Dalia Elgheznawy

Intending to improve building performance and environmental sustainability, vertical greenery systems (VGSs) are employed as effective nature-based solutions (NbSs), yet they often struggle to meet modern building energy demands alone. This study investigates the integration of VGSs with advanced façade technologies (AFTs) to develop multifunctional hybrid façades. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, combining bibliometric and thematic analyses of 415 publications (2015 to early 2026) from Scopus and Web of Science. The study categorizes AFT into adaptive, energy-generating, and high-performance façades. The results indicate that VGS–photovoltaic (PV) systems and double-skin (DS) systems are the most studied integration scenarios, providing significant thermal regulation and energy efficiency. However, significant gaps remain for kinetic, modular, bioactive, and glazing systems, particularly regarding standardized workflows and long-term lifecycle assessments (LCAs). The study reveals a transition of VGSs from passive aesthetic elements to active building components. To address these identified gaps, a four-phase design strategy—conceptualization, hybridization, optimization, and development—is proposed to guide architects and engineers in decision-making regarding generating optimized hybrid façades. Integrating VGSs with AFTs is essential for urban resilience and an alignment with Sustainable Development Goals. Future research should prioritize standardized integration protocols and the application of smart technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

With the increasing use of modern technologies in interior design, numerous recent studies have made the effects of kinetic-based design techniques on users’ perceptions a crucial topic, and sustainable performance has emerged as essential. From this standpoint, this study uses a space syntax approach to investigate how human behavioral performance in workspaces is affected by kinetic interiors. Three kinetic-based design strategies were employed to evaluate changes in spatial configuration characteristics, and the relevant terminology was adapted to account for the use of kinetic technology. The paper adopts a comparative analysis model to follow these changes using four syntactic measures: integration, choice, connectivity, and clustering coefficient. The proposed evaluation approach is applied to a traditional office building in Port Said, Egypt, showcasing various aspects of kinetic technology in workspaces. The study’s findings elucidate the correlations between design strategies and the resulting spatial characteristics, guiding designers in evaluating the features of each system and facilitating comparisons between them. Finally, the study’s main aim is to propose a three-step design process as a guideline for creating an integrated kinetic technology design, involving the evaluation of the proposed alternatives to achieve the desired spatial characteristics.

The design of hospitals has become a critical issue in the post-pandemic era, especially for waiting areas where people tend to gather and increase the risk of disease transmission. Outdoor waiting areas are emerging as a viable alternative to indoor spaces, as they can reduce crowding and improve ventilation. However, in hot climates, achieving thermal comfort in outdoor spaces is a major challenge for designers, as it affects the healing environment and the well-being of patients and visitors. This paper explores the role of different shading strategies in improving the thermal comfort of outdoor waiting areas in hospitals, using Al-Nasr Specialized Hospital in Port-Said as a case study. The paper simulates five shading scenarios that combine shading devices and trees, and evaluates their impact on air temperature (TA), predicted mean vote (PMV), and physiological equivalent temperature (PET). The results show that the best scenario is the semi-shaded case with trees, which lowers TA by more than 1.5 °C, reduces PMV by 28.7%, and shifts PET from a hot state to a warm state. This study enriches basic research on outdoor thermal comfort for hospital users and offers guidance for the design of outdoor healthcare settings in hot climates.