Cerebration Science Publishing Co., Limited
Current Milestone and Emerging Trend of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technology: Bibliometric Analysis and Review of Risk-Hazard, Economic, and Numerical Assessments
Background: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is emerging as a potential solution to reduce CO2 emissions. This technology captures CO2 for reuse or stores it safely underground, preventing pollution of the atmosphere. CCS is the best technology to control climate change and global warming. Purpose: This review aims to map the achievements that have been made and future research trends. Methods: This bibliometric review analyzes CCS-related research from 2010 to 2024 using the Scopus database. VOSviewer and Bibliometrix software are used for data processing and visualization. Findings: Significant advances have been made in CCS technology research. The growth of the number of publications, collaboration networks, the most influential contributors, and research trends has been mapped, which can be used as a reference for future research. Conclusions: The methodology used can still be refined to eliminate the potential bias in data interpretation. However, certain conclusions can be drawn from this bibliometric analysis. The research trend began to shift toward efforts to utilize CO2 in useful products, improve safety, and reduce implementation costs. Originality: This bibliometric review provides an in-depth examination of the scientific literature on CCS, with a particular emphasis on risk assessment, economic perspectives, and numerical modeling. In contrast to previous bibliometric research, it stands out by integrating these three central themes while also highlighting the limitations and gaps in existing knowledge
Copyright (c) 2026 Future Cities and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Historic Areas with the Urban Fabric for Sustainable Development: The Case of Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
This research investigates the integration of heritage centers into the urban fabric to achieve sustainable development, with Diriyah in Saudi Arabia as a case study. The study emphasizes the dual objective of conserving cultural identity while promoting socio-economic vitality. The novelty of the research lies in combining Space Syntax analysis with a comprehensive literature review, offering a framework that links spatial configuration with heritage conservation. The methodology compares pre- and post-development scenarios of Diriyah, where global integration values increased by 27% and local connectivity improved by 19%, reflecting enhanced accessibility and potential social interaction. These findings provide evidence-based insights into how heritage preservation can be aligned with contemporary urban planning strategies, contributing to a broader model for sustainable revitalization in historic cities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Future Cities and Environment https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Intelligent Structural Health Monitoring of Jack-Up Platform Legs Using High-Density Sensor Networks, Real-Time Digital Twins, and Machine Learning-Based Damage Detection
Offshore jack-up platforms operate in harsh marine environments, where undetected structural degradation can quickly escalate into catastrophic failure. To address this challenge, this study presents an intelligent Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) framework specifically designed for jack-up platform legs. Unlike previous offshore SHM approaches that often rely on single-modality vibration analysis or lack field-validated digital twins, the proposed system integrates high-density wireless sensor networks, a real-time physics-based digital twin, and advanced machine learning to enable accurate and timely damage detection under real operating conditions. The architecture deploys 128 marinized sensor nodes in a mesh network, continuously feeding data into a high-fidelity finite element digital twin updated via extended Kalman filtering. A hybrid learning pipeline—combining variational autoencoders for anomaly detection with graph neural networks for spatial localization—enables high-resolution damage assessment without extensive labeled field data. Laboratory-scale validation on a 1:22 physical model and preliminary offshore deployment demonstrated the system’s ability to detect stiffness losses as small as 2.5%, with localization errors within ±0.8 m and a classification accuracy of 94.2%. Edge computing at the sensor level reduced communication loads by 65% while maintaining an end-to-end inference latency of 850–1100 ms. Field deployment over six months achieved 94.7% uptime, with maintenance costs reduced by 23% and unplanned downtime by 41%. An extended 18-month trial further achieved 99.2% availability, a 34% cost reduction, and a 67% reduction in downtime. This integrated, field-proven framework offers a scalable solution for continuous monitoring, early damage detection, and maintenance optimization in critical offshore assets.
Blue-Green Infrastructure and Cleaner Air: A Systematic Literature Review for the UK
Air pollution is a widespread problem that impacts both indoor and outdoor spaces, posing serious risks to human health and well-being. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air pollution have detrimental effects on human health and the climate, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disorders, respiratory illnesses, and global warming. Many cities throughout the world, including those in the UK, have explored the potential of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) as a strategy in addressing air quality. BGI is a nature-friendly strategy of working with green spaces - such as street trees, parks or gardens; and blue elements such as rivers, wetlands, canals or lakes to address climate change and environmental degradation while promoting the creation of resilient and liveable cities. However, BGI’s efficacy varies depending on design, scale, and location; therefore, customised strategies are needed for various urban settings. According to this systematic review of the latest research (years 2015 to 2025) on BGI and air pollution; road-side trees, green walls, and wetlands as a blue infrastructure help in filtering outdoor pollutants. By reducing pollutant concentrations and fostering sustainable urban environments, green infrastructure may have a great potential to enhance outdoor air quality in comparison to indoor air quality. The systematic review also points out the need for policy frameworks to include evidence-based strategies into urban planning, ensuring that outdoor BGI is accessible, equitable, and effective in addressing air pollution and climate challenges. Trans-disciplinary research is necessary to optimise BGI deployment to develop future British cities that prioritise sustainability, clean air, and public health.
