Abstract: The construction industry is moving towards the era of industry 4.0; 5.0 with Building Information Modelling (BIM) as the tool gaining significant traction owing to its inherent advantages such as enhancing construction design, process and data management. However, the integration of BIM presents risks that are often overlooked in project implementation. This study aims to develop a novel amalgamated dimensional factor (Techno-organisational Aspect) that is set out to identify and align appropriate management strategies to these risks. Firstly, it encompasses an in-depth analysis of BIM and risk management, through an integrative review approach. The study utilises an exploratory-based review centred around journal articles and conference papers sourced from Scopus and Google Scholar. Then processed using NVivo 12 Pro software to categorise risks through thematic analysis, resulting in a comprehensive Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS). Then qualitative content analysis was employed to identify and develop management strategies. Further data collection via online survey was crucial for closing the research gap identified. The analysis by mixed method research enabled to determine the risk severity via the quantitative approach using SPSS, while the qualitative approach linked management strategies to the risk factors. The findings accentuate the crucial linkages of key strategies such as version control system that controls BIM data repository transactions to mitigate challenges controlling transactions in multi-model collaborative environment. The study extends into underexplored amalgamated domains (techno-organisational spectrum). Therefore, a significant contribution to bridging the existing research gap in understanding the intricate relationship between BIM implementation risks and effective management strategies.

Abstract: This study uses generative AI to investigate the influence of building façade geometry on human physiological and psychological health. Employing Christopher Alexander’s fifteen fundamental properties of living geometry and ten emotional descriptors in separate tests, ChatGPT evaluates simple, contrasting window designs. AI analyses strongly and consistently prefer traditional window geometries, characterized by symmetrical arrangements and coherent visual structure, over fragmented or minimalist-modernist alternatives. These results suggest human cognitive-emotional responses to architectural forms are hardwired through evolution, privileging specific geometric patterns. The findings challenge contemporary architectural preferences and standard window archetypes by emphasizing the significance of empathetic and health-promoting façade designs. This novel use of AI suggests integrating neurodesign principles into architectural education and practice to prioritize urban vitality through psychological well-being.

Abstract: The increasing risks associated with global climate change and its impacts on historical buildings, as well as urban and rural environments, have become a significant concern. In this context, historical rural landscapes—defined as interaction zones between human activities and natural processes—face substantial challenges due to climate change. Identifying these risks and developing effective strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change are of paramount importance. This study explores the application of ecological and sustainable approaches to protect historical rural landscapes, with a particular focus on permaculture—a design methodology that harmonizes with nature. The research aims to present a conservation framework tailored for the Barbaros Rural Settlement, situated in the Urla District of Izmir Province, and to propose a holistic restoration strategy to enhance its resilience to climate change.

Abstract: Research on the locations and orientations of ring borgs in Denmark has yet to include “close mapped” land surveyed geometry that may have defined the group as a “system” – beyond ideas of road visibility and adjacency to water courses. Aside from accurate geometric elements and the possibility of random phenomena, revealed are more complex planning patterns of azimuths that locate seven sites, and orient the axes of four. The azimuth of the Jelling ship setting to Himmelbjerget, a key natural spiritual feature in the ring borg system, suggests political, territorial motivations, though this ritual alignment may have changed direction north to a point in a Yggdrasil-like earlier spiritual pattern of prominent natural features and largest memorial mounds in Norway and Sweden – not unlike Aggersborg’s meridian alignment to Snøhetta. Questions arise about a territorial, military interpretation of the Viking “fortresses”. Despite conversions to Christianity, the motivation of ring borg builders may have been less tied to new beliefs --- strikingly absent in the rings—than synchronic inclusion with and defense of a more ancient religious landscape based on ritual rather than textual forms of symbolic process.

Abstract: The visual quality assessment of rural landscapes is vital for quantifying ecological ser-vice functions and cultural heritage, yet traditional ecological indicators fail to capture emotional and cognitive experiences. Therefore, this study introduces a meth-od for assessing rural landscape visual quality that integrates a multi-modal emotion classification model to enhance the quantitative drive towards sustainability. The experiment selected four types of landscapes from three representative villages in Dalian, China, collecting physiological data (EOG, EEG) and subjective evaluations (beauty assessment and SAM scale) from participants. Binary, ternary, and five-element classification models were constructed. The results indicate that the bi-nary and ternary classification models yielded the highest accuracy in emotion valence and arousal, while the five-element model demonstrated the lowest performance. Additionally, ensemble learning models outperformed single classifiers in binary and ternary tasks, with an average accuracy improvement of 7.59%. Moreover, the collaborative fusion of subjective and objective data enhanced the accuracy of the ternary classification by 7.7% compared to existing research, confirming the efficacy of multisource features. The findings suggest that the framework based on multi-source affective computing can serve as a quantitative tool for assessing the emotional quality of rural landscapes and promoting the sustainable development of rural areas.

