Tahira Hamid

Individuals with a disability and/or impairment(s) have had a long history battling with acceptance in mainstream society, life as an individual with a disability has changed with time, for example; in the Babylon era births of children with congenial impairments were used to predict the future; in the Renaissance period in Europe physical beauty and perfection was revived, fast forward to today’s time the United Kingdom hosted the Paralympic Games in 2012. What is deemed as acceptable and our understanding of the term “disability” has come a long way, important milestones have sometimes been achieved by way of protests and petitions resulting in legislation being passed. Designing inclusive buildings and the environments surrounding them is largely directed by the designer’s education, subconscious thoughts and ideas. In recent times the UK government and design bodies have hoped to direct inclusive design by introducing new, and fortifying existing legislation in conjunction with the Department of Work and Pensions rectifying and training professionals in understanding disability and to learn key skills when designing inclusive spaces. A qualitative method has been used in the form of questionnaires distributed via social media inviting professionals of the architecture and construction industry to partake in the research. The aim of this research is to explore perceptions within the architecture and construction industry and whether it has an affect when designing inclusive environments. The questionnaires concluded that preconceptions of disabilities within the architecture and construction industry do exist and education plays a dominating factor in changing our thought process. Moving forward it is recommended to carry out further investigations to establish how the preconceptions have formed and to evaluate the Built Environment Professional Education Project (BEPE) and its integration in higher education.

Currently, our environment has been shaped in large by human activity (National Geographic Society, 2023). Following the industrial revolution's technological advancements, pollution introduced by those advancements has already caused a significant negative impact. The construction industry currently contributes to 38% of all greenhouse gasses (World Business Council for Sustainability Development). While there are measures in place to lessen greenhouse gas emissions and become more sustainable, are designs evolving so they can appropriately react to this ever-changing environment? This issue is relevant because designers impact construction projects. Therefore, it is the duty of designers to modify standards, influence projects and adjust the construction sector. While new laws and regulations are being implemented to promote sustainability, what steps are designers adopting to address the harm that has occurred? The purpose of this paper is to determine if construction designers are adapting plans to account for the extremes that are happening now and will happen in the future. The research papers main aim is to gather information and viewpoints from industry professionals to determine whether they comprehend the effects of global warming, whether the extremes that will occur are considered throughout the design stage, and whether this research paper will persuade other designers in the construction industry to take these issues into consideration. To gather information and opinions from those in the construction industry, a mixed methods approach and the constructive worldview has been employed. Surveys, case studies, and interviews has been used to collect data to gather professional’s opinions and whether the construction industry are aware and accommodating extremities in their designs. In conclusion, designers are aware of the effects caused by the ever-changing environment but don’t design to accommodate them. An increase in education based on the matter would be beneficial as well as developing standardised designs to accommodate the extremities.

Hempcrete is a construction material construed of hemp and lime, its profile has begun to favour sustainable construction methods. The material is grown without chemicals and requires little water. Hempcrete removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process carbon sequestration. Hempcrete improves the energy efficiency of walls, flooring, and roofs. The use of the material however has had skilled labourers and contractors unsure of its use, it’s clear that a future in hempcrete requires further education for those that are installing hempcrete. The aim of this research was to review the sustainability benefits of hempcrete and how it can educate the construction industry in lowering carbon output through material selection. The objectives of this research were to investigate the properties of hempcrete when used as a building material contrasting with the barriers in practice when selecting materials. The second objective was to analyse hempcrete product data to reiterate its benefits against traditional materials. The research was guided by a pragmatic worldview, with a quantitative phase assessed technical data supplied by manufactures of hempcrete worldwide; the materials thermal conductivity, compressive strength and carbon footprint was compared against concrete. As a result of the data a set of questions were developed for the qualitative phase. The survey was deployed to the architecture and construction industry (ACI) with the highest denominator being Architectural Technologists and establishing why these stakeholders do not currently use hempcrete. The pragmatic approach facilitated the integration of quantitative and qualitative data, with the technical data providing the justification for the survey questions. The conclusion of the survey is that the ACI lacks knowledge within the area of hempcrete and its comparison to traditional materials. To combat this gap, recommendations of cpd, further research into case studies where hempcrete has been used and attendance of workshops addressing different sustainable materials.

