Assessment of Sustainable Housing Strategies

**41**

**Chapter 4**

**Abstract**

*Kazutoshi Fujihira*

Comprehensive Strategy for

Sustainable Housing Design

Sustainable housing needs to be designed to maximize occupants' well-being and minimize the environmental load. The pursuit of combining these two different aspects toward sustainability is a goal-oriented task. The science of control can be applied to all goal-oriented tasks. Therefore, applying control science, we have been progressing in research on sustainable housing design. Our previous study has produced the control system for promoting sustainable housing design in which sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist are incorporated. Based on these accomplished results, this study has comprehensively visualized the process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist. Following this visualized process, also this study has concretely shown the production and revision processes of the sustainable design guidelines. The study results suggest that the comprehensive visualization can make these processes more manageable and help system designers to produce and revise the guidelines more efficiently. Furthermore, these results have led to indicating how to adjust the guidelines to different countries or regions as well as changing situations over time.

**Keywords:** sustainable housing, control system, sustainable design guidelines,

Housing is the most important place that supports people's well-being. Sheltering residents from severe climate and weather, housing basically provides areas and facilities for sleeping, preparing meals, eating, and hygiene. People also conduct other activities, such as childcare, nursing care, communication, recreation, and learning, in their homes. Furthermore, the progress of information technology is currently increasing the number of people who work at home.

threat requires housing design to strengthen the function of shelter.

Meanwhile, housing is closely related to a variety of environmental problems. Typically, energy use at homes and the construction and demolition of houses have been significant causes of climate change, depletion of natural resources, and waste. Moreover, current and future impact caused by climate change is becoming a serious threat to human activities and people's well-being [1, 2]. Thus, this emerging

Sustainable housing needs to be designed to maximize residents' well-being and minimize the environmental burden. The pursuit of combining these two different aspects toward sustainability is a goal-oriented task. The science of control can be applied to all goal-oriented tasks and has produced extraordinary results in many

sustainability checklist, production process, revision process,

comprehensive visualization, communication

**1. Introduction**

## **Chapter 4**

## Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design

*Kazutoshi Fujihira*

#### **Abstract**

Sustainable housing needs to be designed to maximize occupants' well-being and minimize the environmental load. The pursuit of combining these two different aspects toward sustainability is a goal-oriented task. The science of control can be applied to all goal-oriented tasks. Therefore, applying control science, we have been progressing in research on sustainable housing design. Our previous study has produced the control system for promoting sustainable housing design in which sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist are incorporated. Based on these accomplished results, this study has comprehensively visualized the process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist. Following this visualized process, also this study has concretely shown the production and revision processes of the sustainable design guidelines. The study results suggest that the comprehensive visualization can make these processes more manageable and help system designers to produce and revise the guidelines more efficiently. Furthermore, these results have led to indicating how to adjust the guidelines to different countries or regions as well as changing situations over time.

**Keywords:** sustainable housing, control system, sustainable design guidelines, sustainability checklist, production process, revision process, comprehensive visualization, communication

#### **1. Introduction**

Housing is the most important place that supports people's well-being. Sheltering residents from severe climate and weather, housing basically provides areas and facilities for sleeping, preparing meals, eating, and hygiene. People also conduct other activities, such as childcare, nursing care, communication, recreation, and learning, in their homes. Furthermore, the progress of information technology is currently increasing the number of people who work at home.

Meanwhile, housing is closely related to a variety of environmental problems. Typically, energy use at homes and the construction and demolition of houses have been significant causes of climate change, depletion of natural resources, and waste. Moreover, current and future impact caused by climate change is becoming a serious threat to human activities and people's well-being [1, 2]. Thus, this emerging threat requires housing design to strengthen the function of shelter.

Sustainable housing needs to be designed to maximize residents' well-being and minimize the environmental burden. The pursuit of combining these two different aspects toward sustainability is a goal-oriented task. The science of control can be applied to all goal-oriented tasks and has produced extraordinary results in many

fields, especially engineering. Accordingly, applying control science, we have been progressing in research on sustainable housing design. In 2017, the already produced research results were compiled into the monograph titled *Sustainable Home Design by Applying Control Science*.

The core of the already produced results is the control system for promoting sustainable housing design where sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist are incorporated. Utilizing these research results, recently we have strived to clearly demonstrate the process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist. Moreover, following this demonstrated process, we have made the newest revision of the design guidelines. This chapter reviews these study results and discusses the meaning of the study.

## **2. Control system for promoting sustainable housing design**

The "control system for promoting sustainable housing design" is demonstrated in **Figure 1**. The upper area of the figure is the theoretical world; the lower area is the practical world.

"Disturbances" are adverse effects on controlled objects which are caused by environmental, social, or economic problems. Concrete examples of the disturbances include harmful influences caused by environmental pollution and various impacts resulting from climate change. The route from "disturbances" to "sustainability" is "adaptation." This route has been added, based on the recent scientific understanding that adaptation measures to current and future impact caused by climate change are also necessary toward sustainability [1, 2, 5].

The purpose of control is the achievement of "sustainability." The model of sustainability (**Figure 2**) shows that sustainability needs both internal stability and fundamental stability, in order to realize the long-term well-being of all humankind or ultimate goal, within the finite global environment and natural resources or absolute limitations [6]. Internal stability means social and economic stability; the conditions for internal stability are "health," "safety," "mutual help," and "selfrealization," which are important for the well-being of humans [6]. On the other hand, fundamental stability means environmental stability and a stable supply

**43**

**Figure 2.**

*Model of sustainability [6].*

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

of necessary goods; the conditions for fundamental stability are "environmental

"Desired values" are derived from the purpose of control, namely, sustainability. Meanwhile, "controlled variables" are the variables that relate to controlled objects and need to be controlled for primarily solving or preventing the problems or adapting to disturbances [3, 4]. The control objective of this control system is to

In the practical world, controlled objects are both "new homes" and "existing homes." "People involved in design," such as homeowners, architects, designers, and homebuilders, adjust the controlled variables to their desired values, by utilizing the "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist." Both the design guidelines and checklist have almost the same structure, namely, elements, variables, and their desired values. However, the checklist is created to easily compare measured or estimated variables with the desired values and search for controlled variables [3, 4]. When objects are new homes, first, information on the desired values reaches "people involved in design" through the "sustainable design guidelines." People involved make "drawings and specifications," so that the variables of home's elements can attain their desired values as much as possible. At important steps in the design process, people involved check the drawings and specifications, by referring

When existing homes are objects, the design process begins with "inspection" on the home as an object. The "people involved in design" measure or estimate each element's variables of that home by referring to the "sustainability checklist." After the inspection, the people involved usually make "drawings and specifications" for improvement, so that controlled variables satisfy their desired values as much as possible [3, 4].

**3. Process of producing and revising the design guidelines and checklist**

The process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist is shown in **Figure 3**. The upper and lower areas divided by the dotted line represent the "theoretical world" and the "practical world," respectively. The central part demonstrates the course of preparing and using the "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist." First, system designers produce

preservation" and "sustainable use of natural resources" [6].

adjust the controlled variables to their desired values.

to the "sustainability checklist" [3, 4].

**Figure 1.** *Control system for promoting sustainable housing design [3, 4].* *Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

#### **Figure 2.**

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

*by Applying Control Science*.

the practical world.

fields, especially engineering. Accordingly, applying control science, we have been progressing in research on sustainable housing design. In 2017, the already produced research results were compiled into the monograph titled *Sustainable Home Design* 

The core of the already produced results is the control system for promoting sustainable housing design where sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist are incorporated. Utilizing these research results, recently we have strived to clearly demonstrate the process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist. Moreover, following this demonstrated process, we have made the newest revision of the design guidelines. This chapter

The "control system for promoting sustainable housing design" is demonstrated in **Figure 1**. The upper area of the figure is the theoretical world; the lower area is

"Disturbances" are adverse effects on controlled objects which are caused by environmental, social, or economic problems. Concrete examples of the disturbances include harmful influences caused by environmental pollution and various impacts resulting from climate change. The route from "disturbances" to "sustainability" is "adaptation." This route has been added, based on the recent scientific understanding that adaptation measures to current and future impact caused by

The purpose of control is the achievement of "sustainability." The model of sustainability (**Figure 2**) shows that sustainability needs both internal stability and fundamental stability, in order to realize the long-term well-being of all humankind or ultimate goal, within the finite global environment and natural resources or absolute limitations [6]. Internal stability means social and economic stability; the conditions for internal stability are "health," "safety," "mutual help," and "selfrealization," which are important for the well-being of humans [6]. On the other hand, fundamental stability means environmental stability and a stable supply

reviews these study results and discusses the meaning of the study.

**2. Control system for promoting sustainable housing design**

climate change are also necessary toward sustainability [1, 2, 5].

**42**

**Figure 1.**

*Control system for promoting sustainable housing design [3, 4].*

*Model of sustainability [6].*

of necessary goods; the conditions for fundamental stability are "environmental preservation" and "sustainable use of natural resources" [6].

"Desired values" are derived from the purpose of control, namely, sustainability. Meanwhile, "controlled variables" are the variables that relate to controlled objects and need to be controlled for primarily solving or preventing the problems or adapting to disturbances [3, 4]. The control objective of this control system is to adjust the controlled variables to their desired values.

In the practical world, controlled objects are both "new homes" and "existing homes." "People involved in design," such as homeowners, architects, designers, and homebuilders, adjust the controlled variables to their desired values, by utilizing the "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist." Both the design guidelines and checklist have almost the same structure, namely, elements, variables, and their desired values. However, the checklist is created to easily compare measured or estimated variables with the desired values and search for controlled variables [3, 4].

When objects are new homes, first, information on the desired values reaches "people involved in design" through the "sustainable design guidelines." People involved make "drawings and specifications," so that the variables of home's elements can attain their desired values as much as possible. At important steps in the design process, people involved check the drawings and specifications, by referring to the "sustainability checklist" [3, 4].

