Search Results (2,058)

This article provides a critical review of the current design and research challenges in contemporary timber architecture. Conducted from the perspective of a designer-researcher, the review focuses on the role of wood as a material at the intersection of environmental performance, cultural meaning, and spatial practice. The study adopts a conceptual, problem-oriented approach, eschewing the conventional systematic aggregation of existing data. The objective of this study is to identify, interpret and categorise the key issues that are shaping the evolving discourse on timber architecture. The analysis is based on peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025, sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Fifteen thematic challenges have been identified and classified according to their recognition level in academic and design contexts. The subjects under discussion include well-established topics, such as life cycle assessment and carbon storage, as well as less commonly explored areas, such as symbolic durability, social acceptance, traceability, and the upcycling of low-grade wood. The review under consideration places significant emphasis on the importance of integrating technical, cultural, and perceptual dimensions when evaluating timber architecture. The article proposes an interpretive framework combining design thinking and transdisciplinary insights. This framework aims to bridge disciplinary gaps and provide a coherent structure for understanding the complexity of timber-related challenges. The framework under discussion here encourages a broader understanding of wood as not only a sustainable building material but also a vehicle for systemic transformation in architectural culture and practice. The study’s insights may support designers, educators, and policymakers in identifying strategic priorities for the development of future-proof timber-based design practices. Full article

Aiming at the lightweight design of a bridge-shed integration structure, this paper presents a three-layered absorbing system in which a part of the sand cushion is replaced by expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam and the reinforced concrete (RC) protective slab is arranged above the sand cushion to enhance the composite system’s safety. A three-dimensional Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics–Finite Element Method (SPH-FEM) coupled numerical model is developed in LS-DYNA (Livermore Software Technology Corporation, Livermore, CA, USA, version R13.1.1), with its validity rigorously verified. The dynamic response of rockfall impacts on the shed slab with composite cushions of various thicknesses is analyzed by varying the thickness of sand and EPS materials. To optimize the cushion design, a specific energy dissipation ratio (SEDR), defined as the energy dissipation rate per unit mass (η/M), is introduced as a key performance metric. Furthermore, the complicated interactional mechanism between the rockfall and the optimum-thickness composite system is rationally interpreted, and the energy dissipation mechanism of the composite cushion is revealed. Using logistic regression, the ultimate stress state of the reactive powder concrete (RPC) slab is methodically analyzed, accounting for the speed and mass of the rockfall. The results are indicative of the fact that the composite cushion not only has less dead weight but also exhibits superior impact resistance compared to the 90 cm sand cushions; the impact resistance performance index SEDR of the three-layered absorbing system reaches 2.5, showing a remarkable 55% enhancement compared to the sand cushion (SEDR = 1.61). Additionally, both the sand cushion and the RC protective slab effectively dissipate most of the impact energy, while the EPS material experiences relatively little internal energy build-up in comparison. This feature overcomes the traditional vulnerability of EPS subjected to impact loads. One of the highlights of the present investigation is the development of an identification model specifically designed to accurately assess the stress state of RPC slabs under various rockfall impact conditions. Full article

Accomplishing China’s national targets of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality necessitates proactive solutions, hinging critically on fundamentally transforming rural construction models. Current construction practices in rural areas are characterized by inefficiency, high resource consumption, and reliance on imported materials. These shortcomings not only jeopardize the attainment of climate objectives, but also hinder equitable development between urban and rural regions. Using the Digital Industrial Park in Yongtai County, Fuzhou City, as a case study, this study focuses on prefabricated public buildings in regions with extreme hot–humid climate, and innovatively integrates BIM (Building Information Modeling)-driven carbon modeling with the Gaussian Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA) method for spatial accessibility assessment to investigate the carbon emissions and economic benefits of prefabricated buildings during the embodied stage, and analyzes the spatial accessibility of prefabricated building material suppliers in Fuzhou City and identifies associated bottlenecks, seeking pathways to promote sustainable rural revitalization. Compared with traditional cast-in-situ buildings, embodied carbon emissions of prefabricated during their materialization phase significantly reduced. This dual-perspective approach ensures that the proposed solutions possess both technical rigor and logistical feasibility. Promoting this model across rural areas sharing similar climatic conditions would advance the construction industry’s progress towards the dual carbon goals. Full article

