Dr Shariful Shikder

In a healthcare environment a window is necessary to transmit daylight and provide outside view to enhance therapeutic performance. However, a window impacts on several environmental attributes of the indoor space. Depending on the size, orientation and solar shading configuration, a window influences on visual and thermal comfort, as well as on the energy consumption of the building. It is thus necessary to optimise window design for maximum performance. Computer modelling and simulation techniques integrated with optimisation methodologies offer opportunities to evaluate design decisions considering various criteria. In this study a patient room window has been evaluated using computer modelling and simulation. The aim of the study was to demonstrate an integrated opitimisation methodology to identify the optimal design of a window considering daylight and thermal performances at the early stages. The window comprised a tall pane of glass and a light shelf, and was oriented toward the South. Four parameters were used to define the window: the width, sill and lintel level heights, and the depth of the solar shading. Performance of the window was measured for variable parametric values based on daylight factor and annual cooling/heating loads in the room. The study demonstrates a novel approach of optimising window configuration for daylight design using parametric computer simulations and evaluates the potential and limitations of the technique in daylighting design.

The design of a lighting environment is a complex task because of the need to satisfy multiple criteria, which are often in conflict with each other, for example, an adequate level of illumination needs to be maintained in a space to satisfy the requirements for various tasks, while not sacrificing illuminance uniformity or introducing glare and discomfort. The position of luminaires can impact on all of these criteria as well as influence energy consumption of the lighting system, therefore, it is necessary to optimise luminaire position for better performance. Application of computer simulation tools can provide an improved evaluation alternative design decisions to support decision making. However, computer simulation integrated with formal optimisation techniques is not well established within traditional lighting design. An optimisation methodology through computer simulation has been demonstrated in this study to identify optimal luminaire positions within a senior living room. Lighting simulation program Radiance integrated with a Genetic Algorithm (GA) based search technique has been used in this study as an optimisation process. A senior living room comprising two compact fluorescent lamp luminaires was considered as the test scenario. Luminaire position design was subject to meet specific horizontal illuminance uniformity and luminance requirements from guides published by professional organisations. The study demonstrated a methodology to apply formal optimisation technique with Radiance based simulation and the ability to support in decision making. Ray-traced Radiance simulations can be very time consuming, however, with controlled simulation parameters and multi-processor hardware it appears reasonable to integrate formal optimisation techniques with Radiance. The GA based optimisation technique proved to be successful in generating design decision. This paper describes the methodology adopted in detail with advantages and drawbacks, and identifies the potential of the methodology within artificial lighting design.

There is a growing interest in integrating model based evolutionary optimization in engineering design decision making for effective search of the solution space. Most applications of evolutionary optimization are concerned with the search for optimal solutions satisfying pre-defined constraints while minimizing or maximizing desired goals. A few have explored post-optimization decision making using concepts such as Pareto optimality, but mostly in multi-objective problems. Sub-optimal solutions are usually discarded and do not contribute to decision making after optimization runs. However, the discarded ‘inferior’ solutions and their fitness contain useful information about underlying sensitivities of the system and can play an important role in creative decision making. The need for understanding the underlying system behavior is more pronounced in cases where variations in the genotype space can cause non-deterministic changes in either the fitness or phenotype space and where fitness evaluations are computationally expensive.The optimized design of an artificial lighting environment of a senior living room is used as a test case to demonstrate the need for and application of fitness visualization in genotype and phenotype spaces for effective decision making. Sub-optimal solutions are retained during optimization and visualized along with the optimum solution in a fitness array visualization system called phi-array, developed as part of this research. The optimization environment is based on genetic algorithm (GA) in which a compute-intensive raytracing rendering engine, RADIANCE, is used to evaluate the fitness of prospective design solutions. Apart from describing the development of the optimization system and demonstrating the utility of phi-array in effective decision making, this article explores optimization parameters and their effectiveness for artificial lighting design problems and the nature of their rugged fitness and constraint landscapes.

