HOW DO WE SUSTAINABLY PRESERVE SOVIET HOUSING ACROSS EUROPE? - A guide of practical measures.

HOW DO WE SUSTAINABLY PRESERVE SOVIET HOUSING ACROSS EUROPE?

MIHAIL PANDREA MARK WOULFE

A GUIDE OF PRACTICAL MEASURES

DECEMBER 2020

INTRODUCTION Following our previous generic study on the future proofing of soviet era blocks, this paper aims to generate a guide for residents and local city councils on how to refurbish the Khrushchyovka soviet block.

The Khrushchyovka is a functional design for social housing apartment from 1950’s Soviet Union. It is a low cost, fast build concrete panelled block. Due to this, most of them were made as temporary residences with a life span of 40 years.

Now that this lifespan is over, we asked in our generic study if these buildings should be updated due to preservation and climate change issues. In this assignment we will propose a guide of sustainable measures on how to retrofit these outdated structures.

Our mission is to inspire residents, communities and governments to embrace sustainable design to develop and update existing social housing buildings.

THE KHRUSCHCHYOVKA BUILDING PRINCIPLES

Building principles: Functionalist prefabricated panel/brick/large block construction Prefabricated parts – mass: From 0.5 to 1.2 metric tons Original height: Up to 5 floors (no elevator) Variations in height (further iterations, post 1965): Up to 10 levels Inner Walls Distance (transverse): 2.45 m and 3.00 m Extra-mural depth: Between 10 and 15 m Roof style: flat (soft) or sloping cold-roof with bituminous roofing membranes, some iterations had illuminators above stair cores.

Balconies: Often present, Lodges in particular contexts.

Built in Soviet Union (and partner countries): 1948-1989 (original and further variations) Variations: K-7, 335, 480, 464, 438, 447, Multi-storey K (1965-1989) Lifespan: 25 years (K-7) 50-60 years (335, 480, 464, 438, 447, MSK) – up to 150 years after refurbishment

THE KHRUSCHCHYOVKA

EASTERN VS WESTERN BLOCK

Gemeindebau (Austria) Plattenbau (Germany) Million Programme (Sweden) Khrushchyovka (Former Soviet Union) Panelház (Hungary) Panelák and Sídlisko (Czech Republic and Slovakia)

THE KHRUSCHCHYOVKA

NEED FOR A COMMON APPROACH

As a result of the previous research paper, under the form of a generic study, the need for refurbishment has been outlined as one of the main drivers towards sustainably preserving the social housing units built in the soviet era (particular case study on the khruschyovkas), in the detriment of demolishing.

“These complexes have great potential, not just as bedroom neighborhoods. Those bulidings should be renovated; a neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, Laundromats, shops and schools should be created around them – everything one needs in everyday life.” (Coustouru F., 2018) Further research has led to the conclusion that although several refurbishment interventions have been carried in various parts of Europe (Estonia, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Belarus), there is no concise framework towards a common approach that could generate a movement of “mass refurbishment” for the khruschyovka and its western iterations.

“There is no panacea to the problems. Every country solves similar problems differently. Restoration and refurbishing is often cheaper than demolition and construction.” (Melnychuk V., 2018) Based on previous research and current observations, there is an evident need for a common guide/framework for refurbishing these edifices, hence this being the main aim of this particular research paper.

THE KHRUSCHCHYOVKA

A NON-INVASIVE APPROACH Whilst the previous examples of refurbishment have followed an inside-out, invasive approach (i.e., Tartu, Estonia, SmartEn Cities), the set of proposed measures are meant to follow a mirrored methodology, aiming to generate non-invasive solutions to the following problems: “A minimally invasive approach can be applied to the renovation of buildings, enabling their energy efficiency to be improved with a minimum of messy construction work and reduced impact on the inhabitants.” (Krause M., 2012) Invasive – Intervening on any of the mural/structural layers of the building from and/or affecting the inside of the apartments. (requiring relocation, disrupting everyday life of inhabitants) Non-Invasive – Exterior interventions, requiring minimal tampering with the existing edifice’s mural and structural elements. (not requiring relocation, non-disruptive to the everyday life of the inhabitants) (Mateo-Garcia et al., 2017)