When existing homes are objects, the design process begins with "inspection" on the home as an object. The "people involved in design" measure or estimate each element's variables of that home by referring to the "sustainability checklist." After the inspection, the people involved usually make "drawings and specifications" for improvement, so that controlled variables satisfy their desired values as much as possible [3, 4].

#### **3. Process of producing and revising the design guidelines and checklist**

The process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist is shown in **Figure 3**. The upper and lower areas divided by the dotted line represent the "theoretical world" and the "practical world," respectively.

The central part demonstrates the course of preparing and using the "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist." First, system designers produce

#### **Figure 3.**

*Process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist.*

or revise the guidelines and checklist through the three-stage process. Next, system users utilize the guidelines and checklist. After that, the residents use the actual homes that have been designed with the guidelines and checklist.

The four blocks on the left show the items to check when producing or revising the guidelines and checklist. The contents in these four items can change over time. Meanwhile, the two blocks on the lower right show the items to check when revising the guidelines and checklist, based on the feedback from the system users and home residents.

#### **3.1 Process of producing the design guidelines and checklist**

The process of producing the design guidelines and checklist consists of three stages: (1) identification of environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing, (2) identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design, and (3) determination of elements, variables, and their desired values in the design guidelines and checklist.

#### *3.1.1 Identification of problems related to housing*

Producing the guidelines starts with the identification of environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing. Observing trends in understanding

**45**

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

system designers to identify such requirements.

and the courses of design.

*3.1.3.1 Elements*

*3.1.3.2 Variables*

about problems related to housing, system designers search for the problems that should be identified. The basis for the identification is that the problems affect the total six stability conditions, namely, health, safety, mutual help, self-realization, environmental preservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. When identifying problems, system designers take up both global/general problems and local/ particular problems in their region or country. Examples of global/general problems are global warming and climate change, depletion of natural resources, and waste. Meanwhile, damage caused by earthquakes is included in local/particular problems.

In the second stage, based on the identified problems related to housing, system designers identify the requirements for sustainable housing design. For example, if "depletion of natural resources" and "waste" are identified as problems in the first stage, the "extension of housing lifespan" and "use of resource-saving or wasteprevention materials" are usually identified as the requirements. These two requirements are related to "sustainable use of natural resources," one of the six stability conditions. Similarly, "damage caused by earthquakes" requires "higher resistance to earthquakes," which is related to "safety," another stability condition. In addition, observation of "trends in understanding about sustainable housing" also helps the

In the third stage, the requirements for sustainable housing design are converted into the "element-variable-desired value" structure of the guidelines and checklist. The purpose of this conversion is the convenience of users in the practical world. The structure of "element-variable-desired value" shows design targets of each part of homes; therefore, it enables users to easily understand what should be designed

The previous publications have presented a method of selecting important elements of homes, based on two main factors: "material" and "space." "Material" regards housing as the aggregate of material elements, such as framework, exterior, thermal insulation, windows and doors, interior, piping, and equipment for harnessing natural energy. "Space" considers housing as the aggregate of spatial elements, such as rooms and areas [3, 4]. In addition, material elements and spatial elements are equivalent to actual parts of homes. Accordingly, when designing, checking, evaluating, or inspecting homes, system users can easily compare the

When selecting elements, system designers also consider the requirements for sustainable housing design. In other words, the elements that are required for sustainable housing design need to be included in the set of elements. For instance, "equipment for rainwater use" should be selected as one of material elements, even

After selecting elements, system designers examine the relationships between

each element and the relevant stability condition(s), as well as the related requirement(s) for sustainable housing design. Subsequently they determine the

element's variables that can indicate the degree of stability [3, 4].

*3.1.2 Identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design*

*3.1.3 Determination of elements, variables, and their desired values*

guidelines and checklist with the actual home or drawings [3, 4].

though it is not common in current ordinary homes [6].

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

or revise the guidelines and checklist through the three-stage process. Next, system users utilize the guidelines and checklist. After that, the residents use the actual

The four blocks on the left show the items to check when producing or revising the guidelines and checklist. The contents in these four items can change over time. Meanwhile, the two blocks on the lower right show the items to check when revising the guidelines and checklist, based on the feedback from the system users and home

The process of producing the design guidelines and checklist consists of three stages: (1) identification of environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing, (2) identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design, and (3) determination of elements, variables, and their desired values in the design

Producing the guidelines starts with the identification of environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing. Observing trends in understanding

homes that have been designed with the guidelines and checklist.

*Process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist.*

**3.1 Process of producing the design guidelines and checklist**

**44**

residents.

**Figure 3.**

guidelines and checklist.

*3.1.1 Identification of problems related to housing*

about problems related to housing, system designers search for the problems that should be identified. The basis for the identification is that the problems affect the total six stability conditions, namely, health, safety, mutual help, self-realization, environmental preservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. When identifying problems, system designers take up both global/general problems and local/ particular problems in their region or country. Examples of global/general problems are global warming and climate change, depletion of natural resources, and waste. Meanwhile, damage caused by earthquakes is included in local/particular problems.

#### *3.1.2 Identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design*

In the second stage, based on the identified problems related to housing, system designers identify the requirements for sustainable housing design. For example, if "depletion of natural resources" and "waste" are identified as problems in the first stage, the "extension of housing lifespan" and "use of resource-saving or wasteprevention materials" are usually identified as the requirements. These two requirements are related to "sustainable use of natural resources," one of the six stability conditions. Similarly, "damage caused by earthquakes" requires "higher resistance to earthquakes," which is related to "safety," another stability condition. In addition, observation of "trends in understanding about sustainable housing" also helps the system designers to identify such requirements.

#### *3.1.3 Determination of elements, variables, and their desired values*

In the third stage, the requirements for sustainable housing design are converted into the "element-variable-desired value" structure of the guidelines and checklist. The purpose of this conversion is the convenience of users in the practical world. The structure of "element-variable-desired value" shows design targets of each part of homes; therefore, it enables users to easily understand what should be designed and the courses of design.

#### *3.1.3.1 Elements*

The previous publications have presented a method of selecting important elements of homes, based on two main factors: "material" and "space." "Material" regards housing as the aggregate of material elements, such as framework, exterior, thermal insulation, windows and doors, interior, piping, and equipment for harnessing natural energy. "Space" considers housing as the aggregate of spatial elements, such as rooms and areas [3, 4]. In addition, material elements and spatial elements are equivalent to actual parts of homes. Accordingly, when designing, checking, evaluating, or inspecting homes, system users can easily compare the guidelines and checklist with the actual home or drawings [3, 4].

When selecting elements, system designers also consider the requirements for sustainable housing design. In other words, the elements that are required for sustainable housing design need to be included in the set of elements. For instance, "equipment for rainwater use" should be selected as one of material elements, even though it is not common in current ordinary homes [6].

#### *3.1.3.2 Variables*

After selecting elements, system designers examine the relationships between each element and the relevant stability condition(s), as well as the related requirement(s) for sustainable housing design. Subsequently they determine the element's variables that can indicate the degree of stability [3, 4].

Choosing only one element, namely, "framework," the rest of this part shows how to determine the variables. System designers examine the relationships between "framework" and "sustainable use of natural resources," the relevant stability condition, as well as the "extension of housing lifespan" and "use of resourcesaving or waste-prevention materials," the related requirements. As a result, they can identify "durability" and "materials," indicators of "sustainable use of natural resources," as variables of "framework." Moreover, if the country or region is in an earthquake-prone area, the system designers consider the relationships between "framework" and "safety," the relevant stability condition, as well as "higher resistance to earthquakes," the related requirement. They can subsequently identify "resistance to earthquakes," an indicator of "safety," as an additional variable.

#### *3.1.3.3 Desired values*

After determining variables, system designers set the desired values of these variables that can meet the relevant stability conditions. Setting variables' desired values requires observing two items in the practical world: "trends in technology related to housing" and "trends in systems related to housing design." Observing trends in technology is significant for determining variables' desired values of material elements. Meanwhile, observing trends in systems related to housing design is necessary and useful for setting the desired values of most variables [7]. In this context, systems related to housing design include both compulsory and voluntary systems. Compulsory systems are building codes and regulations; voluntary systems are typically assessment and rating systems, standards, and design guidelines.

For example, if "durability" and "materials" have been identified as variables of "framework," the desired values of these variables can be determined in the following way. As for "durability," the system designers can set its desired value, considering a necessary level of framework's lifespan or deterioration resistance. Similarly, they can determine the desired value of "materials," based on a necessary level of utilizing materials which promotes resource-saving or waste-prevention, such as renewable, recycled, and recyclable materials. When determining the desired values of "durability" and "materials," it is significant to refer to relevant information in voluntary systems. Information on these desired values is usually included in voluntary systems, such as assessment and rating systems, and standards, whereas such information is outside the scope of building codes. Accordingly, system designers can set these desired values, by utilizing related criteria and information which are included in the relevant voluntary systems [7].

Meanwhile, if "resistance to earthquakes" has been identified as a variable of "framework," the desired value is a sufficient level of preventing damage caused by earthquakes. In quake-prone countries, quakeproofing standards are usually stipulated in the building codes. However, if system designers consider that the standard value specified in the building codes is insufficient, they make an addition to the standard value, so as to suit the desired value [7]. On the other hand, if they consider that the standard value is suitable to the desired value, they can use it as it is. In the latter case, the variable and its desired value can be omitted from the guidelines and checklist, because people naturally conform to compulsory building codes [7].

#### **3.2 Process of revising the design guidelines and checklist**

The "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist" need to be revised, for adjustment to changing situations as well as for higher accuracy and user-friendliness. The revision process can be divided into three spheres:

**47**

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

*3.2.1 Changes in the theoretical world*

*3.2.2 Changes in the practical world*

modifying relevant variables' desired values.

is also useful for the improvement of the systems.

