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Article
Publication date: 7 December 2022

Fatemeh Mostafavi, Mohammad Tahsildoost, Zahra Sadat Zomorodian and Seyed Shayan Shahrestani

In this study, a novel framework based on deep learning models is presented to assess energy and environmental performance of a given building space layout, facilitating the…

353

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, a novel framework based on deep learning models is presented to assess energy and environmental performance of a given building space layout, facilitating the decision-making process at the early-stage design.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology using an image-based deep learning model called pix2pix is proposed to predict the overall daylight, energy and ventilation performance of a given residential building space layout. The proposed methodology is then evaluated by being applied to 300 sample apartment units in Tehran, Iran. Four pix2pix models were trained to predict illuminance, spatial daylight autonomy (sDA), primary energy intensity and ventilation maps. The simulation results were considered ground truth.

Findings

The results showed an average structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.86 and 0.81 for the predicted illuminance and sDA maps, respectively, and an average score of 88% for the predicted primary energy intensity and ventilation representative maps, each of which is outputted within three seconds.

Originality/value

The proposed framework in this study helps upskilling the design professionals involved with the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry through engaging artificial intelligence in human–computer interactions. The specific novelties of this research are: first, evaluating indoor environmental metrics (daylight and ventilation) alongside the energy performance of space layouts using pix2pix model, second, widening the assessment scope to a group of spaces forming an apartment layout at five different floors and third, incorporating the impact of building context on the intended objectives.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 10 May 2022

Nastaran Abdollahzadeh, Azin Velashjerdi Farahani, Kamyar Soleimani and Zahra Sadat Zomorodian

University students spend a considerable amount of time in dorm rooms, where their environmental condition affects residents' health, well-being, sleep quality and the associated…

434

Abstract

Purpose

University students spend a considerable amount of time in dorm rooms, where their environmental condition affects residents' health, well-being, sleep quality and the associated performance. Accordingly, this study aims to run an initial assessment of the environmental quality of two dormitory buildings in Tehran, using field studies and computational simulation, and then provide feasible optimized improvement strategies. The possible correlation between architectural elements and the environmental quality and the impact of proposed solutions on the annual energy use of these spaces are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Field studies and computational simulation.

Findings

Results indicate that applied strategies, including shadings, reflectors, thermal and acoustic insulations, inlet vents and ceiling fans, can boost different aspects of the thermal condition, ventilation, acoustics and visual comfort by 21.77, 55.96, 20.69 and 50.37%, respectively. Accordingly, an acceptable comfort level can simply be achieved at a low cost by installing or replacing a few construction elements in dorm rooms. Nevertheless, a systematic architectural design can offer healthy spaces. For instance, south-facing rooms with large windows provide a higher level of thermal comfort and daylight quality.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows that an acceptable level of IEQ can be achieved in dorm rooms by applying simple retrofit strategies. Moreover, energy consumption of dormitories can be significantly reduced using these solutions. However, the efficiency of the strategies in comparison to their economic aspects should be discussed, and results need to be further validated in real conditions. It is also recommended that a more extensive range of dormitory room typologies be studied in future studies. The results of this study are limited to the study context and so they can only be applied in case studies with similar use and climatic condition.

Originality/value

While many studies have explored the environmental quality of dormitories in different climatic conditions, no significant work has been found in Iran, Tehran investigating feasible optimized improvement strategies responding to all IEQ aspects of acoustics, thermal comfort, air and visual quality. Accordingly, this study makes an initial assessment of IEQ factors in a typical dormitory complex, and then develops practical retrofit strategies to bring the environmental condition of these spaces close to the suggested standards.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2025

Ghazal Mavahebi Tabatabai, Mohammad Tahsildoost, Amirreza Ardekani and Zahra Sadat Zomorodian

In many countries, urban block layouts follow rigid and outdated design guidelines; however, these approaches fail to effectively address settlement construction, neighborhood…

32

Abstract

Purpose

In many countries, urban block layouts follow rigid and outdated design guidelines; however, these approaches fail to effectively address settlement construction, neighborhood planning, the design of old urban contexts and the rapid development of emerging cities, as seen in the new towns of Iran and various other regions worldwide. Revising these guidelines requires early-stage decision-making to evaluate building layouts based on their impact on the built environment. This study introduces a workflow for optimizing urban block layouts with constant density while considering design constraints, climate and environmental performance. This framework assists planners and policymakers in refining site density distribution and building massing.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational urban design method was developed utilizing a grasshopper-based algorithm and Python for data generation. It introduces an innovative approach by incorporating buildings’ placement coordinates as design variables alongside dimensions and orientation. The Wallacei tool optimizes layouts by considering energy use intensity (EUI), outdoor thermal comfort and facades’ received radiation employing Ladybug Tools. Spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) and urban heat island (UHI) effects are also integrated into the workflow. The framework is applied to a hypothetical residential district in Tehran, consisting of nine blocks, each containing nine plots.

Findings

The results for a set of optimal solutions demonstrate that beyond existing urban design policies, environmentally prioritized designs are achievable. Radiation differences between the optimal models and the conventional parallel layout range from 41.3 to 61.1%. However, changes in EUI and universal thermal climate index (UTCI) are minimal; significant improvements are observed in sDA, with 7, 8 or all 9 buildings meeting the acceptable threshold compared to none in the parallel layout. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the design method framework proposed in this research, which has the potential to significantly influence urban planning practices across various regions globally.

Originality/value

The methodology of this study provides a flexible decision-making framework for early design phases, enabling policymakers, architects and urban designers to address the gap between current urban design methods and environmentally driven approaches. Sensitivity analysis of optimal solutions further offers valuable insights into the correlation between design variables and evaluation metrics.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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