Traditional stilt houses in tropical regions are commonly considered climate-responsive, yet empirical evaluations of their thermal behaviour under contemporary modifications remain limited. This study assesses the thermal performance of a traditional stilt house in Wana Village, East Lampung, Indonesia, using field measurements and solar exposure simulations. Surface temperatures of walls, roofs, and floors were measured using a FLIR C2 thermal imaging camera, while envelope heat exposure was analysed through Autodesk FormIt based on site-specific orientation and climate. The results show that envelope configuration and material layering significantly influence thermal behaviour. The double-layer wooden wall with an air cavity on the southern façade, which was constructed primarily for cultural representation, privacy, and structural emphasis rather than solar control, exhibits lower internal surface temperatures compared to single-layer walls on the east and west façades that receive higher solar radiation. Roof measurements indicate substantial heat retention by historic clay tiles, while the presence of a wooden ceiling effectively reduces heat transfer to interior spaces. Enclosure of the under-stilt space alters the floor’s thermal behaviour by limiting airflow beneath the building, resulting in higher surface temperatures. This study characterizes how vernacular architectural elements and subsequent adaptations interact with tropical climatic conditions to moderate heat gain. The findings provide empirical evidence to inform climate-responsive design strategies while supporting the sustainable conservation of traditional stilt houses.
School grounds shape children’s learning experiences through functional and sensory stimulation. However, in Batam Island, school grounds are often limited in design, with a stronger emphasis on practicality rather than multi-sensory stimulation. This research investigated how multi-sensory school design fosters intrinsic learning motivation among primary school children, focusing on coastal contexts such as Batam Island, Indonesia. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research comprised a systematic literature review with questionnaires administered to purposively selected students. The questionnaire consisted of two sections, with the first section using a Likert scale and the second section investigating through descriptive statistical techniques. Findings revealed that children, whose lives are closely intertwined with coastal nature, value clean environments, nature-inspired and soft color palettes, age-appropriate furniture and seating arrangements, subtle plant-based scents, smooth tactile surfaces, restorative soundscapes, and natural outdoor play areas. These environmental elements influence psychological, cognitive, and social dimensions that sustain intrinsic learning motivation. By amplifying coastal children’s voices, this research advocates the value of participatory approaches to school design in distinctive geographic and socio-cultural milieu. Ultimately, multi-sensory school design offers a pathway to advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education), which calls for inclusive, equitable, and lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Historic grand bazaars represent one of the most prominent forms of commercial architecture in historic cities due to their functional, social, and economic roles within the urban fabric. this research aims to analyze the architectural and morphological characteristics and spatial configuration of the kirkuk and qirdar grand bazaars, and to evaluate their impact on sustaining functional continuity within the historic city of kirkuk. the research problem arises from the absence of systematic scientific studies explaining how spatial configuration and architectural characteristics influence the functional continuity of historic grand bazaars. the study adopts a mixed method approach combining descriptive analytical and quantitative methods. the study analyze architectural characteristics through historical sources, drawings, local materials, roof forms, openings, and natural ventilation systems. quantitatively, the space syntax methodology using depthmapx analyzes connectedness, integration, and choice. results show that the kirkuk grand bazaar demonstrates high connectivity and a branching spatial pattern supporting movement distribution and functional hierarchy. in contrast, the qirdar grand bazaar exhibits higher integration and choice values, highlighting the role of a longitudinal spatial axis in enhancing commercial activities. the analysis confirms that spatial form strongly influences functional performance and supports sustainable conservation strategies within historic urban centers worldwide today globally.
This study presents a whole-building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a proposed large-scale commercial mall in a tropical emerging-economy context, addressing the limited application of LCA in the Philippine construction sector. Using One Click LCA software, the environmental impacts of the proposed Alturas Mall in Ubay, Bohol, were assessed across selected life-cycle stages. Results indicate that operational energy use (B6) dominates total life-cycle carbon emissions, accounting for 96.82% of total CO₂e, reflecting the fossil-fuel-dependent electricity mix of the Philippines. The calculated embodied carbon was 414.73 kg CO₂e/m², which falls below international benchmark thresholds. This study contributes empirical whole-building LCA evidence for large-scale commercial buildings in tropical emerging economies, a context that remains underrepresented in current literature. Transportation (A4) and selected maintenance stages (B1–B5) were excluded due to data limitations at the design stage, and embodied carbon results should therefore be interpreted as conservative estimates, particularly in archipelagic contexts such as the Philippines. The findings highlight the critical need to prioritize operational energy efficiency alongside material optimization in tropical commercial buildings and support the early integration of LCA into architectural decision-making.
