For several years, condensing gas boilers or heat pumps have been the most common heat sources of choice in buildings in Poland. Constantly rising energy and fuel prices translate into high operating costs for these devices. The most-expensive currently is heating with gas and electricity. In order to reduce costs, hybrid solutions are increasingly being used. An effective solution is the use of wood-burning fireplaces to support heating systems. The use of a mantel or post-air fireplace can reduce gas or electricity consumption, while providing an emergency heat source. A mantle fireplace can be combined with a water system powered by a condensing gas boiler or an air-to-water heat pump. There is also the possibility of installing fireplaces that are not connected to installations, but heat the rooms in which they are located. The use of fireplaces not only reduces costs. Wood, which is the cheapest raw material on the market, is also a renewable source of energy, and when burned is low in emissions. This allows to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the environment. The choice of a particular solution should be based on analyses of, first of all, the technical condition of the building, its energy class or expected results. Failure to adapt to existing conditions can generate excessive costs. Properly selected equipment is important for proper operation of the system. Using correctly designed hybrid systems, heating costs can be reduced significantly. This paper shows what effect the construction of a building made to WT2008 and WT2021 standards and the cooperation of the installation with a water jacketed fireplace has on heating costs.
Camping has become a popular leisure activity since the dawn of the modern motor vehicle. It is associated with an increasing interest in contact with nature and a commitment to discovering cultural diversity. This article presents an analysis of the urban form of camping centres in Europe. The principles of their planning, composition, layout and character will be discussed. The article analyses three different centres within Europe: Ca'Savio in Italy, Cikat in Croatia and Arena in Hungary. The selected examples illustrate the variety of urban forms of camping centres. The article presents and compares their common features, which were formulated on the basis of in situ observations.
The article analyses the state of the environment in Poland on the example of some voivodeships related to radioactive and electromagnetic pollution. Selected voivodeships are Lower Silesia, Subcarpathia and Pomerania. Monitoring of radioactive and electromagnetic pollution was carried out for large and small towns and rural areas. A similar analysis was carried out over a period of several years, which made it possible to analyze the most polluted environment and draw conclusions explaining the cause of this pollution. Recent studies have shown that radiation exposure is on the rise and poses a serious threat to public health. The aim of the research is to determine where the height of radioactive and electromagnetic radiation is the highest, as well as to analyze the impact of radiation on the natural environment. As the results of the research show, the reason for the highest radioactive radiation in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship may be the location of the former Uranium Ore Mining and Processing Plants there, radon and radioactive alpha and beta isotopes may be present in surface and underground waters. There is also a high risk of natural exposure to sources of ionizing radiation in mining, and the Lower Silesian Voivodeship has a large number of mines. Therefore, in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, in the case of exceeding the permissible radiation doses in water and soil, a system should be developed to notify residents about the threat and about the actions taken. The purpose of electromagnetic radiation observation is to monitor artificially generated electromagnetic fields in the environment in relation to the limit values set for areas accessible to the public. The conducted research shows that the highest arithmetic average of electromagnetic field intensities in each year of the measurement cycle of interest was obtained in central districts or housing estates of large cities. The reason for the highest EMF intensity in the Pomeranian Voivodeship may be two commercial heat and power plants located here: Gdańsk CHP Plant and Gdynia CHP Plant.
The article presents the results of an analysis concerning changes in strength and stability of flat tubular rigid frame structural systems of sheds caused by changes in their geometric forms. In the considered cases, the examined shape changes consist in changing the inclination of the frame’s columns to the vertical, with their bases shifted inside and outside the systems. This is how a few derivative frame systems of special trapezial forms are created in relation to the basic rectangular frame characterized by vertical single-branch columns and a horizontal lattice girder. The specificity of the loads imposed on the flat systems is fastening of each roof cladding with each corrugation to the upper chord of the considered frame girder. Thus, the imposed load should be considered as a uniform distribution over the entire length of the chord. The presented results are to be used in the next steps of the research, where the flat transverse frame systems changing their shapes along the length of a building are to be analysed. The obtained results are going to be implemented in a future method for parametric shaping of unconventional forms of buildings and their optimized structural systems. The elaborated structures constitute a certain uniform area of analysis of flat lattice girders, selected from a large number of areas analysed or planned for research, including related to oblique lattice girders or frames with diversified static schemes.
The space in which young people learn undoubtedly has an impact on the quality and effectiveness of learning. Following this lead, the project team, supported by participatory activities, created the concept of a modular mobile classroom that responds to contemporary environmental and social challenges.
