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The European bu d ng stock s mature, and expand ng c t es need nc us ve and nnovat ve renovat on so ut ons for a c t zens wh e ntens fy ng c ty dens f cat on. The European project EU-GUGLE a ms to reduce pr mary energy consumpt on by 40% to 80% and ncrease renewab e energy use by 25% through near y zero energy bu d ng renovat on mode s for n t at ng arge-sca e, Europe-w de rep cat on n c t es and commun t es. About 200,000 m² of res dent a and pub c bu d ngs are be ng refurb shed by mp ement ng a ba anced m x of techn ca , soc o-econom c and f nanc a so ut ons adapted to oca needs. S x EU partner c t es are part c pat ng, each rev ta z ng an urban d str ct: Aachen, Brat s ava, M an, Sestao, Tampere, and V enna. The comprehens ve ntegrated approach used n EU-GUGLE s n ne w th the European Smart C ty n t at ve, and each part c pat ng c ty has created near y zero-energy Smart C ty master p ans based upon owest energy therma renovat ons coup ed w th nnovat ve renewab e energy serv ces ncorporat ng every aspect of smart d str ct fe. A stages of the p ann ng, construct on and post-occupancy phases of the arge-sca e d str ct renewa s are be ng documented, mon tored and eva uated to create susta nab e d str ct renovat on methodo og es for "smart renovat ons for smart c t es" to meet the object ves of the European Comm ss on s Smart C t es and Commun t es In t at ve for reduc ng 40% of greenhouse gas em ss ons w th n the European Un on by 2020. The paper out nes the approach each c ty has taken and h gh ghts case stud es of the nd v dua so ut ons created n three of the s x c t es.

The debate about the post-war reconstruction has been ongoing during the last six years of the ongoing Syrian war. The increasing volume of destruction in different big cities has created a need for new ideas and innovative building solutions. Many studies have tried to suggest solutions comparing other countries ruined by wars such as post-WWII case studies from Germany, Poland, Italy, and also Bosnia after the Balkan War. The case studies have considered similarities and differences demanding innovative ideas and non-traditional solutions for the reconstruction of large Syrian cities such as Aleppo and Homs. With the recent political and military changes in Syria many Syrian refugees have started to return to relatively safe areas within Syria, especially from neighboring countries. New needs have emerged to accommodate and support people who have lost their homes in cities, towns, and villages. This paper is investigating an alternative solution building upon the local Syrian vernacular architecture and construction using existing traditions and methodologies as a possible feasible alternative to rebuild homes in rural areas. This building methodology is suitable for rural society not only for architectural appropriateness, but also for economic and social reasons. Ancient cities such as Aleppo and Homs have been destroyed and rebuilt several times during their long histories. The accumulated gained experience from building local vernacular architecture is being used as a source for future reconstruction efforts by adapting it to modern needs. The aim of this study is to investigate the possibilities of using traditional materials and construction methods in rural Syrian areas to build modular housing units for displaced Syrians. The goal is to provide a feasible transitional alternative to the tents in refugee camps. The proposed modular homes are more stable than tents, are easy to build, and provide a quick option to provide housing with living quality. The advantage of the proposed housing is the reintroduction of an existing building tradition with the same cultural and social values. The homes are intended for the returning inhabitants from the rural areas and urban Syrian refugees staying temporarily until the larger urban centers have some reconstructed infrastructure. The therapeutic effects of the countryside and the social connections established by working together to physically rebuild the homes are aspects considered in this reconstruction proposal.

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