Nakhara : Journal of Environmental Design and Planning

Sales Rate Prediction for Condominiums in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region Using Deep Learning: Identification of Determinants and Model Validation

Kongkoon Tochaiwat, Patcharida Seniwong — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The sales rate is very important information for condominium design and development processes. However, predicting it accurately requires substantial expertise and experience. This research investigated the use of a Deep Learning model to predict condominium sales rates and explored various determinants that influence sales rates. The research was done by (1) identifying the determinant factors from the literature review, (2) collecting 199 data from market survey reports, (3) creating a Deep Learning model that can predict the sales rate of a condominium by its determinant factors, and (4) verifying the model by checking its coefficient of determination (R² value). The research results revealed the three-layered network (34 input nodes, 19 hidden layer nodes and one output node) with R² of 0.703 and RMSE of 0.539, showing the model has enough accuracy for planning purposes. The determinant factors comprise both internal and external factors, which can be divided into six groups: (1) Price-related factors, (2) Entrepreneur-related factors, (3) Room-related factors, (4) Project structure-related factors, (5) Common-area-related factors, and (6) Location-related factors. By understanding the influence of this set of data on project sales rate, the project stakeholders can efficiently contribute to the project’s success. In addition, the results showed the high accuracy of the Deep Learning model even in the case of a limited amount of data.

Restoring Tranquility: Tackling Traffic Noise for Enhanced Comfort in Indonesia Kaya Park, Semarang City, Indonesia

David Suwarno Kusweanto, Natania Nysa Pertiwi N. S., Eldisya Martha Jebatu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The comfort of a landscape can be seen from the microclimate and traffic noise in the landscape. Traffic noise, including tire and engine noise, is a common disturbance, particularly in cities, and can lead to diseases. Indonesia Kaya Park, located in Mugassari, Semarang City, is an urban park and public space managed by the Djarum Foundation. Despite numerous studies evaluating its accessibility and biophilic elements, the condition of traffic noise nor potential interventions have been considered. The research question aims to understand the traffic noise condition of Indonesia Kaya Park and identify necessary interventions. The study used a mixed methodology, combining quantitative and qualitative methods such as qualitative description, IDW, and I-SIMPA. Indonesia Kaya Park should implement a 1.5-meter buffer using endemic plants and bamboo to reduce traffic noise. The I-SIMPA application was used for a simulation, showing a 6.3 dB reduction by using a buffer. However, further studies are needed to simulate artificial interventions, as I-SIMPA cannot simulate complex structures like twisted bamboo. Further research is needed to improve the park's noise control strategy in terms of the acoustic behavior of each vegetation species. This research recommends placing interventions in high urgency to promote better health and a better experience in Indonesia Kaya Park.

Influence of Sociocultural Aspects and Home Modification on Fall Risks Mitigation Among the Elderly in Thailand

Sumavalee Chindapol — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the impact of sociocultural dimensions on home modifications aimed at mitigating fall risks among elderly individuals residing in community settings. Personal measurements and questionnaire interviews were conducted across five regions in Thailand. Additionally, fall risk assessments were performed on the households of the elderly participants. These assessments incorporated both personal health factors and environmental risks associated with falls, resulting in quantifiable scores. The factors included health conditions, body size, sociocultural factors such as family conditions, physical-cultural aspects of elevated houses, bathroom and bedroom. The research revealed that these factors are significantly associated with fall risk (ρ <0.01), except body dimensions. Differences in body size among elderly individuals in different regions were significantly related to incidences of fall risk (ρ <0.05 in Chiang Mai female, Khonkaen male, Rangsit female, and Songkhla female). The contribution of this research is that different regions have varying body limitations and living culture. It was concluded that elderly females in Chiang Mai are at the highest risk of falling due to body shrinkage, residing in vernacular houses with hazards, and living alone. Overall, universal design may not be directly applicable for home modification in each region. Consequently, the study suggested that home modifications alone may not offer a comprehensive solution for mitigating fall risks as sociocultural factors related to living conditions also play a significant role in shaping these outcomes.