Sustainability

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34 pages, 117280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Sustainability Elements of Vernacular Architecture in Northern Togo: The Case of the Kara Region

by Modeste Yaovi Awoussi, Eugène Kodzo Anani Domtse, Déla Komlan Gake, Paolo Vincenzo Genovese and Yao Dziwonou

Sustainability 2025, 17(6), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062450 - 11 Mar 2025

Viewed by 724

Abstract

For a considerable amount of time, vernacular practices in the Kara Region have resisted external influences. However, they are now confronted with profound changes that are forcing local populations to alter their lifestyle. This study evaluates the sustainability of vernacular buildings and analyzes [...] Read more.

For a considerable amount of time, vernacular practices in the Kara Region have resisted external influences. However, they are now confronted with profound changes that are forcing local populations to alter their lifestyle. This study evaluates the sustainability of vernacular buildings and analyzes the causes and consequences of changes in such architecture in the Kara Region. In this context, it focuses on the Kabiyè and Nawdeba peoples, who are the major ethnic groups in the Region. Through a qualitative approach essentially based on the exploration of the existing literature, focus groups with populations, interviews with professionals and a series of surveys on 125 households in the settlements visited, this study highlights the difficulties of people in preserving their architectural identity in favor of imported architectural models. It also reveals that the evolution of vernacular construction practices, although it is a response to certain needs of the population, generates environmental and sociocultural problems. Thus, sustainable architecture in this region requires an update of vernacular practices to better adapt to the needs of local populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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26 pages, 14268 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of Relation Between Sustainability and Architectural Representativeness of Passenger Airport Terminals in Poland

by Wojciech Duliński

Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010296 - 3 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1034

Abstract

As the civil aviation market is in a state of continuous growth, the architecture of passenger airport terminals needs to follow the industry’s constant development. The objective of this research is to investigate the current state of terminals in Poland in relation to [...] Read more.

As the civil aviation market is in a state of continuous growth, the architecture of passenger airport terminals needs to follow the industry’s constant development. The objective of this research is to investigate the current state of terminals in Poland in relation to the aspects of representativeness and low-tech sustainability solutions incorporated into design strategies. The conducted study is a critical review of existing literature followed by a case study of relevant examples of airport terminals, from an architectural perspective. The main findings show that seemingly contradicting principles can co-exist in particular spectra of design. The broadly used big shed design method, which provides terminal buildings with an adequate level of prominence, can also facilitate sustainable solutions, especially in the areas of user comfort, energy efficiency and life cycle assessment, i.e., buildings are easily adaptable, what is demanded by constantly evolving operational models and increasing airport terminal capacities. As further improvements are definitely needed to answer the increasing demand for a reduction in the carbon footprint of buildings, changes are desirable and should focus on establishing an adequate balance between a sustainable approach and the urge to create representative, state-of-the art terminal buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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17 pages, 7892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strengthening of Masonry Structures by Sisal-Reinforced Geopolymers

by Luigi Palizzolo, Carmelo Sanfilippo, Sana Ullah and Salvatore Benfratello

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9181; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219181 - 23 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1173

Abstract

The development of alternative environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in the construction industry has become a fundamental area of research. The current cementitious materials used in existing retrofitting techniques for masonry structures are unsustainable from an environmental point of view. The geopolymer, as [...] Read more.

The development of alternative environmentally friendly and sustainable materials in the construction industry has become a fundamental area of research. The current cementitious materials used in existing retrofitting techniques for masonry structures are unsustainable from an environmental point of view. The geopolymer, as a suitable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC), has attracted interest in the last 20 years due to its environmental sustainability and improved properties compared to conventional concrete. To improve the ductile behavior of geopolymers, the adoption of fibers has been widely proposed in the scientific literature for a broad range of applications. The adoption of natural fibers can make geopolymers more advantageous based on their intrinsic environmental sustainability. The aim of this paper is to validate the performance of sisal fiber-reinforced geopolymer plaster as a strengthening material for masonry structures, which will be achieved by modeling the mechanical behavior of geopolymer samples in two different phases. The first phase accounts for the experimental results suitably obtained in the laboratory, while the second phase models the behavior of a masonry panel reinforced with geopolymer plaster using a suitable FEM model in Abaqus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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16 pages, 2170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spent Coffee Grounds-Based Thermoplaster System to Improve Heritage Building Energy Efficiency: A Case Study in Madonie Park in Sicily

by Luisa Lombardo, Tiziana Campisi and Manfredi Saeli

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6625; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156625 - 2 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1541

Abstract

This study reports on the application of an innovative plastering system that reuses organic waste, namely spent coffee grounds (SCG), to improve energy efficiency in historical buildings according to the European Green Deal. The case study was conducted in the village of Polizzi [...] Read more.

