Abstract: This study develops and validates a simulation driven, human centric lighting framework for UK residential buildings that integrates circadian and biophilic design, daylight harvesting, and dynamic smart controls using DIALux Evo. A comparative quantitative design was adopted to evaluate traditional manual calculation versus simulation based optimisation across twenty lighting scenes in one bedroom flats, under identical spatial and environmental conditions and in compliance with EN 12464 1 and CIBSE LG standards. Performance was assessed using electrical energy consumption (kWh), average illuminance (lux), and luminous efficacy (lm/W), with statistical validation via paired t tests. The optimised design reduced mean energy consumption from 10.25 kWh to 8.68 kWh (t = 5.12, p = 1.2×10⁻⁵), increased mean illuminance from 94.36 lux to 116.93 lux (t = 7.095, p = 1.0×10⁻⁶), and improved luminous efficacy from 57.2–65.65 lm/W to 98.25–105.35 lm/W across living, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom areas. Although a minority of scenes showed neutral or adverse energy outcomes, the dominant trend evidences statistically significant reductions in demand and enhanced lighting quality. The contribution is a reproducible and standards aligned methodology that advances best practice for low carbon residential lighting, with actionable guidance for architects, engineers, and policymakers pursuing Net Zero targets and occupant well being.

Abstract: Residential retrofitting is a cornerstone of national strategies for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Yet, despite decades of policy incentives, adoption remains limited, delivery performance is uneven, and realised carbon reductions often fall short of predictions. This paper conceptualises housing retrofit projects as complex micro-projects—small in scale but marked by technical, organisational, and social inter-dependencies that challenge conventional project delivery. Drawing on an integrative review of 56 studies, we synthesise evidence across the Owner, Supplier, and Delivery domains to identify the managerial, coordination, and communication barriers that shape whole-life CO₂ outcomes. By framing these challenges through concepts of static and dynamic complexity, the study demonstrates that performance shortfalls stem less from technological gaps than from fragmented project organisation and weak cross-domain coordination. The review contributes an evidence-based understanding of how complexity affects retrofit delivery, outlines implications for policy and practice, and proposes a research agenda for improving assurance, learning, and verification in housing retrofit management.

Abstract: The thermal influence of Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) is not limited to periods of high temperature but persists throughout the year. The present study utilises hourly data collected over a period of one year from a network of hygrothermal monitoring stations with a high density, which were deployed across the city of Cáceres (Spain). The network was designed in accordance with the World Meteorological Organization's guidelines for urban measurements (employing radiation footprints and surface roughness) and ensures representation of each Local Climate Zone (LCZ), characterised by those factors (such as building typology and density, urban fabric, vegetation, and anthropogenic activity, among others) that influence potential solar radiation absorption. The magnitude of the heat island effect in this city has been determined to be approximately 7 °C in summer and winter at the first hours of the morning. In order to assess the energy impact of UHIs, Cooling and Heating Degree Days (CDD & HDD) were calculated for both summer and winter periods across the different LCZs. Following the implementation of rigorous quality control procedures and the utilisation of gap-filling techniques, the analysis yielded discrepancies in energy demand of up to 10% between LCZs within the city. The significance of incorporating UHIs into the design of building envelopes and climate control systems is underscored by these findings, with the potential to enhance both energy efficiency and occupant thermal comfort. This meth-odology is particularly relevant for extrapolation to larger and denser urban environments, where the intensification of UHI effects exerts a direct impact on energy consumption and costs. The following essay will provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant literature on the subject.

Abstract: The sound absorption efficiency of the wood based sandwich panels with reinforced basalt fiber reinforced (BFRP), glass fiber reinforced (GFRP), and jute fabric composite materials and evaluate their potential as acoustic panels were investigated. Four experimental groups were created. Wood based sandwich panels were reinforced with BFRP (Group A), jute fabric (Group B), GFRP (Group C), and unreinforced (Group D). The sound absorption coefficients of the unreinforced and experimental groups were tested via the impedance tube method, according to ASTM standard E1050 (2006). Attention was paid to the acoustic behavior at low frequencies (200 Hz to 800 Hz), mid frequencies (1000 Hz to 1600 Hz), and high frequencies (1800 Hz to 2400 Hz). The sound absorption coefficient was highest in sapwood at 200 Hz frequency level with 0.67, while the highest in heartwood was 0.05 at 2400 Hz frequency level. It can be suggested that the experimental groups be used as sound absorbing acoustic panels.

