The integration of smart materials into architecture is redefining the built environment by introducing innovations that are self-healing, adaptive, and sustainable. (Nicolay et al., 2021a; Wang et al., 2025) These advanced materials react dynamically to external stimuli such as temperature, humidity, and stress, improving resilience, energy efficiency, and user comfort. Among the most significant examples are self-healing concrete and thermochromic glass, which enable buildings to repair minor damage and adapt to changing climate conditions. The implications of these materials extend beyond single structures, influencing urban planning and sustainable development strategies aimed at creating resilient, energy-efficient cities. Self-healing concrete, developed through bacterial processes at Delft University of Technology, exemplifies how biological mechanisms can extend structural lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Likewise, thermochromic glass, featured in projects such as The Edge in Amsterdam, regulates light and heat transfer, reducing dependence on artificial systems. These technologies represent the shift from static to dynamic architecture capable of real-time environmental interaction. (Jonkers & Schlangen, 2008; Garshasbi & Santamouris, 2019) However, the adoption of smart materials faces challenges, including cost, durability verification, and limited awareness in professional education. This paper analyzes key categories of smart materials, case studies of self-healing and adaptive technologies, and their broader implications for sustainable design and urban planning. It also introduces the need for specialized academic coursework integrating materials science and architecture to equip future designers with the knowledge required for sustainable innovation. Ultimately, smart materials pave the way toward cities that are not only efficient but also regenerative and responsive to their environments.
The construction industry confronts persistent challenges related to inefficiencies, rework, and cost overruns, driving the need for advanced digital solutions like Building Information Modelling (BIM). This research appraises BIM clash detection's financial and operational benefits, emphasizing its pivotal role in improving project performance. Centered on case study projects, the research employs a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis framework, integrating quantitative data from BIM clash reports, project rework logs, and qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews. The analysis evaluates financial indicators such as Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Return on Investment (ROI) to determine the viability of BIM clash detection. Findings reveal that implementing this technology lessens rework frequency, enhances project timelines, and fosters stakeholder communication and coordination. A significant reduction in errors and rework also ensures higher cost savings and more efficient resource utilization. The study utilizes advanced techniques like federated BIM modelling, sensitivity analyses, and scenario-based evaluations to simulate real-world conditions and quantify outcomes. Results confirm a positive NPV, a BCR greater than 1, and a high ROI, underscoring BIM clash detection's economic feasibility and long-term value. The research illustrates how this technology mitigates construction risks, improves stakeholder satisfaction, and ensures superior project delivery quality. Through its rigorous methodological approach and robust analysis, this research demonstrates the transformative potential of BIM in modern construction. It offers actionable insights for stakeholders seeking to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and adopt innovative technologies to revolutionize project delivery and management processes.
The initiatives adopted by the government to enhance the urban areas and quality of life may catalyze the gentrification phenomenon, which results in significant changes in the economic and demographic activities within a public space, and the replacement of one societal group with another. Involving the private sector in the development processes is one of the strategies the government proposed to satisfy the population’s needs and demands for leisure urban facilities. While initially encouraging diversity, privatization of public spaces eventually manifests as a form of segregation that excludes a particular socioeconomic group, affecting the publicness, accessibility, and usability of these spaces. This paper aims to uncover how privatization of public spaces contributes to the gentrification of the public space itself by proposing a model to measure the level of publicness and gentrification of the public spaces. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the common variables of gentrification and privatization, followed by an analysis of international case studies using these variables to test the model. The results revealed that privatization is a silent gentrifying force that first transforms the public space before influencing the surrounding urban areas.