Rising global temperatures and environmental pollution have put into question traditional construction materials in search of sustainable solutions. An alternative lies in the utilisation of biological materials through growing mycelium-forming fungal microorganisms on various organic feedstocks. Surviving numerous mass extinctions and dramatic changes in climate, these microscopic heterotrophic organisms play a key role in recycling biomass. Newly developing research questions the possibility of utilising this organism’s naturally occurring recycling properties to incorporate it within the structures where humans spend the majority of their time, buildings. The root-like network of hyphae (mycelium) is an organism responsible for nutrient sourcing and transportation for the growth, and reproduction of fungi (Biala and Ostermann 2024). To grow it requires access to an organic substrate to decompose and subtract nutrients from (Biala and Ostermann 2024). This naturally occurring process has been developed within lab environments to create naturally formed structures, (Agraviador, 2024) and combined with various feedstocks to create mycelium-based composites (MBCs), with properties deeming them potentially useful within the built environment (Jones et al., 2020). Promising results in this potentially pioneering sustainable material have been collected. This paper discusses the suitability of mycelium-based materials in relation to; resource sustainability, durability, recyclability, feasibility, and pollution through investigating existing case studies and analysing current research. An analysis of companies currently developing these products regarding the costs, scalability, and limitations alongside a comparison to traditional construction materials regarding key factors such as acoustic, and thermal insulating capabilities has been explored, alongside a prediction of future projection. The research is conducted with a pragmatic and postpositivist approach with a critical analysis of data with a mixed-method approach. This provides a comprehensive insight into the use of mycelium as a potentially sustainable and innovative building material, alongside the necessary development for its implementation in the construction industry.

The aim of the research paper is to investigate the importance of local materials across architectural design, it emphasizes the environmental benefits, cultural significance, and their potential for climate adaptation. The assessment goes into detail regarding the involvement of indigenous materials, reinforcing and embodying the cultural identity and heritage of communities, showcasing good craftsmanship as well as building techniques that have been passed down through different generations. By incorporating local resources, architects can create structures that will not only personify the unique properties of their surroundings but also harness a feeling of belonging and stability within the community.Additionally, the research paper assesses the environmental resilience offered through local materials, focusing on their suitability for certain climates. It evaluates the impact of these materials in promoting sustainable architectural practices and energy efficiency. The study is grounded in a combination of two main worldviews, including transformative and constructivism, and follows a mixed method approach by employing a questionnaire including open-ended, close-ended ended and Likert scale styled questions.In order to improve buildings' resilience and adaptability to various climate challenges, the study also finds and supports creative design approaches that incorporate regional materials. Increasing temperatures, severe weather, and shifting precipitation patterns are some of these difficulties. Local materials can be used in architectural design to create structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also able to withstand the effects of climate change.In order to improve cultural continuity, environmental sustainability, and resilience in the face of climate challenges, the findings emphasise the significance of integrating local resources into architectural design. The use of local materials is emphasised in this research paper, which, taken as a whole, helps architects, legislators, and builders develop a cordial relationship with the built environment and the ecological and cultural contexts in which they are valued. Using this approach, it is believed a way can be paved to a more culturally included and sustainable future in architecture.

