Ecological building design measures as a powerful leverage for social sustainability and vice versa A 'real-life' perspective from grouped housing projects

A growing awareness regarding the integration of ecologically sustainable principles in the fields of construction and housing has been observed. Although these sustainability measures have been applied occasionally, the background and the real implications are not integrated in the general architectural and urban thinking yet. In promoting sustainability measures it is noticed that the social dimension of sustainability is often neglected. This paper emphasizes the social aspects of ecological building design principles. For this the theoretical concept of 'Beneficial Pattern Measures' is introduced as a strategy towards an integral approach and implementation of sustainability. The verification and illustration of the defined concept adopts a 'real-life' perspective. A multiple case study method is applied on demonstration projects for sustainable grouped housing. It is concluded that ecological design measures not only meet long-term, environmental objectives, but that they also can be seen as important drivers in achieving short-term, social aspects. This leverage for social sustainability, and ultimately for a sustainable development, is promising when building design measures are in compliance with the concept of 'Beneficial Pattern Measures'. The recognition, development and implementation of this concept creates a new impulse in achieving a broader base for the needed integral approach and implementation of sustainable transition of the built