http://hdl.handle.net/10453/35195 2026-06-30T12:05:15Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195390 Title: Innovative Design of Adjustable Multi-Slat Photovoltaic Shading Devices for Energy-Efficient Office Spaces in Sydney Authors: Nazari, S; Mirzamohammadi, PK; Shirazi, A Abstract: A dual function of shading and electricity generation can be achieved with Photovoltaic Shading Devices (PVSDs); however, existing static systems lack adaptability to dynamic solar conditions. Therefore, an adjustable dual-axis solar-tracking multi-slat PVSD system is proposed in this study to address these limitations, positively impacting energy efficiency and occupant comfort. An office space at the University of Technology Sydney is considered as a real-world case study, and parametric modeling is conducted using Grasshopper and Ladybug tools for energy and daylight simulations. Results showed that the proposed PVSD systems can cover the building energy demand under window-to-wall ratios (WWR) ≥ 70%, while covering cooling energy demand in all scenarios and lighting energy demands in cases with more than 50% of WWR. Comapred with the base reference, adding the PVSD systems can reduce the lighting and cooling energy demand by aournd 50% and 10 - 20%, respectively. The practical feasibility and scalability of adaptive PVSDs are demonstrated in this study, advancing sustainable building design. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/195100 Title: An Empirical Study of Contractors’ Bidding Trends in Recurrent Bidding: A Case of Singapore Public Sector Construction Projects Authors: Zhang, Y; Oo, BL; Runeson, G; Lim, BTH Abstract: There have been limited empirical studies that aimed to establish the tenability of the stationarity assumption in recurrent construction bidding, and thus the need for and importance of allowing for continuity in bidding models remain unexplored. This study examined the bidding trends of individual contractors according to their level of experience in recurrent bidding, to test the tenability of the stationarity assumption. The data sample was a past bidding dataset of Singapore public sector construction projects over a five-year period between 2017 and 2021, with over 8000 bidding records from more than 900 contractors. The results show that there were statistically significant changes in the contractors’ bidding trends, irrespective of their level of experience in recurrent bidding and different time periodicities, ranging between 10 and 20 months. Thus, the stationarity assumption that contractors behave in a probabilistically consistent way over time, regardless of changing conditions, was untenable for the data sample involved. The observed changes in the contractors’ bidding trends cannot be regarded as random, but represent a continuous strategic process in response to changes in market forces. It is postulated that the possible causes of changes vary among individual contractors, in which there are a set of varying internal and external factors they consider at the time of bidding. The findings have implications for future bidding modelling attempts, in allowing for continuity in recurrent bidding. Contractors should systematically review and re-optimize their bidding strategy by leveraging their historical bidding data and bidding feedback information from clients, since their potential competitors will do the same thing for recurrent bidding. 2025-02-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/193744 Title: RHpT: Bioclimatic framework for passive climate-adaptive bio-façades in urban contexts Authors: Debnath, KB; Pynirtzi, N; Scott, J; Davie, C; Bridgens, B 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/193581 Title: Let's Play: Co-designing inclusive school playgrounds with neurodivergent children Authors: Kelly, S; Kerr, J; Rieger, J; Cushing, DF Abstract: School playground design does not always reflect the needs of the children who play there, particularly neurodivergent children. This leads to exclusion and limited opportunities for skill development and peer relationships. This research engages children with neurodivergent conditions, who are rarely asked for their opinions, to conceptualise their vision of their ideal school playground. It demonstrates what is required in play environments to make them inclusive and why neurodivergent children should be included in research. This qualitative research involved two groups of children aged 10–12. Seven ‘predominantly neurodivergent’ (ND) students and six ‘predominantly neurotypical’ (NT) students, across two public, government-run schools in Brisbane, Australia. Play-based workshops used a co-design methodology to create play prototypes, drawings and journals, alongside interactions with a sensory sculpture on the school playground. Guided by the social model of disability and a strengths-based neurodivergent approach, thematic analysis revealed what play features were necessary to support more inclusive play. Participants developed four key design principles from play features that included sensory, social, challenge and nature as priority areas for inclusive playground design. Further, Biophilic, Salutogenic and Prospect-Refuge theories validate what play features are essential to sustain ND children's involvement at play. These elements fostered physical, social, and emotional inclusion, enabling children to play for longer, promoting positive social outcomes. Affordance theory underscores the value of these features in meeting neurodivergent children's needs and enhancing their play experiences. This research highlights opportunities for more inclusive playgrounds and for designers to create environments that support diverse users. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z