Nowadays, air pollution and consequently global warming are the major problems that the earth is faced with. These issues can influence climate change and human health. Building façades can play a significant role in the air quality of the urban environment. Therefore, this study draws upon the ability of nature in controlling carbon dioxide to compare three types of bio-façades (i.e. Water façade, Green façade, and Microalgae façade) and to identify an appropriate one. For this purpose, we analyzed documents and scientific literature qualitatively. Then, we identified the aforementioned types of biological façades and selected the most optimal one through the comparison. Additionally, for this comparison, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was employed that resulted in achieving the higher scores by the microalgae façade among other bio-façades mentioned above. The major criteria considered for the AHP analysis included climatic, economic, architectural, environmental, and structural aspects of using the noted bio-façades in buildings. It should be emphasized that the environmental aspect was obtained as the most influential criterion among others. Finally, some technical tips and design requirements for bioreactors are depicted and discussed along with their upcoming challenges and future research direction.

Article Information Margoon waterfall protected area due to its ecological and environmental values and capitals can attract native and exotic tourists but incompatible development plan to the natural capitals of this site causes many problems. Therefore, the current research was formed to present sustainable strategies in Margoon protected area. In the current research, survey method has applied. To find reasons of the tourists and native communities' presentence, a questionnaire is prepared in two parts and distributed to 100 tourists. To achieve the problems of development plan, 14 points are choosing in the case study (Margoon waterfall protected area). These points located in privileged, ordinary, and poor landscapes in development plan. To analyze the visual evaluation of these points, GIS software is used.

No abstract

The present research has been conducted in order to preserve the Shiraz Khoshk River landscape as a dynamic ecosystem; moreover, to regenerate the quality of the riverbed through the implementation of landscape design criteria. Process recommendations to regenerate of the Khoshk River through landscape design are based on descriptive analysis of library research and case study, as well as observation and interview procedures with survey studies. Recommendations have been based on the study and analysis of multiple primary factors, including environmental, cultural, physical, and social features. Subsequent suggestions for designing a sustainable landscape have been provided, and have been focused on repair and protection of the landscape, and ecological and aesthetic principles. Emphasis has been placed on protection and improvement of the natural landscape and the diverse bionetwork of the region, the removal of inappropriate applications and bio-environmental pollutants, and the design of a suitable habitat for migratory birds.

The important issue of increasing CO2 emissions to the atmosphere requires developing the environmentally sustainable strategies. One of the most innovative approaches in building design is using the microalgae photobioreactor (PBR) façades. In the current research, performance of a new green window was examined as an environmentally friendly method for the noted purpose. This window is a double-glazed window wherein the space enclosed by its two glasses was used as a PBR system. This window was investigated in two different conditions, namely as a window installed in a wall opening as a building façade element and also in laboratory condition. The experiments of the former condition were performed in Tehran city, where is known for the greatest air-polluted city in Iran, while tests of the later were carried out in Bablosar city located in northern Iran. Experiments include measuring absorption amounts of CO2, temperature, optical density of cultivation medium, and evaporation. The obtained results validate performance of the proposed green window in decreasing CO2 amounts. It was also observed that microalgae growth decreased the window transparency so that, in observing the general rules of Islamic and Iranian architecture, can enhance the visual privacy from non-mahram adjacent neighbors for Muslim women.