**4.1 Design guidelines produced in Japan**

**4. Illustration of producing and revising the design guidelines**

*3.2.3 Feedback from the users*

(1) changes in the theoretical world, (2) changes in the practical world, and (3) feedback from the users. After making preparations from the above three perspectives, system designers modify the tables of the guidelines and checklist.

Noticeable changes over time in the theoretical world are necessary to be reflected in the guidelines and checklist. First, after searching for recent changes in problems which affect the six stability conditions shown in **Figure 2**, system designers can amend the list of problems. Based on the amended list of problems, the system designers can also amend the list of the requirements for sustainable housing design. When amending these two lists, it is also necessary to observe the latest trends in "understanding about problems related to housing" and "understanding about sustainable housing." After that, system designers consider modifications on the "element-variable-desired value" structure of the guidelines and checklist.

In addition to changes in the theoretical world, changes in the practical world need to be reflected. Changes over time in the practical world include "changes in technology related to housing" and "changes in systems related to housing design." In order to search for "changes in technology related to housing," system designers need to watch the housing industry and regularly observe products related to housing. Housing-related products are closely connected with material elements in the guidelines. Therefore, if there are remarkable technological changes in housingrelated products, such changes can be smoothly taken up in the guidelines, by arranging relevant material elements' variables and their desired values.

Meanwhile, changes in existing systems related to housing design also occur. Such changes include revisions or alterations of compulsory systems, including building codes, and voluntary systems, such as assessment and rating systems, and standards. System designers can include such changes in the guidelines, usually by

As demonstrated in the lower part of **Figure 3**, "feedback from the system users" and "feedback from the home residents" are also necessary to be considered. The feedback from the system users is information about reactions to the guidelines and checklist, including comments on the validity and user-friendliness of these systems. Such information is used as a basis for the improvement of the systems. Meanwhile, the feedback from the home residents is information about reactions to the homes that have been designed with the guidelines and checklist. Such information, including comments on the homes' amenities and sustainability performance,

We produced sustainable design guidelines, with a mind to utilization in Japan. The English translation of the design guidelines has been demonstrated in Table 2 in the monograph's Chapter 4, "Methodology of Applying Control Science to

(1) changes in the theoretical world, (2) changes in the practical world, and (3) feedback from the users. After making preparations from the above three perspectives, system designers modify the tables of the guidelines and checklist.

### *3.2.1 Changes in the theoretical world*

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

*3.1.3.3 Desired values*

included in the relevant voluntary systems [7].

**3.2 Process of revising the design guidelines and checklist**

Choosing only one element, namely, "framework," the rest of this part shows

After determining variables, system designers set the desired values of these variables that can meet the relevant stability conditions. Setting variables' desired values requires observing two items in the practical world: "trends in technology related to housing" and "trends in systems related to housing design." Observing trends in technology is significant for determining variables' desired values of material elements. Meanwhile, observing trends in systems related to housing design is necessary and useful for setting the desired values of most variables [7]. In this context, systems related to housing design include both compulsory and voluntary systems. Compulsory systems are building codes and regulations; voluntary systems are typically assessment and rating systems, standards, and design guidelines.

For example, if "durability" and "materials" have been identified as variables of "framework," the desired values of these variables can be determined in the following way. As for "durability," the system designers can set its desired value, considering a necessary level of framework's lifespan or deterioration resistance. Similarly, they can determine the desired value of "materials," based on a necessary level of utilizing materials which promotes resource-saving or waste-prevention, such as renewable, recycled, and recyclable materials. When determining the desired values of "durability" and "materials," it is significant to refer to relevant information in voluntary systems. Information on these desired values is usually included in voluntary systems, such as assessment and rating systems, and standards, whereas such information is outside the scope of building codes. Accordingly, system designers can set these desired values, by utilizing related criteria and information which are

Meanwhile, if "resistance to earthquakes" has been identified as a variable of "framework," the desired value is a sufficient level of preventing damage caused by earthquakes. In quake-prone countries, quakeproofing standards are usually stipulated in the building codes. However, if system designers consider that the standard value specified in the building codes is insufficient, they make an addition to the standard value, so as to suit the desired value [7]. On the other hand, if they consider that the standard value is suitable to the desired value, they can use it as it is. In the latter case, the variable and its desired value can be omitted from the guidelines and checklist, because people naturally conform to compulsory building

The "sustainable design guidelines" and "sustainability checklist" need to be revised, for adjustment to changing situations as well as for higher accuracy and user-friendliness. The revision process can be divided into three spheres:

how to determine the variables. System designers examine the relationships between "framework" and "sustainable use of natural resources," the relevant stability condition, as well as the "extension of housing lifespan" and "use of resourcesaving or waste-prevention materials," the related requirements. As a result, they can identify "durability" and "materials," indicators of "sustainable use of natural resources," as variables of "framework." Moreover, if the country or region is in an earthquake-prone area, the system designers consider the relationships between "framework" and "safety," the relevant stability condition, as well as "higher resistance to earthquakes," the related requirement. They can subsequently identify "resistance to earthquakes," an indicator of "safety," as an additional variable.

**46**

codes [7].

Noticeable changes over time in the theoretical world are necessary to be reflected in the guidelines and checklist. First, after searching for recent changes in problems which affect the six stability conditions shown in **Figure 2**, system designers can amend the list of problems. Based on the amended list of problems, the system designers can also amend the list of the requirements for sustainable housing design. When amending these two lists, it is also necessary to observe the latest trends in "understanding about problems related to housing" and "understanding about sustainable housing." After that, system designers consider modifications on the "element-variable-desired value" structure of the guidelines and checklist.

#### *3.2.2 Changes in the practical world*

In addition to changes in the theoretical world, changes in the practical world need to be reflected. Changes over time in the practical world include "changes in technology related to housing" and "changes in systems related to housing design."

In order to search for "changes in technology related to housing," system designers need to watch the housing industry and regularly observe products related to housing. Housing-related products are closely connected with material elements in the guidelines. Therefore, if there are remarkable technological changes in housingrelated products, such changes can be smoothly taken up in the guidelines, by arranging relevant material elements' variables and their desired values.

Meanwhile, changes in existing systems related to housing design also occur. Such changes include revisions or alterations of compulsory systems, including building codes, and voluntary systems, such as assessment and rating systems, and standards. System designers can include such changes in the guidelines, usually by modifying relevant variables' desired values.

#### *3.2.3 Feedback from the users*

As demonstrated in the lower part of **Figure 3**, "feedback from the system users" and "feedback from the home residents" are also necessary to be considered. The feedback from the system users is information about reactions to the guidelines and checklist, including comments on the validity and user-friendliness of these systems. Such information is used as a basis for the improvement of the systems. Meanwhile, the feedback from the home residents is information about reactions to the homes that have been designed with the guidelines and checklist. Such information, including comments on the homes' amenities and sustainability performance, is also useful for the improvement of the systems.

### **4. Illustration of producing and revising the design guidelines**

#### **4.1 Design guidelines produced in Japan**

We produced sustainable design guidelines, with a mind to utilization in Japan. The English translation of the design guidelines has been demonstrated in Table 2 in the monograph's Chapter 4, "Methodology of Applying Control Science to

Sustainable Housing Design." This section briefly reviews the process of producing the design guidelines, anew following the three-stage production process shown in Section 3.1 and **Figure 3**. In addition, the design guidelines shown in the monograph's Chapter 4 were through a revision; however, this section considers the design guidelines as the newly produced version, for the convenience of explanation.

#### *4.1.1 Identification of problems related to housing*

The process of producing the guidelines starts with identifying environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing. In this case, identified main problems are shown in the second column of **Table 1**. In this table, the identified problems are divided into two types: "global/general problems" and "local/particular problems." Global/general problems include global warming and climate change, depletion of natural resources, waste, and increase of medical and nursing care expenses due to aging population. On the other hand, main problems considered as local/particular are short lifespan of houses, poor indoor thermal performance, damage caused by earthquakes, and poor landscape. In addition, the boundary between the two types is not so distinguishable.

#### *4.1.2 Identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design*

After determining the problems related to housing, we identified the requirements for sustainable housing design. For instance, "global warming and climate change" require "energy saving," "use of renewable energy," and "conservation of green space," for sustainable housing design. Similarly, "poor indoor thermal performance" demands "improvement of indoor thermal performance." In addition, items shown in the right column of **Table 1** are relevant stability conditions.

#### *4.1.3 Determination of elements, variables, and their desired values*

Based on the method of selecting material and spatial elements of homes, as well as the requirements for sustainable housing design, first we determined the elements in the design guidelines. The total number of elements was 26, made up of 14 material elements and 12 spatial elements. The material elements were framework, exterior, thermal insulation, windows and doors, interior, bathtub, piping, water heater, appliances, lighting fixtures, equipment for harnessing natural energy, equipment for rainwater use, water-using equipment, and outdoor facilities [3]. The spatial elements were total floor, specified bedroom, areas relating to water use and hot-water supply, position and area of windows, toilet, bathroom, stairs, doorways, hallway, main access route to the entrance, slope, and garden area [3].

After selecting the elements, we determined the variables and their desired values. Choosing only one element, that is, "thermal insulation," the rest of this section shows the details of determining the variable and its desired value. First, we identified "thermal insulation performance" as the variable, considering two requirements, namely, "improvement of indoor thermal performance" and "energy saving," as well as the relevant stability conditions. Higher thermal insulation performance contributes to occupants' better "health" as well as "environmental preservation" and "sustainable use of natural resources" through a reduction in energy usage for heating and air conditioning.

After that, observing trends in systems and technology related to housing thermal insulation performance, we set the desired value of the variable. The set

**49**

desired value.

*produced in Japan.*

**Table 1.**

**4.2 The latest revision of the design guidelines**

changes in the practical world, and (3) feedback from the users.

