Abstract: NORC (Naturally Occurring Retirement Community) programs and senior cohousing are two community-based, sustainable initiatives for aging in place associated with cooperative housing in New York and Spain which are spreading rapidly as an alternative to institutionalisation. This paper examines how NORC programs and senior cohousing support aging in place using a conceptual framework derived from theories on active aging and the ecological model of aging, which suggests specific dimensions to characterise the processes through which these initiatives potentially achieve their goal of promoting a healthy, active aging, including aspects of the physical and social environment. Our framework was applied to a selection of case studies from each model, allowing us to conceptualise their strengths and weaknesses as developed in cooperatives in these two contexts. Findings show that NORC programs help older people stay in familiar neighbourhoods and take advantage of economies of scale, but dwellings are not adapted for reduced mobility. Spanish senior cohousing is an affordable and accessible alternative, but existing communities were found to be rather isolated. Future research should consider hybrid models including characteristics of various initiatives best adapted to each context’s housing policies and welfare system.

Abstract: Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities Supportive Service Programs (NORC-SSPs) are one of the most popular models of aging in place. This study explored the built environment, social integration, and socio-demographic factors of older people living in NORCs in New York and their association with their health and well-being. The mixed-methods research included qualitative (interviews with NORC directors and res-idents) and quantitative (151 resident surveys and an architectural assessment) data on 26 housing developments in New York. The findings show that socialization and exercise increase NORC residents’ health and quality of life. The study also revealed that older people living in public housing have different needs than those in cooperative housing, namely, a worse perception of their health and poorer physical condition of their dwell-ings. Therefore, the focus of the services offered by NORC programs should vary according to housing type. Future research should address interventions to improve NORC residents’ physical environments.

Abstract: Previous studies have found that interaural cross-correlation (IACC) and lateral energy fraction (LF) can serve as objective measures to predict apparent source width (ASW). However, there is a lack of literature regarding how well objective measurements correlate with subjective evaluation in a context-dependent scenario. Expanded upon a prior work, this study looked to examine the extent to which commonly assumed predictors of ASW remain valid when applied to real concert hall measurements across listener positions. ASW ratings were obtained through psychoacoustic tests employing both stereo loudspeakers and headphones to assess the perceived width of a symphony orchestra produced with different recording techniques and ensemble sizes. Key room acoustic parameters were calculated from impulse response measurements conducted in the EMPAC concert hall in Troy, NY, where the orchestral recordings were made. Results show that the existence and emergence of ASW is based on the opposite perceptual mappings between the two reproduction conditions, even though stereo loudspeakers resembled real hall listening more closely. The findings also suggest that assuming a fixed role of binaural decorrelation for enhancing ASW is impractical because ASW is governed by context-dependent object integration, where binaural decorrelation is only beneficial when it supports rather than disrupts object unity.

Abstract: In high-density urban environments, residential design often faces a conflict between maximizing landscape access and maintaining energy-oriented compactness. This study proposes a target-based visibility analysis framework to optimize high-rise forms under strict performance constraints. Utilizing a Quad-mesh reconstruction strategy and Inverse Targeted Ray-Casting, the method accurately quantifies visibility via the cumulative Landscape Visible Surface (LVS) on the target building and Viewpoint-Specific Surface Visibility Rate (Rv) for precise verification against specific landscape targets. The frame-work is applied to evaluate three morphological prototypes: Compact Tower, Dispersed Tower, and Slab–Tower Hybrid. Quantitative simulations identify the Slab–Tower Hybrid as the optimal solution, demonstrating superior "Visual Morphological Efficiency." While maintaining a moderate Shape Coefficient (SC=0.326) to satisfy energy standards, the Hy-brid achieves a cumulative Park-View LVS approximately 1.8 times that of the Compact Tower. Furthermore, environmental simulations indicate the Hybrid fosters stable wind environments (0.4–0.7 m/s) and equitable sunlight distribution. The research concludes that through differentiated massing, high-rise architecture can achieve a synergistic bal-ance between visual openness and physical compactness, transforming view analysis from a passive check into an active design driver.

Abstract: In recent years, the architectural design process has experienced significant advance-ments due to computational design, which has enabled the real-time exploration of design alternatives based on parametric modeling. In this context, gaining a deeper understanding of how natural ventilation operates within buildings can support deci-sion-making, potentially reducing the need for wind tunnel tests and computational simulations. This paper presents an effort to determine the flow patterns of natural ventilation in indoor environments under specific conditions, using an experimental setup comprising five configurations analyzed comparatively against a control sample. An idealized and simple flow visualization technique was proposed to assist the anal-ysis. By following scientific methodologies and employing both computational and wind tunnel techniques in a complementary manner, satisfactory inferences were ob-tained. The results indicate that the diagonal positioning of openings substantially ac-celerates wind speed in indoor environments, making this design strategy more effec-tive than simply adding additional openings when the goal is to increase air speed and indoor air renewal.