The construction industry is a major consumer of raw materials and a significant contributor to environmental emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) using digital models is a valuable tool for conducting a science-based analysis to reduce these impacts. However, transferring data from environmental product declarations (EPDs) to BIM for the purpose of sustainability assessment requires significant resources for its interpretation and integration. This study is founded on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and standards, an analysis of published digital EPDs, and a thorough evaluation of IFC (industry foundation classes), identifying twenty gaps for the automated incorporation of LCA data from construction products into BIM. The identified limitations were assessed using the digital model of a building pilot, applying simplifications to incorporate actual EPD data. This paper presents the identified barriers to the automated incorporation of digital EPDs into BIM, and proposes eleven concrete actions to improve IFC 4.3. While prior studies have analyzed the environmental data in IFC, this research is significant in two key areas. Firstly, it focuses on the direct machine interpretation of environmental information without human intervention. Secondly, it is intended to be directly applicable to a revision of the IFC standards. Full article

An important task for the European Union is to transpose agreements and international standards in regulation and directives that are binding on member states. The resultant European action plans and directives identify priority areas in the building and energy sectors where circular economy principles can be applied. Italy records a general circular materials rate of 20.8%, surpassing the mean European value. But low recycling rates are still registered in the construction sector. This paper aims to assess the position of Italy with respect to the European regulatory framework on circularity in the energy transition of buildings. Firstly, the government’s initiatives and technical standards are introduced and commented upon. Secondly, the study illustrates the current Italian platforms, networks, and public and private initiatives highlighting opportunities and obstacles that the energy sector has to overcome in the area of circularity. It emerges that Italian policies still use voluntary tools that are not sufficiently in line with an effective circular economy model. Moreover, data collection plays a crucial role in accelerating the implementation of future actions. Italy should consider the foundation of a National Observatory for the Circular Economy to elaborate European directives, harmonize regional policies, and promote the implementation of effective practices. Full article

As the use of data models and data science techniques in industrial processes grows exponentially, the question arises: to what extent can these techniques impact the future of manufacturing processes? This article examines the potential future impacts of these models based on an assessment of existing trends and practices. The drive towards digital-oriented manufacturing and cyber-based process optimization and control has brought many opportunities and challenges. On one hand, issues of data acquisition, handling, and quality for proper database building have become important subjects. On the other hand, the reliable utilization of this available data for optimization and control has inspired much research. This research work discusses the fundamental question of how far these models can help design and/or improve existing processes, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Furthermore, it reviews state-of-the-art practices and their successes and failures in material process applications, including casting, extrusion, and additive manufacturing (AM), and presents some quantitative indications. Full article

The construction sector emphasises circular economy principles that prioritise eco-design strategies, particularly the usage of secondary raw materials. The growing interest in using industrial hemp as a sustainable building material in the construction sector is driven by its versatility. Industrial hemp has been preferential in comparison to other traditional building materials due to its lower global warming impact. Claims regarding the environmental benefits of hemp-containing construction materials based on the single impact category could be misleading; therefore, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies including multiple environmental indicators should be implemented. This study aims to compare two alternative wall designs regarding their environmental impacts. The comparative LCA study for hempcrete and prefabricated walls used in residential buildings was assessed using IPCC and ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment methods. The study highlighted a significant discrepancy depending on the number of environmental indicators considered, as well as between characterised and weighted LCA results. A hempcrete wall was recognised as a slightly (13.63%) better alternative when assessed by the single-issue IPCC method, while its total burden assessed by the ReCiPe method was recognised to be significantly (2.78 times) higher. Based on the results from this case study, regulators could re-evaluate the appropriateness of reporting LCA results solely on the midpoint level, particularly when limited to a single impact indicator, while producers in the construction sector should recognise the threat of greenwashing when reporting using a single impact indicator only. Full article

