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Contemporary Approaches to Practice Sustainability in Architecture and Urbanism

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (11 December 2023) | Viewed by 8342

Special Issue Editors

Department of Architecture, Alanya Hamdullah Emin Pasa University, Alanya 07400, Turkey
Interests: urban aesthetics; housing studies; emerging cities; urban ecology; infra habitation and revitalization strategies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Architecture, Alanya Hamdullah Emin Pasa University, Alanya 07400, Turkey
Interests: historic urban revitalization; gentrification; cultural agglomeration; urban regeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The evolution of research on urban design has needed in some stages a deeper interdisciplinary relationship with other close fields, like Architecture, Ecology, … These eventual gaps led to some socio-economic and cultural problems in cities and regions worldwide.

Milestones in this long journey arose. COVID-19 is one of them. These facts oblige the scientific community to show up the theories, manifestos, case-studies and methodologies in the previous fields. It will be very helpful to raise the understanding of the sustainability of architecture and urban planning from a diverse set of perspectives. This is, in fact, the aim of this special issue: to establish a bridge between theory and practice in the built environment by examining in-depth the consequences for citizens.

Any of the latest research findings and innovative approaches will help to redefine contemporary built environments in relation to the different perspectives. A broad outline of the special issue's scope includes peer-reviewed original research articles, case and technical reports, reviews and analyses. All scholars, practitioners, and policymakers with a common interest to study architecture and urban design from different perspectives are invited to contribute for that. An interaction with different intertwined fields including economy, architecture, engineering, sociology, anthropology, cultural studies, and digital studies, is expected.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Urban Science.

Dr. Hourakhsh Ahmad Nia
Dr. Rokhsaneh Rahbarianyazd
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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

  • architectural and environmental sustainability
  • urban morphology
  • city-regional studies: regeneration and urban renewal
  • architecture and urban aesthetics
  • architecture and technology: sustainable environmental design and technology
  • smart cities citizenship: experimental cities, digital rights
  • design and technology: building structures
  • healthy and productive economy
  • social justice and behavioural studies
  • affordable houses and sustainability approaches
  • equity in urban planning: gentrification, socio-economic resilience
  • sustainability and urban design
  • energy conservation
  • sustainability through urban identity
  • urban ecology: resilient landscapes
  • vernaculars: materials, architectures and landscapes
  • new urbanism sustainability approaches: housing and urban environments
  • urban transport planning, management, and strategies
  • urban sprawl sustainability approaches
  • salutogenic architecture
  • civil engineering

Published Papers (8 papers)

