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Sustainability
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Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering
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Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Engineering and Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 11369

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jolanta Dzwierzynska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Architectural Design and Engineering Graphics, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
Interests: parametric design; structural optimization; algorithmic-aided shaping structures; engineering geometry; modeling; shaping public spaces

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Shaping, as a concept, is another word for influencing something to get a specific effect. In this broad context, this Special Issue is dedicated to analysis and activities in the field of architecture and civil engineering that shape a sustainable environment.

Important challenges due to climate change, population growth, and exploited natural sources require civil engineers, architects, and urban planners to maximize their contribution to sustainable development. To achieve this, it is important to take a comprehensive approach to planning, design, and construction, which can cover many aspects and stages of shaping, such as urban planning, shaping public spaces, geometric shaping, and architectural modeling in both building and structural design. Sustainable design strategies consist of evaluating and solving design problems to facilitate the choice of an appropriate method, certifying programs, technology, standards, and materials in the design phase, meeting ecological, social, and economic needs.

New technologies as well as the development of digital designing tools require designers to take a different perspective and approach to design. The comprehensive software applied during design can also support sustainability. Building information modelling (BIM) in particular, which constitutes digital information of both a building physical model and its properties being available in a whole investment process, can be a good basis for sustainable design strategy. On the other hand, comprehensive tools for shaping structures using various optimization methods enable considering the various aspects affecting future structures already at the initial design stage, which means reduction of structural material, cost, and generally ecological designing. Similarly, the optimization of structural performance is acknowledged as a means of obtaining sustainable structural designs.

In summary, the presented Special Issue is open to all research pieces involving various aspects of urbanism, architecture, and civil engineering involving shaping the environment in a sustainable way. Interdisciplinary approaches are especially welcomed.

Dr. Jolanta Dzwierzynska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable design
  • geometric shaping and modeling
  • architectural designing
  • shaping public spaces
  • urbanism
  • building information modeling (BIM)
  • structural optimization
  • ecofriendly structures

