The design of residential care facilities for individuals with dementia profoundly impacts their quality of life and wellbeing. Dementia-friendly architecture, thoroughly reviewed in literature, provides guidelines and assessment tools to evaluate residential spaces and enhance living conditions. Key to residents' wellbeing is their autonomy and control over their environment, which can be facilitated by optimizing wayfinding within indoor spaces. Effective spatial layouts, particularly those offering good visual access, not only promote autonomy but also improves social integration by enabling residents to see and be seen by others.

This MSc thesis investigates the feasibility of artificial intelligence (AI) to support the design of dementia-friendly architecture, focusing particularly on wayfinding—a critical element of environmental design for individuals with dementia. The study quantitatively assesses the relationship between floor plan layouts and wayfinding ease using the isovist method, linking floor plan geometry with the navigational experiences of dementia patients. The assessment was done in accordance with an established Dementia Design Principles (DDP) environmental assessment tool recognized within universal design guidelines.

A computational framework was developed to evaluate wayfinding quality using visual access analysis, which were integrated into a machine learning model. This model was trained on a dataset of 256 floor plans, employing features derived from two distinct sources: spatial metrics such as distances and centrality from the Swiss Dwellings dataset, and compactness and distance-based features extracted via Grasshopper, a visual scripting tool in Rhino 3D. The model was tested using two supervised machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)—and achieved consistent accuracy rates between 70-80% using 14 features and 2 multiclass outputs describing the visual access quality. This demonstrates AI's potential as a decision-support tool in the early stages of architectural design, offering architects insights into the wayfinding quality of their designs.

The goal of this research is to develop a digital framework that can be leveraged by architects to link early-stage concept design ideation to the specialist validation of final designs to help guide the design of layouts towards DDP-compliance and reduce risk of design changes, ultimately designs that are easier to navigate by people living with dementia and enhance the quality of living.

Environmental noise is a pervasive and significant issue in urban areas, negatively affecting the health and well-being of both residents and wildlife. Despite efforts under the European Noise Directive to reduce noise from sources such as road, rail, air traffic, and industrial activities, around 20% of the EU population still lives in areas where noise levels exceed health-based guidelines. The dense infrastructure and reflective surfaces in urban environments amplify noise levels, highlighting the urgent need for effective noise reduction strategies.

Vertical Greenery Systems (VGSs) can effectively reduce urban noise pollution when implemented thoughtfully. State-of-the-art VGS designs commonly incorporate multi-layer structures comprising a bearing wall, substrate layer, and foliage layer. This research aimed to optimize such VGSs in the early design stages to enhance their noise mitigation capabilities. Among the available generic models, the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) offers the most comprehensive approach for modelling the acoustic characteristics of these structures. TMM allows for the modelling of acoustic properties on both sides of a one-dimensional fluid-like layer using effective, frequency-dependent parameters encapsulated within a 2 × 2 matrix. The total transfer matrix of the VGS results from the product of its individual layer transfer matrices.

It was established that to accurately evaluate the acoustic effectiveness of multi-layered VGSs, it is imperative to concentrate on the performance resulting from the superposition of layers under specific boundary conditions, rather than analysing individual layer parameters in isolation. This approach recognizes that there is no definitive answer regarding which specific components demonstrate superior performance. Instead, the intricate nature of superposition underscores the necessity for systematic experimentation with various component combinations and the manipulation of extrinsic variables, such as layer thicknesses, to optimize VGS performance.

In this research, the TMM was utilized to develop a tool for evaluating the acoustic performance of VGS designs, suitable for deployment during the early phase of the design process. The tool includes a comprehensive material library that allows stakeholders to explore various design options, making the approach more adaptable. It enables the evaluation of VGS design feasibility by examining the normal incidence weighted sound absorption coefficient and its corresponding absorption class. Additionally, the tool serves as a framework for conducting further analysis on the long-term environmental impact and economic viability of VGSs.