River normalization is a technical initiative aimed at reinstating its natural role as a water distribution conduit and a supporting ecology for the surrounding community. A primary difficulty in the normalization process is riverbank erosion, which can jeopardize the stability of the adjacent ecosystem. This study investigates the utilization of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the design of earth retaining walls (ERW) for the Belimbing River, employing Autodesk Civil 3D, Subassembly Composer, InfraWorks, Navisworks, and Plaxis 2D software. This research presents a cohesive digital methodology that includes geometric modelling, visual simulation, cost estimation, construction scheduling, and thorough slope stability analysis.
This study analyzes the characteristics of the water settlement of Tobati Village, Papua, located in the Youtefa Bay conservation area, focusing on environmental, social, economic, and institutional challenges. The settlement faces various problems, such as water pollution, mangrove degradation, limited sanitation, and inadequate access to clean water, which threaten environmental sustainability and the community's quality of life. This study uses a qualitative case study approach to explore solutions based on an eco-settlement approach that integrates ecological, social, economic, technological, and architectural design sustainability. The results show that using passive design, such as cross ventilation and environmentally friendly building materials, can improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency in stilt houses. In addition, bio-digester technology for domestic waste treatment, rainwater harvesting systems, and mangrove rehabilitation supported by GIS mapping technology are proposed as key strategies to support sustainability. Collaboration between the government and local communities is also important to ensure inclusive and sustainable governance. This research significantly contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by offering a holistic strategy for environmentally friendly and resilient coastal settlement management.
Managing heritage building conservation projects is one of the complex challenges in the engineering field, due to the high historical and architectural value of these buildings. This study aims to identify the most prominent challenges affecting the management of heritage building conservation projects, with a particular focus on analysing the techniques and practices used to overcome these problems. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted to achieve these goals by studying the relevant published research. The methodology is based on using the PRISMA scheme to review these papers, where they are evaluated in each step of the scheme: identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. The selected keywords for this systematic review, such as conservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and management, reflect the intersection between project management and heritage building conservation, highlighting the current research trend in this field. The review process began by identifying 570 research papers in the last 5 years, which took into account the rapid development of modern technology such as artificial intelligence, 3d scanning tools, and HBIM and their integration with conservation management process. The research process ended by identifying 59 papers directly related to the topic. The influencing challenges were classified into five main categories: structural (31%), architectural (28%), management (26%), environmental (9%) and legal (6%). Moreover, advanced tools and techniques used in this field were also identified, such as Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) (44%), decision making tools such as the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) (11%), and many other techniques. Together, the results provide a comprehensive vision for stakeholders and project managers in the field of heritage building conservation management, with an emphasis on adopting a multidisciplinary approach that combines advance technology and balanced and long-term practices. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of maintaining a balance between modern interventions and preserving the historical value of the building, which represents a major challenge in the field of conservation. Although the study focused primarily on the active intervention phases, it offers an approach, based on the classification of key challenges and identification of mitigation tools, that can be extended to the post- intervention stage, particularly during periodic maintenance phase. This highlights the promising direction for future research aimed to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of conservation efforts.
This study investigates contemporary school architecture in Africa through the theoretical frameworks of critical regionalism and the architecture of scarcity, with a focus on local context and socio-cultural dynamics. Eight schools were examined using qualitative content analysis, evaluating design and construction processes in relation to resource limitations and community needs, guided by locality-based design criteria. The findings indicate that strategies such as the integration of local knowledge, climate-sensitive design, the use of local materials and construction methods, and participatory processes are discussed in relation to environmental performance, cultural practices, social resilience, and collective use of educational spaces within the analyzed sources. The case studies suggest that schools designed under scarcity-driven conditions function not only as infrastructural facilities but also as socially embedded environments associated with pedagogical experimentation, community engagement, and cultural continuity. This paper argues that the intersection of critical regionalism and scarcity-based methodologies provides an analytical framework for examining architectural production in resource-constrained contexts, producing design strategies that are discussed in relation to resistance to global homogenization and debates on social sustainability.
Urban climate adaptation efforts in the Global South are often dominated by top-down planning approaches that marginalize the situated knowledge of residents living with environmental risk. In flood-prone informal settlements, this disconnect can undermine the relevance of resilience interventions. Addressing this gap requires design processes that position communities not as consultees, but as co-authors of resilient futures. This research examines how local knowledge can inform and empower a community-led design process for resilience in a climate-vulnerable urban settlement. Using Kampung Gedong Pompa, a flood-prone informal neighborhood in North Jakarta, Indonesia, as a case study, the research documents two participatory co-design workshop iterations focused on envisioning the rebuilding of a community orphanage. The study adopts a qualitative methodology grounded in Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR), complemented by co-design practices and photo elicitation. Data was generated through facilitated workshops, participant dialogues, visual artifacts, photographic documentation, and facilitator reflective field notes. Across the workshops, residents from different generations articulated lived experiences of flooding, collective memory, and material practices. This research contributes to the methodological insights on co-design for researchers working in kampung context or similar environments.