Performance Analysis of Salt-In-Pumice Composites Under Varying Air Velocities for Thermochemical Heat Storage
Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) offers significant potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels while enhancing the utilization of renewable energy sources. The performance of TCES systems is critically influenced by the properties of thermochemical heat storage materials (TCMs), which directly affect both energy efficiency and storage capacity. In this study, a laboratory-scale experimental investigation was conducted to assess the performance of three pumice-based composite TCMs (P/LiCl-CaCl₂, P/CaCl₂, and CS-P/CaCl₂) under varying air velocities. Pumice particles with diameters of 1–3 mm were employed for P/LiCl-CaCl₂ and P/CaCl₂, whereas coarse size (CS) (4–6 mm) pumice was used for CS-P/CaCl₂. The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of particle size and LiCl incorporation on the thermal performance of composite TCMs. Key performance indicators, including energy efficiency (ηI), exergy efficiency (ηII), energy storage density (Ed), and outlet peak temperature (To,p), were determined. For P/LiCl-CaCl₂, average energy efficiencies of 64.0% and 76.6% were recorded at air velocities of 2.1 m/s and 3.7 m/s, respectively, with corresponding exergy efficiencies of 10.5% and 11.2%, and Tₒ,p values of 46.4 °C and 47.7 °C. The P/CaCl₂ composite achieved lower performance, with energy efficiencies of 44.7% and 48.4%, exergy efficiencies of 4.9% and 5.2%, and Tₒ,p values of 42.5 °C and 39.0 °C. For CS-P/CaCl₂, energy efficiencies were 64.2% and 72.2%, exergy efficiencies were 5.8% and 5.4%, and Tₒ,p values were 40.9 °C and 39.0 °C, respectively. The maximum Ed of approximately 181 kWh/m³ was observed for P/LiCl-CaCl₂ at 3.7 m/s. Across all composite materials, both energy efficiency and Ed increased with higher air velocity. Furthermore, the exergy efficiency of P/LiCl-CaCl₂ was nearly double that of the other two composites, indicating a clear advantage of LiCl incorporation combined with smaller pumice particle sizes.
Performance Investigation on the Heat Transfer of Composite rGO-SiO₂ Nanofluid in a Radiator
High-performing cooling fluids are increasingly gaining prominence in thermal applications due to their superior heat transfer (HT) features compared to conventional coolants. This is attributed to the sub-optimal cooling and heat transfer limitations by conventional coolants. Reports reveal that HT enhancement includes different modifications to the radiator for effective heat dissipation, engineered suspensions of nanoparticles in base fluids ensures the direct deployment of existing radiators. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticle was prepared by modified Hummer’s technique via reduction process, with graphite powder as starting material, while silicon dioxide (SiO₂) was commercially sought. A comparative study was conducted to investigate the heat transfer of de-ionised (DI) water-based rGO-SiO₂ against its individual make-ups (rGO and SiO₂). At different volumetric concentrations (0.1%–0.3%) and temperature (20-60°C), SiO₂-rGO|0.3 composite nanofluid achieved a thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement of 16.8%, 9.4%, 7.1%, and 1.8% over the DI-Water, SiO₂|0.1, rGO|0.1, and SiO₂|0.3, which suggest a quick temperature equalization and better heat dissipation potential via Brownian motion, but 0.6% lower Tc compared to rGO|0.3 nanofluid. The viscosities of SiO₂|0.1, rGO|0.1, SiO₂|0.3, rGO|0.3 and SiO₂-rGO|0.3 nanofluids increased by 4.5%, 8.8%, 12.2%, 17.0%, and 14.0%, respectively, which may lead to an increase in pumping power demand, however, the positive figure of merit (TCR>1.0) justifies the nanofluids as better alternative to the basefluid. Furthermore, the Nu values of DI-Water/rGO SiO₂|0.3 was enhanced by 27.4%, 11.6%, 13.2%, 7.6% and 3.9% over the basefluid, SiO₂|0.1, rGO|0.1, SiO₂|0.3 and rGO|0.3 nanofluids, with an observable Nu increment of 3.71% and 8.87% of SiO|0.3 and rGO|0.3 compared to SiO|0.1 and rGO|0.1, respectively. In conclusion, TC ratio of the nanofluids were above unity, indicating enhanced heat transfer capability of the nanofluids compared to the base-fluid, and the MATLAB implementation of the proposed nusselt number correlation, fitted from experimental data achieved an R2 = 0.964.
