ABC2: Journal of Architecture, Building, Construction, and Cities
Toward a Lifecycle-Oriented Design for X (DfX): A Framework for Industrialized Building Products
In the building sector, the trend towards industrialization is accelerating. Although industrialized building products offer significant advantages, they face challenges throughout their lifecycle, many of which are related to the design phase. Current research has focused primarily on Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA), which, while valuable, tend to limit the broader integration of these products across the entire project lifecycle. To deal with this limitation, this study expands the design lens by examining a broader set of considerations collectively known as Design for X (DfX) to address the needs of various project phases right from the design phase. The goal is to enable the development of industrialized products that are not only optimized for manufacturing and assembly but also adaptable across the entire lifecycle of industrialized building projects. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was carried out using the WoS and Scopus databases, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. After a thorough screening and selection process, a qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify key design aspects relevant to industrialized building products. Then, a comprehensive framework was developed to categorize DfX considerations across the entire lifecycle of industrialized building projects, from design, manufacturing, and assembly to transportation, on-site installation, and end-of-life. This framework supports a more comprehensive approach to the industrialized design of building products. It can serve not only as a foundation for future research but also as a practical tool for evaluating the industrialization potential of building products during the early design phase.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sahar Taheripour, Hind Bril El-Haouzi, Moslem Sheikhkhoshkar, Mojtaba Azizi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Systems Awareness to Situated Action: Pathways Toward Sustainable Built Environments
The rapidly growing environmental, social, and technological challenges facing the built environment demand renewed attention to how sustainability is conceptualised, operationalised, and evaluated across scales of practice and research. Architecture, construction, and urban development are increasingly called upon to counter climate change and resource constraints, in addition to questions about social value, institutional capacity, and long-term resilience. This editorial article frames the contributions of the present issue of ABC2: Journal of Architecture, Building, Construction, and Cities (2026 – 02) within these broader imperatives. It situates them as requirements for achieving Sustainable Development Goals and within contemporary debates on systems thinking, circularity, digitalisation, and urban well-being. The articles jointly demonstrate how sustainability is pursued through material and biological innovation, digital construction and data-driven systems, neighbourhood-scale decision support, circular performance assessment, public space analysis, and pedagogical experimentation. Rather than advancing an exclusive model or solution, the issue highlights multiple pathways through which sustainability is translated from conceptual ambition into situated action. Therefore, it reinforces the role of interdisciplinary scholarship, institutional learning, and inquiry-based practice in shaping more responsive, inclusive, and resilient built environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Farzad Rahimian, Ashraf M. Salama https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Converging Perspectives: Human Experience, Digital Innovation, and Professional Pathways Toward Sustainable Built Environments
This editorial introduces 2026 – 01 issue of ABC2, offering five research contributions that collectively offer insights for understanding sustainable transitions in architecture, building, construction, and cities. The issue bridges human-centered approaches with technological innovation, examining how cognitive science informs urban density management, how fuzzy-based methods assess green building performance, what barriers constrain 3D printing adoption in developing economies, how theory-informed frameworks enable construction exoskeleton implementation, and how quantity surveying practice evolves to incorporate embodied carbon accounting. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from Salama's work on perceptual approaches and transformative pedagogy, alongside Rahimian's research on digital construction transformation and socio-technical innovation systems, the editorial argues that sustainable futures emerge through convergence rather than technical determinism alone. Seven cross-cutting themes are identified, including perception-performance relationships, socio-technical innovation pathways, professional role evolution, evaluation-based improvement, contextual appropriateness, workforce-centered approaches, and interdisciplinary synthesis. The contributions demonstrate that innovation becomes embedded in practice when organisational capacity, workforce competencies, institutional frameworks, and user acceptance align with technical capabilities. This integrative perspective positions ABC2 to support scholarship that refuses artificial boundaries between disciplines, between theory and practice, between technological possibility and human experience, and ultimately advancing built environments that serve human flourishing and ecological integrity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ashraf M. Salama, Farzad Rahimian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bioreceptive Building Facades: Codesigning with Nature
Although interactions between microorganisms and building materials have long been studied in the context of biodeterioration, actively enhancing the bioreceptivity of materials for microbially greened facades is a relatively new field. In our research we explore how concrete cladding used on building facades can be engineered to support the natural development of photosynthetic biofilms. Various factors related to concrete composition and surface texture were evaluated through a multi-phase testing process. A model dual-species biofilm composed of an alga and a microcolonial fungus was developed and successfully integrated into the experimental setup. The algal's growth and vitality were assessed using Pulse-Amplitude Modulation (PAM) fluorometry. Findings underscore the importance of surface near pH value in supporting both the growth and health of the algal component, with artificial concrete carbonation playing a key role in lowering the materials pH value and enhancing bioreceptivity. In a static, axenic laboratory growth experiment, the addition of nutrients onto the materials surface had a minor impact on bioreceptivity. Subsequent adhesion tests also revealed that a certain level of stress might enhance the biofilm's resilience to environmental pressures, such as water flow. Dynamic laboratory simulations with artificial rain showed that surface texture significantly influences biofilm adhesion, with near-surface porosity aiding in the retention of water and microorganisms and thereby promoting growth. Achieving an effective and lasting algal biofilm-based green facade system requires a careful balance between concrete surface pH value, material porosity and water retention.
