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Sustainable Strategies for Improving Humanitarian Construction Through BIM and Climate Analysis

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  • Mwikilwa Mukamba Gladdys

    (School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Bigirimana Gentil

    (School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Ping Cao

    (School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China)

Abstract

The growing need for effective and sustainable solutions in humanitarian construction has prompted scholars and practitioners to explore technical approaches that address the challenges of natural disasters, health emergencies, armed conflicts and migratory flows. These solutions often encompass temporary shelters, durable shelters and multifunctional buildings designed to balance rapid deployment, cultural sensitivity and environmental sustainability. However, the assessment of sustainability in humanitarian construction remains insufficiently defined due to the complexities of crises, the variability of local materials and the impact of local climatic conditions. This study aims to bridge this gap by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 to study sustainable strategies for humanitarian housing. Using case studies aligned with IFRC, UNHCR and CRL (Red Cross of Luxembourg) family shelter standards, the research assessed a Climate and Local Skill-Centered Design (CLCD) by examining the performance of key design elements, including wall material emissivity and reflectance, natural lighting, and energy efficiency within the context of indoor thermal comfort. Simulation results revealed that wall finishing material reflectance significantly influences average daylight factors (D), with variations of 2% to 5% linked to lower reflectance values and changes in the window-to-floor ratio (WFR). Conversely, thermal comfort metrics indicated minimal variations in heat discomfort hours, maintaining indoor temperatures between 19 °C and 25 °C, consistent with ASHRAE Standard 55 thermal comfort criteria. This paper underscores the importance of integrating advanced IT tools and green local techniques and materials to optimize humanitarian housing for health, comfort and environmental performance, offering actionable insights for future humanitarian sustainable designs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mwikilwa Mukamba Gladdys & Bigirimana Gentil & Ping Cao, 2025. "Sustainable Strategies for Improving Humanitarian Construction Through BIM and Climate Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-32, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1556-:d:1590639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Jaglarz, 2024. "Color as a Key Factor in Creating Sustainable Living Spaces for Seniors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Xinmiao Mo & Oriol Pons-Valladares & Sara Isabel Ortega Donoso, 2024. "Model to Improve Classrooms’ Visual Comfort Using Waste-Based Shading and Its Validation in Mediterranean Schools," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-24, November.
    3. Wang, Caixia & Deng, Shiming & Niu, Jianlei & Long, Enshen, 2019. "A numerical study on optimizing the designs of applying PCMs to a disaster-relief prefabricated temporary-house (PTH) to improve its summer daytime indoor thermal environment," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 181(C), pages 239-249.
    4. Anwar Kwaylih & Lara Alshawawreh & Francesco Pomponi, 2023. "Sustainability Trends in Humanitarian Architecture Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.
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