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Participatory Design Model for Loose Parts Play in Urban Spaces

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Participatory design approaches have increasingly been applied in playground development to better align urban play environments with children’s needs and expectations. Although previous studies highlight children’s strong interest in loose parts play, limited research has explored participatory processes specifically focused on designing loose parts themselves. Considering the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional benefits of loose parts play, this study introduces a structured participatory design model that actively involves children and architecture students in the co-creation of play elements for urban spaces. Theoretical Background: Benefits of Loose Parts Play Loose parts play supports creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-expression by allowing children to manipulate flexible, open-ended materials. Unlike fixed playground equipment, loose parts encourage adaptive and imaginative engagement, fostering developmental growth across multiple domains. Integrati...
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Climate-Sensitive Energy Performance Assessment of Bio-Based Building Envelopes

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Bio-based construction materials are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives capable of reducing the environmental footprint of buildings while enhancing energy efficiency. However, many comparative studies assess these materials against conventional wall systems of equal thickness, often neglecting the influence of thermal mass and climate-specific behavior at the whole-building scale. Due to their lightweight structure and limited thermal mass, bio-based systems may struggle to balance heating and cooling demands across different climates. This study evaluates the energy performance of hemp concrete, wood concrete, and straw-based wall systems, emphasizing the interaction between insulation, thermal inertia, and climate conditions. Methodological Framework and Co-Simulation Strategy A validated co-simulation methodology integrating TRNSYS and MATLAB was employed to assess whole-building energy performance. Two analytical scenarios were developed to isolate and evaluate key...
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Stochastic Optimization Framework for Robust Building Performance Under Occupant Behavioral Uncertainty

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Optimizing building performance requires acknowledging the stochastic nature of occupant control behaviors, which significantly influence energy consumption, thermal comfort, and visual comfort outcomes. Traditional building performance models often rely on oversimplified behavioral assumptions and demand extensive computational time for stochastic simulations. This study proposes a novel optimization framework specifically designed to address uncertainty in occupant behavior while improving computational efficiency and solution robustness in building design optimization. Methodological Integration of Stochastic and Intelligent Optimization Techniques The proposed approach integrates Sample Average Approximation (SAA) with Monte Carlo simulations to obtain convergent mean performance estimates under uncertainty. To accelerate optimization, machine learning (ML) models are coupled with a Pareto-based Genetic Algorithm (GA), enabling rapid prediction of building performance metrics acr...
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Comparative Thermal Performance of Advanced Insulation Materials and Hybrid Wall Systems in Cold-Climate Buildings

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Improving building envelope performance is a critical strategy for reducing heating energy demand and enhancing indoor thermal comfort in cold climates. This study evaluates the thermal effectiveness of four advanced insulation materials—phase change materials (PCM), aerogel, vacuum insulated panels (VIP), and autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC)—through dynamic energy simulations. Using 24 years of hourly climate data, five wall configurations were analyzed, including an uninsulated reference case. The research focuses on annual heating demand, surface temperature stability, thermal time lag, and comfort hours to determine how different material properties contribute to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Methodological Framework and Simulation Approach The investigation employed dynamic building energy modeling using EnergyPlus, incorporating long-term hourly climate data to ensure robust performance assessment. PCM behavior was simulated through an enthalpy–temperature phase ch...
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Seismic Performance Assessment of Monolithic 3D-Printed Housing Units Through Full-Scale Shake Table Testing

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Over the past decade, additive manufacturing has significantly transformed the construction industry, enabling the rapid development of 3D printing systems for building applications worldwide. Despite technological progress and increasing industry adoption, limited research has addressed the seismic behaviour of monolithic 3D-printed structures. This gap presents a critical challenge, particularly for regions exposed to seismic hazards. The present study responds to this need by conducting a systematic experimental investigation into the structural and dynamic performance of a full-scale 3D-printed housing unit, aiming to establish foundational knowledge and contribute to seismic design guidance for this emerging construction technology. Mechanical Characterisation of 3D-Printed Materials The research begins with an extensive mechanical characterisation of the printed material to understand its structural properties and anisotropic behaviour. Preliminary experimental tests, includin...
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Parametric Optimization of Façade Apertures for Enhanced Natural Ventilation in High-Rise Office Buildings

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  High-rise office buildings frequently experience airflow stagnation zones on windward façades, particularly at mid-height levels where wind streams divide upward and downward. These stagnation effects limit natural ventilation potential and increase reliance on mechanical cooling during warm seasons. This study investigates how parametric façade aperture design can strategically enhance airflow distribution and reduce cooling loads in high-rise office buildings. Focus on Stagnation-Level Floor and Design Hypothesis The research concentrates on the floor intersecting the façade stagnation point, where airflow dynamics are most constrained. It is hypothesized that optimized aperture geometry and spatial distribution can redirect pressure differentials to improve indoor ventilation performance and thermal comfort, thereby reducing cooling energy demand without mechanical intervention. Multi-Stage Methodological Framework A multi-stage methodology was implemented integrating com...
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Influence of Drying on the Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frame Structures

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Drying of concrete is widely recognized as a critical factor contributing to the long-term deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. While laboratory investigations on individual RC members have provided valuable insights, real structural systems experience more complex boundary and environmental conditions that may alter their mechanical response. This study investigates the structural implications of concrete drying at the building scale under cyclic loading conditions. Experimental Program and Specimen Configuration A quasi-static cyclic loading experiment was conducted on one-third scale, three-story RC frame buildings. Two environmental conditions were considered: a saturated (wet) condition and a two-year natural drying condition. This comparative setup enabled direct evaluation of drying-induced effects on structural stiffness, deformation characteristics, and damage progression. Effect of Drying on Initial Stiffness and Stress Transfer Results reveal a signific...
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