This research examines how natural elements in architecture influence human emotions. Purely focusing on biophilic design and adaptive ecology, in connecting people with built environments. Adaptive ecology explores the dynamic relationship between systems, in this case, buildings and nature. Evaluating their evolution and correlated improvements (Holling, 1973). With climate change currently driving the demand for sustainable proposals, biophilic design has gained attention for integrating nature into architecture, creating emotionally supported spaces that enhance productivity and mental well-being. (Kellert, 2008).Adopting the humanism worldview, which prioritizes human experiences and emotional needs, therefore examining how natural elements like light, greenery, and outdoor views contribute to well-being in built environments. Despite growing interest in biophilic design, research on its emotional impact remains limited. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the survey combines qualitative and quantitative data, to asses participants’ psychological responses to elements from biophilic design. As a result, reported feelings of comfort and relaxation stem from spaces enriched with natural elements. Particularly, areas including natural light and having outdoor views, positively impacting emotional well-being. On the other hand, zones that create excessive exposure to natural elements caused some participants the sense of being overwhelmed. The majority expressed signs of discomfort, primarily due to the non-sequential noise disruption, produced by water features.Overall, the findings agree with the statement, that biophilic design can enhance emotional resilience, reduce stress, and create a sense of well-being. However, the results also highlight, that having the correct balance of aesthetics, privacy and functionality, is key in maximising the full potential of nature-inspired design. Valuable for architects and urban planners, these insights emphasize the need to incorporate nature into the built environment, not only for sustainability and practical use, but also for the psychological well-being of its occupants.

The intricate relationship between architectural spaces and human psychology has been an area of intense research, with evidence suggesting that our physical environment profoundly influences behaviour, emotions, and well-being (Goldhagen, 2017). As urbanisation accelerates and people spend more time indoors, studies predict 68% of the world's population will live in urban areas by 2050 (Kundu,2020). This trend underscores the critical need to understand the impact of building design on human experiences.This research paper adopts a pragmatist worldview, it identifies and analyses specific architectural and interior design elements that shape behavioural patterns and affective states within built environments. Our research aspires to generate evidence-based design methods, potentially improving the quality of life across many environments.This research paper employs a mixed methods approach, primarily emphasising qualitative techniques supplemented by quantitative data. The data collection involves a survey with Likert-scale questions, to measure subjective experiences, and open-ended questions, to gather in-depth personal accounts. The study recruited participants with construction expertise and everyday people from various built environments. Data analysis follows a mixed-method approach, analysing the Likert-scale responses statistically and conducting a thematic analysis on the qualitative data. The findings are then compared against existing research literature, creating an in-depth response.The research paper examines fundamental architectural aspects to discover how they influence a person's behaviour and emotions. Room layout, acoustic design, ceiling height, lighting, colour scheme, material selection, and biophilic design were all investigated. Themes have been discovered for each element and supported by secondary sources. This has enabled the development of evidence-based design principles that benefit emotions and behaviours across a wide range of environments, resulting in a greater emphasis on this subject rather than solely financial gain.

Although there has been a lot of research conducted on the relationship between sustainable design and mental wellness, there are still several gaps and limits. There is a gap in residential architecture because most studies on natural light, air quality, and green spaces have been conducted in commercial or healthcare spaces.This research paper explores the relationship between environmental factors, overall mental well-being, and sustainable residential building design. It focuses on how factors such as natural light, air quality, and green spaces can shape buildings to promote mental health and sustainability. Through addressing overall mental well-being, this study links design strategies to psychological needs while advancing sustainable practices. The study adopts a mixed methods approach, using surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data on how environmental conditions shape our buildings to affect residents’ mental well-being. The sequential search optimisation method is employed to identify sustainable design solutions that enhance mental health outcomes. This method is appropriate as it allows for iterative improvements, ensuring both psychological and sustainability objectives are met. Guided by a pragmatic worldview, this research seeks practical solutions that balance environmental impacts with the mental well-being of residents. It focuses on residential buildings within specific geographical and cultural contexts, considering how global sustainability standards, such as BREEAM, can be applied locally.This interdisciplinary study connects architecture, psychology, and environmental science, offering a fresh perspective by integrating mental well-being into sustainable design. The findings will provide actionable insights for architects, policymakers, and residents, supporting informed decision-making in the design of sustainable, health-promoting residential environments. By establishing guidelines for building design that consider environmental impacts and psychological benefits, this research contributes to the evolving dialogue on sustainable architecture, with potential for practical applications across different contexts.

