European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011)

Planning Design for Affordable Housing and Green Architecture

Nura S. Mohamed Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment University Kebangsaan Malaysia, National University Malaysia 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia E-mail: nura_yassin@yahoo.com Tel: 0060129144558 Zuhairuse MD Darus Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment University Kebangsaan Malaysia, National University Malaysia 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia Abstract To build a green environment with the methodology, it must be valid on a comprehensive approach for the design of buildings appropriate to the environment. And all natural resources within the designs of any building materials such as natural or synthetic materials, and the contribution of users should be viewed as sustainable architecture. And giving the production of green buildings include solving many issues about the construction and the environment and conflicting requirements, every decision of design and environmental impact implications, The "green" buildings and construction of a high priority on the environment, health and conservation of natural resources and have more impact on the life cycle. It is remarkable that the priorities of its new expansion and updating of the classic designs buildings concerns: the economy standpoint, facilities and breaking strength, and joy. The green buildings design is mostly of high quality and accuracy in designing, which last longer and it cost less to operate and maintenance, and have greater energy savings and also have the function of the occupier of the standard developments. Any buyer of houses prefers sophisticated and green, and the often willing to pay a price premium over the existing advantages of green homes. What surprises many people who are not familiar of which is that the design of green buildings are good and cost very little and often most designs in green building is a traditional building. During the design process are teamwork, close and commitment in the performance of better work, and openness to new approaches, and information on how to apply and implement the types of designs are better and more important than the budget for major construction.

Keywords: Green, Building, Environment, Sustainable, Architecture, Traditional Building

1. Introduction
Man lived in ancient times in caves and they were trying to take the advantage and the benefit of the surrounding natural around them, to improve the standard of living and security at home, and architecture is the only way and the optimized for access rights to protection from external factors, and also searching for a way to take advantage of external sources of various energy such as soil, wind and sun. And looking at the design of some houses that have a respected relationship with the surrounding 643

European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011) environment, and basic design in architecture in the past may add some new ideas which are based on the available technology to use what exists and is available in the areas around us. However, it is an effective design and knit the available resources, and the existence of this available resources is absolutely needn't to use other resources and extensive transformation of the region or the need for control in the manufacture of the surrounding houses of resources, also focusing on environmental considerations surrounding us and this helps to achieve at least the minimum of the environmental impact of the weather, temperature, humidity, wind, and in addition, it is necessary to take advantage of existing resources to help increasing the comfort of the living conditions, and building traditional houses have many of the basic elements with some modifications in the composition of the modern architectural design. (www.Arab-eng.org/vb/showthread).