This study reports on the application of an innovative plastering system that reuses organic waste, namely spent coffee grounds (SCG), to improve energy efficiency in historical buildings according to the European Green Deal. The case study was conducted in the village of Polizzi Generosa, selected from 21 small villages located in the extensive UNESCO Geopark of Madonie Park in Sicily. Over time, traditional plasters used in Madonie buildings have shown durability issues due to thermal and hygrometric stresses caused by significant temperature fluctuations in the area. Moreover, much of the considered architectural heritage lacks energy efficiency. Given the global increase in coffee production and the need for more sustainable waste management systems, this investigation proposes an ecological method to reuse SCG in plaster formulation, thereby enhancing the circular economy. To achieve this, many thermoplaster formulations were developed, and the best-performing one, considering both material and aesthetic compatibility with historical buildings, was selected for a real-world application. Additionally, virtual modeling and energy simulations were conducted to test the energy performance of a traditional building in Polizzi Generosa using SCG-based thermoplaster in comparison to traditional lime mortar and commercial alternatives. The real-world application demonstrated the technical feasibility of the process, and the energy simulations showed an improved building masonry energy performance of 0.788 W/m²K and an 11% improvement compared to traditional plaster. Results clearly indicate that SCG can be successfully reused to produce eco-friendly bio composite plasters, providing a more sustainable housing option. This approach offers a durable and cost-effective alternative for housing solutions that meet regulatory requirements for energy efficiency, serving as a smart, highly sustainable, and long-lasting choice for the construction sector. Finally, this result supports the research goal of transforming the 21 municipalities of Madonie into smart and green villages, with the “Smart Coffee-House” exemplifying intelligent rehabilitation processes of existing heritage buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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14 pages, 3236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inclusiveness of Public Space: Experimental Approaches for the Revitalisation of Smaller Historic Urban Centres

by Antonella Mamì

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3320; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083320 - 16 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1807

Abstract

In recent decades, many small Italian historic centers—particularly those situated inland—have witnessed a population decline due to inadequate access to public services and facilities. However, this depopulation has also allowed many centers to retain their distinctive features, now conferring upon them great cultural–historical [...] Read more.

In recent decades, many small Italian historic centers—particularly those situated inland—have witnessed a population decline due to inadequate access to public services and facilities. However, this depopulation has also allowed many centers to retain their distinctive features, now conferring upon them great cultural–historical and landscape value. New quality-of-life-centered economic models present the development of accessible public services as a necessity. Such a process could catalyze the recovery and growth of these centers, which continue to be deserted, regardless of their value. This paper considers combined solutions, including sustainable mobility, digital accessibility, networked services, and technological devices by applying them to trans-scalar studies with the goal of achieving sustainable outcomes. Some of the proposed solutions are the resolution of irregular ground levels, the use of electric vehicles, the creation of sharing models, the physical overhaul of routes, and the retrofitting of minor buildings for inclusive use in a comprehensive human-centered approach toward regeneration. This study is in line with the European guidelines for sustainable and intelligent mobility, whose goal is for at least one hundred European cities to become accessible to all and shifted to zero-emission mobility. Here, sustainable and smart mobility is understood not only as an improvement of environmental and social conditions, but also as a catalyst for environmental and social improvements and as an opportunity to enhance the livability of smaller, geographically isolated historic centers, moving toward a new economy of urban reclamation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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27 pages, 17684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Water—Binder Ratio on Strength and Seismic Behavior of Stabilized Soil from Kongshavn, Port of Oslo

by Per Lindh and Polina Lemenkova

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 12016; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151512016 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1906

Abstract

In many civil engineering problems, soil is stabilized by a combination of binders and water. The success of stabilization is evaluated using seismic tests with measured P-wave velocities. Optimization of process, laboratory testing and data modelling are essential to reduce the costs of [...] Read more.

