Architecture, Building and Planning - Research Publications
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 10 of 14
-
ItemTowards an assessment framework for the environmental performance of alternative, multi-residential housing models(The Architectural Science Association and RMIT University, 2018)Reducing the environmental impacts of building whilst improving urban liveability has become a key challenge for the Australian multi-residential sector, as recent projects have been criticised for their poor environmental performance and internal amenity. Alternative models for multi-residential development – such as the Nightingale Model – are a recent response to this challenge. Employing an ‘architecture of reductionism’, the Nightingale Model seeks to deliver superior environmental and occupant outcomes. However, given the infancy of the model, an assessment of its performance is yet to be conducted. Assessments of building performance are critical to developing new and emerging approaches, yet existing evaluation methodologies are plagued by limitations. The most notable limitation is the lack of holistic frameworks that concurrently consider life-cycle ecological impacts and occupant wellbeing. The absence of such frameworks limits the ability to identify interrelationships between areas of performance and may possibly promote problem shifting. To develop an approach that can address this key limitation – and subsequently assess innovative housing models targeting a holistic approach to building performance – the paper concludes with a series of recommendations for approaching the creation of an integrated framework of assessment, which will quantify impacts to ecological and human systems in parallel.
-
ItemNo Preview AvailableTrees provide energy saving benefits to adjacent buildings for a small water cost(Australian Sustainable Cities and Regions Network, 2011)
-
ItemTemplate schools: Measuring indoor environmental quality(The University of Sydney, 2011)
-
ItemA modelling method to assess the effect of tree shading for building performance simulation(International Building Performance Simulation Association, 2011)Increasing urban tree numbers is a simple but effective means to provide climate change adaptation to the urban environment by reducing the thermal load on buildings. To better communicate and value the importance of urban trees it is necessary to quantify these benefits and to understand the properties and processes that influence the magnitude of these benefits. For this we need verified and effective ways of modelling the trees in modelling software. This paper presents the results and problems encountered when trying to model trees effectively. The aim is to present our approach which was to treat the shade as a shading co-efficient on the wall. This allows for the consideration of the benefits of deciduous versus evergreen species. A modelling method to assess the effect of tree shading was developed and presented in this paper.
-
ItemComparing mixing ventilation and displacement ventilation in university classrooms(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)There are two main types of mechanical ventilation systems: the mixing ventilation (MV) and the displacement ventilation (DV). The aim of this work is to compare their performance in terms of ventilation efficiency, air temperature, relative humidity, size-resolved particle concentrations, carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and energy consumption. We performed a field investigation in two side-by-side classrooms installed with the two different ventilation systems. The energy consumptions were measured by i) a heat meter to measure the energy extracted by chilled water supplied, and ii) a power analyser to measure energy consumed by the ventilation fan. We also monitor indoor air dry bulb temperature, relative humidity, and CO2 concentrations in real-time for both rooms. It was found that the classroom with DV system consumed more energy. The unexpected high energy consumption can be attributable to the improved ventilation, CO2 and humidity control in DV room. Air temperature stratification were observed in DV room, but both room achieved similar volume-averaged temperate. We also found lower particle concentrations in both rooms compared to outdoor levels.
-
ItemPilot study on IEQ of an aged-care facility in Victoria(ZEMCH Network, 2018-01-29)Australian population is ageing. The proportion of Australian population over 65 years old has been increased and it is projected to be 25% in 2042. Although the Victorian Government has promoted ageing in place under home care package services, there is still a genuine need to provide more residential aged care services to satisfy the needs. The indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of residential aged care facilities is closely related to the health and well-being of residents living there. In this pilot study, the Adare Supported Residential Services (SRS) in Victoria is selected as the site for investigation. Some sensors are deployed in both communal areas and residents’ rooms to collect transient data on IEQ parameters, including carbon dioxide concentration, dry bulb temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity and illumination level. Data collected is analysed and the links between outdoor environmental conditions and IEQ parameters are investigated. Limitations of this pilot study are discussed and recommendations for the full study are provided.
-
ItemSustainability vs. pedagogy: synergies and tensions to be resolved in the design of learning environments(The Architectural Science Association, 2015)Learning environments in schools are purpose-built spaces. They are designed to be places of learning and are inclusive of the building structure, the furniture, fixtures, incorporated technology and learning resources. In the 21st century, it has become common practice for the design of new learning environments to be driven by issues of contemporary pedagogy and environmental sustainability. However the question that remains unanswered is what are the synergies and tensions between achieving environmental sustainability and contemporary pedagogy within the same learning environment? The purpose of this paper is to stimulate conversation around this topic. The findings relate to three researcher’s observation over a seven year period of learning environments research, undertaken at The University of Melbourne as part of the Learning Environments Applied Research Network (LEaRN) and two Australian Research Council Linkage Projects Smart Green Schools and Future Proofing Schools. Discussion of these observations highlights some of the issues and/or opportunities, which include more targeted research on how to deliver learning environments that are 3D textbooks; holistically integrated biophilic design, and greater occupant control of indoor environment quality.
-
ItemPutting Regenerative Development into Action: Understanding the Decision Making Process of a 680 Hectare Regenerative Project(Construction Industry Council, Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited, 2017)The built environment is responsible for significant environmental impacts. It is therefore a central research area to balance ecological and built systems and allow them both to thrive. While the majority of previous and existing attempts have targeted minimising environmental impacts, regenerative development goes beyond reduction and aims to restore and support environmental, social and economic flows. Yet, very few projects to date have been able to demonstrate a regenerative outcome. This is because few consulting firms currently offer regenerative design thinking, which is in turn linked to a lack of understanding of processes that support decision making in regenerative development projects. This paper uses a 680 hectares regenerative development project in Gippsland, South East Australia as a case study to investigate how implementing a regenerative development approach from the onset affects the decision-making process. A series of workshops were facilitated by the authors with the local community, indigenous elders, design experts, academics, scientists, government and industry partners and other stakeholders. An online survey consisting of 10 questions was sent to the 40 actors involved and 28 responses were collected (N = 28 and a response rate of 70%). This study provides a contribution to the understanding of both the processes that can support the implementation of innovative regenerative concepts in the built environment and their benefits. It covers aspects ranging from the personal motivation of participants, to the performance of the workshops in facilitating a regenerative design. The knowledge gained from this study will inform the future use of regenerative development and associated facilitation tools.
-
ItemNet regenerative regional development: implementation in the master planning stage of a 680 hectares case study(The Architectural Science Association and The University of Adelaide, 2016)A positive vision for the future of humanity can be the basis for a needed change, a vision of opportunity, abundance and the potential for thriving. Regenerative development can provide a pathway towards this vision. Case studies are beginning to show that when applied, the concepts underpinning regenerative development can accelerate a transition to more equitable, sustainable, post fossil carbon societies. Net Regenerative Regional Development (NRRD) is development that supports the health and vitality of a region through mutually beneficial relationships between all the stakeholders and flows of the system. Though in its infancy in application, NRRD is based on the accumulation of millennia of human knowledge and provides us an opportunity to positively change the often negative future predicted. The potential of NRRD is being investigated using a large project called Seacombe West in Gippsland, Victoria and its masterplanning process. The masterplanning process is being informed by regenerative development theory and the facilitation process by the Living Environments in Natural, Social and Economic Systems (LENSES) framework. This study shows that planning NRRD through the use of LENSES supported the emergence of more holistic and systemic guidelines which informed a masterplan that has greater regenerative potential.
-
ItemCooling cities with green space: a policy analysis framework(State of Australian Cities Research Network, 2015-12)