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20 pages, 2025 KiB  
Article
Aesthetic Preference of Timber Joints in Architectural Products
by Blair Kuys and Mozammel Mridha
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010154 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 482
Abstract
This study investigates how Australian consumers’ aesthetic preferences for timber joints in architectural products are influenced by their sociodemographic characteristics and the visual appearance of the joints. Visual appearance in architecture and product design is a vital factor in consumer response and success [...] Read more.
This study investigates how Australian consumers’ aesthetic preferences for timber joints in architectural products are influenced by their sociodemographic characteristics and the visual appearance of the joints. Visual appearance in architecture and product design is a vital factor in consumer response and success of a product; however, designed items are often created without aesthetic research rigour to better understand user acceptance. We see this as an opportunity for greater penetration of aesthetics for designed products and, in this instance, contemporary architecture. We provide extensive literature defining aesthetics and outline the theoretical framework for experimental computer-generated visual stimuli. An online survey was conducted with 114 participants, who rated five timber joints on seven visual appearance attributes. The findings reveal that Joint 1 (angular) and Joint 5 (curved) were the most preferred joints. Employment status was the only sociodemographic factor that significantly affected the aesthetic preference. The findings of the study were used to inform design decisions for building a pagoda in a cemetery in Melbourne. The study contributes to the literature on aesthetics and design by providing empirical evidence on consumer preferences for architectural products. The study also suggests an opportunity to bridge aesthetics with sustainability, as timber is a sustainable material that can be designed to resonate with consumers’ aesthetic sensibilities while adhering to environmental principles. Full article
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29 pages, 10477 KiB  
Article
How Does the Historic Built Environment Influence Residents’ Satisfaction? Using Gradient Boosting Decision Trees to Identify Critical Factors and the Threshold Effects
by Xian Ji, Yu Du and Qi Li
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010120 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 674
Abstract
Historic cities, rich in heritage values and evocative of collective memories and meanings, also constitute crucial living environments for urban residents. These cities increasingly face challenges from urbanization and globalization, leading to cultural discontinuities and the homogenization of cityscapes. Such developments can diminish [...] Read more.
Historic cities, rich in heritage values and evocative of collective memories and meanings, also constitute crucial living environments for urban residents. These cities increasingly face challenges from urbanization and globalization, leading to cultural discontinuities and the homogenization of cityscapes. Such developments can diminish residents’ sense of belonging and identification with their cities. Emphasizing local residents’ satisfaction is thus essential to urban conservation. This study, using data from Dandong, China, employs Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT) to identify factors affecting residents’ satisfaction in historic built environments. The analysis reveals that over half of the variability in satisfaction is linked to distinct features of the historic environment. Among the fourteen key influencers identified, contextual order emerges as the most impactful factor, notable for its significant effects and interactions with other variables. This study also uncovers pronounced non-linear effects and thresholds for physically measured characteristics. For instance, open space markedly boosts satisfaction when exceeding 34%, satisfaction diminishes with travel times to heritage sites longer than 6.7 min, and satisfaction decreases when the entropy index for diversity surpasses 0.758. These findings provide critical insights for guiding urban conservation strategies and promoting a data-driven approach to enhance residents’ satisfaction in historic urban settings. Full article
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24 pages, 5239 KiB  
Article
Modern Architecture of the Second Half of the XX Century in Local Contexts: Comparative Analysis of Housing Estates in Izmir, Turkey and Tychy, Poland
by Magdalena Żmudzińska-Nowak and Gizem Güler Nakıp
Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15537; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115537 - 01 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1076
Abstract
The modernist architecture of the twentieth century, often referred to as the International Style, exhibited diverse forms and urban layouts shaped by local cultural, economic, and political factors. To comprehensively understand the architectural heritage of this era, it is essential to consider both [...] Read more.
The modernist architecture of the twentieth century, often referred to as the International Style, exhibited diverse forms and urban layouts shaped by local cultural, economic, and political factors. To comprehensively understand the architectural heritage of this era, it is essential to consider both universal and local principles. This paper explores the adaptation of modernism within a local context by analysing the urban layouts of housing estates in Izmir (Turkey) and Tychy (Poland), constructed during the latter half of the twentieth century. The aim is to enhance our understanding of the architectural heritage of this modernist period through a comparative analysis. The selection of these examples is based on their shared formal similarities, despite the vastly different contexts in which they were built. While the circumstances surrounding the two cases were starkly dissimilar, the scale of the buildings and the spatial arrangements exhibit similarities. This study employs a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative methods such as observation and case study alongside quantitative methods such as research and surveys. The comparative analysis presented in this paper illuminates the local idiosyncrasies of architecture while unveiling the complexity of the modernist architectural legacy and the intricate developmental processes that culminated in ostensibly similar spatial outcomes. This proposed comparative analysis aims to address existing gaps in the literature on modern housing and contribute to broader discussions within an international context. It intends to promote knowledge, raise awareness, and contribute to the sustainable discourse of modern architecture. Full article