Internal fins are commonly utilized as a passive technique to enhance natural convection, but their efficiency depends on complex interplay between fin design, material properties, and convective strength. This study presents an extensive numerical analysis of buoyancy-driven flow in square cavities containing a single horizontal fin on the hot wall. Over 9000 simulations were conducted, methodically varying the Rayleigh number (Ra = 10 to 10⁵), Prandtl number (Pr = 0.1 to 10), and fin characteristics, such as length, vertical position, thickness, and the thermal conductivity ratio (up to 1000), to assess their overall impact on thermal efficiency. Thermal enhancements compared to scenarios without fins are quantified using local and average Nusselt numbers, as well as a Nusselt number ratio (NNR). The results reveal that, contrary to conventional beliefs, long fins positioned centrally can actually decrease heat transfer by up to 11.8% at high Ra and Pr due to the disruption of thermal plumes and diminished circulation. Conversely, shorter fins located near the cavity’s top and bottom wall edges can enhance the Nusselt numbers for the hot wall by up to 8.4%, thereby positively affecting the development of thermal boundary layers. A U-shaped Nusselt number distribution related to fin placement appears at Ra ≥ 10³, where edge-aligned fins consistently outperform those positioned mid-height. The benefits of high-conductivity fins become increasingly nonlinear at larger Ra, with advantages limited to designs that minimally disrupt core convective patterns. These findings challenge established notions regarding passive thermal enhancement and provide a predictive thermogeometric framework for designing enclosures. The results can be directly applied to passive cooling systems in electronics, battery packs, solar thermal collectors, and energy-efficient buildings, where optimizing heat transfer is vital without employing active control methods. Full article

The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species (Bracteacoccus minor, Stichococcus bacillaris, Klebsormidium nitens, Chloroidium saccharophilum, and Diplosphaera chodatii). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are highly volatile chemicals in natural and anthropogenic environments, significantly affecting indoor air quality. Major sources of indoor VOCs include emissions from building materials, furnishings, and consumer products. Natural wood products release VOCs, including terpenes and aldehydes, which exert diverse health effects ranging from mild respiratory irritation to severe outcomes, such as formaldehyde-induced carcinogenicity. The temporal dynamics of VOC emissions were investigated, and the toxicological and physiological effects of the VOCs emitted by two types of natural wood, Korean Red Pine (Pinus densiflora) and Japanese Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), were evaluated. Using female C57BL/6 mice as an animal model, the exposure setups included phytoncides, formaldehyde, and intact wood samples over short- and long-term durations. The exposure effects were assessed using oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzyme activity, hepatic and renal biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokine profiles. Long-term exposure to Korean Red Pine and Japanese Cypress wood VOCs did not induce significant pathological changes. Japanese Cypress exhibited more distinct benefits, including enhanced oxidative stress mitigation, reduced systemic toxicity, and lower pro-inflammatory cytokine levels compared to the negative control group, attributable to its more favorable VOC emission profile. These findings highlight the potential health and environmental benefits of natural wood VOCs and offer valuable insights for optimizing timber use, improving indoor air quality, and informing public health policies. Full article

The life-cycle carbon emissions (LCCE) assessment of dairy barns is crucial for identifying low-carbon transition pathways and promoting the sustainable development of the dairy industry. We applied a life cycle assessment approach integrated with building information modeling and EnergyPlus to establish a full life cycle inventory of the material quantities and energy consumption for dairy barns. The LCCE was quantified from the production to end-of-life stages using the carbon equivalent of dairy barns (CEDB) as the functional unit, expressed in kg CO₂e head⁻¹ year⁻¹. A carbon emission assessment model was developed based on the “building–process–energy” framework. The LCCE of the open barn and the lower profile cross-ventilated (LPCV) barn were 152 kg CO₂e head⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 229 kg CO₂e head⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively. Operational carbon emissions (OCE) accounted for the largest share of LCCE, contributing 57% and 74%, respectively. For embodied carbon emissions (ECE), the production of building materials dominated, representing 91% and 87% of the ECE, respectively. Regarding carbon mitigation strategies, the use of extruded polystyrene boards reduced carbon emissions by 45.67% compared with stone wool boards and by 36% compared with polyurethane boards. Employing a manure pit emptying system reduced carbon emissions by 76% and 74% compared to manure scraping systems. Additionally, the adoption of clean electricity resulted in a 33% reduction in OCE, leading to an overall LCCE reduction of 22% for the open barn and 26% for the LPCV barn. This study introduces the CEDB to evaluate low-carbon design strategies for dairy barns, integrating building layout, ventilation systems, and energy sources in a unified assessment approach, providing valuable insights for the low-carbon transition of agricultural buildings. Full article

