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Article
Publication date: 31 August 2012

Michael Behm and Poh Choon Hock

Singapore is transforming from a “garden city” to a “city‐in‐a‐garden”. Designing for safety is recognized by researchers and some governments as a best practice in facilitating…

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Abstract

Purpose

Singapore is transforming from a “garden city” to a “city‐in‐a‐garden”. Designing for safety is recognized by researchers and some governments as a best practice in facilitating eventual worker safety within the built environment. The purpose of undertaking this research was to understand and describe the status of safe design for skyrise greenery in Singapore.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 41 rooftop and vertical greenery systems were observed with a focus on access, fall from height, and planting considerations.

Findings

Rooftop greenery systems in Singapore were found to be adhering to safe design principles. Vertical and ledge greenery systems, on the other hand, are newer arrangements and were found to be in need of design for safety guidance.

Originality/value

The results add to the body of knowledge in the area of safe design and skyrise greenery and will aid those seeking to understand from a policy and practice perspective.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Chalermwat Tantasavasdi, Senatanit Arttamart and Natthaumporn Inprom

This paper aims to explore the efficiency of natural ventilation in the bedrooms of typical two-storeyed row houses with newly reconfigured design that incorporate rooftop wind…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the efficiency of natural ventilation in the bedrooms of typical two-storeyed row houses with newly reconfigured design that incorporate rooftop wind catchers and side windows to create cross ventilation.

Design/methodology/approach

A CFD program was used to assess average air velocity coefficient (Cv) in 32 airflow cases. Parameters include location of openings with respect to wind direction, inlet-to-outlet area ratio (IOR) and opening-to-floor area ratio (OFR).

Findings

The results reveal that indoor air velocities in the cases of air entering wind catchers are generally higher than those in the cases of air entering side windows while air velocities at the openings are the opposite. The IOR of 1:2 provides best results in terms of both velocities of the indoor air and velocities at the openings. Increasing the OFR from 20% to 50% generally improves indoor air velocities and airflow rates.

Originality/value

This study proved that the new solution of combining one-sided wind catchers and side windows can effectively solve the problem of ventilation uniquely existing in the conditions of typical row houses by catching prevailing wind from two opposite directions into multiple rooms. The results are given as non-dimensional air velocities, which can be interpreted with any climatic data, and therefore can be applied to row houses in any locations and climatic conditions. The findings can create a new and efficient design of row houses that benefits building industry.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Raden Aswin Rahadi, Sudarso Kaderi Wiryono, Deddy Priatmodjo Koesrindartoto and Indra Budiman Syamwil

– This study aims to address the factors or attributes that would influence the price of residential products in Jakarta Metropolitan Region.

4081

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the factors or attributes that would influence the price of residential products in Jakarta Metropolitan Region.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 202 respondents from all across Jakarta Metropolitan Region participated in the questionnaire for this study. Demographic questions are categorized into age, gender and preferences for real estate locations. The questionnaire was made based on the author’s previous studies. Of the total respondents, 127 were males and 75 were females with age ranging from 18 to 56 years old. For data analysis, the authors utilized factor analysis, Cronbach’ α test and analysis of correlation to reach the conclusion of this study.

Findings

The findings suggested that from the initial three factors groups, there are five new groups that emerge as influencing factors for housing prices. Cronbach’ α score were verified (α = 0.906). Correlation study result suggested that the initial three factors groups produce a significant correlation between each of them, except for the factor of “overall location” and “located near family.” After factor analysis, the research results show that there are two new additional groups of factors that emerge as influences to housing prices. There are significant scores of differences between gender and real estate location preference toward the groups of factors.

Research limitations/implications

This study shows how physical qualities, concept and location factors influence the housing price perception of their consumers. The result shows to be relatively reliable and valid.

Originality/value

The study is the first to analyze the relationship between the factors for preferences on residential products and housing price in Indonesia. This paper is also intended to be the first to pioneer the study on factors of preferences on residential products in Indonesia. The findings will be useful to develop pricing models for housing product in Indonesia.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Manuel J. Sánchez-Franco and Sierra Rey-Tienda

This research proposes to organise and distil this massive amount of data, making it easier to understand. Using data mining, machine learning techniques and visual approaches…

Abstract

Purpose

This research proposes to organise and distil this massive amount of data, making it easier to understand. Using data mining, machine learning techniques and visual approaches, researchers and managers can extract valuable insights (on guests' preferences) and convert them into strategic thinking based on exploration and predictive analysis. Consequently, this research aims to assist hotel managers in making informed decisions, thus improving the overall guest experience and increasing competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs natural language processing techniques, data visualisation proposals and machine learning methodologies to analyse unstructured guest service experience content. In particular, this research (1) applies data mining to evaluate the role and significance of critical terms and semantic structures in hotel assessments; (2) identifies salient tokens to depict guests' narratives based on term frequency and the information quantity they convey; and (3) tackles the challenge of managing extensive document repositories through automated identification of latent topics in reviews by using machine learning methods for semantic grouping and pattern visualisation.