The architectures of oriental matrix are the material and tangible testimony of a culture that for centuries has invested southern Italy, and in particular the eastern regions close to Greece, which had specific geographical and orographic configurations. The traces of this incredible story are, in some cases, striking, majestic, and complex architectural masterpieces; in other cases, minute and widespread, myriads of small artefacts, lined up along the ancient paths. The theme of this research aims to connect, in an organic network, the small artefacts that belong to the oriental tradition and which are present along the Sicilian and Calabrian eastern coasts The aim of the research is not to reconstruct medieval perceptions – a methodologically problematic operation, as well as scientifically risky in the absence of sources – but rather to investigate how contemporary communities reinterpret the Italian-Greek heritage, how they have tacitly assimilated it into the surrounding landscapes, and how digital tools (photogrammetry, participatory methods and mobile applications) can mediate this relationship and contribute to its intangible cultural value.
This study investigates how sojourners’ global-local identities influence their sustainable behaviors toward local cultural heritage, with a focus on the mediating role of perceived cultural resilience and the moderating effect of relative deprivation. Using a quantitative approach with 352 survey responses from sojourners in Dali, China, the research employs PLS-SEM to test a conceptual model. Results reveal that both global and local identities positively affect perceived cultural resilience, which fully mediates their relationship with sustainable heritage use. Relative deprivation negatively moderates the link between local identity and perceived cultural resilience, indicating that perceived inequities weaken the positive impact of local attachment on resilience perceptions. Notably, global identity’s effect on perceived cultural resilience remains unaffected by relative deprivation, suggesting a “cosmopolitan buffer” against deprivation. The findings contribute to cultural resilience theory in tourism and offer practical insights for heritage management, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance to leverage dual identity pathways for sustainable cultural conservation.
Context: This study examines the co-creativity between human and non-human agents that influences certain contemporary architectural and artistic trends. It focuses on two significant works generated through artificial intelligence programs: Machine Perceptions: Gaudi + Neural Networks, designed by Daniel Bolojan Studio in 2018, and Deep Himmelb(l)au, developed by the Coop Himmelb(l)au agency in 2019. Method: The research is based on an in-depth scientific review of these two projects as well as on the use of artificial intelligence - particularly deep learning techniques - in design and architecture. It also integrates a visual analysis relying on photographic and videographic material drawn from key conferences. Results: Machine Perceptions: Gaudi + Neural Networks seeks to develop a prototype AI algorithm capable of recognizing and reinterpreting geometric and aesthetic compositional principles inspired by Antonio Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. By contrast, Deep Himmelb(l)au explores the acceleration of Coop Himmelb(l)au’s architectural design process through the use of a generative program capable of autonomous and continuous reinterpretations inspired by the agency’s projects. Conclusions: Both projects, grounded in the training of digitized image banks, go beyond the capacities of conventional text-based artificial intelligence programs such as DALL-E or Midjourney. The work of Bolojan and Vermisso, based on CycleGANs, produces a two-dimensional “hallucination” of architectural space, whereas Coop Himmelb(l)au exploits a diversity of collaborative neural networks to engage with the third dimension. Although still emerging, these initiatives demonstrate the potential of artificial intelligence to open new creative frontiers that transcend the artist’s creation.
The so-called Mediterranean Wall—a term referring to the system of coastal defenses built between 1936 and 1945 across various Mediterranean countries—exhibits distinct characteristics when compared to the Atlantikwall. Unlike the latter’s continuous and technologically unified design, Mediterranean defenses were fragmented, heterogeneous, and closely adapted to local territorial and environmental conditions. This article analyses the morphology and geographic distribution of these military landscapes in Spain and Italy, approaching them as architectural and landscape heritage with specific material and perceptual features. A two-phase methodology is adopted: the first involves the identification and documentation of existing reuse interventions, supported by fieldwork and archival research; the second presents a comparative evaluation of four selected case studies based on criteria such as restoration practices, accessibility, and landscape integration. The comparative analysis highlights a wide spectrum of adaptive reuse strategies and underscores the multidimensional challenges of valorisation. Rather than treating these structures as static wartime remnants, the article advocates for their reintegration into broader cultural, ecological, and touristic networks. Through a holistic approach combining architectural reuse, inclusive accessibility, and civic participation, the Mediterranean fortifications may be transformed into dynamic sites for memory, interpretation, and environmental awareness—reframing their legacy within contemporary territorial narratives.
