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Winemaking facilities require specific interior hygrothermal conditions for wine production and aging, often necessitating the use of electromechanical cooling and humidification systems that increase energy consumption costs. This study aimed to assess the potential application of bioclimatic strategies in artisanal wine cellars within the Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico, using a quantitative theoretical method. Psychrometric charts incorporating estimated and measured meteorological data from the study area were employed to analyze bioclimatic strategies for two key areas of a wine cellar: (1) Production and (2) Aging. Our findings highlight that integrating high thermal mass and shading techniques represents an effective strategy for wine cellar design, offering reduced reliance on active systems and promoting substantial energy savings. This research underscores the viability and benefits of bioclimatic design approaches in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of wine cellar operations, particularly in regions with specific climatic challenges. like the Guadalupe Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winemaking facilities require specific interior hygrothermal conditions for wine production and aging, often necessitating the use of electromechanical cooling and humidification systems that increase energy consumption costs. This study aimed to assess the potential application of bioclimatic strategies in artisanal wine cellars within the Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico, using a quantitative theoretical method. Psychrometric charts incorporating estimated and measured meteorological data from the study area were employed to analyze bioclimatic strategies for two key areas of a wine cellar: (1) Production and (2) Aging. Our findings highlight that integrating high thermal mass and shading techniques represents an effective strategy for wine cellar design, offering reduced reliance on active systems and promoting substantial energy savings. This research underscores the viability and benefits of bioclimatic design approaches in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of wine cellar operations, particularly in regions with specific climatic challenges. like the Guadalupe Valley.

The bioclimatic architecture concept refers to an approach that takes into account the various characteristics of a building environment to make it more comfortable for its occupants. This work aims to improve the passive design parameters of an air-conditioned residential building located in the north of Morocco, in accordance with bioclimatic principles. The bioclimatic chart diagram is used to select the passive design measures that are the most appropriate for the north Morocco climate characteristics. Then, a set of design parameters are selected for more delimitation in the optimization study. The optimization problem is multi-objective and aims to find the design solution that simultaneously includes the best air-conditioning energy performance and daylight performance. The obtained results showed that the multiobjective optimum design solution is characterized by massive walls and roof, exterior insulation, double window glazing type, and a high summer ventilation rate. Also, a small glazing area with a large sunshading covering is needed for the east facade. Ultimately, the building performance analysis revealed that the optimum bioclimatic design solution fully meets the requirements established by the Moroccan Building Thermal Regulation (MBTR), leading to an energy performance improvement of about 52%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to escalating environmental challenges, this research underscores the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices, particularly focusing on bioclimatic design as a foundational element within the realm of sustainable architecture and environmental upgrading of buildings, within the broader context of sustainable urban planning. The study delves into the perspectives of residents in Cyprus concerning bioclimatic building design. Employing a quantitative methodology, the investigation aims to comprehensively assess homeowner views on the benefits, motivations, concerns, and preferred techniques associated with bioclimatic design. By comprehending these perspectives and contextual factors, this study identifies obstacles hindering broader implementation and illuminates why adoption remains limited, despite the potential for substantial energy and emissions reductions. The research also examines the background of respondents, such as heating/cooling systems, energy expenses, and upgrade preferences, to provide essential context for the findings. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of 150 pedestrians in the Pafos area, ensuring a representative cross-section of the local population. This method allowed for a robust examination of demographic influences on opinions and an in-depth analysis of the impact of residential characteristics. The findings reveal a substantial influence of cost considerations in shaping decisions related to residential property development and the renovation of existing structures, contributing to the limitation of widespread adoption across the island. This influence persists even as a majority of respondents express a readiness to undertake building energy upgrades, among which, the most popular actions include the installation of specialized glass, the replacement of traditional air conditioning units with inverters, and the adoption of energy-efficient lighting. The research culminates in the proposal that introducing financial incentives has the potential to enhance homeowner participation in bioclimatic and energy upgrades. This recommendation is particularly salient in the climatic context of Cyprus, where the implementation of solar control measures emerges as a promising avenue for bolstering energy efficiency. In