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

**housing**

**Main environmental, social, and economic problems related to** 

• Global warming and climate change

• Depletion of natural resources • Waste

• Harmful influences caused by climate

• Flood risks due to rainwater flowing out • Water shortage risks

• Increase of medical and nursing care expenses due to aging

population

• Short lifespan of houses

• Poor indoor thermal performance

• Damage caused by earthquakes

change

**Requirements for sustainable housing** 

• Energy saving

• Use of renewable energy • Conservation of green

• Extension of housing

• Use of resource-saving or waste-prevention

• Rainwater permeation into the ground • Water saving • Use of rainwater

• Accessible and universal

• Extension of housing

• Improvement of indoor thermal performance

• Higher resistance to earthquakes

landscape

• Adaptation measures • Health

**Stability conditions**

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Safety

• Health • Safety

• Health • Safety

• Health

• Safety

• Health

**design**

space

lifespan

materials

design

lifespan

**Type of problems**

Global/general problems

Local/particular problems (in Japan)

desired value was "Grade 4" in the "energy-saving action grades (thermal insulation performance grades)" of the Japan Housing Performance Indication Standards (JHPIS) [3]. "Grade 4" is the highest in the above grades. In addition, housing thermal insulation performance is not stipulated in the building codes in Japan. Accordingly, utilizing the JHPIS, a national voluntary system, we determined the

*Problems related to housing and requirements for sustainable housing design identified for the design guidelines* 

• Poor landscape • Consideration for

The design guidelines, the production process of which has been illustrated in the above, have most recently been revised. This latest revision has dealt with the three perspectives previously mentioned: (1) changes in the theoretical world, (2)


*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

*4.1.1 Identification of problems related to housing*

between the two types is not so distinguishable.

energy usage for heating and air conditioning.

*4.1.2 Identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design*

*4.1.3 Determination of elements, variables, and their desired values*

explanation.

Sustainable Housing Design." This section briefly reviews the process of producing the design guidelines, anew following the three-stage production process shown in Section 3.1 and **Figure 3**. In addition, the design guidelines shown in the monograph's Chapter 4 were through a revision; however, this section considers the design guidelines as the newly produced version, for the convenience of

The process of producing the guidelines starts with identifying environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing. In this case, identified main problems are shown in the second column of **Table 1**. In this table, the identified problems are divided into two types: "global/general problems" and "local/particular problems." Global/general problems include global warming and climate change, depletion of natural resources, waste, and increase of medical and nursing care expenses due to aging population. On the other hand, main problems considered as local/particular are short lifespan of houses, poor indoor thermal performance, damage caused by earthquakes, and poor landscape. In addition, the boundary

After determining the problems related to housing, we identified the requirements for sustainable housing design. For instance, "global warming and climate change" require "energy saving," "use of renewable energy," and "conservation of green space," for sustainable housing design. Similarly, "poor indoor thermal performance" demands "improvement of indoor thermal performance." In addition, items shown in the right column of **Table 1** are relevant stability conditions.

Based on the method of selecting material and spatial elements of homes, as well as the requirements for sustainable housing design, first we determined the elements in the design guidelines. The total number of elements was 26, made up of 14 material elements and 12 spatial elements. The material elements were framework, exterior, thermal insulation, windows and doors, interior, bathtub, piping, water heater, appliances, lighting fixtures, equipment for harnessing natural energy, equipment for rainwater use, water-using equipment, and outdoor facilities [3]. The spatial elements were total floor, specified bedroom, areas relating to water use and hot-water supply, position and area of windows, toilet, bathroom, stairs, doorways, hallway, main access route to the entrance, slope, and

After selecting the elements, we determined the variables and their desired values. Choosing only one element, that is, "thermal insulation," the rest of this section shows the details of determining the variable and its desired value. First, we identified "thermal insulation performance" as the variable, considering two requirements, namely, "improvement of indoor thermal performance" and "energy saving," as well as the relevant stability conditions. Higher thermal insulation performance contributes to occupants' better "health" as well as "environmental preservation" and "sustainable use of natural resources" through a reduction in

After that, observing trends in systems and technology related to housing thermal insulation performance, we set the desired value of the variable. The set

**48**

garden area [3].

#### **Table 1.**

*Problems related to housing and requirements for sustainable housing design identified for the design guidelines produced in Japan.*

desired value was "Grade 4" in the "energy-saving action grades (thermal insulation performance grades)" of the Japan Housing Performance Indication Standards (JHPIS) [3]. "Grade 4" is the highest in the above grades. In addition, housing thermal insulation performance is not stipulated in the building codes in Japan. Accordingly, utilizing the JHPIS, a national voluntary system, we determined the desired value.

#### **4.2 The latest revision of the design guidelines**

The design guidelines, the production process of which has been illustrated in the above, have most recently been revised. This latest revision has dealt with the three perspectives previously mentioned: (1) changes in the theoretical world, (2) changes in the practical world, and (3) feedback from the users.

#### *4.2.1 Changes in the theoretical world*

First, observing recent trends in understanding about housing-related problems, we have searched for the problems that affect conditions for stability. As a result, we have identified four additional problems which should be dealt with, as shown in the second column of **Table 2**. Two of them are global/general problems; the other two are local/particular problems. Based on these four problems, additional requirements for sustainable housing design have also been identified. After that, these additional requirements have been incorporated into the structure of "elementvariable-desired value." The following describes the essentials of the identification and incorporation processes, by each requirement.

#### *4.2.1.1 Storage of electricity*

The Paris Agreement of 2015 has aimed to hold global temperatures "well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C" [8]. According to the latest IPCC report of 2018, limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared with 2°C would reduce challenging impacts on ecosystems, human health, and well-being [9]. In such very recent situations, the use of renewable energy, especially solar and wind power generation, is rapidly growing in many countries [10]. However, the amount of electricity derived from solar and wind sources fluctuates with time of day, season, and random factors including weather. Accordingly, sharp increase in solar and wind power generation is also increasing breakdown risks in electricity systems [11, 12]. Responding to such changing situations, we have added "storage of electricity" as a requirement for sustainable housing design. Battery electricity storage systems are developing fast, with falling costs and improving performance [13]. In addition, storing electricity leads to securing emergency power source, which is one of adaptation measures against climate change.

When "storage of electricity" is incorporated into the guidelines, "storage battery" has been added as a new material element. In the guidelines, this "storage battery" has been placed just after an existing material element, "equipment for harnessing natural energy," since storage batteries are often installed together with solar power generation systems. Subsequently, two variables of this new element, namely, "type" and "linkage," have been identified. The desired value of "type" has been identified as "stationary battery or electric vehicle battery," because both types are acceptable. Meanwhile, the desired value of "linkage" has been determined to be "interconnection with the home electrical system."

#### *4.2.1.2 Considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning*

Recently housing has been becoming more important as a place of work. The development of information technology and spread of the Internet are facilitating home-based businesses. Meanwhile, an increasing number of companies have been adopting telecommuting [14, 15]. A great advantage of working at home is compatibility with childcare or nursing care. Moreover, working at home is also favorable for the environment because it can reduce energy for commuting.

Meanwhile, life longevity is increasing the necessity of lifelong learning. According to a best-selling book, *The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity*, an increasing number of people experience multiple careers, instead of a conventional single career, and inevitably continue to learn [16]. Now people not only recreate themselves in their free time but also need to "re-create" themselves at various places [16].

**51**

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

> **Environmental, social, and economic problems related to housing**

• Breakdown risks in electricity systems due to increasing solar and wind power generation

• Insufficient considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning

• Problems resulting from insufficient communication

population

• Declining trend of food production and farming

**Type of problems**

Local/ particular problems (in Japan)

**Table 2.**

*design guidelines.*

Global/general problems

In the past, homes were not considered important as places of work and lifelong

**Requirements for sustainable housing** 

• Considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning

• Floor planning suitable for good communication among residents

• Considerations for food production and agricultural learning at housing sites

• Storage of electricit • Sustainable

**Stability conditions**

resources • Health (in crises) • Safety (in crises)

• Self-realization

• Mutual help • Self-realization

• Self-realization

**design**

When "considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning" is incorporated into the guidelines, "area(s) for working and learning" has been added as a new spatial element. In addition, we consider that the "area for learning" is used by both adults and children. After that, we have identified two variables of this new element, namely, "place(s) in the home" and "equipment." The desired value of "place(s) in the home" has been determined to be "in or near the living/dining room and kitchen area." A reason for this setting is that "in or near the living/dining room and kitchen area" is convenient for combining working or learning with childcare or nursing care. Moreover, this layout is also expected to facilitate communication among residents, as shown in **Figure 4(a)**. Meanwhile, the desired value of "equipment" has been set at

learning. Therefore, if attempting to start working or learning at home, people sometimes face difficulties due to a shortage of space and facilities. Taking such situations into account, we have added "considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning" as a requirement for sustainable housing design.

*Additional problems and requirements for sustainable housing design identified for the latest revision of the* 

"table/desk and shelf (fixed or movable) and Internet connection."

requirement for sustainable housing design.

*4.2.1.3 Floor planning suitable for good communication among residents*

In Japan, many studies on sociology and housing have pointed out that inappropriate room planning is related to social problems, such as school nonattendance and social withdrawal [17–20]. In the Japanese housing market, there are many homes, the floor plans of which are like the conceptual layout shown in **Figure 4(b)**. In homes with such floor plans, children easily enter their private rooms without seeing other family members and can stay isolated. As a result, lack of communication can cause underdeveloped communication skills and moreover school nonattendance [17, 19]. School nonattendance and social withdrawal are closely related to domestic violence [19] and difficulty in entering higher-level schools and finding jobs. Therefore, aiming to prevent these social problems, we have identified "floor planning suitable for good communication among residents" as an additional

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*


#### **Table 2.**

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

*4.2.1.1 Storage of electricity*

against climate change.

*4.2.1 Changes in the theoretical world*

and incorporation processes, by each requirement.

"interconnection with the home electrical system."