This research aims to analyze authenticity, involvement, and interaction in place attachment at adaptive reuse cafés in commercial historic areas with nostalgia as a variable mediator. The methods employs a mixed method, sequential exploratory design integrating the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The first qualitative stage is carried out with a focus group discussion to obtain indicators of 12 visitors. The second stage adopts a quantitative survey using a questionnaire distributed to 200 respondents in Surabaya, Indonesia, which was analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling. The results show that authenticity has an insignificant influence on nostalgia, while involvement and interaction from visitors have a significant influence. Authenticity, nostalgia, as well as involvement and interaction have a significant influence on place attachment. Interesting fact, the role of nostalgia is less effective because this variable is not directly significant to respondents. In conclusion, Authenticity, involvement, and interaction play a vital role in strengthening emotional connections and fostering place attachment in heritage contexts. The role of nostalgia is to evoke emotional memories and associations that foster a sense of familiarity and personal connection. This research supports sustainability, promotes economic growth in historic commercial area, and strengthens local communities.
This paper investigates current model-making techniques and evaluates each method by demonstrating and measuring architectural students' acceptance and reliance during the design phases. The study evaluates the three approaches used in making architectural models (traditional, laser-cutting, and 3D printing) using criteria such as quality, completion speed, cost, availability of technology, materials, and software requirements. These criteria will be presented in the form of questions to a selected group of students to find out their preference rate for each method and measure the efficiency of each method for each stage of the architectural study on the one hand and its suitability for the type of the selected architectural project and its degree of complexity on the other hand. A test group completes a detailed questionnaire to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The collected data has been analysed to formulate conclusions and recommendations. The results explain to both students and professors when and why each model-making method should be used, and what the barriers and limitations are for each method. It was found from this research that applying the 3D printing model technique is the preferred one, especially for the final product presentation, but applying that method of model making faces many challenges in terms of the applicability and the used software and the research has concluded a list of solutions and recommendations for the addressed issues.
Limas houses in Palembang exemplify vernacular architectural systems that embody both cultural identity and climate-responsive design. Among their defining spatial features is the bengkilas, a tiered, partitionless floor system traditionally linked to social hierarchy. This study investigates the bengkilas as an integrated spatial mechanism for vertical thermal zoning and social stratification. Employing a mixed-methods approach within a multi-case study design, data were collected through architectural observation, occupant interviews, and systematic thermal measurements (temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity) across two seasonal periods. The results reveal a consistent pattern of vertical temperature stratification (up to 4.6°C difference), where upper tiers are cooler and better ventilated. Qualitative findings further demonstrate that spatial elevation corresponds with perceived comfort and with varying levels of privacy and symbolic meaning. These converging insights support the formulation of a thermal–social zoning model rooted in cultural logic and passive environmental performance. The study contributes a contextual framework for sustainable tropical housing design that integrates spatial, thermal, and social dynamics within a unified architectural strategy.
Persons with autism (PWAs) and their caregivers often face significant challenges when interacting with high-traffic front desk environments due to sensory sensitivities, a lack of staff awareness, and the absence of inclusive facilities. These issues can lead to distress, communication difficulties, and service delays, highlighting the urgent need for more autism-friendly practices in public service delivery. Aligned with the government's 'Ekonomi MADANI: Memperkasa Rakyat' initiative to enhance public service efficiency, this paper explores facilities management strategies for PWAs in high-traffic front desk areas. The aim is to create inclusive environments that cater to the unique needs of PWAs and their caregivers. Key strategies include sensory-friendly or quiet rooms to reduce overstimulation, special or fast lanes to minimise stress and waiting times, sensory kits for distraction, visible autism logos to signify available support and accommodation, and employee training on autism awareness and sensitivity. Using a qualitative methodology, specifically a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, this study synthesises existing research on autism-friendly practices in facilities management. The findings aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for improving accessibility and user experience for PWAs and their caregivers. Facilities can enhance accessibility and the experience for persons with autism (PWAs) and their caregivers by adopting these inclusive practices, thereby creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment. (187 words).
