Architecture Engineers Award

  The transition toward Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs) is a key pathway to achieving sustainable development goals and reducing building-sector emissions. However, comparing NZEB performance remains challenging due to variations in climatic conditions, calculation methodologies, and primary energy factors. This study introduces a systematic benchmarking framework to evaluate NZEB performance through standardized simulation and normalization approaches aligned with Commission recommendations. Comparative Framework for NZEB Assessment Assessing NZEB performance across different contexts requires a harmonized methodological foundation. The research employs comparative analysis across residential and office building typologies to examine differences in thermal performance, primary energy use, and renewable integration levels. By applying correction factors for climatic variation, the study enhances comparability and consistency in evaluating building energy performance. Metho...

Urban street canyons significantly influence local airflow, thermal comfort, and pollutant dispersion. Architectural façades, especially those featuring ribs or horizontal protrusions, play a crucial role in modifying these aerodynamic behaviors. Recent studies highlight that geometric parameters of façade elements—such as rib spacing and depth—can alter vortex structures and flow regimes within urban canyons. However, systematic investigations focusing on how these parameters affect turbulence and ventilation efficiency remain limited. This study uses large-eddy simulations (LES) to explore the aerodynamic response of street canyons to varying façade rib geometries, advancing the understanding of wind–structure interactions in dense urban settings. Influence of Façade Geometry on Urban Aerodynamics The geometric configuration of façades significantly determines airflow distribution and turbulence intensity around buildings. By analyzing variations in the ratio of rib separation di...