Copyright (c) 2026 Julia von Werder, Leonie Stohl, Jake Cook, Chiara Tonon https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Accelerating the Transition to Green Building Neighbourhoods: A New Decision Support Platform
Green Building Neighbourhoods (GBNs) foster sustainable, accessible, low‐carbon living through shared energy, green mobility, and social cohesion. Steering a neighbourhood towards GBN status faces hurdles in governance, financing, citizen engagement, technological innovation, and accessible tools. Current rapidly evolving digital technologies, such as BIM and Digital Twins, accelerate this transition by offering real-time tracking and visibility, fostering better coordination among stakeholders and facilitating early issue detection. The emerging advanced decision intelligence and digital decisioning platforms incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, and large datasets. This integration enables automation, optimisation, and the consistent delivery of data-driven decisions across various ecosystems. We report on the development of a novel Decision Support Platform (DSP) within the EU H2020 PROBONO project. The PROBONO DSP is iteratively tested in six “Living Labs” in Madrid, Dublin, Brussels, Aarhus, Porto, and Prague, each at different life‐cycle stages and seeking to address themes such as energy, emissions, mobility, and health. Key functionality includes digitalizing social values in BIM, large‐scale scenario sampling, thermal‐comfort simulation and monitoring, mobility benchmarking, anomaly detection, and energy‐investment comparison. Deployment in the Living Labs has enhanced information sharing, ideation, and stakeholder discussion through concise overviews and tailored recommendations. Modular integration has enabled emergent features.
Copyright (c) 2026 Henri Sohier, Carl Schultz, Yazan Zayed, Aliakbar Kamari, Luc Jonveaux, Kostas Zavitsas, Georgia Pantelide, Joaquin Trinanes, Asier Alejandre, Jessica Mberi, Cristian Maxim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing Circularity in Building Design: Testing the Building Circularity Performance (BCP) Model Through a Case Study
The transition toward a circular building sector requires robust assessment methods to measure circularity throughout the project lifecycle and compare design alternatives. However, existing circularity assessment methods lack a comprehensive systematic approach for building designs. In response, the Building Circularity Performance (BCP) assessment model is being developed based on established BCIs (Building Circularity Indicators) and ISO standards. This study tests the first version of BCP through a case study methodology, evaluating two design scenarios of a sample building-linear and circular-to assess the BCP’s practicality in differentiating circularity levels. Results demonstrate that as the design transitions from linear to circular, the circularity score improves, highlighting the model’s capability to quantify the impact of CE principles across different design strategies. The study also highlights potential pathways for adopting circular practices in building design. Unlike previous models, BCP incorporates a wider range of CE aspects, including material health, environmental impacts, renewable energy, water circularity, and broader design strategies like standardization, durability, and transportability. This framework would help decision-makers and designers to incorporate CE principles in projects, promoting a more circular building sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saba Mani, Gayani Karunasena, Abid Hasan, M. Reza Hosseini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
IoT-Enabled Digital Twin for Autonomous Modular Construction Progress Monitoring
This study aims to develop and validate an autonomous progress monitoring solution for modular construction using DT technology. The goal is to address limitations in current modular construction monitoring by integrating IoT technologies with DT platforms to provide real-time, actionable insights and enhance project coordination. A DSR methodology was adopted to guide systematic development and validation of the proposed DT-based artefact. The research involved a detailed literature review to identify existing gaps in modular construction progress monitoring, followed by design, implementation, and testing of a practical DT solution using a simulated modular construction case study. The solution integrates close-range IoT technologies—specifically RFID tags and readers—to capture pre-defined element status data and generate real-time progress visualisation. The findings confirm that DTs, when coupled with appropriate IoT technologies, can provide a feasible and scalable solution for autonomous progress monitoring in modular construction. Close-range tracking technologies were found to offer the most reliable and accessible means for data collection. The solution emphasises simplicity and practicality, using minimal but targeted data to deliver meaningful progress metrics. The novel DT ontology further supports adaptability across diverse project settings, ensuring broader applicability. This research makes a novel contribution by presenting a validated, lightweight DT-based progress monitoring framework tailored to the unique characteristics of modular construction. Unlike traditional 4D BIM approaches, the solution prioritises automation, accessibility, and operational efficiency, aligning with Industry 4.0 objectives. It offers a replicable architecture for future DT implementations in construction, thereby advancing both academic understanding and industrial practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Scott Sheenan, Faris Elghaish, Tara Brooks, Farzad Rahimian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Technology, Safety, and Regulatory Innovation in Built Environment Research
