Interview with Dr. Siu-Kit Lau—Winner of the 2023 MDPI Topics Award

We would like to extend our congratulations to Dr. Siu-Kit Lau, Dr. Vesna Kosorić, Dr. Abel Tablada, Dr. Zdravko Trivic, Dr. Miljana Horvat, Dr. Milena Vukmirovic, Dr. Silvia Domingo-Irigoyen, Prof. Dr. Marija Todorović, Dr. Jérôme H. Kaempf, Dr. Kosa Golić and Dr. Ana Peric who won the 2023 MDPI Topics Award for the Topic “Sustainable Built Environment”.

Name: Dr. Siu-Kit Lau
Affiliation: Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Research interests: poroelastic materials; architectural acoustics; noise control; soundscape; built environment; urban sonic environment

 

Name: Dr. Vesna Kosorić
Affiliation: 1. Balkan Energy AG, 4656 Starrkirch-Wil, Switzerland; 2. Zurich Soft Robotics GmbH, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland 
Research interests: sustainable architecture; sustainable design; integrated sustainable design processes and concepts; multi-objective design optimization; multi-criteria decision-making methods; integration of solar systems into the built environment; solar thermal systems; photovoltaics; BIPV; sustainable renovation of existing buildings; urban farming systems; carbon-neutral cities; social sustainability; environmental psychology; user-oriented design

Name: Dr. Abel Tablada
Affiliation: Faculty of Architecture, Technological University of Havana José Antonio Echeverría, Marianao, La Habana 19390, Cuba
Research interests: sustainable architecture; carbon-neutral architecture; renewable energy; photovoltaics; BIPV; urban farming; building performance simulation; bioclimatic architecture; passive design strategies

Name: Dr. Zdravko Trivic
Affiliation: Department of Architecture, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Research interests: urban design; sustainable high-density environment; perception and multi-sensory experience; design and health; aging; placemaking; participatory design

 

Name: Dr. Miljana Horvat
Affiliation: Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
Research interests: performance of building envelopes for cold climates; energy efficiency; sustainability; solar energy

 

Name: Dr. Milena Vukmirović
Affiliation: Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, 11030 Belgrade, Serbia
Research interests: urban design; public space design; public space quality evaluation

 

Name: Dr. Silvia Domingo-Irigoyen
Affiliation: Institute of Building Technology and Energy, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, 6002 Luzern, Switzerland
Research interests: sustainable buildings; net-zero-carbon buildings; re-use and circular building; building physics, energy and comfort; building renovation and retrofitting technologies; building dynamics and simulation; potential for adaptation of buildings and neighborhoods; sustainable urban and regional planning; climate change

Name: Prof. Dr. Marija Todorović
Affiliation: 1. School of Energy & Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 214135, China; 2. VEA–INVI. Ltd., Virtual Engineering & Art-Investment Vision, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 
Research interests: radiation; experimental validation; induction ventilation; air-conditioning systems

Name: Dr. Jérôme H. Kaempf
Affiliation: Idiap Research Institute, 1920 Martigny, Switzerland
Research interests: buildings’ energy efficiency; urban physics; simulation and optimization

 

 

Name: Dr. Kosa Golić
Affiliation: Faculty of Civil Engineering, University Union Nikola Tesla, 11158 Belgrade, Serbia 
Research interests: construction management; sustainable buildings; integration of solar panels into the building envelope; multi-criteria decision making; applied artificial neural networks

 

Name: Dr. Ana Peric
Affiliation: Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
Research interests: spatial and urban planning; urban research methodology; transnational cooperation; collaboration; brownfield regeneration

 

The following is a short interview with Dr. Siu-Kit Lau:

1. Could you please briefly introduce your winning Topic to our readers? What inspired you to lead this Topic?

The Topic “Sustainable Built Environment” involves innovative research that investigates sustainable practices, technologies, and policies that are pertinent to urban development, construction, and resource management. This focus seeks to address critical global challenges, including climate change, resource scarcity, and urbanization, while fostering development that is both environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. My motivation for leading this Topic arises from a longstanding commitment to sustainability and the conviction that the built environment possesses significant potential for transformative change. Engaging in collaborative efforts with researchers globally to promote multidisciplinary solutions has been both a privilege and a personal mission.

2. What was your impression of the publishing experience with MDPI Topics? Do you have any suggestions for improving its development?

My experience publishing with MDPI has been exceptionally professional, efficient, and collaborative. The streamlined processes and open access model provided by MDPI significantly enhance the visibility and accessibility of published research. To further improve this experience, I recommend incorporating more interactive elements for Topics, such as virtual symposiums or panel discussions, to encourage direct engagement among authors, editors, and readers. Furthermore, expanding opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration within Topics could enrich the content and attract a wider audience.

3. What advice would you offer to young investigators who aspire to achieve similar recognition in their research careers?

Begin by selecting a research area that truly captivates you, as genuine passion will drive your perseverance. Next, foster a network of collaborators from various disciplines to broaden your perspectives and methodologies. Actively share your work through conferences, workshops, and open access publications to enhance its impact. Lastly, keep in mind that recognition often arises from persistence and a sincere dedication to advancing knowledge, so remain resilient and consistent in your efforts.

4. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

Several topics stand out for their relevance and transformative potential, including the following:

• Net-zero-energy buildings and the integration of renewable energy systems;
• Climate-resilient urban planning and infrastructure;
• The application of circular economy principles to construction and material use;
• Advanced digital technologies like AI and IoT for smart cities and sustainable construction;
• Social sustainability, focusing on inclusivity, equity, and well-being in urban spaces;
• As the world grapples with sustainability challenges, research addressing these areas will likely attract substantial interest.

5. What are your thoughts on the evolution of open access publishing in academia? How do you see it impacting the dissemination of future research?

Open access publishing is transforming academia by democratizing knowledge and fostering global collaboration. It guarantees that groundbreaking research is available to everyone, regardless of institutional or economic constraints, thereby accelerating innovation and its practical applications. As open access models continue to develop, they are expected to further promote interdisciplinary collaboration and enable non-academic stakeholders to utilize academic insights, effectively bridging the gap between research and practice.

6. Do you have anything else you would like to share with readers?

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the editors, contributors, reviewers, and collaborators whose efforts have contributed to the success of this Topic. Their commitment and expertise have played a crucial role in furthering the conversation on sustainability. To our readers, I invite you to actively engage with the content presented here and consider sharing your insights in future editions. Together, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable built environment for generations to come.