Productivity is a key factor in both business success and employee well-being, making it crucial to understand when designing effective work environments. The ability to evaluate and prioritise the right factors is key to creating spaces that enhance focus, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.This research paper explores the influence of external environmental factors, such as natural light, glare and sustainability. In comparison to internal comfort factors, such as temperature, money and social interaction on workplace productivity. It examines the effectiveness of these elements in enhancing perceptive work performance and addresses existing research gaps in the field. Additionally, the study considers the role of natural light in sustainable design, analysing its interaction with temperature regulation, solar gain, and the integration of smart technologies. The research is particularly focused on desk-based work environments, architectural settings, and university students, investigating the differences in productivity between office and home-based workspaces.A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is used with long and short form questions conducted mostly within the architecture and design sector. This approach will assess how exposure to natural light affects employee productivity compared to other factors and whether individual preferences aligns with research literature. Megan R. Nollman (2013), highlights the impact of light manipulation on indoor environmental quality. There remains a gap in understanding how these factors interact with other workplace elements, such as temperature and social dynamics, to influence overall performance.The objective of this study is to determine the key influential factors in perceived productivity and whether personal opinions align with data on light manipulation and thermal comfort. While adopting a pragmatic research approach, real-world applications of these findings will be analysed, alongside post-positivist insights, acknowledging the variability of individual experiences. The study also evaluates the trade-offs between maximising natural light for well-being and managing energy efficiency in workplace design.This research is significant for shaping future workplace environments by identifying the most valuable comfort factors for employees and informing sustainable building practices. The findings aim to guide policy decisions in office and home workspace design, ensuring optimal productivity while maintaining environmental responsibility.

The Garden City movement and Gothic Revival, two revolutionary architectural movements of the 19th century, attempted to correct the social and environmental issues of the time. Gothic Revival attempted to connect architecture to culture and nature through traditional forms and methods of building. Whereas the Garden City movement attempted to envision a tranquil bond between urban life and the natural environment that would promote health and happiness. This research paper analyses the lasting effect of these movements on design practise in the contemporary world, particularly in biophilic design.This study adopts a constructivist approach, helping to understand how the British public perceive the integration of nature and architectural heritage into modern spaces. Furthermore, the paper explores the social, economic, and historical environment in which the Gothic Revival and Garden City movements developed and examine their ongoing impact on modern architectural principles.This research identifies key elements of these movements that shape biophilic design such as natural material usage, vegetation, and aesthetics as a whole. Taking a mixed-method approach, this research paper integrates both qualitative and quantitative data collected using questionnaires administered to a mixed sample of 33 respondents. The questionnaire includes close-ended, open-ended, and Likert scale questions to achieve a more in-depth understanding of the perceptions of participants on these movements and their application in modern-day design.The findings from this research will help illustrate how the philosophies of architecture in the past influence contemporary design practice, particularly the formation of sustainable and health-promoting urban environments. How biophilic design elevates aesthetic merit and quality of life in the city of today will also be underscored within this paper. Quantitative data will be processed using Excel, while qualitative information will be understood through thematic analysis, giving an overall picture of the applicability of the movements to contemporary architecture.

Some understand Architectural Technologists to be professionals who make abstract design proposals more practical for use. However, in reality, does this line of thought hold any factual basis? This paper will analyse the opinions of various professors and writers to gain insight into how academics view the Architectural Technology field. This paper will examine the writers’ current understanding of Architectural Technology and how they believe the field will develop in the future. Technologists are constantly adapting to new trends and ideas within the construction sector. Therefore, analysis will be provided regarding how the Architectural Technology field is adapting to the requirements of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the challenges that BIM poses to the profession. The findings of the academic analysis will then be studied against the results of a questionnaire that was completed by Architectural Technologists who are currently in practice. The questionnaire was a necessary inclusion into this study as it is important to also understand the thoughts of those who are actively practicing within the profession. Finally, a conclusion will be provided which summarises the findings of the paper. This will also include a recommendation on how the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) could make the reality of the Architectural Technology field better known to the publi