With the increasing development of economy and society in China, uses of public urban places have been changed by an incredible pace, especially in Beijing, the capital of China. The public space in local urban environment plays a significant role for catering to people's functional, social and leisure needs. The focus of this research is to explore the relationship between the retail-oriented public places and people's use within three selected study sites in Beijing, Wangfujing Street, Sanlitun Village, and The Place, and to examine the retail public spaces which can satisfy the physical and psychological needs of people when they take activity in such places. Through literature review to analyse the theoretical issues on different factors, such as culture, urban design, physical setting, historical context, and contemporary use, and especially the retail public places developed in Chinese context, etc. and to establish the awareness of what the research subject refer to and what such places people like to use. And then focus on the public life in the city of Beijing in practice with the aim of finding out how these retail-oriented public places are understood, managed and used, including the use and quality of design amenities for sitting, circulation, and related activities by local people in urban environment. To address this research, a qualitative research methodology is adopted mainly involves observation, interview, and small number of questionnaire. The mixed-methods approach is undertaken by using behaviour mapping and user perception to understand the public environment as a combination of patterns of behaviour and patterns of the physical environment.

Atria have proliferated in a range of contemporary buildings and daylighting is perhaps their most valuable aspect. This thesis is an exploration of the effects of atrium facades on the daylight performance of an atrium and its adjoining spaces. It examines the effects of atrium wall surface reflectance distribution patterns, different surface types, and the location, size and proportion of fenestration and opaque areas in an atrium’s facade. The study seeks to provide knowledge that would be most useful at the early design stages of a project. The study uses Daylight Factor (DF) and Average Daylight Factor (ADF) to examine daylight levels in an atrium building. Chapters Two and Three develop an understanding of key daylighting concepts and consider specific daylight linked atrium parameters related to this study; atrium geometry and enclosing surfaces each of which is examined through an extensive literature review. Chapter Four demonstrates the effects of reflectance distributions and diffuse and specular surfaces on DFs across the atrium floor using physical scale models. Following this, in Chapter Five, the experiments are repeated using RADIANCE and results from the two methods are compared to establish their accuracies. ADF values, calculated using Littlefair’s (2002) algorithm, are also compared with those obtained from physical scale model and RADIANCE. Chapter Six establishes the range of atrium well indices in which surface reflectance distributions affect DFs. This then informs the experiments of Chapter Seven which ascertain the influence of different facade compositions (with variable and even fenestration from the atrium roof to its floor) on daylight availability in atrium buildings. To contextualise work undertaken in this thesis, the research findings are compared with data from real buildings. Finally, specific conclusions with regards to the effects of atrium facades on daylighting in atrium buildings are drawn before more wide-reaching inferences are made.

Creating appropriate indoor conditions for satisfying human thermal, visual, and aural desires has been recognized to be an essential requirement in building design, since the composition of indoor environment parameters have determined human performance and productivity, as well as physical and intellectual capability. However, achieving optimum indoor conditions for building's occupants should also be parallel with energy saving in order to achieve green indoor environment. Thermal comfort is the most substantial among other indoor environmental parameters and has the greatest effect on energy consumption. Shelters in refugee camps in Palestine can experience poor ventilation, lack of natural light and solar radiation, and noise problems, as a sequence of high urban density, absence of green areas, and lack of land; whereas refugee camps in Palestine have one of the highest population densities in the world. Moreover, the cost of energy is high in Palestine and it is the most expensive in all countries in the Middle East. In view of this scenario, this thesis intended to investigate the indoor environment of shelters in Palestinian refugee camps including thermal, visual, and acoustic environment, and other indoor parameters, with focus on thermal comfort, in order to provide suggestions for potential enhancement. The shelters of Special Hardship Cases (SHC) families were selected in this study; whereas the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees in the Near East has been promoting shelter reconstruction programme for SHC families all over the camps. The characteristics of the existing new and old SHC shelters in refugee camps including their design criteria, forms, materials, and surrounding conditions were reviewed to have a better understanding of the nature of these shelters. Studying the two groups of shelters, old and new, was to help assessing the value of the improvement that has already taken place by the UNRWA and to bring greater comprehension of indoor conditions that still need more enhancements. Two main methods, questionnaire and computer model, were employed in this research. Questionnaires were utilized to evaluate the indoor conditions of the SHC shelters including thermal, visual, and acoustic environment, and other indoor parameters, through interviews with a purposive convenience sample of 155 SHC families from Jabalia refugee camp. The gathered data were analyzed by applying various statistical analysis tests utilizing SPSS. Thermal modelling using Thermal Analysis Software (TAS V9.1.4.l) was employed in this study at two stages; to analyse the thermal performance of the existing SHC shelters and to identify the potential enhancement of the proposed alternate materials. Twenty one shelters, old and new, were simulated while three new shelters were selected to apply the proposed fabrics. The survey and the thermal simulation of the shelters revealed that heat loss/gain through shelters' envelopes is one of the most influence factors causing discomfort in majority of shelters. Various shelters' components including; walls, roofs, ground floors and windows; and various combinations of them were simulated to reflect the best thermal comfort levels attained and to reflect the optimum energy reduction achieved. The results could be taken as a guideline for the SHC shelters' envelopes in all refugee camps located in hot humid climates. It is also suggested that similar approaches may be adopted for all refugee shelters located in camps in similar climatic regions. However, the techniques employed in this study may be applicable to other buildings in other locations or climatic conditions. Finally, the thesis drew conclusions and identified areas for further research depending on the findings.

