International Journal of Disaster Resilience in The Built Environment, Nov 13, 2017
Purpose This study aims to determine and consolidate the multi-scale components that inform antic... more Purpose This study aims to determine and consolidate the multi-scale components that inform anticipatory action for resilience; propose a conceptual framework for the collaborative and holistic design, delivery and management of resilience at both the macro and micro scale; and test the efficacy of the framework to deliver sustainable (sustained) resilience. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework was proposed by consolidating what was learnt from literature review. Case studies were then used to explore the efficacy of the framework to deliver resilience. The applicability of the specific measures was also examined to determine the extent by which they support anticipatory action and resilience capacity. Findings It was found that a combination of active, latent, evolving and to some extent improvised yet integrated solutions can support anticipatory flood resilience at the micro, meso and macro scale, as well as the physical and social domains. Research limitations/implications Socio-physical resilience improves when policy makers, designers, planners and engineers work together to deliver anticipatory solutions prior to a natural disaster. Further, findings confirm that resilience can be achieved in both new and existing urban contexts. Social implications The multi-scale, integrated strategies can inform anticipatory practices, which, in turn, may reduce social vulnerability during and after natural events such as flooding. Originality/value This work lays the foundation for further theoretical and practical work on socio-spatial resilience and provides the learning-based structure within which policy makers, planners and architects can administer interventions for the practical delivery of planning-scale and building-level resilience.
Introduction Water resource management is at the forefront of policy objectives in both developed... more Introduction Water resource management is at the forefront of policy objectives in both developed and developing countries. This originates from current water availability and stress in certain regions, as well as evidence of future resource uncertainty. UNESCO (2006) predicted that some 20% of the increase in water scarcity in the coming decades will be caused by climate change and stated that about 1.1 billion people around the globe already lack sufficient access to safe drinking water. Recent figures on Europe show that some 120 million people in the region do not have access to safe drinking water (UNESCO, 2012). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) also predict that water stress will increase in Central and Southern Europe, and by the 2070s, the number of people affected will rise by 16 to 44 million. Similar to global action for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the businessas-usual scenario is becoming less of an option. The call for action is, however, supported by pledges made by political leaders in global forums such as the Rio Earth Summit. In the UN Millennium Declaration (2000), the international community pledged to stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources by developing water management strategies at the regional, national and local levels, which promote both equitable access and adequate supplies. Signatories also promised to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water.
Vernacular architecture serves as inspiration and learning material to create more impactful and ... more Vernacular architecture serves as inspiration and learning material to create more impactful and meaningful contemporary building solutions. However, most research in this area focuses on the technical aspects of sustainability. There remains a gap in sociocultural aspects of both contemporary and vernacular architecture and a coherent understanding of the indicators that inform this vernacular-inspired sustainable architecture is still lacking. The study aimed to propose and categorize indicators of a theoretical eco-cultural sustainability framework and indicators. This was underpinned by a literature review of existing sustainability assessment frameworks and tools. A qualitative approach was used comprising 81 semi-structured interviews from two case study areas, historic and contemporary development, in Jordan. Framework and thematic analysis guided the analysis stage. Factors related to cultural appropriation are the most prioritised by participants and linked to sustainability. It was also found that due to its intangibility and complexity, most sustainability frameworks in the built environment only focus on the environmental criteria and have failed to integrate cultural indicators. Therefore, this study makes a significant theoretical and practical contribution in that it bridges this gap by proposing tangible metrics relating to intangible cultural factors so that this can be effectively incorporated into existing design assessment.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Mar 1, 2018
, UK) which focused on developments in water management technologies and systems applied to water... more , UK) which focused on developments in water management technologies and systems applied to water efficiency. This included approaches at all scales, from individual buildings to efficiency in water use and management through the whole water cycle, and involves research from across disciplines from the social to the physical sciences, representing a truly multi-, trans-and cross disciplinary area of study. Originally set up in 2011, then funded by Defra, the Water Efficiency Network provides a forum to collaboratively explore the supply, treatment, distribution, risk monitoring, improved efficiency, management and conservation of water. It also investigates challenges in improving the adaptive capacity of building users, providers and professionals and consequently facilitate long-term, adaptable water efficiency through behaviour change and the use of technology. Its brief includes the harvesting of rainwater, reuse of greywater and the sustainable, efficient management of storm water. Papers in this special issue therefore reflect the efficient management of water at all scales, applied to many contemporary issues of concern and involve the inclusion of users and communities in participatory research.