The aim of the research was to analyse the development and adoption of modular construction within the UK housing sector. This was achieved through primary and secondary research. The primary research adopted quantitative and qualitative measures through a questionnaire survey of fifty-eight housebuilding professionals, as well as interviews with five industry professionals. The key findings of this data found that the perception of the public and those working within industry needs to improve in order for modular construction to be widely adopted on a mass scale in this sector. Topics such as the skills shortage were researched and found to be an issue, but the requirement for a large labour force is apparently reduced with the adoption of factory produced modular units. A modern method of construction (MMC) target of one in four publicly funded units was introduced by the government in 2004. This was addressed within this study, but the data collected suggests this has not been achieved. While there are still some reservations regarding the uptake of modular housing construction, there are also various positives highlighted within this study. These include increased energy efficiency and sustainability, agreed by the majority of the respondents as major drivers, alongside the increased speed of build and quality improvement compared to the traditional method. Overall, this study provides a good insight into the current state of attitudes and perceptions within the industry regarding modular construction and analysis of quantities of modular dwellings being built in the UK. As a result of the analysis of the development and adoption of modular construction, the author recommends the introduction of more specific training, financial incentives, and improved communication regarding the benefits of modular built homes to attract more house buyers.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become an integral part of the UK construction industry since the enforcement of the government’s BIM mandate in 2016. However, one of the biggest challenges of industry-wide BIM adoption is the shortage of BIM skills. Higher education institutions also face the pressure to update their curriculum and education methods within the compact architecture, surveying and engineering curriculum; and it is claimed that there is a lack of knowledge of BIM pedagogy. Hence, the need to evaluate existing teaching methods and exploring opportunities for the future is necessary. Existing literature suggests that project-based education is widely used in construction and engineering education, and also adopted in BIM education. In this study, based on the constructivist learning principles, a problem-based learning (PBL) technique was applied in an inter-professional studies (IPS) module to explore opportunities for BIM education. The IPS module was not dedicated specifically for BIM education; however, in this project, the aim was to identify the prospect of inter-professional group projects (problem-based learning exercise) as a method of educating BIM among the architecture, surveying and construction management students. The results show, although the students developed a better awareness of the BIM process and standards, collaborative group activities were not intuitive to follow the principles of BIM. Also, the use of specific BIM tools/application was not used by most of the students. Previous experience of using BIM-specific software was lacking among the students, and most of them did not want to learn new software in a short period. The results also identified that the students did not feel that the group projects encouraged them to learn about the collaborative working environment. Based on these findings, this study developed a set of recommendations to incorporate BIM principles throughout the module. Findings from this study would be beneficial to set discipline-specific learning outcomes to promote BIM education.

In 2011, a UK government mandate stated that all public-sector construction projects must conform to BIM level 2. As the owner of one of the largest estate portfolios in Europe the NHS will be heavily impacted by the introduction of the BIM mandate. The aim of this article is to explore how prepared NHS facilities managers (FM) are for the introduction of the BIM 2016 mandate. To do this an online questionnaire survey and face to face interviews were conducted to identify NHS FM professionals' awareness, understanding, experience, and opinions of BIM and organisational readiness. Analysis of the primary data shows that NHS FM professionals are underprepared to engage fully with BIM in a competent manner with many failing to demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of BIM. By developing an understanding of NHS FM professionals current skills, knowledge, experience and opinions with regards to BIM this article aims to help future studies understand what key elements should be considered by public sector organisations when establishing a BIM for FM implementation framework.

Recent climate change projections estimate that the average summertime temperature in the southern part of Great Britain may increase by up to 5.4°C by the end of the century. The general consensus is that projected increases in temperature will render British dwellings vulnerable to summer overheating and by the middle of this century it may become difficult to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, if adaptation measures are not well integrated in the design and operation of new dwellings, which are likely to remain in use beyond the 2050s. The challenge is to reduce overheating risks by integrating building and user adaptation measures, to avoid energy intensive mechanical cooling. Developing guidelines and updating building regulations for adaptation, therefore, requires an understanding of the baseline scenario; i.e. the performance of existing buildings in future climates. This paper aims to investigate the performance of new-build multi-occupancy British dwellings for human thermal comfort in the present-day and projected future climates in four regional cities: Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Evaluations are carried out by a series of dynamic thermal simulations using widely adopted threshold temperature for overheating, as well as adaptive thermal comfort standards. This study thus offers a unique perspective on regional variations of performance and provides a clearer snapshot because of the use of more appropriate adaptive comfort standards in the evaluations. Finally, the paper sheds light on possible personal and building adaptation measures to alleviate overheating risks.