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 2662 KiB  
Article
An Algorithm to Minimize Near-Zero Rebar-Cutting Waste and Rebar Usage of Columns
by Daniel Darma Widjaja, Titi Sari Nurul Rachmawati, Sunkuk Kim and Sungsu Lee
Sustainability 2024, 16(1), 308; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010308 - 28 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 857
Abstract
Rebar usage and cutting waste contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2 and CH4. Researchers have explored various means to minimize cutting waste; however, these studies have yet to address reducing splices and utilizing a single specific special-length [...] Read more.
Rebar usage and cutting waste contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, mainly CO2 and CH4. Researchers have explored various means to minimize cutting waste; however, these studies have yet to address reducing splices and utilizing a single specific special-length rebar. Hence, this study proposed an algorithm to minimize rebar usage and reduce rebar-cutting waste to less than 1% (near-zero rebar-cutting waste). The algorithm involves two main steps: (1) reducing the number of splices by utilizing special-length rebar and (2) adjusting the rebar accordingly based on the obtained special-length rebar. The algorithm was applied to the column rebars of an RC building to validate its effectiveness. The results confirmed a reduction in rebar usage by 3.226 tons (17.76%), a cutting waste rate of 0.83% (near-zero rebar-cutting waste achieved), a reduction of 11.18 tons in CO2 emissions, and a cost reduction of USD 3741. Employing the proposed algorithm in RC building and structure projects will amplify the corresponding benefits and contribute to the achievement of SDGs adopted by the United Nations to ensure sustainable resource usage and the acceleration of sustainable and green construction practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering)
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16 pages, 2709 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Shaping of Lightweight Structures Created According to Different Methods
by Dominika Bysiec
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043236 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1344
Abstract
This paper presents the problem of the efficient shaping of spherical structures of geodesic domes, which is the basis for creating a regular octahedron, in the aspect of sustainable development. The proposed two methods of shaping covered by this study differ in the [...] Read more.
This paper presents the problem of the efficient shaping of spherical structures of geodesic domes, which is the basis for creating a regular octahedron, in the aspect of sustainable development. The proposed two methods of shaping covered by this study differ in the way the dividing points of the initial edges of the regular octahedron are connected, and, therefore, in the way the sphere is shaped. Using different methods, two families of domes with different lengths of struts but with a similar number of them were obtained. The conducted comparative analysis leads to the indication of this method of shaping the topology, thanks to which it is possible to obtain structures with less consumption of construction material, and, consequently, with less weight. Both the geometry and weight indicate the advantages of geodesic domes created using the first subdivision method. The selection of the appropriate method of shaping geodesic domes is a consequence of a sustainable design strategy. The presented structures in the form of geodesic domes, the basis of which is a regular octahedron, can be original, innovative coverings, while the detailed analysis carried out is intended to provide design guidelines that will facilitate both architects and designers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering)
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14 pages, 5377 KiB  
Article
Reconstruction of Historic Monuments—A Dual Approach
by Jolanta Dzwierzynska and Anna Prokop
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14651; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114651 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2708
Abstract
The proper maintenance of historical monuments and their use is one of the pillars of sustainable development. Over the years, historic architectural buildings have undergone numerous changes resulting from reconstruction, expansion, or damage caused both by natural and other disasters. Therefore, their contemporary [...] Read more.
The proper maintenance of historical monuments and their use is one of the pillars of sustainable development. Over the years, historic architectural buildings have undergone numerous changes resulting from reconstruction, expansion, or damage caused both by natural and other disasters. Therefore, their contemporary appearance is the result of these changes. Thanks to the documentation of their transformations, one has the opportunity to get to know their history. Currently, thanks to advanced technology, it is becoming easier and easier to document various historical monuments. However, the method of their documentation, especially the possibility of their reconstruction and the creation of 3D models depends mostly on the data resources at one’s disposal. This article compares two extreme methods of recreating an architectural object that has undergone some changes throughout history. One of the methods is to reconstruct the object on the basis of a photograph using geometrical rules and computer aid, while the other is based on laser scanning. Due to the fact that the same object is being reconstructed by means of both methods, it is possible to evaluate and compare the applied methods and estimate their accuracy, as well as to draw conclusions about the transformations of the reconstructed object over the years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering)
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21 pages, 1526 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Urban Design Approaches in Renewal Areas with Hybrid Decision Model
by Merve Koçak Güngör, Bülent Bostancı, Neşe Yılmaz Bakır and Umut Doğan
Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10543; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710543 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1746
Abstract
Generally, urban renewal practices in developing countries are formed by economic concerns and by ignoring the design dimension. As a result, these conditions create unqualified urban spaces in terms of livability. In this study, to analyze and evaluate this problem, a criterion framework [...] Read more.
Generally, urban renewal practices in developing countries are formed by economic concerns and by ignoring the design dimension. As a result, these conditions create unqualified urban spaces in terms of livability. In this study, to analyze and evaluate this problem, a criterion framework and a hybrid spatial decision model are formed for improving the design quality of renewal projects. The authors defined 37 urban design criteria through literature research, expert opinions, and self-assessments. A multidisciplinary focus group was held and a paired comparison form was prepared to determine the criterion weights and suitability values with the used the fuzzy DEMATEL and weighted linear combination method. The values analyzed using ArcGIS 10.2 and the suitability values are shown on the map. As a result, it has been determined that even the highest valued among the examined renewal projects could not meet even 50% of the defined urban design quality standard. The results have emphasized that the urban renewal projects without area-specific and appropriate design solutions reveal that they cannot develop qualified places. Within the scope of realizing more qualified urban places, design criteria should also be taken into account in the project design processes. In future studies, this model can be used in determining the area-specific and appropriate design solution for spatial decision-makers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering)
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23 pages, 4959 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Sustainable Development Index in the Communes of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship: A Polish Case Study
by Anna Martyka, Dorota Jopek and Izabela Skrzypczak
Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10237; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610237 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1781
Abstract
Intense global urbanization, including spatial planning development, is an essential area that determines sustainable development. It is known that urban development is typically tied to an increase in socioeconomic productivity while also creating considerable inequalities. Despite mounting evidence of intense urban area development, [...] Read more.
Intense global urbanization, including spatial planning development, is an essential area that determines sustainable development. It is known that urban development is typically tied to an increase in socioeconomic productivity while also creating considerable inequalities. Despite mounting evidence of intense urban area development, little is known about its consequences on the sustainable development of territories adjacent to said areas. Despite the positive and negative consequences of urbanization and their impact on sustainable development often being highlighted, there is little understanding of and a dearth of analyses on sustainability processes that include spatial planning development. To fill this gap, it must be assessed where sustainable development is actually taking place. Such analyses should not only be confined to the four essential areas: economic development, social development, environmental development, and institutional development, that are tied to sustainable development index calculations. They should also determine the transformations experienced by the areas and factor in a fifth analysis area: spatial planning development. In this paper, detailed data sourced from the Statistics Poland were used to formulate sustainable development indices for urban, rural–urban, and rural communes of the Podkarpackie region of Poland. The data concerned the five areas listed above. Using data standardization and the averaged index method, sustainable development index values were quantified to demonstrate that they displayed various levels of inequalities for the two reference periods of 2015 and 2020. These statistics indicate the key role of spatial planning development in assessing sustainability indices. The findings show that it is not only possible to enhance standard calculation methods to include other data and use them in time and space to create a simple and general quantitative rating of sustainable development, but urbanization can also be factored in that includes spatial planning development. The findings show that a modified computation approach is a reliable and relatively complete index of sustainable development that compensates for the deficiencies of current metrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering)
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13 pages, 5469 KiB  
Article
Czekanowski’s Diagram and Spatial Data Cluster Analysis for Planning Sustainable Development of Rural Areas
by Grzegorz Oleniacz
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11404; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011404 - 15 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1343
Abstract
Defects in the spatial structure of agricultural land resulting from the common phenomenon of land fragmentation constitute one of the most important factors that contribute to the lack of rational land management. Reconstruction of the spatial structure of rural areas is essential for [...] Read more.
Defects in the spatial structure of agricultural land resulting from the common phenomenon of land fragmentation constitute one of the most important factors that contribute to the lack of rational land management. Reconstruction of the spatial structure of rural areas is essential for their sustainable development. The process of land consolidation is a tool that can arrange space and lead to the desired structural changes. It is reasonable to select objects for land consolidation in such a way as to obtain the best possible effect. This article presents an algorithm for grouping areas with the concentration of the external land ownership patchwork with the use of Czekanowski’s method of cluster analysis. The clusters determined this way can be treated as the whole objects subjected to land consolidation, for which the process will bring the greatest benefits in terms of the elimination of the external land ownership patchwork. The described algorithm is relatively simple to use and the graphical final form is easy for the result interpretation. It allows for multi-variant examination of the analyzed phenomenon and can be applied wherever there is access to reliable information from land registry and cadastral and GIS databases that are used to obtain a complete picture of the spatial and ownership structure of the analyzed areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping towards Sustainability in Architecture and Civil Engineering)
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