First, observing recent trends in understanding about housing-related problems, we have searched for the problems that affect conditions for stability. As a result, we have identified four additional problems which should be dealt with, as shown in the second column of **Table 2**. Two of them are global/general problems; the other two are local/particular problems. Based on these four problems, additional requirements for sustainable housing design have also been identified. After that, these additional requirements have been incorporated into the structure of "elementvariable-desired value." The following describes the essentials of the identification

The Paris Agreement of 2015 has aimed to hold global temperatures "well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C" [8]. According to the latest IPCC report of 2018, limiting global warming to 1.5°C compared with 2°C would reduce challenging impacts on ecosystems, human health, and well-being [9]. In such very recent situations, the use of renewable energy, especially solar and wind power generation, is rapidly growing in many countries [10]. However, the amount of electricity derived from solar and wind sources fluctuates with time of day, season, and random factors including weather. Accordingly, sharp increase in solar and wind power generation is also increasing breakdown risks in electricity systems [11, 12]. Responding to such changing situations, we have added "storage of electricity" as a requirement for sustainable housing design. Battery electricity storage systems are developing fast, with falling costs and improving performance [13]. In addition, storing electricity leads to securing emergency power source, which is one of adaptation measures

When "storage of electricity" is incorporated into the guidelines, "storage battery" has been added as a new material element. In the guidelines, this "storage battery" has been placed just after an existing material element, "equipment for harnessing natural energy," since storage batteries are often installed together with solar power generation systems. Subsequently, two variables of this new element, namely, "type" and "linkage," have been identified. The desired value of "type" has been identified as "stationary battery or electric vehicle battery," because both types are acceptable. Meanwhile, the desired value of "linkage" has been determined to be

*4.2.1.2 Considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning*

for the environment because it can reduce energy for commuting.

Recently housing has been becoming more important as a place of work. The development of information technology and spread of the Internet are facilitating home-based businesses. Meanwhile, an increasing number of companies have been adopting telecommuting [14, 15]. A great advantage of working at home is compatibility with childcare or nursing care. Moreover, working at home is also favorable

Meanwhile, life longevity is increasing the necessity of lifelong learning. According to a best-selling book, *The 100-Year Life: Living and Working in an Age of Longevity*, an increasing number of people experience multiple careers, instead of a conventional single career, and inevitably continue to learn [16]. Now people not only recreate themselves in their free time but also need to "re-create" themselves at

**50**

various places [16].

*Additional problems and requirements for sustainable housing design identified for the latest revision of the design guidelines.*

In the past, homes were not considered important as places of work and lifelong learning. Therefore, if attempting to start working or learning at home, people sometimes face difficulties due to a shortage of space and facilities. Taking such situations into account, we have added "considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning" as a requirement for sustainable housing design.

When "considerations for homeworking, telecommuting, and lifelong learning" is incorporated into the guidelines, "area(s) for working and learning" has been added as a new spatial element. In addition, we consider that the "area for learning" is used by both adults and children. After that, we have identified two variables of this new element, namely, "place(s) in the home" and "equipment." The desired value of "place(s) in the home" has been determined to be "in or near the living/dining room and kitchen area." A reason for this setting is that "in or near the living/dining room and kitchen area" is convenient for combining working or learning with childcare or nursing care. Moreover, this layout is also expected to facilitate communication among residents, as shown in **Figure 4(a)**. Meanwhile, the desired value of "equipment" has been set at "table/desk and shelf (fixed or movable) and Internet connection."

#### *4.2.1.3 Floor planning suitable for good communication among residents*

In Japan, many studies on sociology and housing have pointed out that inappropriate room planning is related to social problems, such as school nonattendance and social withdrawal [17–20]. In the Japanese housing market, there are many homes, the floor plans of which are like the conceptual layout shown in **Figure 4(b)**. In homes with such floor plans, children easily enter their private rooms without seeing other family members and can stay isolated. As a result, lack of communication can cause underdeveloped communication skills and moreover school nonattendance [17, 19]. School nonattendance and social withdrawal are closely related to domestic violence [19] and difficulty in entering higher-level schools and finding jobs. Therefore, aiming to prevent these social problems, we have identified "floor planning suitable for good communication among residents" as an additional requirement for sustainable housing design.

**Figure 4.** *Conceptual layouts favorable and unfavorable for communication.*

The key space to communication among residents is the "living/dining room and kitchen area"; therefore, we have added this area to the design guidelines as a new spatial element. After that, we have identified two variables of this element, that is, "place in the home" and "type of kitchen." The desired value of "place in the home" has been determined to be "between the entrance and private room area," because many experts recommend this placement for more frequent communication [17–20]. Meanwhile, the desired value of "type of kitchen" has been set at "open or semi-open." Recently open- and semi-open-type kitchens are popular in the Japanese housing market since these types of kitchens are favorable for good communication, as compared with closed-type kitchens. The conceptual layout that includes these considerations, as well as "area(s) for working and learning," is demonstrated in **Figure 4(a)**. In addition, there has been a survey on more than 200 homes where successful examinees to famous junior high schools have lived. The results of this survey have revealed that most of these children have learned in or near living/dining room areas, while actively communicating with their family members [21].

## *4.2.1.4 Considerations for food production and agricultural learning at housing sites*

The recent situation of Japan's farming population and food production has been declining alarmingly. The farming population has decreased from 2.61 million

**53**

"0.6 W/(m<sup>2</sup>

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

value-based self-sufficiency ratio is 65% [24].

people try to be a professional farmer [26].

farming can help people commune with nature.

*4.2.2.1 Thermal insulation performance standards*

K) or less" [28, 29].

set at "included."

related system.

criteria [28, 29].

*4.2.2 Changes in the practical world*

in 2010 to 1.75 million in 2018 [22]. The average age of the farming population has risen from 65.8 years old in 2010 to 66.8 in 2018 [22]. The total area of abandoned farmland has increased from 123,000 ha in 1980 to 423,000 ha in 2015 [23]. There has also been a long-term declining trend in the food self-sufficiency rate. The calorie-based food self-sufficiency ratio in 2017 is only 38% and the monetary-

Currently homes in Japan are usually separated from food production. One of the measures for encouraging people to be involved in food production is "food and agriculture education," which can be conducted at homes, schools, and local communities. Food and agriculture education at home is mainly connected with farmwork at vegetable gardens. According to a survey, experience of growing vegetables at home has positive effects on children's intention to engage in farming as work in the future [25]. Moreover, after starting as a vegetable gardener, more than a few

Discovering that housing is related to Japan's food and agriculture problems, we have added "considerations for food production and agricultural learning at housing sites" as a requirement for sustainable housing design. In addition, there are also other reasons why this consideration has been added: (1) farm work is beneficial to health [27], (2) farming leads to securing emergency food, (3) farming encourages communication with family members and neighboring residents [27], and (4)

When "considerations for food production and agricultural learning at housing sites" is incorporated into the guidelines, "vegetable garden and/or fruit trees" has been added as a new variable of the existing spatial element "garden area." Subsequently, the desired value of "vegetable garden and/or fruit trees" has been

Observing recent changes in technology and systems, we have revised the desired values related to two points: (1) thermal insulation performance standards, and (2) energy-efficient water heaters. Moreover, we have modified the desired value of rainwater equipment, following a slight change in the description of the

Japanese housing thermal performance has traditionally been low. However, it is gradually improving, due to changes in housing-related technology as well as requirements for energy saving and occupants' health. As a result, recently a new national voluntary system, the "net zero energy house (ZEH) certification standards," has emerged and shown higher thermal performance criteria than the usual

Recognizing these changes in the practical world, we have lifted the desired value regarding thermal performance in the guidelines. To be concrete, we have revised the desired value of "thermal insulation performance" of the two material elements, "thermal insulation" and "windows and doors," to the relevant criteria stipulated in the ZEH certification standards. The ZEH thermal insulation performance criteria are evaluated based on "average heat transmission coefficient (UA)." The standard value of "UA" varies, depending on climate classification. For instance, the criterion of "UA" for the area where Tokyo is included has been set at

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

The key space to communication among residents is the "living/dining room and kitchen area"; therefore, we have added this area to the design guidelines as a new spatial element. After that, we have identified two variables of this element, that is, "place in the home" and "type of kitchen." The desired value of "place in the home" has been determined to be "between the entrance and private room area," because many experts recommend this placement for more frequent communication [17–20]. Meanwhile, the desired value of "type of kitchen" has been set at "open or semi-open." Recently open- and semi-open-type kitchens are popular in the Japanese housing market since these types of kitchens are favorable for good communication, as compared with closed-type kitchens. The conceptual layout that includes these considerations, as well as "area(s) for working and learning," is demonstrated in **Figure 4(a)**. In addition, there has been a survey on more than 200 homes where successful examinees to famous junior high schools have lived. The results of this survey have revealed that most of these children have learned in or near living/dining

*Conceptual layouts favorable and unfavorable for communication.*

room areas, while actively communicating with their family members [21].

The recent situation of Japan's farming population and food production has been declining alarmingly. The farming population has decreased from 2.61 million

*4.2.1.4 Considerations for food production and agricultural learning at* 

**52**

**Figure 4.**

*housing sites*

in 2010 to 1.75 million in 2018 [22]. The average age of the farming population has risen from 65.8 years old in 2010 to 66.8 in 2018 [22]. The total area of abandoned farmland has increased from 123,000 ha in 1980 to 423,000 ha in 2015 [23]. There has also been a long-term declining trend in the food self-sufficiency rate. The calorie-based food self-sufficiency ratio in 2017 is only 38% and the monetaryvalue-based self-sufficiency ratio is 65% [24].

Currently homes in Japan are usually separated from food production. One of the measures for encouraging people to be involved in food production is "food and agriculture education," which can be conducted at homes, schools, and local communities. Food and agriculture education at home is mainly connected with farmwork at vegetable gardens. According to a survey, experience of growing vegetables at home has positive effects on children's intention to engage in farming as work in the future [25]. Moreover, after starting as a vegetable gardener, more than a few people try to be a professional farmer [26].

Discovering that housing is related to Japan's food and agriculture problems, we have added "considerations for food production and agricultural learning at housing sites" as a requirement for sustainable housing design. In addition, there are also other reasons why this consideration has been added: (1) farm work is beneficial to health [27], (2) farming leads to securing emergency food, (3) farming encourages communication with family members and neighboring residents [27], and (4) farming can help people commune with nature.

