Joanna Klimowicz

Among the measures for sustainable development, ecology and energy saving, it is important to create a pro-ecological architecture. One of the trends in contemporary architecture is the use of traditional technologies. A practical example of such action is the construction of an experimental building erected with the use of raw earth technology (rammed earth in formwork, earth pressed blocks and straw-clay blocks), located in the Ecological Park in Pasłęk.

The project was developed by a team of authors from the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology. The building was commissioned in 2012.

The aim of erecting of this building was to demonstrate the construction methods of raw earth and then to enable research and observation on the behavior of the structure during operation. The building was designed as an energy-saving building with the possibility of obtaining solar energy using the passive method. A roof covered with extensive greenery was also used.

The article presents the design assumptions, the description of the implementation and the results of site inspections during the operation.

In the current global pandemic situation, more and more people are asking themselves where it is better to live. In a house or in an apartment? Of course, opinions are divided. However facing to be closure in the residential space, more and more people have considered the possibility of buying even a small plot of land giving the opportunity to enjoy the open space and communing with greenery. Foreclosure has resulted that many people now struggling with issues of exclusion and depression. The opportunity to get out and commune with nature can have a positive impact on a person’s mood and perception of their current situation. Large city agglomerations, often deprived of sufficient green areas, are not able to provide adequate living conditions. Architects and urban planners in recent decades have been trying to provide the most convenient solutions to improve the quality of life in large cities. There are numerous green areas in cities or housing estates, often connected with water reservoirs providing better micro climatic conditions. In objects, green walls and roofs are being introduced to increase the comfort of living. It is worth to analyze a contemporary resident approach to the choice of place to live, what is better for him - a house or a flat (apartment)? Is it better to live in a house with a garden or in an apartment with a large balcony overgrown with greenery? Is it better to locate the apartment in the city center or on the suburbs, where there are larger concentrations of greenery? The issues presented in this article relate to research related to life satisfaction in houses or apartments of city dwellers, as well as they complement the research related to the observation of the impact of greenery on the leveling of the Urban Heat Island. Greenery is one of the factors improving micro climatic conditions, it is a stabilizer of temperature and humidity. Residents of selected appartments and houses were asked in what environment they would like to live and what is most important for them in terms of comfort of living. This paper will present the results of surveys and research on UHI in relation to green areas and their introduction into residential buildings. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the how important is relationship between residents’ satisfaction of living place and the biologically active areas in their vicinity.

Light – humans can’t live without it. A long time ago the only source of light was from the sun, moon and fire. Today, we can fully use artificial light thanks to technology development. In architecture and urban planning light plays an important role. Both light and shade creates many opportunities for necessary form and shape in our living space.
Natural climate conditions, especially the number of sunny days, are conditioned by the use of daylight for the needs of modern humans. The use of natural light is important in different climate zones. In the Mediterranean countries, and also in Syria, the daylight is treated differently than in Poland or in the Scandinavian countries. Nightlight, however, depends on client needs and its color and intensity is important in architectural and urban design.
In Syrian developed zones, as one of the Mediterranean countries, much attention is given to the good shape and floor plan design of buildings, in order to make the best use of light and shade.

In many urbanized and developing cities we are observing the overheating of urban spaces commonly referred to as the Urban Heat Island effect. This pattern is forcing the development of innovative urban and architectural microclimate based solutions using both greenery and water to meet the energy efficiency certifications and to improve the living conditions of the local communities.

The use of greenery and water elements in the design of cities and other public spaces has been commonplace in many civilizations and often associated with local cultures and traditions. As an example internal gardens using water reservoirs are used commonly in historic buildings and spaces in Syria. In Italy or France, it is difficult to imagine public places without the use of greenery and water. As a reaction to the mounting evidence of the effects of the Earth’s climate change, Polish design­ers are called to consider the use of greenery and water as part of present urban and architecture solutions

Recent climate changes around the globe, led to the occurrence of various weather anomalies such as droughts or heat waves. At the same time it reduces the amount of average annual rainfalls. We can observe continuously growing the Urban Heat Island effect in the developed urban areas. The main goal of both urban and architectural design is to protect the places of residence and work against adverse weather anomalies, by the creation of green and recreation areas. This is to minimize the adverse impact of climate change on humans. Minimizing the adverse impact of climate change to the human is aimed at it. Syria can be a good example of using green areas in both buildings as well as urban developed areas, a country with a very different climate than Poland, unfortunately completely devastated by the war. Greenery is treated as a very important element in historical building as well as new ones. In the twentieth century many Polish architects went to Syria to design in the Syrian architect companies to design. In many of their projects, we can find recreation areas aimed at fighting the improvement of climatic conditions and living standards.

Contemporary cities are struggling with many problems. The most important problems of recent years are: the increasing level of pollution and rising temperatures in central parts of cities (the effect of the Urban Heat Island). The inhabitants often have to deal with these problems. Striving to improve the living conditions in the city facilities are introduced to protect the contemporary man, especially in the house, which is to be his shelter.
The subject of the article is to illustrate on selected examples of bad and beneficial material solutions affecting the comfort of living. Presentation of contemporary solutions aimed at the best possible protection of residents and providing them with adequate living conditions.
The research carried out on thermal imaging cameras and humidity meters of selected objects built in various technologies, show how poorly selected finishing materials can affect the deterioration of the comfort of living.
Proper selection of building materials and their proper application contribute to the reduction of heat losses and thus to the reduction of the effect of the City Heat Island in cities. Lower demand for energy also contributes to the reduction of heat losses and air pollution resulting from excessive heating parameters.
The results of the research will form the basis for further work related to the observation of the behavior of buildings built in various technologies. The possibility of comparing individual solutions will contribute to raising awareness of how important it is for the residents to use appropriate building materials ensuring the comfort of living.

The 21st century has contributed to the development of new, innovative technologies in many areas of life, including medicine, aviation, molecular engineering and construction. Modern technologies are developing very quickly, bringing various conveniences to modern man. However, the 21st century has brought us also the destructive effect of growing weather anomalies associated with deepening climate change.
Living in the age of consumerism, we should think about how we are contributing to this state? Can we, living today, improve our existence? Can the solutions proposed nowadays protect us from many negative effects of climate change? Can we influence the increase in air pollution, temperature rise and the associated growing phenomena such as floods and fires?
Citizens of modern cities are facing many of these inconveniences. We, as architects and urban planners, should react and implement solutions that will improve living conditions.
The subject of the articles is to present selected examples of solutions for the use of greenery, which will help to eliminate unfavorable climate conditions in cities. Properly designed greenery, both on the urban and architectural scale of the city, contributes to the leveling of the Urban Heat Island, improves the comfort of living, and is a stabilizer of temperature and humidity. Research with a thermal imaging camera shows how the use of greenery contributes to lowering the temperature in downtown buildings.
The results of the research are a supplement to the analyses carried out in connection with the observation of thermal behavior of urban development. The possibility of referencing the results will influence the residents’ awareness. It is important to use appropriate building materials and greenery as one of the elements improving the comfort of living in the city.