Abstract:

The Suzhou Provincial Judicial Commissioner's Office, a significant official yamen and regional judicial-administrative center during the Ming and Qing dynasties, exemplifies one of the rare remaining instances of official architecture in Suzhou. Notwithstanding its historical continuity, the thermal and hygrothermal performance of its high and large historical building areas is unable to meet modern thermal comfort standards. Due to the concept of heritage conservation, "restoring the original state", changing the thermal properties of the building envelope becomes difficult. Therefore, this study adopts a combined simulation method using DesignBuilder and Fluent to explore the potential to improve the indoor thermal climate by optimizing the HVAC air supply system. Various situations with differing supply air angles, velocities, and outlet configurations are assessed, utilizing temperature fields, velocity fields, and PMV-PPD indices as the primary evaluation criteria. The study's findings demonstrate that air supply configurations have a substantial impact on the distribution of comfortable zones. The judicious selection of supply angles, velocities, and outlet arrangements can effectively mitigate vertical temperature stratification and enhance thermal comfort in the primary activity areas. The results offer technical guidance for optimizing HVAC operations in high and large historical buildings while preserving their original architectural characteristics.

Abstract: The aim of the study is to develop a qualitative-quantitative assessment method to deter-mine the resilience factor of buildings. The methodological structure is holistic, integrating different levels of indicators by cross-referencing the parameters of the Italian Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM) technical specifications and the parameters of the building life cycle phases (LCA). The methodology involved the development of two models (CAM/LCA), which were applied to two case studies for validation: a first case study (multifunctional building) with a steel construction system, mainly dry-assembled; a second case study (laboratory building) with a prefabricated concrete construction system. The results showed that the most resilient building is the multi-purpose building, i.e., the one with a steel structure. The results obtained are consistent with scientific research in the field, highlighting the greater sustainability of the steel construction system compared to the reinforced concrete system. The models developed can be used both in the pre-operam and post-operam phases. In the first case, the assignment of dependencies to indicators defines the design guidelines, i.e., it directs professionals to adopt strategies that can have the maximum impact on achieving the initial objective (maximum resili-ence factor). In the post-operational phase, on the other hand, the models allow the resili-ence factor to be assessed at its current state, highlighting any particular critical issues and guiding operators towards possible improvement strategies. A single paragraph of about 200 words maximum. For research articles, abstracts should give a pertinent over-view of the work. We strongly encourage authors to use the following style of structured abstracts, but without headings: 1) Background: Place the question addressed in a broad context and highlight the purpose of the study; 2) Methods: briefly describe the main methods or treatments applied; 3) Results: summarize the article’s main findings; 4) Con-clusions: indicate the main conclusions or interpretations. The abstract should be an ob-jective representation of the article and it must not contain results that are not presented and substantiated in the main text and should not exaggerate the main conclusions.

Abstract: It is a common phenomenon that the stairs of modern historical brick and wood buildings can not meet the existing fire protection specifications, which has become a difficulty in the repair. Based on this, this paper proposes two different repair strategies for the Chinese Baroque "Hui" shaped building in Harbin, and uses the computer fire evacuation performance simulation as the method to explore the influence of the changes of stair width, number, location and building size on the safety movement duration and number of individuals who failed to evacuate in the two repair strategies, and compares the effectiveness of common fire prevention measures. It is found that the fire development laws of the two building repair methods are similar when corre-sponding to the same stair state and building volume; When the width of stairs in-creased from 900mm to 1100mm, the evacuation effect was not significantly improved; Increasing the number of existing interior staircases from one to two increases the proportion of safely evacuated occupants from 68% to 91%.; The exterior corridor staircase shows the highest evacuation efficiency, with a single staircase sufficient to ensure the safe evacuation of all occupants; Given the same increment in total area, the increase in evacuation movement time caused by adding stories is approximately twice that caused by expanding the building footprint.; The fire prevention effect of automatic sprinkler and mechanical smoke exhaust is more obvious.

Abstract: This research analyzes the structural vulnerability and seismic influence of self-built buildings in the Los Constructores Human Settlement in Nuevo Chimbote, with the aim of identifying the factors that increase structural risk in the event of seismic events. An applied methodology was used that integrated technical inspections, geotechnical tests, and structural modeling using ETABS, evaluating both soil conditions and the dynamic behavior of representative dwellings. Field and laboratory results determined that the foundation soil corresponds to a rigid S2 type soil, which rules out failures due to bearing capacity and concentrates vulnerability in the structure. The vulnerability assessment revealed a medium level of vulnerability, mainly associated with geometric deficiencies and the absence of adequate confinement elements. The structural analysis confirmed that insufficient lateral stiffness in the X direction is the critical mechanism that triggers high drifts and fragile structural behavior under seismic demand. It is concluded that the self-built buildings in the study area present a significant risk in the event of earthquakes, due to the low density of walls and the lack of technical criteria during their construction, which highlights the need to apply specific structural reinforcement strategies.