Effective water resource management is contingent on sound water legislation, which plays a crucial role in shaping worldwide water management strategies. The objective of this review is to analyze water policies and legislation in India, and pinpoint issues in water policy implementation and management. Additionally, the review includes an examination of the European Water Framework Directive (WFD) to explore the differences between European water legislation assumptions and water management, which can aid in adapting certain EU assumptions to Indian legislation. India faces urgent water-related problems due to inadequate water resource management in individual states and nationwide, which can be mitigated by implementing coherence in water policies and collaborating with policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders from various economic sectors to enhance water governance strategies. Comparative analysis revealed that the European Water Framework Directive adopts a more specific and integrated approach, supported by precise legal regulation, wide-ranging stakeholder involvement, and investments in technology and infrastructure to achieve its set water management goals. In contrast, the Indian water legislation framework lacks a systemic approach, and the main gap lies in the inconsistency between national and state water legislation and the lack of proper coordination between the state and central governments. Unifying legal regulations at the national and state levels in cooperation with responsible legislative and executive institutions at appropriate governmental levels can help solve water management problems and achieve set goals.
The analysis of planning experience of inhabited localities urban beautification in view of reconstruction was undertaken in the article. The question of Ukrainian experience of urban beautification system in accordance with approved standards and State Constructional Standards was envisaged. Analysis of validation state of local documents in urban beautification field was carried out and it has shown deficient percentage of regulatory documents approval on local level, which is one of key issues of urban beautification development. Furthermore, detailed analysis of foreign experience of urban beautification planning and development trend of this system I such countries, as USA, Canada, France, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan was carried out. It is shown that first and critical stage of planning of effective urban beautification is preparing and approving corresponding certificates and standards. Emphasis added to functioning normative legal documents on issues relating to urban beautification, in accordance to which the territory reconstruction in mentioned countries is realized. It was established that reference direction of urban beautification development in mentioned countries lies in parking lots removing out of the borders of curtilage or underground parking arrangement, landscape gardening development and classification of such territories by levels of urban gardening, territory reconstruction in accordance with typical schemes of street infrastructure development, urban gardening, cycle paths, etc. It is shown that problem solution of habitable open grounds organization on city level resides in usage intensification of such territories, and on the level of residential compounds – in increasing exploitation properties of open grounds. As a result of undertaken analysis it was established that raised problem of increasing the effectiveness of residential area usage within residential areas imposes complex approach, including question of land development intensiveness, architectural and planning organization and open grounds beautification.
The work presents an examination of Poland's environmental condition, with a focus on the contamination of air and surface waters by various chemical elements. The composition and quality of the air impact ecosystems, plant growth, the animal kingdom, and shape human living conditions. These factors play a significant role in driving global climate change. The repercussions of air pollution encompass phenomena such as smog, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, as well as impacts on industrial and municipal facilities, contributing to global warming. The article conducts an analysis of air pollution, surface water contamination, and electromagnetic radiation pollution in Subcarpathian, utilizing the city of Stalowa Wola and the Stalowa Wola county as case studies. This choice is informed by the fact that Stalowa Wola stands as one of the largest industrial cities in the Subcarpathian Voivodeship, suggesting that environmental pollution levels in this county might surpass those in other regions. The article also delineates the features of air and surface water pollution, along with electromagnetic radiation characteristics. It scrutinizes pollution sources in the mentioned county, explicates the causes of such pollution, and proposes strategies for environmental amelioration. The analysis of the environmental status of Stalowa Wola county during the years 2018 to 2020 is presented, accompanied by recommendations for initiatives that could enhance its condition. The research findings indicate that the condition of uniform segments of surface waters, as evaluated through conducted studies, is deemed poor. The discharge of wastewater from specific pollution points, particularly wastewater from municipal origins, emerges as the predominant cause of subpar water quality.
The article concerns research on the history of the conservation of architectural monuments in Poland in the interwar period. A comparison of the first post-independence resolutions covering the protection of Polish monuments shows that the content of the provisions is based on the findings and assumptions developed while the partitions were still in progress. Undoubtedly, the work of societies and conservationist groups, for the purpose of popularizing knowledge about historical objects and making the public aware of the need to undertake conservation activities, became the foundation for the organization of future conservation services. The article presents an analysis of the process of forming Polish conservation structures in the independent state and presents the methods of work of district conservators adopted at that time. This paper pays attention to the attitude of the clergy, scientific circles and the general public to the formed concept of conservation. It should be emphasized that many of the organizational assumptions and legal regulations of the time have influenced the practice and methods of contemporary conservators today.
This article addresses the issue of therapeutic and educational centres for children with autism. Autism, which affects perception and behaviour, requires specialised care, of which the built environment is crucial. This article presents the concept of a centre that meets the individual needs of children with autism, promoting a safe and welcoming environment for their development. Particular emphasis is placed on spatial aspects that facilitate social interaction and tranquillity. The paper is based on research in the literature and analysis of the collected information, offering new insights into the design of educational spaces for children with autism.