2. The Unceasing Environment of Green Architectural

Green Architecture has connected with the environment's results in the design of the building, and architecture in general; respects the users in natural materials. And finding that the Ministry of Health in some areas are friendly to the environment and its environs, and calculated that the use of the quality of natural materials and in accordance with the environment. (www.coldhamarch.com). We can find that in the urban environment and landscaping, especially in the areas of residential units, it can give forestation of these residential areas and a sense of happiness and comfort, and planting has many advantages, such as: Having the ability to improve air quality and air purification from dust and dirt from other adverse conditions, and have the ability alleviate the feeling of heat and reduce it to a low degree, and also it can isolate the noise and sound. The green spaces around the cities are a source of life for city and people, the residential areas and promote a forestation to improve the atmosphere of the population in good. The green leaves can custody of carbon dioxide from the air and it take out the oxygen in the atmosphere. Some studies have found that one square kilometers of trees can be edited, between 1-3 tons of oxygen per day. For this reason, we know that trees and green spaces, whether around the cities or in any other place, are extremely important for human health. In other studies which confirm that a single tree can block the exhaust from the combustion engine car in the equivalent of approximately 2500 miles per year. It cannot be that the trees and plants have been killed by air that contains harmful amounts of ammonia, and also in some other studies confirm the plants that can be cleaned Azotes 10% by including the ammonia from the air. For this study the biological sciences is very important to know how to get rid of pollution, which is spread in the air, as well as one of the low-cost methods, which do not require high efficiency. And basic landscaping works and work through the presence of trees and plants scattered among the population and houses, to remove contaminants from the air, while the number of residential complexes increases in air quality through a focus on the places that had been allowed to plant trees and plants. And the ability of trees and plants to clean the air of the population are through the absorption of gases, where the broad-leaved plants have more capacity to absorb pollutant gases. As for plants with leaves unescape, at least have the ability to absorb the gas from the air, but this can reduce the increasing of gases in the air. Green spaces have an important tool to clean the air of dirt, dust and sand, the trees can be limited to about 40-80% of the amount of pollutants in the air. In some studies, on the environment to full development and destruction of the tree and one that can prevent the absorption of about 978 kg of dust from the soil every year. The dust collects itself on the branches of the leaves, and gathering dust on these securities and access to land when it rains. But to increase this type of population of the city refine the air must plant trees in every place with the need to leave some space between the trees as possible for the dynamic movement of the wind. The trees must be separated from each other to allow growing with the existence of differences in height, so the flow of air to be easier. And green spaces, planting trees in a good way and the separation between them and around the city helping to lower the temperature, especially in the summer time about 5-6 degrees, and it helps to raise the temperature in the winter. The trees also help in raising the 644

European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011) temperature and relative humidity in the dry areas around 15-20%. And also planting trees on the sidewalk to provide ample shade for people when they walk under the sun. Trees and an important part in the ionization of the air and trees where the exaggeration in the negative ion relative in the air. Areas of trees have set in the relative ion more than three times than in arid areas, also analyzing the relative or appearing to add to the negative ions in the air. This from the effects of positive human living conditions and increases the immunity against the disease. Trees can absorb sounds and reduce the noise that increases in densely populated cities. So taking care of landscaping in the cities is the most important development of synergies that can be done because of its positive impact on the human environment together. (www.coldhamarch.com). 2.1. Humans and the Environment The environment we live in affects everything about human existence, the air we breathe and the water we drink. How we utilize the environment affects the planet earth that we live on and its resources whether organic or mineral. The environment that we live in consists of elements, the natural bodies of laws that we live with, and it is the medium in which we exercise our lives. But it is wrong to view environmental problems as being natural problems. We have to look over the alienation of society, cultural practices, and the intention that the man is the master of our environment. In the technological and industrial age people have been advancing the achievements of man while sacrificing the environment. Now people are changing their attitudes about the environment and concentrating on how to protect it from the many demands put upon it by man. The pollution of the air and water are some of the environmental problems of today. How should we protect the environment from the waste and over usage of resources? The lives of humans and other species are critically dependent on its ability to manage the environment in a good way while enjoying the benefits of it. As a perception of the environment by people and society in general it is necessary to promote conservation of the environment. It is necessary that action will affect the human's way, which will continue to live in the environment and enjoy the luxury that the environment gives through good health. So if humans knew the meaning of the Koran when God said "and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set in order: that will be best for you." They would strive to understand and protect the environment. That is why God wants us to develop the earth, and to have us find out that it is now time that humans understand the relationship between us and the environment and how to have dominion over it. (Surah 7. The Heights, Aya 85). 2.2. A Good Design Consideration in design is required that provides a balance in the relationship between used spaces, movement paths, building formation, mechanical systems, and construction technology. Also symbolic expressions of land and area history, spiritual values and principles should be studied. The building should be distinct in its easy use and fine architectural quality and outside beauty. It could be said that green architecture gives priority to health and environment and protects the resources and the performance of the building throughout its life cycle. Most green architecture is considered to be easily distinguishable and of a high quality because it's expected life is longer than other type's. Its costs and maintenance are lower, and it is more satisfying among users than classical building. It is interesting for many people that the new design of green architecture has little or no extra construction cost if compared with classical building. This dedication in performance improvement and working as a team during the design process; being open to new design directions; the availability of information about the best means of application; will lead to better results of construction budget. Hasan Fathi is one of the first architects who called for this direction, he is considered to be a naturalist at work. The house which he built in (Meet-Rihan, Cairo, 1983) is an example where natural temperature insulation is carried out during building design, and inside yard design is an application for maintaining principles of suitable natural ventilation and energy. 645

