School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10292/13907

AUT is home to a number of renowned research institutes in architecture and creative technologies. The School of Future Environments - Huri te Ao strong industry partnerships and the unique combination of architecture and creative technologies within one school stimulates interdisciplinary research beyond traditional boundaries.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 248

Designing Ethical AI: Balancing Inclusion and Autonomy
(Emerald, 2025-10-16) Touhidul Islam, ASM; Tookey, John
Purpose This paper aims to explore the ethical tension between representational inclusivity and individual freedom in AI systems. It highlights how bias mitigation efforts, especially for women and children, may unintentionally restrict user autonomy when ethical interventions prescribe engagement patterns. Design/methodology/approach Using a data-centric and human-centered design, the study integrates the FAT (Fairness, Accountability, Transparency) model and Stanford’s Human-Centered AI framework. It analyses systemic nudging through empirical illustrations from recommendation systems, education platforms and profiling tools. Findings Ethical interventions can compromise autonomy if not carefully designed. A dual-layered framework – combining system-level bias auditing with user-level content mediation – is proposed to balance fairness with freedom. Research limitations/implications The study relies on illustrative cases and literature. Future work should include empirical validation through original data collection and longitudinal analysis. Practical implications The framework offers guidance for developers, educators and policymakers to design AI systems that balance personalization with ethical representation. Social implications The study promotes inclusive representation and user empowerment, contributing to equity and justice in AI technologies. Originality/value By integrating ethical theory with practical illustrations, the paper presents a structured approach to designing AI systems that respect both representation and autonomy.
Seismic Response of Rocking Precast Concrete Cladding System in a Full-Scale Three-Storey Building
(Informa UK Limited, 2026-05-28) Shrestha, RK; Bhatta, J; Dhakal, RP; Sullivan, TJ; Tiwari, A; Yan, Z; MacRae, GA; Zhang, Y; Li, Z; Xiang, P; Jia, LJ; Ramhormozian, S; Clifton, GC; Quenneville, P; Rodgers, G; Zhao, X
Precast concrete cladding systems are not only vulnerable to seismic damage but also pose a life-safety hazard due to the potential for panel detachment and falling during earthquakes. However, research assessing seismic response of the cladding systems installed on full-scale buildings under dynamic loading is limited. To address this gap, an experimental programme was undertaken as part of the RObust BUilding SysTem (ROBUST) project. In this study, rocking cladding panels were installed on the upper two storeys of a full-scale, three-storey steel frame building specimen. The building was subjected to unidirectional and bidirectional horizontal ground motions, inducing peak inter-storey drift ratios of up to 1.71% and peak floor accelerations of up to 0.95 g at the storeys where the cladding panels were installed. This paper presents the experimental findings on the seismic response of the rocking cladding system, including peak rocking displacements and component acceleration amplification factors. Physical damage observations are categorised by severity and correlated with inter-storey drift ratios. Damage to the sealant was first observed at a peak inter-storey drift ratio of 0.51% in one of the cladding systems, while the remaining eleven cladding systems sustained drift levels up to 1% without any damage. Additionally, vibration modes and corresponding frequencies are identified. The results demonstrate that the rocking cladding system effectively accommodated the imposed seismic demands without severe damage or collapse, highlighting the rocking mechanism as a low-damage solution for precast concrete cladding systems.
