Search Results (129)

This paper examines Krivelj, a copper mining village in Serbia, as a critical yet overlooked node within global extractive networks. Despite supplying copper essential for renewable energy and sustainable architecture, Krivelj experiences severe ecological disruption, forced relocations, and socio-spatial destabilization, becoming a “sacrifice zone”—an area deliberately subjected to harm for broader economic interests. Employing a hybrid methodology that combines ethnographic fieldwork with Geographic Information Systems (GISs), this study spatializes narratives of extractive violence collected from residents through walking interviews, field sketches, and annotated aerial imagery. By integrating satellite data, legal documents, environmental sensors, and lived testimonies, it uncovers the concept of “slow violence,” where incremental harm occurs through bureaucratic neglect, ambient pollution, and legal ambiguity. Critiquing the abstraction of Planetary Urbanization theory, this research employs countertopography and forensic spatial analysis to propose a counter-cartographic framework that integrates geospatial analysis with local narratives. It demonstrates how global mining finance manifests locally through tangible experiences, such as respiratory illnesses and disrupted community relationships, emphasizing the potential of counter-cartography as a tool for visualizing and contesting systemic injustice. Full article

In the stage of high-quality development, the functional coordination between transportation systems and territorial space is a key issue for improving urban spatial efficiency. This paper breaks through the traditional volume-to-capacity ratio analysis paradigm and innovatively integrates the “production-living-ecological space” theory. By introducing an improved accessibility evaluation model and developing a coordination measurement algorithm, a three-dimensional evaluation mechanism covering development potential assessment, service efficiency diagnosis, and resource allocation optimization is established. Empirical research indicates that the improved accessibility indicators can precisely identify the transportation location value of regional functional cores, while the composite coordination indicators can deconstruct the spatiotemporal matching characteristics of “transportation facilities—spatial functions,” providing a dual decision-making basis for the redevelopment of existing space. This measurement system innovatively realizes the integration of planning transmission mechanisms with multi-scale application scenarios, guiding both overall spatial planning and urban renewal area re-optimization. The methodology, applied to the urban villages of Guangzhou, can significantly increase land utilization intensity and value. The research results offer a technical tool for cross-scale collaboration in land space planning reforms and provide theoretical innovations and practical guidance for the value reconstruction of existing spaces under the context of new urbanization. Full article

Off-grid and isolated rural communities in developing countries with limited resources require energy supplies for daily residential use and social, economic, and commercial activities. The use of data from space assets and space-based solar power is a feasible solution for addressing ground-based energy insecurity when harnessed in a hybrid manner. Advances in space solar power systems are recognized to be feasible sources of renewable energy. Their usefulness arises due to advances in satellite and space technology, making valuable space data available for smart grid design in these remote areas. In this case study, an isolated village in Namibia, characterized by high levels of solar irradiation and limited wind availability, is identified. Using NASA data, an autonomous hybrid system incorporating a solar photovoltaic array, a wind turbine, storage batteries, and a backup generator is designed. The local load profile, solar irradiation, and wind speed data were employed to ensure an accurate system model. Using HOMER Pro software V 3.14.2 for system simulation, a more advanced AI optimization was performed utilizing Grey Wolf Optimization and Harris Hawks Optimization, which are two metaheuristic algorithms. The results obtained show that the best performance was obtained with the Grey Wolf Optimization algorithm. This method achieved a minimum energy cost of USD 0.268/kWh. This paper presents the results obtained and demonstrates that advanced optimization techniques can enhance both the hybrid system’s financial cost and energy production efficiency, contributing to a sustainable electricity supply regime in this isolated rural community. Full article

Engineered bamboo has been considered a viable replacement for traditional wood and steel for structural and architectural purposes due to its renewable nature, high strength, and compatibility with different processing techniques. This systematic review analyzed the literature on the mechanical properties and processing techniques of engineered bamboo products, which include bamboo scrimber and laminated bamboo. The literature included in this systematic review was extracted from the Engineering Village platform. The studies retrieved from this platform were filtered to only have been published in top journals (Q1/Q2) related to engineering materials, materials science, and the construction industry. Using this methodology, from the initial 191 identified records, 51 studies that were the most relevant were chosen. The review revealed that bamboo scrimber has better performance for specific mechanical properties, which include its compressive, tensile, and bending strength. Laminated products had higher variability, which was often caused by the type of adhesive, orientation, and quality of adhesion. This study also identified the details of manufacturing processes, such as the adhesive systems, pre-treatment methods, and pressing conditions used. Moreover, the literature exhibited considerable inconsistencies in testing standards, reporting practices, and long-term durability evaluations. This review highlights these challenges and provides recommendations for future research to resolve these issues. Full article

