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.

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LED Airfield Lighting: Exploring the Synergy of Sustainable Solutions, Safety, and Smart Technology
(Emerald, 2026-01-23) Naung, Zwe Wint; Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein
Purpose This study investigates the effects of LED airfield lighting on sustainability and safety, aiming to provide actionable insights for airport operations, health and safety, and sustainability managers. It evaluates both global and New Zealand-specific contexts to understand how LED lighting contributes to energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety in airport environments. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was adopted, combining primary data from five expert interviews with secondary data from a systematic literature review of 47 articles. Thematic coding was employed to identify key influencing factors, followed by a Pareto analysis, degree of centrality, and causal loop diagramming to assess their systemic importance. Findings The study identifies Energy Efficiency (EE-01) and Reduction of Energy Consumption (EE-02) as the most influential factors closely linked to operational savings and sustainability goals. Durability (IR-02) and High-Performance Light Output (IR-01) also emerged as critical for ensuring long-term reliability and visual safety. While factors such as Reduced Maintenance Costs (CE-01) and Smart Control and Adaptability (TI-01) are less frequently cited in the literature, consultation input suggests they are becoming increasingly relevant in modern airfield systems. The analysis reveals a balanced emphasis on economic efficiency, safety, and environmental performance. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to English-language sources from 2019 onward and includes a focused sample of industry consultations, which may affect generalisability. Nonetheless, the integrated analysis offers a robust foundation for future research and policy development in sustainable airport infrastructure. Practical implications From a practical standpoint, the study provides actionable insights for airport authorities, infrastructure designers, and health and safety managers. Stakeholders are encouraged to prioritise LED lighting as part of broader sustainability strategies—not only for the environmental and financial advantages but also for enhanced visual performance, reduced maintenance-related hazards, and emerging opportunities for smart lighting control. For policymakers, the results underscore the need to support LED adoption through targeted incentives, technical standards, and regulatory frameworks, especially in contexts like New Zealand, where national sustainability goals are aligned with infrastructure modernisation. Originality/value This research presents the first comprehensive evaluation of LED airfield lighting through a systems-thinking and network-analysis lens, integrating perspectives on sustainability, safety, and cost. It provides airport stakeholders with evidence-based insights to support safer, more energy-efficient, and environmentally aligned airfield operations.
Interactions and Connections of Safe Egress Factors in Hospital Designs
(Emerald, 2026-01-21) Fahmi, Maryse; Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali
Purpose This study examines fire safety design in hospitals, aiming to identify and understand the factors that influence its effectiveness through control and evacuation while addressing challenges related to patient mobility. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a qualitative narrative approach, systematically reviewing 130 relevant articles and research papers. Conducting a systematic literature review identified 10 key factors of safe egress in hospitals that affect patient evacuation. Then, through semi-structured interviews, 25 field experts confirmed those findings and added two more key factors. Findings This study found patient mobility rate and conditions as the most crucial key factor influencing safe egress apart from the other 12 factors which are occupant types, occupant behaviour, exit characteristics, interior layout, fire spread and fire cells, building fire-rated materials, required safe egress time/available safe egress time, fire detection and suppression systems, signs and evacuation elevators, building model simulation and staff training. Research limitations/implications This study’s limitations include the non-inclusion of the most recent fire incident reports due to their unavailability to the public. Additionally, reliance on secondary data sources in some areas introduces the potential for inaccuracies. The scope of the literature review was also limited by language (English only). The robustness of the methodology followed mitigates the limitations of the study. Practical implications This study assists field professionals – including architects, fire engineers, consultants, medical staff and firefighters – as well as the general public, by providing critical design information to ensure the safe evacuation of all hospital occupants, particularly patients, thus participating in achieving the United Nation’s goals of creating safe environments and fostering sustainable, resilient infrastructure while ensuring the safety of people of all ages. Moreover, the new factor of patient mobility conditions is an addition to the body of knowledge that would interest academics. Originality/value The novelty of the study identified patient mobility conditions as the key influencer for safe fire egress at hospitals while discussing the interrelations between the 12 critical factors.
Sowing the Seeds of Wildlife-Friendly Gardening: Does a Garden Biodiversity Assessment Promote Uptake of Pro-Biodiversity Gardening Behaviours?