Low Energy Efficiency • Add layers of insulation. (Already done in EU) - Invasive • Replace doors and windows. (Already done in EU) - Invasive • Close thermal bridges and air-tight open joints. (Already done in EU) - Invasive • Decrease carbon footprint by installing alternative energy sources such as PV panels/ solar membranes to blanc walls. (M1) – Non Invasive

High Exposure to Urban Heat Island Effect • Provide shading and natural insulation by installing green membranes to the existing facades and roofs (green walls and green gardens) (M2+ M3 + M4) Non Invasive Lack of Community Spaces • Integrate the ground floor open sidewalks in system of pergolas, part of an exoskeleton that will sustain multiple functions. (M3) Non Invasive Lack of Integrated Urban Greenery • Integrate retro-fitted structurally independent exoskeletons that can host a series of green developments, including a modular vertical forest or a series of green terraces. (M3) Non Invasive Building Lifespan • Extend the use of the building as part of an integrated network of productive landmarks. o Generate energy (M1) Non Invasive o Produce urban crops (M3+M4) Non Invasive o Capture sound and dust (M2+M3) Non Invasive o Convert CO2 into O2 (M2+M3) Non Invasive

NON-INVASIVE

INVASIVE

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN POTENTIAL METHODS

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN CONTEXT

Khrushchyovka structures require future proofing and sustainable renovation to stay habitable in a modern environment.

GOAL 3 We aim to provide good health and well being by increasing vegetation and providing healthier indoor environments

We aim to use provide sustainable cities and communities by increasing the infrastructure of the city, longevity of the buildings and health of the residents.

GOAL 6 We aim to provide clean water and sanitation by filtering and cleansing water with irrigation systems used for the vegetation.

GOAL 12 We aim to provide responsible consumption and production by following environment safe building regulations and using reusable and green materials

GOAL 7 We aim to use PV Panels to provide affordable and clean energy by harnessing solar energy and decreasing the use of dangerous fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil.

GOAL 9 We aim to provide industry innovation and infrastructure by future-proofing the city with modern technology to combat climate change GOAL 11

GOAL 13 We aim to use PV Panels to provide climate change action by reducing air pollution and stop damage to the ozone layer.

GOAL 15 We aim to use LWS to provide life on land by improving micro climates and adding green vegetation to the environment.

GREEN WALL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

Living Wall Systems (LWS) are a passive design solution to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gasses. LWS are constructed through a series of planter boxes engineered into a structure on the wall. While the vegetation is encouraged to establish a strong relationship with the built structure the plants do not utilise the substrate of the façade for support.

LWS can provide good health and well being by the positive bibliophile effect of being around more life and vegetation,

LWS can tackle climate change by lowering urban heat islands in summer and by working as an extra layer of insulation in winter.

LWS can provide life on land by in providing micro climates and adding green vegetation to the environment.

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

GREEN WALL SYSTEMS WHY USE IT?

1 LESS AIR POLLUTANT

2 REDUCE HEAT

Vegetation causes the enhancement of urban air quality

Reduces urban Temperatures and Urban Heat Islands

3 THERMAL BENEFITS

4 AESTHETICS

Can act as an extra level of insulation, keeping the heat inside

Improves aesthetics of grey inner city areas with biodiversity

5 HEALTH BENEFITS

6 INCREASE VALUE

Spending time by plants improves well-being + productivity

City buildings increase in value the closer they are to green spaces

GREEN WALL SYSTEMS INSTALLATION GUIDE 2 1 4 5 7

6

8

1 MOUNT TANKS

2 MOUNT RAILS

Install aster tanks and joining tanks to provide water

Install the rails , level them and secure them with screws

3 STACK RAILS

4 ASSEMBLE PUMP

Cut the rails on notches provided, to your desired height.

Attach the first section of the irrigation pipe to the pump

5 IRRIGATION PIPE

6 INSERT PLANTS

Install the irrigation pipe and dripper at 45º downward angle

Clip the pots onto the rails, ensuring they’re secure and aligned

3

1 Support system 2 Waterproof backing board

3 Rear drainage layer 4 Aluminium rails drip line

5 Capillary breaks 6 Growing medium

7 Panel box 8 Plants

GREEN WALL SYSTEMS IMPACT

Research shows that LWS can control heat gains and losses.