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21 pages, 3592 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Sustainability in Building Design: Hybrid Approaches for Evaluating the Impact of Building Orientation on Thermal Comfort in Semi-Arid Climates
by Salar Salah Muhy Al-Din, Hourakhsh Ahmad Nia and Rokhsaneh Rahbarianyazd
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 15180; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152015180 - 23 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 976
Abstract
The evaluation of human thermal comfort inside buildings plays a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability in the built environment. The estimation of thermal comfort is based on objective (physical factors) and subjective (psychological factors) aspects. This study aimed to [...] Read more.
The evaluation of human thermal comfort inside buildings plays a pivotal role in reducing energy consumption and enhancing sustainability in the built environment. The estimation of thermal comfort is based on objective (physical factors) and subjective (psychological factors) aspects. This study aimed to find a hybrid way to evaluate more accurate thermal comfort in the buildings as per their orientations. This study assessed the effect of building orientation on thermal comfort conditions in row houses in semi-arid climates, based on a synthesis of the predictive mean vote (PMV) model and the thermal sensation vote (TSV). For this purpose, row houses were selected in the region of this study. This study concluded that the PMV model calculates a lower thermal comfort level than the TSV method, and that the thermal comfort demand within the houses was higher than ASHRAE Standard 55. The occupants inside the houses had a lower thermal tolerance. This implied that the residents of these buildings can consume more energy during the summer, typically the harshest season. This study presented new mathematical models for occupants’ thermal comfort evaluation in the study region, depending on the building’s orientation. In both models, for assessing thermal performance during both the summer and winter seasons, east-facing buildings consistently ranked as the second-best orientation. This suggested that, overall, east-facing buildings can be considered the best choice throughout the entire year in terms of thermal comfort. This study suggested a novel indicator to evaluate the optimum building orientation in the study area in terms of thermal performance. Full article
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23 pages, 43998 KiB  
Article
Appraisal of Architectural Ambiances in a Future District
by Rachid Belaroussi, Elena Díaz González, Francis Dupin and Jorge Martin-Gutierrez
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13295; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813295 - 05 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 776
Abstract
Auditing future public places that have not yet been constructed can be a laborious, time-consuming, and expensive task. However, the human factor plays a crucial role in successful infrastructure design. By involving users early in the design process, valuable insights can be gained [...] Read more.
Auditing future public places that have not yet been constructed can be a laborious, time-consuming, and expensive task. However, the human factor plays a crucial role in successful infrastructure design. By involving users early in the design process, valuable insights can be gained prior to the physical construction, resulting in more appealing spaces for users. In this research, we explore the potential of non-immersive virtual reality to perceive atmospheres in architectural projects. We investigate suitable methodologies for studying this subject and examine its educational implications in architecture. The study focuses on a large-scale neighborhood currently undergoing complete reconstruction. We extract and model four environments in 3D, offering a virtual tour of these spaces and their infrastructures to both expert and non-expert participants. Through a questionnaire, we collect their responses to evaluate the architectural atmospheres of these distinct areas. This article analyzes the expressed feelings and provides projections on the anticipated sensations once the real estate project is completed. Additionally, it compares the expectations of professionals with the impressions of the public based on virtual visits. By emphasizing outdoor architecture and employing a larger city 3D model in the experimentation, this study contributes to the existing literature on participatory studies. The empirical research findings underscore the advantages of involving users early in the design process for buildings and streetscapes, leading to an enhanced user experience before implementing infrastructure renovations. Full article
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28 pages, 20001 KiB  
Article
Enhancing the Community Environment in Populous Residential Districts: Neighborhood Amenities and Residents’ Daily Needs
by Kai Zhang and Dong Yan
Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13255; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713255 - 04 Sep 2023
Viewed by 921
Abstract
Due to urban population growth, dense communities have emerged as a common approach to improve land utilization and minimize resource consumption to foster sustainable development in cities. In densely populated neighborhoods, the accessibility, availability, and appropriateness of amenities play a crucial role in [...] Read more.
