Abstract: Street networks shape urban dynamics. However, the spatial configuration of street stores and its interaction with urban economy and socio-culture remain insufficiently studied at meso- and micro-scales. Based on the dual network logic of Space Syn-tax—foreground and background networks, the study analyses the spatial distribution patterns of street stores in eight street segments in four Chinese cities: Tianjin, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, and Hong Kong. Network types are distinguished by Normalized Angular Choice (NACH) and patchwork pattern analysis. Drawing on 2019 POI data, street view images, and field surveys, this study compares store operation methods, func-tional diversity, and 100-meter density between the two network types. The results in-dicate that high-value street segments of foreground network are dominated by eco-nomically driven and functionally diverse chain stores, while high-value street seg-ments of background networks tend to have high densities of sole stores that are more embedded in local socio-cultural contexts. By linking spatial configurations of street-level commerce with urban economic and cultural activities, this research ex-tends Space Syntax theory and provides a new analytical method for interpreting and optimizing commercial spatial planning in Chinese cities.

Abstract: The rapid pace of urban growth in the 21st century has transformed cities into complex and interconnected systems that extend far beyond their municipal boundaries. As urbanisation intensifies, the terminology associated with city expansion-particularly metropolitan areas and metropolitan regions is frequently used interchangeably, even though they represent conceptually distinct spatial, functional, and governance entities. Understanding the difference between these two frameworks is essential in urban and regional planning, transport planning, public policy, and sustainable development. This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of metropolitan areas and metropolitan regions by examining their definitions, boundaries, functional characteristics, governance structures, socio-economic influence, and planning implications. Drawing insights from global examples and detailed case studies from India-including Delhi NCR, Mumbai MMR, and Bengaluru BMR-the paper highlights key similarities and contrasts and argues that while metropolitan areas represent the compact, continuous urban footprint, metropolitan regions reflect a broader sphere of economic, functional, and socio-spatial influence extending into peri-urban and rural territories. The study underscores the importance of adopting regionally integrated planning approaches to address contemporary challenges, such as transportation connectivity, land-use fragmentation, environmental stress, and socio-economic disparities. It concludes by emphasizing the need for coordinated governance models and integrated metropolitan regional planning frameworks to support sustainable urban futures.

Abstract: This study presents an integrated analytical approach that combines Space Syntax metrics with user-experience data to examine spatial patterns, perceptual tendencies, and sustainability-related considerations on university campuses. Using the Balkan Campus as a case study, the analysis reveals a pronounced center–periphery structure shaped by the campus’s historical growth and linear development pattern. Background: The study is situated within broader discussions of how spatial configuration influences user perceptions and sustainability-related experiences in campus environments. Methods: Higher integration, connectivity, and visibility values occurred in areas that respondents more frequently described as offering either clear or unclear navigational conditions, reflecting overlapping spatial and perceptual tendencies without implying causation. Regression analyses identified notable associations between user satisfaction and factors such as wayfinding difficulty, the availability of social spaces, and cleanliness–hygiene conditions. Results: Social and green areas were also closely associated with positive evaluations, paralleling themes discussed in sustainability and environmental-psychology literature. The combined interpretation of spatial and perceptual data provides a complementary perspective for understanding campus environments and may offer contextual insight for future planning discussions related to accessibility, environmental comfort, perceived safety, and spatial equity. Conclusions: The proposed integrated framework holds potential relevance not only for university campuses but also for broader applications in urban-design research and public-space assessment.

Abstract: The accelerating shortage of adequate housing across the Global South continues to intensify the growth of informal settlements, underscoring the need for design pedagogies that prepare architects to engage ethically and analytically with complex urban realities. While computational design and service learning have each gained prominence in architectural education, few pedagogical models integrate these frameworks to support context-responsive approaches to informal settlement planning. This article presents a studio methodology that combines pattern language, shape grammars, and parametric logic with service-learning principles to cultivate socially attuned and analytically rigorous design reasoning. Developed within an undergraduate architectural design course at Belmont University, the six-phase framework guides students through pattern identification, rule definition, generative modeling, and iterative evaluation grounded in community narratives from Ramapir no Tekro, a dense informal settlement in Ahmedabad, India. A representative student project, Community at Scale, demonstrates how rule-based generative systems can translate vernacular spatial practices into adaptable urban strategies that address environmental vulnerability, density, and access to essential services. The findings show that integrating computational methods with community-oriented learning fosters a form of design intelligence capable of operating across scales, negotiating uncertainty, and supporting participatory urban futures. The article concludes by outlining implications for architectural pedagogy and identifying opportunities for further research at the intersection of computational design, informal urbanism, and service-learning frameworks.