This editorial frames the second issue of ABC2 around the convergence of technological innovation, safety management, and regulatory adaptation in the built environment. Despite the economic and social significance of the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, persistent fragmentation, declining workforce levels, and safety risks continue to challenge industry performance. Against this backdrop, the editorial situates Industry 4.0 and the emerging Industry 5.0 paradigm as transformative forces capable of reshaping construction processes, infrastructure resilience, and decision-making through human-centric, data-driven, and sustainable approaches. The contributions demonstrate how advanced technologies—such as Digital Twins, artificial intelligence, machine learning, extended reality, and data analytics—are being operationalised to address real-world challenges. Case studies span regulatory innovation in modular construction, global smart home typologies, predictive modelling for infrastructure failures, and proactive safety management for utility and highway workers. Together, they reveal how digital tools must be accompanied by regulatory evolution, organisational learning, and professional competence to realise their full potential. The editorial highlights several cross-cutting themes: the necessity of aligning technological advancement with regulatory frameworks; the growing centrality of data-driven methodologies; the influence of geographical and institutional contexts on implementation; and the enduring importance of human factors in safety and design. By synthesising these insights, the editorial positions Issue 2 as a significant step in ABC2’s mission to cultivate evolving knowledge spaces at the intersection of technology, policy, and practice. It concludes by inviting further contributions that integrate analytical rigour with societal relevance to advance safer, smarter, and more resilient built environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Farzad Rahimian, Ashraf M. Salama (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bridging Disciplines, Building Futures: Launching ABC2 as a Platform for Architecture and Built Environment Research
This editorial introduces ABC2: Journal of Architecture, Building, Construction, and Cities as a scholarly response to the escalating complexity of global built environment challenges. Rapid urbanisation, climate change, resource depletion, housing crises, and social inequality demand a departure from fragmented, discipline-specific research approaches. The editorial argues that prevailing academic silos—separating architecture, building science, construction management, and urban studies—limit the capacity of research to address these interconnected issues holistically. ABC2 is positioned as a trans-disciplinary platform designed to bridge these divides by cultivating “knowledge spaces” where theoretical, methodological, and practical perspectives intersect. Drawing on the complementary expertise of its editors-in-chief, the journal foregrounds both human-centred and technology-driven approaches, integrating socio-cultural inquiry with digital innovation. The editorial outlines ABC2’s vision, scope, and ethical commitments, emphasising rigorous peer review, research integrity, and open-access dissemination under a Creative Commons licence. It also introduces the journal’s three article types and highlights its alignment with global sustainability agendas, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The inaugural issue exemplifies this vision through geographically diverse and methodologically plural contributions spanning cities, buildings, construction systems, and architectural experience. Collectively, these articles demonstrate how boundary-crossing research can generate actionable knowledge with real-world relevance. The editorial concludes with a call to action, inviting scholars, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide to contribute to a shared, integrated knowledge base capable of shaping more sustainable, resilient, and equitable built environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ashraf M. Salama, Farzad Rahimian (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Streamlining the Building Permit Process with Modular Integrated Construction (MiC): A SWOT Analysis from Hong Kong
The construction industry faces increasing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has emerged as a potential solution to accelerate building processes, improve quality control, and address labor shortages. However, its impact on the regulatory framework, particularly the building permit process, remains underexplored. This study investigates whether MiC can contribute to streamlining building permit approvals, using Hong Kong as a case study. We adopt a qualitative research approach, conducting expert interviews with key stakeholders in the Hong Kong construction and planning sectors. Through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, we classify and assess the benefits, challenges, and potential reforms associated with MiC in the permit approval process. Key findings suggest that MiC's prefabrication and standardization can facilitate faster regulatory approvals, particularly through initiatives such as "type permits" or pre-approved component libraries within building authorities. However, challenges persist, including regulatory misalignment, limited local expertise, and the need for clearer guidelines on integrating MiC within existing urban development policies. Comparative reflections on other regulatory systems suggest that MiC’s potential benefits extend beyond Hong Kong, provided that regulatory frameworks adapt to accommodate its unique characteristics. Finally, we discuss limitations and propose future research directions, including cross-jurisdictional comparisons and further case studies on MiC’s regulatory integration. Our findings contribute to the growing discourse on construction innovation and regulatory adaptation, offering insights for both policymakers and industry practitioners seeking to enhance efficiency in urban development through MiC.