Abstract: The digital transformation of the public construction sector is a strategic imperative for governments seeking to optimize resources and make processes transparent. Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a central methodology in this transition, integrating multidisciplinary data to manage projects throughout their life cycle. Globally, the BIM market reached USD 8.85 billion in 2024, projecting growth of 11.2% annually until 2034. In Latin America, eight countries make up the BIM Network of Latin American Governments, evidencing a regional commitment to accelerate the digitalization of the public sector. Methodology, this study adopts a systematic review approach, analyzing literature indexed in high-impact scientific databases (Scopus Q1-Q2), complemented by technical reports from multilateral organizations such as the IDB and recent sectoral reports (2021-2025). Implementation experiences in Spain, Chile, Brazil and Peru were examined, identifying adoption patterns, persistent barriers and critical success factors through multilevel comparative analysis. Results and Discussion, empirical evidence demonstrates significant quantifiable impacts: reduction of deadlines between 15-25%, reduction of costs of 10-30%, and elimination of design errors by up to 70% through early detection of interferences. Spain recorded a 230% increase in BIM tenders between 2017-2020 after implementing mandatory mandates, while Chile consolidated its regional leadership through the BIM Plan integrated with academia and industry. However, substantial barriers persist in emerging economies: high initial investment, shortage of skilled professionals (affecting 50-65% of organizations), and outdated contractual frameworks that hinder collaboration. 4D/5D BIM applications demonstrate transformative potential, reducing unbudgeted costs by up to 40% and integrating time scheduling with real-time cost estimation. Digital twins represent the technological frontier, with the potential to improve public sector efficiency by 20-30%. Conclusions, the successful adoption of BIM in public investment requires holistic strategies that combine regulatory mandates, economic incentives, professional capacity building, and collaborative contractual frameworks. Context-specific policies, university curriculum integration, and standardization through ISO 19650 are key pillars for overcoming regional disparities and maximizing the return on investment in public infrastructure.

Abstract: Urban noise and soundscape assessment are essential for sustainable, human-centered city planning. A consolidated overview of key standards is critical to ensure consistent measurement, enable cross-study comparisons, and guide practical applications. This review examines the American National Standards Institute / Acoustical Society of America (ANSI/ASA), ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, highlighting their principles, methodologies, and roles in evaluating urban acoustic environments. It explores how these standards support accurate noise quantification, capture human perceptual responses, and inform soundscape design and management across occupational, community, and experimental contexts. Standardized questionnaires, rating scales, and perceptual frameworks are discussed. The review also identifies gaps, including limited guidance on continuous monitoring, cultural adaptation, multisensory interactions, and integration with urban planning.

Abstract: This study investigated the energy, economic, and environmental performance of one of the most promising building insulation materials that has been overlooked in the residential sector. Structural thermal break is a typical passive design component which is installed to reinforce structural connections vulnerable to thermal bridging effects on the building envelope. Recently, the market expansion for structural thermal break has been active throughout many developed nations in Europe and North America. However, the public awareness of such building material is still very low in East Asia, which in fact has the highest population density around the world. Perceiving this situation in mind, this study presents the energy, economic, and environmental performance guidelines for structural thermal breaks that can be practically referenced in East Asian multi-residentials. The results show that structural thermal breaks are highly efficient in reducing heating energy demand. However, the high investment cost of structural thermal break may likely be the main obstacle for its market expansion worldwide. Therefore, this study also presents the economic cost reduction rates (%) for structural thermal break to become more cost-effective in field applications. Meanwhile, this study also shows that the environmental payback period for structural thermal break is approximately 8.58 years, which is much shorter than the average lifespan of typical apartment buildings. Conclusively, this study will contribute to presenting clear improvement tasks for the widespread use of structural thermal break in the East Asian multi-residential context by conducting an integrative approach towards analyzing its energy, economic, and environmental perspectives.