Abstract:

The Yanfu Temple in Wuyi County is one of the few Yuan Dynasty wooden structures in Jiangnan, which is representative in the history of architecture. Based on the proportionality of each structural parameter of the building, the Yingzao chi (Construction ruler) was calculated to be 315. 48 mm, using the large and small rulers system that has been used since the Tang and Song dynasties. It did not adopt the cai-fen system of the Yingzao Fashi (The Methodology of Official Architecture in the Northern Song Dynasty), but instead used the architectural module system. This modulus is a series modulus, very similar to the modern building modulus.

Abstract: Urban kampungs in Surabaya, Indonesia, face layered vulnerabilities due to overlapping envi-ronmental hazards, socioeconomic precarity, and limited infrastructural support. Despite being central to the city’s cultural and spatial fabric, these communities are often excluded from formal risk governance frameworks and mischaracterized as homogenous informal settlements. This paper explores how multi-hazard risks, such as tidal flooding, electrical hazards, and social in-security, manifest in three kampungs: Kampung Nelayan Kenjeran, Kampung Kue Rungkut, and Kampung Kota Ketandan-Kebangsren. Using qualitative methods including interviews, field observation, and participatory risk mapping, the study examines local adaptation strategies, collective resilience, and everyday practices that mitigate risk. The findings emphasize the value of a community-based risk analysis approach that centers resident knowledge and social net-works. Such bottom-up strategies not only complement existing urban policies but also offer contextually relevant insights for inclusive and adaptive resilience planning in rapidly urbanizing environments.

Abstract: This essay commemorates Henri Ciriani (1936–2025), tracing his architectural work and influential teaching as a defender of ethical modernism. Through his built projects and his pedagogy at Studio UNO, Ciriani advanced a spatial language rooted in light, proportion, and human dignity, shaping generations of architects and reaffirming architecture’s civic role.

Abstract: This paper analyzes the spatial evolution and walkability of Urmia’s historic Bazaar, applying space syntax theory to support heritage-sensitive urban planning. Three temporal configurations (1933, 1948, 2018) were reconstructed from georeferenced maps and field surveys and analyzed in Depthmap X using syntactic measures (NACH, NAIN, Entropy). Results indicate that modernization expanded network connectivity and introduced linear patterns, yet the Bazaar continues to function as the primary configurational hub driving socio-economic interaction. Findings empirically reinforce natural movement theory and offer practical guidance for planning strategies that enhance spatial permeability while sustaining historic fabric integrity and cultural continuity.

Abstract: This article introduces the Olfactory Attribution Circle (OAC), a conceptual tool for integrating olfaction, color, and linguistic attributes in the design of multisensory atmospheres. Developed through a multi-method strategy, the research combined a systematic literature review, semi-structured interviews with academic and industry sources, a case study of EveryHuman (Algorithmic Perfumery), and AI-assisted exploration. The review revealed a lack of tools operationalizing olfactory design within the built environment. Interviews provided practice-based insights on inclusion, intensity calibration, and feasibility, while the case study demonstrated the potential and limitations of AI-driven personalization. AI was employed to generate mappings between 60 essences, bipolar semantic attributes, and chromatic codes, refined through authorial curation. Results highlight systematic crossmodal correspondences between scents, linguistic attributes, and chromatic values, underscoring the importance of crossmodal congruence in designing coherent sensory experiences. The OAC enables congruent, human-centered olfactory design, though cultural variability and semantic ambiguity limit universal application. The study positions the OAC as both a methodological contribution and a foundation for future empirical testing across diverse cultural contexts.

Abstract: The San Niccolò’ Tower-Gate in Florence, designed by Andrea dell'Orcagna, was built in 1328 as part of the third ring of the city walls of Florence. In the frame of a conservation project promoted by the Municipality of Florence, the Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Florence conducted a series of studies, using NDT techniques, to characterize the tower's masonry. Based on geological, seismic, georadar, sonic, and scleometric investigations, the Tower's masonry was found to had been excellently constructed and, after eight centuries, remains in good condition.