Abstract: Energy efficiency retrofits are central to climate policy, yet their implications for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and occupant health remain underexplored. This study investigates IEQ outcomes following staged retrofits in Irish social housing, where achieving Building Energy Rating (BER) targets is the primary performance metric. Four dwellings, three retrofitted and one control, were monitored over six weeks during the heating sea-son. Built in the 1980s, these homes represent the typical social and private housing stock of that era. Continuous measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature, relative humidity, and thermal performance were complemented by analyses of vapour pressure excess and ventilation rates. While all retrofitted homes achieved BER improvement targets, persistent IEQ challenges were identified. Elevated pollutant concentrations and increased condensation/mould risk occurred in the presence of inadequate ventilation. Thermal anomalies and cold bridging were associated with cavity wall insulation, whereas external wall insulation provided more stable surface temperatures and reduced moisture-related risks. These results underscore the complex interplay between retrofit measures, occupancy patterns, and ventilation performance. The study highlights the need for retrofit strategies that integrate energy efficiency with occupant health objectives. At scale, retrofit pro-grammes risk embedding systemic vulnerabilities unless ventilation and moisture control are prioritised, with implications that extend to health, wellbeing, and long-term building resilience.

Abstract: In the seismic design of reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame (RC MRF) structures equipped with steel damper columns (SDCs), design criteria should consider both peak responses (e.g., story drift) and cumulative responses (e.g., cumulative strain energy of damper panels in SDCs). These response measures are associated with two energy-based seismic intensity parameters: the maximum momentary input energy governing peak responses and the cumulative input energy governing cumulative responses. The relationship between these parameters depends on the characteristics of the ground motions. This study proposes an energy-based limit curve for RC MRFs with SDCs using the two seismic intensity parameters. Incremental critical pseudo-multi impulse analyses (ICPMIAs) are performed for three eight-story RC MRFs with SDCs considering various numbers of pulsive inputs. For each analysis, the input intensity is incrementally increased until predefined limit-state criteria are reached. The limit curve is constructed by connecting the equivalent velocity pairs corresponding to the two energy-based seismic intensity parameters at the limit states. The applicability of the proposed limit curve is examined through nonlinear time-history analyses (NTHAs) using recorded ground motions, including the mainshock–aftershock sequence of the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake and the foreshock–mainshock sequence of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. The results indicate that (a) considering a range of 2 to 32 pulsive inputs in ICPMIA is sufficient to cover the NTHA results examined in this study; (b) most NTHA cases satisfying the limit-state criteria are located within the proposed limit curve, whereas cases exceeding the criteria are located outside the curve; and (c) the consideration of earthquake sequences tends to result in a larger number of cases exceeding the limit-state criteria compared with single-earthquake scenarios.

Abstract: Drone-view mixed reality (MR) in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector faces significant self-localization challenges in low-texture environments, such as bare concrete sites. This study proposes an adaptive sensor fusion framework integrating thermal and visible light (RGB) imagery to enhance tracking robustness for diverse site applications. We introduce the Effective Inlier Count (Neff) as a lightweight gating mechanism to evaluate the spatial quality of feature points and dynamically weight sensor modalities in real-time. By employing a 20 ×16 grid-based spatial filtering algorithm, the system effectively suppresses the influence of geometric burstiness without significant computational overhead on server-side processing. Validation experiments across various real-world scenarios demonstrate that the proposed method maintains high geometric registration accuracy where traditional RGB-only methods fail. In texture-less and specular conditions, the system consistently maintained an average Intersection over Union (IoU) above 0.72, while the baseline suffered from complete tracking loss or significant drift. These results confirm that thermal-RGB integration ensures operational availability and improves long-term stability by mitigating modality-specific noise. This approach offers a reliable solution for various drone-based AEC tasks, particularly in GPS-denied or adverse environments.