This paper presents a novel methodology to automatically split a water distribution system (WDS) ... more This paper presents a novel methodology to automatically split a water distribution system (WDS) into self-adapting district metered areas (DMAs) of different size. Complex networks theory is used to propose a novel multiscale network layout made by landmark and key nodes for the water supply plus the hyper-links representing the connection between them. The proposed multiscale layout partitioning was tested on a real medium-size water distribution network. This is shown to naturally support further DMA aggregation / disaggregation operations with the direct benefit of providing a better dynamic system control and superior efficient water management than static DMA configurations, particularly in the case of abnormal functioning conditions. The proposed tool gives the possibility to automatically define a dynamic partitioning of WDSs according to spatial and temporal water demand variability, ensuring an efficient, sustainable and low-cost management of the system whilst simultaneously preserving the hydraulic performance of the WDS.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Jan 27, 2020
The uncertainties of climate change, weather variability and the over-exploitation of natural res... more The uncertainties of climate change, weather variability and the over-exploitation of natural resources including water have meant that business-as-usual practices are untenable and new resource strategies are needed. Globally, and in Europe, policy-makers, businesses, markets and individuals are collectively acting to transition towards a more sustainable future by promoting renewable resources, resource efficiency and resilience of people and environments.
There has been a rapid urbanization in china at the expense of agricultural and rural development... more There has been a rapid urbanization in china at the expense of agricultural and rural development. Consequently, before 2010 the traditional villages were dying off at the speed of 100 per day. To save the precious culture heritage and avoid the unbalanced development in urban and rural areas, the better approach is to make such villages more liveable through balanced preservation and development. This will motivate vitality and help to achieve long-term sustainability. This work investigates how to apply Extenics ideas and methods to solve the contradictions between preservation and development in Lingshui village, China. It describes contradictions quantitatively with element theory of Extenics in order to define the required extent of change and protection. That is, to modify the sustainability of traditional village to better understand the overall value of protection and development risks and to make informed judgements about the required extent of actions. The paper concludes with recommendations for testing the efficacy of its findings i.e. to use Extenics theory for better, liveble and resilient village environments.
Efficient water consumption has gained increasing priority in the move towards reducing the impac... more Efficient water consumption has gained increasing priority in the move towards reducing the impact of human activity on the natural environment. A significant amount of the water abstracted from the natural environment is consumed directly in human activities such as washing and cleaning. Although, it is possible to estimate the amount of water supplied to fixtures such as taps and showers from manufacturer data, it is often difficult to monitor simply, cheaply and accurately, water use factors which can be used to inform customised water efficiency strategies in a building. The aim of this study is to provide a literature review that explores and critically appraises the currently available data collection/instrumentation tools and techniques as a start to find a simplified yet integrated solution for measuring and monitoring the various dimensions e.g. physical, social, that inform and influence water use in domestic buildings.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The need to conserve and preserve historical buildings and environments is prevalent in architect... more The need to conserve and preserve historical buildings and environments is prevalent in architectural discourse. On the other hand, changes in human habits, preferences, use as well as the contemporary approach to spatial planning and developments places new demands on the built environment. There is therefore the need for a new approach to the architectural design and renewal of buildings in historical contexts such as traditional villages. This new approach should resolve the inherent contradictions of preserving the old, whilst meeting contemporary needs. Extension thought mainly refers to solving contradiction problems through some methods such as transforming physical things and resolving problems. This study uniquely applies the principles and methods of Extenics as a new approach to resolving the socio-spatial contradictions between historic and contemporary built environments. It utilises a case study to showcase how Extenics and modes of extension thinking can be used to rejuvenate the architecture of old buildings in the ancient villages within physical and regulatory constraints. It presents a new thinking process for integrated, logical yet human-centred design solutions design. The findings show that Extenics provides a viable new way to deliver reconstruction and renewal without compromise to human and social needs. It also makes a significant contribution to how designers can be more creative, and make an innovative departure from the previous approaches to the process of protection and renewal of historic buildings.
