About the Journal

The built environment is encountering significant challenges, from rapid urbanisation and climate change to environmental depletion and socioeconomic inequality. These challenges demand knowledge development and research that cross the boundaries of architecture, building design and practices, construction technologies, and urban studies.

ABC2: Journal of Architecture, Building, Construction, and Cities is an open-access journal that engages with the full spectrum of built environment-related disciplines and professions, including Architecture, Building, Construction, and Cities. ABC2 aims to empower research for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through promoting dialogue among academics, professionals, and policymakers, to address pressing and timely challenges towards creating truly sustainable built environments. Focusing on cutting-edge research, advanced technology, and transformative strategies, ABC2 is a platform for meaningful research findings that defy present challenges and envision a better future.

 

ABC2 AIM

ABC2 aims to bridge theory and practice across architecture, building, construction, and urban studies. It serves as a programme for disseminating research findings, innovative methodologies, critical analyses, and research-based policy implications that address contemporary challenges in the built environment. ABC2 encourages interdisciplinary contributions that blur the boundaries between these areas. The journal invites contributions that integrate theoretical rigour with practical application, encouraging dialogue between academia, industry, and policy-making institutions. ABC2 is committed to addressing pressing global challenges including climate change, rapid urbanisation, heritage deterioration, housing crises, and sustainable development, through cutting-edge research, theoretical insights, case studies, and empirical investigations. 

ABC2 SCOPE

Encompassing a wide range of critical topics under the four sections of Architecture, Building, Construction, and Cities, ABC2 is intended to foster a holistic understanding of the built environment. 

Architecture: The architecture section explores the human, cultural, technical, and environmental dimensions of design. Examples of topics include:

  • Architectural Pedagogy and Design Studio Teaching Practices.
  • Biophilic design and human-centred architecture.
  • Computational and parametric design methodologies.
  • Cultural identity and its influence on architectural forms.
  • Heritage conservation and adaptive reuse of historic structures.
  • Innovations in materials and building envelope systems.
  • Sustainable architectural practices and green building design.
  • The contribution of architectural histories and theories to design practice
  • The role of architecture in social equity and inclusion.

Building: The building section addresses technological and operational aspects of building systems and performance. Examples of topics include:

  • Building performance analysis, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort.
  • Fire safety engineering and disaster preparedness in building design.
  • Indoor environmental quality, health and wellbeing.
  • Life cycle assessment and embodied carbon evaluation in building materials.
  • Renewable energy integration into building systems.
  • Retrofitting and upgrading existing buildings for modern challenges.
  • Smart building technologies and IoT integration.
  • Users-centred post occupancy evaluations.

Construction: The construction section focuses on methodologies, processes, and innovations that improve efficiency and sustainability in construction practices. Examples of topics include:

  • Advanced construction management techniques and project delivery methods.
  • Circular economy approaches in construction material use.
  • Construction risk management and safety protocols.
  • Economic and policy impacts on construction practices.
  • Integration of AI and robotics in construction workflows.
  • Lean construction principles and waste minimisation.
  • Offsite construction, prefabrication, and modular systems.

Cities: The cities section interrogates the design, planning, and governance of urban environments. Examples of topics include:

  • Affordable housing and social equity in urban areas.
  • Global and emerging cities and urban spectacles.
  • Public spaces, placemaking, and community engagement.
  • Resilient urbanism and climate-adaptive strategies.
  • Smart cities and urban digitalisation.
  • Sustainable urban planning and green infrastructure.
  • Transportation systems and mobility in urban design.
  • Urban informality and participatory planning approaches.