Research and Publications   (updated 2012)  --- for latest news, visit here

Edward Y Y Ng BA(Hons) Nott, BArch(Distinction) Manc, MBA(Distinction) Warwick, PhD Cantab, RIBA, HKIA,, IESNA, FHKMetS, FRMetS, FRSA, Architect(UK), Architect(HK).

Exploring ways to inform the design of better buildings is the thesis of Edward's research efforts.

Hong Kong is the world's most energy efficient city (according to a report by the Economist). It provides a unique 'laboratory' for the study of environmental issues of compact and high-density living. Apart from the need to understand the physics of the built environment, it is also important to investigate into the psychological and sociological aspects of living as well as the cultural and contextual factors of environmental behaviours.  Since arriving at CUHK, Edward has directed his research focus to designing better naturally lit and ventilated buildings in high density urban conditions. To achieve that, Edward has initiated a number of strategic research projects ranging from collecting fundamental weather and daylight data (with the IDMP station and the ‘dog’ houses), developing computational algorithms, tools and design methods, establishing standards, conducting user surveys and on-site measurements, developing and testing design prototypes, and forming alliance and joint educational and design projects with the school and housing sectors.

Whilst some research activities are scientifically focused, others are closely related to design activities. It is Edward's tradition to host focused design studios during term breaks with selected groups of students. Recently, the design of high rise residential buildings, an open design competition organised by Hong Kong Housing Authority, has been the vehicle for such a studio. Edward calls it: Active Studio. It is through design that research questions could be formulated, ideas and hypotheses could be tested and tools could be validated. Quoting Professor Dean U Hawkes (Edward's PhD Supervisor): Theory is the body of principles which explains and interrelates all the facts of a discipline. Critical Practice is the tool by which theory is advanced. Without theory and critical practice teaching (and research) can have no direction and no cutting edge.  As to how research should be conducted, quoting Alexander Todd (Nobel Laureate 1957), research is like playing golf, "Just keep your head down, and your eyes on the ball".

Selected Current Projects (approximately US$ 4 million ongoing)

Daylighting and Solar Energy

 

Principal Investigator of: A User Survey Investigation into the Preferred Solar Access of Residents in High Density City Living – a Study in Hong Kong (RGC:449108)   (Research Grant Council General Research Fund 2008-2011)

 

Principal Investigator of: Using Satellite Images to Predict Sky Types for Better Daylight Design of Buildings in Sub-Tropic South China (RGC:416109)  (Research Grant Council General Research Fund 2009-2012)

 

Principal Investigator of: Predicting CIE Standard General Sky based on meteorological data and assessing daylight performance

of buildings for subtropical Hong Kong   (Research Grant Council General Research Fund 2011-2014)

 

 

Wind, Air Ventilation and Urban Climate

 

Principal Investigator of: Urban Climatic Mapping and Benchmarking of the Urban Wind Environment in Hong Kong, 2005-2011.  (Planning Department Research Consultancy Contract)

 

Principal Investigator of: A Review of existing conditions and an initial investigation of needs and scope of work towards an Urban Climatic Map for Macau, 2009-2010.  (DSSOPT, Macau Consultancy Contract)

 

Principal Investigator of: Term Consultancy for Air Ventilation Assessment Submission – Cat A. Expert Evaluation (PLNQ 37/2007)  (Planning Department Research Consultancy Contract)

 

Co-Principal Investigator of: Study on Long Term Temperature Impact due to Climate Change – Changes in urban Temperature Profile and Energy Consumption of Buildings (NUS Academic Research Fund)

 

Co-Principal Investigator of: Urban Climatic Mapping Studies for Singapore (NUS Academic Research Fund)

 

Co-Principal Investigator of: Impacts of climatic warming on high density living in Hong Kong using remote sensing and GIS modelling (NUS Academic Research Fund)

             

Ecological Design/Research Projects

 

