Designing and Evaluating Modular Sustainable Office Buildings for Urban Contexts

Thesis Abstract

Urban centers are increasingly burdened by the rising demand for flexible, sustainable, and efficient office spaces that align with contemporary environmental and socio-economic objectives. Traditional office building typologies often exhibit limitations in adaptability, resource efficiency, and integration within dense urban fabric, thus necessitating innovative approaches that leverage modularity and sustainability principles. This study aims to design and evaluate a modular, sustainable office building model tailored for urban contexts, addressing the dual challenges of operational flexibility and environmental stewardship. The specific objectives are to identify key design parameters influencing modularity and sustainability, to develop a prototype architectural framework, and to assess its performance comprehensively through both qualitative and quantitative measures. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative design analysis with quantitative performance evaluation. The research design is primarily exploratory with an applied experimental component. The population comprises architectural professionals involved in office space development, sustainability experts, and urban planners, with a purposive sample of 40 experts selected through snowball sampling. Data collection instruments include structured interviews to elicit expert insights on design parameters and sustainability indicators, and a survey questionnaire administered to potential end-users to gauge preferences and perceptions. Additionally, a virtual prototype of the modular office building is developed using Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, from which performance metrics are derived. For the quantitative evaluation, various parameters such as energy efficiency, thermal comfort, structural resilience, and spatial flexibility are simulated using energy modeling tools like EnergyPlus and structural analysis via finite element software. The data are analyzed through multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between design features and sustainability outcomes, while thematic analysis is employed to interpret qualitative interview data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder perspectives. The prototype’s performance is benchmarked against conventional office buildings to measure improvements attributable to modularity and sustainability features. Expected findings include the identification of critical design parameters that maximize resource efficiency, occupant well-being, and adaptability in urban settings. It is anticipated that the results will demonstrate that modular constructions significantly reduce construction time and costs, improve spatial flexibility, and enhance environmental performance when integrated with sustainable design strategies such as natural ventilation, renewable energy utilization, and eco-friendly materials. The study also expects to validate that stakeholder perceptions favor modular designs with perceived gains in functionality and sustainability, supporting broader acceptance. This research contributes to knowledge by developing an integrated model that combines modular architecture with sustainable design principles specific to dense urban environments, thus filling existing gaps concerning practical implementation and performance validation. It advances theoretical understanding by applying systems theory and innovation diffusion models, particularly Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory, to explain the adoption of modular sustainable office solutions. The study’s model provides a replicable framework for architects, developers, and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable urban office development. The main conclusion emphasizes that integrating modularity with sustainability significantly enhances the operational and environmental performance of urban office buildings. Based on this, recommendations include policy incentives for modular construction methodologies, incorporation of sustainability criteria into building codes, and stakeholder engagement strategies to foster acceptance. The study suggests avenues for future research, including long-term post-occupancy evaluations and exploring the socio-cultural dimensions influencing the adoption of modular sustainable office architecture, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development literature.