Yeganeh, Mansour

Ghasaban M., Mirjalili P., Yeganeh M.

Baradaran Motie M., Bemanian M., Yeganeh M.

Following the Industrial Revolution and the rise of automobiles in cities, the shape and geometry of cities underwent significant changes, which affected urban morphology. This unsustainable development disrupted the balance between built and natural environments, leading to many problems for cities and their citizens over time. Environmental problems are the most significant. Damage to green infrastructure, natural ecosystems, water and air pollution, and extreme heat are just a few examples. Numerous Nature-based solutions have been proposed to achieve these goals. One primary strategy is the development of urban green spaces, which serve as a platform for restoring balance to cities and reducing environmental harm. Recent studies show that simply adding green spaces to cities is not enough. Their design and placement need to be carefully considered to maximize their benefits. Not considering these properties in the design and development of microclimates not only does not improve urban resilience but can also exacerbate these harms. Therefore, this chapter focuses on understanding the behavior of urban green spaces and their influential properties on urban microclimates. These influential properties include planting design and layout, tree proportions and geometric form, density and permeability, and other physiological characteristics.

Fakhr B.V., Yeganeh M., Walzberg J., ghayehbashi A.R.

Mobarhan M., Yeganeh M., Motie M.B., Ahmadi S.

Yeganeh M., Ghasaban M.

This article introduces a new method of combining closed and semi-open spaces in a mid-rise office building. This method presented in the paper aims to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort and emphasize the use of open spaces on all floors and in different directions. Usually, open spaces in buildings such as courtyards, balconies, atriums, and sky_court, despite their positive performance, have limitations in terms of geometry, location, enclosure, and connection with the building. However, this approach has tried to solve these limitations using a modular network in the plan production process. This approach allows the creation of open spaces with various geometries and areas on the floors. This study pays attention to the presence of semi-open space in mid-rise buildings and the creation of porosity in the volume, which reduces energy consumption and increases the comfort of employees. This article introduces an innovative approach to utilizing semi-open space on the floors of office buildings. This approach, by allocating a part of the area of each floor to semi-open space with two different parameters, i.e., "semi-open space with the most connection with the façade" and "semi-open space with the least connection with the facade," is a framework for the design and optimal placement of the semi-open space in It offers office buildings. This research tries to generate all possible situations to achieve 40 % of open space in the building. By dividing the plan into 5 × 5 modules in the presented simulation model, 320 modules are available, and to convert 40 % of the building into semi-open space, 128 modules should be allocated for this purpose. The models simulated by Ladybug and Honeybee plugins show that in the volumes where the semi-open spaces in the building have a combination of the maximum connection with the facade and minimum connection with the facade, they perform better in energy consumption and thermal comfort. The research results show that a volume comprising closed and semi-open spaces with a suitable porosity ratio can perform best. In other words, the change in volume porosity significantly affects energy consumption and thermal comfort

Borna M., Yeganeh M.

This research aims to identify and classify the types of microalgae and investigate their growth and control conditions and their optimal use for construction purposes and urban landscapes. How to use types of microalgae in climates, types of buildings, and geographical directions and fronts of buildings requires comprehensive knowledge of microalgae. Different microalgae can be more beneficial for different purposes, including, shading on buildings and translucent surfaces, insulation used, and biomass production. Also, estimating the intensity of light radiation to different levels and climates is necessary to provide better growth conditions and higher efficiency. With a comprehensive review and analysis of these conditions, this article has presented two innovative methods to match the required characteristics of each microalga with the existing conditions of the urban landscape and buildings so that it can be determined in different parts of the building. Moreover, which microalgae are most effective for urban landscapes in different climates, on surfaces with different slopes and angles, and for different purposes? Finally, a new perspective and vision for research and further applications of microalgae at the scale of the building and urban landscapes have been presented.

Hosseini Z., Yeganeh M., Jalali S.

