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Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition
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Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Architecture (ISSN 2673-8945).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 15370

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hing-Wah Chau

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia
Interests: sustainability and built environment; design for health and wellbeing; inclusive design; architectural and urban design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mehdi Amirkhani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
UniSA Online, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Interests: retrofitting; renewable energy; innovative technology; indoor environmental comfort; lighting system; sustainability planning; architectural design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid urbanization and a growing global population are placing unprecedented demands on our planet’s finite resources. Coupled with the pressing challenges of climate change and the energy crisis, the pursuit of carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions has become critical to achieving sustainable development. At the heart of this effort lies the sustainable built environment—a key driver in mitigating climate impacts, enhancing resource efficiency, and improving human wellbeing. Innovative, energy-efficient designs reduce carbon footprints and resource use while enhancing indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. Green infrastructure, like green roofs and walls, mitigates urban heat islands, lowering health risks, while blue infrastructure and water-sensitive design improve liveability and address water scarcity. Mixed-use, walkable neighbourhoods with accessible services and active transport foster public health, equity, and resilience. Inclusive, age-friendly designs promote active ageing, enhancing quality of life and extending healthy life expectancy.

This Special Issue invites high-quality submissions exploring the intersection of sustainable built environments and human wellbeing. In an era defined by climate urgency and demographic shifts, we seek innovative research and practical insights into eco-friendly, resource-efficient, and inclusive built environments.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Sustainable built environments and infrastructure;
  • Sustainable and regenerative design;
  • Human health, wellbeing, and quality of life;
  • Urban heat island mitigation strategies;
  • Climate change adaptation and resilience;
  • Energy-efficient design and low-carbon solutions;
  • Carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions in architecture;
  • Green infrastructure (e.g., green roofs, walls);
  • Blue infrastructure and water-sensitive urban design;
  • Indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort;
  • Inclusive and universal design principles;
  • Mixed-use, walkable, and age-friendly neighbourhoods;
  • Active transport and sustainable mobility;
  • Active ageing and ageing-in-place solutions.

We welcome original research, case studies, and reviews that advance our understanding of how sustainable built environments can foster healthier, more equitable, and resilient communities. Join us in shaping a future where architecture not only responds to global challenges but also elevates human wellbeing.

Dr. Hing-Wah Chau
Dr. Mehdi Amirkhani
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Architecture is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

  • sustainable built environments
  • sustainable infrastructure
  • sustainable design
  • health, human wellbeing
  • quality of life
  • urban heat island mitigation
  • climate change
  • regenerative design
  • energy efficiency
  • carbon neutrality
  • net-zero carbon emissions
  • green infrastructure
  • green roofs and walls
  • blue infrastructure
  • water-sensitive design
  • indoor environmental quality
  • occupant comfort
  • inclusive design
  • universal design
  • mixed-use and walkable neighbourhood
  • active transport and age-friendly transport
  • active ageing
  • ageing-in-place

