Market Transformation, Innovations and cultural change initiatives for the construction and building industry – defining a holistic approach for sustainable architecture
Barriers to achieving sustainable of a collaborative design process is evident economic and the environment. A building, for paramount to bring together people from not only to energy but human efficiency and architecture especially when there is a noticeable change instance, can create a positive or a negative different disciplines: the architect, the planner, therefore productivity and lower costs. of lifestyle and work style promulgated by working environment which makes work not the economist, the geographer, the sociologist, The built and the natural environment are the rapid transformation of societies due to only a more or less pleasurable activity for the etc to achieve an improvement of performance Fostering and enriching demand calls for embedded in the social, the cultural, and economic growth and external influences such working people but it also can contribute or of the building industry as a whole. The natural incorporating users, entrepreneurs and the economic arena. These elements do as globalization and information technology. be detrimental to efficiency and productivity and the built environment constitutes people’s developer’s insights to bridge the gap between not stand in isolation but interconnect and facilitating or inhibiting production, economic living, leisure and working space enhancing or supply and demand. Enriching demand with merge, they shape and are shaped by these Global Challenge and current situation growth and development. Furthermore, this hampering their activities, it is then in all of us a holistic and incorporative approach aims environments. At the same time there is a great in Hong Kong is part of a chain which makes efficient or an interest to ensure the social, economic and at avoiding stagnation of the green building variety of actors which guide and bring life and deficient use of resources, pollutes or not environmental sustainability. industry, stimulating R&D and guaranteeing dynamism to these environments. These actors Despite the fact that the concept of sustainable pollutes. The latter highlights that the product, there is a continuous flow of resources, ideas make a wide spectrum ranging from national building has been around since the late the building, constitutes an integral component Time for market transformation, and innovation. A strong demand, dialogue and local authorities, community leaders to Nineteen Eighties if not earlier4, researchers for the social, the economical and the innovation and cultural change and cooperation will enable the sustainable professionals and scholars in a vast majority of and practitioners noted the slow growth in environment and it is in line with the interest of building to survive, regenerate and consolidate disciplines as well as the people which stand the number of sustainable buildings in the the people, entrepreneurs and governments. In the past decades the world has witnessed as our future habitat, a sustainable habitat. as receivers but which also engage in molding world market as a whole. This is true in the Bevege (2007) reported on his post-occupancy a rising public concern for sustainability. The their environments by exercising their agency. developing or developed cities including Hong evaluation on a recently renovated office latter has been marked by phenomena such Acknowledgement Different inputs are then given into the making Kong. Despite the availability of affordable building in Australia whereby the occupants as global warming and its consequences of the world in which we live from the different technologies and practical solutions, the reacted favorably to the sustainable building which have become evident for the public. The authors are inspired by the presentation actors and disciplines concerned. Despite readiness and perhaps eagerness on the part as users. Bevege conducted interviews and The environment has also received strong entitled ‘Market Transformation to Sustainable the presence and interconnectivity of elements of the designer, a reluctance to implement task tests that revealed improved performance attention from the media which has contributed Building in Australia’ by Lindsay R. Bevege of they have been often treated as single realities. sustainable building exist today, probably and a noticeable improvement of well-being, to disseminate public and global awareness the Business Outlook, Australia at the PGBC Actors have also worked as single entities due to a fear of increased investment, and healthiness and productivity in the work on the need to achieve sustainability. These from policy makers to professionals failing to unappreciated efforts on the part of the force. As a result of the renovation, the have been accompanied by the demand for acknowledgement is due to grace tang see the impact of their products and projects developers5 and users respectively. At the senior management of the office decided to green products which has been translated into who have contributed to this paper by her beyond their own disciplines. There has same time, there has not been enough effort mandate that all future premises they chose the creation and expansion of these markets. preliminary research works on the subject of also been little emphasis on the way people into the understanding of the full social, to occupy should be a sustainable building.6 They have been able to highlight the positive market transformation for the perceive, experience and most importantly economic and environmental impact single Bevege suggests that the future to promoting elements in their products and appeal to the hkia-e & sd committee. incorporating them and their insights actively products have in the larger and long run sustainable building lies in the education of people. into the construction of the world they live picture. Greater understanding and greater the user (the demand side) whose preference SB-07HK Workshop January 10, 2007. in. Lau, et al (2006)3 observed that there is awareness of the role of buildings could would transform the behavior of the developer Sustainable or green building, as other green a missing dialogue between designers and translate into willingness in the adoption and (supply side). products, must appeal and enhance its market Stephen LAU1 and Isaac PEREZ S2 users in the perceived versus the assumed implementation of sustainable building. within the environmental discourse, actively role and performance of window design for The meaning of holistic approach to a being promoted to the user, developers and apartment homes. The lack of communication Architecture, socio-economic and sustainable architecture governments as a key in the achievement between the two groups indicated that there environmental motor of sustainability. Furthermore, it becomes is a risk of mismatch of expectations from the Recognizing the role of buildings in the social, paramount to contextualize the green building designer and the users’ perspective resulting Today it should be underlined that a product, economic and environmental arena calls for beyond the environment, in the production and in an unsatisfactory evaluation of the building a building, not only stands as an entity lost dialogue and cooperation. There is a need reproduction of the social and economic. A in operation. This could have been avoided if in its mere purpose as housing or office. to bring together those directly engaged in sustainable building must be perceived as an a user survey or similar is built into the design Products such as buildings are engaged in the the building industry with the people, the investment which creates well-being as well as process in the first place. The importance production and reproduction of the social, the entrepreneur and the policy maker. It becomes a positive working environment, contributing
1 Department of Architecture, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, [email protected] 4 1998 marked the first world conference on sustainable building, held in Vancouver, British Columbia. 2 Department of Human Geography and Planning, Research Master, the Utrecht University, the 5 This is especially true for a property market dominated by speculative developers instead of user clients. Netherlands, [email protected] 6 Lindsay R. Bevege, Powerpoint presentation at the SB07 Workshop held at the Professional Green Building 3 Lau, S.S.Y.; Baharuddin; et.al. (2006) Reconsidering Day-lighting Design Paradigms for Tall Council, Hong Kong, January 10, 2007. Buildings in a Densely Built City, Australia: Architectural Science Review, 49, 3, pp.285-294.