A Review of the Unintended Consequences of Biochar in Various Applications
(Wiley-VCH, 2026-05-13) Vivekanandhan, S; Kaynak, E; Wang, D; Shanmugam, V; Bifulco, A; Diarte Almada, J; Piri, IS; Wang, Z; Padhye, LP; Kim, NK; Försth, M; Gonzalez-Libreros, J; Wachter, I; Karim, S; Das, O
Sustainable development strategies, including biomass waste valorization and life cycle-based carbon management approaches, are being adopted worldwide to mitigate climate change and reduce pollution. Numerous materials or products are under development to meet the demands related to a lowered carbon footprint, higher safety, access to renewable energy, and so on. One such material is biochar, which has been employed in a plethora of applications, areas ranging from soil amendment, polymer composites, energy storage and conversion, building materials, to environmental remediation. However, no two biochars are created equal. This disparity in inherent material properties in biochar means that they should be subjected to effective engineering to tailor their properties to a specific targeted application. This means that a biochar that is suitable for concrete applications may not be appropriate for polymer composite applications. Even biochar properties that were designed for a specific application may not have the desired or expected impact. This can lead to several negative effects of biochar. Hence, this article has collated and reviewed the instances where biochar has had unintended consequences in different applications. Using the knowledge presented herein, researchers can be aware of the potential disadvantages of biochar applications and take necessary steps to abate the negative effects.
Rethinking Thailand’s Energy Future: Strategies for Sustainable Renewable Solutions Using the Hybrid Optimisation of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) Modelling Approach
(Emerald, 2025-12-09) Poorisat, Tharaya; Aigwi, Itohan Esther; Tuohy, Paul Gerard; Nwadike, Amarachukwu Nnadozie
Purpose – This study aims to develop a sustainable renewable energy strategy for Nakhon Ratchasima (KORAT), Thailand, in response to growing energy demands driven by rapid population growth and industrialisation. The research explores the optimal mix of renewable energy sources to maximise energy efficiency and sustainability in the region. Design/methodology/approach – The hybrid optimisation of multiple energy resources (HOMER) Software was employed to simulate a microgrid system tailored for KORAT. The model integrated local demand profiles and climatic data to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness of various renewable energy technologies, including solar, hydropower, wind and energy storage systems. Findings – Simulation results indicated that solar power systems are the most effective and cost-efficient renewable option for the region, closely followed by hydropower systems. Wind power demonstrated lower performance and economic viability due to local wind speeds falling below the cut-in speed of the selected turbines. Similarly, battery storage did not significantly enhance the renewable energy fraction due to limited surplus energy, indicating lower cost-effectiveness. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to a single province – Nakhon Ratchasima – which may not fully represent the diverse geographic and climatic conditions across Thailand. Despite these limitations, the findings offer a replicable framework for regional energy planning and highlight the importance of site-specific data in designing cost-effective hybrid renewable systems for Thailand and similar developing regions. Practical implications – This study provides a practical framework for designing region-specific hybrid renewable energy systems using real-world data and HOMER software. The findings support policymakers, utility providers and investors in making informed decisions about energy planning in Thailand. Social implications – The transition to hybrid renewable energy systems in Thailand, as demonstrated in this study, can significantly improve energy access, affordability and reliability for local communities. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to better public health outcomes. Originality/value – This study presents the first HOMER-based microgrid simulation specifically focused on KORAT, providing a replicable framework for integrating renewable energy in similar regions across Thailand. It contributes valuable insights for policymakers and energy planners aiming to advance renewable energy adoption through evidence-based system design.
Interactions of Factors Affecting the Implementation of Integrated Project Delivery in the New Zealand Construction Industry: A System Dynamics and Network Analysis Approach
(Informa UK Limited, 2026-04-03) Bin Asad, Saad; Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Poshdar, Mani
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a collaborative project delivery approach that brings together people, systems, and practices to reduce waste, enhance sustainability, and improve project outcomes. This study examined the factors and their interactions hindering IPD implementation in New Zealand (NZ) through 18 semi-structured interviews with local construction professionals. Using manual coding and VENSIM visualisation, the study identified key challenges and their interactions. Critical factors include resistance to change, low technology adoption, high initial investment costs, insufficient mutual respect and trust, client’s resistance, and lack of industry standardisation. Key challenges in NZ include a lack of information on IPD outcomes, a limited number of contractors and consultants, governance conflicts, a preference for traditional models, resistance to change among experienced professionals, contractor liquidations, subcontractors taking main contractor roles, and project size. The research used network analysis methods, such as degree and eigenvector centrality, and causal chain analysis to identify critical factors and chains affecting IPD uptake. The findings compare NZ’s challenges with global experiences, highlighting both unique and common obstacles. While the limited sample size (18 professionals) is a constraint, the research provides insights to help researchers and practitioners address factors and their interactions to support sustainable construction practices in NZ.
