Digitalization of climate adaptation planning: the potential of simulation software tools for landscape design

Climate change plays a significant role in the landscape architecture discipline seeking to solve the problems related to floods and heatwaves. Climate adaptation planning deals with a high level of uncertainty while precipitating future climate events to prepare adaptable landscape designs. However, digital technologies are rarely implemented into landscape design projects with deep environmental concerns. Meanwhile, digital tools have the potential to improve climate adaptation planning while calculating and simulating the adaptive capacity of design. Therefore, this research investigates the capabilities and limitations of software tools suitable for climate adaptation projects. The software tools are evaluated using the ISO 25010 framework comparing their capabilities. The main method used for this research is based on objective experiments while implementing different software tools to conceptual landscape design on a case study project. The experiment revealed that the implementation process deals with many limitations including interoperability and data loss. Moreover, this research conducted in-depth interviews with project stakeholders including planners and clients to identify their problems, needs and expectations regarding software tools. Finally, the roadmap on the software selection resulting from this research provides the guidelines on how to select the most suitable tool for various climate adaptation projects

BIM for landscape design improving climate adaptation planning: the evaluation of software tools based on the ISO 25010 standard

This paper investigates the capabilities and limitations of different software tools simulating landscape design adaptability. The evaluation of tools is based on the ISO 25010 framework, which investigates software functionality, reliability, performance efficiency, usability, compatibility, and information quality. These quality characteristics of software are analysed during objective experiments where five software tools are used for a case study project at the conceptual design phase. These experiments reveal that the existing software tools for climate adaptation planning are focused on different aspects of climate adaptability, generating different types of information. Moreover, all tools deal with some limitations in terms of compatibility, performance efficiency, and functional operations. The ISO 25010 quality model provides a comprehensive framework to compare the capabilities of different software tools for climate adaptation planning. This paper is part of a wider study including an analysis of the needs of project stakeholders regarding climate adaptation software tools. However, this article focuses on technical capabilities of current climate adaptation software tools

Refurbishment of UK school buildings: challenges of improving energy performance using BIM

UK Schools are part of the existing buildings whose operational carbon must be reduced to meet the government target of reducing carbon emissions to 80% by 2050. State funding for refurbishment is the most feasible option using two routes: Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) which is restricted to improving the physical aspects of school facilities; and Salix Energy Efficiency Fund (SEEF) aimed at energy/equipment retrofit measures. Although the use of BIM technology (underpinned by the government soft-landing (GSL) framework) together with the use of energy modelling/simulation tools have become integral to making buildings more energy efficient, they are constrained by lack of adoption. This study used primary and secondary data to investigate the effectiveness of contemporary BIM and energy simulation technologies in refurbishment of existing school buildings. Secondary data collected from 10 case studies of schools that benefitted from SEEF was supported by primary data from survey questionnaire of 126 professionals involved in refurbishment. Results showed that: (a) CIF and SEEF ought to operate in synergy due to the interaction of a building's physical envelope with heat transfer and energy used by equipment and systems; (b) refurbishment professionals are not fully adopting BIM which in turn affects managing the buildings in their operational phase; and (c) some schools are not getting technical advice on how to optimise the funds they receive from SEEF leading to non-optimal investment. Recommendations provided include: extensive training on BIM and GSL to heads of schools; upskilling of professionals on using building pathology techniques that are compatible with BIM together with COBie and NBS Toolkit; advise government agencies to reconcile the purpose of CIF and SEEF for carbon reduction solution in schools

An investigation into the energy performance of school buildings refurbished through Salix funding

Schools in the UK are part of the existing stock of buildings whose operational carbon must be reduced for the government to meet its objective of reducing carbon emissions by up to 80% of their 1990 levels by 2050. State funding for refurbishment is the most feasible option for public schools using two routes: Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) which is restricted to improving the physical aspects (e.g. expansion) of school facilities; and the Salix Energy Efficiency Fund (SEEF) aimed at energy/equipment retrofit measures. Although the use of BIM technology (underpinned by the government softlanding (GSL) framework) as well as the use of energy modelling and simulation tools have become integral to making buildings more energy efficient, they are constrained by lack of adoption. This study used a mixed-method approach to investigate the effectiveness of contemporary BIM and energy simulation technologies in refurbishment of existing school buildings. Secondary quantitative data collected from 10 case studies of schools that benefitted from SEEF was supported by interviews of seven heads of schools that had undergone SEEF refurbishment. Results showed that: CIF and SEEF which administratively are mutually exclusive funding streams ought to operate in synergy due to the interaction of a building’s physical envelope with heat transfer and energy used by equipment and systems; some schools are not getting technical advice on how to optimise the funds they receive from SEEF leading to non-optimal investment. Recommendations provided include: extensive training on BIM and GSL to heads of schools and advise to government agencies to reconcile the purpose of CIF and SEEF for a holistic solution to carbon reduction in schools

