International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 03 | Mar 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Enhancing Architectural Well-Being in Residential Segment: In Visakhapatnam Naveen Kanithi 1 1Joint State Architect, Roads & Buildings Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India
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Abstract - This research examines the critical relationship
scripture’s principles by ensuring harmony between built environments and nature. These principles, advocating moderation in human actions and respect for ecological systems, guided early urban planning and architectural practices to foster coexistence with the natural world. Over millennia, however, this equilibrium has been disrupted by industrialization and rapid urbanization, leading to a stark decline in air quality—a transition from pristine skies to toxic urban atmospheres. This paper examines India’s evolving air quality narrative, tracing its roots in ancient sustainable practices, analyzing the drivers of modern pollution, and contextualizing these shifts within the coastal city of Visakhapatnam, where geographical advantages clash with contemporary urban challenges.
between architectural well-being and air quality in residential areas of Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region (VMR), a rapidly urbanizing coastal city in India. The study integrates spatial analysis of land use patterns, indoor/outdoor air quality monitoring, and sustainable design principles to address escalating pollution exposure. Findings reveal that residential zones face severe air quality degradation, with PM2.5 levels exceeding standards by 33—100% due to proximity to industrial clusters and traffic corridors. Distinct residential typologies— high-rise apartments, low-income settlements, and coastal housing—exhibit unique pollutant profiles, influenced by ventilation efficiency, building materials, and urban morphology. Leveraging IoT-enabled low-cost sensors, the research quantifies indoor pollution spikes (e.g., PM2.5 at 118 ug/m3 during cooking) and proposes an integrated framework combining passive ventilation, green infrastructure, and smart urban planning. The study bridges gaps in regulatory enforcement by advocating for a Smart Air Quality Certification system embedded in development approvals. By aligning ancient ecological wisdom with contemporary technological solutions, this work advances scalable strategies for enhancing architectural well-being in tropical urban environments.
1.INTRODUCTION
Visakhapatnam, a coastal metropolis in Andhra Pradesh, has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-urbanizing cities, ranked among the top 10 rapidly growing urban centers globally (UN-Habitat, 2022). This exponential growth, driven by industrial expansion, port activities, and migration, has intensified pressure on its environmental and infrastructural systems. The city’s population surged by 38% between 2001 and 2021, with the urban sprawl encroaching on ecologically sensitive zones such as mangroves and hills (The Hindu, 2021). Such rapid urbanization correlates with heightened air pollution levels, as unchecked construction, vehicular emissions, and industrial clusters outpace regulatory frameworks. Prioritizing air quality and architectural wellbeing is thus critical to ensuring sustainable livability in Visakhapatnam, where urban health risks are compounded by its unique coastal geography and dense residential settlements.
This document is template. We ask that authors follow some simple guidelines. In essence, we ask you to make your paper look exactly like this document. The easiest way to do this is simply to download the template, and replace(copy-paste) the content with your own material. Number the reference items consecutively in square brackets (e.g. [1]). However the authors name can be used along with the reference number in the running text. The order of reference in the running text should match with the list of references at the end of the paper. The philosophical underpinnings of ancient Indian texts, emphasizing balance, duty, and reverence for nature, once served as the cornerstone of societal and environmental harmony. The Bhagavad Gita promotes a vision of balanced living, which can be extended to architectural design. Sustainable architecture aligns with the
In ancient India, air quality was preserved through intentional design rooted in ecological stewardship. The Indus Valley Civilization (2600 BCE) exemplified this ethos with grid-based cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, where advanced drainage systems and wind-aligned streets minimized airborne pollutants. Architectural treatises such as the Vaastu Shastra mandated courtyards, jaali screens, and permeable materials to optimize natural ventilation— strategies that ensured indoor air quality without mechanical intervention. Sacred groves and water bodies, integral to settlements, acted as natural air filters, while agrarian practices avoided soil and air degradation. These practices reflected a societal commitment to balance, ensuring that human activities aligned with environmental limits.
Key Words: Architectural well-being, Indoor air quality (IAQ), Residential typologies, PM2.5 exposure, Passive ventilation, IoT-based monitoring, Sustainable urban design, Green infrastructure, Pollution mitigation, Urban Morphology.
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