Modelling the Enablers of Effective Digital Technology Implementation for Competitiveness Enhancement Among Subcontracting Organisations in New Zealand’s Residential Construction Industry
(Emerald, 2026-04-28) Al-Kayed, Anas Azzam; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Mahesh Babu, Purushothaman Babu; Pawley, Matthew; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali
Purpose: To evaluate the key factors that enable the effective implementation of digital technologies to improve competitiveness among subcontracting organisations in New Zealand’s residential construction industry. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative survey of 142 subcontracting organisations was analysed using principal component analysis to derive core competitiveness dimensions and automatic linear modelling (ALM) to identify predictive digital-adoption factors. Findings: ALM revealed five significant predictors of competitiveness variance: investment in digital technologies, ethical compliance, knowledge sharing, employee training and supportive digital mindsets. Research limitations/implications: The study used a cross-sectional survey design, which limits causal interpretation between digital adoption factors and competitiveness outcomes. The analysis focused solely on subcontracting organisations within New Zealand’s residential construction sector; therefore, generalisability to other construction contexts or countries should be approached cautiously. Future research could adopt longitudinal or mixed method approaches to validate the predictive relationships identified through PCA and ALM and to explore qualitative dimensions such as leadership behaviour and organisational culture in digital transformation processes. Practical implications: The findings suggest that competitiveness among subcontracting organisations depends on technological investment, ethical compliance, organisational learning and workforce capability. They highlight that digital transformation should be viewed as a socio-technical process, requiring not only technology adoption but also supportive mindsets, effective knowledge-sharing mechanisms and sustained capability development. These insights can guide policymakers and managers in promoting digital readiness, fostering ethical governance and strengthening organisational learning to enhance long-term competitiveness in the construction sector. Originality/value: This paper is the first to apply data-driven ALM to model the digital-competitiveness nexus within New Zealand’s subcontracting organisations, providing a statistically grounded recommendation for targeted digital-transformation strategies.
The Effect of Water-to-Binder Ratio (W/B) on Pore Structure of One-Part Alkali Activated Mortar
(Elsevier BV, 2023-01-14) Yusslee, Eddy; Beskhyroun, S
One-part alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are alternative cementitious materials to respond to the shortcoming of conventional two-part systems. Combining aluminosilicate precursor by-products with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) helps develop a robust performance. It can potentially be used as a patching product for concrete repair materials. Mix design for the one-part AAMs in this report is formulated to ensure its application is according to the structural concrete repair materials Class R4, EN1504-3 specification. In addition, the lower alkalinity alkali activator employed is helpful for economic reasons and less harmful to handle. Furthermore, the addition of powdered admixture enhances the performance of hardened products for retarding effect, provides additional calcium for geopolymer reactions, and offers stable mechanical strength. Finally, an adequate water-to-binder (W/B) ratio has completed the mix design proportion and effectively activated the chemical reaction of the dry mixed ingredients in the geopolymerization process for binding purposes. In this study, the water-to-binder ratio was set in the range of 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 for all mortar samples at constant mix design formulation and activated by low alkalinity of solid potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃). At 0.30 W/B ratio, the setting time is delayed to 120 min but shorter than other W/B ratios. Mechanical strength of the mortar increased over time up to 63 N/mm² at 56 days of curing age, recorded low porosity level of 16%, minimal pore structure area of 17.374 m²/g and documented above 2.0 MPa of pull-off bonding strength that encounters restrained drying shrinkage and expansion impact at 56 days of age under different curing conditions.