Abstract:

The classical Rankine and Coulomb theories frequently encounter difficulties in accurately modeling the complex, nonlinear, and displacement-coupled behavior of earth pressure on retaining walls under non-limit states. The present study proposes a “key feature refinement strategy based on collinearity analysis” and employs the said strategy by applying it to model test data. The strategy identified an optimum set of five physical parameters, namely displacement mode (DM), relative displacement (Δ/H), relative depth (Z/H), unit weight (γ), and internal friction angle (φ). A machine learning (ML) model has been developed that integrates Categorical Boosting with SHapley Additive exPlanations (CatBoost-SHAP). This model has been found to exhibit a marked enhancement in accuracy (R² = 0.917) when compared to classical theories, while concurrently offering the distinct advantage of explicit interpretability. SHAP analysis has been demonstrated to elucidate the nonlinear influence of each parameter. It is confirmed that displacement mode is identified as the governing factor for spatial pressure distribution, and classical mechanisms such as top‑down stress relaxation in the rotation-about-the-base (RB) mode and soil arching in the rotation-about-the-base (RT) mode are visualized. Furthermore, a displacement‑dependent mechanical threshold (Δ/H ≈ 0.006) has been identified, which marks the transition from a mode‑dominated to displacement‑driven pressure evolution. In addition, the proposed approach is integrated into a graphical user interface (GUI) that is designed to be user‑friendly, thereby furnishing practitioners with a precise tool for designing retaining walls. The validation of the model's performance against independent experimental results has demonstrated its superior agreement and practical utility under displacement-controlled conditions in comparison to conventional methods.

Abstract:

This article provides a critical and thematically structured literature review of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) urbanism as it intersects with the right to the city, green gentrification, affordable housing, public-private partnerships, and participatory governance. Drawing from over 100 peer-reviewed sources published between 2020 and 2025, the study examines how ESG frameworks are adopted, contested, and operationalized across diverse urban contexts. While ESG has emerged as a dominant paradigm in urban planning and real estate, the review reveals its frequent co-optation by market-driven agendas, which risk reproducing socio-spatial inequalities under the guise of sustainability. At the same time, the literature highlights promising alternatives rooted in environmental justice, multispecies ethics, legal reform, and community-led planning. The review advances the argument that ESG must be reframed not as a universal compliance model, but as a situated, justice-oriented framework capable of responding to the complex ecological and social realities of contemporary urbanization. By foregrounding relational governance, inclusive design, and equitable urban futures, the article contributes to an emerging research agenda that challenges technocratic sustainability and reclaims ESG as a transformative tool for spatial and environmental justice.

Abstract:

The conservation of culturally stratified heritage structures requires a holistic approach that balances the protection of historical integrity with the integration of contemporary functions. This study focuses on the Aya Payana Church, a late Ottoman rural ecclesiastical structure located in Isparta, Türkiye, as a case study to explore sustainable conservation and adaptive reuse strategies. Although the building retains much of its original physical fabric, its evolving uses—from sacred space to military storage and eventual abandonment—reflect a layered cultural narrative. In line with international conservation charters, intervention strategies were developed based on principles of minimal intervention, reversibility, and respect for historical authenticity. The adaptive reuse strategy involved transforming the site into a sensory-focused cultural facility, featuring a “Kokuhane” (scent museum) and a botanical garden cultivating local aromatic plants. This integration promotes active visitor engagement through laboratory workshops and enhances cultural continuity by linking traditional knowledge with contemporary experience. A transparent cafeteria structure was added with minimal visual impact, ensuring the preservation of the historical silhouette while improving visitor services. The proposed model demonstrates that sustainable conservation of culturally layered sites can be achieved through adaptive reuse strategies that prioritize historical integrity, cultural sustainability, and community engagement. The findings offer a replicable framework for future conservation projects aiming to revitalize underused rural heritage buildings while maintaining their cultural significance.

Abstract: Purpose: This study conducts a systematic literature review on the intersection of real estate exposure and geotechnical hazards, focusing specifically on seismic and subsurface risks. The objective is to synthesize key thematic trends, methodologies, and governance frameworks that informrisk-informed planning in seismically vulnerable urban areas. Design/methodology/approach: A Boolean search query was implemented on Lens.org, identifying 55 peer-reviewed articles published between January 2020 and May 2025. Inclusion criteria required explicit focus on property exposure to seismic or ground instability risks. Thematic analysis was conducted based on title and abstract data, supported by a Python-generated word cloud to inductively identify five core clusters: (1) seismic assessment and earthquake risk, (2) building vulnerability and structural performance, (3) subsurface hazards and ground instability, (4) urban areas, heritage, and social vulnerability, and (5) risk mitigation, planning, and resilience frameworks. Findings: The review reveals a shift from hazard-centric, engineering-based models toward integrated, multi-scalar frameworks that embed risk within socio-economic, spatial, and institutional contexts. While consensus exists on the importance of probabilistic modeling, retrofitting, and GIS-based tools, divergences persist around behavioral valuation, policy uptake, and equity in implementation. Heritage cities and informal settlements emerge as under-addressed but critically vulnerable domains. Originality/value: This study systematically maps interdisciplinary research on real estate exposure to seismic and subsurface risks post-2020. By bridging engineering, planning, behavioral economics, and disaster governance, the review provides a unique synthesis relevant for academics, urban planners, and policymakers seeking to design equitable and resilient urban futures.