Principal Investigator of: A Prototype Earthquake Resistant House Design in Sichuan Province, China. (Donation)

 

Principal Investigator and Design Advisor of: A School to Learn – an ecological school in Guangxi, China. (Donation)

 

Selected Publications

2012

Ng, E. and Cheng, V., (2012) Urban Human Thermal Comfort in Hot and Humid Hong Kong, Energy and Building. (in press)

Ng, E., (2012) Policies and technicalities providing natural ventilation to domestic spaces for high density tropical living of Hong Kong, Architectural Science Review. (in press)

Chen, L. & Ng, E., (2012) Outdoor thermal comfort and outdoor activities: a review of last decade's research, Cities. (in press)

Wan, L., Ng, E., & Mu, J (2012)  Assessment of Indoor Thermal Environment in Rural Area of Southwest China and Optimization Design --Taking Post-quake Rebuild Projects of Ma’anqiao village for Example, Journal of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering (in press)

2011

Ng, E., Liang, C., Wang, Y. N. and Yuan, C., (2011) A study on the Cooling Effects of Greening in High Density City: an experience from Hong Kong, Building and Environment, online 28 July 2011, ISSN 0360-1323, DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2011.07.014. P117649

He, J. and Ng, E., (2011) Predicting CIE standard general skies and zenith luminance by cloud index derived from geostationary satellite, Lighting Research and Technology, CIBSE, United Kingdom, 2011; 0: 1–11, DOI: 10.1177/1477153511410168. P111326

Wan L, Ng E, & Mu J., (2011). MOHURD NO.1 site: post-earthquake village reconstruction and demonstration project in Ma'anqiao Village. Eco-city and Green Building, 6, 58-62. P113542

Chen, L. & Ng, E., (2011) Quantitative urban climate mapping based on a geographical database: a simulation approach using Hong Kong as a case study, International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 13(4), August, 586-594. doi: 10.1016/j.jag.2011.03.003  [ pdf here ]

Lau, K., Ng, E. & He, J. (2011) Residents’ preference of solar access in high-density sub-tropical cities, Solar Energy. Online since 25 Apr 11, doi:10.1016/j.solener.2011.04.026.  [ pdf here ]

Ng, E., Yuan, C., Fung, J.C., Ren, C., & Chen, L., (2011) Improving the wind environment in high-density cities by understanding urban morphology and surface roughness: A study in Hong Kong, Landscape and Urban Planning 101 (1) 59-74    [ pdf here ]

 

2010

Ng, E., (2010)  Towards a Planning and Practical Understanding for the Need of Meteorological and Climatic Information for the Design of High Density Cities – a case based study of Hong Kong, International Journal of Climatology. DOI: 10.1002/joc.2292  [ pdf here ]

Ng, E., (2010)  Urban Renewal and Environmental Design, Jnl of Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Hong Kong, vol. 25, issue 1, 2010, 26-35. [ pdf here ]

Cheng, V., Ng, E., Chan, C. and Givoni, B., (2010)  Outdoor Thermal Comfort Study in sub-Tropical Climate: a longitudinal study based in Hong Kong, International Journal of Biometeorology. DOI 10.1007/s00484-010-0396-z  [ pdf here ]

Mills, G., Cleugh, H., Emmanuel, R., Endlicher, W., Erell, E., McGranahan, G., NG, E., Nickson, A., Rosenthal, J. and Steemer, K., (2010)  Climate Information for Improved Planning and Management of Mega Cities (Needs Perspective), Procedia Environmental Sciences 1, 228–246. DOI:10.1016/j.proenv.2010.09.015.  [ pdf here ]

Chen, L., Ng, E., AN, X.P., Ren, C., He, J., Lee, M. Wang, U. and He, J. (2010) Sky View Factor Analysis of Street Canyons and its Implications for Intra-Urban Air Temperature Differentials in High-Rise, High-Density Urban Areas of Hong Kong: a GIS-Based Simulation Approach, International Journal of Climatology. DOI: 10.1002/joc.2243   [ pdf here ]