Sustainable Livelihoods Through Reduced Plastic Waste: Collaborative Community-based Sustainability-oriented Innovation
(Springer, 2025-05-13) Cleveland, D; Joseph, F; Little, V; Nayak, R
This chapter describes a project that aims to support community livelihoods and to reduce plastic use and food waste, through engaging with entrepreneurial communities of practice in biomaterials innovation. Vietnam, the site of the study, has problems with plastic pollution, with food waste, and with supporting sustainable community livelihoods. To address these problems, the research team is engaged in a process of collaborative discovery with local craft village communities and social enterprises. Working with local entrepreneur-makers and their communities, the project investigates how biomaterials might be produced from waste food (e.g., tea, fruit), and transformed into commercializable products for consumer markets. The technology platform is bacterial cellulose, which can be grown using local waste food, using minimal water and energy resources. We have researched and developed this platform through an initial research project (Materialfutures.org). Five illustrative cases demonstrate how biomaterials can be produced and commercialized, drawing on community resources. Fieldwork in two villages provided insights into traditional material production techniques. The work of four social enterprises provides insights into how project outputs might be commercialized. Drawing on this preliminary work, the chapter outlines the plan for current research engaging selected craft village communities in a participatory action research project. Throughout, processes of collective, co-produced learning and experimentation provide a foil to conventional extractive approaches to knowledge production. Project outcomes are both practical and theoretical. Sustainable livelihoods are supported through community skill and relationship building, and at the same time, the knowledge produced contributes to both ecopreneurship and sustainability-oriented innovation literature.
Guest Editorial: Energy Efficiency, Risk, and Resilience in the Built Environment
(Emerald, 2026-05-07) Doan, Dat Tien; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein; Jalali, Zahra
Life Cycle Assessment of Both Cement and Sand-replaced Biochar Concrete
(Elsevier, 2026-04-03) Wang, Dong; Bui, Thao Thi Phuong; Reinke, Benjamin; Upadhyayula, Venkata Krishna Kumar; Ágoston, Restás; Wilkinson, Suzanne; Piri, Imelda Saran; Karim, Sabrina; Das, Oisik
Biochar holds significant potential for reducing carbon emissions in the concrete industry. However, despite increasing interest in biochar-concrete, there is a lack of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies to elucidate the mechanisms by which biochar reduces carbon emissions of concrete across stages such as raw material acquisition, transportation, manufacturing, etc. This study compares the environmental impacts of using biochar derived from wood and fruit waste as partial replacements for cement and sand in concrete. The research applies LCA methodology, in line with ISO 14040 and 14044, to evaluate the environmental impacts and resource use of biochar-concrete across its cradle-to-gate life cycle. Cement exhibits high carbon emissions of 0.63 kg CO₂-eq per kg, of which 80% originates from the calcination whereas crushed sand demonstrates very low carbon emissions. On the other hand, both wood and fruit biochar exhibit negative carbon emissions due to the combined effects of co-product energy recovery and carbon sequestration. Using wood biochar to replace 20 vol.% of cement reduces carbon emissions of concrete by 42%. Replacing 60 vol.% of sand with fruit biochar reduces concrete carbon emissions by 167%, indicating a net-negative carbon footprint. Moreover, the fruit biochar shows a greater potential for reducing the carbon footprint of concrete and exhibits higher sensitivity to intensity analysis due to the larger volume replacement it offers for sand. The findings indicate that key parameters, such as biomass moisture content and biochar yield rate significantly influence the decarbonization potential, whereas applied average transportation distance contributes minimally to overall emissions.