Abstract: This study presents an outdoor modular, vertical farming system integrated into building façades to address urban food security and sustainability challenges in Singapore. The design integrates passive climate control, hydroponic and soil-based irrigation; active monitoring of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Continuous visual imaging is used to support growth monitoring and predictive harvesting, reducing labor needs. Under experimental conditions, deployment of UCNP-coated light-conversion films improved crop yield by 30% and reduced plant heat stress. Photovoltaic arrays and battery storage enabled energy self-sufficiency and microclimate management in the modular farm. The results demonstrated that building-integrated vertical farms can enhance urban food resilience and resource efficiency, offering a scalable model for sustainable agriculture in land-constrained cities.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing is increasingly used in construction, yet reliable quality assurance for 3D-printed concrete elements remains a major challenge. Existing digital defect-detection methods, particularly voxel-based and mesh-based approaches, are often evaluated separately, which limits understanding of their relative capabilities for construction-scale inspection. This study establishes a controlled comparison of the two representations using identical scan-to-design data, consistent preprocessing, and unified defect thresholding. A voxel pipeline employing signed distance fields and a three-dimensional convolutional neural network, and a mesh pipeline using triangular surface reconstruction, geometric surface descriptors, and MeshCNN, were applied to structured-light scans of printed clay wall segments containing intentional voids, material buildup, and layer-height inconsistencies. Across common performance metrics, voxel-based methods showed superior detection of volumetric and subsurface defects, while mesh-based methods achieved more precise localization of surface irregularities with substantially lower computational cost in runtime and memory. These results clarify representation-dependent trade-offs and provide guidance for selecting appropriate inspection pipelines in extrusion-based construction. The findings establish a construction-oriented benchmark for digital defect detection and support more efficient, reliable, and scalable quality-assurance workflows for sustainable additive manufacturing.

Abstract: National economic growth drives rapid infrastructure development, with civil engineering technology shifting from manual to AI and computer-based approaches due to the mature development of the Internet. Against this backdrop, this study applies computer technologies—specifically multimodal data—to enhance project rigor and safety. Taking an intelligent Trombe wall in a specific temperature area as a case study, we use multimodal data analysis and a multi-view algorithm to establish a systematic analysis process. Experimental results show that the four temperature measurement points of the Trombe wall reach maximum temperatures of 25.7°C (point 1), 24.7°C (point 2), and 25.1°C (points 3 and 4). These findings indicate that multimodal data analysis can effectively improve the quality of civil construction.

Abstract: This article presents a conceptual framework for using artificial intelligence for collision triage in a BIM (Building Information Modeling) environment. Modern collision detection tools generate huge numbers of reports, which directly burdens BIM coordinators and makes it difficult for them to effectively manage the interdisciplinary coordination process. Previous approaches have focused mainly on collision detection itself and simple, rule-based prioritization, rarely exploiting the potential of AI (Artificial Intelligence) methods in the area of post-processing of results. The proposed framework describes a modular system in which collision detection results and data from BIM models, schedules (4D), and cost estimates (5D) are processed by a set of AI components. These include: a classifier that filters out irrelevant collisions (noise), algorithms that group recurring collisions into single design problems, a model that assesses the significance of collisions by determining a composite 'AI Triage Score' indicator, and a module that assigns responsibility to the appropriate trades and process participants. The article also discusses a potential way to integrate the framework into the existing BIM workflow and possible scenarios for its validation based on case studies and expert evaluation. The proposed conceptual framework represents a step towards moving from manual, intuitive collision triage to a data- and AI-based approach, which can contribute to increased coordination efficiency, reduced risk of errors, and better use of design resources.

Abstract: This paper proposes a new hypothesis that breaks through the framework of traditional archaeological chronology and engineering to explain the mystery of megalithic structures that exist widely around the world and whose technical features exceed current understanding.The core of this hypothesis is: 1) The Earth civilization has periodicity with the period of the Sun's movement around the Milky Way as the period, and at least two periods have already existed; 2) The continuous expansion of the universe leads to the continuous expansion of atoms and the continuous reduction of material strength. Based on this, a coupling model of "atomic characteristic scale - material strength - individual human physique and physiological function - engineering technology limit" was established, and the quantitative relationship between the maximum weight of a single stone in a megaliite building and its construction year, as well as the qualitative relationship between the splicing accuracy and the construction year, were derived. Analysis using this model indicates that the construction dates of ultra-precise megalithic structures such as Pumapengu, the Pyramids of Giza, and Balbek may be much older than traditional dating results, or they might be the products of the previous or even earlier civilization cycle.

