Good Architecture Matters: The Architect’s Perspective on Design for Ageing and Energy Efficiency

Custom-built solutions for ageing, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, thermal performance, and well-being are contemporary challenges that have prompted considerable research over the past decades. In the construction field, subjects such as energy efficiency and thermal performance are often ad...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Buildings (Basel) 2023-04, Vol.13 (4), p.1067
Main Authors: Lameira, Gisela, Ramos, Rui Jorge Garcia, Valentim, Nuno, Mohammadpanah, Azar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ageing in place
Aging
Analysis
Architectural design
architectural research
Architecture
Architecture and energy conservation
Case studies
Construction
Design
Dynamic models
Energy consumption
Energy efficiency
Energy management systems
Energy use
Green buildings
Laws, regulations and rules
Long Term Care (LTC) facilities
Nature
Older people
Qualitative research
Raw materials
research through design
residential structures for older adults
Urban areas
Urban regeneration
Urban renewal
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Summary:Custom-built solutions for ageing, urban regeneration, energy efficiency, thermal performance, and well-being are contemporary challenges that have prompted considerable research over the past decades. In the construction field, subjects such as energy efficiency and thermal performance are often addressed within the scope of mandatory regulations, the suitability of construction solutions and the incorporation of technical equipment. Considering four residential structures for older adults under construction in Portugal, this paper aims to highlight the importance of a comprehensive approach to these issues, including architectural quality as the main target. In pursuit of this, a cohesive set of intervention principles guided the analysis: the adaptive reuse of raw materials; taking advantage of the site’s conditions; vegetation (type and location); construction options and durability; solar exposure and shading; the pedagogy of building use; and the comfort and thermal perception. Several reflections emerge from the analysis: good architectural design must consider dynamic models incorporating each context and the site’s conditions; the culture of use and maintenance and the notion of “adaptive comfort” are primary factors to enhance thermal performance and energy efficiency; and each building is a unique result of a complex negotiation process. Bridging research through practice, and multidisciplinary scientific integration enable engagement with reality and raise awareness of the constraints and challenges to innovation in LTC design.
ISSN:2075-5309
2075-5309
DOI:10.3390/buildings13041067