Browsing by Author "Taki, A. H."

Now showing 1 - 20 of 47
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Architectural Design: Its Roles on Buildings for Sustainable Development
    (Salford University, 2013) Allu, Evelyn; Ebohon, O. J.; Taki, A. H.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemEmbargo
    Bioclimatic Housing Design to Desert Architecture: A Case Study of Ghadames, Libya
    (Taylor & Francis, 2014) Alabid, Jamal; Taki, A. H.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Bottom-up approach to sustainable urban development in Lebanon: The case of Zouk Mosbeh
    (Elsevier, 2012) El Asmar, Jean-Pierre; Ebohon, O. J.; Taki, A. H.
    In contrast with the “top-down” approach to development, the dominant methodology in Lebanon, Iemphasize rather the “bottom-up” approach where all stakeholders have equal opportunities to participate in policy formulation and implementation. The bottom-up or participatory approach to sustainable development has hardly been tested for urban development and management in Lebanon. This research concerns the sustainable rehabilitation of the built environment in the area of Zouk Mosbeh (ZM) in Lebanon. This area of Lebanon as with most other parts of the country suffered extensive infrastructure damage and displacement of people during the civil war. Since the seizure of hostilities, ZM has witnessed unprecedented physical growth, inviting huge problems of unplanned urban growth, traffic congestion, solid wastes, and pollution. A triangulation method has been employed, which combines both semi-structured interviews and subjective surveys to enhance understanding of the sustainable urban planning and management of ZM. The results showed that top-down command and control measures, useful as these are, may not produce an effective sustainable urban ZM, but a bottom-up approach to urban management is needed. The participatory process where all stakeholders are involved in the policy and implementation process, would allow them to take ownership of the sustainable development process. The study is expected to yield some policy recommendations to promote sustainable rehabilitation of ZM in Lebanon, encouraging a collaborative approach to sustainable urban development. The research is likely to be of significance to the government of Lebanon, the Zouk Mosbeh local authority, and policy makers in developing countries.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Comparison Study of Traditional and Contemporary Islamic Dwelling Design in Hot Climates, with Reference to Benghazi, Libya
    (2016) Ali, Nagah; Taki, A. H.; Painter, B.
    In Benghazi, Libya, the rising population and increased housing demand has led to high energy consumption in order to provide comfortable conditions. These contemporary dwellings make use of outdoor open spaces and a high glazing ratio of the building envelope, leading to significant underperformance with respect to heat gains and cooling loads when compared with more traditional dwellings. The aim of this paper is to investigate the main features of traditional Islamic houses, which can enhance environmental comfort and reveal insights when compared with contemporary houses. The methodology will consist of reviewing previous research regarding traditional Islamic houses in order to find the main climatic features, as well as a case study that will involve evaluating contemporary houses in Benghazi, Libya. Furthermore, 60 questionnaires were distributed in order to determine the main problems relating to both residents and housing design in terms of enhancing housing thermal comfort and decreasing energy consumption. The comparative study shows that the majority of traditional Islamic houses have sustainable features that can be integrated into contemporary houses in order to provide thermal comfort whilst minimising energy consumption. These features include internal open spaces (such as courtyards), and small, high openings in the external façade, together with shading devices and specific building orientation. The research likewise displays that 89% of contemporary Islamic houses in Benghazi not only lack the integration of these sustainable features as internal open spaces, but also shows that all of the local residents depend on air conditioning when facing the hot days. Additionally, the survey illustrates that just 15% of architects are responsible for designing these houses, and this has led to window designs with a high glazing ratio, and all of the windows being located in the hottest façades of the houses. The implication of the outcome with regards to sustainable designing of contemporary Islamic houses is discussed in order to help produce guidelines for designers that would respond to both the climate and to local people’s needs.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Control of Daylight and Natural Ventilation in Traditional Architecture of Ghadames, Libya
    (2016-03-21) Alabid, Jamal; Taki, A. H.; Painter, B.
