Resilient Urban and Architecture Design—Strategies for Low-Carbon and Climate-Adaptive Cities

1. Context and Rationale

Rapid urbanization and climate change are challenging cities worldwide to pursue new paradigms for sustainable development. This Special Issue brings together the latest research and practice on resilient urban and architectural design, with a specific focus on low-carbon and climate-adaptive strategies.

2. Theme, Advances, and Article Highlights

The key objective of this Special Issue is to explore how cities and buildings can become more resilient and adaptable in the face of escalating climate-related challenges.

Key topics covered include the following:

• Integration of natural and built environments to enhance urban resilience;
• Role of green infrastructure (urban green spaces, green roofs, and vertical gardens) in biodiversity, thermal comfort, and air quality;
• Low-carbon design practices: passive design, sustainable materials, and renewable energy;
• Urban microclimate improvement and blue-green space optimization.

The following published papers offer diverse perspectives:

• “Flood Prevention for Guangzhou Metro Stations” demonstrates data-driven, model-based strategies for urban infrastructure resilience under extreme rainfall.
• “Wind Health Vulnerability in Xi’an High-Rise Communities” advances diagnostic methods for urban wind environments and public health.
• “Solar-Efficient Housing in Qinghai and Low-Carbon Industrial Buildings” presents innovative solutions for energy efficiency and carbon reduction in different building typologies and climates.
• “Microclimate Evolution in Historic Courtyards and Resilient Blue-Green Spaces in the Pearl River Delta” highlights the value of integrating historic and ecological perspectives for future urban adaptation.
• “Residents’ Low-Carbon Willingness in Hangzhou and Embodied Carbon Reviews” expand the discourse to policy, social, and lifecycle considerations.

Collectively, these studies showcase state-of-the-art approaches for building cities that are not only low-carbon and climate-ready but also healthy, equitable, and inspiring for all.

3. Outlook and Gratitude

As Guest Editors, we hope this Special Issue will stimulate further interdisciplinary collaboration and practical innovation in resilient urban and architectural design.

We would like to thank all authors, reviewers, and the editorial team at Buildings for their invaluable contributions. We warmly invite readers and practitioners to explore, share, and build upon the insights gathered here, advancing the global agenda of sustainable and climate-resilient urbanism.