HKIA journal 20 Supplementary photos to the article Partnership between the Government and the Architectural Profession in promoting sustainable development
goals of greening and noise abatement by The World Commission on Multi-pronged Approach in Promoting such projects are the Hong Kong Wetland and building design, such as: contribution in waste reduction. Recent years the use of landscaped podium as a shielding Environment and Development Sustainable Architecture Park Visitor Centre, the Sheung Shui Slaughter - Allocating the non-air-conditioned have seen notable progress of the architectural structure. Some have demonstrated defined, in its publication House and the award-winning Sheung plant room locations to the external zone profession in reducing construction waste their innovation in architectural layout and entitled “Our Common Future” in 2. The Government has always attached great Shui Veterinary Laboratory. These projects of a building to act as insulation buffers in through methods like recycling old materials orientation by arranging noise tolerant portions 1987, sustainable development importance to the promotion of sustainable showcase the harmonious integration of green screening off solar radiation; and using recyclable building materials. The of a building such as bathrooms and kitchens as “development that meets the development in the design, building and concepts such as energy conservation, use - Use of linear building shape with Wetland Park Visitor Centre is one good to face the noise sources, and by using subsequent operation of new facilities. To of renewable energy, waste reduction and suitable orientation to enhance daylight illustration where old bricks from Mainland, needs of the present without suitable architectural fins for reducing noise. this end, we have adopted a multi-pronged water conservation, in architectural designs. In penetration; granite rock paving from the boundary wall of compromising the ability of approach with legislative, administrative and particular, the Hong Kong Wetland Park Visitor - Use of balcony to enhance the natural Wanchai Police Headquarters and oyster shells future generations to meet 9. Examples of how the architectural profession promotional measures. At the environmental Centre was designed to fit in well with the lighting for a building; from Lau Fau Shan were used in building the can assist in promoting our green policies their own needs.” The concept protection side, legislations serve to facilitate surrounding wetland; - Use of external shading devices such facility. abound. A detailed elaboration will merit a soon gained acceptance sustainable and green developments in which as canopy, fin, etc as a means to control separate and long discussion. I therefore globally, and its full realization architects often play an important role, and c. Organization of awards and recognition excessive solar radiation entering a 7. For domestic waste, it is our policy to have no intention to go into details here. To called for joint efforts of the these include: programs: The HK Energy Efficiency building; promote source separation of domestic put it in one simple statement, with the use Government, the business Registration Scheme for Buildings and - Use of photo cells to switch on lighting waste. Thanks to the extensive education and of their ingenuity and the careful deliberation sector, professional bodies, - The Building (Energy Efficiency) the Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Awards when illumination level is low; promotion programs by all parties concerned, of environmental factors in the design stage, Regulation; organized by the Electrical and Mechanical - Use of wind sensors to switch on fans the importance of source separation of planners and all policy makers architects can make an environmentally-friendly - The Environmental Impact Assessment Services Department (EMSD) are annual events when natural air movement is insufficient; domestic waste has now been widely life much easier to live, thereby contributing in deciding on and implementing Ordinance; to encourage the efforts of architects and other and recognized. As at end December 2006, 490 development strategies. In the enormously to environmental protection and - The Noise Control Ordinance (covering professionals in developing and applying the - Application of Low-E laminated glass housing estates have already signed up to sustainable development. highly urbanized environment the issue of construction noise); and concept of sustainable architecture; and and incorporation of sunshade & canopy join the source separation of domestic waste of Hong Kong, partnership - The Waste Disposal Ordinance (covering for glazing to minimize solar exposure. programs. Up to 669,000 households and Conclusion between the Government and the management of construction waste). d. Knowledge sharing: We pro-actively some 2,040,000 people in these estates are the architectural profession disseminate information and knowledge Greening now participating in the programs. Yet, we 10. As the citizens of the global village, 3. It is worth emphasizing that we have never is one of the most effective relating to sustainable architecture, including need to admit that residents’ participation level it is incumbent upon us to work for the intended to take the legislative requirements means to promote sustainable our showcases of green architecture projects 5. Intelligent architects do not consider is still, to a certain extent, dependent on and well-being of our future generations. With as the only reference for green and sustainable and the directory of recycled construction limited by the supporting facilities available to development. Let me give some greening as a burden nor constraint to their their tremendous influence on people’s development. In fact, we are confident that our products at the web-site of the Architectural designs. Instead, they have creatively utilized them. For new and re-developed buildings, living styles, architects have a special and details as to what we have done professional architects would be able to devise Services Department and Environmental greening to enhance the aesthetic values architects would make source separation of crucial role to play in advocating sustainable and the progress so far. the optimal standards and create innovations Protection Department. of their designs as well as to achieve other waste much easier if they take it as one of the development. The architectural profession for sustainable architecture using their sense purposes. Landscape architects have played daily needs of residents and allocate sufficient has always been our staunch partner in the of responsibility and professionalism. To foster The Architectural Profession Plays an an important role in softening the impacts spaces for facilities like floor refuse storage and promotion of sustainable architecture and the the development of sustainable architecture, Active Role of major infrastructural and residential material recovery room. implementation of our green policies. Looking the Government has been working with the developments in ecologically sensitive forward, I am confident that the synergy industry on a number of fronts, such as: 4. Regulations and supportive measures areas. For instance, some architects have Noise pollution between the Government and the architectural
aside, innovation and initiatives of the used landscaped podium for greening and profession will enable us to rise against future a. Publication of codes of practice and architectural profession can also influence noise abatement at the same time. Some 8. Hong Kong, like many other metropolitan challenges. guidance notes/guidelines on energy efficiency the environmental behavior of the community have used native species in compensatory cities, is facing severe road traffic noise of lighting and air conditioning installations and through incorporating designs and building landscaping design to enhance the harmony problems. Residential developments are on housing design to abate road traffic noise, of their building designs with existing sometimes, and inevitably, close to busy features which are conducive to achieving Anissa Wong etc; as well as the issue of the Performance- our environmental objectives. To help reduce environment. During construction, careful traffic roads. With their creativity and wisdom, based Building Energy Code; air pollution, the Environmental Protection measures to protect preserved trees and architects have been successful in devising Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Department has been advocating the concept achieve minimal cutting of existing well-grown innovative and practicable building designs Transport and Works (Environment)/ Director b. Demonstration of the application of of energy conservation in our daily lives and trees can substantially minimize the costs in for abating road traffic noise, thereby reducing of Environmental Protection sustainable architecture: As a faithful supporter promoting public awareness of the importance compensation for tree felling. noise exposure. For example, some architects for sustainable architecture, we have been of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). There is substantial have adopted the design of set back to taking the lead to apply the concept to our 6 scope in architectural design to help improve Waste management increase the distances between traffic noise building projects. Among the examples of our indoor air quality and reduce energy sources and receivers. Some, as mentioned consumption through creative space planning 6. Architects can make direct and substantial before, have successfully achieved the dual