considering the socio-economic dimensions implicit in these findings, it becomes evident that the interplay between financial considerations and sustainable construction practices is a critical aspect. The identified barriers underscore the necessity for nuanced strategies and policy frameworks that address the socio-economic dimensions of bioclimatic design adoption. In this context, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between financial factors and sustainable architectural practices, offering implications for future research endeavors and potential avenues for policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban development demands new forms of expansion, among the most common are vertical growth, which at the same time demands sustainable criteria. This form of growth has implemented the concept of eco-efficiency, which seeks sustainable urban development through the proposal of energy-efficient buildings with the use of limited resources. Within this concept, bioclimatic design is one of the most relevant aspects. However, it is important to quantify the energy improvements of the new proposals through a methodology that facilitates understanding. The aim of this study is to characterize the energy performance of buildings that obtained an increase in floors through the application of an eco-efficiency matrix. This proposal for the Metropolitan District of Quito considers sustainable criteria; nevertheless, this study focuses on bioclimatic parameters related to absorbance and reflectance, lighting comfort, and thermal comfort. For this purpose, four tower-type buildings with different numbers of stories were analyzed. From each tower, a typical apartment was evaluated, which constitutes the analysis unit for the study. In this sense, on-site temperature and relative humidity data were used to interpret the climatic behavior of the apartments. Modeling of the apartments based on geometrical and constructive characteristics, and energy parameters, was also performed. These models allowed to perform computational simulations, obtaining results of natural lighting, thermal comfort, and energy performance. A comparison was also made between the case studies and others with the same geometry but without energy efficiency strategies to determine energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and operating costs. The results showed that buildings that apply bioclimatic design strategies, as well as energy efficiency measures, reduce energy consumption by an average of 33% compared with buildings that do not apply these strategies.

Copyright of PLANARCH - Design & Planning Research is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, typical open spaces were selected in the urban area of Lanzhou, China, with varying distances from the Yellow River and different plant configuration spaces. Then, the thermal perception of respondents was investigated through meteorological measurements, thermal comfort questionnaires, and parametric modeling. The findings indicate the following: (1) Wind speed decreases significantly as the distance from the Yellow River increases in the three open green spaces. (2) The cold lake effect of the Yellow River dominates the wind environment. (3) The closest site to the Yellow River exhibits the strongest correlation between wind speed and the respondents' thermal sensation. (4) There is a strong positive correlation between the model output and different spatial measurement values. (5) There is a certain discrepancy between the UTCI values and the actual measurements, but the fit is high and consistent with an R-squared value of 0.936. This study quantitatively evaluated the thermal comfort and perception in typical spaces and validated the reliability of parameterized modeling for such spaces, providing a reference basis for thermal environment planning in these spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent recordings of urban overheating reveal a dramatic increase in cities' population exposure to heatwaves. Heatwaves' implications are escalated in urban environments due to the intensification of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. To combat the overheating and UHI adverse effects, novel urban rehabilitation actions are needed based on reliable predictions of appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (such as pedestrian-level air temperature and thermal comfort) for alternative design scenarios. The objective of the current study is to present the application of a previously developed Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model for the calculation of urban microclimatic conditions for the assessment of the UHI and thermal-comfort conditions in a central urban area in the city of Heraklion in Crete, Greece. Empirical validation of the model is performed through comparisons with monitored microclimate data (i.e., air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed) and actual sensation vote recordings found in another research study. In compliance with the latter, the validation campaign is conducted for a typical hot summer day in July 2009 from 10:00 to 16:00. The model is then used to assess the UHI effects for both the existing urban configuration and a given suggested environmental upgrade of the space. Simulations of the existing situation reveal that the squares located in the studied area already stand for efficient resistances to urban overheating, and heat vulnerabilities are detected mainly in non-shaded traffic and pedestrian roads perimetric to the squares. Based on the CFD simulations, the suggested environmental upgrading plan exhibits a reduction in the peak mean air temperature of 0.46 °C, and thermal comfort is improved by at least 5% (based on SET) throughout the studied area in summer. At the same time, simulations of winter conditions suggest that there are limited potential pedestrian thermal-sensation and building heating penalties under the considered renovation scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioclimatic design features in the buildings are based on surrounding geography and climate to create comfortable and healthy spaces. These features are observed in the vernacular architecture styles across the regions of India. Various bioclimatic design strategies are also observed in Northeast India; however, they are less focused when compared to other regions of India. Therefore, this paper attempts to investigate bioclimatic features in the vernacular architecture of Northeast India, wherein it focuses on two typologies, i.e., Assam-type house and Stilt houses (Chang Ghar). A qualitative analysis based on the site surveys was done to identify bioclimatic features used in the two selected typologies. The parameters selected to investigate bioclimatic features include the type of construction materials and methods used; the spatial arrangement of spaces; orientation and layout of the building; wall thickness; nearby open spaces; vegetation and water bodies; openings and ventilation; window to wall ratio; plinth height; design and material of shading devices; structure, height, and material of ceiling, any other special features. Overall, the results indicated that Assam-type houses and stilt houses are highly responsive to the local climate, utilizes locally available materials (bamboo, wood, and mud), and reflects the living style, customs, and socio-economic conditions. The outcome of this qualitative study was the identification of multiple bioclimatic features observed in both typologies. The recommendations from this study can act as a reference for designing buildings that shall promote sustainable built environments as per United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 11 (Sustainable cities and communities). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioclimatic design can effectively affect the environmental thermal comfort level through changing the surface of the study area. Using Zhengzhou Beach Park as a case study, the impact of three different bioclimatic design methods (changing pavement only, changing design only and changing both pavement and design) on outdoor thermal comfort, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed under the ENVI-met model is quantitatively analysed. The results show that the three bioclimatic design schemes significantly affect the predicted mean vote of the site. The overall decrease in predicted mean vote average after pavement renovation pavement renovation is about 0.03, the overall increase in predicted mean vote average after design renovation design renovation is about 0.01, and the overall predicted mean vote average decrease after combined renovation is about 0.02. The relation among different predicted mean vote values and occupied areas under different bioclimatic design backgrounds is quantified, and the difference-value of climate index change were visualized for the first time. This study firstly uses a series of figures to show different trends of predicted mean vote and their area changes under the background of different transformation modes, which can effectively promote the refinement of the research on biological climate design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the physiological and thermal responses of 54 healthy elderly adults during horticultural activities with various intensities (low, moderate, and high) in three typical open spaces were investigated through meteorological measurements, questionnaires, and physiological monitoring. Physiological equivalent temperature (PET), blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and ear canal temperature were used as physiological evaluation indices. The results showed that: (1) the proportional changes before and after thermal sensation vote (TSV) and thermal comfort vote (TCV) activities were positively correlated with the spatial characteristics and metabolic levels of outdoor activities in summer; (2) physiological indices were almost constant during low-intensity horticultural activities and significantly different before and after moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity horticultural activities; (3) when the intensity of horticultural activities changed from low to moderate, the neutral PET (NPET) decreased to 25.29 and 26.82 °C, respectively, whereas the NPET increased to 23.97 °C during vigorous intensity; (4) heart rate (HR) and diastolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively correlated with metabolic rate for the elderly; (5) a moderate sky view factor space was more suitable for the elderly to participate in during outdoor horticultural activities in summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the qualitative and quantitative deficit of educational infrastructure in Peru’s rural high Andean areas, in recent years the Peruvian State has been investing in and supporting modular solutions, seeking efficiency in the construction processes. The specific proposal, with special emphasis on bioclimatic design, is the "Prefabricated Frost-type Modular Classroom". However, users have been expressing discomfort with these new facilities. This study shows the measurement process carried out on a built module, which allowed calibrating and validating the model using simulation software, to propose improvements in the design that may contribute to future constructions. Taking the adaptive thermal comfort model as a reference, it was confirmed that indoor temperatures were below thermal comfort limits in the early hours of the morning and well above them close to noon, by around 6 ºC and 7 ºC respectively. With the application of complementary bioclimatic strategies, it was possible to considerably improve indoor thermal conditions, although not enough to reach comfort early in the morning. This is because the night-time outdoor temperatures are very low, the building is uninhabited all night long, there is no thermal mass in the envelope, and there are no active solar systems or mechanical air conditioning.