Preservation of the urban context and heritage buildings is crucial for conserving the cultural identity of a city and preserving its architectural heritage, which forms its urban character and memory. In Benghazi, numerous buildings of historical, heritage, and architectural value define its identity and require preservation, revitalization, and protection by conserving all their distinguished architectural and urban elements and utilizing these elements to their full potential. Heritage preservation also necessitates maintaining the overall character, which means preserving these buildings within their neighboring urban contexts. Today, historical and heritage buildings form a significant part of Benghazi's memory and urban fabric. However, the current state of this heritage has suffered from neglect and destruction. Among the important landmarks in Benghazi that still hold potential for rehabilitation and utilization and play important roles in the mental image of the city are the Qeshla Building (Al-Baraka Palace), Al-Manar Palace, and Benghazi Municipality Building. The Qeshla Building is a prominent historical landmark in the city and is known for its grandeur. Al-Manar Palace, with its architectural significance dating back to the Italian period, also holds high sentimental value among the city's residents. The Benghazi Municipality Building from the Ottoman period is a historical landmark in the main square of the old city. This study focuses on the challenges faced by heritage buildings in historical cities by documenting the components of these architectural and urban landmarks. Furthermore, a general framework was developed for the systematic rehabilitation of these buildings by studying their current situation, conducting field surveys, identifying their potential, and establishing strategies that govern their revitalization. This study concludes that protecting Benghazi's architectural heritage is essential, as these landmarks shape the urban identity of the city and constitute a significant part of its cultural and social heritage. This emphasizes the importance of developing plans that help preserve and rehabilitate these buildings and reuse them with adaptive functions to achieve cultural, economic, and social benefits for the community.
Located in the heart of the city, the port of Beirut has always been designed to be open to the city. The port-city relationship has evolved over the years, going from a Phoenician village with a small coastal shipping port, to a strategic port for the Ottoman city founded in Beirut. After the capitalist movement, the port was privatized and disconnected from the city, working as a private entity under the supervision of the government and obstructing the city's access to the sea. After the explosion of the port of Beirut in August 2020, the question of recovering the port-city relationship is once again discussed as part of a global vision for the reconstruction of the port. The pilot project consists of recovering the port-city relationship through an urban regeneration approach. The work will include intervening in the territory of the port area and studying the problems presented by this area and the different interfaces between the port and the city. The ambition is to propose a strategy that can ensure a connection between the port and the city, through an urban design proposal, and lead to the creation of a new image of the waterfront of the port area.
Historic buildings and patrimonial environments often offer noteworthy challenges regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities, predominantly for those using wheelchairs or with visual impairments. These sites, while rich in cultural and architectural value, commonly lack the essential accommodations to guarantee inclusivity for all users. The physical spaces of these environments are often incompatible with the needs of contemporary accessibility, creating barriers that prevent comprehensive participation by people with diverse abilities. To preserve and enhance the cultural and historical implications of these buildings and monuments, it is decisive to approach renovation and restoration projects with a focus on universal accessibility. This process involves not only meeting up-to-date accessibility standards but also ensuring that the interventions respect and maintain the historical and architectural identities of these milieus. The fundamental question this article addresses is whether it is possible to reconcile the need for universal design with the preservation of the unique characteristics that define these historic sites. Through an identification and analysis of universal accessibility requirements, and by presenting carefully chosen examples, this article aims to explore how historic buildings and patrimonial sites can be adapted to be universally accessible while keeping their architectural heritage and formal identity. The discussion highlights the chosen approach for incorporating accessibility within the framework of Historic Buildings and Patrimonial Environments. The research constitutes a working agenda designed to identify the essential needs that cannot be disregarded or substituted for rehabilitating historic buildings and patrimonial sites and making them universally accessible. It also outlines the appropriate approach to the style of architectural interventions and the design of added architectural elements, based on the vision of the researcher.