Digital Twins Across the Asset Lifecycle: Technical, Organisational, Economic, and Regulatory Challenges
(MDPI AG, 2026-03-09) Dong, K; Moshood, TD
The construction industry faces persistent challenges in productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Digital twin (DT) technology has emerged as a promising pathway for lifecycle optimisation, yet its construction adoption remains limited. Key barriers include fragmentation across project phases, weak data continuity at handover, and conceptual ambiguity between DT and Building Information Modelling (BIM). This systematic literature review analyses 160 peer-reviewed studies (2018–2026) selected from 463 Scopus records using a PRISMA-guided process and inter-rater reliability testing (Cohen’s κ = 0.83). The review clarifies that DTs extend beyond BIM in three ways: they enable bidirectional, automated physical-digital data exchange; integrate heterogeneous real-time sources such as IoT sensors and operational systems; and maintain lifecycle continuity from design through to end-of-life. Select advanced implementations report notable performance gains. These include rework and logistics reductions of up to 80%, cost savings of approximately 5%, schedule acceleration of around two months, energy reductions of 15–30%, and maintenance cost reductions of 10–25%. These figures reflect case-level outcomes from high-performing pilots and should not be read as typical industry benchmarks. Broader adoption remains constrained by interoperability gaps, data quality challenges, digital maturity deficits, misaligned stakeholder incentives, and paper-based regulatory environments. DTs represent a socio-technical transformation, not a standalone technology upgrade. Realising their potential requires coordinated progress in standards development, governance frameworks, collaborative delivery models, and workforce capability. Future research should focus on scalable interoperability, longitudinal lifecycle value validation, human-centred adoption strategies, and sustainability assessment methods to support evidence-based diffusion of DTs in the built environment.
Calcined Clays as Supplementary Cementitious Materials for Sustainable Construction: A Systematic Comparative Review of Mineralogy, Calcination Conditions, and Performance Outcomes
(MDPI AG, 2026-04-19) Kalatehjari, Roohollah; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Bihari, Renuka; Moshood, Taofeeq Durojaye
Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, and while calcined clays have attracted growing attention as supplementary cementitious materials, the literature remains fragmented across clay types and performance metrics, with no unified comparative framework examining how mineralogical composition and calcination conditions jointly govern pozzolanic reactivity and downstream performance outcomes. This study addresses that gap through a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 32 peer-reviewed studies, validated by structured expert interviews, and a comparative assessment of five calcined clay categories: metakaolin (MK), limestone-calcined clay blends (LC3), illite-rich clays, montmorillonite (MM)- based clays, and ceramic waste (CW)- derived clays. Findings establish clear performance hierarchies with direct implications for the construction sector. MK at 10–15% cement replacement delivers compressive strength gains of 8–36%, chloride permeability reductions of 61–87%, and sulphate expansion reductions of up to 89%, confirming its suitability for high-performance, chemically aggressive-environment structural concrete. LC3 systems enable 30–50% clinker substitution, yielding an estimated 30–40% embodied CO2 reduction alongside 6–10% strength gains and 64–90% reductions in chloride migration, representing the most significant decarbonisation opportunity reviewed. Illite-rich clays reduce compressive strength by 6–25%, limiting application to non-structural uses despite moderate durability gains. MM-based clays exhibit highly variable performance, ranging from a 60% strength loss to an 8% gain, with workability penalties of up to a 90% slump reduction, constraining adoption. CW-derived clays achieve 50–69% reductions in chloride diffusion while valorising industrial waste, though strength reductions of 11–20% limit structural applications. Across all clay types, superplasticiser demand increases by 1.5–3.6 times, posing a universal cost and logistics challenge for practitioners in mix design.
