Next-Generation Architectural Acoustics and Vibration: Sustainability, Equity, and Innovation
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Acoustics and Vibrations".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026
Special Issue Editor
Interests: acoustics; building acoustics; noise measurement; acoustic metamaterials; sound absorber designs
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Architectural acoustics and vibration control play a crucial role in creating spaces that not only meet technical performance standards but also enhance well-being, sustainability, and equity in our urban and architectural landscapes. As cities evolve into complex ecosystems and sustainability becomes a global imperative, the need for innovative acoustic solutions addressing both functional and environmental challenges is more critical than ever.
This Special Issue invites researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to explore emerging paradigms, advanced technologies, and holistic approaches to sound and vibration in architecture. We particularly encourage contributions that bridge traditional acoustics with modern demands for sustainability, health, and social equity.
Key topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Regenerative and Circular Acoustic Design: Approaches integrating material reuse and life-cycle strategies for sustainable acoustic environments.
- Green and Sustainable Acoustic Solutions: Bio-based and low-carbon materials, eco-acoustic strategies for urban resilience.
- Acoustic Equity and Inclusive Design: Ensuring fair and balanced acoustic comfort across diverse communities and urban spaces.
- Urban Soundscape Innovation: Designing for positive soundscapes, noise mitigation in high-density urban contexts, and smart city applications.
- Advanced Computational and AI-Based Models: Machine learning, digital twins, and predictive analytics for acoustic optimization.
- Human-Centric and Psychoacoustic Perspectives: Understanding sound perception and its implications for health, productivity, and comfort.
- Hybrid Vibration Control Systems: Smart materials, active/passive damping strategies, and adaptive solutions for structural dynamics.
- Integration of Acoustic and Esthetic Design: Synergies between architecture, art, and acoustic performance.
- Case Studies and Experimental Frameworks: Demonstrating real-world implementation of advanced acoustic and vibration control concepts.
We welcome original research articles, systematic reviews, technical notes, and case studies that push the boundaries of knowledge in these domains. All submissions will undergo rigorous peer review by subject matter experts to ensure academic quality and relevance.
This Special Issue represents a unique opportunity to foster dialogue and collaboration among acousticians, architects, engineers, urban planners, and material scientists. Together, we can redefine the role of acoustics and vibration in shaping sustainable, healthy, and inclusive spaces for the future.
We look forward to your valuable contributions to make this edition a benchmark for innovation in architectural acoustics and vibration control.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- architectural acoustics
- vibration control
- architectural landscape
- acoustic solutions
- noise reduction
- sustainable acoustic design
- acoustic materials
- human perception of sound
- building resilience
- acoustic modeling
- environmental impact of acoustics
- passive acoustic design
- innovative vibration mitigation
- acoustic comfort
- concert hall acoustics
- open office acoustics
- educational spaces acoustics
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