Farshad Nasrollahi Books

This volume of the Young Cities Research Briefs presents the New Generation Office Building as a pilot project of the Young Cities Research Project, focusing on energy and cost implications related to various thermal resistances of the building envelope. It consists of two chapters: the first outlines an alternative design for a very low energy office building, detailing the project's main objectives, applied concepts, and architectural plans. The second chapter examines the energy demand and life cycle costs of the office building with different U-values, aiming to identify the optimal U-value for the warm, dry climate of Hashtgerd New Town, Iran. Using dynamic energy simulation, the study calculates heating and cooling energy demands across nine building envelope variations. Results indicate that while thermal insulation benefits winter performance, it can negatively impact summer efficiency, necessitating specific design adaptations for warmer months. The cost analysis evaluates initial, maintenance, energy, and life cycle costs over a 15-year period for the nine case studies. Although some insulation cases yield energy cost savings, overall costs increase due to additional insulating materials. Since energy costs represent only 5% of total life cycle expenses, these savings do not significantly affect the overall life cycle costs.

This volume presents a cost-neutral method to reduce energy demand in residential buildings within Tehran's climate. It emphasizes how conscious and intelligent architectural design can significantly lower energy consumption. The text highlights the substantial energy-saving potential achievable through thoughtful design and outlines various measures to minimize energy use in homes specific to this region. Additionally, it showcases three housing estates known as "New Generation Residential Pilot Projects," which prioritize energy efficiency while also promoting high-quality architecture, flexibility, low-carbon emissions, affordability, and cultural adaptation. Each pilot project, developed by different groups with unique targets, demonstrates diverse approaches to achieving energy-efficient and cost-effective architecture. The research aims to raise awareness among institutions, decision-makers, investors, and the public about the importance of energy-efficient architecture, particularly through climate-responsive design. The implementation of these pilot projects in Tehran is expected to generate public interest and promote the adoption of energy-efficient practices in the region, aligning with the Young Cities’ research and design initiatives.