Findings

This study’s findings (1) aim to identify critical features and topics that guests highlight during their hotel stays, (2) visually explore the relationships between these features and differences among diverse types of travellers through online hotel reviews and (3) determine predictive power. Their implications are crucial for the hospitality domain, as they provide real-time insights into guests' perceptions and business performance and are essential for making informed decisions and staying competitive.

Originality/value

This research seeks to minimise the cognitive processing costs of the enormous amount of content published by the user through a better organisation of hotel service reviews and their visualisation. Likewise, this research aims to propose a methodology and method available to tourism organisations to obtain truly useable knowledge in the design of the hotel offer and its value propositions.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2022

Vikas Kumar and Arun Kumar Kaushik

This study aims to examine factors influencing purchase intentions of households toward solar rooftops, using diffusion of innovation theory.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine factors influencing purchase intentions of households toward solar rooftops, using diffusion of innovation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Six dimensions from the diffusion of innovation theory have been contemplated to assess households’ purchase intentions toward solar rooftops. Primary data was collected from 863 respondents by using a purposive sampling technique from different parts of India. The study used structural equation modeling analysis to examine the data.

Findings

Results confirmed that the dimensions, namely, relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, innovations and observability, positively influence households’ purchase intentions of solar rooftops, except for the trialability dimension.

Research limitations/implications

Data for the study is based on a purposive sampling technique that restricts the representation of the whole population. There may be variance in public perception from place to place due to demographic and psychographic differences.

Practical implications

The present study would facilitate devising a roadmap to improve the quality of the environment. Policy planners, researchers and professionals would find the implications of this study helpful in developing critical strategies.

Originality/value

The research practically explores households’ intention to purchase solar rooftops by filling the gap in previous literature. Findings of the study can equip firms with several advantages. Through the present study, one gets to know that developed and developing economies have similar energy usage issues. Further, it empirically examines the applicability of diffusion of innovation theory in the solar rooftops context.

Details

Journal of Social Marketing, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6763

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2022

Muhammad Waresul Hassan Nipun, Md Ashik-Ur-Rahman, Sharmin Yousuf Rikta, Afshana Parven and Indrajit Pal

The effects of population growth in the developing world and climate change have increased the stress on available water resources. The majority of Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, is…

Abstract

Purpose

The effects of population growth in the developing world and climate change have increased the stress on available water resources. The majority of Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, is facilitated with groundwater withdrawal. As Bangladesh is a country of monsoon climate, reserved rainwater can be contributed as an alternative to extracted groundwater. This study aims to develop a framework for rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) for domestic purposes and estimate the appropriate size of the storage tanks and their costs required to fulfill the annual drinking and cooking water demands through RRWH in Rajshahi city of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 100 single-story residential dwellings with varying rooftop areas were surveyed for the projection of RRWH potential. The relationship between the size and cost of a water tank and the rooftop areas of different houses is expressed using a general mathematical equation. Cost estimates for the proposed RRWH system for all houses have been completed, and a cost model illustrating the relationship between rooftop or catchment area and associated cost of RRWH system has been developed.

Findings

This study reveals that a maximum of 110.75 m3/year rainwater can be collected from a 100 m2 rooftop area of Rajshahi city. Moreover, this study finds that such harvesting of rainwater can reduce municipal water supply to the extent of almost 75%. Water samples collected from rooftops also revealed that if germs were removed through bacteria treatment, the collected rainwater potentially can be used for drinking and cooking purposes.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is that it focused mainly on how significant RRWH can be to meet people’s daily required amount of water for household purpose and ascertain the cost reduction using the RWH method. This paper also is unique as it assessed the volume of the storage tank that is sufficient to distribute the necessary amount of water for drinking and cooking purpose as a sustainable alternative source in the dry season.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2018

Min Zhou

With the accelerating process of urbanization, the greening areas in high density cities are becoming less and less, and the aerial greening provides a possible way for the update…

Abstract

With the accelerating process of urbanization, the greening areas in high density cities are becoming less and less, and the aerial greening provides a possible way for the update of the urban building headspace greening. Based on this, the application of aerial greening in the urban headspace was studied. Starting from the plant, water, landscape sketch, pavement and other construction elements, the ecological art planning and design of the urban building headspace was studied. Then, the transformation of an old factory was studied, and the rain-flood gardens and infiltration floors linked to biological corridors were introduced in the high flood risk areas. In the building headspace, a rainwater harvesting system and an air garden were designed, and the ecological planning of aerial walkway was carried out to the front abandoned viaduct. The practice proves that the introduction of ecological science and technology and art culture in the urban headspace plays an important role in purifying urban air and increasing urban greening.