Abstract: This article examines the interaction between European and pre-Hispanic urban traditions in shaping colonial urbanism in the Americas, with a particular focus on the transformation of the city of México over the remnants of ancient México-Tenochtitlan. It argues that the development of the viceregal city was not merely an imposition of the Castilian urban model but was significantly influenced by the pre-existing spatial organization of the Mexica capital. The study explores the extent to which the original urban layout of México-Tenochtitlan affected the planning of the colonial city, the similarities, and differences between Castilian and pre-Hispanic urban models, and the ways in which both traditions merged in the new metropolis. The methodology follows a historical-analytical approach, including documentary review, comparative analysis of urban models, and case studies of early colonial cities. The findings suggest that the city of México became a paradigm of hybrid urbanism, blending European planning principles with indigenous spatial configurations, which influenced later urban development in Spanish America.

Abstract: The lighting conditions of university libraries directly influence reading comfort, learning efficiency, and energy consumption. However, the current lighting design still faces problems such as uneven illumination distribution, severe glare, low utilization of natural light and high energy consumption. Especially in the reading area, due to insufficient lighting control, the light in some areas is too bright or too dark, which affects visual comfort and increases energy consumption. To this end, this study proposes a novel multi-objective optimization framework that effectively balances illumination uniformity, visual comfort, and energy efficiency using NSGA-II, outperforming conventional single-objective methods. The experimental results indicate that after optimization, illumination uniformity improved significantly from less than 0.1 to a stable range of 0.6–0.75, the average monthly energy consumption reduced by approximately 20%, and the natural lighting area expanded by approximately 25% (500m²). Unlike previous research that focuses solely on either energy efficiency or visual comfort, this study integrates multiple critical lighting parameters into a unified optimization framework, achieving a better balance between energy efficiency, lighting uniformity, and visual comfort.

Abstract: The Jewish heritage in Greece, with roots to antiquity, suffered greatly during the Holocaust with over 87% annihilation of the Jewish population. Synagogues, Jewish institutions and Jewish property were looted and destroyed, although, some property was retrieved after Second World War. Synagogues were destroyed, demolished, vandalized or just left abandoned, although some were used by Christian organization for their own purposes. Some synagogues were used as storage houses, for the Red Cross (Monastirioton), for flour or for animals (Komotini). Out of nearly one hundred synagogue that stood throughout Greece before the Second World War, only a handful survived. Some were damaged, others abandoned, or used by Christian organizations and other uses. In 1993, the author undertook a pioneer project to survey all standing synagogues in Greece, some of which were subsequently demolished. From the surveys, digital drawings were produced, which enabled a complete record of these buildings to be compiled and disseminated. The surveys included in-situ photography, and interviews with members of the Jewish community or neighbors, who recorded their own impressions and memories of the synagogue – whether demolished, in ruins or still standing. In 2023, an unexplored and previously unknown archive was added to the author’s work. It included surveys of synagogues by the late architect Shemtov Samuel, who in the early 1960s visited and documented Greek synagogues, for a university lecture he delivered as an architecture student at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Many of the synagogue he surveyed, were subsequently demolished too. The two archives, Samuel’s and the author’s, form a rare and unique architectural record and database of visible and invisible synagogues ready to be further digitally explored and disseminated using 3D models and rendering and VR technologies. In addition to submitted proposals with the Democritus University in Xanthi and the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, projects have been completed by the author, among others, the enrichment of the official Archaeological Registry of Greece, on behalf of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the digital reconstruction and representation of lost synagogues, such as Beth El in Kavala and Aragon in Kastoria, for exhibitions curated by the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki. Further, digital short films are being created by Israeli cinematographer Gil Lupo, depicting the author’s journeys to visible and invisible Jewish sites and synagogues throughout Greece. Finally, the author’s publications, in Greece and English, establish an accessible resource for the public, and create a tangible database of previously-unknown information, on these synagogues for the present and for the future evolution of the field.