Traditional villages contain rich natural and humanistic information, and exploring the spatial distribution characteristics and cultural landscape zoning of traditional villages can provide scientific support for their centralized and continuous protection and renewal and sustainable development. In this study, 326 traditional villages in the northern Henan region were taken as the research object, followed by analyzing their spatial distribution characteristics by using geostatistical methods, such as nearest-neighbor index, imbalance index, geographic concentration index, etc., combining the theory of cultural landscape to construct the traditional villages’ cultural factor index system, extracting the cultural factors of the traditional villages to form a database, and adopting the K-means clustering method to divide the region. The results show that the spatial distribution of traditional villages in northern Henan tends to be concentrated overall, with an uneven distribution throughout the region. The density is highest in the northwestern part of Hebi City and lower in the central and southern parts of Xinxiang City, Neihuang County, and Puyang City. Based on the cultural factor index system, the K-means algorithm divides the traditional villages in northern Henan into six clusters. Among them, the five cultural factors of topography and geomorphology, building materials, courtyard form, structural system, and altitude and elevation are the most significant, and they are the cultural factors that dominate the landscape of the villages. There is a significant correlation between topography, altitude, and other cultural factors, while the correlation between the street layout and other factors is the lowest. Based on the similarity between the clustering results and the landscape characteristics, the traditional villages in northern Henan can be divided into the stone masonry building culture area along the Taihang Mountains, the brick and stone mixed building culture area in the low hills of the Taihang Mountains, the brick and wood building culture area in the North China Plain, and the raw soil building culture area in the transition zone of the Loess Plateau. Full article

In southern Hunan province, a vital element of China’s architectural cultural legacy, the quality of the indoor lighting environment influences physical performance and the transmission of spatial culture. The province encounters minor environmental disparities and diminishing liveability attributed to evolving construction practices and cultural standards. The three varieties of traditional residences in Shanggantang Village are employed to assess the daylight factor (DF), illumination uniformity (U0), daylight autonomy (DA), and useful daylight illumination (UDI). We subsequently integrate field measurements with static and dynamic numerical simulations to create a multi-dimensional analytical framework termed “measured-static-dynamic”. This method enables the examination of the influence of floor plan layout on light, as well as the relationship between window size, building configuration, and natural illumination. The lighting factor (DF) of the core area of the central patio-type residence reaches 27.7% and the illumination uniformity (U0) is 0.62, but the DF of the transition area plummets to 1.6%; the composite patio type enhances the DF of the transition area to 1.2% through the alleyway-assisted lighting, which is a 24-fold improvement over the offset patio type. Parameter optimization showed that the percentage of all-natural daylighting time (DA) in the edge zone of the central patio type increased from 21.4% to 58.3% when the window height was adjusted to 90%. The results of the study provide a quantitative basis for the optimization of the light environment and low-carbon renewal of traditional residential buildings. Full article

Addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy transitions in rural development while achieving the dual carbon goals, this study focuses on resolving critical challenges in agricultural photovoltaic (PV) applications, including land-use conflicts, compound energy demands (electricity, heating, cooling), and financial constraints among farmers. To tackle these issues, a dual-mode cost–benefit analysis framework was developed, integrating two distinct investment models: self-invested construction (SIC), where farmers independently finance and manage the system, and energy performance contracting (EPC), where third-party investors fund infrastructure through shared energy-saving or revenue agreements. Then, an integrated photovoltaic-storage agricultural greenhouse (PSAG) microgrid optimization model is established, synergizing renewable energy generation, battery storage, and demand-side management while incorporating operational mode selection. The proposed model is validated through a real-world case study of a village agricultural greenhouse in Gannan, China, characterized by typical rural energy profiles and climatic conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimal system configuration requires 27.91 kWh energy storage capacity and 18.67 kW peak output, with annualized post-depreciation costs of 81,083.69 yuan (SIC) and 74,216.22 yuan (EPC). The key findings reveal that energy storage integration reduces operational costs by 8.5% compared to non-storage scenarios, with the EPC model achieving 9.3% greater cost-effectiveness than SIC through shared-investment mechanisms. The findings suggest that incorporating an energy storage system reduces costs for farmers, with the EPC model offering greater cost savings. Full article