Vegetation can therefore benefit micro climates in summer by lowering urban heat islands and in winter through working as an extra layer of insulation.

Pollution trapped at street level can be decreased by 60% of the nitrogen dioxide when a green wall is planted correctly. Cities around the world recognise these benefits. Singapore has a program which funds half the cost of constructing green walls and Seattle, USA have policies disincentive new constructions to have 30% vegetation coverage. This provides a positive impact on local communities due to lower carbon and improved health standards in the environment.

PV SOLAR PANELS TECHNOLOGY

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

PV Panels can provide action against climate change by reducing air pollution and stop damage to the ozone layer.

PV Panels can create sustainable cities and communities by increasing the infrastructure of the city, longevity of the buildings and health of the residents.

PV Panels produce affordable and clean energy by harnessing solar energy and decreasing the use of dangerous fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil.

PV SOLAR PANELS WHY USE IT?

1 CLEAN ENERGY

2 REDUCE COSTS

The sun acts as a pure renewable energy source

The electricity bills will decrease dramatically after 8 years.

3 LOW MAINTENANCE

4 SOLAR INVERTER

Panels can be left unattended for years in harsh conditions

Install the inverter in close proximity to panels.

5 LESS LOSS

6 ENVIRONMENT

Losses during transport decrease with closer proximity

No greenhouse gasses or emissions are polluted from solar panels

PV SOLAR PANELS RWORKS EDUCATIONAL VECTORWORKS VERSION EDUCATIONAL VECTORWORKS VERSION EDUCATIONAL VERSION INSTALLATION GUIDE VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

RWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

A

B EDUCATIONAL VERSION VECTORWORKS

SECTION 1:25

DETAIL A @ 1:5

1

C

1

[Drawing Title] Scale: 1:25

1

DETAIL B @ 1:5

Scale: 1:25

[Drawing Title]

[Drawing Title] Scale: 1:25

1

1

[Drawing Title] Scale: 1:25

DETAIL C @ 1:5

2 PANEL MOUNTS

Engineer evaluates structure of roof and electrical panel

Install the supporting structure directly upon the concrete wall/ roof.

3 INSTALL PANELS

4 WIRING

Install the mounting Structure and solar panels

Carry out electrical wiring connecting panels to the system

5 SOLAR INVERTER

6 TURN ON

Install the solar inverter and connect to the battery.

Switch on power to Begin using the system

[Drawing Title] Scale: 1:25

D PLAN 1:25

1 SITE VISIT

[Drawing Title]

D @ 1:5 1 DETAIL Scale: 1:25

PV SOLAR PANELS IMPACT

Khrushchyovka structures were originally designed with an intended life span of 40 years. Their design does not concern future climate change nor sustainable city goals.

We propose to use PV Panels to provide electricity for the buildings, power for lighting the streets and even charging stations for electric cars. This would increase the longevity of the buildings and impact the surrounding communities in a positive mannor.

One particular burden of attaching solar panels to the Khrushchyovka in eastern Europe is the extreme winters.

Thankfully research shows that electricity can still be generated even when panels are completely covered by snow. While the amount of energy created would be limited, the light is still capable of moving through snow.

VERTICAL TERRACES (M3) INTRODUCTION

Urban greenery is a crucial element for the modern city, particularly in the fastest growing ones. The more the city expands, the more polluted and congested it gets. (Wolch et al., 2014).

Vegetation areas are being replaced with concrete and asphalt, or materials with high thermal mass indexes, hence contributing to the urban heat island effect by reducing the process of evapotranspiration. (Razzaghmanesh et al., 2016) Re-introducing green spaces into urban areas is considered as a significant method of mitigating the effects of climate change with immediate effect. Integrating these within existing structures, is proven to be “the most effective climate change adaptation tool” (Carter, 2011; Li et al., 2015, Berardi et. al.,2014)

Vertical terraces provide good health and well being by the possitive biophilia effect of being around more life and vegetation,

Vertical terraces provide sustainable cities and communities by increasing the infrasturcture of the city, longevity of the buildings and health of the residents.