Abstract: During the Modern Age, Seville was known as the Port of the Indies due to its key role in transatlantic trade, but its actual port was in Triana, a riverside quarter outside the city walls along the Guadalquivir River. This area was essential for maritime and commercial activities, shaping Seville’s economic and social development. This study analyses Triana’s urban layout, social composition, and architecture in the 16th century using historical sources and graphic representations. The quarter combined defensive structures, religious buildings, and residential complexes, reflecting both its strategic importance and distinct identity. Its streets and architecture accommodated defence, commerce, and daily life, while its diverse community –including sailors, merchants, craftsmen, and dockworkers– was vital to its mercantile and manufacturing activity. Architecturally, Triana featured traditional dwellings, corrales de vecinos, mesones, and posadas that supported trade and travel. Examining these elements reveals Triana’s adaptability to economic and social conditions, highlighting its resilience, diverse population, and rich architectural heritage within Seville’s historical context and Atlantic trade.

Abstract: Generative AI leads to designs that prioritize cognition, emotional resonance, and health, thus offering a tested alternative to current trends. In a first AI experiment, the large-language model ChatGPT-4o generated six visual environments that are expected to boost creative thinking for their occupants. The six test cases are evaluated using Christopher Alexander’s 15 Fundamental Properties of living geometry as criteria, also using ChatGPT-4o, to reveal a strong positive correlation. Living geometry is a specific type of geometry that shows coherence across scales, fractal structure, and nested symmetries to harmonize with human neurophysiology. The human need for living geometry is supported by interdisciplinary evidence from biology, environmental psychology, and neuroscience. Then, in a second AI experiment, ChatGPT-4o was asked to generate visual environments that suppress creativity, for comparison to the cases that boost creative thinking. Checking those negative examples using Alexander’s 15 fundamental properties, they are almost entirely deficient in living geometry, thus confirming the diagnostic model. Used together with generative AI, living geometry therefore offers a useful method for both creating and evaluating designs based on objective criteria. Adopting a hybrid epistemological framework of AI plus living geometry as a basis for design uncovers a flaw within contemporary architectural practice. Dominant design styles, rooted in untested aesthetic preferences, lack the empirical validation required to address fundamental questions of spatial quality responsible for human creativity.

Abstract: Water holds a unique position in Iranian architecture, influenced by geographical and cultural factors. In the past, methods of water utilization were rooted in a culture of frugality, and were compatible with the challenge of water scarcity. However, with industrialization and modernization, changes in consumption patterns occurred, posing multiple environmental challenges, including the water crisis in Iran. Therefore, there is a knowledge gap in understanding how contemporary Iranian architecture can adapt itself to challenges of water crisis. The main objective of this article is the recognition of the water heritage in Iranian architecture, aiming to better understand its significance and revitalize effective solutions that are compatible with water scarcity for contemporary architecture. Achieving this goal was facilitated through the analysis of the functions and concepts of water in the tradition of Iranian architecture. The research findings can serve as a valuable guide for sustainable architectural practices during the current water crisis. This research is of an analytical-historical kind. Data collection was carried out using library resources, and the analysis was performed through a descriptive-interpretive method. The present research underscores the importance of revisiting indigenous knowledge in traditional societies, adopting water-efficient criteria, and redefining the conceptual functions of water in Iranian architecture as a necessity to confront current challenges. In other words, it is necessary to revive a combination of efficient water consumption traditions and the forgotten spiritual aspects of water in contemporary Iranian architecture.

Abstract: Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and are increasingly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, including rising greenhouse gas emissions and shifting weather patterns. These disruptions significantly impact energy demand, necessitating proactive measures to ensure buildings remain functional, sustainable, and energy efficient. This study analyzes the long-term effects of climate change on building energy performance across U.S. climate zones using future scenarios based on Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5 (moderate emissions) and 8.5 (high emissions) for the years 2050, and 2080. Leveraging U.S. Department of Energy prototype models and simulation-based methods in Energy Plus software, energy demand dynamics in commercial buildings under varying climate conditions are assessed. The findings reveal that medium-sized office buildings are the most vulnerable to climate change, with an average EUI increase of 12.5% by 2080 under RCP 8.5, compared to a 7.4% rise for large office buildings and a slight decline of 2.5% for small office buildings. Hot and humid cities such as Miami, FL, experience the highest increases, with EUI projected to rise by 21.2% for medium offices, while colder regions like Fairbanks, AK, show reductions of up to 18.2% due to decreasing heating demands. These results underscore the urgent need for climate-compatible building design strategies, particularly in high-risk areas. Passive design solutions can significantly mitigate cooling energy demands and enhance overall efficiency. As climate change intensifies, integrating resilience-focused policies will safeguard energy systems and ensure long-term occupant comfort.

