Use of Digital Tools (Wikihouse System) in Multi-Local Social Housing

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper offers valuable insights into the intersection of digital tools, modular construction, and sustainable design practices, focusing on the Wikihouse system's open-source nature and its application in sustainable architectural design.

However, the manuscript requires revisions and improvements before acceptance for publication. More specifically:

* Abstract: The abstract is informative but slightly lengthy. Consider condensing some sentences for conciseness. Also, strengthen the introduction by providing more context on the challenges faced by the construction industry in the context of the real estate crisis and climate change, clearly stating the significance of the research in addressing these challenges. What are the socioenvironmental benefits resulting from the proposal's development? Consider adding a sentence about potential future directions or applications of the research. This can give readers a sense of the broader impact and potential for further studies in the field.

*Introduction: The positive impact of open-source software on reducing license costs is a valuable point. You might consider elaborating on specific examples or instances where this impact has been observed, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and cost reduction.

Also, while mentioning the versatility of the Wikihouse system, provide more concrete examples or characteristics that make it adaptable to various locations. This will help readers understand why Wikihouse was chosen for the study.

To this end, some references that might be useful for you are: https://metacpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/7EN-mWP-3D-printing-Pazaitis-Giotitsas-Savvides-Kostakis.pdf

https://jfsdigital.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/05-Priavolou-Open-Construction.pdf

Finally, at the end of this section provide a brief roadmap of the subsequent sections to guide the reader through the research.

Overall, the introduction sets a solid foundation for the research, but adding more references and elaborating on specific points could enhance clarity and completeness.

* Materials and Methods: The methodology is generally clear, but consider providing more detail in each phase to help readers understand the specific steps involved. For example, elaborate on the factors considered during the analysis and selection of modular systems. What were the specific criteria for choosing a location, and how did these criteria align with the research goals? How were environmental strategies integrated into the model, and what were the considerations for using wood as the primary building material? What were the specific functions of the algorithm, and how did it contribute to greater material utilization efficiency? Also, 2.2 is missing.

*Discussion: The discussion introduces the concept of polycube theory and its limitations in creating irregular environments. To enhance this point, you could provide a concise example or illustration of a scenario where the flexibility of the Wikihouse system addresses these challenges effectively.

You might expand on the environmental impact of steel production, providing additional context for readers unfamiliar with the energy consumption associated with manufacturing steel parts.

The discussion on using wood as a circular economy is crucial. Consider explaining how the Wikihouse system aligns with principles of circularity and sustainability, offering specific examples or features that contribute to its potential in implementing a sustainable wood-use system. Moreover, why does the open-source nature of Wikihouse contribute to its adaptability and widespread use?

You could also incorporate visual aids, such as figures or diagrams, to support key points in the discussion.

*Conclusions: The conclusions touch on various aspects, and you might consider reorganizing them for even greater clarity. For example, you could group points related to Grasshopper software and the advantages of the Wikihouse system to provide a more structured conclusion.

The emphasis on the open-source nature of the Wikihouse system, combined with the role of Grasshopper, is well articulated. Consider expanding on how this combination addresses broader issues such as material scarcity, energy consumption, and cost reduction, perhaps by providing a concrete example or case study.

In addition, briefly highlight specific features or functionalities of Grasshopper that contribute to improved design efficiency and reduced material usage based on your research application.

It would also be useful to elaborate on the implications of WikiHouse system's versatility for the broader field of architecture and its potential impact on future projects.

Last but not least, by incorporating practical examples or case studies that demonstrate how the findings of the research could be applied in real-world scenarios, the practical implications of the study could be emphasized further.

General comment: Ensure that your references to the figures align with the actual placement of the figures in the document and that all the figures are adequately explained within the text.

Overall, the quality is good but consider condensing sentences for conciseness and clarity throughout the text (e.g. "These tools enable faster and more efficient development...in various locations." in the conclusions section)

Author Response

"Please see the attachment."

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

"How can digital tools, specifically the WikiHouse system, contribute to the development and improvement of multi-local social housing initiatives?"

The research might reveal how digital tools like WikiHouse can be leveraged to address challenges and enhance opportunities in the domain of multi-local social housing, considering specific settings for simulation and the open-source nature of the tools involved.

To determine the uniqueness and relevance of the research, conduct a thorough literature review to identify existing studies in the intersection of digital tools, multi-local social housing, and open-source solutions. Assess whether your research methodology adds new perspectives or insights that contribute to the ongoing discourse in the field.

In summary, the key is to identify the specific angles, applications, or aspects of the intersection between digital tools (especially WikiHouse) and multi-local social housing that your research uniquely explores or enhances.

It's challenging to provide tailored recommendations. However, here are some general considerations that authors often address to enhance the robustness of field methodology.

It's essential to evaluate the specific content of the conclusions to determine their consistency with the evidence and arguments presented throughout the study.

In summary, while the provided excerpt outlines positive aspects of the WikiHouse system, incorporating specific examples, addressing potential disadvantages, and providing a more detailed analysis of its relation to climatic conditions and user comfort would further strengthen the conclusions.

detailed comments：

1.  In lane 226, in the case of Provincia de Moyobamba, the ventilation needed during the summer season came from the East and had to be addressed by a passive design approach. Is there validation and discussion in this study?

2.  In lane 359, in addition to orthogonal system calculus, elastic use or free-form surface application, how to further explain its application and corresponding openness?

Please have a reviewing manuscripts by the English native editor.  

Author Response

"Please see the attachment."

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript has been improved and it can be published in its present form.