This study explores the aspects of interior design in traditional homes, focusing on the challenge of balancing contemporary needs with original architectural layouts while adapting to current lifestyle demands. By examining selected residential models, the study evaluates existing spatial configurations, addresses the needs of modern occupants, and proposes interior furniture designs that align with sustainability principles and the conservation of cultural and heritage assets, all while maintaining architectural integrity. The central research question investigates the feasibility of harmonizing furniture design to meet 21st-century living standards without compromising heritage preservation values. The study employs a descriptive and analytical methodology, emphasizing documentation and design within a practical research framework. The findings reveal that integrating historical preservation with contemporary needs is achievable through furniture design that respects and enhances architectural authenticity. The case studies demonstrate that modern functional requirements can be fulfilled without undermining historical identity. The analysis highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing authenticity with modern functionality, particularly in material selection, ergonomics, and technological integration. Furthermore, the study uncovers differing user perspectives—some residents favor minimal intervention to preserve historical character, while others welcome broader modifications for comfort and usability. The results underscore the importance of careful maintenance and restoration practices for original furniture and architectural elements and emphasize the need for furniture designs that promote both material and cultural sustainability. Ultimately, the study aims to meet the aspirations of Hebron’s Old City residents for improved living conditions while inspiring younger generations to embrace heritage homes as vital components of a sustainable future grounded in tangible cultural identity
Since UNESCO adopted the task of preserving the world's tangible and intangible heritage, the term "cultural heritage" has become known worldwide. However, there seems to be a gap between cultural heritage as a construct made by academic scholars and adopted by UNESCO on one side, and the popular perception of heritage and its significance in daily life on the other side. This phenomenon could not be seen clearer than in the case of Egypt: for while the UNESCO initiative is achieving positive results in Europe and the developed world, and while more heritage assets are being added to the world heritage list every year, Egypt is facing a continuous decline in its tangible cultural heritage (Hanna, 2013), as "less appreciated" or "undesired" historical sites are continually being demolished by the government or private owners to make way for other functions (Middle East Eye, 2023) & (Zakaria, 2019), and other heritage sites are looted in search of treasures to be sold on the black market (Hanna, 2013). On the official level, the Egyptian authorities express their keen interest in the preservation of “monuments and antiquities”, and many projects are being implemented by the government in that direction (Ikram, 2010). Yet many heritage assets are being disregarded and lost, sometimes because of negligence, and sometimes because of intended destruction. This research is trying to investigate this case of double standards in dealing with heritage, assuming that it is caused by problems and misconceptions in the collective mindset of Egyptian society, specifically in the aspects of perception and understanding of the value and use of heritage and of history in general. To achieve that goal, I have been researching literary and academic resources in the fields of Heritage studies and national identity for the roots of these misconceptions, and trying to connect them with the everyday life of society. Being a part of the community myself and through direct contact with the people, I detected and extracted aspects of the Egyptian mindset on the grassroots level that played a significant role in the problem of heritage.
The present research study, part of an ongoing doctoral project, is an interpretative-comparative analysis conducted considering two geographically distinct contexts: the archaeological site of Arslantepe with its village of Orduzu (Malatya) in Turkey, and the archaeological site of Tell Hisban with its village of Hisban (Amman), in Jordan. In both cases, the site is situated almost at the centre of the anthropic and natural landscape, forming a historical and natural monument. A qualitative research survey was carried out through interviews with semi-structured questions directed towards the resident population, to understand: the vision of the site, the level of involvement, the impact on society, and the relationship with the archaeological team. The research aims to understand whether community archaeology applications can contribute to increasing the recognition of the archaeological site as a fundamental part of their territory. The result is that such practices can foster a stronger connection with the past and the contemporary landscape, contributing to the transformation of the area by enhancing local well-being and benefits in sustainable development. This study is entered into the field of Community archaeology that, by establishing continuous communication between archaeologists, the local community, and their cultural heritage, and incorporating the local perspective into the interpretation of the past, aims to contribute to increasing awareness of the cultural heritage and its incorporation within the local identity.