Ecomuseums serve as community-driven, place-based institutions that integrate tangible and intangible heritage with environmental stewardship. This open concept positions heritage not as a static artefact but as a living system shaped through local participation, cultural continuity, and ecological responsibility. Yet, rapid urbanisation and shifting societal demands have rendered many heritage buildings to disuse, neglect and eventual demolition. Conventional conservation practices struggle to keep these sites socially relevant or environmentally sustainable, leading towards the erosion of the cultural landscape. This study aims to (1) investigate how adaptive reuse can revitalise heritage structures, (2) examine the capacity of Ecomuseums to foster community participation and environmental education, and (3) identify sustainable conservation practices that emerge from integrating adaptive reuse within Ecomuseum frameworks. Using a document analysis approach, the research reviews literature and archival documents to enable a critical synthesis of theoretical perspectives, practical examples, and sustainability principles relevant to heritage conservation. The analysis reveals that adaptive reuse significantly enhances the lifecycle and social relevance of historic buildings. At the same time, Ecomuseums provide participatory platforms that deepen community engagement and environmental awareness, underscoring that integrating both approaches supports sustainable conservation. The findings highlight the importance of community-centred heritage strategies and the need for design innovations that navigate the complexities of historical integrity and present-day use. Building on these insights, future studies may develop a comprehensive framework toolkit to assist architects, planners, and policymakers in operationalising adaptive reuse within Ecomuseum models across diverse cultural and geographical contexts.
Envelope thermal performance has been found to have a significant effect on a building's energy performance. In Malaysia, the Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) is a mandatory metric regulated by MS 1525:2019 to limit heat gain through façades. Conventional OTTV calculation is a manual, time-consuming process prone to human error, hindering rapid design iteration. This study offers a novel methodology to automate this process by developing integrated workflows that connect Building Information Modeling (BIM) with a Visual Programming Language (VPL). The proposed system will automatically extract essential thermal and physical properties from the BIM database and compute the OTTV and roof thermal transmittance (Ur) in accordance with the MS 1525:2019 formula. The workflows were rigorously validated through a comparative analysis with traditional manual calculations, utilizing both a controlled hypothetical model and real-world case studies of residential buildings. The results demonstrate that the proposed BIM-VPL system achieves a high degree of accuracy, with deviations of less than 0.6% for OTTV and under 1% for Ur, while concurrently reducing processing time by 70–80%. Equip designers with a robust, efficient tool to rapidly assess and optimize envelope designs, enhance material selection in early project stages, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable building development.
This study assesses the drivers of Value Management (VM) implementation for sustainable housing construction projects in Jordan, a sector facing regulatory, cost, and sustainability challenges. Drawing on 34 drivers identified from global literature, a structured questionnaire survey was performed involving 103 stakeholders in the Jordanian building industry. The data were analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and validated using Partial Least Squares Structural Modelling (PLS-SEM). Results showed four critical categories of VM drivers: stakeholder engagement, knowledge, regulation, and VM adoption mechanisms. Among these, stakeholder engagement emerged as the major influential factor in enabling effective VM integration. Likewise, regulatory support and structured adoption processes were significant in strengthening implementation. The findings highlight that effective VM deployment requires not only technical competence but also proactive collaboration, informed decision-making, and policy backing. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by contextualising VM within the Jordanian building industry, a setting underrepresented in prior research, and by offering empirical proof of the unique factors shaping VM adoption in developing nations. The proposed framework provides practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders with strategic insights into improving sustainability, reducing costs, and improving project performance. More widely, the research underscores the potential of VM to serve as a transformative tool for achieving sustainable residential development in Jordan and similar contexts.
Sustainable building design is pivotal in mitigating environmental impacts and promoting energy efficiency. To support designers in achieving these goals, sustainable rating systems have been established globally according to the climate and suitability of each country including Malaysia. However, the proliferation of sustainable rating systems has led to a fragmented landscape of diverse standards. This poses challenges and confusion for stakeholders particularly designers in designing sustainable buildings which meet the sustainable rating systems requirement. Therefore, by utilizing a systematic review and meta-analysis approaches, this study attempts to align the sustainable building design criteria with the sustainable requirements in Malaysia’s rating systems namely Green Building Index (GBI) and Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST). By adopting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) framework, a rigorous search strategy was applied across the Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases, as well as sustainable guidelines, to identify the sustainable building design criteria which then systematically aligned with the primary sustainable criteria required in the rating systems. Finally, a meta-analysis approach was performed to synthesize the quantitative data and provide a consolidated view of the most critical and frequently cited sustainable building design criteria according to the primary sustainable criteria classification. This review offers a comprehensive alignment of sustainable building design criteria with Malaysia’s leading rating systems and serving as a fundamental reference for designers in integrating the sustainable practices into building design. It is hoped that this review will alleviate the confusion among designers, while also highlighting areas for improvement within the rating tools themselves to promote greater clarity, consistency, and integration of sustainability criteria in the country.