The first decade of the 21st Century can easily be labelled the most active in the 125 year history of the tall building typology, with more, and taller, skyscrapers being constructed than at any other time. This boom in construction has coincided with a global recognition for the need to reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gases with climate change becoming arguably the greatest challenge of the modern world. In light of this, attention has turned towards the environmental impact of tall buildings which are still seen by many as inherently unsustainable. The year 2008 presented a unique standpoint in global history, as for the first time half the world’s population – some 3.3 billion people – lived in urban areas. According to the United Nations, 193,107 new city dwellers are added to this figure every day, meaning urban populations will nearly double by 2050. Where will these people live, work, play? It is clear the tall building could play a role in this, providing dense sustainable living and compact cities with reduced transportation emissions. However, despite this potential, the majority of tall buildings completed today continue to be designed with too little consideration of environment and sustainability. The importance of improving tall building sustainability then cannot be denied and frenzied research has – and continues to be – undertaken in order to improve their sustainable credentials. Much of the research to date has focussed on reducing the environmental impacts associated with the operation of tall buildings, that is reducing the energy required for (and emissions released from) activities such as space conditioning, lighting, equipment operation, water supply and water heating that occur on a day-to-day basis. Out of this research has emerged numerous tall building proposals and built projects that claim to have significantly reduced operating energy requirements. Whilst these advancements are vital for creating sustainable tall buildings, they are in themselves not enough. Energy is also required, and emissions also released, through the production, transportation and assembly of materials and components into functioning buildings (known as embodied energy / carbon), and little work has been undertaken to establish the importance of these environmental impacts in the high-rise typology. Sustainability is a holistic concept, encompassing economic, social and environmental issues, so clearly the challenge to create truly sustainable tall buildings goes far beyond energy efficiency alone. This thesis then explores sustainability in tall buildings in the broader sense, encompassing environmental, social and economic issues, examining the links between these areas and how changes driven by the influence of one can impact the others. It consists of an Extended Abstract and five published papers which together describe the quest the author has undertaken to identify opportunities and challenges for the creation of more sustainable high-rise architecture. Note: For copyright reasons, only the Extended Abstract document is included here in this online version.

Architects have a responsibility to understand clearly, and sensibly plan housing units and ultimately the cities so as to achieve a sustainable whole. By so doing, these professionals cannot afford to neglect any aspect of the housing envelope, nor consider it in part or as a whole as un-important. It is for this purpose, that we look at the aspects of harnessing daylight through a variety of systems and methods so as to make best use of this free and in-exhaustible commodity for both visual and thermal comfort. The major question which this thesis attempted to answer was to find a means of improving visual and thermal comfort in our homes while at the same time reducing our fossil fuel emissions. It was to this end that attention was turned towards the earth‟s major source of energy and to see how best to harness this resource and put it to passive use in the best possible non-intrusive manner. This thesis as a whole, attempted to evaluate existing lighting and thermal devices with an aim to enhancing them as well as suggesting novel devices to replace the existing ones. This thesis reviewed and tested the performance of solar evacuators, optical rods known to have high transmittance, as well as light pipes to see their applicability in residential dwellings in terms of the provision and lighting and heating within the residential buildings. Studies were also done to determine the effect of the combination of two technologies on the same platform i.e. light-pipes combined with light rod, as well as light rods combined with solar evacuators to ascertain and enhance their viability. These tests were carried out in three ways, viz; laboratory tests, outdoor tests as well as field tests on existing real life applications on the singular technology in use as a base-line for assessing the new technologies. Further studies were also carried out with the introduction of nano-technology, i.e. aerogel, so as to test its suitability as an insulator of heat and to examine its economic viability and use in residential buildings. Aerogel was also tested as filler in double-paned glass window to determine its transmittability whilst still maintaining its properties of being a good insulator. Consequently, suggestions were made into the application of the investigated devices, and how best they can be used in new buildings and retro-fitted in existing ones.