Shopping malls have become vibrant public spaces, serving as commercial centers and sociocultural hubs. However, the arrangement of stationary elements such as elevators and escalators significantly impacts the visual quality of the atrium and the overall navigation experience within the complex. This research focuses on analyzing the configuration of elevators and escalators in shopping mall atriums and their influence on visual richness and accessibility. Descriptive-analytical and survey methods are employed, utilizing data from 10 successful malls worldwide. The UCL-Depth map software and space syntax variables are used for analysis. Connectivity, clustering-coefficient, and controllability analyses assess visual richness, while integration, mean-depth, entropy, depth, step-depth, and gate-count analyses evaluate accessibility. The research includes a questionnaire to obtain optimal indices for each space syntax variable, enhancing the accuracy of the findings. The results highlight the significant impact of the positioning of vertical access elements within the atrium on its visual richness and the accessibility of shops. The research identifies an optimal configuration: placing the escalator in the middle of the atrium, deviating 30° from the entrance axis, and separately locating the elevators. This configuration provides the highest level of access to shops and the central atrium from any point, minimizing the number of turns required to reach different locations within the mall. Furthermore, the separate placement of elevators improves the flow of individuals between shops and the atrium, resulting in increased integration. In conclusion, selecting an appropriate configuration of elevators and escalators in shopping mall atriums can greatly enhance wayfinding and improve the visual richness and accessibility of the complex. Architects and designers can utilize these findings to optimize the design of public spaces within shopping centers, promoting social interactions and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Sharbafian M., Yeganeh M., Baradaran Motie M.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the building's green façade on regulating the indicators of daylight, visual comfort, heating and cooling load, and its features (such as the density of greenery and distance from the main facade). The effects of simulating 30 distinct green facade designs for various building fronts were examined. The findings reveal that altering the green facade's distance (between 0 and 50 cm) had no discernible impact on the variables. The values of DA, UDImax, and cooling load have lowered by increasing density from 20 % to 100 %. The heating burden has grown, though. Higher densities of the green facade between different distances show a greater difference in the values of the tested variables than lower densities. For instance, at 100 % density, the UDImax value rose from the highest to lowest distance (0.50 cm) by 59.6 %, but at 20 % density, this shift was only 2.9 %

Zafari Jurshari M., Yousefi Tazakor M., Yeganeh M.

Today, the number of cities and the increase in greenhouse gases have led to the intensification of global warming. The construction industry has had a significant impact on this crisis. Therefore, using passive solutions such as optimizing building proportions and proper orientation in any climate can significantly help reduce building energy consumption and greenhouse gases. The research aims to optimize the proportions of residential buildings and their orientation to minimize the building's energy consumption in the city of Rasht with a moderate climate. For this purpose, a three-story building with dimensions of 1:1 was selected, and the energy consumption of the building, including the load of cooling, heating, and lighting, was calculated in the north-south and east-west dimensions up to 1:10 ratios. The desired parametric simulation and optimization were done using the Design Builder software. Then, the most optimal mode was selected in terms of proportionality by using parametric optimization; the energy consumption of the building with a different orientation compared to the geographical north was calculated for each degree up to 364 degrees. The results showed that the energy consumption of the building with a ratio of 1:4 with east-west elongation was 155.29 kWh/m, which has the lowest energy consumption compared to other modes and is also compatible with the construction and building industry. Also, the building with zero-degree orientation to the geographical north and east-west extension has the lowest carbon dioxide production and annual energy consumption, which is 2107 kg/m and 146.28 kWh/m, respectively.

Yeganeh M.

Iran, having a significant capacity for renewable energies, especially wind energy, can, in addition to providing a part of its energy needs from these sources, reduce the harmful effects of energy production from fossil sources and promote the development of deprived areas. The future perspective of the economical use of wind energy in Iran shows that this energy saves petroleum products as fuel. The resulting savings have primarily resulted in the preservation of petroleum products, which enables export and, more importantly, its conversion into many petrochemical derivatives with high added value. In the second degree, producing electricity from this energy is free of any environmental pollution, which helps maintain the environment’s healthy nature. As a result, the path to achieving sustainable economic and social development is provided. The use of wind energy in Iran, in addition to construction and development, has created new jobs. Finally, the country’s economy will grow more with the localization of wind energy technology. In the evaluation of wind power plants, the costs and revenues of the project, the investment return period, the price of electric energy produced, and the internal rate of return on capital are the final indicators for a complete comparison of different components. Since we pursue sustainable development to expand the electric energy supply system, we must consider each producer’s costs and social benefits. This chapter is descriptive and analytical. The findings indicated potential for wind energy and electricity generation source in provinces and regions of Iran. Moreover, a framework for future perspectives in wind energy strategies and policies is discussed.

Karimian Shamsabadi M., Yeganeh M., Pourmahabadian E.

Niya N.A., Ariannia N., Yeganeh M.

