Using Empathic Design as a Tool for Urban Sustainability in Low-Resource Settings

Abstract

Abstract:Architectural design plays a crucial role in sustainable city development. In fast-growing cities in developing countries, it can be a challenge to reach sustainable results. In this paper, we propose the use of Empathic Design, borrowed from the human-centered design field, as one means to support the work of architects and other stakeholders in these settings. To investigate aspects in which this method could be helpful, we have synthesized two existing sustainability models and applied them to three examples of affordable housing from different low-resource settings. After analysis of the examples, we propose a model with an equal balance between the four different dimensions of sustainability-environmental, economic, social, and cultural-where the aspects that need inhabitant engagement are highlighted. We argue that, to be able to hold the balance between the diverse dimensions of sustainability, the architect needs to understand in-depth the living conditions of people for whom he or she is designing. This calls for a fine-tuned participatory approach when designing in low-resource settings. It may not always be easy to reach this level of participation, but we propose that it can be achieved when the architecture is created through empathic involvement. The use of Empathic Design methods throughout the design process thus supports the endeavor towards sustainable results.

Re-thinking Urban Planning for Singapore’s Extended Lifespan Population of 2050: A League of Its Own

“…However, unlike other tropical countries that are experiencing population growth rates around one third faster than the global average (Harding et al, 2016), Singapore is facing the population conundrum of temperate developed countries - a fertility rate decrease, coupled with a population that is living longer. By 2030, one in four residents (UOB Global Economics & Markets Research, 2018) and about 40% of the workforce will be 65 and over (Strategy Group, 2018). Veering from the typical inverted-V or mushroom-shape aging population diagram, there will be another transition in 2050 in Singapore.…”

A Methodology for Buildings Access to Solar Radiation in Sustainable Cities

“…Then, for the Julian day, latitude and solar time selected, the subroutine will estimate the position of the sun and the straight line from the sun to the façade point of the study. After that, the intersections between this line and the planes representing the neighboring façades will be calculated (Figure 8) by solving the equation system given by Equation (5). Thus, the selected façade point will be shaded if the following conditions are satisfied: a > 1, 0 < b < 1 and 0 < c < 1.…”

“…Cities in developed countries are undergoing fast growth due to different factors such as the increase in the global population [1] or migration from rural environments and underdeveloped countries, among others [2,3]. In fact, more than half of the world's population now lives in cities and this number is expected to reach 66% by 2050 [4,5]. As a result of this urban population increase, major problems related to the sustainability of cities are emerging, such as the worsening of air quality as a consequence of the use of fossil fuels for transportation or heating of buildings [3,[5][6][7].…”

“…In fact, more than half of the world's population now lives in cities and this number is expected to reach 66% by 2050 [4,5]. As a result of this urban population increase, major problems related to the sustainability of cities are emerging, such as the worsening of air quality as a consequence of the use of fossil fuels for transportation or heating of buildings [3,[5][6][7]. Specifically, in terms of energy supply, it is estimated that 75% of total energy is consumed in cities [3] and that this consumption will double over the next three decades [8,9].…”

“…Specifically, in terms of energy supply, it is estimated that 75% of total energy is consumed in cities [3] and that this consumption will double over the next three decades [8,9]. These circumstances, together with the environmental problems associated with fossil fuels [10], have encouraged research and development of renewable energies in order to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in cities [5,9]. Among these renewable energy sources, solar energy stands out as a source of clean energy, abundant and available, to a greater or lesser extent, throughout the Earth [11].…”