In response to escalating environmental challenges, this research underscores the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices, particularly focusing on bioclimatic design as a foundational element within the realm of sustainable architecture and environmental upgrading of buildings, within the broader context of sustainable urban planning. The study delves into the perspectives of residents in Cyprus concerning bioclimatic building design. Employing a quantitative methodology, the investigation aims to comprehensively assess homeowner views on the benefits, motivations, concerns, and preferred techniques associated with bioclimatic design. By comprehending these perspectives and contextual factors, this study identifies obstacles hindering broader implementation and illuminates why adoption remains limited, despite the potential for substantial energy and emissions reductions. The research also examines the background of respondents, such as heating/cooling systems, energy expenses, and upgrade preferences, to provide essential context for the findings. A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of 150 pedestrians in the Pafos area, ensuring a representative cross-section of the local population. This method allowed for a robust examination of demographic influences on opinions and an in-depth analysis of the impact of residential characteristics. The findings reveal a substantial influence of cost considerations in shaping decisions related to residential property development and the renovation of existing structures, contributing to the limitation of widespread adoption across the island. This influence persists even as a majority of respondents express a readiness to undertake building energy upgrades, among which, the most popular actions include the installation of specialized glass, the replacement of traditional air conditioning units with inverters, and the adoption of energy-efficient lighting. The research culminates in the proposal that introducing financial incentives has the potential to enhance homeowner participation in bioclimatic and energy upgrades. This recommendation is particularly salient in the climatic context of Cyprus, where the implementation of solar control measures emerges as a promising avenue for bolstering energy efficiency. In considering the socio-economic dimensions implicit in these findings, it becomes evident that the interplay between financial considerations and sustainable construction practices is a critical aspect. The identified barriers underscore the necessity for nuanced strategies and policy frameworks that address the socio-economic dimensions of bioclimatic design adoption. In this context, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the intricate relationship between financial factors and sustainable architectural practices, offering implications for future research endeavors and potential avenues for policy interventions.

In this study, typical open spaces were selected in the urban area of Lanzhou, China, with varying distances from the Yellow River and different plant configuration spaces. Then, the thermal perception of respondents was investigated through meteorological measurements, thermal comfort questionnaires, and parametric modeling. The findings indicate the following: (1) Wind speed decreases significantly as the distance from the Yellow River increases in the three open green spaces. (2) The cold lake effect of the Yellow River dominates the wind environment. (3) The closest site to the Yellow River exhibits the strongest correlation between wind speed and the respondents’ thermal sensation. (4) There is a strong positive correlation between the model output and different spatial measurement values. (5) There is a certain discrepancy between the UTCI values and the actual measurements, but the fit is high and consistent with an R-squared value of 0.936. This study quantitatively evaluated the thermal comfort and perception in typical spaces and validated the reliability of parameterized modeling for such spaces, providing a reference basis for thermal environment planning in these spaces.

This paper defines an original methodological and applicative approach in support of the experimental/planning phase in the area of the regeneration of urban districts, in order to offer responses to the challenges of adapting to and mitigating climate change. Applied in two case studies in Rome, the methodology incorporates and verifies strategies and passive bioclimatic solutions through activities of ex-ante/ex-post modelling/simulation, constructing multicriteria and multiscalar planning models based on fluid dynamics, and measuring their effectiveness through the quantification of the reduction of CO2 emissions. The expected results are improved environmental comfort in outdoor, in-between, and indoor spaces, lower energy demand and CO2 emissions mitigation, through a set of actions and solutions that are comparable, replicable, and measurable in terms of energy-climate performance and environmental well-being.