The present research studies the relationship between place attachment and the perception of form's visual quality in fifteen outstanding contemporary Iranian architectural cultural buildings. This study puts forward the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the quality of building form and the sense of place attachment, in the sense that creating high visual quality through enhancing the quality of building form increases citizens' initial satisfaction with and subsequent attachment to the building. High visual quality influences people's experience of the environment and improves the quality of life. Place attachment highlights how people, on a personal level, recreate a sense of place for themselves. The present study adopts the descriptive-analytical method as its theoretical framework and the survey as the empirical methodology. Questionnaires were developed using the Likert scale and distributed among experts and ordinary citizens. Data analysis using SPSS and the adoption of descriptive-analytical statistics, correlation analysis, and regression showed the relationship among the characteristics of indicators. The results show a positive correlation between form and place attachment mediated through visual quality, and they are causal conditions for one another. In addition, only some of the buildings under study evoke the same level of place attachment.

Dehghan N., Yeganeh M., Zare Z.

This paper aims to investigate the impact of complexity and mystery on the perceived legibility of citizens in urban parks. The theoretical framework is based on Rachel and Stephen Kaplan’s theory (four cognitive states) and Lynch’s legibility theory. The method is descriptive correlational. Data collection was done through a survey questionnaire and mental maps. The paper uses Lynch’s mental maps and asks people to draw some aspects of the parks they remembered the most and compare the results with the surveys. The data analysis uses descriptive and inferential techniques as well as logical reasoning. The research claims a significant correlation with a higher-than-average coefficient between the legibility indicators (path, edge, node, district, landmark) and complexity and mystery in urban parks. The conclusion is that districts in urban parks have the most significant impact on the overlapping of citizens’ collective mental maps. Landmarks, paths, edges, and entrances are almost equally and moderately fuzzy-scale on the legibility of citizens’ mental maps in urban parks. Nodes play less of a role in citizens’ collective mental maps than other park elements. Parks with too many entrances, non-linear paths, indistinguishable districts, and undefined edges are not perceptible to citizens, and citizens’ perceptions of space differ significantly from the existing reality. The correlation between legibility dimensions, such as edges, nodes, landmarks, districts, paths, and entrances, is higher than the fuzzy scale average. Moreover, the legibility in each dimension will affect legibility dimensions a lot. Lynch’s theory of legibility in the spatial perception of parks and Kaplan’s theory of complexity and mystery criteria appear to be not fully responsive. It differs based on the features of each park, such as openness and closeness. For future research, it is better to comprehensively understand by using all dimensions of Kalpan’s theory: complexity, mystery, refuge, and prospect.

Goharian A., Daneshjoo K., Shaeri J., Mahdavinejad M., Yeganeh M.

In modern cities, as a result of high urban density and the lack of expansion of cities in the horizontal direction, high-rise buildings and sometimes deep-plan buildings have been created, and the availability of ventilation and natural light to windowless spaces has become necessary in such conditions. One of the most widely used solutions to overcome such a problem is the creation of central light-wells, whose main identity is providing daylight. One of the main challenges in light-well is reaching light to the end of the well and two major factors are effective in this challenge; that is, the optical properties of the materials and the configuration of the well. Following previous research in terms of their diagnosis and troubleshooting, this study has focused on a type of new configuration with the aim of improving daylight efficiency compared to a simple-model. According to the limitations of finding a solution to the problem in such complex cases, this study, based on a methodology, seeks optimization by two manual methods and the genetic algorithm optimization, which is the first step, by investigating the well-Index in a cross-sectional study which it finds the best Well-index, and for a better understanding between the position of the sun related to, a side study was conducted and led to the production of a new index called PS-index. In the second step, the configuration of the walls is optimized by the genetic algorithm; basically an integration of two optimizations for one problem. This study, with the aim of standardization in methodology, seeks an interpolation between 3 locations at 5, 35, and 60° latitudes so that all latitudes are covered. Finally, the results show that the new configuration (the final optimized model) can improve the performance of the light-well several times compared to a simple-model by considering the configuration design at the same time.

Karimi A., Bayat A., Mohammadzadeh N., Mohajerani M., Yeganeh M.

This study investigates the microenvironment of open-air settings in Tehran, Iran, and explores the relationship between different thermal comfort indices, including PMV, PET, and TSV. The research was conducted in district 22 over a 16-day period using microclimatic measurements and questionnaire surveys. The analysis of 680 questionnaires provides valuable insights into the most and least comfortable thermal conditions and the limitations of PMV in assessing thermal sensations above 30 °C in several scenarios. The study recommends the use of non-linear regression formulas in anticipating thermal comfort during excessively hot circumstances and emphasizes notable distinctions between the primary heat stress classifications and the ones established in this research. The study suggests the need for revising heat stress classifications to assess outdoor thermal conditions in Tehran. The research also acknowledges the complexity of outdoor thermal satisfaction and recommends future studies that delve into the influence of diverse parameters on outdoor thermal comfort in distinct seasons.