Aims: Research suggests that specialised lighting design is essential to cater for the elderly users of a building because of reduced visual performance with increased age. This review aims to document what is known of the physical and psychological aspects of lighting and their role in promoting a healthy and safe environment for the elderly. Methods: A methodical review was carried out of published literature on the physical and psychological impacts of light on the elderly. Design standards and guides from professional organizations were evaluated to identify synergies and gaps between the evidence base and current practice. Results: Lighting has been identified as a significant environmental attribute responsible for promoting physical and mental health of the elderly. The evidence related to visual performance was found to be robust. However, guides and standards appeared to have focused mostly on illumination requirements for specific tasks and have lacked detailed guidelines on vertical lighting and luminance design. This review has identified a growing body of evidence on the therapeutic benefits of lighting and its use in treating psychological disorders among the elderly. The experiments using light as a therapy have improved our understanding of the underlying principles, but the integration of therapeutic aspects of lighting in design practice and guidelines is lacking. Conclusions: While design guidelines discuss the physical needs of lighting for the elderly fairly well, they lack incorporation of photobiological impacts. Despite positive outcomes from research, the implementation of therapeutic aspects of lighting in buildings is still debatable due to insufficient relevant investigations and robustness of their findings. Collaborations between designers and physicians can contribute in delivering customised lighting solutions by considering disease types and needs. Further investigation needs to be carried out for translating therapeutic benefits to photometric units to implement them in building lighting design.

Layout planning is the primordial design activity that determines the characteristics and performance of a building throughout its lifecycle. Due to its iterative nature, there is a growing interest in the automation of space layout planning to enhance the search for optimum design solutions. The approaches for automation range from constraint/heuristics-based to the application of numerical optimisation algorithms. Among these, the use of design constraints to guide the search of the solution space is well regarded due to its ability to model design problems of an applied nature with multiple objectives. Constraint-based approaches also allow interactivity between the designer and layout planning process, which simulates the iterative nature of creative design and can be integrated well with the existing design process. Interactivity also enhances the management of design knowledge through improved processing and visualisation of information. This paper presents a theoretical framework for interactive constraint-based layout optimisation with an implemented prototype for a hospital patient room interior layout. The theoretical framework was developed by analysing existing layout automation methods and interactive approaches through a review of relevant literature. Object-oriented computer programming was used to develop the prototype to demonstrate the proposed approach of interactive layout planning system. The framework augments the iterative design process by facilitating the active participation and sharing of the designer’s knowledge during the aggregation. With regard to the implementation of the framework in large problems, fast evaluation of design solution was found to be necessary to interact with the system in real time. Interactive constraint-based layout optimisation has, therefore, the ability to enhance the search process of optimum design solutions by augmenting the iterative nature of the creative design process.

Research suggests that specialized lighting design is essential to cater for the elderly users of a building because of the physiological changes in the eye with increased age. Recent studies have established that lighting in a space impacts on users’ physical performance as well as on the mental state. In particular, light therapies have been found to be successful in treating several mood disorders in the elderly. Nevertheless, information relating to the therapeutic performance of lighting is scattered and comparatively less studied in built environment research. This review aims to identify the criteria for the therapeutic lighting design for the elderly and to discuss its applicability on contemporary design practices. Methodologies adopted for this study include a systematic review of literature to synthesize recent research findings and an evaluation of lighting guides published by the regulatory bodies and professional institutions to identify current practice. The review identified that there are substantial amount of evidence exists, which can be incorporated during elderly lighting design to increase the therapeutic performance of the space. Apart from enabling the users to navigate safely and perform routine tasks, the therapeutic performance of lighting is significant to enhance elderly wellbeing. Depression, delirium, sleep disorder and disorder in the circadian system are common mood disorders among the elderly, which are evidently influenced by the lighting environment. Advancements in lighting technology, in particular in low energy Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting have led to new approaches to meet detail photometric parameters to construct the desired therapeutic environment. Our understanding of the photo-biological effects of lighting has enhanced, however the evidence is not well integrated with design guidelines. The research reported here has made an attempt to bridge this gap by developing a comprehensive knowledge base of the therapeutic lighting design for the elderly.