Copyright of Journal of Design Architecture & Engineering (FBU-DAE) / Tasarım, Mimarlık ve Mühendislik Dergisi is the property of Journal of Design Architecture & Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Bioclimatic design is an approach based on local climate which improves thermal qualities and indoor comfort. Buildings follow this process to minimize negative effects on the environment. However, this approach is still not suitable in developed countries. This study aims to investigate Mediterranean local bioclimatic strategies’ impact on thermal comfort efficiency in housing, by examining architectural elements and treatments. Methods: We adopted a descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodology, complemented with a software simulation, within a qualitative and quantitative approach. Investigation and methodological tools were based on technical information including plans, elevations, photos, and documentation. The approach consisted of multiple stages: a literature review interpreting the concept of bioclimatic design, as well as thermal comfort variables and common Mediterranean building features. Moreover, the paper showcases three examples of successful Mediterranean passive houses. Furthermore, the paper presents a case- studyhouse in Alex West, Alexandria, designed in the Mediterranean Revival style. Results: The results showed that the most influencing building features on thermal comfort were the low-pitched roofs and the top chimney, which achieved 12.6% and 5% improvement in the summer and 13% and 6.8% in winter, respectively. The pergola and porch elements barely had an effect when placed on the northern façade. However, on the southern façade, a positive contribution in the summer by 1.4% and 3.4% respectively were reported, but a slight negative impact in winter by 0.5% and 2% respectively. Conclusions : We examined the impact of common Mediterranean building features , and compared thermal comfort results between case-study houses. Features focusing on passive design for cooling rather than heating, allowing wind flow for maximized natural ventilation, using ventilated pitched roof spaces, using sun shading elements in the proper facades and angles, help passive thermal regulation. The study proposes recommendations for optimizing thermal comfort in residential buildings in Alexandria, Egypt.

Windows are responsible for significant amounts of energy loss through typical building envelopes. There have been multiple studies on heat loss through the glazing unit and frame system. This study presents an experimental investigation of a window unit and focuses specifically on the conductance between the structural elements and the frame system of a conventional house in the city of Xanthi, northern Greece. It is obvious that even a perfect window system cannot reduce heat transfer between the base of the frame and the upper surface of the floor. The experimental and simulation procedure of this project includes the installation of an insulating layer in front of the window unit for a variety of frames (solid wood, aluminum, PVC, etc.) at different distances. The main objective of this paper is to determine how effective an insulating barrier can be in respect to different types of frame, glazing, and weather conditions for the control of heat loss. Through the application of this technique, in combination with an appropriate insulating frame and window unit, designers can control the temperature inside the room at close proximity to the windows, in order to contribute to energy saving, aiming towards a building with zero energy demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agathon: International Journal of Architecture, Art & Design is the property of DEMETRA CE.RI.MED and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bioclimatic design strategies are among the most promising sustainable approaches for improving energy efficiency of buildings. However, their contributions to reducing the energy consumption and carbon footprint of buildings are largely dependent on the alignment of building design with climatic conditions. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of key bioclimatic design strategies, namely green roof and walls, tree shading, natural ventilation, glazing system, blinds, building orientation and Trombe wall on the energy performance of a typical residential building in the three most dominant climates worldwide. These strategies are analyzed in Riyadh, Tetouan and Montreal cities, selected to represent those climates, viz. arid, temperate and cold climates, respectively. To this end, numerous dynamic thermal simulations were performed using EnergyPlus software. The findings of this research revealed that, individually, green roof and walls, and Trombe wall strategies have the highest performance in terms of energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation for all selected locations. Moreover, blinds and tree shading strategies are too recommended for arid and temperate climates, while natural ventilation is advisable only for the last one. Additionally, significant energy saving could be achieved by optimizing the building orientation, especially in arid and cold climates. However, the greatest