Copyright (c) 2025 Judith Fauth, Liupengfei Wu, Junjie Chen, Wilson Lu, Ioannis Brilakis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating Digital-Construction Maturity and Pedagogical Innovation through the QUB–BUE Transnational Education Collaboration
This study examines the digital-construction maturity emerging through the QUB–BUE Transnational Education partnership, drawing on empirical evidence from 28 professionals and academics. Quantitative analysis reveals strong pedagogical endorsement for embedding AI (mean = 4.82), Digital Twins (mean = 4.50), and BIM (mean = 4.36) within higher-education curricula to enhance employability and digital competence, reflecting Egypt’s growing alignment with global digital-engineering practices. Pedagogical findings confirm a dominant preference for experiential and case-based learning, while sustainability integration demonstrates advanced engagement with OneClick LCA, Power BI, and Python for low-carbon design analytics. Despite this progress, gaps remain in the systematic translation of digital awareness into operational learning workflows and standardised training frameworks. The partnership illustrates how Transnational Education (TNE) can bridge these gaps by embedding shared curricula, joint research, and industry collaboration that strengthen technical capacity and governance. The results position Digital-Construction TNE as an effective model for accelerating digital transformation and sustainable development in Egypt’s construction sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faris Elghaish, Tara Brooks, Ahmed Osama Daoud, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
From Integrated to Intelligent: A Typological Exploration of Global Smart Home Cases and User Needs
This study addresses a critical research gap in smart home literature by providing a comprehensive typological analysis of global implementations. Utilising a multiple case study methodology with purposive sampling across six dimensions (target users, technology focus, implementation scale, intended purpose, geographical location, and user status), we systematically examined diverse smart home applications. Data collection followed a structured four-phase process incorporating academic databases, industry reports, technology publications, and manufacturer repositories. Through rigorous cross-case analysis, we developed a novel typological framework categorising smart homes as Integrated, Supportive, Defensive, Lifestyle, Efficient, and Intelligent. Our findings reveal that smart homes are non-monolithic, with most implementations embodying multiple typological categories simultaneously. The analysis demonstrates how technologies adapt to specific user needs—from security systems for vulnerable households to health monitoring for elderly residents and efficiency features for environmentally conscious users. Geographical patterns emerged, with European implementations emphasising healthcare applications while North American cases focus more on lifestyle enhancements. This typological framework enables a structured understanding of smart home complexity and provides valuable insights into technological integration trends. The research advances smart home scholarship beyond isolated technological examinations toward a comprehensive understanding of how these systems address diverse human needs across global contexts, offering significant implications for researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers navigating this rapidly evolving field.
Copyright (c) 2025 Azin Ehteshami, Burak Pak, Mirjana Lozanovska, Richard Tucker https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cairo’s Green Spaces Between Public Appreciation and the Threat of Official Trivialisation
The importance of green spaces is well-recognised in many cities around the world for their contribution to enhancing people’s quality of life. Unfortunately, in Cairo, they are not viewed similarly by the responsible authorities, resulting in the removal of several green spaces and the deterioration of many others. This article examines public perceptions of green spaces and public parks through an online questionnaire. The main finding of the questionnaire is that the public values green spaces and public parks, contrary to the official policies. Visits to public parks were found to be an infrequent activity in Cairo. The main reason is the deterioration of their condition, among other accessibility barriers. The questionnaire showed that specific parks in Cairo are liked because of the high level of their upkeep. It indicated that the public is interested in community participation, which can benefit in enhancing and protecting green spaces. The findings highlight a clear disconnect between official urban development practices and residents’ environmental priorities, emphasising the role of governance and management in shaping access to, and perceptions of, urban green spaces. Addressing this gap is essential for promoting more inclusive, sustainable, and publicly supported urban development strategies in Cairo. Public officials in the city need to realise that their approach to the city’s green spaces does not meet the aspirations and expectations of the public. Green spaces need to be reconsidered as priorities for Cairo to stop the removal of more green spaces and enhance the quality of existing ones.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dalia Aly, Branka Dimitrijevic https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Key Barriers to 3D Printing Technology Adoption for Sustainable Project Delivery in Nigeria
Adopting 3D printing technology has the potential for sustainable construction practices and mitigating environmental impacts. There are challenges to its adoption in developing countries. Hence, this study evaluates the barriers to adopting 3D printing technology in Nigeria. A post-positivist philosophical approach guided a quantitative research methodology towards a questionnaire survey. The population comprises stakeholders who focus on 3D printing technologies and are involved in sustainable development. Using snowball sampling, 380 questionnaires were distributed online; 253 copies were retrieved, screened, and analysed using descriptive and inferential analysis. The mean scores range from 3.09 to 3.46, with key barriers such as limited technical expertise, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and cultural resistance. The Kruskal-Wallis H test outcome revealed that the respondents’ opinions differed significantly for the variables since their p-values were less than 0.05. It is recommended that there is a need to enhance awareness of 3D printing technology through workshops, seminars, and demonstration projects that engage construction professionals and industry stakeholders. The study suggests developing technical skills through vocational training programs and certifications for a robust 3D printing workforce.