International Journal of Low-carbon Technologies, Apr 3, 2016
A manufactured aeration and nanofiltration MBR greywater system was tested during continuous oper... more A manufactured aeration and nanofiltration MBR greywater system was tested during continuous operation at the University of Reading, to demonstrate reliability in delivery of high-quality treated greywater. Its treatment performance was evaluated against British Standard criteria [BSI (Greywater Systems-Part 1 Code of Practice: BS8525-1:2010. BS Press, 2010); (Greywater Systems-Part 2 Domestic Greywater Treatment, Requirements and Methods: BS 8525-2:2011. BS Press, 2011)]. The low carbon greywater recycling technology produced excellent analytical results as well as consistency in performance. User acceptance of such reliably treated greywater was then evaluated through user perception studies. The results inform the potential supply of treated greywater to student accommodation. Out of 135 questionnaire replies, 95% demonstrated a lack of aversion in one or more attributes, to using treated, recycled greywater.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Dec 30, 2019
Studies show that user behaviours have not necessarily changed, despite the prevalence of water-e... more Studies show that user behaviours have not necessarily changed, despite the prevalence of water-efficient products in the market. One reason is because the technical emphasis for delivering the water use efficiency of products has focused on reducing the flow rate. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the physical parameters that define the technical efficiency of showerheads against the experiential performance (and therefore the satisfaction with the showerheads). These parameters were measured in a controlled laboratory environment and the findings were triangulated against user feedback from in-home trials. Synergies between the laboratory data and user feedback were found. Notably, it was found that water spray intensity, distribution, and temperature loss all impact the quality of showering experience. These factors also influence shower duration-and thus the volume of water used in the shower. Significantly, these technical metrics affected the overall experiential performance of such products from the users' perspective. Therefore, the design of water-efficient showerheads, in addition to delivering water discharge savings, should avoid poor spray distribution, intensity, and heat retention. The implications of the findings are that water efficiency labelling and product standards should extend beyond the emphasis on limiting the flow rates-typically to 9 l per min for showerheads. This study shows good merit for including the spray intensity (pressure), distribution, and degree of heat loss, in addition to the discharge rate, as part of the performance and efficiency considerations of showerheads.
The Demystifying the Shower Experience research project is a comprehensive multi-stage study aime... more The Demystifying the Shower Experience research project is a comprehensive multi-stage study aimed at understanding the multi-dimensional aspects of the shower, including; showering products, habits, behaviour and perceptions. The objective was to determine: if a functionality mismatch occurs between the design and desired functionality of the product, and what specific factors contribute to this mismatch. To achieve the aim, simple heuristic trials packaged as a 12 showerheads in 12 weeks Challenge were conducted involving 12 participants-6 male and 6 female. It was found that showerhead design factors such as colour, shape and size are inconclusive in determining the water efficient use, and perception of a positive shower experience. However, factors such as the number of function inform user choice and preference of which showerhead to choose and use. Further, sprout type and mode of operation both influence user perception of the performance factors such as feel, pleasantness, enjoyability, time taken and effectiveness of clean. And these factors in turn significantly affect the user perception of what constitutes a 'good' shower experience. It was found that a functionality mismatch does occur in sustainability products if performance, and not design factors, fail to meet with user expectations. This work is novel because few, if any, studies of this nature have specifically been undertaken outside of the laboratory environment, and significant because the findings highlight the importance and influence of the physical design and performance-informing features on the user perception of the product itself. And for showerheads, this affects the satisfaction with the resulting showering experience and, therefore the propensity to use less water in the shower for an effective clean.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Oct 18, 2017
Recovering heat from waste water discharged from showers to preheat the incoming cold water has b... more Recovering heat from waste water discharged from showers to preheat the incoming cold water has been promoted as a cost effective, energy efficient and low carbon design option which has been included in the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulation for dwellings. Incentivized by its carbon-cost effectiveness, waste water heat exchangers (WWHX) have been selected and incorporated in a newly constructed Sports Pavilion at the University of Brighton in the UK. This £2m sports development serving several football fields was completed in August 2015 providing eight water and energy efficient shower rooms for students, staff and external organizations. Six of the shower rooms are located on the ground floor and two on the first floor, each fitted with 5 or 6 thermostatically controlled shower units. Inline type of WWHX were installed, each consisted of a copper pipe section wound by an external coil of smaller copper pipe through which the cold water would be warmed before entering the shower mixers.
Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, May 1, 2009
Construction contract modules are delivered to second-year architectural technology and construct... more Construction contract modules are delivered to second-year architectural technology and construction/construction management students undertaking foundation and undergraduate degree programs. Feedback and assessment results from recent years showed that ...
Flooding incidences are increasingly prevalent due to climate change, weather variability, buildi... more Flooding incidences are increasingly prevalent due to climate change, weather variability, building and land use practices. One of the regions to experience recent widespread flooding is located in the South West region in England. This region remains prone to flooding since the significant flooding of the Somerset levels during the 2014 storms. But with the growing demand for more housing in the UK and in North Somerset in particular, it is now important to review the current building and development practices for flood resilience. The current regulations for water management in the built environment remains unclear for both new and existing development. However, this study focusses on the former and explores the potential for, and use of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) solutions in two new housing schemes in North Somerset, South West England. This study presents a brief overview of WSUD definitions and strategies, highlighting the corresponding opportunities and barriers to implementation. Then, primary research from documentary review and interviews of property development experts and the local council will be presented. The main drivers for WSUD were found to be led by the local authorities and regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency. Key barriers include the up-front time and investment required to implement water sensitive design schemes. Also, mentioned were the maintenance cost and the health and safety implications of exposed water bodies in housing developments. The extended abstract concludes with recommendations to encourage better uptake of WSUD in future housing schemes.
International Journal of Disaster Resilience in The Built Environment, Nov 13, 2017
Purpose This study aims to determine and consolidate the multi-scale components that inform antic... more Purpose This study aims to determine and consolidate the multi-scale components that inform anticipatory action for resilience; propose a conceptual framework for the collaborative and holistic design, delivery and management of resilience at both the macro and micro scale; and test the efficacy of the framework to deliver sustainable (sustained) resilience. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework was proposed by consolidating what was learnt from literature review. Case studies were then used to explore the efficacy of the framework to deliver resilience. The applicability of the specific measures was also examined to determine the extent by which they support anticipatory action and resilience capacity. Findings It was found that a combination of active, latent, evolving and to some extent improvised yet integrated solutions can support anticipatory flood resilience at the micro, meso and macro scale, as well as the physical and social domains. Research limitations/implications Socio-physical resilience improves when policy makers, designers, planners and engineers work together to deliver anticipatory solutions prior to a natural disaster. Further, findings confirm that resilience can be achieved in both new and existing urban contexts. Social implications The multi-scale, integrated strategies can inform anticipatory practices, which, in turn, may reduce social vulnerability during and after natural events such as flooding. Originality/value This work lays the foundation for further theoretical and practical work on socio-spatial resilience and provides the learning-based structure within which policy makers, planners and architects can administer interventions for the practical delivery of planning-scale and building-level resilience.
Introduction Water resource management is at the forefront of policy objectives in both developed... more Introduction Water resource management is at the forefront of policy objectives in both developed and developing countries. This originates from current water availability and stress in certain regions, as well as evidence of future resource uncertainty. UNESCO (2006) predicted that some 20% of the increase in water scarcity in the coming decades will be caused by climate change and stated that about 1.1 billion people around the globe already lack sufficient access to safe drinking water. Recent figures on Europe show that some 120 million people in the region do not have access to safe drinking water (UNESCO, 2012). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) also predict that water stress will increase in Central and Southern Europe, and by the 2070s, the number of people affected will rise by 16 to 44 million. Similar to global action for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the businessas-usual scenario is becoming less of an option. The call for action is, however, supported by pledges made by political leaders in global forums such as the Rio Earth Summit. In the UN Millennium Declaration (2000), the international community pledged to stop the unsustainable exploitation of water resources by developing water management strategies at the regional, national and local levels, which promote both equitable access and adequate supplies. Signatories also promised to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water.
