Juan Diego Blanco Cadena – författare

The book provides an overview of the Slow Onset Disasters (SLOD) in the urban built environment discussing potential strategies to assess and mitigate multiple climate change related risks. Climate change evidence has been reported in the last decades, suggesting that the anthropogenic activities are accelerating these changes towards a warmer and more polluted environment. In this context, SLODs have been linked to climate change related disasters and have been stated to have a higher impact risk within dense built environment (BE). Therefore, the book presents a description of the most relevant SLODs, their significance, and confluence, the way in which scientists and entities are monitoring their progression at different scales, a structured risk assessment strategy and the deconstruction of the BE characteristics that make it more prone to SLODs risk. In addition, it highlights the necessity of adapting the traditional risk assessment methods, to account for different vulnerabilitytypes, including the morphology and materiality of the BE, and the BE users’ characteristics. In fact, individual features influence users’ responses and tolerance to environmental stressors, because of age, health, gender, habits, and behaviour, thus impacting the users’ vulnerability. Exposure can then amplify these issues, since it defines the number of users that can be effectively affected by the SLOD. Starting from this perspective, the book first traces literature-based correlations between individual features, use behaviour, and individual response to the SLOD-altered open spaces. Then, a novel methodology, to quantify the variations of users’ vulnerability and exposure, is offered, to support designers in quickly defining input scenarios for risk assessment and mitigation. Lastly, it demonstrates, through a case study, the SLOD risk assessment framework proposed and the evaluation of the efficacy of risk mitigation strategies.

The book provides an overview of the Slow Onset Disasters (SLOD) in the urban built environment discussing potential strategies to assess and mitigate multiple climate change related risks. Climate change evidence has been reported in the last decades, suggesting that the anthropogenic activities are accelerating these changes towards a warmer and more polluted environment. In this context, SLODs have been linked to climate change related disasters and have been stated to have a higher impact risk within dense built environment (BE). Therefore, the book presents a description of the most relevant SLODs, their significance, and confluence, the way in which scientists and entities are monitoring their progression at different scales, a structured risk assessment strategy and the deconstruction of the BE characteristics that make it more prone to SLODs risk. In addition, it highlights the necessity of adapting the traditional risk assessment methods, to account for different vulnerabilitytypes, including the morphology and materiality of the BE, and the BE users’ characteristics. In fact, individual features influence users’ responses and tolerance to environmental stressors, because of age, health, gender, habits, and behaviour, thus impacting the users’ vulnerability. Exposure can then amplify these issues, since it defines the number of users that can be effectively affected by the SLOD. Starting from this perspective, the book first traces literature-based correlations between individual features, use behaviour, and individual response to the SLOD-altered open spaces. Then, a novel methodology, to quantify the variations of users’ vulnerability and exposure, is offered, to support designers in quickly defining input scenarios for risk assessment and mitigation. Lastly, it demonstrates, through a case study, the SLOD risk assessment framework proposed and the evaluation of the efficacy of risk mitigation strategies.

This book delves into the performance-based design approach, highlighting the necessity for bespoke, adaptive, and cognitive building envelopes that promote sustainable and positive behaviours throughout their lifecycle. A key to unlock the building envelope's potential is the integration of advanced digital tools such as building information modelling (BIM) and digital twin technology, which enable accurate simulation and optimization of energy efficiency, decarbonization, and human-centric design aspects. Moreover, the work emphasizes the importance of a user-centred approach in designing interactive and connected building envelopes, thereby fostering sustainable behaviours among occupants. This focus on user engagement and education in optimizing building envelope utilization not only contributes to reducing the environmental impact but also enhances the quality of life, well-being, and health of occupants. In the era of digital and ecological transition, the book serves as an essential guide to design and operate energy-efficient, responsive, and user-friendly building envelopes, paving the way for a future where the built environment is a significant contributor to sustainability and human health.