Ghafarpoor F., Yavari H., Zamani Z., Goharian A.

Li J., Jian R., Bao S., Pan Q., Guo D., Gao H.

Elaouzy Y., Zaabout A.

Xiao Z., Tian Z., Chen T., Ouyang C., Zhou Y., Heng C.K., Lucchi E.

Muñoz-Salcedo M., Saquinaula-Brito J.L., Ortíz-Mata J., Peci-López F.

Karimi A., Moreno-Rangel D., García-Martínez A.

Tahmasbi F., Khdair A.I., Aburumman G.A., Tahmasebi M., Thi N.H., Afrand M.

Delkhosh F., Mahdavinejad M., Goharian A., Hepf C., Auer T.

Wang Z., Wang S., Ni H., Wang J., Zhang J.

Introduction: With the increasing demand for energy utilization efficiency and minimization of environmental carbon emissions in industrial parks, optimizing the configuration and scheduling of integrated energy systems has become crucial. This study focuses on integrated energy systems with massive flexible load resources, aiming to maximize energy utilization efficiency while reducing environmental impact.Methods: To model the uncertainties in wind and solar power outputs, we employed three-parameter Weibull distribution models and Beta distribution models. Flexible loads were categorized into three types to match different electricity consumption patterns. Additionally, an enhanced Kepler Optimization Algorithm (EKOA) was proposed, incorporating chaos mapping and adaptive learning rate strategies to improve search scope, convergence speed, and solution efficiency. The effectiveness of the proposed optimization scheduling and configuration methods was validated through a case study of an industrial park located in a coastal area of southeastern China.Results: The results show that using three-parameter Weibull distribution models and Beta distribution models more accurately reflects the variations in actual wind speeds and solar irradiance levels, achieving peak shaving and valley filling effects and enhancing renewable energy utilization. The EKOA algorithm significantly reduced curtailment rates of wind and solar power generation while achieving substantial economic benefits. Compared with other operation modes of hydrogen, the daily average cost is reduced by 12.92%, and external electricity purchases are reduced by an average of 20.2 MW h/day.Discussion: Although our approach shows potential in improving energy utilization efficiency and economic gains, this paper only considered hydrogen energy for single-use pathways and did not account for the economic benefits from selling hydrogen in the market. Future research will further incorporate hydrogen demand response mechanisms and optimize the output of integrated energy systems from the perspective of spot markets. These findings provide valuable references for relevant engineering applications.

Halder N., Kumar M., Deepak A., Mandal S.K., Azmeer A., Mir B.A., Nurdiawati A., Al-Ghamdi S.G.

As cities grapple with rising temperatures, the integration of urban greenery has gained recognition as a viable solution to mitigate these effects and enhance outdoor thermal conditions. This paper identifies widely used and emerging numerical models, highlights research gaps, and addresses key insights from the selected literature. Grounded in a PRISMA-based review, it offers insights to optimize strategies for mitigating urban heat islands and enhancing livability. The study explores synergies and trade-offs between green infrastructure and the built environment, aiming to provide insights into optimizing these elements for sustainable urban development. In this research, a mixed-methods approach was adopted by combining a systematic review and a bibliometric review using the PRISMA 2020 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 of 48 relevant studies. The PRISMA process led to the selection of the papers used for both the qualitative synthesis and bibliometric analysis. The results indicate a significant increase in research output in the last decades with a marked focus on green roofs, urban parks, and vertical greening systems. Our findings provide an elaborate conceptual framework that maps the interrelation between the research topics. Also, the study highlights existing research gaps in numerical modeling software for evaluating the cooling potential of urban greenery and its impact on thermal comfort across diverse urban contexts. The study recommends developing standardized frameworks and metrics for evaluating thermal comfort in urban areas, as well as suggesting that advancing numerical modeling software is essential to accurately simulate the complex interactions between urban greenery, microclimates, and urban forms.

Jain D., Bhatnagar S., Rathi V., Sachdeva K., Tewani A., Sharma G.

Liu T., Wang Y., Zhang L., Xu N., Tang F.