Vernacular architecture serves as inspiration and learning material to create more impactful and ... more Vernacular architecture serves as inspiration and learning material to create more impactful and meaningful contemporary building solutions. However, most research in this area focuses on the technical aspects of sustainability. There remains a gap in sociocultural aspects of both contemporary and vernacular architecture and a coherent understanding of the indicators that inform this vernacular-inspired sustainable architecture is still lacking. The study aimed to propose and categorize indicators of a theoretical eco-cultural sustainability framework and indicators. This was underpinned by a literature review of existing sustainability assessment frameworks and tools. A qualitative approach was used comprising 81 semi-structured interviews from two case study areas, historic and contemporary development, in Jordan. Framework and thematic analysis guided the analysis stage. Factors related to cultural appropriation are the most prioritised by participants and linked to sustainability. It was also found that due to its intangibility and complexity, most sustainability frameworks in the built environment only focus on the environmental criteria and have failed to integrate cultural indicators. Therefore, this study makes a significant theoretical and practical contribution in that it bridges this gap by proposing tangible metrics relating to intangible cultural factors so that this can be effectively incorporated into existing design assessment.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Mar 1, 2018
, UK) which focused on developments in water management technologies and systems applied to water... more , UK) which focused on developments in water management technologies and systems applied to water efficiency. This included approaches at all scales, from individual buildings to efficiency in water use and management through the whole water cycle, and involves research from across disciplines from the social to the physical sciences, representing a truly multi-, trans-and cross disciplinary area of study. Originally set up in 2011, then funded by Defra, the Water Efficiency Network provides a forum to collaboratively explore the supply, treatment, distribution, risk monitoring, improved efficiency, management and conservation of water. It also investigates challenges in improving the adaptive capacity of building users, providers and professionals and consequently facilitate long-term, adaptable water efficiency through behaviour change and the use of technology. Its brief includes the harvesting of rainwater, reuse of greywater and the sustainable, efficient management of storm water. Papers in this special issue therefore reflect the efficient management of water at all scales, applied to many contemporary issues of concern and involve the inclusion of users and communities in participatory research.
This paper presents a novel methodology to automatically split a water distribution system (WDS) ... more This paper presents a novel methodology to automatically split a water distribution system (WDS) into self-adapting district metered areas (DMAs) of different size. Complex networks theory is used to propose a novel multiscale network layout made by landmark and key nodes for the water supply plus the hyper-links representing the connection between them. The proposed multiscale layout partitioning was tested on a real medium-size water distribution network. This is shown to naturally support further DMA aggregation / disaggregation operations with the direct benefit of providing a better dynamic system control and superior efficient water management than static DMA configurations, particularly in the case of abnormal functioning conditions. The proposed tool gives the possibility to automatically define a dynamic partitioning of WDSs according to spatial and temporal water demand variability, ensuring an efficient, sustainable and low-cost management of the system whilst simultaneously preserving the hydraulic performance of the WDS.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Jan 27, 2020
The uncertainties of climate change, weather variability and the over-exploitation of natural res... more The uncertainties of climate change, weather variability and the over-exploitation of natural resources including water have meant that business-as-usual practices are untenable and new resource strategies are needed. Globally, and in Europe, policy-makers, businesses, markets and individuals are collectively acting to transition towards a more sustainable future by promoting renewable resources, resource efficiency and resilience of people and environments.
There has been a rapid urbanization in china at the expense of agricultural and rural development... more There has been a rapid urbanization in china at the expense of agricultural and rural development. Consequently, before 2010 the traditional villages were dying off at the speed of 100 per day. To save the precious culture heritage and avoid the unbalanced development in urban and rural areas, the better approach is to make such villages more liveable through balanced preservation and development. This will motivate vitality and help to achieve long-term sustainability. This work investigates how to apply Extenics ideas and methods to solve the contradictions between preservation and development in Lingshui village, China. It describes contradictions quantitatively with element theory of Extenics in order to define the required extent of change and protection. That is, to modify the sustainability of traditional village to better understand the overall value of protection and development risks and to make informed judgements about the required extent of actions. The paper concludes with recommendations for testing the efficacy of its findings i.e. to use Extenics theory for better, liveble and resilient village environments.