Abstract: The bell tower of Murcia Cathedral, erected between 1521 and 1793, stands as one of the most complex architectural and structural achievements of the Spanish Renaissance and Baroque. Rising 93 m above the Vega del Segura, the tower integrates successive stylistic and technical layers that reflect nearly three centuries of construction. This study analyses its architectural composition, structural configuration, and geotechnical foundation through a multidisciplinary approach combining historical documentation, non-destructive testing, and soil mechanics. Geological and geotechnical data from the Instituto Geológico y Minero de España and recent subsidence records are used to characterize the subsoil, composed of compressible silty clays with high groundwater levels and localized settlement induced by piezometric fluctuations. Structural assessment, based on Heyman’s masonry theory and Euler’s critical load criteria, demonstrates that the tower remains far below its compressive failure limits. The study confirms that the observed inclination—about 56 cm towards the northwest—is not symptomatic of instability but the long-term geotechnical response of the alluvial sediments beneath the cathedral. The research highlights the technical ingenuity of José López in the eighteenth century, who compensated the earlier differential settlement by redistributing loads through asymmetric wall thickening. The tower’s gradual deformation is thus interpreted both as a geophysical record and as a cultural expression of equilibrium between gravity and grace in historic architecture.

Abstract: Construction is responsible for 40% of global carbon emissions, yet embodied carbon (EC) assessment is rarely integrated into standard building design workflows in developing countries. This research presents and validates a BIM-integrated EC assessment framework specifically adapted to Sri Lanka, utilising the government’s Building Standard Rates (BSR) as the foundation for material quantity and cost data. The streamlined workflow combines Revit, Dynamo, and Excel for automated EC calculations across lifecycle stages A1–A5, informed by a systematic review of 75 peer-reviewed articles (2017–2025) and validation through structured interviews with five experienced domain professionals. Results demonstrate that BSR, when supplemented with material densities and transport data, enables automated EC calculations for typical building materials and construction elements. Expert validation confirmed strong technical feasibility, economic viability, and scalability. The framework offers significant advantages over manual approaches by automating EC quantification and reducing software licensing requirements compared to proprietary LCA tools. The framework’s modular design and transparent methodology make it generalisable for other developing economies with similar government construction documentation systems, providing practitioners and policymakers with a practical, cost-effective pathway to embedding life cycle assessment into standard construction practice.

Abstract: Over the past three decades, Turkish cities have experienced significant increases in terms of building densities. This densification is evident not only through taller buildings and increased floor numbers, but also through the deterioration of the balance between built areas and open spaces and the reduction of amenity areas. While this phenomenon is widely observed and discussed, there is a need for empirical analysis using quantitative data to verify and measure these changes systematically. This study examines the relationship between building density and land use in mass housing projects through objective, measurable, and comparable parameters. The research focuses on eight publicly developed mass housing projects in Kocaeli-Izmit. The methodology employs direct measurements of realized Floor Area Ratio (FAR), Building Coverage Ratio (BCR), and Building Proximity Index as primary density indicators. Additionally, per-dwelling-unit calculations for green spaces, parking areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities provide comprehensive data on amenity provision. The quantitative findings are supplemented by semi-structured interviews with fifteen sector professionals. The study demonstrates that primary objectives of the sector is prioritized as production maximization resulting increasingly higher building densities in housing projects. These results highlight the need to review land and urbanization policies that have evolved to cause density intensification.

Abstract: This article presents the design process and subsequent structural analysis for for Halls 3, 4, and 6 of the Fira de la Gran Vía in Barcelona. Close collaboration between the architectural and structural teams resulted in a cost-effective solution that remains relevant twenty-five years after completion. Each structural component is examined in detail, considering its behavior, preliminary sizing, and the rationale behind its fabrication, transportation, and rapid on-site assembly—critical given the client’s tight schedule. This article also describes how structural details were interpreted and realized under the applied stresses and conditions, including instances that required unconventional approaches. Furthermore, the prestressing of the longitudinal frames is presented as a strategy that contributed to reducing the steel structure’s cost during construction. The paper emphasizes the creation of architecture from the ground up, a process often overlooked in the pursuit of a building’s form and function.

Abstract: Waste from the wind power and textile industries poses considerable challenges concerning CO2 emissions. While the textile industry is a major global contributor to waste, producing around 92 million tons of waste annually, and greenhouse gas emissions, wind power, although one of the cleanest energy sources during operation, still generates waste and associated CO2 emissions, particularly associated with the end-of-life decommissioning of turbine blades. In addition to reusable waste, bio-based solutions, such as bio-binders, can reduce the construction sector’s long-term environmental impact. The present work aims to identify trends and opportunities in the use of these waste materials, either individually or combined, for the development of thermal and acoustic insulation solutions for use in the construction sector. With that purpose, a bibliometric and content analysis of scientific articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2014 to 2025 was carried out. The study focuses on the physical properties of the resulting composites, including those produced with bio-binders. Results reveal growing scientific interest, highlighting an annual publication growth of 5.09 %. They emphasize the excellence of natural textile fibers in thermal and acoustic insulation, the mechanical capacity of synthetic fibers, and the semi-structural potential of fiberglass composites. Meanwhile, bio-binders improve the upcycling of textile waste; however, they reveal a critical gap in wind turbine blade integration. These findings advocate hybrid innovations and standardized assessments to drive circular economy and low-carbon building solutions.

Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainable construction practices has positioned Green Building Assessment Systems (GBAS) as a critical tool for evaluating and improving environmental performance in the built environment. This study investigates the key drivers influencing the adoption of GBAS in South Africa, a developing economy facing significant environmental challenges such as energy insecurity, water scarcity, and high greenhouse gas emissions. Using a structured questionnaire survey administered to construction industry stakeholders, data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Friedman test, and the One sample t-test to rank the relative importance of identified drivers. Findings reveal that environmental considerations dominate GBAS adoption motivations, with need for a sustainable environment emerging as the most significant driver, followed by reduced environmental impact and decreasing greenhouse emissions. The results indicate that GBAS adoption in South Africa is primarily driven by environmental imperatives rather than cost savings or market demand. This suggests that policy interventions should capitalise on strong environmental motivations while promoting greater market awareness, client demand, and financial incentives. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable construction by providing context-specific insights into GBAS adoption drivers in the South African construction sector, with implications for policy, practice, and sustainability advocacy.

Abstract: This study investigates the performance of various waterproofing techniques based on an in-situ experimental tunnel section. Through optimized design of structural concrete permeability resistance, controlled installation of external waterproof membranes, and rigorous quality management throughout construction, the research systematically elaborates the construction procedures and key control points for different waterproofing methods. A comparative analysis of the waterproofing performance of multiple materials—including polymer-coated waterstops, steel-edged rubber waterstops, and water-swellable sealants combined with grouting pipes—was conducted using both experimental testing and numerical simulation under their respective construction processes. The study focuses on the influence of material selection and construction techniques on waterproofing effectiveness, clarifying the applicable conditions and performance variations among different materials and methods. Results demonstrate that polymer-coated waterstops exhibit significantly superior performance compared to other materials. While self-compacting concrete causes minimal disturbance to waterstops and is thus beneficial for waterproofing, it shows deficiencies in early-age crack resistance. The refined control of construction processes proves decisive for the overall performance of the waterproofing system. Ultimately, this research establishes detailed quality control specifications for both main structural elements and detailed structural components.

Abstract: This study introduces the "Hierarchical Adaptive Renewal" framework to resolve conflicts between heritage preservation and urban innovation in saturated cities, integrating three principles: hierarchization (vertical superposition of new functional layers on existing urban structures), adaptability (dynamic problem-strategy matching for current and future needs), and renewal (technological and spatial-functional upgrades). Validated in Rome’s northwestern urban-rural interface (Q. I Flaminio, Q. II Parioli), the approach combines field surveys, data analysis, and experimental interventions to address cultural-sports facility challenges. Key findings highlight micro-level flaws in macro-planning, such as redundant functions, lack of child-friendly spaces, and fragmented connectivity. Solutions include graded interventions: minimal for historic buildings, semi-intervention for high-use structures, and full redesign of generic spaces, exemplified by vertical sports complex expansions, dedicated pedestrian networks, and undeveloped land as transitional hubs. Results show improved spatial vitality, traffic safety, and community integration. The framework’s scalability extends to industrial upgrades and population mobility through vertical mixed-use complexes and smart infrastructure, positioning cities as dynamic organisms balancing cultural continuity with technological advancement. Rome’s case emphasizes multi-stakeholder collaboration and data-driven strategies, offering a sustainable model for high-density urban resilience.

Abstract: Rethinking architecture is an urgent task for creating caring, democratic, and sustainable environments for older adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. Architectural design has historically been disconnected from the complex dimensions of care, leaving a critical gap in the discipline's engagement with the implementation of community-based, person-centered care typologies. This research addresses this gap by constructing a theoretical framework for caring architecture. The study draws on a systematic literature review and critical analysis of key theoretical approaches that intersect architecture, urbanism, and feminist ethics. Through bibliometric, conceptual, and thematic analysis of eight selected publications, the study identifies three dimensions of feminist care ethics: interdependence, economics of care, and eco-dependence. These dimensions are linked to the three pillars of holistic sustainability: sociocultural, economic, and environmental, establishing a new conceptual bridge. The paper proposes the framework of caring, democratic, and sustainable architecture for older people, an integrative paradigm that offers an ethical and practical guide for transitioning from institutional settings to built environments that promote well-being, community connectedness, and respect for both people and the planet. This approach provides a roadmap for reimagining care facilities as living spaces, deeply embedded in their territories, fostering autonomy, participation, environmental responsibility, and quality of life.