Empirical Validation of the Next-Gen Digital Project Manager Competency Framework Through Exploratory Factor Analysis
(Emerald, 2026-04-10) Owais, Omar A; Poshdar, Mani; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali; Jaafar, Kamal; Sarhan, Saad
Purpose Digital transformation is reshaping project delivery in the construction sector, requiring Project Managers (PMs) to operate across increasingly complex technological, organisational, and sustainability-driven environments. Despite the growing importance of digital capabilities, there remains a lack of empirical evidence on the underlying structure of digital project management competencies in construction. This study aims to empirically validate the Next-Gen Digital PM Competency Framework for the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach Building on a previously developed and validated list of 55 digital PM competencies, survey data were collected from experienced construction professionals and analysed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) with Promax rotation was employed to examine the latent structure of the competency set. Findings The results confirm a statistically robust seven-factor competency structure, supported by eigenvalue thresholds, scree plot interpretation, and thematic coherence. A total of 25 competencies were retained and grouped into seven latent constructs: Digital Execution and Optimisation; Human-Centred Digital Leadership; Lifecycle Risk and Compliance Knowledge; Digital Sustainability Intelligence; Digital Tools Proficiency and Automation; Digital Content and Data Management; and Digital Transformation Enablement Skills. Together, these factors capture the multidimensional nature of digital PM capability across technical, behavioural, and cognitive domains. Originality/value This study provides one of the first empirically validated digital project management competency frameworks tailored to digitally transformed construction environments. The findings demonstrate that digital PM competency extends beyond technical proficiency to encompass leadership, governance-related capabilities (e.g. lifecycle risk and compliance), sustainability, and transformation-oriented capabilities. The resulting framework offers an empirically grounded foundation for competency assessment, workforce development, and targeted professional upskilling in digitally enabled construction environments, while establishing a statistically validated basis for future confirmatory analysis.
Unveiling the Roles and Effective Engagement of Stakeholders Involved in Sustainable Building Design and Practices
(Emerald, 2026-04-17) Poorisat, Tharaya; Aigwi, Itohan Esther; Doan, Dat Tien; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali
Purpose This study examines the roles and interrelationships of key stakeholders in Sustainable Building Designs and Practices (SBDPs) and how their collaboration influences the integration of Energy Efficiency (EE), Water Efficiency (WE), and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). It proposes a framework that combines Stakeholder Theory with Habermas' critical social theory to align objectives, bridge performance gaps, and advance sustainable building outcomes. Design/methodology/approach An integrative literature review (2013–2025) was employed using Scopus and Google Scholar (n = 86). Thematic analysis identified five primary stakeholder groups, including investors, producers, policymakers, users, and academics, and examined their interactions, collaborative mechanisms, and barriers. Insights informed the development of a stakeholder engagement framework grounded in both descriptive and normative theory. Findings Stakeholders hold distinct yet interdependent roles. Effective collaboration is crucial to closing the gap between design intent and realised performance, but is hindered by fragmented communication, conflicting priorities, and regulatory limitations. The proposed framework facilitates inclusive dialogue, shared objectives, and transparent decision-making. Research limitations/implications Reliance on secondary data and the predominance of studies from developed countries limit context-specific insights. Future research should incorporate empirical investigations across diverse regions to address institutional barriers and power imbalances. Practical implications The framework offers actionable strategies, such as stakeholder forums, participatory design processes, and lifecycle monitoring, to align EE, WE, and IEQ goals, improve efficiency, and enhance compliance of buildings with sustainability rating systems. Social implications SBDPs contribute to public health, resource conservation, and climate resilience, while inclusive engagement ensures equitable access to sustainable living and working environments. Originality/value The study introduces a novel framework that integrates descriptive and normative approaches, offering ethically grounded, practical strategies for enhancing global SBDP collaboration and stakeholders' collaboration.
Impact of Covid on Instructor Well-being Within ‘Studio’ Based Design and Construction Teaching
(European Council for Computing in Construction, 2025-07-14) McMeel, D; Petrovic, EK; Potangaroa, R; Jadresin-Milic, R
Studio-based pedagogy, integral to design and construction education, emphasizes hands-on exploration, collaboration, and face-to-face interactions. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this model, shifting learning online and exacerbating workloads, pedagogical challenges, and community-building issues. This study investigates these effects through a survey of New Zealand educators, analyzed using inductive thematic methods. Findings highlight significant stress from tensions between traditional and online models, underscoring the urgent need for improved digital literacy, redesigned learning environments, and enhanced online community-building strategies. This research contributes insights into adapting studio-based pedagogy for resilient and effective online education.
