What is it about?
This research is about creating healthier living spaces in homes, especially considering the impact of COVID-19. The researchers wanted to design buildings that are good for the environment (sustainable) and comfortable for people to live in (healthy). We studied a residential community in the Lingnan area as an example. We used standards for healthy buildings to determine the temperature, light, and sound requirements in a home. Then, We used tools that could predict and measure these environments in the studied buildings. The findings showed that the buildings were too hot, but the light and sound levels were fine. Next, we used design strategies, like external shading systems, to fix the temperature issue and make the buildings cooler. The research provides a workflow for others who want to create similar, healthier, and sustainable buildings. This approach keeps the local architectural culture intact while addressing environmental and health-related issues.
Featured Image
Photo by Ross Joyner on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Health and Sustainability: The study bridges the gap between sustainable design and healthy living environments. This is particularly vital in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where health and well-being at home have taken centre stage globally. Building Performance: The research emphasizes building performance, integrating passive design principles such as utilizing external shading to improve thermal comfort. These principles can significantly reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling, contributing to sustainability. Cultural Preservation: The study also makes the case for preserving cultural architectural styles while adapting to modern needs, using the Lingnan area as a case study. Practical Research Workflow: The research establishes a practical method for studying building performance and health factors, making it a useful tool for architects, designers, and urban planners. Filling Research Gap: The study fills a gap in research on integrating health and sustainability considerations in built environments. It combines the impact of sustainable passive design on the thermal, light, and acoustic comfort of residential buildings, advancing knowledge in the field.
Perspectives
I look innovatively at how we can design residential buildings to be both environmentally friendly and healthy for occupants. Using a residential community in the Lingnan area as a case study, we propose practical solutions, like external shading systems, to create cooler, comfortable homes that use less energy. Notably, it shows how important it is to preserve local architectural culture in the process. We now offer an excellent model for future research and development in creating sustainable, healthy, and culturally respectful living spaces.
Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel
Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sustainable Passive Design for Building Performance of Healthy Built Environment in the Lingnan Area, Sustainability, August 2021, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/su13169115.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