Amid global warming and urbanization, outdoor thermal comfort has become a critical consideration in landscape architecture. This study integrates a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 1417 empirical studies (1980–2024) sourced from Web of Science, aiming to clarify the current state of research, identify core themes, and propose future directions. This study examines key evaluation models, the influence of spatial morphology, and their practical applications using keyword co-occurrence, citation networks, and thematic analyses. Findings show a significant rise in research over the past decade, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Core themes include thermal comfort indices (PMV, PET, and UTCI), microclimate regulation, and important spatial indicators (height-to-width ratio, sky view factor, and greening). The field is increasingly shifting towards simulation tools (such as ENVI-met and CFD) rather than traditional field measurements, with artificial intelligence emerging as a tool for predictive and regulatory purposes, though its application remains limited. However, much of the research focuses on small-scale morphological optimization and lacks a systematic framework for spatial representation. Future research should prioritize developing a comprehensive evaluation system adaptable to diverse landscapes, investigating the interplay between spatial form and thermal comfort, and advancing sustainable, low-carbon design strategies. The insights from this study provide a solid foundation for improving outdoor thermal comfort and guiding sustainable urban development through landscape architecture.

Chen Y., Li D., He D., Liu Y., Taib N., Heng Yii Sern C.

Amirjani D.R., Tabrizi N., Kashi D.S.

Ghasaban M., Mirjalili P., Yeganeh M.

Ghasaban M., Yeganeh M., Irani M.

Yeganeh M., Ghasaban M.

This article introduces a new method of combining closed and semi-open spaces in a mid-rise office building. This method presented in the paper aims to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort and emphasize the use of open spaces on all floors and in different directions. Usually, open spaces in buildings such as courtyards, balconies, atriums, and sky_court, despite their positive performance, have limitations in terms of geometry, location, enclosure, and connection with the building. However, this approach has tried to solve these limitations using a modular network in the plan production process. This approach allows the creation of open spaces with various geometries and areas on the floors. This study pays attention to the presence of semi-open space in mid-rise buildings and the creation of porosity in the volume, which reduces energy consumption and increases the comfort of employees. This article introduces an innovative approach to utilizing semi-open space on the floors of office buildings. This approach, by allocating a part of the area of each floor to semi-open space with two different parameters, i.e., "semi-open space with the most connection with the façade" and "semi-open space with the least connection with the facade," is a framework for the design and optimal placement of the semi-open space in It offers office buildings. This research tries to generate all possible situations to achieve 40 % of open space in the building. By dividing the plan into 5 × 5 modules in the presented simulation model, 320 modules are available, and to convert 40 % of the building into semi-open space, 128 modules should be allocated for this purpose. The models simulated by Ladybug and Honeybee plugins show that in the volumes where the semi-open spaces in the building have a combination of the maximum connection with the facade and minimum connection with the facade, they perform better in energy consumption and thermal comfort. The research results show that a volume comprising closed and semi-open spaces with a suitable porosity ratio can perform best. In other words, the change in volume porosity significantly affects energy consumption and thermal comfort

Zhang Y., Fu B., Maani S., Wen L.

Guven A.F.

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, there has been an intensified focus on the distribution of power within hybrid renewable energy systems. In this context, the significance of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and grid-to-vehicle (G2V) models for mitigating grid pressures has been increasingly recognized. These models help mitigate grid pressures by using EVs as reliable loads. This research delves into the technical and economic aspects of a hybrid microgrid integrated with various components such as photovoltaic panels (PVs), wind turbines (WTs), battery energy storage systems (BESSs), and EV grid connections, situated at a specific latitude of 40°39.2′N and longitude of 29°13.2′E. The methodology employed is grounded in advanced stochastic metaheuristic approaches. The infrastructure accommodates two distinct loads: a primary load and another dedicated to EV charging. The cornerstone of the energy framework is renewables, particularly PV panels and wind turbines. A dynamic rule-based energy management scheme is implemented to ensure consistent fulfillment of energy demands with an emphasis on cost efficiency. In defining the dimensions of the microgrid, various algorithms including the Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA), Driving Training-Based Optimization (DTBO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Turbulent Flow of Water-based Optimization (TFWO), White Shark Optimizer (WSO), Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA), and Flying Foxes Optimization (FFO) were used. This configuration was evaluated in terms of the annual system cost, present-day value, loss of power supply probability (LPSP), and leveled cost of energy (LCOE). Thanks to the strategic deployment of the TFWO algorithm, optimal results were achieved for the system, including a PV capacity of 411.0560 kW, a WT capacity of 327.0229 kW, and a BESS capacity of 561.1750 kW. With this configuration, the annual cost of the system was determined to be $4.0499 × 105, the present value was set at $4.6452 × 106, the nominal LPSP was calculated at 0.0487 %, and the LCOE was established at $0.1597/kWh. Notably, a significant portion of the energy demand, approximately 69.87 %, was met through renewables, with the remaining 30.13 % covered by traditional sources. Comprehensive sensitivity analysis of key parameters enabled forecasting of future trends. All research activities underwent thorough review, confirming the TFWO algorithm's superior efficiency and faster convergence compared to other methods. The optimization algorithms were implemented in MATLAB 2022b, and statistical evaluations performed using the R programming language.