Abstract: Recreational construction has developed in the Beskid Mountains in Southern Poland over the span of several decades, especially in the villages of Szczyrk, Wisła, and Brenna, known as the Beskid touristic triangle. This development has been very intensive due to the proximity of the industrial Silesian agglomeration. However, these newly constructed buildings, heterogeneous in appearance, do not reference traditional timber-and-stone sustainable architecture, instead replicating the aesthetics found in contemporary single-family houses throughout Poland or abroad. Inconsistencies in the building laws have strengthened this approach and led to a decline in the quality of the architecture and landscape, as the predominantly sustainable approach of traditional architecture based on local experience has given way to more popular, socially accepted solutions that do not fit the environment aesthetically or functionally. Although the development of recreational architecture in this region has been widely discussed in public media, publications on this topic remain sporadic and have generally focused on analyzing specific architectural solutions. This article therefore discusses the role of cultural identity in the modern recreational architecture in the Beskid Mountains as it has affected the well-being of the citizens of Silesia since the 1930s and continues to create a still-evolving, vibrant cultural phenomenon.

Abstract: Building Information Modelling (BIM) represents a technological and organisational innovation transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry by embedding data-rich collaboration into project delivery. However, the diffusion of this innovation is constrained by unresolved legal-contractual complexities, where conventional frameworks fail to manage BIM-specific risks such as unclear responsibilities, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. This study advances knowledge and practice by conceptualising a novel legal-contractual amalgamated dimensional factor that links identified risks with tailored management strategies, thereby enabling BIM innovation to be embedded more effectively into organisational processes. A mixed-methods design was adopted. An integrative review of Scopus- and Google Scholar-indexed studies, supported by thematic analysis in NVivo, generated a comprehensive Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) that organises fragmented knowledge of legal-contractual risks. Qualitative content analysis, combined with survey and expert interview data, enabled triangulated validation and the development of the BIM-RBS Matrix and BIM-RBS–MS Nexus. These tools operationalise risk knowledge by ranking severity (SPSS) and aligning management strategies with specific risk categories. The results highlight actionable innovations such as QR-code protocols to strengthen cyber/data security and shared risk–reward mechanisms to address contractual design ambiguities. The study contributions are: (1) conceptualising a structured legal-contractual knowledge spectrum for BIM innovation, (2) advancing methodological integration for risk knowledge creation and validation, and (3) providing actionable frameworks that support industry, policymakers, and researchers in embedding BIM innovation more reliably. Framing legal-contractual risk knowledge as critical enabler of innovation extends theoretical understanding, offering globally relevant pathways for knowledge-based transformation of the AEC sector.

Abstract: The conservation and transmission of cultural heritage are enduring drivers of sustainable development. As a significant form of cultural heritage, temples play a vital role in maintaining urban historical continuity and embodying local culture. This study investigated the landscape roles of temples within the ancient city of Chongqing. Drawing primarily on sources such as the Chongqing Fuzhi Quantu (Complete Map of Chongqing Prefecture) from the Qing Dynasty, it identifies 79 temples in historical Chongqing. Employing Historical Geographic Information Systems (HGIS), the study reveals the multi-scale distribution characteristics of these temples and their interaction mechanisms with the urban spatial structure. The findings indicate that: 1) The development of Chongqing's temples is closely linked to the stratification process of urban historical landscapes, serving as historical markers reflecting urban culture; 2) The distribution of temples in Qing-dynasty Chongqing exhibited significant correlations with the mountain-river environment and topography, forming clusters at key urban nodes while demonstrating spatial differentiation based on their attributes; 3) the landscape roles of temples in the ancient Chongqing city by guiding the urban landscape order, shaping city landmarks, and anchoring collective memories. Through the interrelated interactions across multiscalar spaces, they collectively shaped the urban imagery. In response to problems such as the fragmentation of temple conservation and cultural discontinuity, the study proposes conservation and development strategies across three dimensions: "regional-urban-architectural" to support the revitalisation and sustainable development of urban cultural heritage.

Abstract: The article analyses the impact of the façade structure of modern buildings in Poland at the turn of the 21st century on the perception of the natural and urban landscape. The aim of the study is to determine how the choice of materials, texture and form of façades shape the relationship between the building and its surroundings, and to identify design strategies that promote harmony with the landscape. Based on theoretical literature in the field of architectural phenomenology, critical re-gionalism and sustainable aesthetics, as well as empirical analysis of selected public buildings, landscape architecture and residential buildings, it was indicated that natural materials (wood, stone, brick, shingles) and simple, rhythmic façade forms promote the integration of the building with its surroundings. Perceptual studies and case studies prove that such solutions minimise visual discomfort, enhance the sense of ‘genius loci’ and support a positive perception of space. The analysis also points to research gaps – the lack of long-term studies combining the aesthetics of façades, their ecological functions and social perception in the context of natural areas. The conclusions emphasise the importance of conscious façade design as a tool for integrating architecture with the landscape, both natural and urban, while pre-serving aesthetic, cultural and ecological values.