Abstract:

HBIM is a digital modeling technology applied to cultural heritage buildings. It has achieved remarkable development in data integration and management, digital protection of historical buildings, parametric and semantic modeling, multi-source data fusion, and interdisciplinary cooperation platforms. However, the sustainability of this technology has not been discussed yet. This paper analyzes nearly a hundred relevant research findings from 2010 to 2024 and discovers that not only is there a lack of reviews on the development and application of HBIM technology in China, but also there is a severe shortage of discussions and explorations regarding its sustainability. Therefore, this paper takes the development and application of HBIM technology in China as the research scope, uses relevant practical projects and research results in China, along with a small number of the latest foreign achievements as cases, focuses on the "sustainability" of HBIM as the research question, and adopts review research and comparative research as methods. It identifies five development directions and dilemmas in the development of HBIM in China and puts forward constructive suggestions for sustainable development. The aim is to provide a reference path for the sustainable development of HBIM technology in China.

Abstract: The building industry contributes to the global environmental challenges, however sustainable solutions provide opportunities for a relevant architectural response. It’s the architect’s role to design with consideration of those issues and potential solutions. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the extent to which architecture graduates demonstrate their knowledge about sustainability principles. 346 Bachelor's and Master's theses, defended at the Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław University of Science and Technology in 2023, were analysed in terms of frequency of occurrence of sustainable priority areas distinguished based on key contemporary policies. In order to validate and compare the results, a baseline from projects submitted to sustainable competition was prepared. The analysis revealed that only 40% of the examined theses addressed priority areas. An average difference of 56.6% in the frequency of occurrence of priority areas was noted between theses and competitions abstracts. Furthermore, tendencies within frequency of occurrence of sustainability priorities, as well as formal requirements of the Polish higher education system, were identified and reviewed. Based on all findings, preliminary diagnoses and respective recommendations were proposed. This study is a foundation for further research on architecture graduates’ readiness to tackle environmental challenges within architecture.

Abstract: This paper explores the intersection of affect, digital heritage, and the circular economy through the case of Dennys Lascelles Wool Store in Geelong. While its iconic bow truss structure was demolished due to the rapid urban transformation of the city of Geelong, the remaining complex presents opportunities for preservation within a circular economy framework. Affect—the emotional and sensory connections to heritage—plays a vital role in sustaining cultural legacy. Digital tools enable the documentation and engagement of both tangible and intangible heritage, addressing gaps in the Authoritative Heritage Discourse (AHD), which often prioritizes physical preservation considering heritage as something material, non-renewable and fragile. By integrating digital heritage with circular economy principles, this study highlights sustainable preservation strategies. While the bow truss can only survive digitally, the rest of the site can be repurposed, aligning with circular economy practices to retain historical significance within the evolving cityscape. This paper underscores the significance of acknowledging the emotional and historical value of industrial and cultural heritage, employing appropriate digital tools for preservation and engagement, and adopting sustainable practices for the potential adaptive reuse of historic sites. It further advocates for reimagining heritage conservation in the digital era to enhance accessibility, engagement, and sustainability.

Abstract: With the globalization and transformation of social and cultural structures, spatial demands are increasingly shifting from a focus on mere functionality to an emphasis on sensory experiences and the cultivation of atmosphere. This study explores spatial perception theory, integrating it with the principles of perceptual phenomenology, to examine the factors influencing spatial perception from two key dimensions: sensory experience and the physical characteristics of space. For instance, visual elements such as lighting, color, and spatial form influence the emotional tone of a space by shaping mood and setting expectations. Auditory design, including soundscapes and sound timing, plays a critical role in fostering comfort and immersion. Building upon these insights, the study proposes an interior design strategy centered on multi-sensory engagement: (1) Visual Perception: Modifying color and lighting to establish emotional ambiance and enhance spatial depth; (2) Auditory Perception: Crafting soundscapes that deepen immersion; (3) Tactile Perception: Designing both direct and indirect tactile experiences; (4) Olfactory and Gustatory Perception: Incorporating scent design to evoke memory and forge emotional connections. To validate these strategies, we analyze the design of lighting, color, materials, and scent in a coffee roasting factory in Suzhou, where a balanced space was created that not only meets functional requirements but also elevates sensory stimulation and the immersive experience for customers. This study bridges the gap between multi-sensory design and spatial ambiance, offering a systematic framework and advocating for the transition from functional design to one that prioritizes multi-sensory engagement.