When "considerations for food production and agricultural learning at housing sites" is incorporated into the guidelines, "vegetable garden and/or fruit trees" has been added as a new variable of the existing spatial element "garden area." Subsequently, the desired value of "vegetable garden and/or fruit trees" has been set at "included."

#### *4.2.2 Changes in the practical world*

Observing recent changes in technology and systems, we have revised the desired values related to two points: (1) thermal insulation performance standards, and (2) energy-efficient water heaters. Moreover, we have modified the desired value of rainwater equipment, following a slight change in the description of the related system.

#### *4.2.2.1 Thermal insulation performance standards*

Japanese housing thermal performance has traditionally been low. However, it is gradually improving, due to changes in housing-related technology as well as requirements for energy saving and occupants' health. As a result, recently a new national voluntary system, the "net zero energy house (ZEH) certification standards," has emerged and shown higher thermal performance criteria than the usual criteria [28, 29].

Recognizing these changes in the practical world, we have lifted the desired value regarding thermal performance in the guidelines. To be concrete, we have revised the desired value of "thermal insulation performance" of the two material elements, "thermal insulation" and "windows and doors," to the relevant criteria stipulated in the ZEH certification standards. The ZEH thermal insulation performance criteria are evaluated based on "average heat transmission coefficient (UA)." The standard value of "UA" varies, depending on climate classification. For instance, the criterion of "UA" for the area where Tokyo is included has been set at "0.6 W/(m<sup>2</sup> K) or less" [28, 29].

#### *4.2.2.2 Energy-efficient water heaters*

Following the rise of a new type of energy-efficient water heater in the market, we have modified the desired value of "type of water heater." At the same time, this revised version has adopted a way of offering choices as energy-efficient types, instead of quoting an assessment level used in Japan's national assessment and certification system, *CASBEE for Detached Houses*. The offered choices are the following four types: (1) solar, (2) electric heat-pump, (3) electric heat-pump and instantaneous gas combined, and (4) fuel-burning latent-heat recovery instantsupply. The third type, which is often called "hybrid," is the aforementioned new type of energy-efficient water heater [30].

#### *4.2.3 Feedback from the users*

#### *4.2.3.1 Feedback from the system users*

After finding a thought-provoking suggestion in recent feedback from the guidelines/checklist users, we have decided to include it in the latest revision. The main point of this suggestion is that lighting fixtures used in living spaces should be products with brightness and color adjustment functions, for energy saving and occupants' health.

Required brightness of indoor artificial lighting varies according to circumstances, such as natural lighting through windows and occupants' visual comfort. Moreover, lighting capable of adjusting brightness and color is also favorable for residents' health. Exposure to bright lights at night suppresses the secretion of melatonin and can affect sleep and potentially cause diseases, such as sleep disorder and diabetes [31, 32]. Although light of any color can suppress melatonin secretion, especially blue light at night has greater effects [31, 32]. Therefore, especially in living spaces, lighting fixtures fitted with brightness and color adjustment functions are favorable for both energy conservation and residents' health.

On the other hand, LED lighting fixtures with brightness and color adjustment functions are on the market at reasonable prices. Accordingly, we have made a revision to the desired value of "type of light" for "lighting fixtures" in the guidelines, namely "LED," adding "lighting fixtures used in the living spaces are fitted with brightness and color adjustment functions" as a supplementary note to "LED."

#### *4.2.3.2 Feedback from the home residents*

There have not been any reactions from the home residents which have led to the revision of the guidelines. Meanwhile, we have had a remarkable comment from the occupants who live in the home of the case study that has been introduced in Chapter 5 of the monograph. The comment says that "this home's thermal insulation performance is satisfactory, but this thermal performance level is never excessive." The building envelope's heat loss coefficient (Q ) of this house is "Q = 1.9 [W/(m2 K)]" [33], which can be converted into "UA = 0.61 [W/(m2 K)]." "UA = 0.61 [W/(m2 K)]" is almost equal to the net zero energy house (ZEH) thermal performance criterion for this area division. Accordingly, this comment has supported the adoption of the ZEH thermal performance criteria, as the desired value of thermal insulation performance.

Finally, all of the above revision items have been incorporated into the table of "element-variable-desired value" structure. The final revised version of the guidelines is shown in **Table 3**; the added and modified descriptions are written in *italics*.

**55**

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

earthquakes

Fire resistance (outer wall)

Thermal insulation performance

Thermal insulation performance

Sound insulation performance

Protection of glass against impacts

Measures to prevent intrusions

formaldehyde

maintenance

heater

standard achievement rate

Method of water and hot-water piping

Interior Measures against

Piping Measures for

Water heater Type of water

Appliances Energy-saving

Sunlight adjustment capability

Framework Resistance to

Exterior (outer wall, roof, etc.)

Thermal insulation

Windows and doors

**Element Variable Desired value Stability condition**

Materials CASBEE LRH2 1.1: Level 4 or over

Shape and color Consideration for the

Durability CASBEE QH2 1.2 and 1.3:

Materials CASBEE LRH2 1.3: Level 4 or over

landscape

Level 4 or over

*certification*

4 or over

or over

or over

Materials CASBEE LRH2 1.4: Level 4 or over

Bathtub Heat insulation Insulated • Enviro-preservation

system

*Thermal performance criteria stipulated in the net zero energy house (ZEH)* 

*Thermal performance criteria stipulated in the ZEH certification*

CASBEE QH1 1.1.2: Level

CASBEE QH1 4: Level 4

CASBEE QH1 2.3: Level 4

Header and pipe-in-pipe

*Energy-saving type (solar, electric heat-pump, electric heat-pump and instantaneous gas combined, fuel-burning latent-heat recovery instant-supply type)*

100% or more (three or

more stars)

With shutters • Safety

CASBEE QH1 2.1: Level 5 • Health

JHPIS 4.1: Grade 3 • Sustainable resources

JHPIS 1-1: Grade 2 or over • Safety

JHPIS 2-6: Grade 3 or over • Safety

• Sustainable resources

• Sustainable resources

• Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Health

• Health

• Health

• Health

• Health

• Safety

Durability JHPIS 3.1: Grade 3 • Sustainable resources

#### *Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

*4.2.2.2 Energy-efficient water heaters*

type of energy-efficient water heater [30].

*4.2.3 Feedback from the users*

occupants' health.

*4.2.3.1 Feedback from the system users*

*4.2.3.2 Feedback from the home residents*

Following the rise of a new type of energy-efficient water heater in the market, we have modified the desired value of "type of water heater." At the same time, this revised version has adopted a way of offering choices as energy-efficient types, instead of quoting an assessment level used in Japan's national assessment and certification system, *CASBEE for Detached Houses*. The offered choices are the following four types: (1) solar, (2) electric heat-pump, (3) electric heat-pump and instantaneous gas combined, and (4) fuel-burning latent-heat recovery instantsupply. The third type, which is often called "hybrid," is the aforementioned new

After finding a thought-provoking suggestion in recent feedback from the guidelines/checklist users, we have decided to include it in the latest revision. The main point of this suggestion is that lighting fixtures used in living spaces should be products with brightness and color adjustment functions, for energy saving and

Required brightness of indoor artificial lighting varies according to circumstances, such as natural lighting through windows and occupants' visual comfort. Moreover, lighting capable of adjusting brightness and color is also favorable for residents' health. Exposure to bright lights at night suppresses the secretion of melatonin and can affect sleep and potentially cause diseases, such as sleep disorder and diabetes [31, 32]. Although light of any color can suppress melatonin secretion, especially blue light at night has greater effects [31, 32]. Therefore, especially in living spaces, lighting fixtures fitted with brightness and color adjustment functions

On the other hand, LED lighting fixtures with brightness and color adjustment functions are on the market at reasonable prices. Accordingly, we have made a revision to the desired value of "type of light" for "lighting fixtures" in the guidelines, namely "LED," adding "lighting fixtures used in the living spaces are fitted with brightness and color adjustment functions" as a supplementary note to "LED."

There have not been any reactions from the home residents which have led to the revision of the guidelines. Meanwhile, we have had a remarkable comment from the occupants who live in the home of the case study that has been introduced in Chapter 5 of the monograph. The comment says that "this home's thermal insulation performance is satisfactory, but this thermal performance level is never excessive." The building envelope's heat loss coefficient (Q ) of this house is "Q = 1.9

 K)]" is almost equal to the net zero energy house (ZEH) thermal performance criterion for this area division. Accordingly, this comment has supported the adoption of the ZEH thermal performance criteria, as the desired value of thermal

Finally, all of the above revision items have been incorporated into the table of "element-variable-desired value" structure. The final revised version of the guidelines is shown in **Table 3**; the added and modified descriptions are written in *italics*.

K)]." "UA = 0.61

K)]" [33], which can be converted into "UA = 0.61 [W/(m2

are favorable for both energy conservation and residents' health.

**54**

[W/(m2

[W/(m2

insulation performance.



**57**

diagram.

**5. Discussion**

*to "garden area."*

**Table 3.**

Main access route to the entrance

**guidelines**

the guidelines and checklist.