Efficient water consumption has gained increasing priority in the move towards reducing the impac... more Efficient water consumption has gained increasing priority in the move towards reducing the impact of human activity on the natural environment. A significant amount of the water abstracted from the natural environment is consumed directly in human activities such as washing and cleaning. Although, it is possible to estimate the amount of water supplied to fixtures such as taps and showers from manufacturer data, it is often difficult to monitor simply, cheaply and accurately, water use factors which can be used to inform customised water efficiency strategies in a building. The aim of this study is to provide a literature review that explores and critically appraises the currently available data collection/instrumentation tools and techniques as a start to find a simplified yet integrated solution for measuring and monitoring the various dimensions e.g. physical, social, that inform and influence water use in domestic buildings.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
The need to conserve and preserve historical buildings and environments is prevalent in architect... more The need to conserve and preserve historical buildings and environments is prevalent in architectural discourse. On the other hand, changes in human habits, preferences, use as well as the contemporary approach to spatial planning and developments places new demands on the built environment. There is therefore the need for a new approach to the architectural design and renewal of buildings in historical contexts such as traditional villages. This new approach should resolve the inherent contradictions of preserving the old, whilst meeting contemporary needs. Extension thought mainly refers to solving contradiction problems through some methods such as transforming physical things and resolving problems. This study uniquely applies the principles and methods of Extenics as a new approach to resolving the socio-spatial contradictions between historic and contemporary built environments. It utilises a case study to showcase how Extenics and modes of extension thinking can be used to rejuvenate the architecture of old buildings in the ancient villages within physical and regulatory constraints. It presents a new thinking process for integrated, logical yet human-centred design solutions design. The findings show that Extenics provides a viable new way to deliver reconstruction and renewal without compromise to human and social needs. It also makes a significant contribution to how designers can be more creative, and make an innovative departure from the previous approaches to the process of protection and renewal of historic buildings.
International Journal of Low-carbon Technologies, Apr 3, 2016
A manufactured aeration and nanofiltration MBR greywater system was tested during continuous oper... more A manufactured aeration and nanofiltration MBR greywater system was tested during continuous operation at the University of Reading, to demonstrate reliability in delivery of high-quality treated greywater. Its treatment performance was evaluated against British Standard criteria [BSI (Greywater Systems-Part 1 Code of Practice: BS8525-1:2010. BS Press, 2010); (Greywater Systems-Part 2 Domestic Greywater Treatment, Requirements and Methods: BS 8525-2:2011. BS Press, 2011)]. The low carbon greywater recycling technology produced excellent analytical results as well as consistency in performance. User acceptance of such reliably treated greywater was then evaluated through user perception studies. The results inform the potential supply of treated greywater to student accommodation. Out of 135 questionnaire replies, 95% demonstrated a lack of aversion in one or more attributes, to using treated, recycled greywater.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Dec 30, 2019
Studies show that user behaviours have not necessarily changed, despite the prevalence of water-e... more Studies show that user behaviours have not necessarily changed, despite the prevalence of water-efficient products in the market. One reason is because the technical emphasis for delivering the water use efficiency of products has focused on reducing the flow rate. Therefore, this study was undertaken to examine the physical parameters that define the technical efficiency of showerheads against the experiential performance (and therefore the satisfaction with the showerheads). These parameters were measured in a controlled laboratory environment and the findings were triangulated against user feedback from in-home trials. Synergies between the laboratory data and user feedback were found. Notably, it was found that water spray intensity, distribution, and temperature loss all impact the quality of showering experience. These factors also influence shower duration-and thus the volume of water used in the shower. Significantly, these technical metrics affected the overall experiential performance of such products from the users' perspective. Therefore, the design of water-efficient showerheads, in addition to delivering water discharge savings, should avoid poor spray distribution, intensity, and heat retention. The implications of the findings are that water efficiency labelling and product standards should extend beyond the emphasis on limiting the flow rates-typically to 9 l per min for showerheads. This study shows good merit for including the spray intensity (pressure), distribution, and degree of heat loss, in addition to the discharge rate, as part of the performance and efficiency considerations of showerheads.