Culture has significantly influenced the architecture of the traditional houses in different parts of the world. However, it remains unaddressed in the sustainability assessment techniques of such houses. ‘Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)’ is one such assessment technique that assesses mainly the quantitative aspects associated with them. Previous LCA studies in the context of traditional houses or cultural heritage have mainly focused on the assessment of environmental impacts of restoration or renovation of heritage houses or optimizing their environmental performances. Also, LCA standards exist only for ‘Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (E – LCA)’ and ‘Social Life Cycle Assessment (S – LCA)’ which are the ‘ISO 14040’ and ‘Guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products’ by UNEP / SETAC Life Cycle Initiative (2009) respectively. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the various tangible cultural impact categories and subcategories for developing a framework for ‘Cultural Life Cycle Assessment (C – LCA)’ of traditional houses, which has been unaddressed in the building LCA studies or LCA standards before. Data has been collected through a questionnaire survey and purposive sampling method has been used to select the sample for the study. A total of 207 respondents, comprising of professionals in the related fields, and common people of age 18 years and above residing in different parts of India took part in the survey. The questionnaire comprises of the basic details of the respondents, followed by questions which are measured on a 5 – point Likert scale, and some open – ended questions as well. The collected data has been analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics software by using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. Results show that 10 out of the 11 cultural subcategories have an influence on the ‘spatial organization of the house.’ Whereas ‘conformity to local climate, geology and geography’ mainly influences the impact subcategories such as pattern, type, size and shape of the house under the impact category ‘form of the house,’ with factor loadings of 0.830, 0.830, 0.769 and 0.742 respectively. The eigenvalue and total variance explained by the component consisting of these four impact subcategories are 2.521 and 63.024% respectively, with a Cronbach’s Alpha (reliability) value of 0.804. Since, previous studies have mainly focused on the assessment of quantitative aspects like environmental impacts of traditional houses, and standards exist only for E – LCA and S – LCA, the novelty of this study lies in the fact that it will help in assessing the cultural impacts associated with the transformations in traditional houses during their lifespan as well. The findings of this study will not only help in preserving the housing heritage, but will also help in the incorporation of culture, which is the fourth pillar of sustainability, in the LCA process along with other three pillars of sustainability.
Abstract This study examines how neoliberal urban planning practices since the 1990s have reshaped urban development in Malaysia’s major cities and contributed to socio-spatial inequality. It focuses on the dichotomy between organically developed Incrementally Developed Areas (IDAs) and planned Privately Developed Areas (PDAs), with informal settlements and gentrification processes taking center stage. Case studies from Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru illustrate the coexistence of unplanned low-income communities and modern upscale settlements, highlighting the tensions between rapid economic growth and social equity. The analysis is conducted in three stages: (1) an overview of the changes in urban governance under neoliberal policies, (2) an assessment of the impact on the built environment and demographic patterns, and (3) a statistical assessment of socio-spatial inequality. Socio-economic indicators – including income levels and distribution, housing conditions, access to basic infrastructure, gentrification trends and displacement rates – are used to compare IDAs and PDAs. The results show significant differences between IDAs and PDAs and provide insights into the challenges facing urban communities in the midst of market-driven development. The study concludes with policy recommendations to promote more inclusive urban growth and reduce inequality in Malaysia’s cities, contributing to a deeper understanding of the impact of neoliberal urbanism on social justice and spatial equity.
Abstract Kuala Nerus' shoreline is protected from coastal erosion using artificial coastal defense. Breakwaters, groynes, and revetments are some artificial coastal defenses constructed. However, since 2016, coastal erosion has continued to worsen. This study analyzes the correlation between local communities' perspectives on the sufficiency of artificial coastal defense built and the impacts on economic, social, and environmental aspects. It determines the proposed mitigation measures for coastal protection from the perspectives of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the Public Works Department, and the East Coast Region Development Council (ECRDC), Terengganu. Two questionnaire surveys were employed: an online survey conducted with 150 residents along a 3 km coastal strip and a face-to-face interview with nine individuals from the agencies. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS, Spearman Correlation Analysis, and Descriptive Analysis. The data acquired demonstrated no significant correlation between the perceptions of local communities. The coefficient value obtained was between 0.0 and +-0.2, which is considered a low correlation. Mangrove replanting was the solution that most respondents from the agencies agreed upon.
