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Architecture
Special Issues
Shaping Architecture with Computation
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Shaping Architecture with Computation

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2025) | Viewed by 3995

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Changfeng Fu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, Ealing, London W5 5RF, UK
Interests: BIM implementation and development; computer visualisation for architectural and urban design, including VR, AR, XR; digital twins; AI for automatic design; BIM-based and AI-based teaching systems for HE built environment courses; indoor environmental quality for education buildings; sustainable urbanisation for developing countries; urban sustainability assessments
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Arayici

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Architecture and Built Environment Department, Northumbria University, Newcastle NE1 8ST, UK
Interests: BIM; parametric design; generative design; AI application in building design and construction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Efcharis Balodimou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, Ealing, London W5 5RF, UK
Interests: sustainable practices in the built environment; reuse, restoration and adaptation of historical buildings; retrofitting and futureproofing buildings; optimising the use of technology, materials and detailing
Dr. Mohammad Saki

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, Ealing, London W5 5RF, UK
Interests: building information modelling (BIM); digital twins and internet of things (IoT); building performance simulation; augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR); drone technology; life cycle analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Computational design stands at the forefront of architectural innovation, offering a transformative approach to advance architects’ creativity, efficiency, and problem-solving with technologies such as computer modelling and visualisation combined with sophisticated computing algorithms. The benefits of computational design addressed from the perspective of design practice include easily generating multiple design options, speeding up design iteration and exploration, developing complex geometry, and optimising building performance with comprehensive data analysis. Integrating building information modelling (BIM) with computational design has proven particularly effective, enhancing computation design with real-world building elements, such as building materials and performance data, and also enabling a seamless flow of information from design to fabrication. This also allows for the optimisation of building performance through comprehensive data analysis, ensuring that every aspect of the design is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. As AI technologies evolve, their applications in computational design open up new horizons for generative design and performance-driven solutions in architectural design. The ongoing research and collaborative efforts in this field are vital for sharing knowledge and developing more responsive built environments. This Special Issue is dedicated to bringing together diverse experiences and discoveries from recent research and practice in computational design within architecture. It aims to share valuable insights and foster collaboration in this cutting-edge field of research and development. This Special Issue will encompass a broad spectrum of topics related to the research, development, and practical application of computational design in architectural and building design, as well as in urban planning. This Special Issue will mainly cover the following areas of focus:

  • BIM-based computational design and application;
  • Parametric modelling and design;
  • Generative design;
  • VR/AR/XR visualisation;
  • Digital fabrication;
  • Computational design simulation and analysis;
  • Enhanced design collaboration;
  • Enhanced prefabrication;
  • AI-based design;
  • Computational design education;
  • Computation in urban planning and design;
  • Digital twins;
  • Computational design with IoT;
  • Computational design for building performance optimisation.

Prof. Dr. Changfeng Fu
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Arayici
Dr. Efcharis Balodimou
Dr. Mohammad Saki
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. 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

  • architectural design
  • urban planning
  • design simulation
  • design analysis
  • computational design
  • parametric design
  • generative design
  • design iteration and exploration
  • BIM
  • AI-based design
  • virtual reality (VR)
  • augmented reality (AR)
  • extended reality (XR)
  • digital twins
  • IoT (Internet of Things)
  • building performance analysis