Multi-Level Simulation for Dynamic Analysis of A Domestic Electric oven in Forced Convective Heating—Evaluation and Optimization of Energy Consumption Using the Brick Test
The study proposes a novel method aimed at the optimization of the energy consumption of a domestic electric oven. The goal is to achieve the best trade-off between the oven energy consumption and its performance in terms of thermal distribution. The method revolves around a multi-level analysis that couples detailed, steady-state CFD results with the transient evaluation of the associated lumped parameters. In particular, the distribution of the heat transfer coefficients (convective and radiative) is computed through the CFD analysis and used as the input for the dynamic analysis to get the time evolution of the oven energy consumption. The tested oven has a volume of 68L and is equipped with three heating elements. The numerical model has been validated through measurement data on the temperature distribution, showing high accuracy in predicting the thermal behaviour and energy fluxes of the cavity. Moreover, experimental validation of the energy consumption has been performed following the EN 60350 standard, which involves a wet brick initially cooled to 5 ± 2 °C and then heated until its core temperature rises by 55 °C. Results suggest that this approach can lead to a substantial reduction of the oven energy consumption while maintaining high performance standards.
Renewable Energy Integration throughSemi-Transparent Photovoltaic Windows: A Framework for Sustainable UrbanDevelopment in Hot Climates
As cities in hot climate regions face escalating challenges from rapid urbanization and climate change, there is a pressing need for innovative strategies that reduce building energy demands while ensuring occupant comfort and environmental quality. Semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) windows present a promising solution by enabling on-site renewable energy generation through building façades, without compromising daylight access or architectural integrity. This study proposes a practical framework for integrating STPV technologies to support urban sustainability in hot climates, based on a multi-dimensional analysis of energy performance, thermal behaviour, and visual comfort under intense solar exposure. Critical design and operational challenges—such as overheating, glare, and dust accumulation—are examined to inform climate-responsive integration strategies. Insights from the Msheireb Smart City case study in Qatar illustrate how mixed-use developments can leverage STPV technologies to enhance energy efficiency, align with climate adaptation goals, and maintain cohesive architectural aesthetics. Findings suggest that STPV systems have the potential to reduce cooling loads by up to 25% and provide on-site electricity generation that could meet 10–20% of a building’s energy needs, depending on factors such as glazing type, orientation, and integration method. This study also highlights the potential of STPV to contribute to policy recommendations on sustainable energy practices in hot climates. By positioning STPV systems at the intersection of renewable energy innovation and urban climate resilience, this research offers actionable guidance for advancing sustainability in hot-climate cities through integrated building design, energy strategy, and urban planning.
Sustainability Assessment of Farming in Northeast India Using PSR Model
Agricultural sustainability in India’s North Eastern Region (NER) is challenging due to mounting environmental degradation, socio-economic inequalities, and institutional gaps. The region faces challenges such as land degradation, limited irrigation, and inadequate rural infrastructure despite its rich agroecological diversity and traditional practices. This study assesses the sustainability of agriculture in the eight Northeastern states using the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model to generate a composite Agricultural Sustainability Index (ASI). A total of 16 indicators across environmental, economic, and social dimensions are selected. These indicators are normalized using the Min-Max method, and objective weights are assigned using the entropy method. The PSR framework was applied to analyze human-induced pressures, the current state of resources, and institutional responses across the states. Findings show significant spatial disparities. Tripura ranks highest in sustainability (ASI = 0.543), owing to better productivity, irrigation, and strong social indicators. Assam (ASI = 0.481) and Meghalaya (ASI = 0.430) follow, while Nagaland (ASI = 0.278) and Sikkim (ASI = 0.313) perform poorly due to ecological stress, low economic security, and weak institutional support. There is a trade-off between environmental conservation and increasing agricultural output. This requires socially inclusive and flexible policies without affecting the local realities of NER. Originality/Value: This study advances a standard PSR application through implementation-level rigor and decision relevance. First, the study provides a fully auditable indicator pipeline—explicit selection rules, polarity checks, and PSR tagging—so readers can reproduce each step. Second, the study report formal robustness of the composite to common researcher degrees of freedom (normalization, outlier handling, imputation, and weighting choices), described transparently in Methods, with qualitative results summarized in the text. Third, the study benchmarks entropy-weighted results against a simple equal-weights baseline to demonstrate that headline findings are not an artifact of a single weighting scheme. Finally, the study translates the composite into policy guidance by identifying the most influential indicators behind each state’s position and explaining why those levers matter in context. These elements yield context-sensitive insights without introducing new data or exotic methods.