    Housing energy consumption accounts for almost 36% of total primary energy use in Libya of which cooling and lighting are the main source of demand. This study reviews passive control methods employed in traditional dwellings of Ghadames that highly contribute to enhance indoor thermal and visual comfort. Designing for natural ventilation and daylighting in harsh environment poses a greater challenge to building designers. Twenty one traditional dwellings were surveyed to assess building designs and performance in terms of daylight and natural ventilation interoperability. The study conducted field surveys comprising measurements of indoor/outdoor temperatures while concurrently investigating inhabitants’ thermal feeling through both direct semi-structured interviews and questionnaire. In addition, drawings were made to demonstrate the design elements and techniques used to minimize extreme outdoor temperatures and best make use of daylight. Findings indicate that skylight openings play an important role in promoting day and night ventilation. The opening’s position and size have to be carefully studied to prevent excessive direct solar heat gains and induce air movement across internal spaces. The field surveys showed that occupants were thermally satisfied in naturally ventilated dwellings having considered that fixed ceiling fan is used at late afternoon when indoor temperature starts to rise gradually. Also the use of light color roofs and walls is recommended which is approved to enhance interior lighting and increase the outdoor albedo ratio. Embedding passive design measures in traditional dwellings can be very effective and cheap in reducing the cooling and lighting demand; the impact on future housing development is also discussed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemEmbargo
    Desert Architecture Review of Ghadames Housing in Libya
    (2014-02-24) Alabid, Jamal; Taki, A. H.; Cowd, Ben
    see attached the full paper.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Energy Efficient Building Design in Nigeria: An Assessment of the Effect of the Sun on Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings
    (American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2019-05-15) Ochedi, Ekele; Taki, A. H.
    The effect of the sun and its path on thermal comfort and energy consumption in residential buildings in tropical climates constitutes serious concern for designers, building owners and users. Passive design approaches based on the sun and its path have been identified as a means of reducing energy consumption, as well as enhancing thermal comfort in buildings worldwide. Hence, a thorough understanding regarding the sun path is key to achieving this. This is necessary due to energy need, poor energy supply and distribution, energy poverty and over-dependence on electric generators for power supply in Nigeria. These challenges call for a change in the approach to energy related issues, especially in terms of buildings. The aim of this study is to explore the influence of building orientation, glazing and the use of shading devices on residential buildings in Nigeria. This is intended to provide data that will guide designers in the design of energy efficient residential buildings. The paper used EnergyPlus software to analyze a typical semi-detached residential building in Lokoja, Nigeria, using hourly weather data for a period of 10 years. Building performance was studied as well as possible improvement regarding different orientations, glazing types and shading devices. The simulation results showed reductions in energy consumption in response to changes in building orientation, types of glazing and the use of shading devices. The results indicate a 29.45% reduction in solar gains and 1.90% in annual operative temperature using natural ventilation only. This shows a huge potential to reduce energy consumption and improve people’s wellbeing using proper building orientation, glazing and appropriate shading devices on building envelope. The study concludes that for a significant reduction in total energy consumption by residential buildings, design should focus on multiple design options rather than concentrating on one or few building elements. Moreover, the investigation confirms that energy performance modelling can be used by building designers to take advantage of the sun and to evaluate various design options.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Energy Efficient Construction Methods in UK Dwellings
    (Journal of Architectural Engineering Technology, 2012-12) Taki, A. H.; Pendred, R
    This paper examines the thermal performance of housing in the UK and the associated costs for different fabric construction methods of the envelope for a typical four bedroom detached house. The energy ratings were assessed using the UK Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), which is based on the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model. The capital costs were estimated from data published by the Building Cost Information Services applied to Leicester UK area in 2011. Through alterations to the dwelling fabric alone, a reduction of 30.1% in carbon emissions of the base property could be achieved. Standard methods proved to be as effective as alternative methods at reducing carbon emissions by 22.6% for an average capital cost increase of 9.1% against the base property. This was equivalent to an extra cost of £13.7 for each kg of CO2 emissions reduction. It was found that alternative methods could reduce carbon emissions by 20.5% for an extra cost of 18.4% over the base property. The optimum construction method that would help achieve the UK government’s carbon emissions target was also discussed. The paper also discusses the methods for improving energy efficiency in existing dwellings, using a typical solid-wall terraced house with a new single storey extension, as a case study. In this study, it was found that by increasing refurbishment costs by only 4.7% could result in carbon emissions reduction by 21.7%.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    Experimental and computational investigation into suppressing natural convection in chilled ceiling/displacement ventilation environments
    (Elsevier, 2011) Taki, A. H.; Jalil, L.; Loveday, D. L.