Dynamic Characterization and Seismic Performance of a Fully-Floating Ceiling with Velcro-Secured Lay-in Tiles via Shake Table Tests
(Informa UK Limited, 2026-04-06) Tiwari, A; Bhatta, J; Dhakal, RP; Sullivan, TJ; Shrestha, RK; Yan, Z; MacRae, GA; Yu, J; Xiang, P; Rashid, M; Zhang, Y; Jia, L; Ramhormozian, S; Clifton, GC; Quenneville, P; Rodgers, G; Zhao, X
Grid-and-tile suspended ceilings, commonly used in commercial buildings, have historically suffered significant damage during earthquakes leading to financial losses, business disruption, and life-safety hazards. This study investigates the dynamic characteristics and seismic performance of a fully-floating ceiling, a low-damage ceiling concept that incorporates Velcro-secured lay-in tiles. In this system, Velcro tape, a novel addition, is used to secure the tiles to the Tees, aiming to prevent tile dislodgement during shaking. The ceiling was installed on the second storey of a three-storey steel-framed building and tested on a shake table under unidirectional and bidirectional shaking. These tests were part of the RObust BUilding SysTem (ROBUST) project, conducted at the International Joint Research Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering at Tongji University, China. During the experiments, the fully-floating ceiling was subjected to peak floor accelerations of up to 0.60 g simultaneously in the longitudinal and transverse directions (vector resultant of 0.85 g). The system exhibited median fundamental modal periods of 0.31 s and 0.40 s in the two orthogonal horizontal directions, with median damping ratios ranging from 2.39% to 3.63%. The peak displacement reached 40.6 mm, and the ceiling remained insensitive to torsional effects. The median acceleration amplification factor in the horizontal directions was 2.16, and the maximum vertical peak component ceiling acceleration was 1.01 g. No pounding between sprinkler heads and lay-in tiles was observed. Throughout the testing program, no damage was observed. These findings highlight the potential of the fully-floating ceiling as a low-damage, seismically resilient solution for use in buildings located in earthquake-prone regions.
Sustainable Practices for Building Construction in New Zealand
(MDPI AG, 2026-04-05) Bader, Mahmoud; Roy, Krishanu; Berry, Terri-Ann; de Graaf, Kim
Globally, sustainability indicators have become increasingly important in the building construction sector. While contractors play a critical role in advancing sustainability during the construction phase, there is limited guidance on the specific practices they should adopt. This study aims to address that gap by identifying sustainable practices relevant to building construction and developing an initial set of practical guidelines to support contractors in enhancing their sustainability performance. Based on a literature review and the author’s experiences in New Zealand, a list of 49 sustainable practices for building construction has been developed, addressing the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social. The research focuses on the building construction phase and emphasises contractor-level key implementation challenges, such as regulatory barriers and the need for enhanced waste management during construction. The proposed list of practices can serve as a valuable tool to guide contractors’ commitment to sustainability and may inform contractor selection for future tender projects.