Abstract: The syndrome mentioned in the title refers to the first (early 19th century) documented perception of the role of intangible aspects in characterising cultural heritage. The paper addresses the semantic organisation of data concerning the digital documentation of cultural heritage, considering its intangible dimension in the framework of Digital Twins. The intangible component was one of the aspects motivating the need of setting up the Heritage Digital Twin (HDT) ontology and its extensions, published in a series of papers since early 2023. In this paper we analyse how places, persons and things may give value to a heritage asset, being linked to and supporting its intrinsic cultural significance. This development stems from the consideration of heritage studies and research carried out by scholars and organisations such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, which underline the paramount role of the intangible component in defining heritage assets. The paper then expands the previous semantic structure of the Heritage Digital Twin ontology as concerns the intangible aspects of a heritage asset, extending the HDT concepts by defining new classes and properties related to its intangible component. These are discussed in various cases concerning places, monuments, objects and persons, and fully developed in examples.

Abstract: In Portugal, and at the Municipal level, the housing development is linked with territorial management tools, being the Urban Rehabilitation Operations (ORU) procedures one of these tools at local level management. This study aims to do a critical analysis of the outputs from five Urban Rehabilitation Areas (ARU) in different municipal contexts (settlements and city centres) in Portugal, namely: Belmonte, Soure, Penacova, Vila Real, and Devesas. The analysis will be focused in the: i) selection of one ARU for each municipality; ii) principal outcomes of the strategic plans for each ARU; iii) success of the ORU’ strategies to housing promotion and management; and iv) management of the housing conditions and quality of life to the residents. It will be highlighted the benefits of the Local Housing Strategies (ELH) in housing promotion, incorporating the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) funds in urban regeneration, which address the damage caused by the pandemic crisis, and following the European Commission guidelines.

Abstract:

This communication reflects on the relationship and impact of housing policies on territorial policies, particularly municipal territorial policies. Initially, it reviews legislation that regulates territorial management instruments (TMI) to understand how sectoral housing policy flows into TMIs and how it integrates with municipal territorial strategy. This reflection is cross-referenced with identifying various levels of responsibility and competence for defining and implementing public housing policies. Until now, housing policy has been considered a central government prerogative, leaving municipalities with executive and operational tasks without territorial dimension. The current legislative framework is then examined to understand the current situation and opportunities represented by work done under the "1º Direito" program for territorial and urban planning. To this end, two third-generation Municipal Master Plan were ana-lysed in terms of the housing component, and it was concluded that in both, the integration of housing into territorial policies is incipient in one and somewhat significant in the other. The preparation of Municipal Housing Charters, as defined in the Basic Law on Housing, are the appropriate instrument for integrating housing as a strategic axis of territorial pol-icy. Monitoring these Charters' implementation, their incorporation into PDMs, and evaluating existing housing measures implementation will be important. The century-long housing problem indicates a lack of critical evaluation of public policies. In this sense, the LBH's implementation, particularly in its monitoring component materialised in the Annual Housing Report, will be fundamental.

Abstract: This study investigates the spatial relationship patterns centered around ancestral halls in villages in Jimei, China. Using a "reverse geomancy " approach, the study records the polar coordinates and orientations of 45 ancestral halls and their surrounding key elements such as feng-shui ponds, groves, drama stages, etc. to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of critical elements within the villages. The findings reveal verifiable spatial patterns in Jimei villages, some patterns such as the orientation of ancestral halls and the placement of feng-shui ponds, are related to traditional geomancy principles, while others are influenced by social needs and the built environment. Through statistical analysis across time, the study uncovers the historical logic of village construction and the ways feng shui principles have been integrated in Jimei. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the overall spatial patterns of villages, offers protection recommendations for elements like ponds and groves, and highlights the broad applicability of the research method to other settlement studies.