Novel Technologies and Digital Design in Smart Construction

Dear Colleagues,

Emerging technologies, methods and materials have been transforming the way construction projects can be designed, constructed, and operated. Developments in building information modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence (AI), generative design, large language model (LLM), digital twins, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, 3D printing, new materials etc. are pushing the boundaries of construction industry, which is traditionally reluctant to innovation and slow in adopting new technologies, towards a new era, more intelligent, resilient, sustainable, safe, comfortable and affordable.

Massive changes are occurring nowadays in the construction industry, along with new challenges and opportunities to reshape the better future. It is time now to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in developing and utilising cutting-edge technologies and digital design techniques in the construction sector. This Special Issue aims to offer a platform for latest research and best practices in novel technologies and digital design in smart construction. It welcomes submissions from the following topics but not limited to:

• Advanced technologies in construction design and management, e.g., BIM, digital twins, virtual reality (VR), 3D printing, robotics, remote sensing etc.
• AI techniques and algorithms for smart construction and construction management
• Data-driven approaches for smart construction and construction management
• Innovative design methods and techniques for construction projects
• New materials for construction projects
• Innovative sustainable development of built environment
• Energy-efficient building design and operation
• Lifecycle assessment and carbon footprint analysis
• Resilient building, infrastructure, or city
• Climate change and impacts on built environment
• Evaluation and management of technology innovations
• Socio-technical system of technology innovations

We encourage researchers, practitioners, and industry experts to contribute original research articles, reviews, and case studies that advance our understanding of smart construction and digital design. We aim to inspire academic discussion and best practices in novel technologies and digital design through publishing this Special Issue, shaping the new future of construction.

Dr. Long Chen
Dr. Zhihe Yang
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. Sustainability 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.

• technology innovation
• digital technologies
• AI techniques
• data-driven approaches
• novel materials
• sustainable development
• climate change socio-technical system