Abstract: The maintenance of façades in public infrastructures located in low-rainfall regions represents a unique engineering and design challenge. Far from being beneficial, the scarcity of precipitation accelerates material degradation due to intense solar radiation, thermal fluctuations, and the persistent accumulation of pollution and dust particles, which are not naturally washed away. This context demands a comprehensive approach that combines advanced materials, adaptive designs, and systematic maintenance plans to ensure the durability, safety, and energy efficiency of public buildings. The methodology synthesizes current knowledge through a critical review of the indexed literature and recent case studies. The properties of cutting-edge materials such as Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) are analyzed, along with resilient design strategies and non-destructive inspection protocols, assessing their suitability and performance in arid environments. The results and discussion of the findings reveal that UHPC, with a compressive strength 5-10 times greater than traditional concrete and extremely low porosity, virtually eliminates chloride penetration and thermal cycling degradation, reducing maintenance needs by up to 50% compared to conventional materials. GRC, meanwhile, emerges as a lightweight and versatile solution, with an estimated lifespan exceeding 60 years thanks to its high crack resistance. Strategically, the integration of adaptive façades that incorporate dynamic shading and natural ventilation has been shown to reduce the thermal load on buildings by 15-30%, significantly decreasing energy consumption. However, the effectiveness of these solutions depends on the implementation of rigorous and periodic inspection plans, ideally every 6-12 months under these conditions, to monitor contaminant accumulation and system performance. It is concluded that the synergy between high-performance materials, intelligent climate-adapted designs, and a proactive and predictive maintenance protocol is essential for the long-term sustainability of façades in public infrastructure in arid areas. This holistic approach not only mitigates the effects of adverse environmental conditions but also optimizes operational efficiency, ensuring the functional, aesthetic, and structural value of the built heritage.

Abstract: Atmospheres are an expression of the sensoriality and emotional tone of a place. In public interiors, they are perceived through phenomena in the physical environment and through phenomena generated by people’s actions and interactions. These belong to the domain of the qualitative; they are fluid, diffuse, intangible, impermanent. As such they can be difficult to capture or design in an authentic and meaningful way. To address this challenge, this study posits that atmospheres could be cultivated and proposes a framework for those interested in the creation of public environments people can connect to sensorially and emotionally. The methodology is grounded in a phenomenologically inspired conception of experience, drawing on existing literature and a case study of the public interior of the Royal Festival Hall in London, UK. The research explores specifically how the design and management of an inviting and sensorially engaging public interior can contribute to visitors’ emotional attachment to place through modes of personalisation. Insights are then brought together, and the resulting framework provides a reference to draw on, to create environments where the personalisation of experience can cultivate atmospheres conducive to sensory-emotional connectedness; environments where perceived qualities enable people to thrive both individually and collectively.

Abstract: Although the 15 minute city promotes equity in terms of proximity to have more accessible cities, this study shows that even geographic closeness does not necessarily mean equitable access, particularly for people with disabilities. Using Timisoara, Romania, as a case study, a three-stage study analysis was conducted to evaluate accessibility to public amenities. Each stage considered the needs of both people with visual and mobility impairments and non-disabled users. First, GIS-based isochrone mapping revealed major disparities between the two groups, persons with and without impairments. The proximity to the analysed amenities was nearly halved for people with impairments, once walking distances were adjusted accordingly and inaccessible spaces were excluded. In the second stage, a survey was conducted with 605 respondents to identify distinct accessibility priorities based on 15 minutes city core dimensions. In the third stage, real pedestrian routes in three areas of Timișoara were examined using the top-ranked criteria of each group, enabling a deeper assessment of proximity and usability. The findings confirmed widespread functional inaccessibility, especially for vulnerable groups. These results expose the concept of false proximity, where apparent nearness masks physical or sensory barriers. A shift toward experience-based accessibility planning is needed to ensure that proximity is not that spatial, but usable by all and inclusive.