European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011) 2.2.1. Sustainable Design The defining and describing in general of the sustainability as a process to meet the essential needs of mankind, without prejudice to the needs of future generations. That the search for sustainable design requires more comprehensive long-term perspective and have challenges to get the relationships rightly, not only for the time being, but also for the future (Wendy, R. M & Tom, J. B, 2007). The sustainable design is the interface between architectural, mechanical, electrical and construction engineering. In addition to classical beauty interests, such as size touch, relations, parameters, shadow and light, teams of building design must pay attention to the human, economical and environmental long-term costs. The Rocky-mountain institute determined five elements of sustainable design: Generalization of planning and design and preliminary decisions has a great effect on the efficiency of energy use. Negative solar design is an example, which uses solar energy by suitable directing; the same is true for natural lighting and cooling. Sustainable design is a construction philosophy more than being a construction design; buildings built according to this thinking are not with certain shape or feature. Cost of sustainable building design is not more than classical buildings and they are not different from them in simplicity and are not complicated. Design integration between all elements as each element is a part of all. Reduction of energy utilization and improving peoples health are principles of sustainable building design. The other elements include the following: 1. Maintaining Energy. 2. The Architectural Features of buildings. 3. Studying the external surface of the building and what extent it conserves energy. 4. Use of electrical and mechanical systems efficiently. 5. Making a suitable healthy environment for building users. Additionally, sustainable design emphasizes the importance of understanding the environmental effect on design through site evaluation. It requires studying used energy of all related activities to buildings operation whether for manufacturing construction, equipment and materials or extracting minerals used in the manufacture of this equipment, and the evaluation of toxicity of used construction materials to ameliorate resultant negative effects on building users. Furthermore one of the most important principles is establishing pollution-free healthy environments. This will be clarified by discussing the means of the applied philosophy of green architecture during the choice of construction materials and the preparation of the environment, which also observes the importance of building users health and safety. 2.2.2. Design of Green Building To build a green environment with the methodology, it must be valid on a comprehensive approach for the design of buildings appropriate to the environment. And all natural resources within the designs of any building materials such as natural or synthetic materials, and the contribution of users should be viewed as sustainable architecture. And giving the production of green buildings include solving many issues about the construction and the environment and conflicting requirements, every decision of design and environmental impact implications, and it can be divided into measures for green buildings in four areas: 1. It must reduce energy use and conservation. 2. It must be reduce or prevent pollution and environmental damage of foreign affairs and its environs. 3. It should reduce the potential energy, conservation and depletion of natural resources. 4. It must reduce indoor pollution and minimize damage to public health. Read Phonetically 646