Conserving Urban Heritage for Tourism Development: Addressing the Constraints Affecting Urban Heritage Sites Conservation Using FAHP Approach
This study aims to identify, analyze, and prioritize the key constraints affecting the conservation and management of urban heritage sites in Saudi Arabia while evaluating viable solutions to address these challenges. Although previous research has acknowledged these constraints, comprehensive prioritization of their impact and systematic evaluation of alternative strategies remain limited. To address this gap, the study adopts an expert-driven approach and employs the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to assess the relative importance of seven critical constraints and five potential solutions. The findings reveal that lack of awareness and appreciation (LAA) (27%) is the most significant constraint, followed by an inadequate legal framework (ILF) (23%) and a lack of professional expertise (LPE) (20%). Rapid development and urbanization (RDU) (4%) and insufficient funding and resources (IFR) (2%) rank lowest. Among the proposed solutions, improving legislation and enforcement (ILE) (37.7%) emerged as the most effective strategy, followed by raising public awareness (RPA) (24.1%) and fostering partnerships (FP) (19.6%), while allocating adequate resources (AAR) (3.5%) was deemed least influential. Based on these results, the study proposes a final FAHP-based decision-making framework for enhancing heritage conservation in Saudi Arabia. This framework integrates expert judgment with fuzzy logic to systematically prioritize challenges and align them with the most impactful interventions. It provides policymakers, planners, and heritage professionals with a structured tool for developing targeted, data-informed strategies that promote the sustainable preservation and revitalization of urban heritage sites. In doing so, the framework also supports heritage tourism and aligns with national development goals.
Assessing Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter Dynamics in Daycare Center: A Case Study in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This study examines the dynamics of indoor and outdoor particulate matter concentrations in childcare facilities in Dubai, UAE, with a focus on particle size-specific behavior under varying occupancy conditions. Measurements were conducted in a daycare room for three-year-olds over five consecutive days, capturing realworld activity scenarios. The study employed an Optical Particle Counter to measure particulate matter concentrations for six particle sizes (0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, 1 µm, 3 µm, 5 µm, and 10 µm), along with indoor carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels as an indicator of source intensity. The findings reveal a strong correlation between indoor and outdoor concentrations for smaller particles (0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, and 1 µm), regardless of occupancy, indicating the dominance of outdoor sources. Conversely, larger particles (3 µm, 5 µm, and 10 µm) displayed significant variability in Indoor/Outdoor (I/O) ratios, with indoor activities such as movement and bedding preparation contributing to elevated concentrations during occupancy. For particles measuring 10 µm, no correlation with outdoor sources was observed under either condition, emphasizing the predominance of indoor factors. Additionally, the positive correlation between CO₂ levels and concentrations of larger particles (3 µm, 5 µm, and 10 µm) confirms that occupant activities significantly contribute to their generation and resuspension. These results underscore the importance of targeted strategies for air quality management, including the implementation of enhanced filtration systems for smaller particles and design interventions to minimize resuspension for larger particles. This research provides actionable insights for creating healthier childcare environments, addressing the unique challenges posed by Dubai’s environmental conditions.
A Study of Changes in User Satisfaction in Metro Stations in Dubai
Over the past twenty years, rapid urbanization in Dubai has fundamentally changed land use. This has necessitated significant infrastructure development to meet the needs of the growing urban population. Therefore, this study examines changes in public satisfaction with the Dubai Metro between 2010 and 2018. Surveys were conducted at eight strategically selected metro stations, with 400 respondents at each time point, to evaluate six core factors, which are usage, cost, facilities, challenges, contextual integration, and walkability. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests, revealed significant shifts across all factors. Daily metro usage increased by over 10%, indicating growing reliance on the system, while perceptions of affordability declined, with twice as many users finding fares expensive in 2018. Satisfaction with station facilities and contextual integration improved substantially, reflecting successful investments in infrastructure and urban planning. However, accessibility and external walkability emerged as growing concerns, underscoring the need for enhanced pedestrian connectivity and inclusive design. The findings offer actionable insights for transport policy and urban development for Dubai and underscore the importance of continuous feedback in shaping public infrastructure.
Augmented Reality Methodology for Virtual Georeferenced Reconstruction
This paper proposes new methodologies for virtual reconstruction and comprehensive treatment of the resulting historical landscapes: (1) The introduction begins by considering relationship that already exists between heritage, virtual reconstruction and mixed reality; (2) The main aim of this research is to develop a digital methodological tool based on geo-referenced and augmented reality, which allow visualization, analyze and interpret the evolution in the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage; (3) Throughout the process of virtual reconstruction of a trench of the Spanish Civil War, difficulties have arisen that have allowed us to reflect on the effectiveness and usefulness of this type of process in the field of cultural and historical heritage; (4) The methodology and action presented have been designed to offer an innovative tool that can be integrated into previous and subsequent strategies to improve conservation and disseminate heritage.