Vertical terraces tackle climate change by lowering urban heat islands in summer and by working as an extra layer of insulation in winter.

VERTICAL TERRACES WHY USE IT?

1 COOLING

2 FARMING

3 ABSORBTION

The exo-structure will act as a series of cooling layers for the build-

In contrast with the green walls, it can host a vertical farming sys-

The green terraces will absorb CO2 while increasing the air quality.

4 DEFLECTION

5 SHADING

6 ENVIRONMENT

Heat waves will be deflected from direct contact with concrete.

This exo-structure will act as a shading element for the south fa-

Installing green vertical terraces will generate new bio-environments.

VERTICAL TERRACES INSTALLATION GUIDE

1 ORIENTATION

2 AGREEMENT

3 LAYOUT

The structure will be aligned to the south of the building.

A common agreement needs to be reached between the inhabit-

Function of the agreement, a layout design is proposed.

4 STRUCTURE CHECK

5 INSTALL

6 PLANTING MODULES

The layout is tested on the existing structure.

The structure is erected based on previous analysis/testing.

The inhabitants choose the planting modules.

Farming/Decorative

VERTICAL TERRACES IMPACT

Third in the measures series, the vertical green terraces, hosted by a CLT/GLT exoskeleton are designed towards reducing the heat island effect by absorbing CO2, reflecting sun radiation, generating evapotranspiration and providing shading for the existing envelope; all while enabling the inhabitants of the refurbished blocks to make use of its potential productive capacities by generating an integrated system of urban agriculture.

ROOFTOP GARDEN (M4) INTRODUCTION A vegetation layer placed on top of a roof, acts as a solar filter that prevents the heat radiation absorption, by deflecting the heatwaves away from high-absorptive elements such as concrete. (Perini et al., 2011).

We aim to use LWS to provide good health and well being by the possitive biophilia effect of being around more life and vegetation,

We aim to use LWS to tackle climate change by lowering urban heat islands in summer and by working as an extra layer of insulation in winter.

We aim to use LWS to provide life on land by inproviding micro climates and adding green vegetation to the environment.

ROOFTOP GARDEN WHY USE IT?

1 COOLING

2 FARMING

3 ABSORBTION

The roof gardens will act as a cooling layer for the building.

It will serve the food needs of the inhabitants.

The green roof will absorb CO2 while increasing the air quality.

4 DEFLECTION

5 INSULATION

6 ENVIRONMENT

Heat waves will be deflected from direct contact with concrete.

This green platform will also act as an insulation layer.

Installing green vertical terraces will generate new bio-environments.

ROOFTOP GARDEN

INSTALLATION GUIDE

1 ORIENTATION

2 AGREEMENT

3 LAYOUT

Most crops will require East-West orientation.

A common agreement needs to be reached between the inhabit-

Function of the agreement, a layout design is proposed.

4 SURFACE CHECK

5 INSTALL

6 PLANTING MODULES

The layout is tested on the existing structure.

The modules are installed on the greenbed system.

The inhabitants choose the planting modules.

Farming/Decorative

ROOFTOP GARDEN IMPACT

By covering various surfaces of a building, horizontal and vertical green infrastructures have the ability to reduce both, the inside and the outside temperature of a building, acting as cooling membrane.

(Greenscreen, 2012, p.3) Square meter gardening is an adjacent opportunity offered by a green roof installation, offering the inhabitants the option of urban agriculture.

DESIGN ANALYSIS POTENTIAL PLANS

DESIGN ANALYSIS PLAN DRAWINGS

After choosing four methods of sustainable design, we then tested our measures on nine typical Khrushchyovka inspired buildings ranging from 1958 to 1980.

All four measures were feasible on 90% of the buildings. The un-usable 10% of structures was due to poor orientation.

We looked at each structure in plan, elevation and axonometric, probing every corner and surface for potential space to install the refurbishment equipment.