European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011) The "green" buildings and construction of a high priority on the environment, health and conservation of natural resources and have more impact on the life cycle. It is remarkable that the priorities of its new expansion and updating of the classic designs buildings concerns: the economy standpoint, facilities and breaking strength, and joy. The green buildings design is mostly of high quality and accuracy in designing, which last longer and it cost less to operate and maintenance, and have greater energy savings and also have the function of the occupier of the standard developments. Any buyer of houses prefers sophisticated and green, and the often willing to pay a price premium over the existing advantages of green homes. What surprises many people who are not familiar of which is that the design of green buildings are good and cost very little and often most designs in green building is a traditional building. During the design process are teamwork, close and commitment in the performance of better work, and openness to new approaches, and information on how to apply and implement the types of designs are better and more important than the budget for major construction. (http://www.arch.hku.hk/research/beer/sustain.htm) Designing the green building in tropical, subtropical and hot climate was difficult to being apply the green technology that was established only at developed countries with cold climates. And building industry and energy structure was the great differences of social background. (Bay, J. H & Ong, B. L. 2006). 2.2.3. Sustainable Environment in Architecture Looking for comfort for humans and the need to maintain the temperature range of vital role are buildings, especially in a climate that is in one season, like too cold or too hot. In the integration of several themes including the environment, cultural and history, as in the practice of design is the goal. In terms of sustainability, the energy used for a building depends upon the overall design. Houses have tended to naturally lighting and ventilated, but we can find in buildings that are using air conditioning or any kind of mechanical ventilation are consumers of energy and producers of CO2. (Thomas & Garnham 2007). In addition, the designs related to environment and health function contain only one way to solve environmental problems, and construction was at the same time protecting the environment and its environs. We also need to find ways and means to meet the essential needs of man. The description of the art of architecture with the technology with a design for the environment is the integration between art and science of the engineer in designing things. Since the beginning of the fifties the number of methods used in environmental design as a natural reaction to environmental issues, has now it become very complex in this modern world of technology and precision. The protection of the environment and the future of architecture that combines policy and program design will be full for the future. (http://www.arch.hku.hk/research/beer/sustain.htm).

3. Some Followed Means To Apply Green Architecture Concept

3.1. Used Material Efficiency Green architecture observes these materials properties regarding the lack or reduction in elaborated elements or harmful gases and a decrease in their toxicity. It also observes the possibility of recycling, their disintegration resistance, predicted life and possibility of local production. It suggests use of materials produced from removal and destruction because they contain chemically inactive materials. It also suggests use of dimensional planning which depends on repeated measurements and decreases in cost by the use of fewer materials. It also requires enough space to implement programs to get rid of solid wastes, to recycle destructive wastes, to include a special time to gather recycled wastes. 3.2. Health and Safety of Building Users Paper researches have shown that buildings which have a well-painted inside environment may lower the incidence of hypersensitivity asthma and resultant diseases due to building effects that include 647

European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011) chemical elements or products of petroleum and petro-chemical derivatives that have a toxic effect on humans. Some of them affect the brain directly, while others affect the immune system, and consequently prevent the destruction of disease. Improvement of the inside environment leads to better efficiency and quality of workers performance. Advantages of this exceed cost from 8-14 times. Construction and painting materials should not emit elements affecting the inside atmosphere. Many materials of construction, maintenance and cleaning emit toxic gases, such as volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which come out from gypsum bars or their adhering materials, especially during first stages directly after fixation. Ventilation and warming leads to the quick drying of gypsum and the emitted elements are lowered considerably by treatment of gypsum surfaces by painting. These gases have bad effects on the building user's health and production. As a result, recycled gypsum is preferable, as are adhering materials which depend on adhering papers and not adhering fiber-glass. Use of water-saturated sponge decreases dust particles in the inside environment if used as an alternative to sand. The engineer should observe warming and ventilation of the surface on which gypsum bars were installed and avoid or decrease absorbance of other materials of (VOC) by storing gypsum in a well-ventilated place. It should be painted quickly or the use of other treatments for gypsum surface carried out as soon as possible. It is preferable to avoid designs which lead to excess gypsum bars during construction. It is possible to use suitable ventilation systems and highly efficient filtration systems to affect positively the inside air in buildings. Microbial pollution should be avoided by the use of anti-microbial substances; efficient drainage on the buildings roof and coordinated surrounding areas; ensuring good ventilation in bathrooms; good humidity drainage from air conditioners; and humidity control by other building systems.