Energy-Saving of the Garuda Palace Building: Shaping the New Capital City of Nusantara
This research examines the Garuda Palace building of the Presidential Office in the New Capital City of Indonesia, Nusantara. Taking into account the new city regulations, the aim of this study is how to find out the Garuda Palace design could respond to the new Capital City of Indonesia’s concepts: smart, sustainable, and resilient city in line with latest city regulations by being associated with a sustainable design consisting of three fundamental dimensions: environmental, economic, and socio-cultural. The research employs a qualitative method, combining descriptive-interpretative with face-to-face interviews with the sculptor artist and team, alongside direct observation to gather comprehensive data documentary analysis such; as sketch ideas, design concepts, drawing designs, simulated modelling, and copies of videos. The Garuda Palace building is composed of a metal brass louver patterned by abstracting the realist expression of the mythical bird gesture into a geometrical shape and upscaled into superlative dimensions. To meet the smart city concept of the New Capital City, Nusantara, the building must show an energy-saving design procedure. As result, the Garuda Palace design meets energy-saving design by applying a building design model simulations supported by IES-VE software; (a) simulation models of the passive design by adding the louvers, and (b) simulation models to ensures the metal brass louvre does not have a significant impact on the thermal conditions of the external environment. Furthermore, the Garuda Palace architecture design has a dual role, as a symbol of the Indonesian national identity and, as the double skin façade of the presidential building office. Due to the case study approach chosen, the results of the study may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test propositions in further research. The discourse of architects, art sculptors, engineers, and students interested in energy-saving during the composition of building façade designs. The social implications of this research are to encourage appreciation of architectural works oriented toward sustainable architectural design. This paper reveals a part of the process of a new future city of Indonesia represented by the Garuda Palace of the Presidential Office (2024) to show the largest organic shape that meet the energy-saving requirement.
Assessing the Efficiency of Smart Cities of COVID-19 Response Measures from a Comparative Perspective
Most cities worldwide have witnessed major disruptions and imbalances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in 2020, and its effects are still present now. This research aims to assess smart cities' response levels when exposed to a major health pandemic such as COVID-19 by following a methodology that focuses on qualitative research to identify the areas in which smart cities respond to the Pandemic. The research assumes that smart cities respond better to Pandemics, acknowledge their ability to sustain urban functions, and achieve the well-being of their residents. The research applied these domains to two cities in different development levels, Amman in Jordan, a developing country, and Chicago in the USA, a developed country, as two case studies and compared their response to COVID-19. The research interviewed 12 experts to validate the literature review assessment domains. This research aims to assess smart cities and identify the flexibility of responding to the Coronavirus pandemic that has stormed the world for three difficult years using mixed methodologies. The research used the descriptive analytical approach, using qualitative methods, such as interviews with experts, decision-makers, and those responsible for managing the crisis. Additionally, the research collects and analyzes statistics, data, and technical reports from different agencies for both cities. The researcher concludes that smart cities can respond effectively once significant cities are exposed to such a pandemic of spread and contagion. There are consequences related to the extreme use of technologies in smart cities, especially regarding violating privacy and increasing the digital divide between sectors of society, especially senior residents. More academic debate and research are needed on how smart cities are becoming moral and equitable for their citizens. Finally, the research developed recommendations based on the results concerning municipalities, government agencies, and the private sector.
Calculation of Average Global Accessibility Conditions for Bicycles Considering the Longitudinal Road Slope: Case Study Ibagué – Colombia
Territorial accessibility conditions are a relevant concept for the continuous development of cities; hence, it is necessary to accurately determine their characteristics and how population or physical factors influence them when interacting with transportation. In the present study, a mathematical model is developed using transport supply models to evaluate the average global accessibility of bicycle infrastructure, considering factors such as the longitudinal slope of the road and the socioeconomic stratum. The methodology focuses on six main stages: starting with the collection of population census data and GPX traces of trips made in the mode; second, analyzing the relationship between slope and speed using linear regressions for different categories of roads with data from the previous stage; third, conditioning geographic information layers with and without slope; fourth, evaluating geographic accessibility using Dijkstra’s shortest path algorithm; fifth, calculating the average global accessibility and generating isochronous curve maps using the ordinary Kriging geostatistical algorithm; sixth, estimating the relationship between travel times considering the slope of the road and a base scenario without slope. The results indicate that steeper slopes significantly reduce the average speed of cyclists, which in turn increases travel times and negatively affects accessibility conditions. Additionally, it shows how topographical features, and the city sector influence the mobility of the cycling community. These findings reveal the importance of considering road slope in urban planning to generate strategies that develop efficient road infrastructure and promote the use of bicycles as a means of transport, fostering sustainable mobility.
An Analysis of the Workplace Environment and Its Impact on Employee Health, Satisfaction, and Productivity in Jordan
The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of indoor environmental quality, behavioral, and functional factors on employee productivity and satisfaction in both open and closed office designs, as well as their relationship with building features and indoor environmental parameters. Literature review, questionnaire survey, and measurement of the indoor environment, were all used to collect data for this study. Statistical analysis was carried out using the SAS JMP program. It was found that employees in closed offices have higher levels of satisfaction with their indoor environment and behavioral aspects of their workplace, whereas employees in open workplaces have higher levels of satisfaction with their functional components and indoor air quality. As the study further reveals, Jordanian employees generally prefer working in closed offices since they provide privacy, which directly affects their satisfaction and productivity. Overall, the study emphasizes how occupant health, satisfaction, well-being, and productivity are affected by their office environment. When designing and selecting office spaces that prioritize employee satisfaction and productivity, architects and business owners can gain valuable insights from this study.
