# Evaluating Resilience and Thermal Comfort in Mediterranean Dwellings: A Level(s) Framework Approach
## 1 Introduction  
The accelerated construction expansion in urban areas has profound implications for the environment, the economy, public health, and the overall well-being of cities. In the European Union (EU), buildings account for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [1]. Alarmingly, approximately 15% of the EU population lives in inadequate housing conditions. Factors such as rising energy prices, low incomes, poor insulation, poor air quality, and overcrowded homes have contributed to an increase in energy poverty, negatively affecting the quality of life for many individuals. Energy poverty in Europe has risen significantly due to recent economic crises, such as the global financial crisis 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic [2]. During these periods, energy prices increased dramatically while many people in Europe faced economic difficulties due to recession and financial uncertainty. It is estimated that around 54 million Europeans suffer from energy poverty, meaning they cannot afford essential energy services such as heating, cooling, and electricity due to high energy costs and low incomes. Between 2020 and 2021, energy prices in the EU increased by approximately 30% due to the pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, significantly increasing household economic burden [3]. Over the past decade, electricity prices in the EU have risen considerably. This trend, combined with recent economic and financial crises and the energy inefficiency of the existing housing stock, has heightened concerns about energy poverty, which now affects around 54 million Europeans. Energy poverty is defined as the inability of a household to pay for essential energy services necessary to maintain an adequate standard of living, which results from a combination of low-income, high-energy costs, and the low energy efficiency of their homes. Additionally, many homes in the EU do not provide adequate thermal comfort due to various issues, such as lack of insulation, low-quality windows, thermal leaks in building structures, excessive air infiltration, and poorly maintained heating systems [4]. On the other hand, advances in medicine have led to an increase in life expectancy worldwide. Between 2020 and 2021, the European population aged 80 and over nearly doubled. By 2050, 16% of the global population is estimated to be over 65 years old. This demographic shift has far-reaching implications for all sectors of society, including architecture, urban planning, and related services. It also poses challenges for intergenerational relationships, as the accumulated experience of older generations can foster positive outcomes and create collaborative environments that minimize the impact on users and public spending [5]. The construction sector presents a unique opportunity to foster a transformative change in urban culture, emphasizing the regeneration and resilience of the existing housing stock in response to the challenges posed by urban growth and the expansion associated with new developments. Promoting urban interventions that extend the life cycle of buildings and facilitate sustainable rehabilitation is essential. It is critical to incorporate considerations of active ageing from the design phase of projects [6]. The expected lifespan of a building significantly influences its functional utility, which is directly related to the initial investment of resources assigned to its construction. Extending the lifespan of a building can generate substantial environmental benefits. However, the actual lifespan may end earlier than anticipated due to market dynamics contributing to obsolescence, such as evolving user needs and demands. This underscores the need to address future flexibility and adaptability requirements during the design process.