Sharbafian M., Yeganeh M., Baradaran Motie M.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the building's green façade on regulating the indicators of daylight, visual comfort, heating and cooling load, and its features (such as the density of greenery and distance from the main facade). The effects of simulating 30 distinct green facade designs for various building fronts were examined. The findings reveal that altering the green facade's distance (between 0 and 50 cm) had no discernible impact on the variables. The values of DA, UDImax, and cooling load have lowered by increasing density from 20 % to 100 %. The heating burden has grown, though. Higher densities of the green facade between different distances show a greater difference in the values of the tested variables than lower densities. For instance, at 100 % density, the UDImax value rose from the highest to lowest distance (0.50 cm) by 59.6 %, but at 20 % density, this shift was only 2.9 %

Prasetya H., Darmayanti A.T., Setyorini Y.

Human behavior, in dealing with pandemic, becomes one of the key factors during the speed of an outbreak. In this way, individual and social responsibility are needed to determine behaviors, end the pandemic, and anticipate for the next outbreak. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide structured information about the results of applying the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in concern to create COVID-19 preventive behavior (CPB) as the case example. This systematic review was compiled by searching articles using the keywords "theory of planned behavior"[MeSH] AND COVID-19 preventive behavior. ("theory of planned behavior"[MeSH]) AND "hand disinfection"[MeSH]. "Theory of planned behavior" AND "social distancing." "Theory of planned behavior" AND "wearing mask." The search was obtained from PUBMED and Google Scholar. The 13 articles met the requirements to be reviewed qualitatively on the implementation of TPB. The results showed that TPB was effective to bring about the prevention behavior of infectious disease, such as COVID-19. Other significant aspects are intentions, norms, and behavioral control. The TPB model can be applied for health promotion in creating prevention behavior of infectious disease.

Ettinger A.K., Bratman G.N., Carey M., Hebert R., Hill O., Kett H., Levin P., Murphy-Williams M., Wyse L.

AbstractClimate change is exacerbating the need for urban greening and the associated environmental and human well-being benefits. Trees can help mitigate urban heat, but more detailed understanding of cooling effects of green infrastructure are needed to guide management decisions and deploy trees as effective and equitable climate adaptation infrastructure. We investigated how urban trees affect summer air temperature along sidewalks within a neighborhood of Tacoma, Washington, USA, and to what extent urban trees reduce risks of high summer temperatures (i.e., the levels regulated by state outdoor heat exposure rules intended to reduce heat-related illnesses). Air temperature varied by 2.57 °C, on average, across our study area, and the probability of daytime temperatures exceeding regulated high temperature thresholds was up to five times greater in locations with no canopy cover within 10 m compared to those with 100% cover. Air temperatures decreased linearly with increasing cover within 10 m, suggesting that every unit of added tree cover can help cool the air. Our findings highlight the value of trees in mitigating urban heat, especially given expected warming with climate change. Protecting existing urban trees and increasing tree cover (e.g., by planting street trees), are important actions to enhance climate change resilience of urban areas.

Wang X., Zhou Z., Xiang Y., Peng C., Peng C.

Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated that street trees not only reduce dust pollution and absorb particulate matter (PM) but also improve microclimates, providing both ecological functions and aesthetic value. However, recent research has revealed that street tree canopy cover can impede the dispersion of atmospheric PM within street canyons, leading to the accumulation of street pollutants. Although many studies have investigated the impact of street trees on air pollutant dispersion within street canyons, the extent of their influence remains unclear and uncertain. Pollutant accumulation corresponds to the specific characteristics of individual street canyons, coupled with meteorological factors and pollution source strength. Notably, the characteristics of street tree canopy cover also exert a significant influence. There is still a quantitative research gap on street tree cover impacts with respect to pollution and dust reduction control measures within street spaces. To improve urban traffic environments, policymakers have mainly focused on scientifically based street vegetation deployment initiatives in building ecological garden cities and improving the living environment. To address uncertainties regarding the influence of street trees on the dispersion of atmospheric PM in urban streets, this study reviews dispersion mechanisms and key atmospheric PM factors in urban streets, summarizes the research approaches used to conceptualize atmospheric PM dispersion in urban street canyons, and examines urban plant efficiency in reducing atmospheric PM. Furthermore, we also address current challenges and future directions in this field to provide a more comprehensive understanding of atmospheric PM dispersion in urban streets and the role that street trees play in mitigating air pollution.