1 PV Solar Panels 2 Verticle Gardens 3 Living Wall System 4 Roof Garden

ANALYSIS ANALYSIS ANALYSIS VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION Solar Panels Solar Panels Solar Panels Green Wall Vertical Garden

956 - 1958

Green Wall Vertical Garden

Green Wall Vertical Garden

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

10 x 51 1958 - 1960

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

DESIGN ANALYSIS PLAN DRAWINGS

VECTORWORKS VECTORWORKS EDUCE

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL

10 x 51 1958 - 1960

VECTORWORKS E

16 x 8 1956 16 x- 81958 1956 - 1958 28 x 10, 1978 - 1985

20 x 17, 1978 - 1

16 x 8 1956 - 1958 16 x 8 1956 - 1958

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

x 23, 1956 - 1958 23 x16 20,x 1970 8 1956- -1980 1958

x 20 10,x1978 - 1985 17, 1978 - 1985

23 x 23, 1956 - 1958

10 x 51, 1958 - 1960

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

10 x 51, 1958 - 1960

ANALYSIS VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

Solar Panels Green Wall Vertical Garden

ANALYSIS

23 x 23,23 1956 x 23,- 1958 1956 - 1958

Solar Panels 16 x- 81958 1956 - 1958 23 x 23, 1956 - 1958 16 x 8 1956 Green Wall Vertical Garden 23 x 23, 1956 - 1958 16 x 8 1956 - 1958 16 x 8 1956 - 1958

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

28 x 10, 1978 - 1985

20 x 17, 1978 - 1985

10 x 51 1958 - 1960

20 x 17, 1978 - 1985

23 x 23, 1956 - 1958 23 x 23, 1970 - 1980

16 x 8 1956 - 1958

28 x 10,28 1978 x 10,- 1985 1978 - 1985 10 x 51, 1958 - 1960 28 x 10, 1978 - 1985

23 x 20, 1970 - 1980

x 10, 1978 - 1985 16 x 8 1956 - 28 1958

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION

VECTORWORKS VECTORWORKS EDUCE

VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL

VECTORWORKS E

28 x 10, 1978 - 1985

28 x 10, 1978 - 1985

20 x 17, 1978 - 1985

20 x 17, 1978 - 1985

ANALYSIS

D

A - Solar Panels B - Vertical Garden C - Green Wall D - Green Garden

A

DESIGN ANALYSIS 3D MODELS

C

1985

B 20 x 17, 1978 - 1985 A

D

C

23 x 20, 1970 - 1980

ANALYSIS A - Solar Panels B - Vertical Garden C - Green Wall D - Green Garden

A

C

B

23 x 23, 1956 - 1958

D

A

B

C

10 x 51, 1958 - 1960

A - PV Solar Panels B - Verticle Gardens C - Living Wall System D - Roof Garden

DESIGN ANALYSIS AXONOMETRIC ANALYSIS

SOCIAL IMPACT RESEARCH FINDINGS

SOCIAL IMPACT

EFFECT ON RESIDENTS

During the procurement stage for one of the research stages of this project, while gathering architectural data for re-constructing the plans of the existing soviet blocks, a series of side-findings were identified as per the following: - Multiple inhabitants complained about the lack of green spaces.

- Many of them gathered in ad-hoc, community formed meeting spots, such as local markets, newspaper kiosks or in front of flower-shops, nearby their blocks.

- Several older inhabitants complained about youth parties taking place in the canopied entrances of these type of blocks, complaining about a lack of organized community spaces.

- A few inhabitants openly expressed their worries about these soviet neighbourhoods turning into slums if no action is taken.

SOCIAL IMPACT COMMUNAL SPACE Another discovery in our research was that Khrushchyovka buildings had no social spaces in their design.

This led to a number of ad hoc uncomfortable spaces being used to gather such as corridors, stairs and entry halls.

This issue can be combated using method number 3: vertical gardens. As an extension from the vertical garden, an outdoor pergola can be constructed. This can be connected to the building to provide a sheltered gathering space while also using vegetation to further the amount of green space on the building.

SOCIAL IMPACT HOW TO CHANGE

1 - Children Education; the problem A more in-depth period of study on the effects of climate change would increase the knowledge of participants on the dangers of the future and the need for sustainable architecture.

