The semi-desert and hot climate zones occupy one fifth of the Earth's surface. However, the design process for environmental control employs the same technical procedures as those of cold and temperate climates despite the differences in human response and the environmental factors in each zone. It is the thesis of this research to devise a bio-climatological approach to the design of building in these areas, with special reference to reidential units. Analysis of the housing problem in Egypt as a part of the global problem is considered. Both inside and outside the built environment metabolic rate, clothing, solar radiation, air temperature, air movement and humidity are the dominant parameters affecting human comfort. To assess the solar radiation contribution to the sensible effect of ambient air temperature, a computer program has been devised. A bioclimatic approach to the classification of cliniates is proposed, and analysis of the Egyptian climate and Cairo microclimates emphasizes the importance of ventilation for relieving thermal stress. A method of assessing ventilation performance in relation to human comfort during overheated periods has been proposed with emphasis on the importance of studying the aerodynamics of residential units comprising multi-cell spaces. A survey of historical precedent in house design in Egypt is aimed at defining the characteristics of both old and contemporary residential units, and how they responded to their micro-climates. As wind is the critical element determining the microclimates within Cairo and possibly other cities of similar climate, a programme for wind tunnel experiments was carried out to examine the parameters affecting air movement around and within buildings. A bioclimatic approach considering architectural design as a three phase process, ie analysis (feasibility studies), synthesis (spatial design) and appraisal (detail design), was considered. This included a procedure for optimization of ventilation systems. Conclusion and recommendations have been made for building forms, interior design, building regulations and new development design.

Graduation rates in community colleges in academic programs are declining, which negatively impacts funding for these institutions. Enrollment processes of community colleges, and the ease of transferring credit hours, deter students from meeting criteria for graduation. The objective of this study is to determine the effect that residential housing has on graduation rates among community college students in Mississippi. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional research design to look at graduation rates over a 2-year period of time to study graduation rates of residential and commuter students controlling for other demographic characteristics. A higher percentage of commuter students (18%) graduated within normal time than did residential students (11%). Graduation rates of 150% of time was approximately the same (35%). Subsequently, more residential students (54%) than commuter students (49%) graduated at 200% time.

Literature reveals that college freshmen that reside on American campuses partake in many risky health behaviors, but little is known on the effects of housing on these risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the health risk behaviors of college freshmen that lived in either traditional, non-themed housing or in wellness themed housing (WELL) and if there was a difference between the two. Four research questions guided this study: (1). What are the risk behaviors of freshmen college students? (2). What are the risk behaviors of students in the WELL LC? (3). What are the risk behaviors of freshman residing in traditional housing? (4). What are the differences in risk behaviors between the freshmen living in the WELL LC and traditionally housed freshmen? The health risk behaviors that were determined for testing were injury-related behaviors, substance use behaviors, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep. The instrument used was a combination of the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey and Epworth Sleep Survey. The Traditional and the WELL completed the surveys in the beginning of the fall semester and again at the end of the spring semester of the same academic year. There were a higher percentage of alcohol-related injury behaviors, substance use and sexual activity in traditional residents. Dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep behaviors were not significantly different between Traditional and WELL residents. The conclusion of this study indicated that the WELL housing may have had a positive effect on abstaining from alcohol, drugs, and sexual behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the root cause of these behavioral differences. / Ph. D.

This thesis attempts to find ways in which the designs of single family residential units can be changed to increase the happiness and comfort of residents. Houses are humans' fundamental locations to start and end their days. They are places to grow a family's health and safety. By looking at a failed attempt at residential housing (Pruitt-Igoe), this thesis will try to gain insight about what design aspects are not effective. No one want the same result as what was created at Pruitt-Igoe. The main thrust of the research presented in this thesis was captured by use of a survey. The questions was designed using three (3) categories with which Happy Index uses to measure happiness, life satisfaction, life expectancy, and ecological footprint (Abdallah, Michaelson, Marks, & Steuer, 2009). The survey was given to both Japanese and American people. Japan makes us think of a very different culture and efficient use of limited space. Conducting a survey on happiness, greenery, comfort, lighting, stress, community interactions, and satisfaction of homes with total of one hundred twenty one (121) Japanese and American participants shed some light on what the most important design aspects are to be happy. For most of the participants, family makes up a huge part of their happiness. For this reason, single family homes need to be designed for more easy interaction with family members. Even with the difference of cultures, the definition of happiness is the same, but American people comment more positively in regard to comfort, satisfaction and happiness in their current homes.

The aim of my work is to analyse the market with the residential estates in Brno and its surroundings. To check all the factors and impacts that influence outside and inside of the neighbourhood of the residential housing living and their mutual connections. To describe the strong and weak points, future threats, the facilities in residential areas and to establish the main advantages. To evaluate the feasibility in present conditions on the base of my anlysis and to suggest a suitable solution for the residential dwelling improvement.

Phase Change Materials have been the subject of increased research in modern times. Phase Change Materials, abbreviated as PCMs, are being used in a variety of applications in the energy conservation world. In this study, the effect of PCMs on a residential building’s energy consumption was evaluated at different locations across the United States and compared to the standard building at the same locations. An average American residential building was designed and modeled in SketchUp software. The building was evaluated for energy consumption at different locations across the United States using weather data for each chosen location. After the baseline results were collected, the building was re-evaluated, under the same conditions, with a Heptadecane embedded in the exterior walls as the chosen PCM for this study. The results of this study show that Phase Change Materials have a wide-ranging effect on the energy consumption of the designed building. Addition of the PCM to the building walls decreased total energy usage, over the course of a year, by 3.02 – 6.72%, depending on the location.