Contrasts Within New Zealand Cities: Perceived Liveability Across Five Neighbourhoods in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
(Emerald, 2026-03-17) Besen, Priscila; Burgess, Andrew; Vallis, Stacy; Morrison, Ann; Marks, Stefan; Piri, Imelda; Shafiei, Marzieh
Purpose: The design and maintenance of neighbourhoods can influence lifestyles, social interactions and quality of life. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland’s urban form is marked by extensive urban sprawl and low-density residential-only zones. While a few studies have assessed liveability in selected Aotearoa/New Zealand’s neighbourhoods, studies that compare residents’ perceived liveability across different areas of Auckland remain limited. This study aims to examine urban liveability perceptions in various Auckland neighbourhoods to understand how the built environment and amenities impact residents’ quality of life. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research methodology was used, collecting data from 164 residents through an online questionnaire distributed in eight Auckland suburbs. Results from the neighbourhoods of Massey, Mt. Eden, Northcote, Takanini and Saint Heliers are discussed in this paper, comparing areas distributed geographically across the territory which show significant contrasts. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (Kruskal–Wallis) statistics and discussed with information from spatial mapping. Findings: Perceptions of liveability vary across neighbourhoods. The overall results show the highest perceived liveability in Mt. Eden and Saint Heliers, and the lowest in Takanini and Massey. Street type, age, disability and work routine also influence perception of liveability. Results align with social deprivation indexes, canopy cover, walking frequencies and proximity to the city centre: higher liveability levels were found in the least deprived and greener areas located closer to the city centre, where there are higher rates of walking. Originality/value: This study highlights the social dimensions of liveability using residents’ perceptions with a holistic approach, including factors such as amenities, infrastructure, transport, safety and sense of community. The findings inform socioeconomic and built environment indicators of liveability, helping to create evidence-based policies and design practices for sustainable and well-connected future neighbourhoods.
Trash to Treasure for Housing Resilience: A Systematic Literature Review of Community-Based Waste-to-Resource Innovations in the Built Environment
(MDPI AG, 2026-04-01) Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Warkaka, Yakubu George
The built environment continues to encounter significant challenges related to waste generation and resource depletion, driving increased interest in circular economy strategies that extend material lifecycles and mitigate environmental impacts. This systematic review synthesises findings from 60 studies on waste-to-resource innovations across construction and household contexts. Although the existing literature predominantly addresses construction and demolition waste, this review foregrounds household operational waste, an area that remains insufficiently explored despite its importance for everyday resource recovery. The analysis examines how materials generated through routine use, maintenance, and minor renovation activities can be captured and redirected into productive resource streams, with particular attention to governance mechanisms such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The findings indicate that effective waste-to-resource systems depend on coherent regulatory frameworks and enforcement, economic incentives, enabling technologies, community engagement, and product design that facilitates reuse and disassembly. Key barriers include low public awareness, fragmented supply chains, high recovery costs, weak compliance mechanisms, and materials that are difficult to separate. The review concludes that improving waste-to-resource outcomes in the built environment requires coordinated action among producers, households, local authorities, and technology providers, and it articulates policy-relevant and community-oriented pathways to support more effective resource recovery systems.
Recent Advances and Effectiveness of Machine Learning Models for Fluid Dynamics in the Built Environment
(Taylor and Francis Group, 2024-06-27) Tran, Quang Van; Doan, Dat Tien; Yun, Geun Young
Indoor environmental quality is crucial for human health and comfort, necessitating precise and efficient computational methods to optimise indoor climate parameters. Recent advancements in machine learning (ML) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are promising. However, applying ML to complex building airflow presents challenges. This research aims to investigate the integration of ML with CFD in the context of built environment applications using a systematic review approach. It highlights a critical knowledge gap: the need to synthesise innovative approaches that address the limitations of indoor modelling using data-driven ML methods. The review examines contemporary literature, identifying current developments and suggesting potential future directions. It delves into the innovations in combining ML with CFD to predict thermal comfort and indoor air quality, uncovering key limitations such as the lack of high-quality experimental data for training and validation, the computational complexity of detailed CFD simulations, and the interpretability issues of ‘black-box’ ML models. The emergence of data-driven techniques in fluid mechanics offers promising prospects for modelling in the built environment. Future research should focus on incorporating physics-based rules in ML models, adapting turbulence closure models for indoor flows, and enhancing model validation using real-world datasets. The research emphasises the synergistic relationship between ML and CFD; it proposes pathways to overcome current limitations, aiming to enhance the precision and efficiency of indoor environment modelling through their integration.

Browse

Recent Submissions