    The combination of chilled ceiling and displacement ventilation systems can cause destruction of the displacement flow pattern in some circumstances. This paper reports on the performance of a new technique for achieving stable conditions for displacement airflow in the presence of a chilled ceiling system. The technique is based on the attachment of a honeycomb slat system to the underside of a chilled ceiling, thereby suppressing downward cool natural convection. Investigations were carried out using both computational and experimental methods for a range of typical office environment conditions. The results showed that a slat depth to width ratio of 10 could suppress the natural convection by more than 80% when the Rayleigh number reached 7×106. This confirms that the technique is capable of minimising downward cool air currents, resulting in preservation of the displacement low pattern in the presence of the chilled ceiling. The proposed slat system can raise the general air temperature in the space allowing some displacement flow pattern to occur. The outcome of this study is the emergence of a honeycomb slat-based approach for improving the performance, together with provision of general advice for designers as regards the combination of radiant cooling/displacement ventilation systems.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Focus on lived spaces and Identity: the Paradigm of the urban design with residential high-rises in England
    (2016-06) Kalcheva, Elena; Hadi, Yuri; Taki, A. H.
    Residential high‐rises find more and more often their place in central parts of the big British cities. Due to intrinsic characteristics of the typology, they are bound to be observed, evaluated and discussed. Therefor the purpose of this research is through observation of nine prominent high‐rise buildings in Manchester, Birmingham and London, subjected to rigorous analysis, to evaluate their ability to maintain identity and to be decisive part of the lived spaces around them. The research achieves this goal through four research questions: how is the design addressing the creation of strong identity of the researched buildings; are the identity‐creating features of the design contradicting major placemaking principles; what characteristics have the lived spaces around the residential high‐rises; what messages send the design of the lived spaces? The methodology relies on observational survey of the researched areas with the help of structured questions, to evaluate the external qualities of the residential high‐rises and their surroundings. Visual information can construct the basis to identify the shortcomings and the downsides of the examined project examples. It can provide insight on how can be improved imageability, legibility and the sense of place. In this connection, the results show that even though it was found that the high‐rises with their abstract form, memorable design and creative use of materials and architectural techniques maintain strong identity, the functional quality of the lived spaces around them is low, there are missing squares, gardens and playgrounds in close proximity and the only experience provided for the users is street life, which however exciting is too limited to only few activities such as eating, drinking, shopping or just walking and looking at limited typology of spaces. The implications of this research are that the British planners will address these problems and future projects will have better placemaking component.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemOpen Access
    Foundations of the vertical city in England: architectural theory and practice
    (2016-04-25) Kalcheva, Elena; Taki, A. H.; Hadi, Yuri
    High-rises are omnipresent typologies in the megapolices around the world, however they are often associated with complicated placemaking and destruction of the existing neighbourhoods. One viable opportunity to change these negative trends is the Vertical City concept, uniting architecture and the urban design disciplines. The reason to research the British high-rises is the fact that there are some examples that are close as design to the concept of Vertical city with their technology, amenities and mix of uses. The goal of this article is to research how the four studied buildings approach the concept of Vertical city. It addresses this goal through three research questions: what design of the buildings represent the concept of Vertical City; how the formal objectives are met to approach the concept of Vertical City; how the socio/economic objectives are met to approach the concept of Vertical City? The methodology achieves the objectives of the study by gathering information for the researched buildings and analysing them according to a template developed on the basis of Vertical City manifesto. The features found in the examined buildings are maximized density and compactness for optimum efficiency which is intrinsic for the high-rises; interconnected amenities for convenience, increased efficiency, and security; mixed uses to provide for vital needs such as housing, employment, recreation, health care; optimizing the efficiency gains of centralized labour and consumption markets by shorter wasteful trips from home to work; maximized range of services and amenities to provide a vivid mix of commercial, recreational and cultural opportunities, and using the latest high-performance technologies to optimize efficiency and sustainability. However, there are many more requirements to be met and the implications of this article are that the designers in Britain will soon address them.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    A framework Approach to the Design of Energy Efficient Residential Buildings in Nigeria
    (Elsevier, 2021) Ochedi, E. T.; Taki, A. H.
