Research and application of climate-responsive design of traditional vernacular houses in Chaoshan, China

As Technological advancement marches forward, it is crucial that we assess the environmental impact caused by these advancements. The use of non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels, oil & gas, for technological advancements has exacerbated the effects of climate change. Excessive greenhouse gas emissions by certain industries have caused devastating effects such as a rise in sea levels, more frequent environmental disasters, and uninhabitable temperatures across the globe. This issue sheds the spotlight on modern advancements & techniques in environmental resiliency, and sustainability in urban areas, and cities. The effects of climate change not only threaten the continuation of wildlife and humanity globally but also deteriorate the living conditions of people living in cities. The effects that cause climate change in cities and urban areas are, by design, harmful to the cities’ inhabitants. The most well-documented and obvious example of this is the widespread use of automobiles as the main mode of transport, particularly within developing nations. A prioritization of heavy automobile use naturally increases greenhouse gas emissions, and requires expansion of tarmac and motorway construction, to facilitate the increase in traffic during certain hours of the day. The result is a cascading destructive effect on the health of people, the exhaust fumes of vehicles deteriorate respiratory and mental health, and the creation of vast motorways create a heat island effect, raising temperatures and further complicating life within the city while eradicating natural green landscapes that encourage social inclusivity, and mental well-being. The streets should belong to the people, not automobiles. Urban streets should present a livable space that encourages social interactivity and inclusivity to a diverse set of people. Architectural constructions should follow this philosophy as well, for with inclusivity shall ideas thrive, and new perspectives are to be gained. It is our responsibility as researchers, scholars, architects, and planners to act upon, and mitigate, these destructive effects, through regenerative urban planning methods that prioritize the health of the individual, and their well-being, through the upkeep of existing – recent, or historical – buildings, and ensuring that novel projects will uplift the factor of livability within a city, and promote the health of individuals within it. The journal welcomes diverse approaches to innovative ideas that could aid in discoveries within the field of environmental resiliency & Livability