The construction industry requires proactive safety management to identify hazards and plan work activities due to its high risk and dynamic nature. Integrating immersive technologies (ImTs) within safety management has been acknowledged within literature, however the practical industry application on construction sites remains limited. To date research into ImT implementation within construction has focused on safety training or using simulated environments. Whilst various aspects of ImTs such as drivers, opportunities, challenges and benefits have been considered by researchers, there is a dearth of studies that have explored these from an industry-based context. To accelerate industry implementation of ImTs, a critical missing element is considering these aspects collectively, through the lived experiences of construction professionals working within the field. To bridge this gap, this study aims to explore the site-based implementation of ImTs within safety management on construction projects, with a focus on the drivers, opportunities, challenges and benefits. This study adopts a multi-method qualitative approach to primary data collection through two key phases. The first phase used focus groups to gather the perception and experiences of ImT implementation within four recognised categories from 21 UK based construction professionals. Through inductive analysis the results identified key themes, which were tested during the second phase, an exploratory case study within a live project environment. This case study presents a unique empirical insight of ImT implementation within practical on-site safety management processes, and captures the lived experiences from 19 project based construction professionals within a range of roles. Findings from the thematic analysis in both phases found a total of 18 themes within the four categories. Results showed that there are opportunities for on-site integration within safety logistics planning and site-based training. The drivers focused on independent innovation, mandated requirements and the potential for future recruitment growth, whilst the challenges included senior management investment, costs and expertise. Practical on-site applications showed benefits of ImTs in enhancing the communication of hazards, engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration which led to more effective risk assessment. Although it was also highlighted that overexposure could lead to complacency. Results from the study suggests that industry perceptions of ImTs can be positively influenced through the lived experience of its practical on-site application and demonstration of performance impacts. Through the unique use of thematic analysis, using active industry professionals experience and practical on-site application, this study provides a fresh industry perspective into the underdeveloped field of site-based ImT research by exploring further practical understanding of the drivers, opportunities, challenges and benefits of ImTs implementation for on-site safety management. This study offers an analytical framework to inform industry adaptors of the key influencing factors influencing ImT implementation and recommends further practical testing using a range of project scales and site activities. Moreover this study recommends investigating these key themes from a clients perspective and further research into behavioural impacts of applying ImTs practically in on-site safety management.

The use of immersive sensory technology for safety management is generally shown positively in academic literature. Many researchers have demonstrated applications of this technology for improving safety training in a risk-free environment. Despite the reported benefits and a global pandemic forcing the digital agenda, the uptake of this technology for this purpose remains slow. This study aims to investigate current drivers and challenges of implementing this technology for safety from an industry-based perspective. To achieve this, qualitative data was collected through 4 online focus groups involving 21 industry professionals working within the field. The findings identified that even amongst these experts, the technology was rarely implemented on projects specifically for safety. Despite this lack of adoption, participants agreed that if implemented correctly this technology has the potential to enhance site safety processes such as inductions, toolbox talks and general safety training. The commitment to safety and legislative requirements were identified as key drivers, whilst deep rooted challenges surrounding client demand, costs and leadership dominated the discussion. The onsite practicalities, personal comfort and lack of digital skills were also identified as concerns if this technology was to be adopted more mainstream in safety training. Further recommendations are made to develop understanding of these specific challenges, including investigating the industry need and availability of specific skills in immersive safety applications. In addition, it is recommended that further empirical evidence including the impact of this technology when implemented for safety on projects is provided in literature.

