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A special issue of Designs (ISSN 2411-9660). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering Design".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 June 2021) | Viewed by 16305

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. César Martín-Gómez
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Guest Editor

Department of Construction, Building Services and Structures, Universidad de Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: integration of building services and energy systems in architecture and urbanism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Amaia Zuazua-Ros

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor

Department of Construction, Building Services and Structures, University of Navarra, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Interests: energy system integration in buildings; cooling systems design; ventilation; thermoelectricity; biomimicry; prototyping
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

Industry, university, and research centers can contribute solutions to problems regarding the responsible and sustainable design of architecture. These problems have to be solved from a multidisciplinary point of view, via the design of existing solutions of materials, elements and constructive systems, structures, and facilities.

In addition, the recent climate emergencies declared by the European Union and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) are promoting a change in the paradigms of sustainability in all its facets. This Special Issue focuses on bringing original research and literature reviews from different areas related to architecture, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, and urbanism. Manuscript submissions in the areas mentioned as keywords below are highly encouraged.

Dr. César Martín-Gómez; Dr. Amaia Zuazua-Ros
Guest Editor

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. Designs 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 1400 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

Advanced and sustainable building materials
Building operations and control systems
Building services integration
Design theory, methodology, and management
Electronics design
Energy systems design
Indoor air-quality services
Low-cost solutions
Mechanical design
Nature based-design
Net zero buildings
Unconnected buildings
Product design
Renewable energies integration
Water management

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Open AccessArticle

Matrix of Affordable Housing Assessment: A Development Process

Afaq Hyder Chohan

Designs 2022, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs6010004 - 02 Jan 2022

Viewed by 2088

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a multiracial society with diverse housing and a potential real estate market. This study focused on users’ perceptions of the designs of available and affordable private housing stock in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, which are the most populated states (emirates) of the UAE. A literature review and case studies of low- to medium-rise residential buildings were used to determine the parameters defining affordable housing design, and a model was developed of 7 design segments (independent variables) with 39 dependent variables. The model consists of a matrix of 39 design variables, in which each variable is set in a survey tool with a Likert scale to evaluate user satisfaction levels with the designs of their respective buildings. Questionnaires were distributed among the inhabitants of several buildings at different locations in the emirates. This study found that 16 anomalous design factors failed to satisfy users. It is likely that the results of this study will provide a blueprint for dialogue between regional building designers and end users to improve the designs of new buildings. The resulting design assessment matrix can be used for the analysis of residential buildings in other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture Design)

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Open AccessArticle

Transit-Oriented Development in Doha: The Case of the Al Sadd Neighborhood and Hamad Hospital Metro Station

and

Khalida Lifam Marthya

Designs 2021, 5(4), 61; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs5040061 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5713

Abstract

Over the last two decades, transit-oriented development (TOD) has been widely implemented as an integrated strategy to enhance urban livability. Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, has faced urban challenges such as excessive reliance on private vehicles, absence of a well-established public transportation system, and issues with integration of last-mile connectivity. This research study explores Al Sadd, a mixed-use neighborhood in Doha, in order to investigate key factors to be addressed for enhancing urban livability within this neighborhood. These factors were analyzed through a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods incorporating: (1) a literature review focusing on sustainability, smart growth, and transit-oriented development; (2) data collection and analysis utilizing oral and visual data from the Qatari Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), Qatar Rail, and private engineering and consulting companies; and (3) analytical and applied study through site analysis, observation, photographs, and field notes. A regeneration master plan for the study area proposes the creation of avenues for urban interaction through the introduction of community open spaces, pedestrian-friendly streets, and other measures promoting city compactness. The outcome of this research study illustrates how the enactment of a TOD model can lead to smart growth and eco-friendly urban living by emphasizing TOD principles which promote a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture Design)

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Open AccessArticle

Simulation of the Effects of Angle of Attack and Projectile Contour in Damage Development in Reinforced Concrete

Stefan P. Jurecs

and

Ali Tabei

Designs 2021, 5(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs5030049 - 02 Aug 2021

Viewed by 1770

Abstract

The impact of projectiles in reinforced or unreinforced concrete is of prime importance in applied mechanics and engineering. Parameters such as penetration depth, velocity or energy of the projectile, and the geometry and the angle of attack of the projectile are the most critical factors, among several others, that determine whether the concrete body will tolerate damage due to the impact or not. For numerical simulations of damage, the Riedel-Hiermaier-Thoma (RHT) concrete failure is an established approach, which is also used in this research. In this work, numerical simulations have been performed on shooting a rigid large-scale projectile with different tip contours at a concrete target that is reinforced with steel. For each tip contour, the angle of attack varied. The penetration depth of the projectile tip and the damage of the target were reported for the different tip contours as a function of the angle of attack. The results show that the maximal damage occurred at ~45° of the angle of attack, while penetration of the projectile into the target increased with increasing the angle of attack. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture Design)

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Open AccessArticle

A Unique Transdisciplinary Engineering-Based Integrated Approach for the Design of Temporary Refugee Housing Using Kano, HOQ/QFD, TRIZ, AD, ISM and DSM Tools

Daniel Moran

Atila Ertas

and

Utku Gulbulak

Designs 2021, 5(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs5020031 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2734

Abstract

The continued displacement of refugees from their homes and homelands (now greater than 50 million people worldwide) places increased focus and attention on evolving the designs of temporary housing that is available to be provided to the refugee population, especially in rural areas where housing does not already exist and must be constructed in very little time. Complex engineering problems involving social issues, such as this case study, benefit from the use of Integrated Transdisciplinary (TD) Tools (ITDT) to effectively and efficiently address the design questions related to them. The integrated use of TD Tools such as Kano Analysis, KJ Diagrams, Critical to Quality (CTQ), House of Quality (HOQ)/Quality Function Design (QFD), Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), Axiomatic Design (AD), Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) through an end-to-end unique design process leads to innovation and elimination of design conflicts for especially complicated design problems. The objective of this study is to examine the design of temporary refugee housing using integrated TD tools mentioned above. This research concludes that the use of the ITDT approach provides an innovative, decoupled design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture Design)

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Open AccessArticle

Proposal for a Methodology for Sustainable Rehabilitation Strategies of the Existing Building Stock—The Ponte Gêa Neighborhood

Michael M. Santos

João C. G. Lanzinha

and

Ana Vaz Ferreira

Designs 2021, 5(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs5020026 - 02 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3101

Abstract

Having in mind the objectives of the United Nations Development Agenda 2030, which refers to the sustainable principles of a circular economy, it is urgent to improve the performance of the built environment. The existing buildings must be preserved and improved in order to reduce their environmental impact, in line with the need to revert climate change and reduce the occurrence of natural disasters. This work had as its main goal to identify and define a methodology for promoting the rehabilitation of buildings in the Ponte Gêa neighborhood, in the city of Beira, Mozambique, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, water efficiency, and construction and demolition waste management. The proposed methodology aims to create a decision support method for creating strategic measures to be implemented by considering the three specific domains—energy, water, and waste. This model allows for analyzing the expected improvement according to the action to be performed, exploring both individual and community solutions. It encompasses systems of standard supply that can reveal greater efficiency and profitability. Thus, the in-depth knowledge of the characteristics of urban space and buildings allows for establishing guidelines for the renovation process of the neighborhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Architecture Design)

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