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

28 pages, 3576 KB  
Article
The Role of Integrated Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in Shaping Employee Outcomes in Public-Sector Hybrid Workplaces
by Nasrin Golshany, Hessam Ghamari, Poojitha Gidugu and Yash Pansheriya
Architecture 2026, 6(2), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6020069 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 513
Abstract
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in shaping employee well-being, satisfaction, and work performance, particularly in hybrid workplace settings. This mixed-methods study examined how integrated IEQ conditions influence employee experience in a public-sector hybrid workplace through a case [...] Read more.
Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in shaping employee well-being, satisfaction, and work performance, particularly in hybrid workplace settings. This mixed-methods study examined how integrated IEQ conditions influence employee experience in a public-sector hybrid workplace through a case study of the WorkHub, a technology-enabled flexible workspace embedded within a large municipal utility. Quantitative data were collected from 93 valid survey responses using the Workplace Environment Satisfaction and Performance Questionnaire (WESP-Q™), and qualitative insights were obtained from a 90-min participatory think tank session with 24 employees. Results showed that WorkHub users reported significantly higher satisfaction across 15 of 18 environmental and spatial dimensions, including layout, thermal comfort, air quality, lighting, furnishings, cleanliness, and overall building experience. They also reported significantly stronger outcomes in collaboration access, work transition, focus support, work efficiency, workspace productivity, pride in work, and job satisfaction. Qualitative findings reinforced these results, highlighting technology integration, daylight, and spatial flexibility as key strengths, while identifying acoustics, thermal discomfort, and limited privacy as persistent challenges. These findings support a systems-oriented, human-centered approach to workplace design, demonstrating that integrated IEQ can enhance employee experience, collaboration, and organizational performance in hybrid public-sector environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition)
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29 pages, 1463 KB  
Article
From Distance to Accessible Experience: Accessibility Barriers in Proximity-Oriented Urban Environments for Persons with Disabilities in Madrid and Munich
by Alba Ramírez-Saiz, Camila Barquero, Benjamin Büttner and Andrea Alonso
Architecture 2026, 6(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6010030 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1222
Abstract
Proximity-oriented urban models, such as the 15-min city, have been promoted to create sustainable, human-centered urban environments that support wellbeing. However, proximity alone does not guarantee accessibility, particularly for persons with disabilities. This paper explores how persons with disabilities experience and navigate Madrid [...] Read more.
Proximity-oriented urban models, such as the 15-min city, have been promoted to create sustainable, human-centered urban environments that support wellbeing. However, proximity alone does not guarantee accessibility, particularly for persons with disabilities. This paper explores how persons with disabilities experience and navigate Madrid (Spain) and Munich (Germany) under the proximity-oriented policies prism. Drawing on 114 semi-structured interviews (65 in Madrid, 49 in Munich), the study explores how urban form, design features, and environmental conditions shape access, movement, and engagement in public space. Findings reveal that key barriers, such as irregular paving and sidewalk obstructions, limit independence and comfort, while contextual factors such as climate, topography, and local cultural practices further modulate accessibility. Despite proximity, many participants remain reliant on cars instead of public transport due to these micro-scale barriers. By integrating proximity planning, inclusive urban experiences and universal design, this study highlights the need to move from “proximity as distance” to “proximity as accessible experience”, arguing that accessibility must be embedded as a structuring condition of proximity planning. Ultimately, these findings contribute to ongoing debates on sustainable built environments and human wellbeing, highlighting the importance of architectural and urban design in fostering equitable, healthy, and inclusive cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition)
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30 pages, 6968 KB  
Article
Enhancing Urban Air Quality Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions: Evidence from Green Spaces in Bangkok
by Aye Pyae Pyae Aung, Kim Neil Irvine, Alisa Sahavacharin, Fa Likitswat, Jitiporn Wongwatcharapaiboon, Adrian Lo and Detchphol Chitwatkulsiri
Architecture 2026, 6(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6010016 - 28 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2400
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and persistent air pollution threaten the functional resilience of megacities in Southeast Asia, particularly Bangkok, where PM2.5 concentrations consistently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. To strengthen urban adaptive capacity, this study investigates the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), particularly [...] Read more.
Rapid urbanization and persistent air pollution threaten the functional resilience of megacities in Southeast Asia, particularly Bangkok, where PM2.5 concentrations consistently exceed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. To strengthen urban adaptive capacity, this study investigates the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), particularly urban green spaces, as resilience-oriented infrastructure for air quality management. Using data from 32 monitoring stations across the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and surrounding areas from 2021 to 2023, spatial and temporal trends in PM2.5 concentrations were analyzed through geostatistical modeling and inferential statistics. Although all sites exceeded the WHO PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m3, larger and more connected green spaces consistently exhibited better air-quality than the surrounding non-green urban mosaic. Areas with extensive vegetation, greater canopy cover, and more compact park geometries (lower perimeter-to-area ratios) demonstrated improved pollution attenuation capacity, while fragmented parks are more exposed to surrounding emissions. Integration of Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification further indicated that compact high-rise zones and high-traffic corridors exhibited higher PM2.5 levels due to reduced airflow and structural confinement. The study underscores the need to embed NbS within resilience-based urban planning to promote long-term environmental stability and public health recovery in rapidly urbanizing megacities like Bangkok. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 6538 KB  
Article
The Impact of Sociocultural Aspects on Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
