and wall insulation significantly affect carbon emissions. For the photovoltaic technology, the angle of photovoltaic roofs has no significant impact on carbon emissions. By further comparing the effectiveness of various low-carbon design technologies in reducing building carbon emissions, it was found that choosing more appropriate wall insulation boards can provide more significant carbon reduction effects at the same cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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33 pages, 4181 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Residents’ Willingness to Pay for Diverse Low-Carbon Measures in Hangzhou, China: Implications for Urban Sustainability and Policy

by Jiahao He, Yong He, Shuwen Wu, Huifang Yu and Chun Bao

Buildings 2025, 15(4), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15040623 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 561

Abstract

Chinese cities have made significant progress in fostering low-carbon societies and piloting a variety of low-carbon measures. Nonetheless, the effective implementation of these initiatives and the long-term upkeep of related amenities rely heavily on resident support. The existing studies provide limited insight into [...] Read more.

Chinese cities have made significant progress in fostering low-carbon societies and piloting a variety of low-carbon measures. Nonetheless, the effective implementation of these initiatives and the long-term upkeep of related amenities rely heavily on resident support. The existing studies provide limited insight into how local residents perceive and endorse different types of low-carbon measures, which often involve varying trade-offs. Addressing this gap, the present study surveyed the willingness to pay (WTP) of residents in Hangzhou—an early adopter of low-carbon practices in China—across five representative low-carbon measures. Survey data were collected from 13 distinct residential neighborhoods. The results indicate that Hangzhou residents are more inclined to financially support measures offering direct personal benefits compared to those benefiting the collective good, with this tendency being notably pronounced among highly educated individuals. Further findings include the following: (1) respondents aware of ongoing low-carbon measures were more willing to pay for them; (2) male respondents, recent migrants (within the past five years), high-income groups, and residents in aging communities tended to contribute higher amounts; (3) providing detailed information on carbon mitigation effects markedly increased both the likelihood and the magnitude of WTP; (4) the promotion of new energy vehicles (NEVs) remains contentious, particularly between NEV owners and gasoline vehicle owners. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies and educational programs to strengthen public awareness and support for low-carbon interventions, thereby advancing sustainability in fast-growing urban centers like Hangzhou. Overall, these findings provide key insights for the formulation of low-carbon city policies and sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the global importance of local socioeconomic dynamics and offering a valuable reference for cities worldwide seeking to advance sustainability transitions and meet international climate targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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15 pages, 7758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Courtyard Spatial Characteristics Across Historical Periods on Summer Microclimates: A Case Study from China

by Qian Zhang, Xuan Ma, Duo Xu, Dian Zhou, Yujun Yang and Weile Jiang

Buildings 2025, 15(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15020224 - 14 Jan 2025

Viewed by 809

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of spatial changes over a 400-year period on the summer microclimate of a residential courtyard in China. Using ENVI-met simulations, we analyze how factors such as courtyard orientation, building height, and opening positions affect the thermal environment. The [...] Read more.

This study investigates the impact of spatial changes over a 400-year period on the summer microclimate of a residential courtyard in China. Using ENVI-met simulations, we analyze how factors such as courtyard orientation, building height, and opening positions affect the thermal environment. The results show that east–west-oriented courtyards experienced 0.2–0.4 °C lower daytime temperatures compared to north–south ones. Additionally, taller surrounding buildings increased the courtyard’s average daytime temperature by approximately 0.3–0.5 °C, while courtyards with a single opening facing the prevailing wind maintained the lowest temperatures. These findings underscore the importance of historical spatial characteristics in shaping microclimates and offer key insights for contemporary urban planning. By incorporating design strategies based on these historical spatial features, such as optimizing courtyard orientation, enhancing building height variability, and creating appropriate openings for natural ventilation, urban planners can improve microclimate conditions, reduce reliance on mechanical cooling, and enhance energy efficiency. This approach not only contributes to lowering carbon emissions but also boosts resilience to extreme heat events in urban areas, especially in regions facing rapid urbanization and climate change challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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19 pages, 11658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Multi-Scenario Rain-Flood Disturbance Simulation and Resilient Blue-Green Space Optimization in the Pearl River Delta

by Wei Dai and Yang Tan

Buildings 2024, 14(12), 3797; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123797 - 27 Nov 2024

Viewed by 856

Abstract

In the face of global climate change and rapid urbanization, the Pearl River Delta is confronted with frequent river floods and heavy rainfall, which leads to substantial economic losses and casualties. Enhancing the role of blue-green space in rain-flood resilience is crucial for [...] Read more.

In the face of global climate change and rapid urbanization, the Pearl River Delta is confronted with frequent river floods and heavy rainfall, which leads to substantial economic losses and casualties. Enhancing the role of blue-green space in rain-flood resilience is crucial for mitigating such damages in this new era. Firstly, based on an analysis of the current status quo of blue-green space in the Pearl River Delta and the identification of potential areas at risk from rain and floods, this paper elucidates that resilient blue-green space in the Pearl River Delta should be guided by a systematic, bottom-line, and forward-looking orientation while considering spatial characteristics such as multi-scale network connectivity, redundancy and diversity/multi-functionality. Secondly, an optimization route is proposed based on steps of analysis of existing blue-green space, identification of inundated areas prone to rain and flood damage and optimization of blue-green spaces. Strategies for optimizing blue-green space are put forth including enhancing water corridor connectivity, optimizing ecological barriers and corridors, as well as constructing water gates to control hydrological flow direction. Simulation results demonstrate that under similar rain-flood disaster conditions, optimized blue-green space exhibits smaller sizes and lower depths of potential inundated areas compared to the original ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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20 pages, 6150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Integration of Building Materials, Energy Consumption, and Economic Factors in Rural Houses of Cold Regions: A Pathway

by Hui Wang, Bo Liu and Weidong Wu

Buildings 2024, 14(9), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14092760 - 3 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1046

Abstract

Limited material options and economic conditions significantly restrict the potential for energy efficiency improvements in rural houses in China’s cold regions. It is worth exploring how to propose suitable energy-saving renovation plans for rural houses in cold regions under practical constraints. By using [...] Read more.

Limited material options and economic conditions significantly restrict the potential for energy efficiency improvements in rural houses in China’s cold regions. It is worth exploring how to propose suitable energy-saving renovation plans for rural houses in cold regions under practical constraints. By using Grasshopper within Rhinoceros 8 software, an algorithm integrates material selection, energy consumption calculations, and economic analysis. The method efficiently generates thermal optimization schemes, providing insights into energy use, costs, and payback periods. In a case study of a typical rural house in Daqing City, the optimized scheme achieved over 70% energy savings compared to traditional homes, with renovation costs amounting to less than 40% of residents’ annual income and a 2-year payback period. This significant improvement highlights the potential of the proposed method in enhancing the energy efficiency and economic viability of rural house renovations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resilient Urban and Architecture Design: Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities)

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