Frontiers in Built Environment, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 10

Опубликована: Дек. 12, 2024

Indoor environmental quality is a multidisciplinary field that intersects architecture, engineering, science, and urban planning, focusing on creating spaces are energy-efficient, sustainable, promote human well-being. Studies highlight unsatisfactory thermal environments in indoor can compromise health hinder productivity, particularly for individuals spending extended hours indoors [1]. Therefore, innovative air distribution methods, such as sidewall supply interactive cascade ventilation, have demonstrated significant potential improving comfort while optimizing energy use [2], [3].In the Global South, significance of this amplified by dual pressures rapid urbanization socioeconomic disparities [4]. More specifically, South America uniquely characterized diverse climates, abundant natural resources, dynamic socio-political scenarios. These challenges opportunities require advancing solutions tailored to regional needs. research must address wide range issues, from efficiency affordable housing enhancing densely populated areas. The region's diversity climate zones demands localized approaches balance sustainability with economic feasibility.In vein, Research Topic, "Global Excellence Environment: America," presents three studies critical efficiency, social sustainability, rural-urban integration. Together, they underscore America's pivotal role low-energy building designs, renewable systems, participatory offering both insights global implications. Thus, Topic reflects an urgent need develop adaptable inclusive America.The first article, "Cost-benefit Analysis Solar Energy Integration Buildings: A Case Study Affordable Housing Brazil," comprehensively evaluates solar systems implemented government-subsidized program aimed at providing homes low-income families. study's comparative analysis reveals trade-offs between benefits feasibility. zero-energy photovoltaic system outperformed savings carbon emission reductions, achieving reduction operational use. However, heating superior financial viability shorter payback period, making it more practical widespread adoption housing. This highlights importance model-based decision-making resource-constrained settings. By leveraging simulations cost analyses, study bridges gap ambitious goals realistic implementation strategies. It also emphasizes vast potential, positioning integral designs mitigating change region.The second "Rationale Construction Processes Social Configuration Habitat: Nueva Colonia, Turbo, Colombia," discusses socio-environmental dynamics sustainable Utilizing design engages local communities developing eco-efficient construction technologies. incorporating banana industry waste into materials, demonstrates circular economy model reduces costs, minimizes impacts, fosters resilience.The paper examines integration vernacular knowledge modern techniques, context-sensitive respect cultural specificities. approach not only enhances but strengthens community ownership long-term sustainability. alignment development (SDGs), SDG 11 cities communities, processes rural development, regions experiencing infrastructural transitions.Finally, third "Mechanisms Visibility Rurality Border Areas Usme," shifts focus often-overlooked interface. Using mixed-methods approach, identifies visibility mechanisms empower Bogotá's Usme locality participate territorial planning. authors framework comprising five dimensions: visibility, forms participation, places dimensions rurality, types impact. addresses systemic inequalities management promoting agency coresponsibility among government, civil society, inhabitants. findings differentiated strategies account varying socio-spatial within borders. fostering divide agendas, ensuring planning meets needs marginalized communities. papers summarized Figure 1.A central theme emerging these context determining success initiatives. Each exemplifies how solutions, grounded understanding specific socio-economic, cultural, conditions, drive meaningful progress. Despite their distinct focuses, share interdisciplinary integrating technological innovation, engagement, spatial analysis. Brazilian provides scalable housing, addressing challenges. Colombian Colonia underscores transformative impact community-driven design, showcasing align practices resources. Similarly, case participation bridging divides tackling inequities. demonstrate successful efforts be deeply contextual, blending technical human-centered approaches.Building findings, future could discuss technologies, digital twins artificial intelligence (AI), significantly enhance facilitate processes. Digital twins, which create virtual replicas physical enable nuanced consumption patterns resource allocation [5], AI analyze datasets optimize predict trends [6]. Additionally, conducting across various provide invaluable tailored, effectively inform shape practices. examining regions' unique socio-economic contexts, researchers uncover foster sustainability.Ultimately, encouraging cross-border collaborations leverage expertise resources amplify contributions pressing establishing frameworks cooperative initiatives, American countries exchange best practices, thus collective ability tackle issues change, poverty, degradation.

Язык: Английский