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry faces challenges related to inefficiencies and fragmentation that highlight the need for advanced construction technologies and drive interest in innovative solutions such as the platform approach to design. This study assessed platform-based building design through (1) interviews with practitioners from China, Jordan, and the UK, which helped to define the platform approach in the AEC industry and the challenges involved, and (2) a residential building design simulation conducted to evaluate the potential of the platform approach. The simulated design’s materials costs, energy efficiency, and construction time were compared with those of the traditional building design. The results of the comparison corroborate the interview findings concerning practitioners’ perspectives on platform definition, benefits, challenges, and implementation. The findings also demonstrate the potential of the platform approach to enhance productivity and scalability through modularization, kit-of-parts configuration, and standardization. This research bridges the gap between theory and practice by supporting shareholder perspectives on building design and construction with the results of a simulated platform approach to a real-world design project. This research addresses the urgent need to better understand and test the platform approach to achieve material, energy, and construction time savings through collaborative and practice-informed design. Full article

Urban agriculture (UA) is emerging as a promising strategy for sustainable food production in response to growing environmental pressures. Indoor vertical farming (IVF), combining Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with Building-Integrated Agriculture (BIA), enables efficient resource use and year-round crop cultivation in urban settings. This study assesses the environmental performance of a prospective IVF system located on a university campus in Portugal, focusing on the integration of photovoltaic (PV) energy as an alternative to the conventional electricity grid (GM). A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using the Environmental Footprint (EF) method and the LANCA model to account for land use and soil-related impacts. The PV-powered system demonstrated lower overall environmental impacts, with notable reductions across most impact categories, but important trade-offs with decreased soil quality. The LANCA results highlighted cultivation and packaging as key contributors to land occupation and transformation, while also revealing trade-offs associated with upstream material demands. By combining EF and LANCA, the study shows that IVF systems that are not soil-based can still impact soil quality indirectly. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of sustainability in urban farming and underscore the importance of multi-dimensional assessment approaches when evaluating emerging agricultural technologies. Full article

In the context of the growing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to develop sustainable solutions for the construction industry, foamed geopolymers represent a promising alternative to traditional binders and insulation materials. This study investigates the thermal properties of novel low-emission, insulating geopolymer binders made from fly ash with diatomite, chalcedonite, and wood wool aiming to assess their potential for use in thermal insulation systems in energy-efficient buildings. The stability of the foamed geopolymer structure is also assessed. Measurements of thermal conductivity, specific heat, microstructure, density, and compressive strength are presented. The findings indicate that the selected geopolymer formulations exhibit low thermal conductivity, high heat capacity and low density, making them competitive with conventional insulation materials—mainly load-bearing ones such as aerated concrete and wood wool insulation boards. Additionally, incorporating waste-derived materials reduces the production carbon footprint. The best results are represented by the composite incorporating all three additives (diatomite, chalcedonite, and wood wool), which achieved the lowest thermal conductivity (0.10154 W/m·K), relatively low density (415 kg/m³), and high specific heat (1.529 kJ/kg·K). Full article

Wood, as a natural material that stores carbon, is gaining increasing attention and has potential for use in interior architectural applications. Given the long indoor stay time characteristic of modern society, it is important to scientifically understand the effects of indoor wood application on the occupants. In this study, three residential buildings with an identical area and structure were constructed with different degrees of wood coverage (0%, 45%, 90%) using Larix kaempferi. Subsequently, indoor air quality (IAQ) evaluations and relative humidity measurements were conducted to assess the physical and chemical changes in each environment. The IAQ in wooden and non-wooden environments met the recommended IAQ standards established in South Korea. The results of the 8-month observation showed that, the higher the wood coverage ratio, the more the indoor humidity fluctuations were alleviated, and, in the case of the 90% wood coverage ratio condition, the humidity was maintained 5.2% lower in the summer and 10.9% higher in the winter compared to the 0% condition. To further assess the physiological responses induced by the wooden environment, the heart rate variability (HRV) was measured and compared for 26 participants exposed to each environment for two hours. In environments with a 0% and 90% degree of wood coverage, no statistically significant differences were found in the participants’ HRV indicators. But, in the group exposed to the 45% wooden environment, the results showed an increase in HRV indicators, natural logarithm of high frequency power (lnHF): 4.87 → 5.40 (p < 0.05), and standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN): 30.57 → 38.48 (p < 0.05), which are known indicators of parasympathetic nervous system activation. Full article