Marwa Dabaieh

This study examines passive cooling low-tech vernacular architectural interventions for climate adaptation in indoor environments through an experimental case study in Egypt. Focusing on traditional methods and techniques that use natural and affordable materials, it analyses how these approaches enhance thermal comfort and sustainability in the built environment, particularly for vulnerable communities. An urban living lab methodology, combined with onsite monitoring, was employed to evaluate the efficiency of the low-tech adaptation methods. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of natural materials and simple technological solutions in improving thermal comfort and supporting climate adaptation. The study highlights the potential of vernacular knowledge to inform modern sustainable building practices. Through this experimental, hands-on approach, it showcases the value of traditional, low-tech architectural methods in creating resilient and adaptable environments, offering insights into sustainable and affordable climate adaptation strategies that reduce indoor temperatures and generate economic savings.

In Scandinavian architecture, the neo-vernacular movement has gained ground as a means of sustainable building design. Hence, the objective of this paper is to investigate Danish and Swedish neo-vernacular in order to examine whether these building approaches are mimicry or reflect genuine alignment with the core values of traditional vernacular. To achieve this, the paper presents a literature review on neo-vernacular architecture and a case study comprising a Danish and a Swedish neo-vernacular dwelling. Main findings include the Scandinavian neo-vernacular as a complex field that holds different approaches to building and overall, shows a significant trend to integrate traditional vernacular with modern design and sustainability principles.

Qatar has recently become a hotspot for rapid urban development, featuring architectural projects that often incorporate curated elements of heritage. This paper critically explores the rise of "pseudo vernacular" architecture in the country, where traditional design motifs are superficially repurposed to create developments resembling themed attractions. These spaces, while aesthetically impressive, raise concerns about authenticity, cultural representation, and the commodification of heritage. Although the use of traditional motifs in modern construction may seem like an effort to celebrate local identity, a deeper analysis reveals a shallow engagement with Qatari cultural complexities. The "pseudo vernacular" architecture in developments such as the Souq Waqif and Souq Al Wakra creates an illusory sense of nostalgia that appeals to tourists and affluent residents. However, these spaces often detach themselves from the historical and social realities of genuine traditional architecture, risking the erosion of Qatar’s authentic cultural heritage. As Qatar aims to position itself as a cultural hub in the Gulf region, this preference for spectacle invites scrutiny regarding its long-term impact on collective memory and national identity. By interrogating the motivations behind these developments, the paper advocates for a shift toward architectural practices that genuinely reflect and preserve cultural identity. It emphasizes the need for a more thoughtful engagement with heritage that fosters meaningful connections between people, places, and history, moving beyond commercial spectacle to achieve lasting cultural authenticity.

In recent years, the need for affordable sustainable housing has increased. At the same time, there has been a gradual rising interest in compact living. With the mounting impacts of climate change, a new way of thinking is needed to develop more resilient and climate responsive ways of living that are compact, affordable, and climate-conscious. In response to this need, the idea of a ‘Z-Free Home’ was born. The ‘Z-Free Home’ is a tiny mobile house equipped with essential passive and eco-cycle systems that achieves nine zero targets. The main design and construction concept is based on circular design and a return to nature life cycle principles. In this paper, the architectural design concept, building energy modelling, and simulation for the Z-Free Home design proposal is discussed. This paper describes the concept design and design development phases together with building modelling and simulation. A focus was made on the use of virtual reality in design development assessment as a new method for evaluating passive and eco-cycle systems. The results show that it’s possible to achieve nine different zero goals while the analysis illustrates the challenges in achieving them. The paper also described the next steps planned for the proof of concept, i.e., the 1:1 house model. The project is ongoing, and it aims at a full-scale physical prototype as a proof of concept for the zero targets. The ‘Z-Free Home’ is designed for the cold Swedish climate but could be more widely applicable in other mild climates as well as hot climates.

PANDEMIN, DOKTORSTUDENTERNAS MOTIVERING OCH HANDLEDNINGSROLL PhD Forsknings- och handledningsprocessen går igenom olika steg av upp- och nedgångar, demotivation och stress. Oväntade situationer, såsom Covid-19-pandemin, och dess betydande inverkan på det dagliga livet och deras arbetssituation och forskningsprocess, sätter ny press på PhD-studenter. Denna studie syftar till att undersöka Covid-19-pandemin påverkade på doktorandmotivation, handledningarnas strategier och vikten av handledare för att stödja studenter att hantera demotivation och stresssituationer. I den här studien har vi genomfört en webbenkät, med öppna frågor och frågor i Likertskala bland doktorander. Dessutom intervjud vi handledare vid Malmö Universitet. Enligt undersökningsresultatet har pandemin påverkat doktorandernas forskningsmetoder, kommunikationsfrekvens och effektivitet med sina handledare, tillgång till kontoret och laboratorium samt motivation att skriva och avsluta sin doktorsavhandling. Stress, nya livs- och familjeprioriteringar, osäkerheten i fältarbete och forskningsmetoder, isolering, skepsis mot vikten av deras forskning och mindre kontakt med handledare och kamrater har nämnts som orsaker till demotivering. Dessutom visade undersökningsresultaten att de flesta respondenter betonade vikten av handledarnas roll i deras motivation. Budskapet från denna studie är att ge tillräckligt med feedback, att sätta realistiska mål, tidshantering, ömsesidig förståelse, omtanke och stöd, flexibilitet och tillgänglighet, regelbundna och informella möten samt positiva attityder är väsentliga faktorer i doktorandhandledning under stressade situationer. Resultaten pekar ut de mest effektiva handedningsstrategierna under tuffa situationer som pandemin, vilket kan vara lärdomar för framtida liknande händelser. Men resultaten tog också upp elevernas olika behov och vikten av medvetenhet och uppmärksamhet på elevernas olikheter under handledning och mentorskap.