A review of selected neighbourhood sustainability assessment frameworks using the Bellagio STAMP

Purpose The neighbourhood sustainability assessment frameworks through which a proposed neighbourhood development can be evaluated against an array of sustainability indicators began to gain prominence in the first decade of the twenty-first century. However, how these frameworks align with the Bellagio STAMP is an area yet to be examined by existing studies to inform their better development and usage in the delivery of sustainable neighbourhoods. The purpose of this paper is to review selected neighbourhood sustainability assessment frameworks using the Bellagio STAMP with the aim of identifying areas for improvement, while also exploring the possibilities of adopting the Bellagio STAMP as a consensus approach and reference to sustainability assessment at the neighbourhood level. Design/methodology/approach Adopting document analysis as a data collection method, the paper reviews BREEAM communities, LEED Neighbourhood Development, Pearl community rating system and Green Star communities using the Bellagio STAMP. Findings Findings from the study revealed that some of the selected assessment frameworks align partially with the Bellagio STAMP in their development, while areas for improvement were identified. Research limitations/implications The study recommends that the Bellagio STAMP could offer helpful guidelines and procedure in conceptualising sustainability assessment at the neighbourhood level especially in developing countries where such a framework is yet to be conceived. Originality/value This study adds to the sustainability assessment literature by operationalising the Bellagio STAMP leading to its better understanding and application in sustainability assessment either in practice or in theory

What is an intelligent building? Analysis of recent interpretations from an international perspective

In recent years, the notion of intelligent buildings (IBs) has become increasingly popular due to their potentials for deploying design initiatives and emerging technologies towards maximized occupants’ comfort and well-being with sustainable design. However, various definitions, interpretations, and implications regarding the essence of IBs exist. Various key performance indicators of IBs have been proposed in different contexts. This study explores the notion of IBs and presents an analysis of their main constituents. Through a comparison of these constituents in different contexts, this study aims to extract the common features of IBs leading to an evolved definition which could be useful as a reference framework for design, evaluation, and development of future IBs. Findings also scrutinize the long run benefits of IBs, while demonstrating the constraints and challenges of the current international interpretations

Sick building syndrome: are we doing enough?

Health and well-being are vitally important aspects of people centric building design and are the roots of productivity. Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a collection of factors that can negatively affect physical health in several ways. Besides physical health is also related to psychological well-being because the human body is one interactive biological system. This paper focuses on reviewing the current state of knowledge on building sickness syndrome which has been prevalent as a building illness since the 1970s especially in offices and schools. While the concepts of intelligent, smart and sustainable buildings have gained considerable attention during recent decades, there is now increasing attention being given to designing healthy buildings. This study provides a review about SBS symptoms. Several negative effects of SBS are identified and potential solutions are advocated. Finally, the study stresses the role of built environment and concludes that ongoing research towards tackling SBS and developing healthy indoor environments should not be limited to a single formula as any health-related building design approach is dependent on several interacting factors

Conceptualising sustainable neighbourhoods through collaborative placemaking

Neighbourhood planning which dates back to the closing decades of the nineteenth century has metamorphosed under various movements in an attempt to evolve places that are socially responsive, economically viable, and environmentally friendly. With the constraints of rapid urbanization, climate change, financial instability coupled with significant demographic and social changes, the ability of the contemporary approaches to neighbourhood planning have been questioned, as to if it can lead to delivery of sustainable settlements. In addition, the potential of a single-specialist profession thinking as the ‘messiah’ to resolve the dynamic urban problems has been challenged. This paper proposes how placemaking, which promotes citizens’ involvement and engagement in the plans and polices that shape the places where they live through an inclusive, collaborative, and design-led initiatives can provide a basis of a suitable approach for sustainable neighbourhood planning. The paper examines the nature of contemporary approaches in neighbourhood planning in the context of both developed and developing nations. While some degree of progress have been recorded by applying some of these initiatives across the various context, findings show that there is an urgent need to respond to the obvious shortcomings associated with the sectoral and individual attempts to tackle the problems that confronts the 21st century neighbourhoods. In proposing the transdisciplinary and collaborative placemaking approach, its salient key features and processes are highlighted in this paper and how it could be the game changer in delivering sustainable neighbourhoods. The paper concludes with recommendations on how collaborative placemaking can further be enhanced in practice, academia, and in policy making

Key performance indicators (KPIs) and priority setting in using the multi-attribute approach for assessing sustainable intelligent buildings

The main objectives of this paper are to: firstly, identify key issues related to sustainable intelligent buildings (environmental, social, economic and technological factors); develop a conceptual model for the selection of the appropriate KPIs; secondly, test critically stakeholder's perceptions and values of selected KPIs intelligent buildings; and thirdly develop a new model for measuring the level of sustainability for sustainable intelligent buildings. This paper uses a consensus-based model (Sustainable Built Environment Tool- SuBETool), which is analysed using the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) for multi-criteria decision-making. The use of the multi-attribute model for priority setting in the sustainability assessment of intelligent buildings is introduced. The paper commences by reviewing the literature on sustainable intelligent buildings research and presents a pilot-study investigating the problems of complexity and subjectivity. This study is based upon a survey perceptions held by selected stakeholders and the value they attribute to selected KPIs. It is argued that the benefit of the new proposed model (SuBETool) is a ‘tool’ for ‘comparative’ rather than an absolute measurement. It has the potential to provide useful lessons from current sustainability assessment methods for strategic future of sustainable intelligent buildings in order to improve a building's performance and to deliver objective outcomes. Findings of this survey enrich the field of intelligent buildings in two ways. Firstly, it gives a detailed insight into the selection of sustainable building indicators, as well as their degree of importance. Secondly, it tesst critically stakeholder's perceptions and values of selected KPIs intelligent buildings. It is concluded that the priority levels for selected criteria is largely dependent on the integrated design team, which includes the client, architects, engineers and facilities managers

Urban regeneration process of Eskisehir/Turkey in the context of sustainable development

Bu çalışma, 12-14 Haziran 2010 tarihleri arasında Amman[Ürdün]’da düzenlenen 2. International Conference on Sustainable Architecture and Urban Development (SAUD)’da bildiri olarak sunulmuştur.The aim of the paper is to put stress on the importance and necessity of urban regeneration for sustainable development of cities. The concept of urban regeneration is undertaken as an integrated process for environmental, social and economic development of urban areas. For this aim, urban regeneration process in Eskisehir is explained via examples of implementations undertaken in different parts of the city. Eskisehir is one of the earliest and most industrialized cities in a developing country, Turkey. The urban regeneration examples explored in the scope of this paper are pioneer studies not only for conservation and revitalization of natural, industrial and historical heritage of the city, but also for the country. In spite of being parallel strands of urban policy of many countries, greater emphasis is given to achieving urban regeneration, especially in economical terms, rather than to sustainability. However, it should be considered that all urban regeneration examples contribute to sustainable development through the recycling of derelict land and buildings, reducing demand for peripheral development and facilitating the development of more compact cities (Urban Task Force, 2005). After examining the urban regeneration studies implemented in natural, industrial and historical heritage sites of the city in the context of environmental, social and economic sustainability; the paper discusses the achievements and the deficiencies of the studies in local and regional scales. The authors put stress on the leading role of local government in providing integrated approaches to land management policies and sustainable urban development.Univ Dunde