In the history of the built environments theoretical development, the architecture, city and landscape have all been considered as language. Differing from subjects and scholars, various built environment languages have existed, durably or ephemerally. Some stressed the structure of languages and extracted the built environment dictionaries; some emphasized the linguistic characteristics of language and compiled the built environment grammar. They are all great achievements in built environment theory; however, since the connatural difference between the tangible buildings and the intangible spoken & written languages, this concept - the built environment languages - are still esoteric and intricate for the public. Facing this problem, this research intends to probe an integrated built environment language and to uncover the essence and mechanism of the built environment language. Undoubtedly, a comprehensive literature review is the foundation before any further development. Through careful study about both the structural linguistics - semiology system and previous built environment language studies, it is conspicuous that a universal built environment linguistics framework can be established referring to the knowledge of structural linguistics and semiology. Hereinto, firstly the built environment can be looked as a 'langage' that contains the corresponding 'langue' and 'parole' then other binary linguistic concepts, including the "signifier & signified"‚ "isologic sign & non-isologic sign", "syntagmatic axis & systematic axis" and "synchronic aspect & diachronic aspect", can be introduced into this new field. Therefore, based on this framework, not only can the essence and mechanism of built environment linguistics be explained, but also all the previous studies about the languages of architecture, urban planning and landscape can be seamlessly embedded inside. After the theoretical analysis, a discreetly designed simulation test is prepared to verify the practicability of built environment linguistics. Its results can then provide strong support from pragmatic dimension. Finally, the foundation of a theory of universal built environment linguistics can be achieved, but to be same as all other scientific researches, what is completed here is just a beginning rather than an end.

Historic Cairo is one of the major World Heritage sites due to the massive amount of built heritage and traditional societies it embraces. Since the 1980s, the historic quarters of Cairo have undergone many preservational efforts either by the local government or international organisations. Plenty of resources are being poured into the urban revitalisation process. However, with less significant outcomes except for two or three examples undertaken by non-governmental bodies. On the other hand, several policies have been generated by the government to facilitate the revitalisation of Historic Cairo with its different quarters;nevertheless, the majority continue to be ineffective and unhelpful to the local communities. The focus of this study is to examine how the government revitalizes the historic quarters,what are the policies generated during the last three decades, who are the key players in the implementation process, and what are the major challenges. This study is addressed through a qualitative, quantitative and narrative analysis with the users, officials and contributors to the process of revitalising Historic Cairo, especially Al-Gamalia and Darb Al Ahmar Quarters. The study will show the implementation of government policies in relation to the 1980 UNESCO Plan, 1997 UNDP/Supreme Council of Antiquities, and 1997 Aga Khan Trust for Culture programs for revitalising Old Cairo´s quarters. The study reveals the neglected challenges toward the communities´ rights and the revitalisation efforts focuses more on the preservation of single buildings without a comprehensive methodology of urban revitalisation and sustainable development.

[N.B. Online version contains abstract and supporting narrative only due to copyright restrictions.] Tall building design, despite 130 years of development, has not advanced to a satisfactory state, especially on environmental/sustainability grounds. Most Tall Buildings historically seem to have been designed as either vertical extrusions of an efficient floor plan (the ‘commercial’ approach), or as stand-alone pieces of high-rise urban ‘sculpture’ (the ‘sculptural-iconic’ approach). In both cases the main relationship with the urban setting is either a commercial or a purely visual one, with the tall building usually dominating. This has led to the syndrome of tall buildings as ‘isolationist’ architecture – stand-alone, non-site specific models that are readily transportable around the cities of the world. This has served to create an alarming homogeneity across global urban centers – a creation of a ‘one size fits all’ skyscraper ‘mush’ which rejects, in some places, thousands of years of local vernacular traditions. This is especially true of cities in developing nations, where to import all things ‘western’ is often to be seen as progressive and modern. Thus the vast majority of tall buildings internationally follow the standard template of the rectilinear, air-conditioned, western ‘box’. In addition, tall buildings have become synonymous with the greatest excesses of energy expenditure – in both embodied construction and operation. Though there are definitely advantages tall buildings can offer, both in creating more sustainable patterns of life through higher density and also through the potential for greater renewable energy generation at height, there is no doubt that in their current form, most tall buildings are energy-profligate. In short then, many of these tall buildings are contributing to the degradation of both the local (cultural) and the global (climate change) around the world. It does not, however, need to be this way. Tall Buildings have the opportunity to reinvent themselves as the typology for a sustainable urban future – focused centers of live, work and recreation with innovative forms, technologies and environments to face the challenges of the future climate-changed world, whilst also contributing to the continuing local culture of a place. This new typology needs be inspired by the cultural, environmental and vernacular traditions of the location. This is important in maintaining the cultural integrity and continuity of any urban domain, but especially in developing countries which are at risk of adopting wholesale western urban models (and mistakes) at the expense of more appropriate local solutions. In short, tall buildings and cities need to be inspired by the specifics of place – physically, culturally and environmentally. This submitted ‘PhD by Publications’ – consisting of a Narrative and six published papers – explain how the author’s research has contributed to this central thesis; the quest for a new typology for tall buildings which are appropriate to the local, the global and the major challenges of the age.