Ren, C., Ng, E. and Katzschner L. (2010) Urban Climatic Map Studies: a Review, International Journal of Climatology. DOI: 10.1002/joc.2237.   [ pdf here ]

He, J. and Ng, E. (2010) Using Satellite-Based Methods to Predict Daylight Illuminance for Subtropical Hong Kong, Lighting Research and Technology, CIBSE, United Kingdom, vol 42, no. 2, pp135-148.  [ pdf here ]

 

2009

Ng, E. (ed), Designing High Density Cities – For Social and Environmental Sustainability, Earthscan Publications Ltd., London, UK, 2009, 342 pgs. [ISBN-13: 978-1844074600]

Ng, E. and Mu, J., Maosi Ecological Demonstration Primary School, in Architecture of Change 2 – Sustainability and Humanity in the Built Environment, published by Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, ed. Krietin Feireiss and Lukas Feireiss, 2009, pp.124-127. [ISBN-13: 978-3899552638]

Ng, E., Wind and Heat Environment in Densely Built Urban Areas in Hong Kong, (invited paper) A special issue on Wind Disaster Risk and Global Environment Change, the Association of International Research Initiatives for Environmental Studies (AIRIES), Journal of Global Environmental Research, Vol.13, No.2, 2009, pp169-178.  [ pdf here ]

Ng, E., Eco-School in Gansu, Domus, vol 927, pp.26-30, Milan, Italy, July 09.  

 

2008

Ng, E., Policies and Technical Guidelines for Urban Planning of High Density Cities – Air Ventilation Assessment (AVA) of Hong Kong, Building and Environment, 2008, (doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.06.013) [ pdf here ]

Ng, E. and Mu, J., Eco-School in Gansu – an experiment on heritage and ecology, HKIA Journal, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong, 2nd Issue, Sept 2008, pp.24-31. [ISSN 1028-4842] << BEST PAPER AWARD, HKIA Jnl>>

Ng, E., An Investigation into Parameters Affecting an Optimum Ventilation Design of High Density Cities, Journal of Ventilation, VEETECH Ltd., United Kingdom, vol.6, no.4, pp.349-358, March 2008, [ISSN 1473-3315].

 

2007

Ng, E. and Mu, J., Practical Study of Ecological Architecture Based on Traditional Construction Technology – Maosi Ecological Demonstration Primary School and A Bridge Too Far, Time Architecture, vol. 4, Shanghai, China, 2007, pp.50-57. [ISSN 1005-684X]

Ng, E., ‘Designing for Thermal Comfort and Air Ventilation in High Density City Conditions – Air Ventilation Assessment System (AVAS), invited paper, HKIA Journal, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong, 1st Q, 2007, pp.24-31. [ISSN 1028-4842] << BEST PAPER AWARD, HKIA Jnl>>

Ng, E., Gadi, A., Jun, M. and Lee, M., Predicting Daylight Availability based on Forecast of a Weather Observatory, Lighting Research and Technology, CIBSE, United Kingdom, vol 39, no. 1, 2007, pp.69-77.   [ pdf here ]

Ng, E., Cheng, V., Gadi, A., Jun, M. and Lee, M., Defining Standard Skies for Hong Kong, Building and Environment, 42, 2007, pp.866-876.   [ pdf here ]

 

2006

Ng, E., Maosi Ecological Demonstration School in Gansu Province China, issue 47, 3rd Q, 2006, HKIA Journal, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong, pp. 76-79. [ pdf here ]

Cheng, V. and Ng, E., Thermal Comfort in Urban Open Spaces for Hong Kong, Architectural Science Review, vol.49, no.3, Australia, 2006, pp.236-242.  [ pdf here ]

Cheng, V. and Ng, E., Comfort temperature for naturally ventilated buildings in Hong Kong, Architectural Science Review, vol 49.2, 2006, pp. 179-182. [ pdf here ]