This section discusses the study results from the following three perspectives: (1) comprehensive visualization of process for producing and revising the guidelines, (2) adjustment to different and changing situations, and (3) meaning of using

*(1) "Material elements" are from "framework" to "outdoor facilities," and "spatial elements" are from "total floor"* 

 *or more.*

*(3) CASBEE means CASBEE for Detached Houses (for new construction)—Technical Manual 2018 Edition.*

Section 3 of this chapter has demonstrated the process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist. Especially **Figure 3** has comprehensively visualized both the production and revision processes in one

The production process has been shown through the three stages: (1) identification of problems related to housing, (2) identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design, and (3) determination of elements, variables, and their desired values. Following this three-stage process, Section 4.1 has briefly reviewed the production process of the already produced design guidelines. The previous

**5.1 Comprehensive visualization of process for producing and revising the**

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

width

Handrails help users go in and out of the bathtub

Bathroom Floor space and

Garden area Ratio of the garden

*(4) At least one story's area (excluding stairs) is 40 m2*

*The latest revised version of the sustainable design guidelines.*

area

area to the exterior

*Vegetable garden and/or fruit trees*

*(2) JHPIS means the Japan Housing Performance Indication Standards (for new homes).*

**Element Variable Desired value Stability condition**

Stairs Grade of steepness JHPIS 9.1: Grade 3 or over • Health

Doorways Differences in level No differences • Health

Hallway Width 78 cm or more • Health

Slope Grade of steepness 1/8 or less • Health

Installed

Handrails Installed • Safety

Width 75 cm or more (Bath: • Safety 60 cm or more)

Surface Level or sloping • Health Width 90 cm or more • Safety

Handrails Installed • Safety

JHPIS 9.1: Grade 3 or over • Health

• Safety

• Safety

• *Mutual help* • *Self-realization*

40% or more • Enviro-preservation

*Included* • *Health*


*(1) "Material elements" are from "framework" to "outdoor facilities," and "spatial elements" are from "total floor" to "garden area."*

*(2) JHPIS means the Japan Housing Performance Indication Standards (for new homes).*

*(3) CASBEE means CASBEE for Detached Houses (for new construction)—Technical Manual 2018 Edition.*

*(4) At least one story's area (excluding stairs) is 40 m2 or more.*

**Table 3.**

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

Equipment for harnessing natural energy

Equipment for rainwater use

Water-using equipment

Specified bedroom

*Living/dining room and kitchen* 

*Area(s) for working and learning*

Areas relating to water use and hot-water supply

Position and area of windows

*area*

Outdoor facilities (fence, etc.)

**Element Variable Desired value Stability condition**

*in the living spaces are fitted with brightness and color adjustment functions)*

100% or more of the total

*electric vehicle battery*

*Rainwater tank (80 lit. or more) or system with a rainwater tank (80 lit. or more) for daily use*

CASBEE LRH1 2.1: Level

Materials CASBEE LRH2 1.5: Level 5 • Sustainable resources

or more [Note 4] • Health

Accessible without steps • Health

4 or over

landscape

or more

*private room area*

*In or near the living/dining room and kitchen area*

*or movable) and Internet* 

Areas in the home Placing them closer • Enviro-preservation

JHPIS 9.1: Grade 3 or over • Health

Appearance Consideration for the

*Place in the home Between the entrance and* 

*Equipment Table/desk and shelf (fixed* 

*connection*

Natural ventilation CASBEE QH1 1.2.1: Level 5 • Health

20% or more

Installed

*Type of kitchen Open or semi-open*

Form Not blocking sightlines • Safety

• Sustainable resources *Linkage Interconnection with the home electrical system*

energy usage

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Health (in crises) • Safety (in crises) • Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Health (in crises) • Safety (in crises)

• Health (in crises) • Safety (in crises) • Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Mutual help

• Health

• Safety

• *Mutual help*

• *Mutual help* • *Self-realization*

• Sustainable resources

• Enviro-preservation • Sustainable resources

• Safety

Lighting fixtures Type of light LED *(lighting fixtures used* 

Harnessed natural

*Storage battery Type Stationary battery or* 

energy

Rainwater equipment

Water-saving functions

Total floor Total floor area 75 m2

Routes to toilet and bath area, dining room, kitchen, and entrance

*Place(s) in the home*

Ratio of total window area to floor area in each living space

spacing

stand

Handrails which help users sit and

Toilet Internal length or

Internal floor space 9 m2

**56**

*The latest revised version of the sustainable design guidelines.*

## **5. Discussion**

This section discusses the study results from the following three perspectives: (1) comprehensive visualization of process for producing and revising the guidelines, (2) adjustment to different and changing situations, and (3) meaning of using the guidelines and checklist.

### **5.1 Comprehensive visualization of process for producing and revising the guidelines**

Section 3 of this chapter has demonstrated the process of producing and revising the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist. Especially **Figure 3** has comprehensively visualized both the production and revision processes in one diagram.

The production process has been shown through the three stages: (1) identification of problems related to housing, (2) identification of the requirements for sustainable housing design, and (3) determination of elements, variables, and their desired values. Following this three-stage process, Section 4.1 has briefly reviewed the production process of the already produced design guidelines. The previous

#### *Different Strategies of Housing Design*

publications, including the monograph, mentioned the production process and explained especially the third stage in detail. However, they could not show the consecutiveness of the three stages. On the other hand, the diagramming of the production process has clarified the overall perspective of producing the design guidelines.

Meanwhile, the revision process has been demonstrated from the three perspectives: (1) changes in the theoretical world, (2) changes in the practical world, and (3) feedback from the users. Following this process, we have made the latest revision of the design guidelines, as shown in Section 4.2. When comparing this latest revision with the previous one, we consider that this schematization has made the process more manageable and helped us to revise the guidelines more efficiently.

#### **5.2 Adjustment to different and changing situations**

The previous publications have already indicated that the "element-variabledesired value" structure in the guidelines has a mechanism of "adaptability to regional differences" and "flexibility toward changes over time" [4, 7]. This chapter has more concretely supported this indication. It has shown how to help system designers to adjust the guidelines to different and changing situations.

**Tables 1** and **2** in Section 4 have demonstrated local/particular problems observed in Japan, in addition to global/general problems. As a result, such local/ particular problems have naturally been taken in the process of producing and revising the guidelines. The produced and revised guidelines are suitable for the Japan's situation. If the same method is adopted in other countries or regions apart from Japan, similar results are expected to be obtained.

Meanwhile, Sections 3.2 and 4.2 have shown the process of revising the guidelines and its concrete example, respectively. These study results include theoretical and practical ways to adjust the guidelines to changing situations over time.

#### **5.3 Meaning of using the guidelines and checklist**

The guidelines and checklist are "user-friendly" because of their compactness as well as ease of comparison. The guidelines and checklist are simple tables. Meanwhile, material and spatial elements are equivalent to actual parts of homes; therefore, people involved in design can easily compare them with the actual home or drawings [4, 7].

The guidelines and checklist have another characteristic, "comprehensiveness." The main factor of this feature is the use of the "model of sustainability," which has been shown in **Figure 2**. This model contains "mutual help" and "self-realization," in addition to common considerations, such as health, safety, environmental preservation, and natural resources. As a result, as demonstrated in the latest revision of the guidelines, considerations for communication, working, and learning have been included. Furthermore, these inclusions have led to indicate a new aspect of homes, where residents are learning and working while communicating with one another.

The sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist can be used in various steps in the design processes, as demonstrated in **Figure 1.** If system users refer to them in such processes, they can easily and comprehensively check points for sustainable housing design. Houses are used for a very long time. Meanwhile, renovation after the construction wastes resources, labor, and money. In order to achieve sustainable housing as well as avoid regrets after the construction, it is meaningful to use the guidelines and checklist.

**59**

provided the original work is properly cited.

Institute of Environmentology, Inagi, Tokyo, Japan

\*Address all correspondence to: fujihira@kankyogaku.com

*Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Housing Design DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.86278*

The previous study has provided the control system for promoting sustainable housing design where the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist are incorporated. Based on these accomplished research results, this study has comprehensively visualized the process of producing and revising the design guidelines and checklist. Following this process, this study has also illustrated the production and revision processes of the design guidelines. The study results suggest that the comprehensive visualization can make these processes more manageable and help

system designers to produce and revise the guidelines more efficiently.

Moreover, this study has indicated how to adjust the guidelines to different and changing situations. It has included a method of identifying housing-related problems, in which local/particular problems are identified, in addition to global/ general problems. If this method is adopted in a country or region, the produced and revised guidelines are expected to suit to the situation of that country or region. Meanwhile, the provision of the process of revising the guidelines and its concrete example helps system designers to adjust the guidelines to changing situations

The guidelines and checklist have a characteristic of comprehensiveness, resulting from using the model of sustainability. This model contains mutual help and self-realization, in addition to usual considerations, such as health, safety, and environmental preservation. As a result, the latest revision of the guidelines has led to include considerations for communication among residents, as well as working

Utilizing the "control system for promoting sustainable housing design" and the "model of sustainability," this study has illustrated the "process of producing and revising the design guidelines and checklist." These schematizations form a comprehensive strategy for promoting sustainable housing design. This comprehensive housing strategy is expected to be used to maximize people's well-being and

**6. Conclusion**

over time.

and learning at home.

**Author details**

Kazutoshi Fujihira

minimize the environmental load.

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

## **6. Conclusion**

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

guidelines.

efficiently.

or drawings [4, 7].

with one another.

publications, including the monograph, mentioned the production process and explained especially the third stage in detail. However, they could not show the consecutiveness of the three stages. On the other hand, the diagramming of the production process has clarified the overall perspective of producing the design

Meanwhile, the revision process has been demonstrated from the three perspectives: (1) changes in the theoretical world, (2) changes in the practical world, and (3) feedback from the users. Following this process, we have made the latest revision of the design guidelines, as shown in Section 4.2. When comparing this latest revision with the previous one, we consider that this schematization has made the process more manageable and helped us to revise the guidelines more

The previous publications have already indicated that the "element-variabledesired value" structure in the guidelines has a mechanism of "adaptability to regional differences" and "flexibility toward changes over time" [4, 7]. This chapter has more concretely supported this indication. It has shown how to help system

**Tables 1** and **2** in Section 4 have demonstrated local/particular problems observed in Japan, in addition to global/general problems. As a result, such local/ particular problems have naturally been taken in the process of producing and revising the guidelines. The produced and revised guidelines are suitable for the Japan's situation. If the same method is adopted in other countries or regions apart

Meanwhile, Sections 3.2 and 4.2 have shown the process of revising the guidelines and its concrete example, respectively. These study results include theoretical

and practical ways to adjust the guidelines to changing situations over time.