The Demystifying the Shower Experience research project is a comprehensive multi-stage study aime... more The Demystifying the Shower Experience research project is a comprehensive multi-stage study aimed at understanding the multi-dimensional aspects of the shower, including; showering products, habits, behaviour and perceptions. The objective was to determine: if a functionality mismatch occurs between the design and desired functionality of the product, and what specific factors contribute to this mismatch. To achieve the aim, simple heuristic trials packaged as a 12 showerheads in 12 weeks Challenge were conducted involving 12 participants-6 male and 6 female. It was found that showerhead design factors such as colour, shape and size are inconclusive in determining the water efficient use, and perception of a positive shower experience. However, factors such as the number of function inform user choice and preference of which showerhead to choose and use. Further, sprout type and mode of operation both influence user perception of the performance factors such as feel, pleasantness, enjoyability, time taken and effectiveness of clean. And these factors in turn significantly affect the user perception of what constitutes a 'good' shower experience. It was found that a functionality mismatch does occur in sustainability products if performance, and not design factors, fail to meet with user expectations. This work is novel because few, if any, studies of this nature have specifically been undertaken outside of the laboratory environment, and significant because the findings highlight the importance and influence of the physical design and performance-informing features on the user perception of the product itself. And for showerheads, this affects the satisfaction with the resulting showering experience and, therefore the propensity to use less water in the shower for an effective clean.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Oct 18, 2017
Recovering heat from waste water discharged from showers to preheat the incoming cold water has b... more Recovering heat from waste water discharged from showers to preheat the incoming cold water has been promoted as a cost effective, energy efficient and low carbon design option which has been included in the UK's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulation for dwellings. Incentivized by its carbon-cost effectiveness, waste water heat exchangers (WWHX) have been selected and incorporated in a newly constructed Sports Pavilion at the University of Brighton in the UK. This £2m sports development serving several football fields was completed in August 2015 providing eight water and energy efficient shower rooms for students, staff and external organizations. Six of the shower rooms are located on the ground floor and two on the first floor, each fitted with 5 or 6 thermostatically controlled shower units. Inline type of WWHX were installed, each consisted of a copper pipe section wound by an external coil of smaller copper pipe through which the cold water would be warmed before entering the shower mixers.
Journal of Legal Affairs and Dispute Resolution in Engineering and Construction, May 1, 2009
Construction contract modules are delivered to second-year architectural technology and construct... more Construction contract modules are delivered to second-year architectural technology and construction/construction management students undertaking foundation and undergraduate degree programs. Feedback and assessment results from recent years showed that ...
Flooding incidences are increasingly prevalent due to climate change, weather variability, buildi... more Flooding incidences are increasingly prevalent due to climate change, weather variability, building and land use practices. One of the regions to experience recent widespread flooding is located in the South West region in England. This region remains prone to flooding since the significant flooding of the Somerset levels during the 2014 storms. But with the growing demand for more housing in the UK and in North Somerset in particular, it is now important to review the current building and development practices for flood resilience. The current regulations for water management in the built environment remains unclear for both new and existing development. However, this study focusses on the former and explores the potential for, and use of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) solutions in two new housing schemes in North Somerset, South West England. This study presents a brief overview of WSUD definitions and strategies, highlighting the corresponding opportunities and barriers to implementation. Then, primary research from documentary review and interviews of property development experts and the local council will be presented. The main drivers for WSUD were found to be led by the local authorities and regulatory bodies such as the Environment Agency. Key barriers include the up-front time and investment required to implement water sensitive design schemes. Also, mentioned were the maintenance cost and the health and safety implications of exposed water bodies in housing developments. The extended abstract concludes with recommendations to encourage better uptake of WSUD in future housing schemes.
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Papers by Kemi Adeyeye