Copyright (c) 2026 Manbyen Nanven Rimtip, Olajumoke Olatunbosun, David Ojimaojo Ebiloma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Gesture-based Survey Design for Evaluating Indoor Spatial Experience in Extended Reality
The integration of Extended Reality (XR) into built environments presents opportunities for spatial experience, yet evaluation methods fail to capture unique characteristics when physical and virtual elements coexist. Current approaches—from usability-focused to architecture-oriented methods—overlook verbal-behavioral discrepancies where users report positive experiences while exhibiting avoidance behaviors. To address this gap, we present SEEMEE (Spatial Experience Evaluation Method for Extended Environments), a framework evaluating XR spatial experience through behavioral congruence measurement—the degree to which user movements match natural behaviors in equivalent physical spaces. SEEMEE employs a three-stage guideline capturing behavioral responses to spatial stimuli. Target Movement Setting establishes baselines by documenting Personal Pattern Baseline (individual movement characteristics) and Spatial Pattern Baseline (navigation trajectories within environmental constraints). Affection Panoply Modeling captures experiential responses at multiple temporal scales: fleeting affection within 3-second windows and savoring affection at 5-minute, 30-minute, and 24-hour intervals. Response Congruence Formatting interprets behavioral differences through Temporal Distillation Protocol (tracking adaptation patterns) and Uncertainty Distillation Protocol (distinguishing system-level issues from individual preferences). To detail, we demonstrate a virtual window experiment as an example. Findings reveal that SEEMEE effectively captures temporal patterns of verbal-behavioral congruence. Positive self-reports paired with avoidance trajectories, or naturalistic movement aligned with consistent self-reports, provide composite indicators that conventional questionnaires miss. The proposed guidelines offer new possibilities for evaluating genuine spatial experience.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hyeokjin Choi, Jae Yeon Shin, Choo Sheriel Shannon, Seung Hyun Cha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green Building Standards and Their Application in Retrofitting Educational Buildings in South Africa.
The retrofitting of educational buildings for improved sustainability and energy efficiency is crucial in the fight against climate change. Green building standards (GBS) provide a structured approach to enhancing building performance, reducing carbon footprints, and promoting sustainable practices. This study investigates the application of green building standards in retrofitting educational buildings in South Africa using a survey research design. The study examines the extent to which GBS, such as the Green Star SA rating system, SANS 10400-XA energy efficiency regulations, and other international frameworks, are adopted in retrofitting projects. A structured questionnaire was administered to architects, engineers, facility managers, construction managers, and Quantity Surveyors involved in the retrofitting of educational buildings across Gauteng province in South Africa. To achieve the aim of the study, this paper assessed the level of awareness, implementation challenges, and perceived benefits of integrating GBS into retrofitting projects. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to identify trends and relationships in the data. The findings reveal that while there is growing awareness of GBS in the retrofitting sector, its application remains inconsistent due to financial constraints, regulatory challenges, and limited technical expertise. Despite these challenges, the study found that retrofitting projects incorporating GBS yielded significant benefits, including reduced energy consumption, improved indoor environmental quality, and enhanced building longevity. The study concludes that a more structured approach, supported by policy interventions, financial incentives, and training programs, is essential to mainstream the adoption of green building standards in retrofitting educational buildings in South Africa.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ayobami Oluwaseun Idowu, Clinton Aigbavboa, Ayodeji Oke, Seyi Stephen , Kunle Ogundipe (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Cognitive Science Framework for Urban Density Management: Visual Field Thresholds and Infrastructure Moderators