HKIA journal 22 3. STUDY METHODOLOGY AND 4. REVIEWS 5. REVIEW OF EXISTING MAIN TASKS CONDITIONS A quick survey was conducted. There are a “Find the problem, else one risks solving the lot of scientific studies dealing with the wind To shorten the study period, the existing Designing for Thermal Comfort and wrong one”. This was the opening sentence of environment and modelling. [2][3][4] It was conditions in Hong Kong were evaluated based Prof Mat Santamouris when he was invited to very quickly established that although many on expert qualitative evaluation. Professor be an expert reviewer during early stages of the countries have codes and design guidelines Baruch Givoni, Professor Lutz Katzschner, Air Ventilation in High Density City Study. The methodology and main tasks are for gust and strong wind problems, [5][6] few Professor Shuzo Murakami, Professor Mat summarized as follows: seems to have touched on the issue of urban Santamouris, and Dr Wong Nyuk Hien were the Conditions - Air Ventilation Assessment air stagnation and city air ventilation problems. five experts. With minor differences in opinion, (A) A desk top study of related works and study Notable exceptions are studies dealing with the following key comments were received. examples around the world - not just scientific air pollution and dispersion [7][8], for example System (AVAS) investigations, but also policy measures. Prof Chris Baker’s group at Birmingham 5.1 Breezeway / Air Path (B) A review to understand the current urban University.[9][10] In Japan, The Tokyo Edward Ng conditions of Hong Kong, and to identify issues As a general rule, the more air ventilation to Edward Ng is a professor at the Department of Architecture, Metropolitan Government has an Environmental the Chinese University of Hong Kong.Department’s Feasibility and problems. Map so that designated areas for the the streets, the better it will be for these dense Study for Establishment of Air Ventilation Assessment. (C) Explore the possibility to establish implementation of measures could be identified urban areas. The overall permeability of the performance criteria needed for considering the and used as a guide for redevelopment district has to be increased at the ground impact of development on wind environment. projects.[11] (Figure 2) level. This is to ensure that the prevailing wind (D) Define the critical issues and to explore travelling along breezeways and major roads the feasibility to develop a practical and cost In Germany, there is a requirement that can penetrate deep into the district. This can effective assessment methodology. developments should not worsen the climatic be achieved by proper linking of open spaces, (E) Examine the practicality of an effective conditions of the site. Urban Climatic Maps creation of open plazas at road junctions, implementation mechanism, and to develop a have been produced. (Figure 3) They have maintaining low-rise structures along prevailing methodology. been used to guide planning and development wind direction routes (Figure 5), and widening (F) Establish principles and good practice for decisions. In the city of Kassel, the Climatic of the minor roads connecting to major roads. Figure 1: An urban skyline of Hong Kong. the use of professionals and practitioners in the Map has been translated into a Planning Also avoid obstruction of the sea breeze. Any shaping of the built environment for better wind Evaluation Map. This map further identifies localised wind problem along the waterfront environment. possible action for planners.[12][13] Using this should be dealt with locally and not affect the More than 20 cities in the world of development intensity; increased open space guiding map, which has factored the dynamic overall air ventilation of the city. are “mega” - they have more provisions especially in older districts; and more The main roles of the planning consultant characteristics of the wind movement in the city than 10 million inhabitants. High greenery, are measures to improve our built for this Study include (1) to advise on the to alleviate the adverse effects of urban heat density city design is a topical environment. framework for analyzing the urban fabric in island, planners could decide if a development issue. There is a need to deal with relation to the planning context of Hong Kong; might block the wind to the city, and if project the scarcity of land, the need to As an initiative to identify measures to improve (2) to identify the key factors in planning terms proponent should be given permission, or design for a viable public transport the living environment, the Team Clean that would have bearing on air ventilation; (3) is required to do further tests to provide system, and the need to re-build commissioned by the Chief Executive and led to identify the key factors for consideration justification. the community of our inner cities. by the Chief Secretary proposed to examine in determining the circumstances under High density living is increasingly the practicality of stipulating air ventilation which air ventilation assessment should The review also identified ad-hoc studies in an issue that planners have to assessment as one of the considerations for all be required having regard to the prevailing Hong Kong dealing with the wind environment confront with. (Figure 1) Hong major (re)development proposals and in future planning context; and (4) to advise on for extreme high density conditions. A study by Kong is a high density city with planning; including in particular, the standards, the implementation approaches and the RWDI of Canada for a client in Hong Kong as a population of about 7 million scope and mechanism for application of corresponding implementation mechanisms. shown in Figure 4 is an example. But in Hong living in a piece of land of 1,100 the assessment system in August 2003. Kong, weak wind studies are still rare. square kilometres. According to [1] As such, Planning Department, HKSAR Figure 4: A wind tunnel test of a high Hong Kong Year Book 2004, the density estate in Hong Kong. commissioned Department of Architecture, urban density in the most densely Chinese University of Hong Kong, to undertake populated Kwun Tong District Council district could be as high the “Feasibility Study for Establishment of as 50,910 persons per square Air Ventilation Assessment” (the “Study”) in kilometre. October 2003. This paper summarises the research findings, and reports the Air Ventilation Assessment Method that has been proposed The unfortunate events of Severe Acute and is now adopted in Hong Kong to guide Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 has developments. brought the Government and inhabitants of Hong Kong to realize that a “quality” built 2. STUDY OBJECTIVE environment should be the aim for Hong Kong to become a “world class city that we can The primary objective of this Study is “To proudly call home”. Gradation of development explore the feasibility of establishing some height profiles; provision of breezeways; layout protocols to assess the effects of major planning and disposition of building blocks planning and development proposals on to allow more open spaces; greater building external air movement for achieving an setbacks to facilitate air movement; reduction acceptable macro wind environment”. Figure 2: Tokyo Environmental Map. Figure 3: Planning Evaluation Map by Professor Lutz Figure 5: Aligning building blocks in parallel to the Katzschner of Kassel University. prevailing wind direction would help channel air into inner city areas. 5.2 Podium / Site Coverage comfort), but also help to remove the pollutants Based on an examination of wind data in the building bulk, building alignment and deposition Based on VR as an indicator, the methodology and heat generated at ground level. The urban areas of Hong Kong, a mean roof top and so on. Fundamentally, it is important to of the assessment procedures and scope The effect of building layout (especially in terms channelling effect created by the void also (approximately 50m above ground) wind of ensure that buildings and their planning do not needs to be identified. The assessment area, of building site coverage) has a greater impact helps to improve the ventilation performance some 2.5 m/s could be expected. As such, block the ambient mechanical wind. Localised the surrounding area, the location of test points than that of building height on pedestrian wind for those residential units at the lower floors. one immediately sees the need for the planning thermal wind is therefore a relatively minor and the definition of site wind availability need environment. (Figure 6) Stepping building Creation of openings in the building blocks to of the city to optimise this wind availability so consideration from a practical planning point to be specified. (Figure 13) heights in rows would create better wind at increase their permeability may be combined that at pedestrian level of 2m above ground, of view. higher levels if differences in building heights with appropriate wing walls that will contribute wind can be available. Although CFD could be used for some urban between rows are significant. The “podium” to pressure differences across the building Wind Velocity Ratio (VR) is used as an indicator. wind studies, the Study concluded the use structures commonly found in Hong Kong are facades and thus will permit the air to flow V8 is the wind velocity at the top of the wind of wind tunnel as a more reliable tool. Wind not desirable from the viewpoint of maximizing through the openings of the buildings. The boundary layer not affected by the ground tunnel work procedure is robust and is known wind available to pedestrians. The podia with wing walls have to be designed according to Figure 6: A typical building morphology in Hong Kong: roughness, buildings and local site features to give reliable results for wind studies for large site coverage not only block most of the tower blocks sitting on a podium that occupies the entire the known standards. For very deep canyons site. When podiums are very close together, they signifi- (typically assumed to be a certain height structure and for pedestrian wind studies. [5][6] wind to pedestrians (affecting comfort and air or very tall building blocks (Figure 9), mid-level cantly reduce the air space at pedestrian levels. above the roof tops of the city centre and is quality), but also minimize the “air volume” near permeability may be required to improve the site dependent). Vp is the wind velocity at Once VR of the tests points are measured the pedestrian level (affecting air quality). ventilation performance for those occupants the pedestrian level (2m above ground) after inside a wind tunnel, project proponents are situated at mid-floors. taking into account the effects of buildings. required to report 2 key ratios to represent their 5.3 Building Disposition (see diagram below) Vp /V8 is the Wind designs. 