energy savings and GHG emissions mitigation were achieved (i) by combining green roof and walls, Trombe wall, blinds and tree shading techniques for arid climates, (ii) by adding natural ventilation to the last combination for temperate climates, and (iii) when green roof and walls design is combined with an optimal building orientation for cold climates, with a share of 33%, 58% and 19%, respectively. This work is intended to be a reference to help building designers and engineers to select the appropriate bioclimatic design strategies according to the building's climate. • The main bioclimatic strategies' effect in dominant climates worldwide is examined. • Three locations were selected to represent the dominant climates. • Green roof and walls design is the most energy-efficient bioclimatic strategy. • Significant energy-saving can be achieved by combining key bioclimatic strategies. • Applying the investigated strategies greatly reduces GHG emissions in all climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bioclimatic design is an approach based on local climate which improves thermal qualities and indoor comfort. Buildings follow this process to minimize negative effects on the environment. However, this approach is still not suitable in developed countries. This study aims to investigate Mediterranean local bioclimatic strategies’ impact on thermal comfort efficiency in housing, by examining architectural elements and treatments. Methods: We adopted a descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodology, complemented with a software simulation, within a qualitative and quantitative approach. Investigation and methodological tools were based on technical information including plans, elevations, photos, and documentation. The approach consisted of multiple stages: a literature review interpreting the concept of bioclimatic design, as well as thermal comfort variables and common Mediterranean building features. Moreover, the paper showcases three examples of successful Mediterranean passive houses. Furthermore, the paper presents a case- studyhouse in Alex West, Alexandria, designed in the Mediterranean Revival style. Results: The results showed that the most influencing building features on thermal comfort were the low-pitched roofs and the top chimney, which achieved 12.6% and 5% improvement in the summer and 13% and 6.8% in winter, respectively. The pergola and porch elements barely had an effect when placed on the northern façade. However, on the southern façade, a positive contribution in the summer by 1.4% and 3.4% respectively were reported, but a slight negative impact in winter by 0.5% and 2% respectively. Conclusions: We examined the impact of common Mediterranean building features , and compared thermal comfort results between case-study houses. Features focusing on passive design for cooling rather than heating, allowing wind flow for maximized natural ventilation, using ventilated pitched roof spaces, using sun shading elements in the proper facades and angles, help passive thermal regulation. The study proposes recommendations for optimizing thermal comfort in residential buildings in Alexandria, Egypt.

Bioclimatic design is a crucial strategy to achieving the eco-friendliness, human-friendliness, and energy-friendliness of the built environment. The building patterns, materials, innovation, and use depend on the inhabitant’s choices, lifestyle, and economic viability. The study focused on examining bioclimatic components of low-cost dwellings in rural coastal environments in eastern India. A survey questionnaire administered to about 1,300 respondents from 15 villages (classified as remote rural, rural, and semi-urban) yielded their perception of different dwelling environment issues. The statistical analysis of bioclimatic dimensions indicated a significant difference among the dwellings. The low-cost mud houses of the remote rural and rural areas in coastal regions often follow local practices. Besides, different dimensions covered in the survey provided insights for the comparative evaluation of different categories of dwelling units. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified the clusters and component structures of the built environment characteristics provided from the response of the villagers as their perception of the dwellings. PCA yielded three components—1) interior design (PC1, building form, partitioning of rooms, type and materials of the wall, roof and window), 2) innovation of the built environment (PC2, building envelope, insulation, and sanitation facilities), and 3) natural ventilation priority (PC3, window design, window opening, and glaze material), which together explained 69% of the total variance. The psychrometric chart provided in identifies passive design strategies in constructing dwellings to improve residents’ yearly total thermal comfort hours in hot and humid regions. The relative contributions to thermal comfort hours are sun shading of windows (25.5%), a passive solar direct gain high mass (6.2%), a passive solar direct gain low mass (0.4%), and a high thermal mass, including night flush (4.3%), direct and two-stage evaporative cooling (4.3%), and natural ventilation and fan-forced ventilation cooling (2.2%).