The guidelines and checklist are "user-friendly" because of their compactness as well as ease of comparison. The guidelines and checklist are simple tables. Meanwhile, material and spatial elements are equivalent to actual parts of homes; therefore, people involved in design can easily compare them with the actual home

The guidelines and checklist have another characteristic, "comprehensiveness." The main factor of this feature is the use of the "model of sustainability," which has been shown in **Figure 2**. This model contains "mutual help" and "self-realization," in addition to common considerations, such as health, safety, environmental preservation, and natural resources. As a result, as demonstrated in the latest revision of the guidelines, considerations for communication, working, and learning have been included. Furthermore, these inclusions have led to indicate a new aspect of homes, where residents are learning and working while communicating

The sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist can be used in various steps in the design processes, as demonstrated in **Figure 1.** If system users refer to them in such processes, they can easily and comprehensively check points for sustainable housing design. Houses are used for a very long time. Meanwhile, renovation after the construction wastes resources, labor, and money. In order to achieve sustainable housing as well as avoid regrets after the construction, it is

designers to adjust the guidelines to different and changing situations.

**5.2 Adjustment to different and changing situations**

from Japan, similar results are expected to be obtained.

**5.3 Meaning of using the guidelines and checklist**

meaningful to use the guidelines and checklist.

**58**

The previous study has provided the control system for promoting sustainable housing design where the sustainable design guidelines and sustainability checklist are incorporated. Based on these accomplished research results, this study has comprehensively visualized the process of producing and revising the design guidelines and checklist. Following this process, this study has also illustrated the production and revision processes of the design guidelines. The study results suggest that the comprehensive visualization can make these processes more manageable and help system designers to produce and revise the guidelines more efficiently.

Moreover, this study has indicated how to adjust the guidelines to different and changing situations. It has included a method of identifying housing-related problems, in which local/particular problems are identified, in addition to global/ general problems. If this method is adopted in a country or region, the produced and revised guidelines are expected to suit to the situation of that country or region. Meanwhile, the provision of the process of revising the guidelines and its concrete example helps system designers to adjust the guidelines to changing situations over time.

The guidelines and checklist have a characteristic of comprehensiveness, resulting from using the model of sustainability. This model contains mutual help and self-realization, in addition to usual considerations, such as health, safety, and environmental preservation. As a result, the latest revision of the guidelines has led to include considerations for communication among residents, as well as working and learning at home.

Utilizing the "control system for promoting sustainable housing design" and the "model of sustainability," this study has illustrated the "process of producing and revising the design guidelines and checklist." These schematizations form a comprehensive strategy for promoting sustainable housing design. This comprehensive housing strategy is expected to be used to maximize people's well-being and minimize the environmental load.

## **Author details**

Kazutoshi Fujihira Institute of Environmentology, Inagi, Tokyo, Japan

\*Address all correspondence to: fujihira@kankyogaku.com

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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[17] Goto N. Research on Family Relationships and Housing Floor Plans (*Kazoku-Kankei-to-Jutaku-no-Madorino-Kenkyu*, in Japanese). JICE Report. Vol. 8. 2005. pp. 41-46

[18] Toyama T. Homes Where Familial Ties Are Strengthened (*Kazoku-no-Kizuna-wo-Tsukuru-Ie,* in Japanese). Tokyo: Heibonsha; 2007. p. 285

[19] Matsuda T. Building Houses and Destroying the Parent-Child Relationships (*Ie-wo-Tsukutte-Ko-wo-Ushinau*, in Japanese). Tokyo: Japan Housing Organization; 1998. p. 448

[20] Yokoyama A. Floor Planning Liable to Warp Children's Personality (*Kodomo-wo-Yugamaseru-Madori*, in Japanese). Tokyo: Joho Center Publishing; 2001. p. 258

[21] Shijima Y, Watanabe A. Homes where Children Grow Up Wisely (*Atamano-Yoi-Ko-ga-Sodatsu-Ie*, in Japanese). Tokyo: Bungeishunju; 2010. p. 259

[22] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Statistics on Agricultural Population (in Japanese) [Internet]. 2018. Available from: http://www. maff.go.jp/j/tokei/sihyo/data/08.html [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

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[25] Oura Y, Yamada I, Kataoka M, Yamamoto J. Observing the effects of school luncheon and food agriculture education on children (in Japanese). Journal of Rural Problems. 2009;**45**:254-257. DOI: 10.7310/ arfe.45.254

[26] Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA). What is Food and Agriculture

**60**

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

[1] IPCC. Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge, United Kingdom/ New York, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press; 2014. pp. 1101-1131

[6] Fujihira K. Basic schemes: Preparations for applying control science to sustainable design. In: Fujihira K, editor. Sustainable Home Design by Applying Control Science. Rijeka, Croatia: IntechOpen; 2017. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71325. Available from: https://www.intechopen. com/books/sustainable-homedesign-by-applying-control-science/

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[28] Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Investigation Results of the ZEH Roadmap Examination Committee (in Japanese). 2015. Available from: http://www.meti.go.jp/ press/2015/12/20151217003/2015121700 3-1.pdf [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

[29] Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Definition of ZEH and Future Measures Proposed by the ZEH Roadmap Examination Committee [Internet]. 2015. Available from: http:// www.enecho.meti.go.jp/category/ saving\_and\_new/saving/zeh\_report/ pdf/report\_160212\_en.pdf [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

[30] Mae M. Household Energy Efficiency in Japan: Efficiency of Hot Water Supply Systems [Internet]. 2013. Available from: https://aceee.org/files/ pdf/conferences/hwf/2013/3B-mae.pdf [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

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[32] Ayaki M, Morita T, Tsubota K. Biological Effects of Blue Light

Contained in Artificial Lighting on Circadian Clock and Sleep/Awake Cycle [Internet]. 2015. Available from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ jusokenronbun/42/0/42\_1408/\_pdf/ char/ja [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

[33] Fujihira K. Case study: Detached house designed by following the control system. In: Fujihira K, editor. Sustainable Home Design by Applying Control Science. Rijeka, Croatia: IntechOpen; 2017. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71323. Available from: https://www.intechopen. com/books/sustainable-homedesign-by-applying-control-science/ case-study-detached-house-designedby-following-the-control-system

**63**

**Chapter 5**

**Abstract**

all widespread.

**1. Introduction**

sharing and temporary use

local place, community or era.

Social Innovation and

*Rossana Galdini and Silvia Lucciarini*

Studies in Italy

Environmental Sustainability in

from Two Experimental Case

Social Housing Policies: Learning

This chapter critically examines approaches and solutions developed by social housing to sustainably respond to the housing emergency plaguing contemporary cities and Italian cities in particular. In a broader perspective, we also investigate how housing has become 'difficult' in Europe and the poorest segments of the population run the risk of having their right to housing dramatically denied. Analysing housing in terms of its procedural dimension, we focus on two Italian case studies that evoke a new way of inhabiting the city, cases in which high standards characterised social housing and yet remain accessible to all. The Sharing hotel residence in Turin and Zoia social housing in Milan combine housing with other socially innovative measures in a framework of sustainability and avant-garde construction. These are significant examples that speak to issues such as temporariness, flexibility and the coordination of measures. These two cases both pursued objectives having to do with social, planning, architectural and environmental quality, albeit each in their own way. There are by now numerous examples of social housing in Europe and these have recently attracted growing interest in Italy as well; in this country, however, such projects represent valid instances of experimentation but are not at

**Keywords:** sustainability, social innovation private-public housing policies,

More and more, the image, economic logics and functions of contemporary cities reflect today's globalised society. In recent decades, however, urban designers have often produced architectural forms that are standardised and unresponsive to their context [1]. This self-referential type of architecture enjoyed success in that it met the demands of spectacularization and market logics, but it also contributed to undermining other fundamental aspects such as the representative character of a

## **Chapter 5**

*Different Strategies of Housing Design*

Education? (in Japanese) [Internet]. 2019. Available from: https://life. ja-group.jp/education/description/ [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

Contained in Artificial Lighting on Circadian Clock and Sleep/Awake Cycle [Internet]. 2015. Available from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ jusokenronbun/42/0/42\_1408/\_pdf/ char/ja [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

[33] Fujihira K. Case study: Detached house designed by following the control system. In: Fujihira K, editor. Sustainable Home Design by Applying Control Science. Rijeka, Croatia: IntechOpen; 2017. DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.71323. Available from: https://www.intechopen. com/books/sustainable-homedesign-by-applying-control-science/ case-study-detached-house-designedby-following-the-control-system

[27] NTT Data Institute of Management Consulting. Survey Report on Methods of Grasping Evidence of Relationship between Farm Work and Health (in Japanese) [Internet]. 2013. Available from: http://www.maff.go.jp/j/study/ syoku\_vision/kenko/pdf/houkoku.pdf

[28] Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Investigation Results of the ZEH Roadmap Examination Committee (in Japanese). 2015. Available from: http://www.meti.go.jp/ press/2015/12/20151217003/2015121700 3-1.pdf [Accessed: January 21, 2019]

[29] Energy Efficiency and Conservation Division Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Definition of ZEH and Future Measures Proposed by the ZEH Roadmap Examination Committee [Internet]. 2015. Available from: http:// www.enecho.meti.go.jp/category/ saving\_and\_new/saving/zeh\_report/ pdf/report\_160212\_en.pdf [Accessed:

January 21, 2019]

[30] Mae M. Household Energy Efficiency in Japan: Efficiency of Hot Water Supply Systems [Internet]. 2013. Available from: https://aceee.org/files/ pdf/conferences/hwf/2013/3B-mae.pdf

[Accessed: January 21, 2019]

[31] Harvard Health Publishing. Blue Light has a Dark Side: What is Blue Light? The Effect Blue Light has on Your Sleep and More [Internet]. 2012-2018. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/ staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-darkside [Accessed: January 19, 2019]

[32] Ayaki M, Morita T, Tsubota K. Biological Effects of Blue Light

[Accessed: January 21, 2019]

**62**
