Adaptive Architectural Practice: Data, Materials, and Labour in a Changing Climate

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on “Adaptive Architectural Practice: Data, Materials, and Labour in a Changing Climate” invites contributions that reflect on how architectural practice is evolving in response to urgent and complex challenges. We are particularly interested in papers that examine how climate change, fluctuating material availability, and shifting construction labour markets are reshaping design processes and outcomes. This Special Issue also seeks to highlight the increasing role of data-driven design methodologies, digital tools, and integrated workflows in contemporary practice.

We encourage submissions that offer critical reflections grounded in practice-based research and detailed case study analysis. Contributions may address how architects are adapting procurement models, construction methods, or material choices in response to environmental and economic pressures. Papers may also explore the impact of digital technologies and data analytics on design decision-making or how collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches are transforming project delivery.

By bringing together diverse international perspectives, this Special Issue aims to capture the dynamic and responsive nature of architectural practice today—one that is continuously adapting to external forces while remaining committed to creativity, quality, and social responsibility.

Dr. Luciano Cardellicchio
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 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.