Abstract: Visual Impression in Architectural Space (VIAS) plays a central role in how users intuitively respond to surrounding environment, where visual stimuli such as signage, layout, and spatial density immediately shape attention, movement, and engagement. While designers intentionally deploy these visual attractors, the resulting perceptual and behavioural responses remain uncertain and vary across cultural and methodological contexts. To address this challenge, this study reframes urban public space, taking event-space as a case study, by integrating architecture and data-science into a framework that combines VIAS theory, behaviour-perception analysis, and sentiment-aware linguistic modelling. Firstly, we introduce a visual behavioural layer that identifies how spatial attractors such as advertising banners, product displays and event layouts. Secondly, we construct an expanded dataset from previous research comprising eight native participants interviewed in their native language, enabling linguistically accurate and culturally grounded comparison with the previous English-based mixed cohort. Thirdly, we develop a multi-modal sentiment-weighted keyword extraction algorithm that captures participant-initiated perceptual themes while suppressing interviewer influence and modality-specific bias, enabling alignment between verbal impressions and visual-behavioural evidence. Finally, we compare three interview modalities (onsite, video-based and virtual-environment) against behavioural observation data collected at a small-scale event in Matsue City, Japan. Results demonstrate that onsite participants exhibit systematic positive bias driven by the festive atmosphere, while remote modalities elicit more balanced assessments of visual clarity, signage effectiveness, stall arrangement, and missing spatial amenities. Furthermore, cross-linguistic analysis reveals cultural differences: native participants emphasise holistic spatial atmosphere, whereas international participants identify discrete visual focal points. By integrating visual attractors, behavioural metrics, and sentiment-aware linguistic patterns, the proposed framework provides a replicable method for explaining how designed visual elements trigger, reinforce, or contradict actual user behaviour. The findings offer evidence-based guidance for designing inclusive temporary event spaces, highlighting how architectural visual elements can be validated and refined through multi-modal computational analysis.

Abstract: In the face of accelerating climate change and urbanization, sustainable mobility infrastructure plays a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This article assesses the Sunglider concept – an elevated, solar-powered transport system – through the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Compass, which emphasizes sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetic value. Designed by architect Peter Kuczia and collaborators, Sunglider combines photovoltaic energy generation with modular, parametrically designed wooden pylons to form a lightweight, climate-positive mobility solution. The study evaluates the system’s technological feasibility, environmental performance, and urban integration potential, drawing on existing design documentation and simulation-based estimates. While Sunglider demonstrates strong alignment with NEB principles, including zero-emission operation and material circularity, its implementation is challenged by high initial investment, political and planning complexities, and integration into dense urban environments. Mitigation strategies—such as adaptive routing, visual screening, and universal station access—are proposed to address concerns around privacy, aesthetics, and accessibility. The article positions Sunglider as a scalable and replicable model for mid-sized European cities, capable of advancing inclusive, carbon-neutral mobility while enhancing the urban experience. It concludes with policy and research recommendations, highlighting the importance of embedding infrastructure innovation within broader ecological and cultural transitions.

Abstract: The building sector accounts for approximately 30% of global energy use. The demand for energy-efficient, high-performance buildings is increasing given the increasing awareness of the climate crisis. The building envelope greatly influences overall building energy performance. Considering the broad shift from passive to adaptive systems, smart window technologies are attracting attention. Despite their potential, few scholars have examined occupant comfort in spaces with smart windows. This gap is addressed herein by comparatively analyzing occupants’ responses to thermal and visual environments in a room with a smart window (RoomSW) and a room with a conventional window (RoomCW) in a residential building in winter. The smart window is operated via a glare-prevention tint control strategy, whereby the tint level is adjusted stepwise when glare occurs. The results reveal that under thermal conditions comparable to those in an actual dwelling, winter-time smart window tinting for glare prevention does not decrease occupants’ thermal sensation or satisfaction. Regarding visual comfort, the conditions in both the RoomSW and RoomCW satisfy the minimum indoor illuminance requirements, but glare occurs in the RoomCW. The questionnaire results indicate greater satisfaction with the luminous environment in the RoomSW relative to the RoomCW. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05).