This project aims to investigate a sustainable approach to housing construction by utilizing CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) as a fundamental structural element. Emphasizing the significance of pedestrian and bicycle accessibility, this aspect was integrated into the design proposal. The housing units are designed to cater to the varying needs of prospective residents, offering 1, 2, and 4 rok options. As Slakthusområdet undergoes a transformation into a vibrant district within the city, the proposal places great emphasis on sustainability and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The overall design and shape of the proposed buildings were heavily influenced by both the existing and planned architectural fabric of the surrounding structures.

This thesis delves into the connection between childhood memories and how they shape our appreciation of architectural spaces as we grow older. While our inherent bond with nature and trees remains strong, modern cities and crowded neighborhoods have gradually overshadowed the charming image of gardens next to homes. This study aims to revive the concept of the garden within urban living, not merely as peripheral adornments, but as the heart of a home. By bringing people and their natural surroundings closer, this thesis seeks to redefine architecture's role beyond mere protection. Imagine a home coexisting with a forest or an orchard, offering not only shelter but sustenance. Collaborating with this coexisting green space, architecture comes to life through smart design and eco-friendly solutions, also addressing urban challenges like noise, pollution, and heat. The result of this scholarly exploration births a paradigmatic design precedent, and as an innovative building design where trees and homes are intertwined, creating a seamless unity that provides both refuge and nurture for residents, manifesting an embodiment of perpetual interconnectedness between the two. / Master of Architecture / Ever thought about how our memories of childhood play a role in the way we feel about the places we live as adults? We all have a natural connection to nature and trees, but in today's bustling cities and crowded neighborhoods, the idea of gardens alongside homes is no longer possible. This study aims to bring back the charm of gardens in our urban lives, not just as a side feature, but as the heart of our homes. Envision a scenario where our dwellings and nature become inseparable companions. This research wants to make architecture more than just walls – it wants homes to be like cozy forests or fruitful orchards where being at home is like having a picnic under a tree. By teaming up with a coresiding forest, the proposed architectural building doesn't only serve as a vessel to our childhood, but it also helps us deal with problems like noise, dirt, and city heat. The result from this thesis is an architectural model, a residential building type where trees and houses are like a perfect pair, creating spaces that wrap us in comfort and give us something back.

One Project - Three Parts My thesis is of an investigative character, and the focus has not been to end up with a result that is a building, but rather a collected material from an ongoing discussion on collective form, through the process of sketching on a building. I see the whole project as divided into three different parts, that are equally important. Theory The theoretical context has its basis in theory that tries move away from the singular. I have particularly studied Fumihiko Makis “Investigations of Collective Form” and parts of Stan Allens writings on “Field Conditions”, and these texts have been generators for the project. Theory also regards texts and discussion that I have assimilated during the work, as well as my own theoretical reflections. Reading, writing and discussing are essentail parts of the project and has continuously affected  the work. House I have chosen to focus on, and challenge, our notion of privacy and dwelling, and investigate in how we can live more collectively in our daily lives. I have sketched intuitively in physical models, and later on tried to push these free studies into a more complete building.  The context is Scandinavia today, and I have taken advantage of a site in Oslo to exemplify a situation while developing the house. Process Parallell to theorizing and sketching I have kept a journal documenting the process. After finishing a model or sketch I have tried to evaluate it by discussing and writing about it, and stating how to move on from there. I never intended to stop the process at a certain date, but to continue the investigation as long as I could. This is once again another, quite outzoomed, context, that has to do with the architectural profession and how we can work, produce knowledge and investigate in different societal issues. Parts from the journal, that have been significant for the development of the house, are presented in this book.

Interest in patient-reported health care outcomes such as health related quality of life (HRQL) has increased dramatically over the past two decades. Typically, HRQL has been conceptualized as having at least three domains: physical, psychological, and social functioning. Although research has attempted to identify factors that influence HRQL,few studies have simultaneously examined how various factors impact HRQL in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to develop and test a causal model to identify factors influencing HRQL. The constructs and observed variables hypothesized to influence HRQL included medical burden, housing satisfaction, socioeconomic status,religion/spirituality, age, gender, and marital status.Three hundred and sixty three (363) participants were drawn from a random sample of community dwelling elderly living in Tompkins County, NY (mean age, 74.9; SD, 8.5; range 60-103). Tompkins County is located in central NY, and home to a large university and mid-size college.This study was a non-experimental retrospective design using secondary survey data from the "Pathways to Life Quality" study. Using confirmatory factor analysis, a measurement model of HRQL was tested and validated. The final HRQL model was defined by four constructs: general health perception, physical functioning, psychological functioning, and social functioning. Once this model was validated, structural equation modeling was used to test the full model examining factors influencing HRQL. Several goodness-of-fit indices were used to assess model fit. Modification indices were used to provide clues as to what changes would be appropriate to improve model fit. Respecifications to the model were based on theoretical rationale.Greater levels of medical burden, increased frequency of attendance at religious events, and increased satisfaction with housing significantly influenced HRQL (pThe results of this study suggest that there are other constructs and variables particularly salient and that directly influence HRQL in older community dwelling adults. These variables and constructs should be accounted for when conducting randomized clinical trials and cohort studies examining HRQL outcomes in older adults.