ESR-10

Human-centric passive and hybrid strategies for adapting buildings and neighbourhoods to the changing climate

Adapting buildings and neighborhoods to the changing climate is a critical challenge, and a human-centric approach is essential to ensure that these adaptations not only effectively mitigate climate-induced impacts but also enhance the quality of life for residents. Here are some strategies and considerations for human-centric passive and hybrid adaptation in buildings and neighborhoods:

1. Green Roofs and Walls

Integrate green roofs and walls to increase green spaces, improve air quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect. These elements can also be designed for community use, such as rooftop gardens or gathering spaces.

2. Shade and Natural Ventilation

Provide shading elements like pergolas, awnings, and shade trees to cool outdoor spaces and reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling. Incorporate natural ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality and reduce reliance on air conditioning.

3. Community Gardens

Encourage the development of community gardens within neighborhoods, which not only promote sustainable food production but also foster social cohesion and community engagement.

4. Cool and Reflective Materials

Use cool and reflective materials in building construction to reduce heat absorption and lower indoor temperatures. Light-colored roofs, pavements, and exterior surfaces can be effective.

5. Rainwater Harvesting

Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation, reducing water consumption, and contributing to a more sustainable community.

6. Heat-Resilient Landscaping

Choose native, drought-resistant plants that can thrive in local climate conditions. Landscaping can also be designed to provide shade and reduce heat, creating comfortable outdoor spaces.

7. Community-Led Decision Making

Engage residents and community members in decision-making processes regarding climate adaptation. This ensures that the strategies implemented align with the needs and preferences of the local population.

8. Public Transportation and Active Mobility

Invest in public transportation and promote active mobility options like walking and cycling. Well-planned and accessible transportation networks reduce the reliance on private cars and lower emissions.

9. Climate-Responsive Building Design

Incorporate architectural features that respond to the local climate, such as adjustable sunshades and natural cross-ventilation, to create comfortable indoor environments.

10. Education and Awareness

Develop community programs and initiatives to educate residents about climate change and adaptation strategies, empowering them to take individual and collective actions.

11. Resilience Hubs

Establish neighborhood resilience hubs or community centers that can serve as gathering places during extreme weather events, providing shelter, resources, and support.

12. Energy Efficiency

Implement energy-efficient technologies and insulation in buildings to reduce energy consumption, making homes more comfortable and affordable to live in.

13. Urban Farming and Local Food Production

Promote urban farming and local food production initiatives to enhance food security and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

14. Mixed-Use Developments

Encourage mixed-use development, where residents can live, work, and access amenities within the same neighborhood, reducing the need for long commutes.

15. Resilient Infrastructure

Invest in infrastructure improvements that can withstand extreme weather events, such as flood-resistant drainage systems and elevated roads.

To assess the climate resilience potential of these strategies, a participatory process involving local residents, experts, and stakeholders is essential. It ensures that the solutions are tailored to the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the community and that they align with the goal of creating a more climate-resilient and human-centric built environment. Additionally, monitoring and data collection will be critical to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in mitigating the impacts of climate-induced phenomena.

Human-Centric Passive and Hybrid Strategies for Adapting Buildings and Neighbourhoods to the Changing Climate

Background: Climate change is a pressing global issue, and its effects on urban environments are becoming increasingly evident. Rising temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and extreme weather events pose significant challenges to the resilience of both buildings and neighbourhoods. While there is a growing body of research on climate adaptation strategies, a more human-centric approach is necessary to ensure that such strategies are not only effective but also acceptable and inclusive. This research proposal aims to address this need by identifying, through a participatory process, passive and hybrid adaptation strategies for building and neighbourhood applications, and assessing their climate resilience potential in mitigating the impacts of climate-induced phenomena.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this research is to study the potential of human-centric passive and hybrid strategies for adapting buildings and neighbourhoods to the changing climate. This study will focus on understanding how such strategies can enhance the adaptive capacity of urban environments, improve human comfort, and promote community engagement in the adaptation process. By achieving this purpose, the research seeks to provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and communities to create more climate-resilient and livable urban spaces.

Methodology:

The research will be conducted through a multi-faceted approach, involving a combination of modelling, co-participation methods, and quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The methodology can be broken down into the following tasks:

1.       Development of Future Climate Projections and Microclimate Analysis:

a.       Utilize existing climate data and modelling techniques to develop future climate projections specific to the study area.

b.       Conduct a detailed microclimate analysis to understand local variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.

2.       Creation of an Open Living Laboratory:

c.       Establish an open living laboratory within the selected pilot case study area, involving residents, community groups, and experts.

d.       Encourage active participation to identify and characterize passive and hybrid adaptation solutions that are practical, acceptable, and sustainable for the community.

3.       Multi-Sensory Field Monitoring Campaign:

e.       Conduct a comprehensive field monitoring campaign to collect quantitative data related to various climatic parameters and the performance of passive and hybrid strategies.

f.        Engage participants in the monitoring process to gather qualitative feedback on their experiences and preferences.

4.       Data Analysis and Integration:

g.       Integrate the quantitative and qualitative data collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the identified adaptation strategies.

h.       Analyze the data using a combination of statistical methods and thematic analysis to draw conclusions and insights.

5.       Recommendations and Dissemination:

i.        Develop recommendations for implementing human-centric passive and hybrid adaptation strategies based on the research findings.

j.        Disseminate the results to the wider community, policymakers, and urban planners through reports, workshops, and community engagement activities.

By following this comprehensive methodology, this research aims to contribute to the development of sustainable and people-oriented climate adaptation strategies, fostering resilience and livability in urban environments while actively engaging the local community in the process.