Flying has become increasingly accessible in the last few decades, leading to enormous growth in aircraft traffic worldwide. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in Europe based on passenger traffic, and noise pollution from the airport affects over 63,000 individuals daily. This study aims to determine if the presence of trees has the potential to significantly mitigate noise pollution from aircraft across seasonal leaf patterns and across different configurations in a simulated street canyon near a major airport. Thirty-six adolescent Common Linden trees were placed in a simulated street canyon near Schiphol Airport’s Kaagbaan runway, where sound, weather, and flight data were collected between February through May. Two additional configurations of the trees were also tested to evaluate the effect of planting density and patterns on scattering and reflecting noise. Trends in sound pressure levels measured inside the street canyon were compared to levels measured by a reference microphone, and a linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of weather and trajectory variables on the differences in sound pressure levels between these two environments. Between 0.68 and 3.3 dB of noise attenuation were observed in the experimental courtyard for arriv- ing flights, versus between -2.65 and 0.5 dB of noise attenuation for departing flights. Furthermore, while around 10 percent (R2 =0.099) of variation in the noise attenuation
of arriving flights could be explained by flight trajectory and weather variables alone, this percentage was significantly higher for departing flights (R2 =0.46). These results are in line with previous research which found that the interaction of building properties with meteorological variables and flight trajectory have the most influence on sound propaga- tion of aircraft noise within a street canyon environment, but also suggest that vegetation can play a role in mitigating noise pollution. Further research is required to determine if the presence of adult leaves or the psychological effects of greenery on the human per- ception of aircraft noise pollution could augment the modest noise pollution attenuation effects of trees seen in this experiment.

The rapid development of Dutch DC’s near airports pressures the environment. VGS are considered a promising measure toward a more nature-inclusive development of Dutch distribution centers. However, an integral quantitative impact assessment model is needed to retrieve funding and facilitate an evidence-based decision-making process for the implementation of VGS. This research therefore aims to develop a multi-criteria decision model to assess the impact of VGS in Dutch DC’s near airports to enhance the decision-making process for the implementation of VGS. The main research question was formulated as follows: ‘How can a MCDM tool on the quantitative performance of VGS in delivering ecosystem services be developed and applied, in order to facilitate the impact assessment and evidence-based decision-making in the context of Dutch DC’s near airports?’
The research question was answered through a mixed-methods approach including literature research and expert interviews. A case study was used to apply and validate the MCDM model. VGS were found to offer a range of supporting, regulating, provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. The performance of VGS in delivering these services was mainly determined by the plants, substrate and support system. In general, living walls have a higher performance than green façades, among which modular living walls perform best. However, context-specific valuation was considered key. Evaluating VGS on the interaction effects between the main system components and the ecosystem services is an effective approach for developing a MCDM model that enhances decision-making and creates support base for implementation. A context-specific impact assessment can be achieved by weighing the relevance of the ecosystem services. Further research that compares the impact of distinct types of VGS is needed to further develop and validate the model, specifically with regard to grey water treatment, education, and wellbeing.

Environmental noise has become a large health concern in Europe with at least one in five people exposed to levels considered harmful to health. Additionally, prolonged exposure to excessive levels of noise has a negative economic impact.
The rapid development of urban areas makes the effect of noise pollution even worse. However, architects and urban designers who define the shape of a neighbourhood rarely give attention to this aspect. Decisions regarding the sound environment are often taken in the latter stages of design when the least design exploration is possible. Moreover, environmental acoustic involves complex urban physics which makes it more difficult for designers.

Therefore, in this master thesis, a parametric simulation workflow is developed which can predict the traffic noise in the early phases of design. The approach would be easy to use for architects and urban designers to overcome some of the main drawbacks of traditional practices.

The project followed five-step processes of research, development, validation, testing and optimization. To better understand urban noise, atmospheric acoustics, and how buildings affect sound propagation, a literature review was conducted. The parametric workflow was then created using Grasshopper, the visual scripting plugin for Rhino3D, in conjunction with other plugins such as Pachyderm and Ladybug.

After development stage, the parametric workflow is validated against on-site measurements and Geomilieu (environmental noise calculation software). Further, the simulation results from the design stage demonstrate that the tool can include urban microscale features like building shape, façade extrusions and materiality which can have an impact on reducing the traffic noise levels. It is found that the building shape of the lower levels may amplify or quieten the sound on upper levels. Façade extrusions have the least impact but variations in their positions and sizes may influence the results. It was further predicted that the green façade has a great potential to reduce reflected noise and lower the values inside the courtyard.