To operate successfully, an asset-centric organisation must recognise the need of visually validating the placement of its constructed assets. This is important to organisations but there are limitations and challenges. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has been widely adapted, and its establish methods and technologies offers some potentials in benefiting the highways sector. Hence this study involved the development of a BIM-based protocol and decision framework for real-time collection, validation, and handover of attribute data for National Highways' major schemes, using machine learning from images collected from drone flights. The study has integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches at rigorous and extensive stages, following the principles of critical realism theory and exploratory sequential mixed methods. The qualitative research further informed the design of a questionnaire which was used to elucidate broader industry experts’ perspective that ultimately guided the design, development and validation of machine learning-enabled real time asset information modelling. A new protocol to overcome these limitations by applying Machine Learning algorithms for Mask RCNN (Region based Convolutional Neural Networks) and recognising the assets of roads with geospatial images obtained from drones. The prototype looked at a linear asset, as they are the most difficult to capture. Using 150 images of the chosen asset type, these were labelled then processed using machine learning which then highlighted the assets it had learnt, allowing the output to be sent to client databases in there required file format. As proposed in the framework and validated through a case study the prototype effectively showcased how drone photogrammetry, powered by Machine Learning, a subset of Artificial Intelligence and Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes, can capture assets in real-time. This process reduces the time for redlining and negates the need for on-site surveys, adding value and reducing programme time.

The promotion of uptake of building information modelling (BIM) and circular economy (CE) in the UK and Turkiye construction sectors can be enhanced with the addition of AI. Thus, AI-enabled BIM and CE must be addressed from the viewpoint of current practices and capabilities. This study conducted a comparative study of capability maturity modelling (CMM) backed by a state-of-the-art (SOTA) review of 24 peer-reviewed publications via a validatory approach using a focus group webinar of eight experts in the UK and Turkiye. The findings, as extracted through a validated CMM framework of seven dimensions, were used to identify the position of the UK and Turkiye in terms of AI in BIM and CE. It was discovered that the UK is in a position regarding adoption, government policies and incentives at a defined level. AI growth is required in terms of technological advancement, education and training, industry readiness, cultural attitudes and resistance because they are in a managed phase. It was confirmed that Turkiye is at the initial stage of AI adoption, education, training, incentives, policies, technology and cultural attitudes. The originality of this study lies in the recommendations for a 10-year CMM adoption timeframe towards an optimised level. The conclusions of this manuscript will influence government, education, research and technological policies in the UK and Turkiye.

The UK construction sector has increasingly encountered cost management inefficiencies in overruns, errors, rework and variations. This study demonstrated how Generative AI (GAI), an emerging trend in digital construction, can foster large language models (LLMs) from the industry's historical data to predict costs. The process of developing the GAI system architecture applied the V-model and agile methodological approach and BIM templates. As used in the UK construction sector, the BIM templates considered data from building cost information service (BCIS) and task information delivery plan (TIDP) to develop the architecture. The system architecture designed in this study aligned with the RICS New Rules of Measurement 1 (NRM1) for early cost advice and text-to-task models. The implication of the GAI system architecture for digital cost management presented in this study elicited the integration of GAI with the BIM processes, offering substantial benefits to the construction industry. This includes streamlined workflows, reduced errors, and improved decision-making. The implications of the system architecture offer opportunities for increased BIM uptake in the UK and the sector globally.

The benefits and risks associated with installing internal wall insulation (IWI) and thin internal wall insulation (TIWI) retrofits into solid wall homes are researched and evaluated for BEIS. In order to deliver this, a holistic approach was adopted and the project was split into four main sections, each of which has an accompanying Annex to this summary report: Annex A: Review of existing literature as well as primary investigations using house surveys, householder questionnaires and installer focus groups into the sociotechnical barriers to IWI and TIWI. Annex B: Technical evaluation of the performance of IWI and six novel TIWI retrofits installed in field trial solid wall Test Houses using before and after building performance evaluations. Annex C: Modelling of the impact on annual energy consumption, EPC rating, overheating risk, condensation risk and moisture accumulation made by IWI and TIWI retrofits in a range of UK house archetypes. Annex D: Laboratory testing of test walls using hygrothermal chambers to quantify the change in moisture and thermal performance of solid brick walls when they are insulated with IWI and TIWI to determine how weather