Building Exteriors and Ground Systems: Integrating Design, Resilience, and Livability - Under review

Title
Building Exteriors and Ground Systems: Integrating Design, Resilience, and Livability - Under review
Abstract
Building exteriors, landscapes, and adjoining public spaces serve as crucial interfaces that mediate between human settlements and their natural and social environments, shaping both environmental performance and human experience.

Thoughtful exterior and landscape design elements, such as green roofs/walls, walkable landscapes, permeable pavements, and urban agriculture, can significantly enhance environmental performance and community well-being by mitigating urban heat island effects, managing stormwater runoff, strengthening local food security, and promoting biodiversity. Outdoor spaces that embody local cultural values and promote social interaction play a significant role in fostering inclusivity and enhancing quality of life.

Whether in urban or rural environments, creating resilient, accessible, and livable outdoor areas not only supports adaptation to climate and environmental challenges but also nurtures communities that flourish in harmony with their surroundings.

This paper offers an overview of integrated exterior design approaches that align environmental resilience with social and cultural sustainability. It reviews new landscape and building envelope strategies that improve efficiency, durability, and climate resilience. Additionally, it highlights initiatives that promote healthier, more sustainable, and community-friendly built environments.
Contributor
R. Kumar, E. Girgis, A. Dekin, M. Prince, T. Froese, P. Mukhopadhyaya
Date Submitted
2026/03/18
Format
PDF
Type
Text
Extent
4 pages
Language
en-CA
License
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) License
Is Part Of
Building Forms and Structures
Technical system threads
Identifier
36