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School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 1466, Australia
City Futures Research Centre, School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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Recent Studies and Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Communities, Buildings, Cities and Infrastructure

Abstract submission deadline
20 March 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
20 May 2026
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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nations have developed visions and policies on advancing sustainable, liveable cities and resilient communities, addressing critical themes related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the built environment. Innovative solutions integrating AI, Digital Twin technology, and IoT-enabled intelligent systems transform urban design, construction, and community resilience as urban spaces evolve. This collection seeks to capture how emerging technologies, innovative methods, and sustainable practices contribute to creating resilient, adaptable spaces. We welcome contributions exploring the following themes:

  • Resilient and Liveable Cities: Strategies for creating adaptable, sustainable cities focused on human well-being, climate resilience, and quality of life.
  • Innovative Pathways to Sustainable Development Goals: Future initiatives, policies, and technologies driving progress toward achieving the SDGs through urban planning and building design.
  • Smart Technologies and AI Applications: Use of AI, Digital Twins, and the IoT in urban planning, building systems, and infrastructure to enhance efficiency, predictive maintenance, and environmental impact reduction.
  • Green Buildings and Circular Economy: Advancements in eco-friendly materials, sustainable construction practices, and circular economy principles to minimize waste and reduce carbon footprints.
  • Community Engagement and Climate Adaptation: Involving communities in participatory planning, developing climate-resilient infrastructure, and implementing nature-based solutions for sustainable urban development.

This topic collection aims to advance the discourse on sustainable urban development, bridging innovation and sustainability to create intelligent, future-ready environments.

Dr. Samad Sepasgozar
Dr. Sara Shirowzhan
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • eco-friendly built environment
  • resilient communities
  • livable cities
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • digital twin
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • net zero emissions
  • renewable energy integration
  • living materials

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci 		2.5 5.3 2011 18.4 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Architecture
architecture 		- - 2021 36.3 Days CHF 1000 Submit
Buildings
buildings 		3.1 3.4 2011 15.3 Days CHF 2600 Submit
CivilEng
civileng 		- 2.8 2020 24.4 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Energies
energies 		3.0 6.2 2008 16.8 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Materials
materials 		3.1 5.8 2008 13.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Remote Sensing
remotesensing 		4.2 8.3 2009 23.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability 		3.3 6.8 2009 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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22 pages, 56507 KiB  
Article
Study on the Correlations Between Spatial Morphology Parameters and Solar Potential of Old Communities in Cold Regions with a Case Study of Jinan City, Shandong Province
by Fei Zheng, Peisheng Liu, Zhen Ren, Xianglong Zhang, Yuetao Wang and Haozhi Qin
Buildings 2025, 15(8), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15081250 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 87
Abstract
Currently, urban development has entered the stage of renewal and transformation. Energy transition is an important trend for sustainable urban development, and the assessment of solar energy potential in old residential areas in cold regions is of great significance. This study selects 47 [...] Read more.
Currently, urban development has entered the stage of renewal and transformation. Energy transition is an important trend for sustainable urban development, and the assessment of solar energy potential in old residential areas in cold regions is of great significance. This study selects 47 old residential communities in Jinan, a cold region of China, as case samples. Using clustering algorithms based on spatial form characteristic parameters, the study divides the samples into five categories. The study then uses the Ladybug tool to simulate the distribution and total solar energy utilization potential of buildings in the five categories and analyzes the correlation between eight spatial form parameters and building solar energy potential. A linear regression model is established, and strategies for the application of BIPV in community buildings are proposed. The study finds that factors such as plot ratio, building density, open space ratio, volume-to-surface ratio, and form coefficient have a significant impact on the solar energy potential of residential communities; the p-values are −0.785, −0.783, 0.783, −0.761, and 0.724, respectively. Among these, building density (BD) is the most crucial factor affecting the solar energy potential of building facades. Increasing by one unit can reduce the solar energy utilization potential by 28.00 kWh/m2/y. At the same time, installing photovoltaic panels on old residential buildings in cold regions can reduce building carbon emissions by approximately 48%. The research findings not only provide methodological references for photovoltaic technology application at varying neighborhood scales in urban settings but also offer specific guidance for low-carbon retrofitting of aging urban communities, thereby facilitating progress in urban carbon emission reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Studies and Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Communities, Buildings, Cities and Infrastructure)
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30 pages, 1120 KiB  
Article
Soft Skills for Teams in Public Linear Infrastructure: The Development of a Decision Support Tool
by Hollie K. Davies, John J. Posillico and David J. Edwards
Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071197 - 5 Apr 2025
Viewed by 114
Abstract
Despite the plethora of digital and technological advances made in the construction industry over the past three decades, at its core, the sector remains human-centric. Consequently, this research investigates the core soft skills employed on public linear infrastructure (PLI) projects (during the construction [...] Read more.
Despite the plethora of digital and technological advances made in the construction industry over the past three decades, at its core, the sector remains human-centric. Consequently, this research investigates the core soft skills employed on public linear infrastructure (PLI) projects (during the construction phase) that are digitally enabled and concludes with the development of a decision support tool for PLI project team management. A mixed philosophical stance is implemented using interpretivism, postpositivism and grounded theory together with abductive reasoning to examine subject matter experts’ perceptions of the phenomena under investigation. Textual analysis is then utilised to formulate a decision support tool as a theoretical construct. The research findings demonstrate that communication, leadership and creativity/curiosity are the three main soft skills required of PLI projects. Furthermore, the key elements of a decision support tool—namely, trackable and measurable data, clear objectives and success criteria, and an easy-to-understand visual format—were identified. Such knowledge provides a strong base for building an emotionally intelligent project team. This research constitutes the first attempt to understand the essential soft skills required on PLI projects and, premised upon this, generate a decision support tool for project management in teams that helps to augment project performance through workforce investment via a learning organisation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Studies and Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Communities, Buildings, Cities and Infrastructure)
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28 pages, 2010 KiB  
Article
Challenges and Benefits of Implementing AI in Timber Construction for Circular Economy Goals
by Mohsen Ghobadi and Samad M. E. Sepasgozar
Buildings 2025, 15(7), 1073; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15071073 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 176
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered an essential enabler of a circular economy (CE) in the construction industry. AI can significantly enhance the efficiency of applying innovative CE practices in other construction projects. However, it has not yet been fully integrated into the application [...] Read more.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered an essential enabler of a circular economy (CE) in the construction industry. AI can significantly enhance the efficiency of applying innovative CE practices in other construction projects. However, it has not yet been fully integrated into the application of CE principles and has explicitly been overlooked in the context of timber construction. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the potential contributions of AI applications to achieving CE in timber construction, as well as identifying the associated benefits and challenges. Through a mixed-methods approach, the research utilizes both qualitative data, collected through timber construction industry interviews, and quantitative analysis to explore professional construction perspectives and uncover actionable insights. The findings highlight the transformative potential of AI to enhance sustainability and operational efficiency in timber construction. Moreover, six potential benefits and 11 challenges for integrating AI and a CE in timber construction are identified that can act as an accelerator for advancing circularity in timber construction. Based on the results, the reduction in construction waste and facilitating the deconstruction and reuse process emerge as the most important benefits. Data obstacles, technological integration, finance and resources, and organizational and industry are determined as the main challenges. This study makes novel contributions to the field by providing empirical evidence in the form of qualitative and quantitative data, in addition to practical recommendations for advancing the integration of AI to promote CE goals and improve sustainability in the timber construction sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Recent Studies and Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Communities, Buildings, Cities and Infrastructure)
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