Urban planning's reliance on objective density metrics systematically fails to predict community responses to development proposals. This research demonstrates that density perception operates through cognitive mechanisms analogous to visual perception, governed by measurable thresholds and systematic mediation effects. Through integrated analysis employing Image Segmentation, Situation Judgement Tasks, and Multiple Sorting Tasks with 163 Glasgow residents, the study identifies visual field thresholds where building coverage exceeding 44% of the visual field triggers high-density perception universally, while sky visibility below 10% induces crowding responses regardless of objective measures. Infrastructure quality operates multiplicatively rather than additively, with vegetation presence, pedestrian activity, and mixed-use development creating compound effects that increase acceptable density capacity by 60%. Statistical validation reveals perfect correlations (r = ±1.000, p < 0.001) between visual components and perception classifications, indicating lawful cognitive relationships rather than preference variation. These findings establish that density perception is governed by systematic cognitive principles, enabling precise design specifications through a predictive formula combining threshold constraints with infrastructure moderators. The application demonstrates how 120 dwellings per hectare can achieve a comfortable perception equivalent to 75 dwellings per hectare through strategic visual field management and infrastructure investment. This cognitive science framework transforms density management from political negotiation to evidence-based design, with direct implications for achieving climate-responsive urban development without sacrificing community acceptance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Madhavi P. Patil https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Learning from Accidents: A Qualitative Analysis of Damage Data to Identify the Antecedents of Utility Strikes
Underground utilities (particularly electricity and gas) pose a significant hazard to workers during excavation works. Even with advanced digital instruments for utility detection, governing standards and strict compliance regulations, utility strikes continue to occur at an alarming rate. Therefore, analysing utility strikes and their antecedents is necessary to determine their causes as a first step towards preventing them. A dataset of 10 case studies related to ‘dangerous occurrences’ and ‘lost time’ categories in utility strikes were selected for analysis based on purposive sampling. Identification of the incidents’ causes was performed by coding the excerpts of narrative within incident reports produced using the NVivo 12 software program. In total, 33 causes of incidents were identified and categorised into two thematic groups viz. worker or work related categories. The causes of incidents were then discussed, practical recommendations made and conclusions drawn. Finally, an innovative practical framework (based on pre-event, event and post-event phases) was developed to address the causes of incidents in utility strikes. Emergent findings provide a basis for firms and industries to augment the health and safety of workers employed on buried utility services projects.
Copyright (c) 2025 David Edwards, Hadi Sarvari, Aya Bayramova, Iain Rillie (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Embodied Carbon Accounting into the Role of the Quantity Surveying Profession in the Construction Industry
Despite unprecedented attention focusing upon embodied carbon accounting (ECA) and concomitant net-zero emissions in the construction industry, the quantity surveying (QS) profession’s quintessential role in achieving this ambition has hitherto attracted scant academic attention. Thus, this study examines how ECA can become an integral part of the QS profession. An exploratory mixed-method approach is adopted, including descriptive analysis and inferential analysis such as factor analysis, correlation and thematic analysis. Primary quantitative data were gathered from 106 related experts, whilst qualitative data were gathered from twelve related experts. Emergent results show that QS skills in cost planning, procurement and early design involvement are directly relevant to ECA. Key enablers identified are: “industry collaboration and knowledge sharing”, “tools, frameworks, and policy infrastructure” and “data integration and ECA cost planning”. However, for QS to effectively contribute to ECA, a blend of technical expertise, digital proficiency, and communication skills is requisite. Nonetheless, the key strategies to integrate the ECA into the QS profession are: “formalised training and upskilling”, “embedding carbon into existing QS workflows”, “digital tool integration”, “early-stage project involvement” and “policy and client-led requirements.” This study recommends aligning ECA frameworks with established QS cost management systems to create unified cost–carbon standards. This development could encourage academic institutions to incorporate carbon literacy, environmental product declaration (EPD) interpretation and BIM-LCA integration into QS higher education curricula. Furthermore, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and other bodies must enforce continuing professional development modules on carbon management and include carbon data reporting in standard QS deliverables.