Due to urban population growth, dense communities have emerged as a common approach to improve land utilization and minimize resource consumption to foster sustainable development in cities. In densely populated neighborhoods, the accessibility, availability, and appropriateness of amenities play a crucial role in the sustainable development of cities and residents’ quality of life. This study integrates the distribution of amenities within densely populated cities and utilizes residential assessments to analyze the effectiveness of these amenities in meeting the daily needs of residents. This analysis is based on a survey conducted in the three most populated cities in China. The study utilizes two sets of data: amenity distribution information and a questionnaire regarding the state of amenities and residents’ daily needs. The survey began in 2019 and was completed in 2021. A total of 1060 valid questionnaires were collected, with Shanghai accounting for 42%, and Beijing and Chongqing accounting for 30% and 28%, respectively. The findings demonstrate a higher density of amenities in populous areas, indicating a response to the overall requirements of residents. In these areas, the transportation network is extended more widely. Moreover, neighborhoods equipped with outdoor green spaces, ample parking, security services, and accessible public institutions received positive evaluations from residents, as they actively fulfilled their living needs. In neighborhood planning, prioritizing the coverage and quantity of these amenities can enhance the functionality and effectiveness of dense residential areas. This approach promotes sustainable development goals by improving the efficiency of urban resource allocation and establishing a convenient neighborhood environment. Full article
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30 pages, 2109 KiB  
Article
Locally Based Architectural Construction Strategies in Rural China: Textual Analysis of Architects’ Design Thinking
by Ye Chen and Keisuke Kitagawa
Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10573; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310573 - 05 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1369
Abstract
The distinctive constraints and opportunities present in rural China underscore the importance of exploring sustainable architectural construction models in such areas. Architects engaged in rural projects have contributed design thinking that incorporates construction operations in response to local elements, resulting in significant benefits [...] Read more.
The distinctive constraints and opportunities present in rural China underscore the importance of exploring sustainable architectural construction models in such areas. Architects engaged in rural projects have contributed design thinking that incorporates construction operations in response to local elements, resulting in significant benefits for the sustainability of rural construction. This study investigates these design approaches as locally based architectural construction strategies and seeks to identify their latent wisdom as a reference for future practices through the textual analysis of 63 articles showcasing outstanding architectural design in rural China. By organizing related design thinking with respect to three key elements, extracting these elements, and analyzing their correlations from the textual descriptions, 14 types of locally based architectural construction strategies are identified. Via analysis and discussions of these types, this research identifies the paramount concerns in Chinese rural architectural practices as revolving around fundamental issues of technology, livability, and aesthetics. These fundamental issues emphasize different kinds of sustainability—the pursuit of sustainability in local-based rural construction activity through diverse technological explorations, environmental sustainability through special building envelope designs, and cultural sustainability through the establishment of new local rural aesthetics with material and other visible expressions. Full article
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18 pages, 5486 KiB  
Systematic Review
Gender, Sustainability, and Urbanism: A Systematic Review of Literature and Cross-Cluster Analysis
by Aysad Gudekli, Murat Ertan Dogan, Tulay Goru Dogan and Duygu Gudekli
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14994; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014994 - 18 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1289
Abstract
Gender diversity and equality have a significant influence on policymaking regarding sustainable development, environmental issues, and urbanism. This study examines the general bibliometric outlook and research patterns of publications on gender equality, urbanism, and sustainability to provide a general perspective on the relevant [...] Read more.
Gender diversity and equality have a significant influence on policymaking regarding sustainable development, environmental issues, and urbanism. This study examines the general bibliometric outlook and research patterns of publications on gender equality, urbanism, and sustainability to provide a general perspective on the relevant literature and trends for institutions and scholars who wish to conduct research within the framework of gender, sustainability, and urbanism. The findings of this study show that there are a limited number of studies dealing with gender equality, sustainability, and urbanism. The study analyzed 308 papers in total, utilizing data mining and analytics techniques such as t-SNE and SNA for a systematic review process. The study utilized the PRISMA protocol as the research method. The results showed that research on the frame of gender, sustainability, and urbanism peaked in 2021, and the top countries for studying gender, sustainability, and urbanism are the USA, the UK, Spain, and China. The research fields that contributed the most were those dealing with environmental studies and green and sustainable technologies, followed by those dealing with business and women’s studies. The following three thematically inclined clusters were revealed by the t-SNE analysis: (1) Gender Diversity, Corporate Sustainability, and Board Governance; (2) Gender, Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Development, and Policy Agenda; and (3) Gender, Sustainable Urbanism, and Community Development. The findings of the study revealed that fostering gender equality with policies such as gender mainstreaming, as in SDG 5 and SDG 11, and gender equality strategies of the EU or UN will help to overcome discrimination against women in the urban space and empower sustainable development. Full article
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