In recent years, the architectural design process has witnessed a mounting demand for qualified practitioners who can resolve the highly complex social, cultural, technological, and economical issues associated with ‘Sustainability’. Designers are thus faced with wider pallet of challenges, developing conceptual designs that are sustainably effective. Pressure is mounting on educational institutions to prepare architects that are well accustomed to the environmental design concepts and parameters, aiming to reduce the impact on the environment and preserve valuable natural resources to bring the building’s interior to comfortable living conditions. However, architectural education has been notably slow to respond effectively to the requirements introduced by sustainability. Evidently there are a number of pedagogical challenges that clearly impede the consistent endorsement of sustainability in the design curricula and thus hinder any potential values and opportunities that can result from its effective integration. This research project examines these challenges and investigates more into their nature and attributes. Accordingly, it proposes a method that endeavours to overcome the noted challenge and attempts to improve the design students' motivation and acceptance to incorporate sustainability. In essence, this method aims to mould the technical nature of Building Performance Simulation applications into the cognitive design process. In order to achieve this, the proposed method utilizes 3D games technology, incorporating Multi-Agent System and Data Mining techniques, to assist design students in achieving higher levels of motivation, engagement, and comprehension of the environmental design concepts. The research discusses the rationale for electing the employed technologies and discusses the methodology for developing the proposed tool. Following its development, the tool is presented to number of stakeholders for evaluating the pedagogical and conceptual basis. The recorded results and the provided feedback from these sessions are presented to assess the potential effectiveness of this method for improving students' understanding of various concepts surrounding sustainable design.

Chinese vernacular dwellings are low-energy buildings constructed before the advent of modern external services. No work has been published that incorporates an exacting assessment of the environmental performance of these buildings. The principal aim of this research was to investigate the environmental performance of Chinese vernacular skywell dwellings quantitatively and to establish a model of rigorous and comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research in this area. This was done by analysis of on-site measurements and computer simulation of the environmental performance of eight vernacular skywell dwellings in three villages in south-eastern China - Xidi, Zhifeng and Yuyuan. Environmental performance and building form are examined in relation to current knowledge of the social and economic life of the villages in the past centuries, and to the environmental comfort and the activities of present-day residents of the eight dwellings and other vernacular houses in the villages. It has previously been noted that, in general, the courtyard/skywell of vernacular dwellings decreases in size with progression from northern China to southern China as the climate becomes warmer. However, the mean size of the skywells was found to differ considerably between the three climatically similar villages - large skywells were found in Yuyuan village, medium sized skywells in Xidi village and very small skywells in Zhifeng village. While physical factors were found to be important in determining house form; socioeconomic, cultural and security considerations were found to be strong influences as well. The investigation of the natural illumination of Chinese vernacular dwellings conducted in this study was the first quantitative study of the distribution of natural light in these houses. Houses in the three villages were found to differ in their distribution of illumination according to local skywell form. In all three villages residents were found to take various actions to pursue satisfactory daylighting. Two patterns of daylighting isolux contour in skywell dwellings were identified and analysed. The first comprehensive quantitative study of the thermal performance of Chinese vernacular skywell dwellings was conducted by on-site measurement and administration of questionnaires to residents. Residents of Xidi and Zhifeng were found to appreciate the coolness of their houses in summer, but residents of all three villages found their houses unacceptably cold in winter. The efforts made by residents to mitigate extremes of heat and cold appear to be important in ensuring their thermal comfort. Evidence was obtained that evaporative cooling had a substantial influence on the temperature in the skywells of dwellings in Xidi and Zhifeng villages. In addition to the buffering of temperature by thermal mass, evaporative cooling was found to further reduce the fluctuation in temperature inside the skywell and is likely to have been the main reason that the mean dry bulb temperatures inside the skywells in these villages were lower than the mean external dry bulb temperatures. It is proposed that evaporative cooling in skywells can be exploited even in humid conditions, because natural ventilation can ensure exchange of air between the exterior and the interior of the skywell. Summer temperature/humidity data obtained in the most used spaces of skywell dwellings in the three villages were plotted on psychrometric charts and were examined in relation to the boundaries of predicted thermal comfort zones. The acceptability of thermal conditions in the dwellings that was predicted using this approach was very much lower than that reported by residents. Residents appear to be more tolerant of high humidity with the presence of natural ventilation. Such air movement is desirable to improve the thermal comfort for house occupants in hot and humid conditions.