Copyright (c) 2026 Frank Ato Ghansah, Eseosa Jesuorobo, David John Edwards, Bert Ediale Young https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Anatomy of Harm: A Machine Learning Smart Shield for Predicting Highway Worker Injuries
Despite growing interest in the application of machine learning (ML) for accident prediction and safety analysis, limited research has explored its use in predicting anatomical injury risk among highway workers. This study addresses this gap by developing a predictive model capable of classifying body parts most susceptible to injury in highway-related incidents. Positivism and interpretivism set the theoretical foundations for this study. The sequential exploratory mixed method adopted involved the preprocessing of accident datasets, feature selection and model evaluation using established performance metrics. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm was employed as the primary classifier, with its performance benchmarked against three comparative models: Naïve Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF) and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Analysis results showed that variables such as ‘region’, ‘site/project’, ‘event type’, ‘vehicles involved’ and ‘location’ were very significant in predicting bodily injuries. Moreover, the findings also indicate that the SVM model, when optimally tuned, yields competitive classification accuracy, with RF and RNN models showing promising supplementary performance. This study introduces a novel framework for body-part injury classification within high-risk highway environments tailored for highway workers. This is the first study to use real life datasets specifically collected from highway worker injuries and departs from previous studies which have focused on drivers, pedestrians and the road only.
Copyright (c) 2025 Loretta Bortey, David J. Edwards https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Analysing the Factors Contributing to Sewer Pipeline Failure under an Integrated Picture Fuzzy Environment with System Dynamic Modelling
This study addresses the critical challenge of sewer pipeline failures, a problem of significant environmental and economic consequence. Despite the widespread impact, a research gap exists in quantitatively understanding the factors contributing to these failures, hindering the development of targeted mitigation strategies. The study introduces a novel amalgamation of Picture Fuzzy Set Theory with the Delphi technique (PFDM) and the System Dynamic Modeling (SDM) technique to fill this gap. Findings from content analysis reveal four main factors and twenty-three sub-factors, with environmental and structural elements emerging as predominant contributors to sewer pipeline failures. The proposed PFDM identifies eleven sub-factors as primary culprits, highlighting the critical role of factors such as pipe age, materials, damages from third parties, internal corrosion, and various types of cracks and holes. Importantly, sensitivity analysis demonstrates the robustness of these findings, showcasing consistency across diverse expert opinions. The SDM technique further underscores the interconnectedness of influential factors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. This research offers valuable insights for environmental and drainage decision-makers, helping them prioritize interventions to reduce sewer system failures and their associated environmental impacts, such as sewer overflow and exfiltration. By focusing on the identified critical factors and their complex relationships, the overall resilience and longevity of sewer pipelines will be enhanced.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saeed Reza Mohandes, Sina Fadaie, Ehsan Aghdam, Sherif Abdelkhalek, Atul Kumar Singh, Mohammad Mayouf, Tarek Zayed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prototyping an AI-powered Tool for Energy Efficiency in New Zealand Homes
Residential buildings contribute significantly to energy use, health outcomes, and carbon emissions. In New Zealand, housing quality has historically been poor, with inadequate insulation and inefficient heating contributing to widespread energy hardship. Recent reforms, including the Warmer Kiwi Homes program, Healthy Homes Standards, and H1 Building Code upgrades, have delivered health and comfort improvements, yet challenges persist. Many retrofits remain partial, data on household performance are limited, and decision-making support for homeowners is fragmented. This study presents the design and evaluation of an AI-powered decision-support tool for residential energy efficiency in New Zealand. The prototype, developed using Python and Streamlit, integrates data ingestion, anomaly detection, baseline modeling, and scenario simulation (e.g., LED retrofits, insulation upgrades) into a modular dashboard. Fifteen domain experts, including building scientists, consultants, and policy practitioners, tested the tool through semi-structured interviews. Results show strong usability (M = 4.3), high value of scenario outputs (M = 4.5), and positive perceptions of its potential to complement subsidy programs and regulatory frameworks. The tool demonstrates how AI can translate national policies into personalized, household-level guidance, bridging the gap between funding, standards, and practical decision-making. Its significance lies in offering a replicable framework for reducing energy hardship, improving health outcomes, and supporting climate goals. Future development should focus on carbon metrics, tariff modeling, integration with national datasets, and longitudinal trials to assess real-world adoption.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdollah Baghaei Daemei https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Theory-Informed Framework for Implementing Passive Back-Support Exoskeletons in Construction