Lelieveld J., Haines A., Burnett R., Tonne C., Klingmüller K., Münzel T., Pozzer A.

Abstract Objectives To estimate all cause and cause specific deaths that are attributable to fossil fuel related air pollution and to assess potential health benefits from policies that replace fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources. Design Observational and modelling study. Methods An updated atmospheric composition model, a newly developed relative risk model, and satellite based data were used to determine exposure to ambient air pollution, estimate all cause and disease specific mortality, and attribute them to emission categories. Data sources Data from the global burden of disease 2019 study, observational fine particulate matter and population data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) satellites, and atmospheric chemistry, aerosol, and relative risk modelling for 2019. Results Globally, all cause excess deaths due to fine particulate and ozone air pollution are estimated at 8.34 million (95% confidence interval 5.63 to 11.19) deaths per year. Most (52%) of the mortality burden is related to cardiometabolic conditions, particularly ischaemic heart disease (30%). Stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease both account for 16% of mortality burden. About 20% of all cause mortality is undefined, with arterial hypertension and neurodegenerative diseases possibly implicated. An estimated 5.13 million (3.63 to 6.32) excess deaths per year globally are attributable to ambient air pollution from fossil fuel use and therefore could potentially be avoided by phasing out fossil fuels. This figure corresponds to 82% of the maximum number of air pollution deaths that could be averted by controlling all anthropogenic emissions. Smaller reductions, rather than a complete phase-out, indicate that the responses are not strongly non-linear. Reductions in emission related to fossil fuels at all levels of air pollution can decrease the number of attributable deaths substantially. Estimates of avoidable excess deaths are markedly higher in this study than most previous studies for these reasons: the new relative risk model has implications for high income (largely fossil fuel intensive) countries and for low and middle income countries where the use of fossil fuels is increasing; this study accounts for all cause mortality in addition to disease specific mortality; and the large reduction in air pollution from a fossil fuel phase-out can greatly reduce exposure. Conclusions Phasing out fossil fuels is deemed to be an effective intervention to improve health and save lives as part the United Nations' goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Ambient air pollution would no longer be a leading, environmental health risk factor if the use of fossil fuels were superseded by equitable access to clean sources of renewable energy.

Çavka H.B.

Ata B., Pakrooh P., Pénzes J.

AbstractIran has increased its CO2 emissions significantly during the past few decades. The household sector in Iran contributes one of the largest sectors of CO2 emissions. Despite this significant contribution, the existing policies have predominantly concentrated on large-scale initiatives while overlooking the regional role in shaping and implementing these plans. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between CO2 emissions and the efficient factors in three major groups including energy, climate, and household socio-economic factors. This study aims to address regional carbon emissions and develop CO2 reduction policies tailored to each region's specific circumstances. It focuses on planning strategies at the regional level to effectively tackle CO2 emissions. Household panel data of 28 provinces of Iran are employed by using both static and dynamic panel models for the years 2001 to 2019. Static estimation includes Fixed Effect (FE), Random Effect (RE) and pooled Partial least squares (PLS), Dynamic estimation includes difference Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) and system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The empirical result of the static method showed positive dependence of household CO2 emissions on Heating Degree Days (HDD), Cooling Degree Days (CDD), precipitation level, oil consumption, gas consumption, household income, size of household, and also building stocks. In more detail, educational rate, dummy variable (removal of energy subsidy), and oil price reveal the greatest negative impact on the emissions with elasticities of − 0.428, − 0.31, and − 0.15; It represents 1% increase causes − 0.428, − 0.31, − 0.15, decrease CO2 emissions, respectively. however, household size, gas consumption, and oil consumption show the most significant positive effects on CO2 emissions with 1 percent increase causes CO2 emissions increases by 0.1, 0.044, and 0.026, respectively. Regarding the impact of climate factors, a 1% increase in Heating Degree Days, Cooling Degree Days, and precipitation level causes CO2 emissions increase by 0.024%, 0.004%, and 0.011% respectively, due to an increase in fossil energy demand. Results of the dynamic method of the system Generalized Method of Moments are similar to the static estimation results, except for that household size and urbanization are not significant. Also, removing the energy subsidy for fossil fuels due to substantial subsidy in fossil fuels in Iran or implementing a re-pricing energy policy can be a beneficial way to control carbon emissions from households within the provinces of the country. However, it is important to consider that this shift could potentially transfer subsidies to investments in the private sector for renewable energies.