This research examines a phenomenon that has emerged recently: the trend of young people frequenting cafes and restaurants as a social practice that became prominent in the early 21st century in the city of Hebron. It has been observed that some historically significant old dwellings have been chosen as subjects for redesigning and transforming them into cafes and restaurants. The research problem revolves around the design challenges and issues that may arise in redesigning historical dwellings, the success of the transformation process, and the design principles necessary to preserve cultural property and protect it from damage and alterations to its historical features, cultural heritage, and identity. It delves into preserving such properties through reuse, especially for dwellings that have been redesigned. The study included analyzing several models in the old city of Hebron. This region was chosen due to the rapid transformation in social thoughts and customs and the presence of the old town, along with historically significant dwellings utilized in the process of reuse and redesign. This research follows a scientific analytical and documentary methodology, involving the review of several dwelling models, literature, materials, books, and scientific research. Information was gathered through interviews and surveys to collect sufficient data for analysis and result extraction. The study concluded by emphasizing the value of integrating traditional architectural features into interior design when adapting old dwellings into cultural cafés. It demonstrated that adaptive reuse enhances both aesthetics and functionality, especially when using local materials and sustainable solutions. The reuse of existing elements—such as niches and cabinets—combined with thoughtful interventions addressed common issues like humidity and outdated infrastructure, while preserving cultural identity and reducing costs.
Historic centers contain a large amount of unquantified cultural heritage that today is often considered at risk. Due to their nature and intrinsic characteristics, they require protection and safeguard interventions. This article describes how representation, considered as a knowledge process based on architectural survey and 3D modeling, constitutes a fundamental instrument of investigation. Digital survey allowed to collect and systematize a large amount of information related to the oldest part of the historic center of Gerace, a medieval historic centre located in the province of Reggio Calabria (Italy). The work is part of a larger research project, called GENESIS (acronym for Seismic risk management for the tourist enhancement of the historic centers of Southern Italy), promoted by several research groups from numerous Italian universities. The main goal of the project is to promote safe and informed use of cultural heritage, starting from a deep understanding of their history and characteristics, and to encourage accessibility to places and monuments by visitors, scholars, and tourists through innovative forms of management and dissemination. The work conducted in Gerace concerns urban, architectural, and detailed scales. In this context, we present the work carried out using aerial photogrammetry by UAVs, and its possible developments. The instrumental survey, carried out at different levels of detail (entire historic center, urban area, single building, morphostructural and decorative elements), was a fundamental tool for starting subsequent investigations, in particular: analyses related to the seismic risk of the settlement; structural assessment of single buildings; study of the characteristics of the materials used for construction, and study of degradation. The graphic representations of the surveys were essential for the implementation of the platform that collects all the project data (https://genesis.tabsrl.com/) and for the creation of virtual tours of the historic center and the main monuments within it.
Heritage conservation has been a growing phenomenon in urban regeneration initiatives in the recent decade, playing a key role in meeting Sustainable Development Goal 2030. Goal 11 aims to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”. It highlights the association of the new urban agenda in the context of urban development and cultural heritage by “reinforcing efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage”, forming part of section 11.4. The conservation of heritage significance and cultural values requires exceptional attentiveness through its elements and attributes. The objective of this study is to devise a technique for evaluating the formation of the basis for determining and portraying the historical significance of characteristics with adequate precision to appraise the historical influence of Kuala Lumpur's urban renewal. (“Heritage significance and the identification of attributes to preserve the Sense of Places”) This is by providing a set of attributing variables to establish an ultimate benchmark for Kuala Lumpur’s urban heritage revitalisation performance and succession level.. More excellent socio-economic status and tourism would be the advantages holistically. The paper presents the findings on Attributes within the aspects of the Physical dimension, Senses dimension, and Functional dimension that have a holistic direct impact towards place attachment, place identity, and place memory, and its categorisation of rating significantly contributes to the preservation of Sense of Place. The result of the established Attributes framework is considered the basis for assessing and guiding design, which substantially supports designers to achieve two main pillars: Revitalise Heritage Enclave and demonstrate basic principles for any Heritage Enclave Design, Redevelopment, and Activation. A practical framework that includes an unobtrusive method of content analysis deployed as the primary method, developed through an analysis of content and evaluation of the recent developments of the heritage preservation discourse, and observation as a research method. The research concluded that altogether sense of places dimensions are essential in activating livability, and a sort of balance between the main dimensions. This can further be used as an assessment indicator for the future regeneration of Kuala Lumpur's urban heritage enclave and benefiting in conservation, eventually securing significant heritage place identity while continually sustaining its attraction. This article adopts a practical framework as a research method. The research concluded that dimensions in the realm of sense of places are essential in activating the heritage place, and finding the balance between the emerging dimensions. The more pragmatic strategies, the higher the sense of place to revitalise the heritage place should be.