Abstract: Scientific writing in architecture faces unique challenges when integrating aesthetic, technical, and social dimensions. Recent statistics reveal that 78% of articles in Q1 architectural journals (Scopus, 2020-2024) use unconventional structures, combining design narratives with methodological rigor (Journal of Architectural Education, Q1, 2023). This study analyzes the structural frameworks, review processes, and digital tools that define contemporary scholarly communication in the field, examining 150 articles indexed in Scopus Q1 (2021-2024). Methodology: A multimodal approach was employed: Bibliometric analysis of 85 Scopus Q1 articles (2020-2024) using VOSviewer, focusing on structure, digital tools, and acceptance rates. A survey of 120 researchers from 15 countries on writing practices was conducted (June 2023-March 2024). Simulated blind peer review of 40 manuscripts to measure review biases. Discussion and Results, Structure and Visual Communication: 92% of successful articles adopt the IMRaD format with adaptations: 67% integrate design narratives and 85% include ≥5 visual elements (BIM diagrams, renders) (Automation in Construction, Q1, 2024). Peer review presents thematic biases: papers on "technology" have a 30% higher acceptance rate than "critical theory". Digital Transformation: Generative AI tools are used by 68% of authors for writing, but only 22% declare their use (Frontiers of Architectural Research, Q1, 2023). Open access platforms increase citations by 45% versus traditional publications. Ethical Barriers: 40% of researchers report authorship conflicts when using AI collaborations (Building and Environment, Q1, 2024). Peer review takes an average of 14.7 weeks, causing a 28% dropout rate among initial submissions. In conclusion, scientific writing in architecture requires hybrid frameworks that balance IMRaD with disciplinary narratives. Standardizing ethical protocols for AI, reducing thematic biases in review, and integrating interactive visualizations (digital twins) are urgently needed. Adopting mixed metrics (qualitative-quantitative) will optimize impact assessment in an inherently multimodal field.

Abstract: In the current architectural landscape, international accreditation is presented as an essential mechanism for ensuring educational quality and the global competitiveness of architects. Accreditation, managed by organizations such as the NAAB in the United States and UNESCO-UIA worldwide, is increasingly relevant in the face of challenges such as digitalization, climate change, and professional mobility. However, significant gaps persist: more than 51,000 architects will be internationally accredited by 2025, but nearly 38% of candidates abandon the licensing process within a 10-year period, a figure that illustrates the magnitude of the challenges of accessing and remaining in the profession. Methodology: The study is based on a comparative analysis of accreditation models in various regions, including Egypt, Germany, and France, and a review of recent reports such as the AIA/NCARB “Building Impact Report” and NCARB annual data. Official licensing statistics, candidate surveys, and a review of educational trends through 2025 are compared. Discussion: The results show profound regional differences in accreditation systems: while Germany emphasizes technical competence and France lacks a final licensing exam, universities in developing countries face rigid bureaucratic frameworks and a lack of resources to adapt to international standards. The lack of harmonization hinders labor mobility and increases dropout rates: last year, only 27% of candidates who began the process a decade ago remain active on the path to licensure, with a global average of less than 13 years to achieve this. Furthermore, inequities in graduate training and a disconnect between training plans and the real demands of the sector were identified. There is a growing trend toward curricular integration of sustainability, technology, and community engagement, but gaps persist in the development of soft skills and the ability to adapt to different international professional contexts.Recommendations to overcome these challenges include: Promoting curricular flexibility and adaptation, with objective and internationally comparable assessment frameworks. Fostering collaboration between institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry to ensure that training plans respond to current and future demands. Investing in the ongoing development of educators and professionals, with special emphasis on digital skills, sustainability, and cultural diversity. Supporting the creation of national accreditation systems in developing countries, leveraging international resources and technical assistance. International accreditation represents the journey of applicants through a system with significant achievements but also structural challenges, a journey marked by the pursuit of excellence, but also by the urgent challenge of building stronger bridges between education, innovation, and professional practice.

Abstract: In the second half of the twentieth century, the concept of indeterminacy in architecture emerged to address the realities of chance and change, with the megastructure representing a critical point of this ambition. As the aims of indeterminate architectural approaches align with current sustainable development goals, this study hypothesises this design concept as the basis for the sustainability of structures built within its framework. Through a case study of Spens, a socialist megastructure in Novi Sad, Serbia, the paper explores the potentials of megastructures in relation to requirements for more sustainable cities. Firstly, it evaluates Spens’ current social sustainability through focus group discussions analysing sense of community, place, and wellbeing. Findings demonstrate a clear recognition of Spens’ spatial qualities among users. Secondly, the paper examines the future environmental sustainability of Spens, focusing on strategies that enhance user wellbeing and urban life as a point of overlap between social and environmental sustainability, using the Green Space Factor (GSF) and Urban Greening Factor (UFG). Results reveal the significant yet underutilised potential for greening. The paper highlights the long-term societal value of such structures and strategies for leveraging their concepts for their sustainable adaptation rather than replacement amid ongoing retrofit or replace debates.