The impact of regulations and legislation on residential built forms in Tehran

This paper addresses the challenges posed by the framing of planning law, as it affects the built forms of cities. These are challenges faced by many cities worldwide, especially those undergoing rapid change. The paper explores the role of planning controls and building regulations in shaping the built form of one of the world’s fastest growing cities, Tehran. Comparisons are drawn with the historic and contemporary effects of regulations in Paris, New York and Hong Kong. There are generic implications for planning legislation in other cities. The approach taken to the research is a combination of historical investigation with some simple geometrical analysis of housing layout. The built form and urban layout of Tehran’s residential streets in particular seem to be the result of a complex process of limits imposed by planning codes and generic functions together with cultural changes and desires for modernisation. However, the influences and effects of urban parameters such as block size and proportion, as well as built form parameters such as building shape and depth are mediated by building regulations. Starting with a brief introduction to the housing sector in Iran, some primary and extremely influential housing regulations are discussed in the paper and an investigation is made to find out where they came from and the reasons behind their enforcement. The paper uncovers the role planning codes have played not only in limiting and regulating but also, as an indirect effect, encouraging and introducing new types of house. It also briefly presents the effects of regulations in other cities like New York and Paris to demonstrate that simple physical codes can have large morphological and aesthetic effects on the cityscape. It is argued that these regulations are enforced with the purpose of controlling the quality of the built environment and preventing over-crowding; however, their secondary and unintended effects on the quality of cityscape, street facade and the interior of buildings (in terms of day-lighting and ventilation) have not been considered at the appropriate scale. The paper concludes with some remarks about the importance of regulations, not only as tools to control the quality of the built environment and the overall density, but also as shaping forces in determining the built forms of cities, in their parts (buildings) and the cityscape as a whole

Environmental and strategic assessment of ecotourism potential in Anzali Wetland using SWOT analysis

SWOT analysis is used extensively as an assessment and planning method, particularly in tourism planning. However, there are little documentations on application of SWOT analysis in ecotourism. An assessment on systematic use of SWOT analysis was carried out in the present study to highlight the applicability of the SWOT technique in detailed investigations. In this study, based on field surveys and questionnaires (on Anzali Wetland and the local population), matrix of internal and external factors (threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strength) influencing tourism development in Anzali Wetland were evaluated within the framework of SWOT analysis and SO, WO, ST and WT strategies were identified. Based on the obtained results, the total score of 3.22 in IFE matrix suggests good condition of the system and high internal strength of the tourism development related to internal factors and the final score of 2.93 in the EFE matrix represents poor condition related to the external factors which means external factors have not been utilized properly; Thus appropriate planning and organizational management practices are required to deal with these factors. The study further proposes solutions, operational priorities and strategic planning according to environmental and local conditions of Anzali Wetland. Since the tourism industry in Iran is still in its early stages, particularly in Anzali Wetland region, the findings could help decision makers to estimate better the weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities, and to develop tourism industry in the region

Paving the path: empowering women in STEM from university to industry

The recent digital transformation of higher education underscores the crucial role of STEM disciplines in addressing real-world challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for problem-solving skills, creativity, and diversity within the STEM student community. Despite growing awareness of the gender disparity in STEM professions, women remain underrepresented in these fields. This paper conducts a comprehensive study delving into the determinants influencing the decision to pursue a STEM degree and the challenges faced during STEM education. Through survey data analysis, the research explores actionable mechanisms to enhance the presence of women in STEM subjects and support their career progression. The study not only identifies obstacles but also formulates a set of recommendations to establish a robust support system for women in STEM. These recommendations aim to foster their academic retention, facilitate continuous professional development, and contribute to narrowing the gender gap in STEM occupations. By addressing the root causes and proposing concrete solutions, this research seeks to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape, fostering an environment where women can thrive and make significant contributions to the ever-evolving field of science and technology. Furthermore, this research serves as a call to action for institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to collectively champion initiatives that empower and propel women to excel in STEM fields

Tunable L-band semiconductor laser based on Mach–Zehnder interferometer

A regrowth-free tunable L-band semiconductor laser based on Mach–Zehnder interferometer is presented in this paper. The laser exhibit a side mode suppression ratio of 38 dB and linewidth of 500 kHz. A tuning range of 30 nm across the L-band is also demonstrated