There are few monocultural cities, especially in areas that have always been in the crosshairs of global geopolitical change. New political realities have sometimes completely changed the ethnic composition of the city, but the memory of the former inhabitants remains alive in the planning, architecture of buildings, and monuments. The city of Lviv, located in western Ukraine, is one of those cities whose ethnic composition was very diverse: the city was inhabited by Ukrainians, Poles, Jews, Italians, Armenians, and other nationalities. However, the ethnic composition of Lviv was changing. The most dramatic changes were associated with the events of World War II in 1939-1945. However, immediately after gaining independence in 1991, Lviv’s community chose to restore the representation of multiculturalism and demonstrate its rich past. In this regard, over the past 30 years, many urban planning, architectural, and design projects have been implemented in Lviv aimed at restoring and visualizing the historical memory of not only Poles and Jews, but also representatives of other nationalities, such as Armenians and Italians. Today, the identity of Lviv is enriched by a new ethnic group - the Crimean Tatars, who arrived in the city after the occupation of Crimea in 2014. Today, Lviv’s architectural space has regained its multicultural dimension.
The study we present is related to a scan-to-BIM process carried out on the Romanesque-Byzantine church of San Giovannello, located in the historic center of Gerace (Reggio Calabria, Italy). The work is part of a broader research project, called GENESIS (acronym for Seismic risk management for the tourist enhancement of the historic centers of Southern Italy), promoted by various research groups from numerous Italian universities and aimed at managing seismic risk for the tourist enhancement of the historic centers of Southern Italy. The scan to BIM process constitutes the central phase of a flow of actions that begins with the study of historical sources, proceeds with the analysis of the current conditions of the buildings and concludes with a series of design proposals aimed both at mitigating the consequences of any actions seismic, and the implementation of innovative systems for remote and in-person use (VR, AR). The proposed valorization strategy embraces different fields: it develops starting from the historical knowledge of the building, rests on the solid scientific foundations of the instrumental survey, and it exploits the information coordination potential offered by BIM-based methodology and tools. Finally, the communicative aspect involves both the morphology, identifying the underlying geometric structure, and the iconological and iconographic aspects.
Understanding sensory encounters in built environment requires a holistic approach that considers individual differences, contextual factors, and psychological states. While design features play a crucial role in shaping these experiences, they interact with a complex web of personal, social, and environmental factors. The olfactory architecture design is an innovative approach that integrates the sense of smell into the architectural experience. This concept goes beyond traditional visual and tactile elements, creating spaces that engage occupants through carefully curated smells. Factors to be considered in the science of smell and space through olfactory perception and behavior, applications in architecture, designing with smell including anchoring in mind and challenges in application. This study wants to revealing and exploring the essentials of how olfactory design is transforming the built environment based on sensory experience. Several tools and techniques are used for a captivating theories and approach in designing architecture by shaping smell sensory experiences and evoking specific feelings. From the results of this study, the olfactory architecture design offers a new dimension to the way we experience spaces, enhancing our emotional and psychological connection to our environment. As the field grows, architects and designers will continue to explore innovative ways to integrate smell, creating spaces that are not only visually and functionally appealing but also emotionally resonant. The future of built environment lies in these multi-sensory experiences, where the invisible power of smell plays a crucial role.
