- Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
neveen hamza
Newcastle University, Architechture Landscape and Planning, Faculty Member
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The need to increase the purpose built dementia care homes raises the profile of environmental building design considerations and how they relate to reducing agitation in dementia patients. Critical to the increasing population with... more
The need to increase the purpose built dementia care homes raises the profile of environmental building design considerations and how they relate to reducing agitation in dementia patients. Critical to the increasing population with dementia, is a need to change the social perceptions of mental health facilities as linked to the design of asylums and prison architecture. The availability of facilities that educate, rehabilitate and provides therapeutic and healing environments is a need for both patients and their carers. Literature suggests that well designed environments for a small group of patients in a home like environment influences dementia patients’ behavioural attitude and aid in retention of physical abilities to move within the spaces and reduces agitation levels. (Lawton,2001,and Nagari, 2016). This is a preliminary review of research published between 20102017 linking the impact of building design decisions to environmental effects on dementia patient behaviours in car...
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Vernacular shading systems dealt with solar radiation as the dominant components driving the heat balance equation for the hot, arid climate. Its positive climatic effectiveness as a traditional solution are herewith questioned. In order... more
Vernacular shading systems dealt with solar radiation as the dominant components driving the heat balance equation for the hot, arid climate. Its positive climatic effectiveness as a traditional solution are herewith questioned. In order to improve the microclimate conditions at pedestrian level three different shading scenarios addressing the form and the opening of shading devices were simulated using CFD Fluent, based on two dependant variables including air temperature distribution and wind velocity. The findings show that typology and the opening locations are the paramount factors in providing a temperature reduction in the urban scale.
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SUMMARY: This paper presents a methodological framework for the utilisation of our cinematic camera control engine in the exploration and representation of architectural designs. In this paper, we report on a fully developed modification... more
SUMMARY: This paper presents a methodological framework for the utilisation of our cinematic camera control engine in the exploration and representation of architectural designs. In this paper, we report on a fully developed modification (mod) of a real-time engine (Unreal ...
Experiences of wind turbines (WT) shape public perception and acceptance of the technology, influencing government policy, deployment, and land-use policies of wind turbines. This paper attempts to find changes in public perceptions over... more
Experiences of wind turbines (WT) shape public perception and acceptance of the technology, influencing government policy, deployment, and land-use policies of wind turbines. This paper attempts to find changes in public perceptions over the last three decades and differences between experts and the public over different land-use options. A semi-structured questionnaire that integrates a visual survey of 10 images of WT technology in different urban, landscape and seascape settings was presented to both groups. The perceptions of siting, proximity, landscape type, and maturity of urban wind turbines’ technology in renewable energy generation were contrasted. The results revealed that both the public and experts alike significantly preferred images of WT inclusion in seascape and landscape settings and responded negatively to images of WT as an addition to buildings in urban contexts. Images of wind turbines around transport settings were ranked in the second set of acceptances, afte...
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The increase in the degree of public awareness regarding the impact of climate change on the environment has led architects and planners to design and build Lower Energy Design (LED) or even Zero Energy Design (ZED) buildings where local... more
The increase in the degree of public awareness regarding the impact of climate change on the environment has led architects and planners to design and build Lower Energy Design (LED) or even Zero Energy Design (ZED) buildings where local renewable sources of energy are integrated so that buildings would be self-sufficient in terms of energy. One of the technologies that have high potentials for integration within the built environment is roof mounted wind turbines. However, there is a state of uncertainty regarding the feasibility of these wind turbines. This paper argues that this uncertainty is attributed to uninformed decisions about the locations of installing urban wind turbines without considering the accelerating effect of different roof shapes, buildings' heights and surrounding urban configurations. This paper aims to present the results of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations for the purpose of identifying the effect of different roof shapes on the energy yie...
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Research Interests: Engineering and Arid
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Virtual Reality (VR) technology is still perceived by many as being inaccessible and cost prohibitive with VR applications considered expensive to develop as well as challenging to operate. This paper reflects on current developments in... more
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is still perceived by many as being inaccessible and cost prohibitive with VR applications considered expensive to develop as well as challenging to operate. This paper reflects on current developments in VR technologies and describes an approach adopted for its phased integration into the academic curriculum of built environment students. The process and end results of implementing the integration are discussed and the paper illustrates the challenges of introducing VR, including the acceptance of the technology by academic staff and students, interest from industry, and issues pertaining to model development. It sets out to show that fairly sophisticated VR models can now be created by non-VR specialists using commercially available software and advocates that the implementation of VR will increase alongside industry's adoption of these tools and the emergence of a new generation of students with VR skills. The study shows that current VR techno...