This study investigates the incremental renovation of urban villages in Beijing, with a focus on the socio-spatial transformation of rental spaces. By integrating field surveys, building mapping, questionnaire research, and Kano model analysis, we identify key patterns and strategies for improving living conditions, preserving community culture, and promoting social integration. The main contributions of this study include (1) revealing the architectural characteristics and stages of incremental renovation of different rental spaces in urban villages and their diverse tenant needs, (2) applying the Kano model to prioritize tenant needs and guide targeted renovations, and (3) advocating an inclusive socio-spatial transformation strategy that balances development with the protection of vulnerable groups. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to radical urban renewal, ensuring dignified living conditions and opportunities for all residents. Full article

There are a large number of atypical traditional villages in Huizhou, China. These villages are facing a huge increase in spatial renewal and construction due to the problems of fragmented historical space and unbalanced spatial structure. Therefore, taking Yuguang Village as an example, this paper proposes an efficient spatial renewal method: by analyzing the space of traditional villages, simulated villages, and modern villages, three modules of traditional “continuation”, transitional “integration”, and modern “reconstruction” are constructed, and the “discrete aggregation” algorithm is used to combine and simulate these modules in various ways. Finally, the generated results are reasonably analyzed by the fractal theory. The application results of the methods above show that, based on the regional setting of spatial combination and the differential analysis of spatial distribution, intelligent organization technology can weaken the dual separation status of traditional and modern, and realize the targeted and reasonable evaluation of spatial transition and synergistic effect. The technical route can provide innovative and efficient design reference for the renewal of a large number of atypical traditional villages and other types of villages, which has universal and extensible applicability. Full article

Livelihood diversification for traditional villages is essential to reducing poverty, addressing rural hollowing, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Shanxi Province—with its wealth of ancient villages, diverse cultural heritage, and unique landscapes—serves as a critical case for analyzing livelihood strategies. This research proposes a framework for livelihood diversification in Shanxi Province’s 619 traditional villages. Firstly, we constructed an indicator system to measure livelihood assets, including ecological stability, economic feasibility, land productivity, cultural inheritance, and social service capacity. Then, the trade-offs and synergies between each pair of assets are explored based on the correlation tests and the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. Finally, the Self-Organizing Map (SOM) model is employed to cluster the dominant livelihood assets of the sample villages. The results indicated that (1) the current sustainable livelihood levels of traditional villages in Shanxi Province exhibit spatial differentiation and imbalance. (2) The analysis confirms significant synergy between cultural inheritance, social service capacity, and economic feasibility, suggesting that appropriate protection and enhancement of local culture positively correlates with sustainable economic and social development in the villages. (3) Utilizing the SOM clustering model, six distinct types of sustainable livelihood strategies for traditional villages in Shanxi Province were successfully identified. Furthermore, a county-scale “multi-livelihood zoning” strategy has been proposed. The findings of this research can serve as a valuable reference for strategic planning and the implementation of rural revitalization. Full article

With the development of modern cities, people’s living environment requirements are constantly improving. Urban villages in the Qingdao area, as a key area for urban renewal, are affected by the sea breeze and have a warm and humid climate in summer, which, together with their problems of irrational layout and the poor ventilation of outdoor public space, seriously reduce the quality of public space. In order to improve the outdoor comfort and living quality of urban village residents, this study uses CFD numerical simulation and SPSS25 software analysis to investigate the coupled relationship between outdoor public space morphology and the summer wind environment in urban villages, and derives a range of values for public space morphology indexes to meet the needs of human comfort. The study found the following conclusions: a. The average wind speed ratio is negatively correlated with household profile density and enclosure and positively correlated with dispersion, and the degree of influence is in the order of enclosure > dispersion > household profile density. b. When household profile density is less than 0.5328, enclosure is less than 0.8228, and dispersion is less than 17.21, the percentage of comfort zone area in the urban villages increases significantly. The renewal and transformation of urban villages should be based on the interaction mechanism between public space morphology and wind environment in the urban villages, which provides a reference basis for improving the spatial quality of urban villages. Full article

