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Innovative Design Solutions for Human Well-Being in Architecture and Urban Environments

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 779

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, University of Huelva, 21819 Huelva, Spain
Interests: data analysis; energy efficiency; passive architecture; building information modeling (BIM); nearly zero energy building (NZEB); minimum-energy building (MEB); zero energy building (ZEB); net energy generator building (+ZEB); subtropical climate building; building instrumentation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Construcciones Arquitectónicas 1, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda Reina Mercedes 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
Interests: thermal comfort; urban environment; CFD

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Guest Editor
School of Architecture and Design, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: design of the built environment; architectural design in the contexts of physical/spatial, social, economic, political, and ecological dynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The relationship between the built environment and human well-being has emerged as a crucial topic in contemporary architecture and urban planning. In this Special Issue of Applied Sciences, we explore how innovative strategies in architectural design and urban planning can transform our cities into spaces that promote the health, happiness, and prosperity of their inhabitants. The articles presented in this Special Issue cover a wide range of interdisciplinary approaches, from the integration of nature into urban settings to the creation of inclusive and accessible public spaces.

The highlighted research examines how biophilic design, energy efficiency, and smart technologies can enhance the quality of life in diverse urban contexts. Additionally, case studies illustrate exemplary practices from various parts of the world, offering a global perspective on how architecture and urban planning can adapt to the evolving needs of modern communities.

With contributions from leading experts and scholars, this Special Issue promises to be a source of inspiration and knowledge for those interested in creating urban environments that are not only functional but also nurture the overall well-being of their inhabitants. Join us on this journey towards building a healthier and happier future.

Prof. Dr. Sergio Gómez Melgar
Dr. Victoria Patricia López-Cabeza
Prof. Carol Burns
Guest Editors

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

  • built environment
  • contemporary architecture
  • urban planning
  • architectural design
  • energy efficiency
  • urban environments

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 2303 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Differences in the Motivations of Elderly People to Use Senior Citizen Centers in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, Based on Old-Age Service Systems
by Xiaolong Zhao, Eun-soo Park, Jinghao Zhao, Jieun Kim, Sang-Yup Lee and Heangwoo Lee
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 3292; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063292 - 18 Mar 2025
Viewed by 406
Abstract
This study empirically analyzed whether any differences exist in older adults’ motivations to use senior citizen centers based on the type of eldercare system, focusing on senior citizen centers in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea. First, the main factors influencing older adults’ use of [...] Read more.
This study empirically analyzed whether any differences exist in older adults’ motivations to use senior citizen centers based on the type of eldercare system, focusing on senior citizen centers in Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea. First, the main factors influencing older adults’ use of senior citizen centers were identified through previous studies. Subsequently, data were collected through a survey. Data groups were categorized according to the type of eldercare system, and multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between the main variables for each type of eldercare system. It was found that the primary age group of older adults using senior citizen centers was 65–69 years, with home- and community-based care being their primary choices. Furthermore, community-based and institutional care facilitated connections within the community, encouraged social interaction among older adults, and fostered intergenerational interaction and social contribution. Home-based care was strongly motivated by emotional stability and the desire to maintain independent living. Finally, participation in cultural activities was common and significant across all eldercare system types, confirming that senior citizen centers play a crucial role in providing cultural experiences and opportunities for older people, as opposed to simply serving as recreational spaces. Full article
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