4. Spiritual Values of Sustainable Design in Development and Architecture

Development of environmental design (green or sustainable design) is based upon an idea that ensures an environment maintains the user's health, uses less energy, and lowers its negative effect. This development will not be of any use if done away from community culture and life style. If a decrease in energy use in building is done to use in other activities then the design direction will not achieve its goal. It is necessary to bind design concept with main principles, which are evident in many cultures all over the world. Values such as greed and a tendency to ensure infinite development reflect a kind of violence when we are isolated from lifes network. We justify destroying nature in order to satisfy our infinite materialistic desires. It is a suicidal tendency, which will push humanity, during the next twenty - five years to consume more than already exists on the planet. The existence of many low-level values results in many social diseases, such as violence, drug addiction, crime, child abuse, violence against women, family destruction, indifference, homelessness, education avoidance and poverty. These reflect a lack of spiritual and psychological immunity. Research has shown that immunity breakdown comes from a feeling of lack of values. A lack of respect evolves when there is no opportunity for the individual to be useful and valuable to the family and community. All these are spiritual and psychological elements, which enrich skills, self-respect, mutual respect and a feeling of being valuable to the community. This work satisfies spiritual needs and helps the development of the individual and the world of which we dream. This internal result of work and its psychological yield is more useful and beneficial than its external yield. Sustainable design requires changes in our thoughts and actions during the coming years and the building of foundations, which prevent the growth of consumption values within the community of greed and violence. It is important to have concepts and values which help in the development of a spiritual basis in our life and community, such as values assuring work enrichment and obtaining happiness by less consumption and less desire for wealth. The development considered necessary to help poor people has resulted in a concentration of wealth among rich people and no improvement in 648

European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 18, Number 4 (2011) poor people's status. There is a need for justice in the distribution of earnings to put an end to poverty and support all. Additionally, stabilizing development rates and attempting to arrive at equality, by ending injustice may all lead to a decrease in the consumption of energy, materials, financing and human cost. The gained wisdom from the generations of many cultures on this planet has emphasized the need for true goals. These lead to compassion, forgiveness, strength of spiritual aspects and a desire to give to others a determination of fair solutions to cover all. This also leads to solve problems, an emphasis on justice, honesty, responsibility, respect, dignity and the development of environmental continuity to support all people's needs and living.

5. Suggestions To Solve The Problems

Incorporate recent discoveries in the creation of new programs to develop and improve living conditions and initiate further research on housing problems in Libya. It is the responsibility of the government and private companies for creating national centers to solve housing problems. Provide affordable housing units to low-income people. Proper planning between the housing unit and complete city structure. Making sure of building a proper infrastructure that includes the water supply, sewage, rain water, electricity, telephones, lighting and the sidewalk before building the housing units. Taking care of refuse disposal inside the community when the housing units are designed. The careful use of water and working on reusing pollutant water after decontamination for use on the gardens and green areas. Building new modern houses with the best quality and low costs, that can be available to most of the low income Libyan resident.

6. Conclusion
The study of environment and the location of related sites for the design of affordable housing and suitable for all needs of housing and the environment require residential care aspects of the urban areas to arrive at a result of the design of appropriate infrastructure of the proper housing, facilities and services available. It should be furthered studies on affordable housing and appropriate for the study sites and the environment for new residential areas, and provide services needed by all the cities and villages, education, mosques, shopping centers, green spaces and to study the plans for the design of an integrated city and accommodation for future developments.

References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Al-Quran. The Heights, Surah 7, Aya 85. Bay, J. H & Ong, B. L. 2006. Tropical Sustainable Architecture. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Oxford OX2 8DP. Pp 25-102-207. Rafiaphp, Powered by rafa: v 1.4. 2003. http://Arab-eng/vb/showthread. [2 February 2006]. Subject GBlist (some) affordable house design strategies, Data Mon, 25 August 1997, 18:22:44-0500. http://www.coldhamarch.com. [5 March 2006]. Sustainable Architecture. Created: Dec 1996. Updated: 10 Aug 2002. By Sam C M H-ui. http://www.arch.hku.hk/research/beer/sustain.htm. [2 March 2009]. Thomas, R. & Garnham, T. 2007. The Environments of Architecture. 270 Madison A-ve, New York, NY 1oo16. P 33. Wendy, R. M & Tom, J. B, 2007. The Built Environment. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey Published simultaneously in Canada. P 38. 649