This document may differ from the final, published version of the research and has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies. To read and/or cite from the published version of the research, please visit the... more
This document may differ from the final, published version of the research and has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies. To read and/or cite from the published version of the research, please visit the publisher's website (a subscription may be required.) Hamza, N and Greenwood, D
Due to climate change and the nature of internal load dominated office buildings in hot arid areas, reduction of cooling loads even in winter is in need of further research. Double skin facades are emerging in the Middle East as an... more
Due to climate change and the nature of internal load dominated office buildings in hot arid areas, reduction of cooling loads even in winter is in need of further research. Double skin facades are emerging in the Middle East as an architectural concept to deal with direct solar radiation as a shading system, as an acoustic barrier and an aesthetic option for refurbishment without interrupting building operation. This research looks at the impact of a double skin façade on cavity temperatures, surface temperatures and its impact on reducing reliance on HVAC systems to provide indoor comfort. The simulation model was constructed based on a real building and results are compared for a peak winter month between measured and simulated data, indicating energy savings up to 5% equating to 12 MWh/ month in winter. This in an ongoing research project and further peak summer monitoring is due this year.
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The Ecuadorian government embarked on the Millennium Schools programme (UEM) to benefit the poorest areas of the country, providing them free access to education. The program is underpinned by intentions to promote healthier educational... more
The Ecuadorian government embarked on the Millennium Schools programme (UEM) to benefit the poorest areas of the country, providing them free access to education. The program is underpinned by intentions to promote healthier educational environments. Disregarding the three variations of climatic regions in the country, prototype designs are adopted for the ease of using off-site prefabricated elements, optimizing construction time, and lowering construction costs. This study uses subjective surveys to determine the desired conditions in classrooms before implementing passive strategies; and, aims to increase thermal comfort hours while decreasing energy consumption. The surveys interestingly show that perceptions of thermal comfort differ from published standards and can be influenced by other perceptions regarding the space quality. Two UEMs located in Babahoyo and Quito, Coast and Andean region respectively, were selected for conducting the surveys and monitoring indoor conditions...
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Sun-shading Plant-inspired skin can use plant actuation principles to develop reversible motions. This paper will triangulate the intersection between plant actuation principles, their morphology and low energy strategies, to integrate... more
Sun-shading Plant-inspired skin can use plant actuation principles to develop reversible motions. This paper will triangulate the intersection between plant actuation principles, their morphology and low energy strategies, to integrate the underlying mechanisms in responsive dynamic shading skins. This paper will investigate the non-autonomous reversible plant movements to develop elastic kinetic solar screens. New approach of soft mechanics found inspiration in plant movements for pliable structures in architecture. Interestingly, global flexibility is often achieved through the adaptive behaviour of plant that change its morphological features by acting as living hinges and allowing for elastic deformations. These motion patterns are found in nastic structures which are very promising as natural actuators. By studying how plant species take advantage of mechanical, compositional and structural gradients to perform mobility with minimal energy use, it is possible to learn how to in...
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Research Interests: Business and Procurement
This study examines the effectiveness of a combined strategy of retrofitting strategies using an agricultural residue (maize) as an external insulation material and natural ventilation behaviours to improve indoor thermal comfort in a... more
This study examines the effectiveness of a combined strategy of retrofitting strategies using an agricultural residue (maize) as an external insulation material and natural ventilation behaviours to improve indoor thermal comfort in a residential building. A prototype for a social housing multi-storey building is selected in the the hot arid climate of Cairo, Egypt. Building performance simulation using IES<VE> (the produces version of 2013) is used to predict the effectiveness of adding an external organic insulation material on the building envelope. Behaviours of natural ventilation are then included to predict a naturalistic approach for indoor thermal management. The simulation was conducted in a typical floor apartment that facing the warmest south orientation. Results revealed that -comparing to the base case an improvement of 5.5% happened in winter period when applying external insulation only, while this percentage reduced to be 4.4% when applying the combined strate...
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This chapter questions the interpretations of vernacular architecture through architectural conservation projects. It shows examples from China, Egypt and Greece and how in a framework of valuing the legacy of these buildings, the public... more
This chapter questions the interpretations of vernacular architecture through architectural conservation projects. It shows examples from China, Egypt and Greece and how in a framework of valuing the legacy of these buildings, the public are offered an opportunity to marvel in the workmanship, quality of natural material provision and indoor environments created. However, these buildings, contrary to the common belief, were not architecture for the poor, but they were for the rich echelons of their respective societies at their time. Their renovation as spaces and places for the exotic experience is with a view on their position in history and the affordance needed to maintain living in these buildings. A market-driven reality underpins an appreciation of why these constructs are only afforded as tourist and revenue generating buildings. While vernacular architecture is predominantly presented in the literature as architecture for the poor, sustainable with its local material and self-build initiatives, the examples shown in this chapter question this common belief. Although appreciating the lessons to be learnt and their subscription to the three pillars of sustainability, in their construction, design philosophies materiality and energy demand, and respect of cultural and religious beliefs, the legacy of the rich remains so.
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The thermal characteristics of outdoor urban spaces and the street networks connecting them are vital to the assessment of the liveability and sustainability of cities. When urban spaces are thermally comfortable, city dwellers spend more... more
The thermal characteristics of outdoor urban spaces and the street networks connecting them are vital to the assessment of the liveability and sustainability of cities. When urban spaces are thermally comfortable, city dwellers spend more time outdoors. This has several benefits for human health and wellbeing, also reducing indoor energy consumption and contributing to local economy. Studies on outdoor thermal comfort have highlighted the need to develop interdisciplinary frameworks that integrate physical, physiological, psychological, and social parameters to assist urban planners and designers in design decisions. In this paper, an extensive literature review of outdoor thermal comfort studies over the past decade was undertaken, including both rational and adaptive thermal comfort approaches, from the contextualize the behaviour perspectives related to the use of urban space. Consequently, the paper suggests a comprehensive framework for evaluating the relationship between the q...