In addition, the findings of the optimization study show that the workflow may be used with other performance criteria and help to explore design solutions. Overall, the workflow can help identify the relationships between design aspects and acoustic performance in the early stages of design by taking into account simplifications and restrictions such as edge diffraction.

Noise pollution is a growing health concern in cities, especially in busy streets with parallel reflective facades, known as urban street canyons. Here, high flows of vehicular traffic generate a broadband noise, with high noise levels in the low-frequency (LF) spectrum. In the canyons, noise decays slowly due to multiple reflections. To counter this, vertical greening systems (VGS) can be applied as multi-disciplinary solutions. Not only can these systems attenuate noise, they can also e.g. decrease the urban heat island effect and increase biodiversity. Yet, the shortcoming of VGSs is the lack of LF-absorption. Hence, the following research question was asked: “How can the acoustic absorption of vertical greening systems in urban street canyons be improved, especially for low-frequency noise?” Four concept designs were developed consecutively, and evaluated on the basis of design criteria. These criteria included specifications on acoustic absorption, manufacturability, and durability. The final design consisted of a living wall system (LWS) based on hydroponic rock wool, with a parallel array of Helmholtz resonators integrated in its structure. This array was added to increase the LF-absorption of the VGS below 250 Hz. The Helmholtz cavity volumes were not physically subdivided, but rather filled with a locally reactive material with a low flow resistivity, to enforce propagation that is normal to the surface. Additionally, plants can also absorb sound in the visco-thermal boundary layer around their organs, depending on the leaf area density. It was found that sciophytes (shade-loving plants) had most acoustic potential due to their large leave surfaces. Analytical, experimental, and numerical validation was performed. A Matlab script was developed that applied Delany-Bazley-Miki equations in an equivalent fluid model, and a transfer-function approach for the multi-layer complex impedance. The design yields near-unity absorption for f>500 Hz. The resonators extended the LF-absorption (a>0.5) down to 80 Hz. Impedance tube and reverberation room measurements demonstrated that piercing the porous substrate layer with the Helmholtz resonator necks can yield a combined acoustic absorption. Finally, acoustic simulations showed that applying the proposed LWS to the facades in a reference urban street canyon in Rotterdam can substantially decrease sound levels, both inside the street canyon, as well as in the adjacent courtyard canyon. However, the window-to-wall ratio of the facade largely determines to what extent sound levels can be decreased, since vertical greenery cannot be applied in front of windows.

Exposure to excessive community noise has become a large environmental health concern. Noise pollution continues to increase while it is accompanied by direct, as well as cumulative adverse health effects. In addition, prolonged exposure to excessive noise levels also has a negative economic impact. The incorporation of numerical tools in the design process could counter this problem. However, traditional models are not widely available or often simplified. This illustrates the complexity of the matter, as noise is influenced by a variety of acoustic propagation effects. Moreover, the focus is predominantly on noise from railways and roads or for indoor settings. Little information is available about the dispersion of sound around buildings emitted by overhead sound sources, i.e. aircraft. This means that most numerical models neglect or simplify meteorological effects, which may result in misinterpretation of the urban noise situation. This graduation thesis addresses the question whether the design of the build environment can yield a reduction in aircraft induced noise, including the presence of a downward refracting atmosphere. The outcome may assist architects and urban designers to improve the soundscape quality in areas affected by aircraft noise. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the application of a self-made low turbulence wind tunnel is explored to perform scale model measurements that could be extended towards a full-size experiment in future studies. The wind tunnel was able to generate a uniform velocity profile which was suited to be used in this experiment. However, limitations were observed considering higher order wind tunnel reflections and masking of sound by the fan. In addition, a CFD study was performed to get insights into the interference between geometric configurations and flow patterns inside the wind tunnel. The building geometry influences the sound pressure level near the façade without a line of sight towards the sound source. The differences between the geometries studied in this thesis increased for decreasing grazing angles. The results also suggest the independency of canyon width on the shielding performance in case of treated canyon facades (covered with sound absorbing material), obstructed sound paths and absence of wind. In the presence of wind, sound pressure levels were further reduced for smaller treated canyons. Moreover, the results demonstrate a strong downward refracting atmospheric effect which increases the sound pressure levels inside shielded canyons. Flat roofs reduce wind effects which means that the effects of a downward refracting atmosphere are less intense compared more common typologies containing e.g. gabled roof tops.