Balancing Globalization and Heritage Conservation in Gulf Cities: Case Studies from Doha and Jeddah
Western influences have had a significant impact on Gulf cities in the early periods. With rapid modernization, cultures have been affected and planning ideologies have expanded to a global scale. As a result, it has affected the development in the global cities, the significant historic locations and the aspects of city identity. This paper analyzes the impact of globalization on historic cities in the Gulf. This is approached by exploring a number of case studies in the Gulf. The research implies the need for a thorough investigative method to these conffictual circumstances and that their misleading antinomy is still ambiguous than the literature proposes. More than the result of two opposite or even contradictory patterns, conservation of the historic cities and modern development is, in fact, the illustration of the call for similar “global urban product. Both approaches focus on generating an attractive image that lures the transnational elites and encourages the investment for better outcomes. It also states that the development and expansion of global interdependence, coupled with the right policies, management approaches and actions, affect the macro- and micro-urban changes by effecting essential components that ensure the continuity of historic sites while not stiffing their urban growth.
Controlling Thermal Bridging as a Value-Added Technique to Enhance Energy Efficient Building Envelopes
Buildings consume 30% to 40% of all primary energy worldwide and are responsible for 50% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Canada has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050. The aim of this paper is to investigate thermal bridging in four high-efficient buildings, such as those built to LEED standards. Thermal bridging is a major source of heat loss in many buildings, manifesting itself through exterior envelopes, particularly through studs and wall systems. LEED is an evaluation system that rates how sensitive buildings are to the environment, with one of its main objectives being the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions through the implementation of highly efficient mechanical systems and the design of durable and efficient exterior wall systems with appropriate insulation. This research investigates and identifies the location of thermal bridging in high-efficiency buildings using nondestructive testing methods such as thermal imaging and THERM simulations. The study involves using infrared thermography to inspect surface temperature variations and detect irregular thermal patterns that correspond to thermal bridging. By collecting record drawings to identify the construction systems used in the external wall compounds, capturing thermal images with high-resolution infrared cameras, and comparing these images with simulation results, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of thermal performance. The findings from this research are significant, particularly in the context of window curtain walls, steel studs, brick shelf angles, timber frames, and roof hatches—all of which were identified as critical areas of concern due to their propensity to thermal bridges. For instance, window curtain walls, with their metal frames and large glass surfaces, showed temperature drops of up to 8°C. Steel studs, which are highly conductive of heat, resulted in temperature drops of up to 5°C, while brick shelf angles showed a temperature drop of 4°C due to heat conduction through the metal. In timber frame structure the building envelope connector showed temperature drops of up to 7°C. Additionally, roof hatches, necessary for rooftop access, were found to cause the most significant temperature drop of 10°C. The findings highlight the significant impact of thermal bridges on overall energy efficiency, emphasizing the need for careful design and construction practices to minimize heat losses. Addressing these thermal bridging issues is crucial for achieving the ambitious GHG reduction targets and enhancing the sustainability of high-performance buildings.
Navigating the Complexities: A Systematic Literature Review on the Challengers of Implementing Sustainable Interior Architecture Education
The global discourse on sustainability has heightened the importance of integrating sustainable design principles into interior architecture education. However, the implementation of such education faces complex challenges. This investigation draws upon Scopus-indexed papers published within the timeframe spanning from 2009 to 2023. Through a comprehensive analysis of these scholarly sources which contributed from 32 referred journals, this study examines these challenges, aiming to provide insights and strategies for effective implementation of Sustainable Interior Architecture Education. A primary challenge is the lack of a structured approach, leading to fragmented learning experiences for students. The wide-ranging concepts within sustainable design, coupled with resistance to change and limited resources, further complicate integration efforts. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness among educators and students about the signiffcance of sustainability in interior architecture, hindering motivation and understanding of sustainable practices. Evaluation methods also prove challenging, as traditional approaches may not adequately assess sustainable design principles. Pedagogical challenges arise from balancing fundamental design skills with sustainability teachings. Industry alignment and cultural variations further impact the implementation process. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and policymakers.
Slum Management Sustainability Collaboration Model in Kendari City-Southeast Sulawesi-Indonesia
The slum management model is also part of effective development efforts that need to be improved and developed in an integrated, directed, planned, and sustainable manner. The objectives of this study are; (1) To find out how the pattern of slum management in Kendari City, and (2) Providing a Collaborative Model for Sustainability of Slum Management. It was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach with observation, naturalistic, and phenomenological methods to reveal phenomena that occur based on observations and information obtained in the field. The results of the study confirmed that the slum management strategy can only be implemented with a new approach, namely the paradigm of network optimization towards welfare. This paradigm does not only prioritize the infrastructure aspect which connotes the economy can realize prosperity independently. Effective slum management is to synergize all management resources in an institutionalized sustainable collaboration model. Slum management in applying a patterned network optimization approach in 3 (three) major parts; (1) management of access to intra-community resources, (2) management of network access to government organizations, and (3) Optimization of non-government network management, in a sustainable collaboration for slum management can be more effective.