Research Interests: Sociology and Atmosphere
This chapter looks into how users and the public perceive the efforts in achieving sustainable buildings and the inclusion of renewable energy technologies. It is acknowledged that social acceptance underpins the interaction between... more
This chapter looks into how users and the public perceive the efforts in achieving sustainable buildings and the inclusion of renewable energy technologies. It is acknowledged that social acceptance underpins the interaction between policy-makers, the public as community groups, and developers. Acceptance is usually based on perceptions gained from personal experiences, the media, personal information exchanges, and education. Wustenhagen et al. (2007) break down the concept of social acceptance into three interchanging levels; sociopolitical acceptance, market acceptance, and community acceptance. The sociopolitical nexus influences government policies for incentivization schemes, distinctions between permissible planning, or the need for full planning approval applications. Case studies show how community acceptance plays a significant role in promoting failures and successes achieved when using passive architectural design as opposed to the inclusion of various renewables technological in high-rise public. Renewable technologies are more scrutinized by the public as a perception of the technologies’ maturity, reliability, and their perceived visual intrusion in urban areas.
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Purpose This paper aims to address socio-spatial challenges facing the sustainable regeneration of the 19th-century historic covered Attaba market. One of the few remaining historic market buildings in Cairo. Understanding these... more
Purpose This paper aims to address socio-spatial challenges facing the sustainable regeneration of the 19th-century historic covered Attaba market. One of the few remaining historic market buildings in Cairo. Understanding these challenges is crucial as there is a pressing need for these buildings to be included in the national heritage regeneration policies that would foster their role as sustainable socio-economic urban nuclei within the city center. Design/methodology/approach The paper detects the socio-spatial transformation of the Attaba market through the comparison of archival material. This is supported by observations on the current socio-spatial aspects of the market including forms of interactions, conflicts and interventions of various user groups. A number of 30 semi-structured interviews with traders of the Attaba market were conducted inside the market, along with in-depth observations carried out between 2016 and 2018. Finally, information about local policies towar...
Thermal comfort plays a main role in encouraging people to use outdoor spaces, specifically in hot arid and humid climates. The reconciliation of climatic aspects during the urban design phase is limited in implementation, due to the need... more
Thermal comfort plays a main role in encouraging people to use outdoor spaces, specifically in hot arid and humid climates. The reconciliation of climatic aspects during the urban design phase is limited in implementation, due to the need for multidisciplinary collaboration between desperate scientific fields of climatology, urban planning, and urban environmental modelling. This paper aims to create an integrated interface between the microclimate, outdoor thermal comfort, and design guidelines. The investigation combines subjective and objective approaches, including on-site field measurements, a structured questionnaire using the seven-point American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE 55) thermal sensation votes, and a correlation study of these votes and the microclimatic parameters. Pedestrian thermal comfort was then examined under six shading scenarios, addressing the form and opening of shading devices using computational fluid dynamics....
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This study calls for the integration of context-based socio-cultural habits and learning from local practices in providing outdoor thermal comfort in conservation areas. These parameters have direct impacts on outdoor activities,... more
This study calls for the integration of context-based socio-cultural habits and learning from local practices in providing outdoor thermal comfort in conservation areas. These parameters have direct impacts on outdoor activities, especially in hot arid climates. The study took place in two nearby locations one renovated and all external shadings removed to provide visual vistas to monuments while on the same street, no more than 1500 m apart, local shading practices were left in places. Sun-exposed as opposed to shaded sites were compared for subjective thermal comfort and outdoor activity, via structured interviews, observations, and wide-ranging micrometeorological measurements. The aim was to investigate psychological factors, including overall thermal comfort and perception, in addition to environmental parameters, such as solar radiation intensity and thermal adaptation. The analysis illustrates the importance of shading as a dominant factor in achieving thermal comfort on the ...
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Market halls are commonly found in contexts of cultural and heritage value. Positioned in urban centres and transport networks, these unique buildings were originally constructed in the 19th century to ensure better food distribution in... more
Market halls are commonly found in contexts of cultural and heritage value. Positioned in urban centres and transport networks, these unique buildings were originally constructed in the 19th century to ensure better food distribution in growing European cities, then copied to other territories such as Egypt. We argue that leaving market halls, with their large spanning structures and indoor open space, for dilapidation is a lost opportunity for sustaining community engagement, and educating the public on the original sustainability, neighbourhood regeneration and cultural thinking that underpinned these buildings. The proposed framework extends current sustainable ‘heritage conservation frameworks’ beyond concepts of adding renewable energy technologies, recycling and sustainable goods movement, to ‘sustaining liveability and social inclusion’. We argue that market halls offer the opportunities to merge the daily activities of buying and selling food with creating local creative ...