The country with the current best performance for climate action is Sweden.

Climate change is taught considerable more in the schools there. Two contrasting examples would be Greta Thunberg from the swedish system and Donald Trump, who does not believe in climate change, from the American system.

System action begins with the children 2 - Youth Campaigning;the change University students and academics are some of the strongest voices speak-

ing out against goverment policies on climate change, social housing and money allocation.

Students can be encouraged to campaign from creating local events, parades and take-overs or through simple advertising such as posters, videos and art.

Photo to the left shows Students spreading awareness at Extinction Rebellion annual awareness. In many large cities including London they shut down streets outside the parliment.

3 - Adult Subsidies; the funding As active contributers to the world market, economy and politics, citizens and organisations can help change the world.

Governments can provide subsidies to encourage local change. This has been done

by SmartEnCities. Fund-

ed by the EU, it works at creating amore sustainable and environemntally friendly Europe.Another example is R2Cities who encourage carbon neutral cities..

Hald of their 14 million euro budget is funded by the EU. These incentives would encourage local communities due to the low cost and high results.

SOCIAL IMPACT LOCAL COUNCIL

While existing European frameworks such as SmartEn cities and R2Cities do represent a real, feasible opportunity for developing further practical research towards the refurbishment of soviet-era housing, there are a restricted number of existing academic/practical initiatives that have applied for European Funding under the previously-mentioned programmes.

Having Romania as a casestudy, this paper constitutes a first attempt towards creating further opportunities of accessing European frameworks of practical research in sustainably preserving former soviet social housing.

This practical guide aims to generate an administrative chain reaction; starting with the inhabitants, continuing with the block administrators, leading to establishing housing associations that will negotiate the refurbishment issue with the local councils.

A reverse approach is also feasible. (see next chapter)

SOCIAL IMPACT CHANGE PRECEDENTS

Tartu, Estonia

Genoa, Spain

SmartEnCity have tacked the Khrushchyovka problem in the Estonian city of Tartu. They converted three blocks from grey, out-dated blocks to colourful and energy efficient “smart homes”.

R2Cities is a research and implementation programme with an aim of creating nearly zero energy cities. To achieve this goal, they develop and demonstrate strategies for constructing and managing large scale renovation projects.

Plattenbauten were East Germany’s version of the Khrushkoycka; large-panel prefabricated concrete buildings. Since 2013 the Housing Association has renovated 319 of these apartments.

Their three current projects are based in Istanbul, Spain and Italy. Due to this, 50% of their 14 million-euro budget is provided by the EU.

These buildings were chosen to be converted and renovated due to their “easy, effective architecture” as well as the long hallways which provided the possibility of simply dividing the spaces into smaller units.

Berlin, Germany

The plan for this self-declared smartkovia is to save two thirds of the energy that they were using.

This would reduce energy consumption from 270 kWh/m2y to 90 kWh/m2y and create a CO2 reduction of 19,000 Tn/y .

This design focuses on insulation and refurbished interiors while our research proposes an outside-in approach with minimum disturbance to the occupants.

Their project in Genoa consists of 500 dwellings from the 1980s which have been remodelled.

They have changed from an eyesore to a delight in the local environement. Old grey facades were replaced with new materials and brighter colour paints.

SOCIAL IMPACT

CHANGE PRECEDENTS

Tartu, Estonia Architect research -> SmartEn Cities -> European Council -> Local Council -> Block Administrators -> Inhabitants -> Agreement -> Consultation -> Architect -> Contractor -> Completion Genoa, Spain Local Council -> R2Cities -> European Council -> Local Council -> Architect -> Community Consultation -> Arhitect + University-> Applied Research -> Contractor -> Completion -> Conclusions Berlin, Germany University + Architect -> Local Council -> Community Consultation -> University + Architect -> German Government -> Local Council -> Architect + Contractor -> Completion