5.6 More the Better Velocity Ratio (VRw) that indicates how much Proper orientation and layout of the buildings of the wind availability of a location could be Along the boundary of the site, a number of with adequate gaps between buildings are It was in general opined that unlike most cities experienced and enjoyed by pedestrians on perimeter test points will be planted. They needed. (Figure 7) Stagger the arrangement in the world, wind gust may not be a problem in 7. AIR VENTILATION ASSESSMENT ground taking into account the surrounding could be about 10 to 50 metres apart, of the blocks such that the blocks behind are Hong Kong. On the contrary, wind stagnation (AVA) buildings. As VRw is solely affected by depending on the site condition, surrounding able to receive the wind penetrating through and blockage is a main problem. And for the the buildings of the location, it is a simple the gaps between the blocks in the front row. tropical climatic conditions of Hong Kong where A key objective of the Study is not scientific, indicator one might use to assess the effects In case of a new town, to avoid obstruction of wind in the summer is a welcoming quantity, it but to try to find an objective protocol and of proposals. The higher the value of VRw, the sea breeze, the axis of the buildings should was opined unanimously that “more the better” methodology to guide planning practice. the lesser the impact of buildings on wind be parallel to the prevailing wind. In order to should be the guiding spirit. That is to say, Planners have control of a number of design availability. (Figure 11 and 12) maximize the wind availability to pedestrians, Figure 7: Tall buildings too closely pack designs and developments should focus on not together creating an ‘effective’ wind block to parameters. For example, site coverage, towers should preferably abut the podium edge blocking the incoming wind, as well as minimise the city behind. that faces the main pedestrian area/street so as the stagnant zones at the pedestrian levels. to enable most of the downwash wind to reach the street level. 6. CRITERIA - WIND FOR COMFORT
5.4 Building Heights Givoni has conducted researches on outdoor comfort in two very different locations, both, like Vary the heights of the blocks with decreasing Hong Kong, are hot and humid in the summer: heights towards the direction where the Japan and Israel, based on his findings, he prevailing wind comes from (Figure 8). If not, developed formulas to predict the thermal it is better to have varying heights rather than sensation of people outdoors as a function similar / uniform height. Given the extremely of air temperature, solar radiation, and wind high density of the urban fabric and narrow speed. According to the results of both studies, streets, a probable strategy for improving relative humidity RH has been shown to have the air ventilation is by varying building statistically insignificant effect on comfort heights for diverting winds to the lower levels. Figure 8: Appropriate variation in building height perception.[14][15] Based on his formulas would help alleviate ‘canyon effect’. Figure 10: Comfort chart based on researches Figure 11: The concept of VR. Using VR, it is possible to fac- Nonetheless, assessment will be required to of Professor B Givoni and Hong Kong meteo- tor the effects of developments to the wind environment. and the meteorological data of Hong Kong, a rological data. further quantify the actual performance of such comfort outdoor temperature chart for urban potential in view of the common deep urban Hong Kong was developed (Figure 10). The canyon situations in Hong Kong. x-axis of the chart is outdoor air temperature and y-axis is the level of solar radiation. The 5.5 Building Permeability shaded area represents the neutral comfort region which could be obtained by a proper The provision of permeability / gap nearer to combination of air temperature, solar radiation the pedestrian level is far more important than and wind speed. The chart provides a rough that at high levels. Create permeability in the guide to the kind of wind environment that is housing blocks. Try to create voids at ground desirable in Hong Kong. For example, a people level to improve ventilation for pedestrians. in shade, given high summer air temperature This will improve not only the air movement at of 28 degree C, a gentle wind of 1.0-1.5 m/s is the ground level (thus improving the pedestrian optimum. Figure 9: Parallel rows of tall building blocks Figure 12: 18 directions are factored. The VR of Figure 13: The assessment area and the surrounding area with narrow gaps in-between inhibit natural air each direction will then be factored with wind com- defined by the height of buildings on site. ventilation. ing from that direction.
HKIA journal 26 the test site and evenly distributed. Test 8. IMPLEMENTATION account the time needed for building up the As for private projects, AVA should also be 8.4 Stage D - Quantitative Guidelines of project/circumstances that should warrant points must be planted at the junctions of necessary data and information and the degree encouraged as good practice guide at the an AVA. With definitive assessment standards/ all roads leading to the test site, at corners, In view of the time required for further scientific of robustness expected for the AVA system. initial stage. To encourage the private project This stage would develop quantitative criteria and the availability of an urban climatic as well as at the main entrances of the test researches on different aspects of the proponents to carry out AVA, incentives may design guidelines to facilitate early designs map, it would provide a stronger case for more site. This set of test points will be known as urban climate and its correlation with urban At the initial stage (Stage A) when the “Urban be provided through performance labeling of development proposals. Projects are extensive application to private projects, and Perimeter Test Points. They will later provide geometry, the Study recommends that AVA Climatic Map” and benchmarking are not yet scheme. assessed against pre-set design criteria, design for consideration of a regulatory approach, if data to calculate the Site Spatial Average Wind be implemented in four key stages. The key available, the Government/ quasi-government parameters, ratios or indices concerning necessary. Velocity Ratio (SVRw). This gives a hint of how stages and their corresponding timeframe are organizations are still encouraged to undertake It is considered appropriate that the developments, such as site / district openness the development proposal impacts the wind illustrated in the following figure. These four AVA where practicable under any one of the qualitative guidelines and the need for AVA and building mass geometry (street width to 9. QUALITATIVE URBAN DESIGN environment of its immediate vicinity. stages are not sequential and may be carried following circumstances: be promulgated through revision to the Hong building height ratio, variation in building height GUIDELINES out concurrently but the durations are different. Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines within site, permeability of the building faÁade Test points should also be evenly distributed • Preparation of new town plans and major (HKPSG). It should be noted that some of the etc.). These quantitative design guidelines Before further stages of AVA are developed, over the assessment area of the model. For revision of such plans. qualitative guidelines recommended in this have to be derived through iterative empirical based on the advice of international experts, detailed study, one test point per 200 to 300 8.1 Stage A - Performance-based Study for better air ventilation in the city are tests by varying different design scenarios the following design guidelines provide useful square metres of the assessment area would Evaluation (without benchmark standards) • Development that deviates from the statutory already included in Chapter 11 of the HKPSG, and assumed conditions to validate their design reference for better air ventilation. The typically suffice, except when doing rough initial development restriction(s) other than minor and hence, they only reinforce or complement magnitudes of impact on the wind environment. qualitative guidelines also provide designers study, or when the site condition is simpler. The implementation of an AVA system would relaxations. the existing guidelines. The approach to the with a strategic sense of how to start off their Test points should be positioned where depend on how robust the AVA system is AVA system recommended in this Study is only Quantitative guidelines can be in the form design initially. pedestrians can or will mostly access. This and how important AVA is considered by the • Erection of building structure within a a facilitating tool but not the primary decision of simple ratios, indexes. When applied, may include pavement, open spaces, piazzas, decision makers amongst all factors in the designated breezeway. making tool. development proposals would be deemed to By observing the guidelines, there would be concourses and so on, but exclude back-lanes consideration of development proposals. Based satisfy air ventilation requirements without the a higher probability that the resultant design or minor alleyways. For streets, the tests point on the Study findings, it could only recommend • Urban renewal development that involves 8.2 Stage B - Urban Climatic Map need to go through the testing process. would be better for the wind environment. should be located on their centerlines. Some an advisory AVA system at this stage. If AVA agglomeration of sites together with closure This could then later be confirmed with the Air of the test points must be located at major were to be introduced as mandatory, then it and building over of existing streets. This stage would involve the preparation of an For example: An air path or air paths along Ventilation Assessment tests, if necessary. entrances, as well as identified areas where will have to go through a much more lengthy urban climatic map for Hong Kong. It would the direction of the prevailing wind should be people are known to congregate. This group process of testing and validation, and when a • Development with shielding effect on involve collating relevant data on meteorology, provided on site equal to 25% of the site area. of test points will be known as Overall Test more definitive local benchmark standard could waterfront, particularly in confined airsheds. topography, urban fabric, land use pattern etc. And For example (above): An Openness Index Points, together with the Perimeter Test Points, be established. of Hong Kong. The resultant urban climatic could be speculated to guide the needs for will provide data to calculate the Local Spatial • Large-scale development with a high density, map would identify the areas which are more open space, set back, as well as air channels Average Wind Velocity Ratio (LVRw). This The Study recommends that the AVA system e.g. site area over 2 hectares and an overall in need of attention and improvements from and paths. Development schemes that are gives a hint of how the development proposal can be implemented in stages, taking into plot ratio of 5 or above, development with a an air ventilation perspective, e.g. highlighting designed in accordance with the quantitative impacts the wind environment of the local area. total GFA of 100,000 sq.m. or above. locations poor in wind circulation or sensitive design guidelines would be deemed to satisfy to wind variation, and where important air ventilation requirements, without the need to Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 • Massive elevated structures over a road in the breezeways and open spaces should be go through the performance based AVA testing. dense urban areas. protected or reserved. This would be less time consuming and more Stage A - Performance-based Evaluation cost-effective, as compared to the performance with Technical Brief but without Benchmark • For developments situated in an exposed 8.3 Stage C - Performance-based based approach which the performance can Breezeway / Air path Standards location where there is no apparent shielding Evaluation (with benchmark standards) only be tested after the design is generated. Establishment of a generic framework and Immediately from the approaching wind, an assessment of It is important for better urban air ventilation methodology for AVA to enable objective the potential occurrence of windy conditions This stage will establish the existing general in a dense, hot-humid city to let more comparison between different design options and that may affect the safety of pedestrians should wind performance condition of Hong Kong. wind penetrate through the urban district. formulation of qualitative urban design guidelines. also be included. This would serve as a local benchmark Breezeways can be in forms of roads, open standard that major projects should try spaces and low-rise building corridors through It is recommended that AVA be carried out to achieve, if possible, for optimum wind which air reaches inner parts of urbanised Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 for different design options to identify better performance. This would allow direct areas largely occupied by high-rise buildings. Stage B - Urban Climatic Mapping design scenarios and potential problem areas, comparison of air ventilation performance Projecting obstructions over breezeways/air Identification of climatically problematic/sensitive based on velocity ratio as an indicator. A against known benchmark criteria, rather than paths should be avoided to minimize wind areas that require particular attention or in need of 1-2year design having a higher velocity ratio would be revealing only the better or worse of design blockage. planning and design interventions. considered as a better design than one having options (as in Stage A). The criteria established a lower velocity ratio. At this stage, only the would provide a clear yardstick for evaluation Stage C -Performance-based Evaluation better design option is known but whether the of development projects where air ventilation with Technical Specifications and Benchmark better design option meets a standard cannot is a major concern and the projects have to Standards 2-3year be known due to the lack of benchmarking. be justified through the existing institutional Establishment of a set of objective assessment The aim is to move “towards a better future” framework (such as town planning, land grant/ standards and criteria for AVA. rather than for precision. lease and building control and/or environmental impact assessment). Technical specifications At the completion of Stages B, C and /or D, a Stage D - Quantitative Guidelines The proponents initiating the proposals should for conducting AVA would need to be prepared widely accepted assessment method and a set Formulation of quantitative design guidelines to be responsible for conducting, overseeing and to ensure no dispute in the AVA requirements of definitive assessment standards and criteria enable the practitioners to grasp the basic and most 2-4year self-appraising the AVA. and vetting process. could be established in detail. It would then important design requirements for a well-ventilated enable the Government to ascertain the types urban environment at an early design stage.
HKIA journal 28 large development/ redevelopment sites streets, the use of asphalt with a high The AVA study is unique and highly original. [10] C J Baker “Outline of a novel method for the particularly in the existing urban areas, it percentage of white aggregates should be As such one must regard it as a first step prediction of atmospheric pollution dispersal from road would be critical to increase permeability considered. A large water body can also serve in the direction of understanding the wind vehicles”, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial of the podium structure at the street levels as a cool sink. environment. For more understanding of the Aerodynamics 65, 395-404, 1996. by providing some ventilation corridors or problems, further studies and researches are [11] Tokyo Metropolitan Government EIA Ordinance setback in parallel to the prevailing wind. Horizontal Projections essential and strongly recommended, namely: requires that all project over 100,000 sq.m. GFA be Where appropriate, a terraced podium design Stage B - Urban Climatic Map, Stage C subjected to wind study. should be adopted to direct downward airflow, Vertical Projections - Benchmarking, and Stage D - Quantitative [12] Katzschner, L. 2000: Urban climate map a tool which can help enhance air movement at the Guidelines. Stage B and C studies have just for calculations of thermal conditions in outdoor spaces, Passive and Low Energy Association (PLEA), Orientation of Street Grids Non-building Area pedestrian level and disperse the pollutants Projecting obstructions been commenced in August 2006. The study is emitted by vehicles. scheduled to complete July 2009. proceedings, Cambridge Martin Centre. Massive projecting obstructions, such as [13] Katzschner, L. 1999: Harmonisierung der An array of main streets, wide main avenues The tendency for many developments to elevated walkways, may adversely affect Last but not least, improving air ventilation Klimafunktionskarten von Berlin, Leipzig und Kassel, and/or breezeways should be aligned in maximize views to certain direction and the wind environment at pedestrian level, as for a better wind environment is only one of Bericht zum Forschungsprojekt Klimavertr‰glichkeit im parallel, or up to 30 degrees to the prevailing site development potential often results in observed in Mongkok. the many considerations towards sustainable St‰dtebau des Umweltbundesamtes Berlin, Berlin. wind direction, in order to maximize the congested building masses and minimum development in Hong Kong. In planning, one [14] Givoni B et al., (2003) Outdoor comfort research penetration of prevailing wind through the spaces between buildings to meet Building Signage is preferably of the vertical type in must attempt to balance other equally if not issues, Energy and Buildings, vol. 35, pp. 77-86. district. (Planning) Regulations. Large sites with order to minimize wind blockage, particularly more important considerations and as far [15] Givoni B and Noguchi M. (2004), Outdoor comfort compact developments are particularly in those areas with a high density of projecting as possible synergize needs to result in an responses of Japanese persons, Proc. Passive and Linkage of Open Spaces impeding air movement. Development plots signs over streets. optimized design. Low Energy Architecture PLEA Conference 2004, July, should be laid out and orientated to maximize Eindhoven, Netherlands. Where possible, open spaces may be linked air penetration by aligning the longer frontage in and aligned in such a way to form breezeways parallel to the wind direction and by introducing 10. CONCLUSION REFERENCES Building Disposition ACKNOWLEDGEMENT or ventilation corridors. Structures along non-building areas and setbacks where breezeways/ventilation corridors should be The study recommendation and proposed [1] Team Clean, 2003, Report on Measures to Improve appropriate. Where practicable, adequately wide gaps low-rise. implementation actions echo with one Environmental Hygiene in Hong Kong, HKSAR. The project is funded by Planning Department HKSAR should be provided between building blocks of the key initiatives proposed in “A First [2] C J Baker “Outline of a novel method for the Government. Apart from the researchers at CUHK, to maximize the air permeability of the Sustainable Development Strategy for Hong prediction of atmospheric pollution dispersal from road thanks are due to Professor Baruch Givoni, Professor development and minimize its impact on wind Kong” promulgated by the Office of the Chief vehicles”, Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Lutz Katzschner, Professor Kenny Kwok, Professor capturing potential of adjacent developments. Secretary for Administration in June 2005, that Aerodynamics 65, 395-404, 1996 Shuzo Murakami, Professor Mat Santamouris, Dr Wong The gaps for enhancing air permeability are is, to promote sustainable urban planning and [3] Oke T R, (1987) Boundary layer climates, Cambridge Nyuk Hien, and Professor Phil Jones. Thanks are due preferably at a face perpendicular to the design practices. University Press. to colleagues in the Hong Kong Government: Civil prevailing wind. Towers should preferably abut [4] Plate EJ (1982) Wind tunnel modeling of wind Engineering Development Department, Hong Kong the podium edge that faces the concerned The Study opines that there is a need to effects in engineering. In: Plate, EJ (ed.), Engineering Observatory, Environmental Protection Department, pedestrian area/street so as to enable most of find ways to improve air ventilation and the Meteorology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 573-639. Housing Department, Buildings Department, Lands the downwash wind to reach the street level. pedestrian wind environment of our city. Given [5] ASCE. (1999), American Society of Civil Engineers Department, Architectural Services Department, Hong Kong’s dense urban conditions, wind is (ASCE) Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice Housing, Planning & Lands Bureau, and Sustainable Building Heights beneficial. In general, the more wind the better. No. 67: Wind Tunnel Studies of Buildings and Development Unit of Chief Secretary for Administration’s Structures, Virginia: ASCE, 1999. Office, and last but not least, Planning Department for Height variation should be considered as Velocity Ratio has been proposed to be the [6] AWES (2001), Quality Assurance Manual on managing the study and has been in partnership with much as possible with the principle that the indicator for Air Ventilation Assessment. This Environment Wind Studies, AWES-QAM-1-2001. the researchers throughout the study._ height decreases towards the direction where would provide an objective basis for evaluating [7] Chang, P.C., Wang, P.N. and Lin, A. (1971). prevailing wind comes from. The stepped and comparing design options. ‘Turbulent Diffusion in a City Street’. Proceedings of the height concept can help optimize the wind Waterfront Sites Symposium on Air Pollution and Turbulent Diffusion, 7- capturing potential of the development itself. Shading and greenery The “Technical Guide for Air Ventilation 10 December, Las Cruces, New Mexico, pp.137-144. Waterfront sites are the gateways of sea Assessment for Developments in Hong Kong” [8] EC (1998) Technical report No 11 Guidance report breezes and land breezes due to the sea Tall trees with wide and dense canopy should proposed by the Study allows design options to on preliminary assessment under EC air quality cooling and sun warming effects. Buildings be planted along streets / entrance plazas/ be compared on a scientific and objective basis directives, European Environment Agency, Prepared by: along the waterfront should avoid blockage of setback areas for maximizing pedestrian with respect to the effect on air ventilation. An Roel van Aalst , Lynne Edwards, Tinus Pulles, Emile De sea/land breezes and prevailing winds. comfort - reducing urban heat island effect, advisory approach to implementation with the Saeger,Maria Tombrou5, Dag T¯nnesen. blockage to air movements at the pedestrian government taking a lead is recommended. A [9] Namdeo A., Colls J., Baker C.J. (1998), level by additional planting should be avoided. technical circular setting out the guidance for Resuspension and dispersion of fine and course applying air ventilation assessments to major particulates in an urban street canyon, Proc. 6th Int. Cool materials Scale of Podium government projects was promulgated in July Highway and Urban Pollution Symposium, Baveno, 2006. In addition, Chapter 11 of HKPSG on Italy. Use of cool materials in the pavements and The 100% site coverage for non-domestic urban design guidelines was expanded to building facades to decrease absorption part of developments up to some 15m high incorporate guidelines on air ventilation based of solar radiation. Cool materials are as permitted under the Building (Planning) on the recommendations of this Study in characterized by high solar reflectivity and Regulations often results in large podia. For August 2006. if possible by a high level of emission. For
HKIA journal 30 WANCHAI 2010: TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRANSFORMATION
James Charles Bermejo Acuna James is a Design Architect from the United States practicing in Hong Kong. He is currently pursuing research work on Manila Micro-Urban Developments and writes about Interiors and Travel for a local lifestyle publication.
URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL recyclable. The most common materials that and to reinforce architectural heritage in the vehicles, then the area will only be inviting more DEGRADATION can be recycled are aluminum air ducts, steel, upper Wanchai area, transforming Lee Tung vehicles. If the city builds and plans for more and lighting boxes. Other materials such as Street into a modern tourists and community pedestrians, then more pedestrians will make Within the last few years Hong Kong has been concrete, bricks and other aggregates can be attraction may be the key to spur Sustainable use of these environments. following the general consciousness shared by used for paving or creating decorative walls. development within a larger existing context. most world class cities in its attitudes towards Historically, Wanchai has always been a very In order to reduce the impact of building waste, generating an overall sustainable urban A better approach of reuse and recycle would integral business hub for Hong Kong. Today, planners, designers, engineers, and developers environment. Google-search “sustainable be no demolition at all but a program retrofit, upper-Wanchai and Queen’s Road East, must be serious about the conservation Hong Kong” and chances are several websites especially appropriate for older cities like a major link between Causeway Bay and of most existing building structures and from either private-sector organizations, Hong Kong with plenty of architectural history. Central, is home to several important offices architectures on the site. There have been like the HKSDF (Hong Kong Sustainable Transformations could be small-scale, like the of Government, non-Government, and private many successful re-appropriation projects in Development Forum) to public-interest preservation of old Chinese buildings, or have business institutions. Europe and even Mainland China of existing groups like Hong Kong People’s Council for a larger impact, like the new headquarters structures as residential/business lofts, studios, Sustainable Development will appear. Most of the Electrical and Mechanical Services The Urban Renewal Authority aims to upgrade restaurants, and shopping areas, and Lee Tung issues raised within each group are similar and Department (EMSD) which was born out of an the areas around key business centers, with Street has the advantage and the opportunity everyone is trying to find the right solutions old air-cargo terminal in Kowloon Bay. If new new towers, new residences, and a new in- for that kind of enlightened development. towards a more holistic and cooperative urban buildings have to be constructed, the Chater door air-conditioned food market which will Additionally, old building parts can be reused development. For example, air