    The main objective the Nigerian building sector is working on is achieving energy efficiency in order to decrease energy demand of buildings and thereby reducing the negative implications of urban development and poor energy infrastructure on people’s wellbeing. One of the key strategies being adopted for substantial reduction of energy demand in the Building Energy Efficiency Guide for Nigeria is the bioclimatic architectural design approach. Hence, intelligent design of buildings, especially the building envelope, can considerably improve energy efficiency and help to realize heating and cooling targets. The aim of this paper is to promote and encourage sustainable building development in Nigeria by developing a systematic and context-based framework for the design of energy efficient residential buildings. This study adopted a mixed method approach of interviews with 12 architects and 22 householders. Moreover, measurements and observational surveys of 22 existing buildings that fit into three distinct building typologies were conducted. Three existing buildings were investigated using a building simulation approach to compare their performances, especially in terms of thermal comfort. The data collected was analyzed using content analysis, descriptive statistics analysis, and simulations. The interviews with architects and householders showed enormous potential to reduce residential buildings’ energy demand. To achieve this, the interviewees emphasized the need for strong collaboration between all stakeholders in the building sector. Measurements, observational surveys, and case studies of existing buildings confirmed that thermal discomfort in residential buildings and challenges with building design, have a significant effect on the building occupants’ wellbeing. The research developed a framework for the design of energy-efficient residential building, which is expected to enhance sustainability, particularly in the building sector. The framework was produced based on the findings from the research data and the review of relevant literature. It involves an integrated process focused on bridging the gap between building stakeholders achieving sustainability in buildings. Ultimately, the framework is hoped to guide professionals in the design of energy-efficient buildings and assist institutions on policy guidelines.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    From Research to Practice: Exploring 3D Printing in Production of Architectural Mashrabiya
    (The Architectural Science Association and The University of Melbourne, 2015-12) Headley, D.; Almerbati, Nehal; Ford, Peter B.; Taki, A. H.
    Digital fabrication has suggested the supplanting of labour via robotics since it affords substantial increases in speed and accuracy in the development of architectural components. This potentiality might offer solutions for architectures on the verge of extinction due to vanishing skilled labour. This research investigates the possibilities of using new manufacturing techniques to replace the historic artisans with digital master craftsmen, specifically re-developing the Mashrabiya. The work looks at several case studies in architecture and 3D printing; bridging the gap between historically relevant climactic design strategies and digital or parametric design and fabrication. This paper concludes with a summary of a parametrically developed Mashrabiya screen system developed by the authors that is programmable based on core criteria found in the archetype and is currently being explored for product development. The work contributes to the developing body of knowledge surrounding the applications and implications of technologies that enable mass customization.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    From Vernacular to Personalised and Sustainable
    (The Architectural and Science Association and Genova University Press, 2014-12-10) Almerbati, Nehal; Ford, Peter B.; Taki, A. H.; Dean, Lionel T.
    The social and environmental role of closed oriental balco-nies (Mashrabiyas) remains a significant vernacular aspect of Middle Eastern architecture. However, changes in architectural style, social needs, and the high manufacturing cost of Mashrabiya materials and techniques, Bahraini houses lost their very distinctive window veils. The research aims to validate a new Mashrabiya product for 21st cen-tury Bahraini houses using new manufacturing technologies. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is now at the heart of evolutionary technologies. Contextual information drawn from relevant theory, ethnography and practice is used to form a methodological framework for the new AM Mashrabiya. Additionally, interviews with architects, manufacturers and residents are the methods used to define a new AM Mashrabiya prototype that is then functionally and economically compared to oth-er manufacturing techniques. Prototypes of new AM screens are de-veloped. The main results set boundaries for the viability of AM to produce Mashrabiya and promote a sustainable way of reviving their use within Middle Eastern dwellings.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemOpen Access
    High-Rises and Urban Design: The Reasons for Unsuccessful Place-making with Residential High-Rises in England
    (2016-03-14) Kalcheva, Elena; Taki, A. H.; Hadi, Yuri
    High-rises and placemaking is an understudied combination which receives more and more interest with the proliferation of this typology in many British cities. The reason for studying three major cities in England: London, Birmingham and Manchester, is to learn from the latest advances in urban design in well-developed and prominent urban environment. The analysis of several high-rise sites reveals the weaknesses in urban design of contemporary British cities and presents an opportunity to study from the implemented examples. Therefore the purpose of this research is to analyze design approaches towards creating a sustainable and varied urban environment when high-rises are involved. The research questions raised by the study are: what is the quality of high-rises and their surroundings; what facilities and features are deployed in the research area; what is the role of the high-rise buildings in the placemaking process; what urban design principles are applicable in this context. The methodology utilizes observation of the researched area by structured questions, developed by the author to evaluate the outdoor qualities of the high-rise surroundings. In this context, the paper argues that the quality of the public realm around the high-rises is quite low, missing basic but vital elements such as plazas, public art and seating, along with landscaping and pocket parks. There is lack of coherence, the rhythm of the streets is often disrupted and even though the high-rises are very aesthetically appealing they fail to create a sense of place on their own. The implications of the study are that future planning can take into consideration the critique in this article and provide more opportunities for urban design interventions around high-rise buildings in the British cities.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    The Impact of Degradation on a Building’s Energy Performance in Hot-Humid Climates