Passive exoskeletons hold significant promise for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders in construction, yet clear, theory-informed guidance on how organizations should adopt and sustain them remains limited. This study presents Exo-Implant, a multi-stage implementation framework grounded in Normalization Process Theory and tailored to the operational, organizational, and cultural characteristics of construction workplaces. The framework was developed through literature review, expert validation, and iterative refinement using construction-specific adoption factors. Its evaluation employed a scenario-based case study with professionals from a construction firm, integrating a usability questionnaire with a facilitated focus-group analysis to assess practicality, clarity, and perceived value. Results indicated that participants viewed Exo-Implant as useful, trustworthy, and role-relevant, though moderately complex to navigate due to the number of interconnected steps and information flows. Identified facilitators included early feasibility assessment, stakeholder engagement, and clear procedures for training, operational planning, and iterative learning. Key barriers centered on plan complexity, limited embedded prompts or examples, insufficient detail on repair-tracking and usage monitoring, and the variability of cost–benefit evaluation practices across firms. This study contributes by providing a transferable, construction-specific implementation framework; extending Normalization Process Theory with industry-specific insights into organizational readiness, workforce engagement, and continuous learning; and offering guidance for researchers and practitioners seeking to implement exoskeleton adoption in construction and other labor-intensive sectors. Exo-Implant demonstrates how theory-informed, context-sensitive strategies can bridge the persistent gap between exoskeleton promise and real-world organizational practice.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nihar Gonsalves, Abiola Akanmu, Philip Agee, Alireza Shojaei https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Do We Know Enough About Green Buildings? A Meticulous SWOT Analysis Using Fuzzy-based Approach
Sustainability has become a critical focus in the construction industry, yet a detailed understanding of the factors shaping green building adoption remains limited. This study investigates the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) associated with green building implementation and employs a fuzzy-based DEMATEL approach to analyse the interrelationships among these factors. Key findings reveal that improved resident comfort, enhanced GDP, lack of end-user knowledge and awareness, and bureaucratic inefficiencies significantly influence green building adoption. Expert validation further identified that tax rebates, financial incentives, and subsidies are essential strategies for promoting sustainable construction practices. The study also highlights the importance of integrating regulatory support, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable technologies to enhance policy effectiveness. By systematically combining SWOT with fuzzy DEMATEL, the research provides a rigorous framework to assess factor importance and causal interdependencies under uncertainty. The outcomes offer actionable insights for policymakers and industry practitioners, guiding the design of incentive programs, regulatory frameworks, and implementation strategies. This study contributes to academic scholarship and equips decision-makers with a practical, evidence-based approach to advancing green building adoption, fostering sustainability, and supporting long-term development in the construction sector.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saeed Reza Mohandes, Atul Kumar Singh, Kofi Agyekum, Tarek Zayed https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Probabilistic Feature-based Grading and Classification System for End-of-Life Building Components Toward Circular Economy Loop
The transition toward a circular construction economy requires robust, data-driven decision frameworks to determine whether end-of-life components can be reused. This paper proposes an adaptive probabilistic framework, the Multi-Level Grading and Classification System (MGCS), which evaluates specific component types, such as precast concrete wall panels, against the performance requirements of their intended reuse scenario. The proposed MGCS integrates Bayesian modelling with scenario-dependent performance thresholds. In the first stage, the method assigns a quality grade (A–E) based on quantitative physical condition indicators. The grade then informs a corresponding intervention class (1–5), supporting strategic reuse, upcycling, or downcycling decisions. This two-step, scenario-sensitive process enables a single component to be valued across multiple potential afterlives, maximising resource efficiency and embodied-carbon retention. The framework is demonstrated using empirical data from precast concrete panels and designed to remain transparent, auditable, and extensible to other component categories. By aligning material condition with functional demand, MGCS addresses the environmental, economic, and operational challenges of end-of-life management, reducing waste, improving value recovery, and supporting workflow optimisation within circular construction practice.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yiping Meng, Sergio Cavalaro, Mohamed Osmani https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Urban Infrastructure, Quality of Life, and Pro-Tourism Behavior: Evidence from Turkistan City, Kazakhstan
This study examines the moderating role of residents' gender on the relationship between urban infrastructure development and both quality of life and pro-tourism development behaviors in Turkistan, Kazakhstan. Using a survey-based approach, data were collected from local residents and analyzed through structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings reveal that gender, particularly being female, positively moderates the association between urban infrastructure development and residents’ perceived quality of life as well as their supportive behaviors toward tourism development. This suggests that female residents are more responsive to improvements in urban infrastructure and more likely to engage in pro-tourism behaviors, potentially due to equal access to infrastructure benefits and economic opportunities. The results support the proposed hypotheses and provide insights into the gender-sensitive dynamics of urban and tourism planning. This research contributes to sustainable tourism development by emphasizing the importance of incorporating gender considerations in urban infrastructure strategies to enhance residents’ quality of life and engagement in tourism initiatives. The findings have practical implications for policymakers and urban planners seeking to design inclusive infrastructure projects that encourage community participation and support sustainable tourism development.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gulnara Mamirkulova, Zhang Hui https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0