The issue of walkability in hot, arid heritage cities is still very much under-theorized, as the traditional configurational frameworks have been developed in temperate environments where the thermal barrier and vehicular encroachment do not dominate spatial network logic. This study aims at filling this gap by performing the first quantitative configuration experience coupling test for an Omani historic city, Nizwa. We combine DepthmapX v0.8 Space Syntax analysis of an axial map (428 lines, 612 nodes; eight configurational indicators) of a 1.32 km² area with a validated MAPS-Global/Gehl perceptual audit of 11 purposively sampled streets in four functional zones and 42 semi-structured stakeholder interviews using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. The statistical coupling uses Pearson correlation and OLS regression (Bonferroni corrected α = 0.0009) and a weighted Composite Walkability Index (CWI, max 50). The organic historic fabric shows good syntactic coherence (Connectivity–Integration r = 0.91, p < 0.001; configurational family r = 0.80–0.91), which indicates a well-developed pedestrian network. However, only 19% of the variance in Safety can be accounted for by Global Integration, and 2% of the variance in Accessibility (R² = 0.19 and 0.02 respectively); given the small street sample (n = 11), these associations are exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory and show a critical configuration-experience decoupling (Decoupling Index DI = 0.81) fueled by thermal exclusion, vehicular encroachment, and universal-design deficits. CWI scores range from S2 (Excellent) to S10 (Critical) and the paradigmatic S1 anomaly (second-highest Integration and second-lowest CWI) directly illustrates the decoupling phenomenon. Five evidence-based, heritage-sensitive, costed interventions are proposed in line with Oman Vision 2040 and UN SDG 11.2/11.4; a scenario-based projection suggests a potential 40-74% increase in CWI in the poorest performing streets, at less than 8% of the cost of the conventional masterplan, though this range should be read as an illustrative planning estimate pending simulation-based or post-occupancy validation rather than a guaranteed outcome. The resulting Decoupling Index is a transferable diagnostic tool for hot-arid heritage cores outside of Nizwa.
Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in culturally significant buildings represent one of the key challenges in the transition to renewable energy, as highlighted in Oman Vision 2040. As the world moves towards decarbonization, the use of photovoltaic technologies in protected heritage sites must be approached with utmost care and respect to conservation principles, as stated in the Venice Charter (1964) and other ICOMOS guidelines, such as the criteria of authenticity and reversibility. This study aims to fill a gap and propose a multi-criteria assessment framework for BIPV integration in the culturally significant buildings. Taking the case study of Nizwa Fort in Oman, a sequential mixed-methods approach is used, including: (i) benchmarked energy demand estimation (200–300 kWh/day) with solar irradiance analysis (5.5–6.5 kWh/m²/day) and PV system sizing (50 kWp); (ii) a structured stakeholder survey (n = 42) across general public, architectural conservation specialists, and PV technology experts, with responses analyzed through weighted scoring (0.45/0.35/0.20) and Spearman rank correlation; (iii) scenario-based visual impact assessment of 40 BIPV configurations, derived from four PV technologies (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, PERC, thin-film) applied to ten spatial positions on primary and secondary building elements; and (iv) techno-economic analysis incorporating simple payback period (SPP: 12.8 years), net present value (NPV: OMR 18,400), levelized cost of electricity (LCOE: 0.019) Results show that the best ICOMOS conservation compliance scores and energy yields are achieved by rooftop installations that are concealed and by internal courtyard configurations. 62% of conservation professionals rejected primary façade-mounted installations on heritage elements as conservation-incompatible in all cases. The proposed integrated decision framework offers replicable, structured guidance for practitioners and policymakers for integrating renewable energy in a heritage-compatible way in the hot and arid climate. Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis (10,000 iterations) confirmed that Tier 1 rankings remain stable (>92% probability) under ±20% energy-demand and ±15-percentage-point weighing uncertainties, supporting the robustness of the framework.
The disadvantage of most of children's playgrounds is the inability to fully use them during afternoon sun and in the rain. Frequently used small gazebos and canopies only allow you to hide from the rain or the sun. A full-fledged game is impossible. The optimal solution, apparently, is to build pavilions that are high enough for a full-fledged game and provide a roof over most of the playing space. An analysis of various solutions has shown that recombined elements of disassembled collapsible rod spatial structures can used for this purpose. These widespread structures used in large-span buildings and usually fail after several cycles of operation. The proposed continuation of their use increases their asset turnover. Pavilions built from these structures provide an opportunity to continue the games in the afternoon sun and in the rain. The strength and spatial rigidity of these structures makes it possible to attach various amusement rides and lighting equipment to them. The article presents a conceptual design solution. This solution solves some of the problems of ensuring sustainable development by saving energy and reducing costs, as it ensures the reuse of dismantled structures. The solution is almost universal for different regions. The proposed solution should be seen as a conceptually new application of existing systems.
This research investigates a structured energy audit methodology to support the decarbonisation of multi-residential buildings, with a primary focus on operational energy performance. The objective is to develop and apply a systematic framework that integrates audit levels, detailed data collection, and software-based energy modelling to quantify energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The methodology combines site inspections, thermographic analysis, benchmarking, and eQuest simulation to evaluate baseline conditions and retrofit scenarios. Results identify space heating and electricity consumption as dominant energy and emissions drivers. Targeted retrofit measures demonstrate substantial potential to reduce energy demand and carbon intensity when expressed in kg CO₂e. Importantly, the correlation analysis does not capture retrofit interactions, system efficiencies, or behavioural adaptations following upgrades, nor the compounding effects of bundled measures. Carbon-counting results show these combined effects to be significant, with the full retrofit package achieving an overall emissions reduction of approximately 25%, equivalent to more than 1,100 t CO₂e annually. Overall, separating results from interpretation strengthens decision-making and confirms the value of operationally focused audits for prioritising decarbonisation strategies in existing multi-residential building stock.
Plastic waste–based bricks (PW-Bricks) offer a promising pathway for plastic waste valorisation in the construction sector; however, their mechanical performance is commonly evaluated using a single compressive strength metric that does not reflect actual masonry loading conditions. This study investigates the compressive behaviour of PW-Bricks under horizontal and vertical loading and proposes an orientation-sensitive evaluation framework for mix optimization. PW-Bricks incorporating 20–50% plastic waste were fabricated alongside conventional cement–sand bricks as control specimens and tested at curing ages of 3, 7, and 10 days following ASTM C109/C109M-21. The results demonstrate a pronounced orientation-dependent response. Under horizontal loading, compressive strength increased with plastic waste content and curing age, reaching 30.15 MPa for PW-Bricks containing 50% plastic waste at 10 days, compared with 22.74 MPa for conventional bricks. In contrast, under vertical loading, PW-Bricks exhibited relatively low and nearly constant compressive strengths ranging from 1.08 to 1.22 MPa, whereas conventional bricks achieved 2.48 MPa at 10 days. To evaluate this trade-off, normalized horizontal and vertical strength indices were integrated into a composite performance index balancing enhanced horizontal resistance with minimum vertical stability requirements. Based on this evaluation, PW-Bricks containing 40% plastic waste were identified as the optimal mix, providing the most favourable balance between mechanical performance, material homogeneity, and sustainability. The proposed framework offers a transferable methodology for evaluating heterogeneous waste-based masonry materials and supports application-oriented mix design for non-load-bearing and semi-structural masonry systems.