Risk Mitigation in the Dubai Water Canal Construction: A Comprehensive Study
This study examines the lifecycle of the Dubai Water Canal construction, focusing on risk mitigation strategies implemented across its four distinct phases. By incrementally addressing potential risks, the project minimized exposure to uncertainties and ensured the quality and safety of the end product. Key findings highlight the minimal impact on urban growth and emphasize the importance of comprehensive feasibility studies, geological assessments, and environmental impact assessments in identifying and managing risks. The study uniquely contributes to the discourse on urban development by highlighting the effectiveness of a phased approach in large-scale projects. The research methodology involved detailed environmental and technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring throughout the project. Our conclusions underscore the need for proactive risk management, thorough planning, and sustainability to ensure the resilience and success of similar infrastructure initiatives globally.
Thermal Performance of Polymer-Modified Concrete for Sustainable Building Envelopes
This study investigates the thermal performance of polymer-modified concrete composites, focusing on their potential to enhance energy efficiency in building envelopes. Four types of recycled polymers—low-density polyethylene (LDPE), highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (POLYP), and polyester—were integrated into concrete mixes at varying percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%). Key thermal metrics, including thermal transmittance (U-value), decrement factor (f), decrement delay (ϕ), admittance (Y), optimum thickness, and heat capacity per unit area, were measured using the admittance approach and a MATLAB program conforming to CIBSE standards. Results indicate that higher polymer content generally improves thermal damping and reduces cyclic transmittance. Notably, LDPE 30% exhibited the best performance, achieving a decrement factor of 0.179 and a time lag of 11.76 hours. HDPE 30% demonstrated a decrement factor of 0.206 and a time lag of 10.85 hours. Polyester 30% showed a decrement factor of 0.310 and a time lag of 8.50 hours. Sensitivity analysis revealed that optimal wall thicknesses for polymermodiffed concretes are lower than those required for conventional concrete, with LDPE 30% requiring an optimal wall thickness of 0.128 meters compared to 0.269 meters for conventional concrete. This research underscores the dual benefits of waste management and energy performance improvement, advocating for the practical application of polymer-modified concrete in sustainable construction. The study ranks the polymers’ efficiency as LDPE, HDPE, POLYP, and Polyester. These findings support the use of recycled polymers in concrete, promoting sustainability through effective waste management and improved thermal efficiency in building envelopes.
Closing the Loop: A Comprehensive Review of Circular Repurposing Options for Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blade Materials
Growing global concern about how to dispose of wind turbine blades has sparked an investigation into more sustainable alternatives. This research delves into finding eco-friendly solutions for managing the waste generated by wind turbine blades, specifically by exploring options for repurposing them. To put this into action, this study has focused on a New Zealand wind farm with 196 wind turbine blades at the end of its life cycle. Through a thorough review of documents, 60 potential ways were identified to repurposing these blades. Options falling under the downcycling category were excluded, thus narrowing down to 45 promising solutions to repurpose. Futher 7 practically applied global solutions are identified. Implementing these repurposing solutions would divert 331 tonnes of waste material from landfills from the New Zealand Wind Farm. This study is significant because it highlights the potential for a circular and sustainable approach and provides an example of how wind turbine blade waste can be diverted from landfill. The findings of this study contribute to practical insights and support initiatives across New Zealand to encourage the adoption of wind turbine blade repurposing. This, in turn, will foster environmentally conscious waste management practices within the renewable energy sector and promote a more sustainable future.
Mitigating Urban Heat Through Extended Cantilever Building Shading: A Street-Level Analysis
In hot regions, high street temperatures can be a significant impediment for pedestrians. It can also negatively impact the urban heat island and increase the energy required for cooling. Street shading can assist in mitigating these problems. This research examines the effect of extended building projections beyond the building plot and over the pavement on street shading and the resultant thermal conditions in a hot, arid urban environment employing the ENVI-met simulation tool. Several projection configurations were analyzed in a Dubai mid-rise residential district. Projections extended beyond the real estate plot boundaries but not the walking pavement, to a maximum of 6 m. Two streets were analyzed within the selected neighborhood: a side street 10 m wide, building-to-building, and a main street 56 m wide. The simulations showed a direct correlation between conffgurations of larger building projections with improvements in outdoor air temperature, both ambient and radiant, and thermal comfort. The average temperature for the entire block dropped almost two degrees from 41.0 C° to 39.1 C°. Significantly, the radiant temperature decreased significantly from 63 C° to 57 C°. The PMV, according to Envi-met’s scale, remained out of the comfort zone but still showed a significant improvement from 7.2 to 6.5. These results demonstrate that well-designed building projections can effectively reduce high temperatures, improve livability, and assist in mitigating the urban heat island effect of mid-rise urban sectors in hot regions.