This article presents selected issues on the role of design in everyday life and in the social context, from its historical roots, through the development of different styles to the present day. Design plays a key role in shaping spaces and everyday objects. The creation of design is not only an aesthetic or functional act, but also a social one, affecting the quality of life of different groups of people, including people with disabilities and the elderly. This article describes the process and results of exploratory survey research related to the creation of the design concept of the ‘Design Museum’ in Rzeszów. The results suggest that the public sees great educational potential in such an endeavour. Most respondents are in favour of the museum offering various forms of education, such as workshops or lectures. Based on these results, the concept of the Rzeszów Design Museum was designed to be an educational and accessible place for all.
This article focuses on the design of shared spaces for children and older people to promote positive intergenerational relationships. Designing spaces appropriately can help improve the quality of life for both groups. Shared spaces can be more resource efficient and provide services tailored to the needs of children and seniors. The aim of this study is to analyse the conditions for creating such a facility in Grodzisko Dolne and to propose an architectural concept. The methodology includes a literature review, a diagnostic survey, an architectural concept and a synthesis. The results suggest that effective inclusive spaces should offer programmes that are attractive to both children and seniors in order to maximise the benefits of intergenerational interaction.
The regulations on the EGiB, GESUT and BDOT500 geodetic databases published in 2013 and 2015 contained a significant number of errors, which significantly hindered the process of updating the National Geodetic and Cartographic Resource, lowered the quality of cartographic materials and extended the time of performing geodetic works. The article presents some errors and their impact on the quality and content of cartographic materials. From 2021, new regulations in this area have been in force, but to a large extent they duplicate the errors and shortcomings of the regulations described in the article.
Ways of energy saving in buildings, namely compliance with the regulatory framework of European standards, possibilities to reduce heat losses during energy transportation through pipelines on the example of heating systems and reducing heat losses during the operation of buildings and structures are studied in the article. It was found that, despite the regular updates of the State Construction Norms of Ukraine, the coefficient of thermal conductivity of insulation materials is not brought into line with generally accepted European standards. The second part of the article presents the results of analytical studies of various thermal insulation materials that are widely used in the territory of Ukraine. After comparing the results, we concluded that the most common at this stage of development of insulation materials will not fully satisfy all the requirements, which must meet all the materials for insulation of structures. The use of some materials is impossible of thermal insulation of structures and pipelines with complex configuration. The solution of energy efficiency along with increasing soundproofing properties, reducing the fire hazard, reducing the load on the bearing structures of buildings and structures is possible through the use of aerogel as a thermal insulation material. The material is characterized by low dependence of the thermal conductivity coefficient on changes in ambient temperature, which makes it the best option for use in harsh operating conditions. After analytical studies of various insulating materials, it was found that aerogel in roll in addition to low coefficient of heat transfer is characterized by better operating properties, namely, non-combustibility of the material, environmental safety, light weight, which reduces the burden on the structure, ease of installation, the possibility of using the structures with high rate of sound insulation.
This research article presents a~comparative analysis of vibration assessments in lecture halls to investigate their influence on people using contact (accelerometers) and non-contact (laser vibrometers) measurement techniques. The study aims to verify the accuracy and reliability of vibration analysis in relation to two approaches and determined physical parameters, i.e. acceleration amplitudes and vibration velocities. The intriguing fact was that none of the building users reported any perceived discomfort from vibrations, despite the determined parameters of the signal measured using a~laser vibrometer indicating exceedance of permissible vibration amplitudes in several frequency bands. The conducted comparative analysis leads to the conclusion that the location of the laser head tripod on the vibrating floor introduces significant vibration amplification, which in turn may lead to an incorrect assessment of the impact of vibrations on people in buildings. The studies described in the article were carried out in accordance with the procedure contained in the Polish national standard PN-B-02171. The obtained results and the resulting conclusions are an important contribution to a~better understanding of the advantages and limitations resulting from the use of non-contact measurements.
The article substantiates the importance of finding and studying methods of restructuring of consciousness in relation to nature, the development of new priorities of interaction between society and the environment as a fundamentally different path of development of civilization. The main characteristics of environmental education as one of the main social aspects of environmental safety at the present stage are given. The essence and assessment of ecological competence as an important integral indicator of learning achievements are defined. It is shown, what features are characterized by global ecological safety and on what the safety of human stay both in the workplace and in the environment is based. The authors show a set of environmental standards, which are important to ensure environmental safety. The problems of environmental security, as well as methods of scientific study of environmental factors are presented. It is shown what impact anthropogenic environmental security has on global environmental security. An analysis of the requirements that should be observed in the construction process, such as planning and development of territories, so that it is not a threat to the environmental safety of the environment in general and individuals in particular is carried out. The basic hygienic principle of the planning organization of the territory of new areas of human habitation as well as reconstruction of old territories is presented. It is shown that to ensure human ecological safety around industrial enterprises and facilities with technological processes it is necessary to create special protections, sanitary and protection zones.