In this study, the physiological and thermal responses of 54 healthy elderly adults during horticultural activities with various intensities (low, moderate, and high) in three typical open spaces were investigated through meteorological measurements, questionnaires, and physiological monitoring. Physiological equivalent temperature (PET), blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and ear canal temperature were used as physiological evaluation indices. The results showed that: (1) the proportional changes before and after thermal sensation vote (TSV) and thermal comfort vote (TCV) activities were positively correlated with the spatial characteristics and metabolic levels of outdoor activities in summer; (2) physiological indices were almost constant during low-intensity horticultural activities and significantly different before and after moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity horticultural activities; (3) when the intensity of horticultural activities changed from low to moderate, the neutral PET (NPET) decreased to 25.29 and 26.82 °C, respectively, whereas the NPET increased to 23.97 °C during vigorous intensity; (4) heart rate (HR) and diastolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively correlated with metabolic rate for the elderly; (5) a moderate sky view factor space was more suitable for the elderly to participate in during outdoor horticultural activities in summer.

Thermal comfort is the result of a balanced of building frameworks adjusted to both the area of the structure just as the kind of air move performed inside the structure or the room of the structure. The aim of this research is to represent the Minia city as a case study based on the Mahoney tables method to validate the best design strategy in the hot desert bioclimatic region. Mahoney tables are a collection of referenced tables utilized in construction as a climate-appropriate design manager coupled with the meteorological data to include the right design recommendations. So, the Mahoney tables can assess the climate to be more accurately reflect the environmental conditions in the summer. Also, it can beware of the passive heating technique as natural ventilation used in the construction of energy-efficient buildings. The research proceeds with a set of conclusions and recommendations that be gotten from Mahoney tables climatic characteristics, then the design strategies were recommended. These recommendations can help architects bring forward a set of bioclimatic design strategies for buildings in Minia's environment to conduct thermal comfort with the help of the climate consultant tool.

Contemporary cities increasingly tend to relate to pedestrians in a more evident way, integrating bioclimatic design strategies to provide a more sustainable and livable city. The relationship between environment and built-in habitat in the history of humanity has been essential since natural resources were the only ones available, until the last century. The excessive urban cementification has once again placed a new challenge before the professionals of the sector: considering the environmental components in the urban planning and design steps. For this reason, sunlight, wind, humidity and vegetation are not simply ornaments and decorations of the city, but become the main factors in determining road axes, height of buildings, public spaces and green areas. The case study focuses on Lima, the capital of Peru which despite the great efforts made during the postpandemic period, turns out to be one of the cities with the greatest problems in considering bioclimatic design as a key instrument for its regeneration. The own characteristics of a site, such as the latitude and prevailing winds, among others, have been little considered in the decades, giving the population a city that lacks large parks, that is not protected from sunlight especially in summer and that does not eliminate high humidity, but it seems almost to raise the problem to an insoluble level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Legado de Arquitectura y Diseño is the property of Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Bioclimatic design is an approach based on local climate which improves thermal qualities and indoor comfort. Buildings follow this process to minimize negative effects on the environment. However, this approach is still not suitable in developed countries. This study aims to investigate Mediterranean local bioclimatic strategies’ impact on thermal comfort efficiency in housing, by examining architectural elements and treatments. Methods: We adopted a descriptive, analytical, and comparative methodology, complemented with a software simulation, within a qualitative and quantitative approach. Investigation and methodological tools were based on technical information including plans, elevations, photos, and documentation. The approach consisted of multiple stages: a literature review interpreting the concept of bioclimatic design, as well as thermal comfort variables and common Mediterranean building features. Moreover, the paper showcases three examples of successful Mediterranean passive houses. Furthermore, the paper presents a case- studyhouse in Alex West, Alexandria, designed in the Mediterranean Revival style. Results: The results showed that the most influencing building features on thermal comfort were the low-pitched roofs and the top chimney, which achieved 12.6% and 5% improvement in the summer and 13% and 6.8% in winter, respectively. The pergola and porch elements barely had an effect when placed on the northern façade. However, on the southern façade, a positive contribution in the summer by 1.4% and 3.4% respectively were reported, but a slight negative impact in winter by 0.5% and 2% respectively. Conclusions : We examined the impact of common Mediterranean building features , and compared thermal comfort results between case-study houses. Features focusing on passive design for cooling rather than heating, allowing wind flow for maximized natural ventilation, using ventilated pitched roof spaces, using sun shading elements in the proper facades and angles, help passive thermal regulation. The study proposes recommendations for optimizing thermal comfort in residential buildings in Alexandria, Egypt.