Details

Open House International, vol. 43 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2022

Kurt Wurthmann

This study aims to provide and illustrate the application of a framework for conducting techno-economic analyses (TEA) of early-stage designs for net-zero water and energy…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide and illustrate the application of a framework for conducting techno-economic analyses (TEA) of early-stage designs for net-zero water and energy, single-family homes that meet affordable housing criteria in diverse locations.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework is developed and applied in a case example of a TEA of four designs for achieving net zero-water and energy in an affordable home in Saint Lucie County, Florida.

Findings

Homes built and sold at current market prices, using combinations of well versus rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and grid-tied versus hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, can meet affordable housing criteria for moderate-income families, when 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are at 2%–3%. As rates rise to 6%, unless battery costs drop by 40% and 60%, respectively, homes using hybrid solar PV systems combined with well versus RWH systems cease to meet affordable housing criteria. For studied water and electricity usage and 6% interest rates, only well and grid-tied solar PV systems provide water and electricity at costs below current public supply prices.

Originality/value

This article provides a highly adaptable framework for conducting TEAs in diverse locations for designs of individual net-zero water and energy affordable homes and whole subdivisions of such homes. The framework includes a new technique for sizing storage tanks for residential RWH systems and provides a foundation for future research at the intersection of affordable housing development and residential net-zero water and energy systems design.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2021

Amodith Supunmal Wijewansha, G.A. Tennakoon, K.G.A.S. Waidyasekara and B.J. Ekanayake

Despite the positive impacts of the construction sector on enhancing economic growth and ensuring societal well-being, its negative impacts on the environment from unsustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the positive impacts of the construction sector on enhancing economic growth and ensuring societal well-being, its negative impacts on the environment from unsustainable resource consumption levels, emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and waste generation is monumental. Circular economy (CE) concept is identified globally as an avenue to address problems regarding adverse impacts of construction on the environment. This paper presents the principles of CE as an avenue for enhancing environmental sustainability during the pre-construction stage within Sri Lankan construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was approached through a qualitative research method. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with subject matter experts. The number of experts were limited due to lack of experts with knowledge on the subject area in Sri Lanka. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

Findings revealed a range of activities under each R principle of CE, that is, reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, reclassification and renewability that could be implemented during the pre-construction stage, thereby providing a guide for construction professionals in implementing CE at the pre-construction stage. The need to expand knowledge on CE concepts within the Sri Lankan construction sector was recognized.

Originality/value

This study provides a qualitative in-depth perspective on how 6R principles of CE could be integrated to a construction project during the pre-construction stage. By adopting the proposed activities under CE principles, construction professionals can enhance the environmental sustainability of construction projects.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2022

Judith Amudjie, Kofi Agyekum, Emmanuel Adinyira, Samuel Amos-Abanyie and Victoria Maame Afriyie Kumah

This study examines the level of awareness and practice of the principles of circular economy (CE) among built environment (BE) professionals in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the level of awareness and practice of the principles of circular economy (CE) among built environment (BE) professionals in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire survey was used to solicit the views of 162 BE professionals working in construction, consulting and developer firms on the issue under investigation. Data were analysed through descriptive and inferential analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that the BE professionals possessed moderate awareness of the six CE principles (i.e. repair, recycle, reuse, renewable energy usage, reduce and redesign) examined. The findings further revealed that only two out of the six principles (i.e. repair and reuse) received some moderate level of practice among the professionals.

Practical implications

Practically, the findings would be relevant to government, policymakers, researchers and other construction professionals. For the government and policymakers, these findings would inform them on the laws and policies to enact to increase awareness and practice of CE principles. For researchers, these findings will assist in exploring gaps for further studies. For the construction professionals, the findings would inform them of the need to step up measures to practice the various principles of CE in their firms adequately.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into an under-investigated topic in the construction industry worldwide. It offers new and additional insights into the current state-of-the-art practice of CE principles among BE professionals.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

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