In many civil engineering problems, soil is stabilized by a combination of binders and water. The success of stabilization is evaluated using seismic tests with measured P-wave velocities. Optimization of process, laboratory testing and data modelling are essential to reduce the costs of the industrial projects. This paper reports the optimized workflow of soil stabilization through evaluated effects from the two factors controlling the development of strength: (1) the ratio between water and binder; (2) the proportions of different binders (cement/slag) were changed experimentally in a mixture of samples to evaluate the strength of soil. The experimental results show an optimal combination of 30% cement and 70% slag with a binder content of 120 kg/m³ and a maximum water binder ratio (w/b) of 5. Such proportions of mixture demonstrated effective soil stabilization both on a pilot test scale and on full scale for industrial works. The correlation between the compressive strength and relative deformation of specimens revealed that strength has the highest values for w/b = 5 and the lowest for w/b = 7. In case of high water content in soil and wet samples, the condition of a w/b ≤ 5 will require a higher amount of binder. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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17 pages, 3045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Multi-Faceted Practice of Architectural Sustainability Found in the Regional Architecture of Vorarlberg, Austria

by Ja Young Eunice Kim

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2430; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032430 - 29 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2683

Abstract

The biggest and increasingly more urgent challenge of the twenty-first century has become how a more sustainable level of development can be achieved. In order to bring about a better sustainable approach to ‘development’ it is necessary to address various different challenges of [...] Read more.

The biggest and increasingly more urgent challenge of the twenty-first century has become how a more sustainable level of development can be achieved. In order to bring about a better sustainable approach to ‘development’ it is necessary to address various different challenges of economy and society simultaneously. By examining the various aspects of sustainability found in the contemporary regional architecture of Vorarlberg, Austria, this paper attempts to highlight a more holistic and multi-faceted practice of architectural sustainability. The literature review on the definition of sustainable architecture and the architectural culture of Vorarlberg will be followed by the characteristic examination of four case studies. The common characteristics found from the evaluation were matched with some of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Goals to illustrate the multi-layered and connected nature of the sustainability qualities. The results of the research is indicative of a more holistic notion of architectural sustainability that is beyond energy-oriented and the functional efficiency of a building. Rather, it would mean the sustainability of a region, as a whole, when it encompasses the continuation of heritage, the way of living as well as how a building should be responding to the environment throughout its life-cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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17 pages, 3013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of the Energy Performance of a Building with Green Roofs and Green Walls in a Tropical Climate

by Saranathan Pragati, Radhakrishnan Shanthi Priya, Chandramouli Pradeepa and Ramalingam Senthil

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2006; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032006 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6354

Abstract

Global temperatures have continued to rise for decades, partly due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent urban heat island (UHI) effects. This current research examines the benefits of urban greenery by studying the impact of green roofs and walls of a building [...] Read more.

Global temperatures have continued to rise for decades, partly due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and subsequent urban heat island (UHI) effects. This current research examines the benefits of urban greenery by studying the impact of green roofs and walls of a building on thermal behavior and heat transfer in a warm and humid climate. This simulation study discusses the importance of greening systems in improving thermal comfort and minimizing the causes of UHI by assessing an integrated green building design. Using the simulation software DesignBuilder, the significance of greening systems, green roofs, and walls in enhancing thermal comfort and reducing the factors that contribute to UHI is investigated. The simulation results are based on the building’s energy usage in hot and humid regions while featuring green roofs and walls. The simulation results indicate a considerable positive impact of greening systems in improving the urban environment in hot and humid tropical climates. Air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and solar gain are decreased by urban greening. The total energy consumption and district cooling demand of buildings with green roofs and walls are reduced by 10.5% and 13%, respectively. The greening systems substantially improve air quality and building’s energy efficiency. Thus, the present study‘s findings can benefit urban designers and dwellers in devising strategies for establishing green spaces in congested urban environments by integrating green technologies and systems into built environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability in Architecture and Engineering)

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