by Reem Jandali, Ahmad Taki and Sahar Abdelwahab
Architecture 2026, 6(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6010011 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1072
Abstract
This study explores the intersection of sociocultural factors, particularly privacy, with energy consumption patterns in residential buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While cultural values around privacy have long been recognised as influential in residential design, the impact of these values on energy consumption [...] Read more.
This study explores the intersection of sociocultural factors, particularly privacy, with energy consumption patterns in residential buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While cultural values around privacy have long been recognised as influential in residential design, the impact of these values on energy consumption is underexplored. This research aims to fill this gap by examining how privacy needs, residents’ preferences, and open layouts affect energy efficiency, particularly in terms of natural light and ventilation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including semi-structured interviews with engineers, data collected from 108 respondents via an online survey, a case study of a residential building in Riyadh, and building performance simulations using IES software. The study also assessed actual energy consumption data and indoor lighting as potential implications of privacy concerns, causing changes in behavioural control of systems (e.g., windows, blinds, lighting, etc.). It focuses on the relationship between privacy needs, energy use, and natural daylight distribution. The IES simulation results for the studied residential building show an annual energy consumption of 24,000 kWh, primarily due to cooling loads and artificial lighting caused by privacy measures applied by the residents. The findings reveal that privacy-driven design choices and occupant behaviours, such as the use of full window shutters, frosted glazing and limited window operation, significantly reduce daylight availability and natural ventilation, leading to increased reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. This study highlights the need for human-centric design approaches that address the interplay between sociocultural factors, particularly reinforcing cultural sensitivity, and building performance, offering insights for future sustainable housing developments in Riyadh and similar contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition)
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23 pages, 3643 KB  
Article
Daylighting Strategies for Low-Rise Residential Buildings Through Analysis of Architectural Design Parameters
by Kamaraj Kalaimathy, Sudha Gopalakrishnan, Radhakrishnan Shanthi Priya, Chandrasekaran Selvam and Ramalingam Senthil
Architecture 2025, 5(4), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture5040125 - 4 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3402
Abstract
Daylighting is essential in residential building design because it influences energy efficiency and visual comfort while also supporting occupants’ health and overall well-being. Adequate natural light exposure aids circadian regulation and psychological restoration and enhances indoor environmental quality. This study examines how the [...] Read more.
Daylighting is essential in residential building design because it influences energy efficiency and visual comfort while also supporting occupants’ health and overall well-being. Adequate natural light exposure aids circadian regulation and psychological restoration and enhances indoor environmental quality. This study examines how the window-to-wall ratio, skylight-to-roof ratio, and building orientation in a selected low-rise residential building can be optimized to ensure sufficient daylight in warm-humid climates. Using on-site illuminance measurements and climate-based simulations, the daylight performance is evaluated using metrics such as useful daylight illuminance, spatial daylight autonomy, and annual sunlight exposure. Results indicated that a 5% skylight-to-roof ratio (such as a 1:2 skylight setup), combined with a 22% window-to-wall ratio and glazing with a visible transmittance of 0.45, provides a balanced improvement in daylight availability for the chosen case study. The selected configuration optimizes spatial daylight autonomy and useful daylight illuminance while keeping annual sunlight exposure within recommended levels based on the surrounding building landscape. The findings emphasize the importance of tailoring daylighting strategies to site-specific orientation, glazing options, and design constraints. The approach and insights from this case study can be beneficial for incorporating into similar low-rise residential buildings in warm-humid contexts. Incorporating daylight-responsive design into urban and architectural planning supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, 11, and 13). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 7219 KB  
Article
Designing for Inclusion: A Comparative Analysis of Inclusive Campus Planning Across Australian Universities
by Se Yan, Cheuk Yin Wai, Jia Zhang, Shiran Geng, Jinxi Wei, Hing-Wah Chau and Elmira Jamei
Architecture 2025, 5(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture5030043 - 24 Jun 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4138
Abstract
Inclusive campus design is increasingly being recognised as a key component of sustainable and equitable higher education environments. However, limited research has been carried out on this topic, particularly examining university campuses in Australia. Hence, this paper examines how principles of inclusion are [...] Read more.
Inclusive campus design is increasingly being recognised as a key component of sustainable and equitable higher education environments. However, limited research has been carried out on this topic, particularly examining university campuses in Australia. Hence, this paper examines how principles of inclusion are embedded in the spatial planning and architectural design of Australian university campuses. Focusing on a comparative analysis of six Melbourne-based institutions, Victoria University, the University of Melbourne, Deakin University, RMIT University, La Trobe University, and Monash University, this study explores how each campus addresses accessibility, cultural diversity, social equity, and environmental comfort to achieve inclusivity. Drawing on site observations, planning documents, and design frameworks, this paper assesses the extent to which these universities operationalise inclusive design within their built environments. The analysis is guided by a theoretical framework combining universal design, spatial justice, and climate-responsive planning. The findings reveal diverse approaches across institutions, with some campuses demonstrating holistic and integrated strategies, while others exhibit more fragmented or symbolic applications. This paper concludes by outlining best practices and key design enablers that can inform more inclusive and sustainable campus development in Australia and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Built Environments and Human Wellbeing, 2nd Edition)
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