The natural ventilation strategies employed in vernacular architecture have attracted considerable research interest in the context of sustainable development, primarily due to their inherent characteristics of bioclimatic and passive design. Investigating natural ventilation in vernacular architecture entails identifying various ventilation designs and evaluating their impacts on environmental performance. However, this field currently faces challenges in prototyping vernacular design strategies and implementing suitable quantitative methods, thus necessitating a comprehensive review of relevant studies. To address this, a systematic literature review of 81 studies focusing on natural ventilation in vernacular architecture, published over the past two decades, was conducted. The results were organized into three main categories: firstly, an overview of selected studies, informed by bibliometric analysis outcomes and the categorization of research objects; secondly, a comprehensive summary of vernacular building strategies for ventilation, including their benefits and utilization of environmental resources; and thirdly, a comparative analysis of the quantitative evaluation indicators and methods (experiment and numerical modeling using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)) employed in these studies. This research underscores the need for a more comprehensive parameterization analysis of design strategy prototypes and more precise numerical investigations of the ventilation mechanism. These aspects are crucial for future explorations, particularly in examining the interaction mechanisms between the design parameters of bioclimatic ventilation strategies and the performance. • Research overview and current trends and challenges on natural ventilation in vernacular architecture. • Summarizing the vernacular building strategies for ventilation, including their utilization of environmental resources. • Exploring the indicators and methods used to evaluate the environmental benefits of vernacular ventilation strategies. • Emphasizing the parameterization of design strategy prototype and numerical investigation of ventilation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Windows are responsible for significant amounts of energy loss through typical building envelopes. There have been multiple studies on heat loss through the glazing unit and frame system. This study presents an experimental investigation of a window unit and focuses specifically on the conductance between the structural elements and the frame system of a conventional house in the city of Xanthi, northern Greece. It is obvious that even a perfect window system cannot reduce heat transfer between the base of the frame and the upper surface of the floor. The experimental and simulation procedure of this project includes the installation of an insulating layer in front of the window unit for a variety of frames (solid wood, aluminum, PVC, etc.) at different distances. The main objective of this paper is to determine how effective an insulating barrier can be in respect to different types of frame, glazing, and weather conditions for the control of heat loss. Through the application of this technique, in combination with an appropriate insulating frame and window unit, designers can control the temperature inside the room at close proximity to the windows, in order to contribute to energy saving, aiming towards a building with zero energy demand.

Traditionally, green design considers climate as a fixed property of a specific place. Nevertheless, recent changes demonstrate that this vision has to be reversed, considering climate a time-dependent parameter. This paper hybridises climatology and bioclimatic design underlining, thanks to the usage of a very recent high resolution climate reanalysis database (ERA5-Land), the impact that climate changes have on short-term periods, adopting well known building climate-related indicators. European maps are drawn considering degree-days variations (from 1981-95 to 2004-18), while typical mean 24-hour monthly days and bioclimatic charts are adopted for a limited number of locations. Results support the need to adopt climate data time variations during design phases.