This study presents a systematic approach to designing and optimizing a 100% renewable hybrid microgrid system for sustainable rural electrification in Khlong Ruea, Thailand, using HOMER Pro software (Version 3.15.3). The proposed system integrates photovoltaic (PV) panels (20 kW), pico hydro (9.42 kW), and lithium-ion battery storage (264 kWh) to provide a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy solution for a remote village of 306 residents. The methodology encompasses site-specific resource assessment (solar irradiance, hydro flow), load demand analysis, and techno-economic optimization, minimizing the net present cost (NPC) and cost of energy (COE) while achieving zero emissions. Simulation results indicate the optimal configuration (S1) achieves an NPC of USD 362,687 and COE of USD 0.19/kWh, with a 100% renewable fraction, outperforming the current diesel–hydro system (NPC USD 3,400,000, COE USD 1.85/kWh, 61.4% renewable). Sensitivity analysis confirms robustness against load increases (1–5%), though battery capacity and costs rise proportionally. Compared to regional microgrids, the proposed system excels in terms of sustainability and scalability, leveraging local resources effectively. The lifecycle assessment highlights the battery’s embodied emissions (13,200–39,600 kg CO₂e), underscoring the need for recycling to enhance long-term sustainability. Aligned with Thailand’s AEDP 2018–2037 and net-zero goals, this model offers a replicable framework for rural electrification in Southeast Asia. Stakeholder engagement, including community input and EGAT funding, ensures practical implementation. The study demonstrates that fully renewable microgrids are technically feasible and economically viable, providing a blueprint for sustainable energy transitions globally. Full article

Rural areas are ideal for renewable energy facilities, supporting sustainable development and energy transition. Egypt aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector by 37% and energy consumption by 17% by 2030. Rural Egypt, hosting two-thirds of the population and building stock, consumes one-third of the total electricity. Thus, this paper provides an exploratory study to diagnose and benchmark the energy-use intensity of rural buildings and quantify the correlation between residential electricity consumption, built environment elements, and socio-economic factors, in addition to promoting techno-economic assessments of renewable energy from photovoltaic panels in rural Egypt, supporting national policies amid rapid rural development. The study utilized different analytical and field methods and statistical analyses. A typical agriculture-based rural village in the Delta region, northern Egypt, was selected; the built environment, building types, and socio-economic factors were examined. The results revealed a significant correlation between lifestyle, built-up area, household size, and floor numbers with residential buildings’ electricity consumption. The average annual electricity use intensity was benchmarked at 2.5–92.3 kWh/m² for six non-residential building typologies and at 22 kWh/m² and 6.67 kWh/dwelling for residential buildings. Under current regulations, rooftop solar panels can generate electricity significantly, but are not profitable. Eventually, insights for policymakers to inform energy transition policies and national initiatives for rural regeneration were provided. The research focused on a local context, but the methodology can be applied to rural settlements in similar contexts. Full article

The micro-renewal of rural heritage in urban villages transcends spatial transformation, profoundly altering social structures and relational dynamics. Recent research has emerged concerning the cultural impact of rural revitalization on rural heritage. However, little research has been undertaken regarding the specific mechanisms via which various renewal orientations influence the community. This study focuses on the case of Whampoa Village in Guangzhou, China, specifically highlighting the rehabilitation of its ancestral temples. Utilizing a field–space–society analytical framework, it analyzes how these revitalized ancestral temples enhance community resilience and instigate a reverse reconfiguration of spaces. Moreover, it emphasizes that the varied rehabilitation approach of ancestral temples, by including different social groups, fosters the establishment of new community connections. NGOs and small investors act as the primary catalysts for the preservation and inheritance of cultural heritage. The redevelopment initiative in Whampoa Village has enhanced spatial diversity, thereby reinforcing and transforming existing community structures. Nonetheless, it highlights the potential for spatial inequities arising from capital-driven commercialization in these rural regions. This article seeks to enrich the global database of cultural heritage by including cases from southern China and to contribute to the literature on the preservation of rural cultural assets. Full article

Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) are integral to achieving sustainable urban development by enhancing energy self-sufficiency and reducing carbon emissions. This paper explores energy balance calculations in four diverse case study districts within different climatic conditions—Fiat Village in Settimo Torinese (Italy), Großschönau (Austria), Beursplain in Amsterdam (Netherlands), and Lunca Pomostului in Reşiţa (Romania)—as part of the SIMPLY Positive project. Each district faces unique challenges, such as outdated infrastructure or heritage protection, which we address through tailored strategies including building renovations and the integration of renewable energy systems. Additionally, we employ advanced simulation methodologies to assess energy performance. Simulation results highlight the significance of innovative technologies like photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, application of demand-side actions, and flexible grid usage. Furthermore, mobility assessments and resident-driven initiatives demonstrate the critical role of community engagement in reducing carbon footprints. This study underscores the adaptability of PED frameworks across varied urban contexts and provides actionable insights for scaling similar strategies globally, supporting net-zero energy targets. Full article