This article focuses on the role of green and blue infrastructure, including forests, in the context of urban planning and sustainable urban development. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the authors highlight theoretical frameworks on resource management, ethics and efficiency in architecture and construction. The remainder of the paper examines practical strategies for sustainable urban development, including the application of natural solutions and resource-saving systems. The case study shows real-life examples such as the 'Madrid Metropolitan Forest' or applications in Poland, including Sopot, where greenery plays a key role in the quality of life of residents and adaptation to climate change. The article highlights that integrated green urban spaces have benefits on many levels - from energy efficiency to social well-being and public health. The authors point to a growing body of evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of nature-based solutions in the context of challenges such as urbanisation and climate uncertainty. Long-term integrated urban planning that considers these aspects is key to creating sustainable and resilient cities
The article presents an analysis of noise in sanitary devices, and the described methods of reducing noise in places where noise occurs. The given results of noise tests of sanitary facilities and workplaces concerns one of the municipal company. Described sources of noise in water supply, sewage as well as ventilation and air conditioning systems. It has been shown that the noises occurring in residential buildings may be caused by excessively high pressure inside the installation, where, for example, when closing the valve, a water hammer phenomenon arises, causing audible noises, especially when the installation is made of metal materials. The article analyzes noise in sanitary facilities, describes the methods of reducing noise in places where noise occurs. The given results of noise tests of sanitary facilities and workplaces in one of the municipal companies of the city of the Subcarpathian province. Described sources of noise in water supply, sewage as well as ventilation and air conditioning systems. It has been shown that the noises occurring in residential buildings may be caused by excessively high pressure inside the installation, where, for example, when closing the valve, a water hammer phenomenon arises, causing audible noises, especially when the installation is made of metal materials. It has been shown that the main causes of noise in plumbing systems can be rigid pipe fittings. Noises in the sewage system are related to the outflow of used water in vertical and horizontal sections. The phenomenon most often occurs in places connecting vertical pipes with horizontal pipes, as well as the use of too small diameters of pipes. Material noise reduction in sewage systems can be ensured thanks to a properly designed system of fastening pipes to fixed elements. An important step is to use appropriate sound insulation to stop unwanted sounds. The reason for noise in the air-conditioning and ventilation system are changes in the velocity of the flowing air mass and the occurrence of turbulences during the change of the air flow direction. This causes the ducts to resonate and the air flow noise through the diffusers. The most common noise problem in the central heating installation is the use of a solid fuel boiler, the maintenance work of the device is a problem, as it requires cleaning the furnace, which is related to the noise that is transmitted through the installation pipes to the rooms. Based on the analysis of workstations at the municipal company plant, it has been shown that the highest conformity deviation level is in the drying room in the position of a machine and device operator
The article deals with the expediency of using multimedia technologies in the training of future specialists in environmental engineering and construction, including at the initial stage in the study of the subject "Introduction to the specialty". It is emphasized that these technologies open unprecedented prospects in solving important tasks and lead to the transition from the traditional scheme of transfer of reproductive knowledge to a new, creative form of learning. It is established that multimedia technologies in the classes of future specialists in environmental engineering and construction contribute to: the formation of professional skills through the use of Internet materials of different levels of complexity; improving listening skills with the help of authentic sound texts, film episodes; development of dialogue skills, improvement of professional correspondence skills, enrichment of professional vocabulary (both active and passive), which reflects a certain stage in the development of culture, various technical equipment, social and political structure of society; enrichment of students with cultural knowledge, including professional etiquette, features of traditions; improving knowledge through online exercises and tests. It is proved that the use of multimedia presentations in the training of future specialists in environmental engineering and construction, provides the function of transmitting information, as well as receiving feedback in the process of its perception and assimilation, as information presented in visual form is most accessible to perception. It is noted that the use of multimedia technologies in the training of future professionals contributes to the intensification and enrichment of the educational process, evokes a conscious perception of educational material, motivates and activates student learning, individualizes the process of studying specialties, diversifies classes, and promotes mental and creative skills. construction and civil security, increases interest in training and the level of professional skills.
The article addresses the issue of participatory art (the so-called political, engaged art), which in its assumptions deals with the subject of marginalized social groups. Such art aims at solving given problems by the diagnosis of a cultural, social and economic situation, by animation actions, media coverage and negotiations between the parties to the conflict. The article specifies the artistic actions which allowed to protect public spaces against the pressure exerted by investors and obliged local governments to conduct restoration work and properly organise places for relaxation and integration of local communities. There is also focus on the experience of Polish artists such as Iza Rutkowska, Julita Wójcik and Joanna Rajkowska as well as the description of the Modraszek Collective action and the selected participatory actions of the project entitled Wrocław – Entrance from the Backyard.