OVERALL IMPACT

PROPOSED PLAN OF ACTION

RESEARCH: Architect + University -> local council -> community consultation -> agreement of both -> European Council (SmartEN, R2 Cities) -> local council -> architect+contractor+university -> community consultation -> applied research -> practical guide GENERATING A NATIONAL PLAN: Tested Practical Guide -> Government -> European Council -> Government Plan for National Refurbishment -> Local Councils -> Architects + Contractors -> Council+Community Consultation -> Architects->Contractors -> Completion IMPLEMENTATION STEPS: Scan (SCRAN) – Identify (Affected Areas) – Feasibility Study (See which measures apply)– Community Consultation (Establish layouts) - Particular Solution (Based on the preferences of inhabitants, orientation and building particularities) - Implementation

CONCLUSION This particular research paper aimed to deliver a “modus operandi” guide towards non-invasive refurbishment of soviet social housing, dedicated for the local authorities, as well as the citizens of the former members-states from the fallen Soviet Bloc.

As much as serving the purpose of a practical guide of measures, this study, together with the first in the series, aims to raise political and administrative awareness towards the issue of sustainably preserving the researched types of edifices.

Consequently, together with the informational aspects of the subject, the proposed measures have generated a prototype that can be applied towards generating local and national refurbishment programmes as well as further research in this particular area of interest.

Reference list

Energy Saving Trust. (n.d.). Solar panels. [online] Available at: https:// energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/.

Gay, C. (2017). Let it Snow: How Solar Panels Can Thrive in Winter Weather. [online] Energy.gov. Available at: https://www.energy.gov/ eere/articles/let-it-snow-how-solar-panels-can-thrive-winter-weather.

Gillis, J. (2012). To Stop Climate Change, Students Aim at College Portfolios (Published 2012). The New York Times. [online] 5 Dec. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/05/business/energy-environment/to-fight-climate-change-college-students-take-aim-at-the-endowment-portfolio.html [Accessed 10 Dec. 2020].

Montacchinia, E., Tedescoa, S., Perone, A. and Giordanoa, R. (2017).

Living Wall Systems: a technical standard proposal.

Pearce, J., Babasola, A. and Andrews, R. (2012). Open Solar Photovoltaic Systems Optimization. [online] Available at: https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02120482/document [Accessed 10 Dec. 2020].

Rhs.org.uk. (2020). Green walls / RHS Gardening. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=547.

Tyagi, V.V., Rahim, N.A.A., Rahim, N.A. and Selvaraj, J.A. /L. (2013).

Progress in solar PV technology: Research and achievement. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, [online] 20, pp.443–461. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ Ratterman, W. (n.d.). Free picture: training, workers, install, solar, panels, health, clinics, Rwanda, clean, energy. [online] PIXNIO - Public Domain Images. Available at: https://pixnio.com/people/male-men/ training-workers-to-install-solar-panels-at-health-clinics-in-rwandaprovides-clean-energy [Accessed 10 Dec. 2020].

United Nations (2015). The 17 Goals. [online] sdgs.un.org. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

Perini, K., Ottele, M., Fraaij, A.L.A., Hass, E.M., Raiteri, R. (2011). Vertical Greening Systems and the Effect on Air Flow and Temperature on the Building Envelope. Elsevier, (2287-2294).

Greenscreen. (2012). Considerations for Advanced Green Façade Design. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from Web site: www.greenscreen. com RAZZAGHMANESH, M., BEECHAM, S., SALEMI, T.: The role of green

roofs in mitigating Urban Heat Island effects in the metropolitan area of Adelaide, South Australia. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 15, 89–102, 2016.

CARTER, J.G.: Climate change adaptation in European cities. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 3, 193–198, 2011 BERARDI, U., GHAFFARIANHOSEINI, A.H., GHAFFARIANHOSEINI, A.: State-of-the-art analysis of the environmental benefits of green roofs. Appl. Energy, 115, 411–428, 2014 SCHETKE, S., QURESHI, S.,LAUTENBACH, S., KABISCH, N.: What determines the use of urban green spaces in highly urbanized areas?-Examples from two fast growing Asian cities.Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 16, 150–159, 2016.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. “Minimally invasive building renovations with prefabricated window modules.” ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily. com/releases/2012/08/120808104506.htm (accessed December 11, 2020). http://euromaidanpress.com/2018/01/05/khrushchyovky-the-french-dream-that-became-a-soviet-reality/ ‌