pollution and House in Central is a great example, then it eventually transform the Wanchai of history and retrofitted into the project in many other how to alleviate it has been by far the most would be best to make of use of the latest in into something perhaps generic and ordinary. ways. Products and materials used can either important topic of concern. Besides the prefabricated technology to construct facades A holistic sustainable urban development be recycled from site or be fitted with one obvious health issues, the visual impact is and internal architectural features off site with a would take account the tree players of of the thousands of newly recycled building particularly striking especially for most tourists great degree of precision, in order to minimize sustainability: the environmental, the social, products currently available on the market. who are straining their eyes to get a view of waste in construction as well as its own re- and the economic, as a driving precedence for the Hong Kong skyline as a whole through appropriation or reuse. a new development concept. Lee Tung Street As for Economic sustainability, the a thick cloud of “urban fog”. While many is a perfect canvas for a future case study for incorporation of local and community oriented contributors to this “urban fog”, like factory sustainability because all the elements already businesses should be considered when renting emissions from China are seemingly out of our SUSTAINABLE URBAN exist. A design focus on sustainability for this out spaces. It’s about time more art-based control, the most pressing problem for most ENVIRONMENTS CAN DEVELOP neighborhood is not quite as innovative or and local designer oriented trades like furniture city dwellers are the accumulation of pollutants revolutionary as it is just plain common sense. and fashion get focus and frontage here in emitted by vehicles that get trapped in areas So does Hong Kong have a greener future Hong Kong as they do in cities like Beijing in and around Hong Kong where high density ahead? Fortunately with the possibility of two To alleviate further micro-climactic pollution and Shanghai. With Queen’s road east as pedestrian zones exist. environmental assessment schemes to help of the area, the street should be pedestrian an interior design sourcing street and Start rate the greening of new construction, with oriented and vehicle-free. Presently, there are Street as a gallery destination, Lee Tung Street Another major cause of urban environmental HK-BEAM (Hong Kong Building Environmental plenty of streets around north-Wanchai that as a commercial, art-based, and open-air degradation is the Hong Kong attitude towards Assessment Method) and the CEPAS (the are vehicle-free. This is nothing new. If it were market destination may be a way to generate waste, most specifically building waste Comprehensive Environmental Performance to be implemented, one of the major blows a new kind of economy that is produced and disposal. While a few builders are gradually Assessment Scheme), theory will move to social and community culture would be the sold in a self-sustaining way for that specific working towards a more efficient zero-waste aggressively forward into common practice. demolition of open-air food markets in and area. If one were to look at the self-sustaining construction approach, there is still the issue Besides working towards greener building around Cross Street due to the emergence of 798 Artist’s Compound in Beijing, generating of waste accumulated through demolition, methods, green developments can occur a new-indoor Wanchai Market within the same a micro-economy rooted in Art not only and the choice of materials and method of within already existing neighborhoods. area. An existing open air street market also benefits community and tourism, but overall construction which should minimize further exists on Gresson Street towards Admiralty. urban culture as well. This is a program not building waste disposal in the future. In an There is a possibility for more holistic These street markets actually alleviate traffic borne out of number crunching but a basic ever evolving city like Hong Kong, the issue of sustainable developments to be made off of pollution and invigorate social and communal environmental, social, and economic need with a building material as waste and its life-cycles current Urban Renewal Authority projects, interaction among residents of the area and plenty of long-term rewards for Wanchai and are very important in gauging the “greenness” with the most controversial of them being the their visitors. The reduction of vehicular traffic the future of urban sustainable development as of new development methods. According to future re-development of Lee Tung Street in (which contributes to the reduction of vehicular a whole. Now that we have the ideas and the Angela Tam, author of “Sustainable building in Wanchai. Existing post-war buildings on that noise and emissions) and the solidification of education at our hands, all we need now is the Hong Kong: the past, present and future”, 99% street may not meet the criteria for preservation a sustainable market community are major essential willpower of the city of Hong Kong to of all building materials are reusable and/or but in order to reduce construction waste systems within an ideal sustainable urban help make these changes a reality. environment. If the city builds and plans for 6 Artist Video Installations on the surfaces of vacated post-war buildings on Lee Tung Street. HKIA journal 32 Twon of villages in harmony with nature What (really) Matters for the Planning for a Sustainable Community? The Case of the Dongtan, Shanghai Shanghai Dongtan Eco-city Three Communities in Phase One Landscape and Open Space
Sustainable Communities – How Dongtan, Shanghai --- Where the The Planning Principles - Sustainable • Other burners consume rice husks, which are incorporated into the urban fabric. To Sustainable are they? Vision Begins … Use and ‘Non-use’ of our Scarce produce a lot of heat and are plentiful in respect the original cultural heritage of the Energy China. On the outskirts giant windmills, rural arable communities, the open spaces Over the last 5 years, one sees the surging Arup, the global planning, engineering and driven by the sea breeze, produce and parks hierarchy is planned to reflect the trends around the world to apply sustainable design consultancy, has been commissioned The first phase of Dongtan is planned to be electricity too. Each building is fitted with traditional land parcel configurations. All the planning and design principles in the building by Shanghai Industrial Investment Corporation completed by 2010 when the Expo will be photovoltaic panels and its own, smaller public facilities and work places are located to of new communities. Hence one also (SIIC) to plan the world’s first sustainable held in Shanghai. This phase will include windmill. maximize walking and reduce use of car. finds numerous planning projects coined city – an eco-city – at Dongtan, in Shanghai, a wide range of developments with urban ‘sustainable communities’, ‘eco-towns’, ‘eco- China. SIIC has appointed Arup as a strategic parks, ecological parks and world class leisure From Eco-Footprint to the Master The Total Sustainability Solution cities’, etc. This phenomenon is particularly partner to work with them in the development facilities. Plan marked in China where the rate of urbanization of Dongtan as a dynamic, livable and eco- What has been clearly demonstrated in the has led to an unprecedented number of new friendly city, which will in turn define the future An outline of the resource management The project team applied the Eco-footprint Dongtan project is the fact that to be serious communities being planned on the drawing of sustainable urban development in China and principles and highlights of the unique aspects model to assess and compare the various about planning for sustainable communities, boards. beyond. of the energy planning process are summarized master plan options in terms of their overall the owners and the professionals must adopt below: consumption of the global resources. The a ‘total solution’. This means one must look Yet a close assessment of these projects The approach to integrated sustainable urban Eco-footprinting approach has been well at the physical design in the light of the points out that most of these ‘sustainable’ planning and design will help to turn SIIC’s • Incorporate the process of capturing and established and the project could compare the consumption of the resources; and look development projects have been, unfortunately, vision into reality and will create a city with purifying water in the landscape to support demand on the global resources by the new at the consumption of resources from an planned based on superficial understanding lower energy consumption and one which is life in the city Dongtan against other cities around the world. understanding of the way our cities functions; of the city activity systems and with minimal as close to being carbon neutral as possible and manage both the intangibles (the lifestyle, technical knowledge on the consumption within economic constraints. The project starts • Community waste management recycling Eco-footprint is: “the area of productive land ways of use of energy, behaviours) as well as of our global resources. Design ideas are with the primary objective to effect changes will generate clean energy from organic and sea (on our globe) needed to provide a the tangibles (the form, mass and shape) of the toyed around physical forms, massing and to how our urban systems should (and