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

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 2704 KB  
Article
A BIM-Based Integrated Model for Low-Cost Housing Mass Customization in Brazil: Real-Time Variability with Data Control
by Alexander Lopes de Aquino Brasil and Andressa Carmo Pena Martinez
Architecture 2025, 5(3), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture5030054 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 787
Abstract
Addressing the growing demand for affordable housing requires innovative solutions that strike a balance between cost efficiency and user-specific needs. Mass customization (MC) presents a promising approach that enables the creation of tailored housing solutions on a scale. In this context, this study [...] Read more.
Addressing the growing demand for affordable housing requires innovative solutions that strike a balance between cost efficiency and user-specific needs. Mass customization (MC) presents a promising approach that enables the creation of tailored housing solutions on a scale. In this context, this study introduces a model for mass customization of affordable single-family housing units in the city of Teresina, PI, Brazil. Our approach integrates algorithmic–parametric modeling and BIM technologies, facilitating the flow of information and enabling informed decision-making throughout the design process. Since the early design stages, the work has assumed that these integrated technologies provide real-time control over design variables and associated construction data. To develop the model, the method proceeded through the following phases: (1) analysis of the context and definition of the design language; (2) definition of the design process; (3) definition of the cost calculation method and estimation of construction time; (4) definition of the computing model based on the specified technologies; and (5) quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the computational model. As a result, this research aims to contribute to the state-of-the-art by formalizing the knowledge generated through the systematic description of the processes involved in this workflow, with a special focus on the Brazilian context, where the issue of social housing is a critical challenge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Architecture with Computation)
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19 pages, 1492 KB  
Article
Metaverse and Digital Twins in the Age of AI and Extended Reality
by Ming Tang, Mikhail Nikolaenko, Ahmad Alrefai and Aayush Kumar
Architecture 2025, 5(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture5020036 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 1384
Abstract
This paper explores the evolving relationship between Digital Twins (DT) and the Metaverse, two foundational yet often conflated digital paradigms in digital architecture. While DTs function as mirrored models of real-world systems—integrating IoT, BIM, and real-time analytics to support decision-making—Metaverses are typically fictional, [...] Read more.
This paper explores the evolving relationship between Digital Twins (DT) and the Metaverse, two foundational yet often conflated digital paradigms in digital architecture. While DTs function as mirrored models of real-world systems—integrating IoT, BIM, and real-time analytics to support decision-making—Metaverses are typically fictional, immersive, multi-user environments shaped by social, cultural, and speculative narratives. Through several research projects, the team investigate the divergence between DTs and Metaverses through the lens of their purpose, data structure, immersion, and interactivity, while highlighting areas of convergence driven by emerging technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR).This study aims to investigate the convergence of DTs and the Metaverse in digital architecture, examining how emerging technologies—such as AI, XR, and Large Language Models (LLMs)—are blurring their traditional boundaries. By analyzing their divergent purposes, data structures, and interactivity modes, as well as hybrid applications (e.g., data-integrated virtual environments and AI-driven collaboration), this study seeks to define the opportunities and challenges of this integration for architectural design, decision-making, and immersive user experiences. Our research spans multiple projects utilizing XR and AI to develop DT and the Metaverse. The team assess the capabilities of AI in DT environments, such as reality capture and smart building management. Concurrently, the team evaluates metaverse platforms for online collaboration and architectural education, focusing on features facilitating multi-user engagement. The paper presents evaluations of various virtual environment development pipelines, comparing traditional BIM+IoT workflows with novel approaches such as Gaussian Splatting and generative AI for content creation. The team further explores the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) in both domains, such as virtual agents or LLM-powered Non-Player-Controlled Characters (NPC), enabling autonomous interaction and enhancing user engagement within spatial environments. Finally, the paper argues that DTs and Metaverse’s once-distinct boundaries are becoming increasingly porous. Hybrid digital spaces—such as virtual buildings with data-integrated twins and immersive, social metaverses—demonstrate this convergence. As digital environments mature, architects are uniquely positioned to shape these dual-purpose ecosystems, leveraging AI, XR, and spatial computing to fuse data-driven models with immersive and user-centered experiences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Architecture with Computation)
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Review

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26 pages, 2779 KB  
Review
An AI-Supported Framework for Enhancing Energy Resilience of Historical Buildings Under Future Climate Change
by Büşra Öztürk, Semra Arslan Selçuk and Yusuf Arayici
Architecture 2025, 5(3), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture5030063 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 519
Abstract
Climate change threatens the sustainability of historic buildings with increasing extreme weather events, making energy resilience critical. However, studies on energy resilience often lack forward-looking, holistic approaches. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework that includes how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can [...] Read more.
Climate change threatens the sustainability of historic buildings with increasing extreme weather events, making energy resilience critical. However, studies on energy resilience often lack forward-looking, holistic approaches. This study aims to develop a conceptual framework that includes how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can support energy resilience in historical buildings with data-driven prediction and analysis to increase energy resilience against climate change. This study applied a methodology with four-stage qualitative research techniques, including a systematic literature review (PRISMA method), content analysis, AI integration, and conceptual framework development processes, in the intersections of historical building, energy resilience, and climate change. The findings reveal a significant research gap in the predictive analysis of the resilience of historic buildings and the integration of AI-based tools in the context of climate change. The proposed framework outlines a multi-layered system that includes data collection, performance analysis, scenario-based prediction, and AI-assisted decision-making, aiming to enhance the resilience of the building (including building envelope, thermal, and lifecycle analysis). Consequently, this study provides a theoretical and methodological perspective and proposes a scientifically based and applicable roadmap. It also highlights the potential of AI as a bridge between energy resilience and historical buildings in the face of a rapidly changing climate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Architecture with Computation)
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