No abstract

The reuse of shipping containers (SCs) in architecture has grown in popularity worldwide. However, few studies have focused on the thermal performance of buildings constructed with the use of refurbished SCs in hot and humid climates. This paper intends to (1) present a foundation for the understanding of environmental issues related to container-based buildings (CBBs) and (2) assess the thermal performance of CBBs in Port Said, a hot and humid region. To meet those targets, this paper first highlights the literature concerning such construction systems to identify gaps in related research areas. Second, this paper presents a comparative analysis of six simulation models, including a conventional building as a base model, an uninsulated SC, and four externally insulated SCs with four different thermal insulation materials: rock wool, wool, closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF), and straw. The paper concludes that thermal insulation is irreplaceable in SCs reused as habitable spaces and that the most compatible thermal insulation for CBBs in the hot and humid climate of Port Said is ccSPF. Whereas straw performs more effectively than ccSPF as a cooler in the summer, it performs less effectively as a heater in the winter.

<p class="textt">Slums have become an unavoidable reality in many countries of the world, particularly the developing world. Although there are various slums upgrading models and approaches to address the urban poverty in developing countries, the number of slum dwellers has actually grown and the problem is expected to become worse. Other public policies have to eradicate slums and didn't take into account the resources and the potentials that slums offer. This refers to the need to change the procedures followed in the development processes. Along with the human-related problems associated with slums, slums cause serious impacts on the environment and natural resources. In this context, sustainable development is the main outlet to achieve a real boom of the developing world that consequently confirms the need to develop slums in an integrated manner. So, this paper adopts a concept of investing the positive aspects of the slums' community in conjunction with developing a thorough framework based on the three pillars of sustainability, economy, society, and environment. From this vein, the research is guided by a set of successful practices of many of developing countries through an approach grounded on the three pillars of sustainability. The objectives of this paper are; 1) shedding light on the positive human power of slum dwellers, 2) disseminating best practices on sustainable approaches, from which it can be developed and adapted to fit in the context of the urban slums of developing countries, and 3) providing a comprehensive framework for developing sustainable slums.</p>

The lockdown instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn the world’s attention to the importance of homes as integrated structures for practicing all aspects of life. The home has been transformed from a mere place to live into a complete piece of infrastructure accommodating all activities of life, including study, work, shopping, exercise, entertainment, and even telehealth. Although quarantines were necessary to protect against viral infection, we have faced social and psychological challenges due to the failure of the current home design to accommodate the new lockdown lifestyle during the pandemic. Thus, this study aims to set a foundation for the development and design of resilient homes in a post-quarantine world by establishing a comprehensive framework for quarantine-resilient homes. The framework was established on the basis of the relevant literature and proposals from architects and experts. It brings a perspective to the future requirements of homes so as to provide architects, stakeholders, and policymakers with the appropriate knowledge to mitigate the impact of lockdowns on mental health and well-being in residential buildings by focusing on the physical and architectural environment.

The target of Education for Sustainable Development is to make people creative and lifelong learners. Over the past years, architectural education has faced challenges of embedding innovation and creativity into its programs. That calls the graduates to be more skilled in the human dimensions of professional practice. So, architectural education has a great role in developing students’ skills and attitudes needed for professional practice and in fostering continued learning throughout the lifetime. Architectural education that establishes a base for lifelong learning is the best way to face global challenges of the 21st century. More effective methods are needed in introducing lecture-based courses in architectural education to meet the 21st century proper skills. Lecture-based courses are often associated with teacher-centered method that inhibits the possibility to apply such skills. This paper suggests applying the concept of Flipped Learning that stands on active learning and its related pedagogy; Problem-Based Learning. The paper aims to; 1) draw a clear vision of flipped learning relying on its pillars; pedagogy, technology, and space, 2) investigate the challenges face such concept and the opportunities, 3) explore the mechanism of the Problem-Based Learning pedagogy, 4) review the previous promulgated literature of applying PBL within the framework of FL on LBCs in the architectural curriculum, and 5) apply Problem-Based Learning pedagogy on Lighting and Acoustics as a lecture-based course. The paper concludes by; establishing a conceptual approach for the flipped classroom environment, and devising a proposal of Lighting and Acoustics course in a framework of Problem-Based Learning pedagogy.