could) waste, reducing landfills that damage the given quantity of energy, food and materials subject city to achieve sustainability. That is locations of the various components of the functions to be sustainable. environment for a defined population in a given land mass, what (really) matters. built environment --- and yet with little, if and the area of land required to absorb the any, reference made to how the planned The project is located at the southern end • Combined heat and power systems will emissions”. While urban Shanghai demands communities would demand the use of our of Chongming Island at the northern side of provide the technology to source clean and 5.83 global hectare per capita, and Houston Stanley C T Yip, FHKIP, RTPI, CIP, MLI scarce resources in terms of energy, food, Shanghai. Dongtan is situated in an extremely reliable energy needs more than 12 global hectare per water, clean air, etc. Neither are much strategic position very close to Shanghai and capita, in Dongtan, the target is to reduce that Director, Planning & Development, Arup China comments made in these plans on how the on the third largest island in China, situated • Dongtan will be energy self-sufficient, with consumption to below 2.8 global hectares waste generated out of urban development at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Dongtan is all its transport, residential and commercial per capita. The eco-footprint modeling has should best be managed and how energy be three quarters the size of Manhattan and will buildings powered by a combination of provided a scientific and objective way to conserved. be developed as a sustainable city to attract wind, sun and other renewable energy assess the scale of the development and the a whole range of commercial and leisure sources. level of resources consumption associated One must understand that sustainability design investments. It will be a city where people with it. is only the means, and the end is to plan the will be able to live and work in a high quality • Electric and hydrogen-cell cars will be the communities in order to conserve our global environment. The intention is to evolve Arup’s main forms of transport on the island site. The scale of the project proposes an initial resources in a sustainable manner. Therefore, sustainable urban design and planning into ‘demonstrator’ habitation for 60,000 people to what matters first is the understanding of a blueprint for the future planning of Chinese • In principle, Dongtan will also be self- be built by 2010, when Shanghai will become the life cycle processes of how the new cities. sufficient in food, with Chongming’s farmers the centre of world business attention, with its communities function (including the lifestyles, encouraged to use organic agricultural 2010 Expo. This is projected to rise to 500,000 the behaviours, and the ways the economic Dongtan is currently a large area of mostly methods where possible. by 2040. and social environment systems work in agricultural land which has been earmarked integration). It is only we have the right by the Mayor of Shanghai and the Chinese • Up to 80% of solid waste is recycled. The Phase One demonstration project approach to understand and change the ways Premier as the site of China’s first sustainable Organic waste is burned in an incinerator, includes three ‘villages each with its village the communities function that we can start to eco city. A high quality road infrastructure is catering for part of the town’s electricity centres and social infrastructure. An open seriously assess how sustainable they will be. currently being built that connects Dongtan to requirements. space system that encourages pedestrian the Shanghai mainland. and an efficient public transportation network
HKIA journal 34 Green Design for Sports Facility: Fukien Secondary School Swimming Pool fig 3 The plan showing the solar fig 4 Section showing the solar chimney chimney and the Fans & Dampers control system
The design of The Fukien Secondary School Passive daylighting design: light Once the local sun-path is tracked, it is then integrate the combined use of solar chimney With the aid of the simulation tool, a solid at source opposed to ceiling extractors in a new sports facility at Kwun Tong represents a pipe system possible to introduce PASALI (Hopkinson that operates on stack effect, and mechanical understanding and knowledge on the traditional layout. This is deemed an important fruitful attempt of Green design approach for a & Kay, 1972) design that integrates natural ventilation operated by humidity sensor. applicability of passive ventilation strategy statement for maintaining sustainability in an low-energy, high comfort and environmental- The light pipe system directs daylight into the and artificial lighting by means of electronic - solar chimneys in deep plan sports facilities architectural design. sustainable sports facility for the future. interior, to reduce energy consumption by (dimming) control system and light sensors. The CFD simulation is an effective tool for design was achieved. Since the passive system Research team from HKU led by Prof. Stephen artificial lighting. The design combines Anidolic1 designers to visualize thermal performance consumes no electricity in use, buildings Renewable energy Lau and Prof. Yuguo Li from the architecture (Scartezzini & Courret 2002, Lau & Baharuddin, The proposed swimming pool complex will offer under simulated scenarios. In this design, The using it could save a considerable amount of and mechanical engineering departments, 2006) daylight theory projection for interior a unique opportunity to demonstrate the use of CFD software Flovent was used to investigate non-renewable energy during their operation The fourth feature is the introduction of respectively, work closely with the design team space with solar geometry and light pipe. advanced daylight enhancement system such the air flow pattern, temperature and relative compared with a counterpart with conventional renewable energy facility for demonstrative and adhering to an integrated design process By making use of daylight design software, as light pipes. The proposed installation shall humidity distribution in the pool hall under centralized air conditioning system. education purpose. Due to limited space, the (IDP). There are several sustainable design predictive and visual results are able to be include the installation of 6 light-reflecting pipes conditions of different natural winds, with the designers could only find restricted locations technologies. generated. to bring light down into the teaching space inlet wind speed of 3 m/s, 0.2m/s, and 0m/s Refinement of mechanical extract for installing photovoltaic panels on the roof below. Light sensors will be installed to gauge respectively. Under the condition of no natural system and incorporation of data display installation daylightperformance and operate electric wind and operated fans, the “chimney effect” for demonstrative purpose and educational lighting for energy saving purpose. was investigated separately to evaluate the The third feature is the refinement of the applications. ability of buoyancy ventilation. It can be seen mechanical extract system for the changing Based on a simulation study2 using Ecotect from the graphic simulation outcomes that with rooms in response to potential health threats Last but not the least feature is the use of and Radiance, drawing on data from Hong the solar chimney, air movement is improved by experienced during the 2003 SARS incidents. ‘green tile’, a proprietary external facing tiles Kong Observatory, it is concluded that the the buoyancy effect. The designers insists on relocating the extract that is designed to be self cleansing and benefit of Anidolic light pipes include reduction ducting to be immediate next to the washroom pollutant-free. of artificial lighting energy requirement by utensils so that foul air could be extracted about 19% compared to the window system; improve the illuminance uniformity by 3.3 times of the window system; reduce heat gains produced by artificial lighting system; reduce the illuminance near the window by 30%, benefits for glare protection; reduce fig 1 Light pipe details environmental impact by lowering the use of electricity produce from fossil fuels; suitable for the location that is dominated by overcast sky conditions like Hong Kong. Anidolic light pipes require higher initial cost for construction of the system, but require no maintenance cost. Therefore, even though the initial cost for constructing this system is higher, its under- laying benefits should make it feasible for most deep interior spaces.
Natural Ventilation using solar chimney
In contrast with the conventional design based on a fully air-conditioning approach, our energy-saving and environmental-friendly fig 5 CFD Study of environmental fig 2 Comparison of Simulated daylight factor design incorporates passive energy strategy fig 6 CFD Study of environmental performance performance of swimming pool withou distribution of light pipes to facilitate natural ventilation in the swimming of swimming pool with the chimney effect solar chimneys pool hall. A CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis is carried out to help to
1 Anidolic (An: without, eidolin: image in ancient Greek) systems refer to the daylighting systems that apply non-imaging optics principles to the design of new reflectors. 2 The research project is a part of the Integrated Design Process whereby researchers provided quantitative data for the building services engineers’ evaluation of the performance of the sustainable design features.
HKIA journal 36