Locke T.

Chapter 3, “Sense of place and identity”, explores the relationship between sense of place and identity. It develops the idea that our individual sense of place as an aspect of our identity is a reciprocal relationship: places impress themselves upon us, and we in turn endow places with significance. Places speak to us in certain ways; we are disposed to speak back to them in accordance with our patterns of response and conviction. The focus will then shift to the historical phenomenon of dispossession (with specific reference to the United Kingdom and Ireland), where individuals and communities were forcibly removed/alienated from places to which they had been historically attached, and often traumatised as a result. Dispossession, it will be argued, is a key element in a weakened sense of place, or a kind of rootlessness where sense of place connotes deep loss and/or nostalgia. The chapter also makes a case for the relationship between sense of place and wellness, and asks the question how a sense of place might be reclaimed. Anticipating Chapter 6 , it links the process of reclaiming, asserting or expressing a sense of place to the process of representation, that is, giving form and substance to one’s sense of place via what Gunther Kress (2010) would call “representational resources”.

Goharian A., Daneshjoo K., Shaeri J., Mahdavinejad M., Yeganeh M.

In modern cities, as a result of high urban density and the lack of expansion of cities in the horizontal direction, high-rise buildings and sometimes deep-plan buildings have been created, and the availability of ventilation and natural light to windowless spaces has become necessary in such conditions. One of the most widely used solutions to overcome such a problem is the creation of central light-wells, whose main identity is providing daylight. One of the main challenges in light-well is reaching light to the end of the well and two major factors are effective in this challenge; that is, the optical properties of the materials and the configuration of the well. Following previous research in terms of their diagnosis and troubleshooting, this study has focused on a type of new configuration with the aim of improving daylight efficiency compared to a simple-model. According to the limitations of finding a solution to the problem in such complex cases, this study, based on a methodology, seeks optimization by two manual methods and the genetic algorithm optimization, which is the first step, by investigating the well-Index in a cross-sectional study which it finds the best Well-index, and for a better understanding between the position of the sun related to, a side study was conducted and led to the production of a new index called PS-index. In the second step, the configuration of the walls is optimized by the genetic algorithm; basically an integration of two optimizations for one problem. This study, with the aim of standardization in methodology, seeks an interpolation between 3 locations at 5, 35, and 60° latitudes so that all latitudes are covered. Finally, the results show that the new configuration (the final optimized model) can improve the performance of the light-well several times compared to a simple-model by considering the configuration design at the same time.

Adel R., Megahed N., Hassan A.M., Shahda M.

PurposePassive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention from researchers because of their significant role in reducing energy demand. However, the abundance of multi-story buildings and the courtyards' incompatibility with them, the courtyard is currently limited. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternatives. This paper aims to bridge the gaps in previous limited studies considering skycourt as a passive alternative on the vertical plane of the facades in contrast to the courtyard.Design/methodology/approachThis research presents an overview and a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt via VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package.FindingsThe research provided various concepts related to skycourt as a promising passive design strategy, which can be suitable for multi-story buildings, starting with its evolution, characteristics, configurations, benefits, and challenges.Practical implicationsThe findings can urge designers, researchers and policymakers to incorporate such an important passive alternative.Social implicationsResearchers, instructors, educational specialists, faculty members, and decision-makers can provide design motivation for skycourt in buildings, in addition to achieving awareness about skycourt and its significant benefits and its role as an important passive design strategy.Originality/valueThe research highlights the possibilities of the skycourt and its role as a passive design element as an extension of the courtyard in addition to identifying design indicators that help designers determine the appropriate designs.

Karimi A., Bayat A., Mohammadzadeh N., Mohajerani M., Yeganeh M.

This study investigates the microenvironment of open-air settings in Tehran, Iran, and explores the relationship between different thermal comfort indices, including PMV, PET, and TSV. The research was conducted in district 22 over a 16-day period using microclimatic measurements and questionnaire surveys. The analysis of 680 questionnaires provides valuable insights into the most and least comfortable thermal conditions and the limitations of PMV in assessing thermal sensations above 30 °C in several scenarios. The study recommends the use of non-linear regression formulas in anticipating thermal comfort during excessively hot circumstances and emphasizes notable distinctions between the primary heat stress classifications and the ones established in this research. The study suggests the need for revising heat stress classifications to assess outdoor thermal conditions in Tehran. The research also acknowledges the complexity of outdoor thermal satisfaction and recommends future studies that delve into the influence of diverse parameters on outdoor thermal comfort in distinct seasons.