Consumer Adoption Behaviour of Smart, Green, and Sustainable Building Materials for Future Cities and Environment: Extension of UTAUT 2 Model
This study explores various factors that influence the consumer’s intention to adopt smart, green, and sustainable building materials in Bangalore city, Karnataka, India. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how consumers’ actual adoption behaviour of smart, green, and sustainable building materials is influenced by their behavioural intentions. A standardized questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 382 homebuilders in Bangalore as part of a descriptive research study. A simple random sampling technique was used along with Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to test hypotheses framed. Findings indicate that availability and accessibility, awareness, epistemic values, and technology adoption propensity all positively affect subjective norms. Subjective norms positively impact behavioural intention and adoption behaviour. However, challenges in adoption influenced subjective norms negatively, thus hindering consumer adoption. Awareness had the greatest influence on subjective norms, emphasizing the need for increasing consumer awareness. Subjective norms successfully mediated the relationship between independent factors impacting behavioural intention and adoption behaviour. Significant indirect effects of awareness via subjective norms on Behavioural intention were observed. This study highlights the need of increasing social awareness and cultivating a positive view of social expectations in order to promote the widespread use of smart, green, and sustainable building materials, which will eventually result in long-term sustainable cities and surroundings.
Spatial Temporal Analysis of Thermal Comfort to Make Liveable City in Palembang, Indonesia
Increased anthropogenic activities and reduced urban green space contribute to heating problems, impacting the thermal comfort of urban spaces. This research analyzes spatial-temporal of thermal comfort to inform the creation of liveable cities. Palembang City, experiencing rapid urbanization and land-use changes, was chosen as the study area. Landsat 8 data from 2013 to 2023 was obtained and processed using Google Earth Engine. The land surface temperature algorithm applied to the Landsat 8 thermal infrared channel (band 10) provided data for thermal comfort assessment. Vegetation cover was assessed using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) combined with the Normalized Burn Ratio 2 (NBR2) was used to reffne the identiffcation of built-up areas. These algorithms were applied to channels that had been corrected for surface reflectance radiometry to minimize bias caused by seasonal variations and atmospheric disturbances. The results revealed spatial variations in thermal comfort, with uncomfortable patterns in the central business zone, some comfortable areas in the transition zone, and generally comfortable conditions in the suburban zone. The comparison between EVI and NDBI-NBR2 showed a linear relationship, suggesting that areas previously covered by vegetation have been converted into built-up area. This confirms that land cover conditions, particularly the conversion of vegetation to built-up areas, influence the observed phenomenon. Spatial-temporal analysis of thermal comfort can be a valuable parameter for urban planning. Policymakers can utilize this information as a control mechanism to contribute to the creation of more livable cities.
Coastal Areas Settlement Development – a Sustainable Model in Kendari City-indonesia
This research was conducted to determine the existing conditions of coastal settlements in the Petoaha sub-district, Nambo District, Kendari City. Identifying the factors that influence coastal settlements in Petoaha Village, Nambo District, Kendari City and creating a model for environmentally-based sustainable coastal settlement development in Kendari City. This research is a qualitative research using 6 informants who have an understanding of the sustainable coastal settlement development model in Kendari City. The research results show that the model for developing residential areas is sustainable, including environmental sustainability, socio-cultural sustainability and economic sustainability. Environmental sustainability includes developing empty areas, including for the construction of houses and open spaces (green spaces), which can function as water catchments, parks for playing and other community activities. building a house can set aside part of the land as open space (green open space) which can function as protection and air conditioning and can be used as a place for family activities. House buildings are designed using windows and ventilation that comply with minimum SNI standards so that lighting and air circulation can be maximized and can reduce the use of lights during the day and reduce the use of air conditioning both during the day and at night, in addition to saving electrical energy can be done by using solar panels. Socio-cultural sustainability includes community activities and habits of gathering, working together and playing together within the Petoaha Village,. Meanwhile, economic sustainability includes community activities in their respective business fields by utilizing the facilities and infrastructure of nearby markets, fishing docks, Pertamina ports and mining companies as sources of income.
Bioclimatic and Energy Performance by Eco-Efficiency in Buildings of the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador
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.
Traceability of Technologies for Positive Climate Assessment: A Prospective Patent Study from the Year 1970 to 2022
In this article, we present a study carried out through a qualitative-quantitative methodology of the exploratory-descriptive objective to investigate technologies that have obtained patents and contribute to the areas of architecture and urbanism, as well as information systems enhance the verification of the situation environmental and urban climate. In the investigation of these patents, we used a methodology divided into three stages: 1st – “Comprehensiveness”, 2nd – “Specification”, and 3rd – “Immersion” to identify the technologies described above and for the evaluation of the “positive climate” in urban areas, which are related to the reduction of environmental impacts as well as the reduction of CO2 levels. The analyses resulted in a universe of 38,413 patents that were divided by year. From the results of the patent mapping, we observed the advantages in the areas of technology, sustainability and energy obtained by countries such as China, USA, Europe and India. We obtained two units of patents granted, directly related to the theme of “climate positive”, however, none focused on zero carbon emission measures, positive energy balance, environmental performance or clean energy strategies. Thus, there was a need to encourage vigorously the development of more and better tools to achieve the goal of a “positive climate”.