Ng, E, Air Ventilation Assessment System for High Density Planning and Design, Proceedings of PLEA International Conference 2006, Geneva Switzerland, 6-8 Sept 2006, 1-323. << BEST PAPER AWARD>>   [ pdf here ]

Ng, E. et al., Parametric studies of Urban Design Morphologies and Their Implied Environmental Performance, in Bay, J H, and B L Ong (ed.),   Tropical Sustainable Architecture: Social and Environmental Dimensions, UK, London: Architectural Press, an imprint of Elsevier, 2006, pp.151-180. [ISBN 0-7506-6797-4]   [ pdf here ]

 

2005

Cheng, V, Ng, E and Givoni B, ‘Effect of Envelope Colour and Thermal mass in Hot Humid Hong Kong, Solar Energy, Vol. 798, issue 4, April 2005, pp.528-534.

Ng, E, Regulate for Light, Air and Healthy Living – Part III The Becoming of PNAP 278, HKIA Journal, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong, Issue 44, 4th Q 2005, pp.16-25. << BEST PAPER AWARD, HKIA Jnl>>   [ pdf here ]

Ng, E, Towards Minimalism in Healthy Urban planning, HKIP Journal, vol 20, Issue 1, 2005, Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Hong Kong.

 

2004

Ng, E, Regulate for Light, Air and Healthy Living – Part II Regulating the Provision of Natural Light and Ventilation of Buildings in Hong Kong, issue 37, 1st Q, 2004, HKIA Journal, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong, pp. 4-27.

Ng, E, The Sustainability of High Density, in Planning and Design Strategies for Profitable Sustainability, ed. Adrian Pitts, Architectural Press (Elsevier), ISBN 0-7506-5464-3, London, 2004.

Ng, E and Vicky Cheng, Daylight Design and Regulations for High Density Cities, Invited technical paper, Proceedings of 33rd ASES Annual Conference, R. Campbell-Howe, Solar 2004, American Solar Energy Society, 11-14 July 2004, Oregon, USA, pp. 935-939. << BEST PAPER & BEST PRESENTATION AWARD>>

 

2003

Ng, E, Regulate for Light, Air and Healthy Living – Part 1 Regulating the Provision of Natural Light and Ventilation of Buildings in the UK, HKIA Journal, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong, 2003, issue 36, no.3.pp.27-34.

Ng, E, Studies on Daylight Design of High Density Residential Housing in Hong Kong, Lighting Research and Technology, CIBSE, United Kingdom, 35, 2, pp. 127-140, 2003.

Ng, E, Chan, T Y, Leung, R and Pang, P,A Daylight design and regulatory method for high density cities using computational lighting simulations’, in Chiu Mao-Lin et al., Digital Design – Research and Practice, London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003: 339-349.   [ pdf here ]

Cheng, V and Ng, E, ‘Envelope Colour on Thermal Load in Hot Humid Hong Kong: effect of hue, value and Chroma’, in Journal of Chongquing University, Vol 2, Special Issue, pp.51-56, Chongqing, China, Oct 2003.

 

2001

Ng, E, Green Architecture in Hong Kong, the Densest City in the World, in Green Architecture – an International Comparison, ed. Brian Edwards, Architectural Design Monograph Academy edition, John Wiley & Son Inc., London, 2001. [ pdf here <txt only version> & 1, 2, 3 <as published> ]

Ng, E, A Simplified Daylight Design Tool for High Density Urban Residential Buildings, Lighting Research and Technology, CIBSE, United Kingdom, 33, 4, pp. 259-272, 2001.  [ pdf here ]

 

 


| Design | Teaching | Research | Informal |


Professor Edward Ng
School of Architecture, Chinese University of HK, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
Tel: +(852) 3943 6515 Fax: +(852) 3942 0982   Email: edwardng@cuhk.edu.hk