    (MDPI, 2023-01-07) Taki, A. H.; Zakharanka, Anastasiya
    To date, energy consumption in buildings accounts for a significant part of the total amount of energy consumed worldwide. The effect of ageing and degradation of various building components is one of the least studied reasons for the possible increase in energy consumed in buildings over time. In addition, there is a clear lack of practical guidelines that would help specialists take this factor into account. In this paper, an attempt is made to assess a possible change in the energy performance of buildings due to the degradation of their various components (insulated glass units, thermal insulation, airtightness, solar reflectivity of the building envelope, and photovoltaic modules). Detached and apartment buildings in hot-humid climates with reference to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were considered. The study was based on simulation research using EnergyPlus, in which the initially collected data on the possible deterioration of the properties of various building components was used for dynamic thermal simulation of selected buildings. The results showed an increase in energy consumption for cooling in detached houses might reach up to 9.53–38.4% over 25 years for more airtight and insulated buildings and 12.28–34.93% for less airtight and insulated buildings. As a result, certain patterns of changes in energy consumption for cooling buildings were established, based on which a set of guidelines was developed. These guidelines can help specialists in various fields better understand the trends in the energy performance of buildings under the influence of degradation processes and take appropriate measures.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    ItemMetadata only
    The impact of fabric construction methods on energy performance and costs in English dwellings
    (Kuwait University, 2012) Taki, A. H.; Pendred, R
    This paper investigates the impact of six different fabric construction methods (three Standard methods; three Alternative methods) on energy performance and costs, for a typical English four bedroom detached dwelling. The energy performance of the dwelling was assessed using the UK Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), which is based on the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model. The capital costs were estimated from data published by the Building Cost Information Services applied to Leicester UK area in 2011. Standard construction methods were considered to be masonry cavity walls, solid concrete floors and cold pitched timber roofs. Alternative construction methods were considered to be structural insulated panels, insulated concrete formwork and thin joint block work. Through alterations to the dwelling fabric alone, a reduction of 30% in carbon emissions of the base property could be achieved. Standard methods proved to be as effective as Alternative methods at reducing carbon emissions for an average capital cost increase of 9.1% against the base property. This was equivalent to an extra cost of £13.7 for each kg of CO2 emissions reduction. The optimum construction method that would help achieve the UK government target in terms of future zero carbon dwellings, was also discussed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemEmbargo
    Infrastructure of Bulgarian High-Rise Estates: Realities and Hopes
    (Studium Press, 2017-10) Kalcheva, Elena; Taki, A. H.; Hadi, Yuri
    This chapter studies the quality and characteristics of the infrastructure in several high-rise estates in Sofia, Bulgaria and evaluates to which extend it serves the residents in the tall buildings. Most of the highrises in Sofia and their surroundings were built in the Soviet era so they represent a very old design concept and this is why it is no surprise that the quality of the public realm and the buildings is quite substandard. The spaces around the high-rises lack public spaces other than the streets and empty large pieces of land. There is lack of integrated natural features with the design of the high-rises. Hoping to achieve a functional and attractive built environment, the following need to be implemented: new layout of the streets, introduction of viable public spaces with strong sense of place where the high-rises act as a power symbol and development of green infrastructure.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Investigation into energy performance of a school building in a hot climate: Optimum of window-to-wall ratio.
    (SAGE, 2019-05-03) Alwetaishi, Mamdooh; Taki, A. H.
    Global attention is currently focussed on developing techniques to improve the thermal performance of buildings to provide indoor comfort with minimum reliance on energy load. Several studies have investigated building facade, materials used and other factors involved in building design. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of thermal insulation, shading devices, window-to-wall ratio (WWR) and a combination of these factors in a prototype school building design in the warm climate city of Taif, Saudi Arabia. The study used various methods classified into two main phases. The first phase involved on-site observation where both thermal imaging and regular cameras were used to examine the influence of orientation on glazing as a baseline. The second phase involved advanced software investigations with 2D AutoCAD, 3D Revit and computer modelling for energy evaluation and daylight factor. A detailed framework was introduced to examine current school buildings and to improve the future designs of prototype school buildings. The study revealed that a combination of applying thermal insulation along with minimising WWR is required in existing buildings within hot and dry regions. Furthermore, it was recommended that WWR should not exceed 35%, 25% and 20% for northwest, southeast and southwest building facades, respectively.