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-01-09) van Heezik, Yolanda; Theis, Jacqueline; Shanahan, Danielle F; Freeman, Claire; Pedersen Zari, Maibritt ; Woolley, Christopher K
Residential gardens have the potential to support native biodiversity across cities. Certification programmes designed to motivate residents to perform pro-biodiversity gardening actions require a formal process of garden biodiversity assessment. We evaluated whether a garden biodiversity assessment process was effective at motivating pro-biodiversity gardening behaviours. A one-off garden assessment accompanied by feedback was trialled on 89 residents in 2020/2021. Four years later we surveyed this group and a matched control group to determine whether the assessment had a motivating and long-lasting positive effect on pro-biodiversity gardening. Results were mixed: while 57% reported the assessment did not influence subsequent gardening decisions, 38.5% confirmed that the assessment process had motivated the changes they made and 56% said it helped them understand at least a little better how they could enhance biodiversity in their garden. This understanding was positively associated with how useful they rated their tailored feedback but was not associated with their biodiversity score. The two groups didn’t differ in the extent to which biodiversity enhancement was considered when making changes, and a larger proportion of the control group made biodiversity-positive changes. The number of changes made was not associated with age, income, education, years at the address, bird knowledge, or environmental engagement, but was positively associated with their nature connection score. While we provide some evidence to support the use of biodiversity assessments, ongoing support in the form of collaborative partnerships between gardeners and local government could be more effective at achieving favourable biodiversity outcomes.
From Concrete Jungle to Learning Sanctuary: A Neuroarchitectural Experiment in Acoustic Materials
(GDI, 2025-12-01) Tookey, Lara; Page, Wyatt; Boulic, Mikael
This study presents a neuroarchitectural investigation into the acoustic performance of a modern, open-plan primary school classroom in New Zealand. Originally designed with an exposed concrete aesthetic, the space exhibited elevated average noise levels (LAeq > 70 dB) and frequent disruptive peaks (LCPeak >105 dB), posing challenges to cognitive performance and inclusive learning. A ceiling-based intervention using acoustic materials was implemented to reduce reverberation and improve speech clarity. Post-intervention measurements showed a significant reduction in background noise (LAFmin), but minimal change in average levels and an increase in peak events, indicating the limitations of single-surface treatments. Framed within the context of neuroarchitecture, the study highlights how environmental stimuli influence attention, memory, and emotional regulation, particularly for vulnerable learners. The findings support Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and the GDI2025 theme of designing inclusive, resilient learning environments. Recommendations include multi-layered acoustic strategies combining architectural and behavioural interventions to foster cognitively supportive educational spaces.
A System Dynamics Approach to Evaluating Factors Influencing Whole Life Cost Estimation for Residential Buildings in New Zealand
(Emerald, 2026-01-09) Samarasekara, Herath Mudiyanselage Samadhi Nayanathara; Mahesh Babu, Purushothaman; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Ghaffarianhoseini, Ali
Purpose This study aims to apply a system dynamics approach to examine and model the interrelated factors affecting whole lifecost estimation for residential buildings within the New Zealand construction context. Accurately estimating the whole life cost (WLC) of residential buildings is critical to achieving long-term economic and environmental sustainability. However, existing WLC frameworks often overlook the dynamic interdependencies among influencing factors, particularly within New Zealand’s unique construction context, characterised by seismic activity, climate variability and supply chain constraints. Design/methodology/approach This study applies a system dynamics approach to model and analyse these complex relationships, integrating insights from a systematic literature review and 22 semi-structured interviews with industry professionals. The analytic hierarchy process was used to prioritise and weight 80 identified factors based on their relative influence, with consistency of expert judgements confirmed through the consistency ratio. These normalised weights were then combined with directional relationship mapping to construct a linkage matrix that informed the development of causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow models. Findings The research highlights key feedback loops and time delays that affect lifecycle cost elements, including construction, operation and maintenance. Findings reveal significant gaps in current international frameworks such as ICMS, particularly their inability to accommodate regional risks and behavioural influences. Research limitations/implications The study proposes a context-specific enhancement to WLC methodologies, enabling more accurate and resilient cost estimation. This tailored framework supports informed decision-making by stakeholders and advances sustainable residential construction practices in New Zealand. However, the qualitative nature of the research limits the generalisability of findings beyond New Zealand’s residential construction sector. Originality/value This research presents a novel, comprehensive modelling approach that incorporates regional and behavioural factors specific to New Zealand’s residential construction sector, offering enhanced accuracy and practical value beyond existing international standards.
Designing With Bacterial Cellulose: A Pilot Study Using Localized Food Sources to Grow Innovative Materials in Vietnam
(Informa UK Limited, 2025-03-17) Cleveland, Donna; Nayak, Rajkishore; Joseph, Frances
The need for sustainable and environmentally friendly processes in material and textile manufacturing has heightened interest in utilizing renewable and non-damaging sources that can be either biodegradable or recyclable. One promising alternative is bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be created through the brewing process of kombucha. In addition, the BC can be grown from food byproducts or food waste using cost-effective methods, and offers a multitude of applications in the fashion, textile, and food packaging industries. This paper focuses on the BC candidate ingredients found in Vietnam, a developing nation that currently contributes to some of the highest volume of plastic waste in the world. The paper explores BC growing methods, factors that affect the aesthetic material outcomes, and highlights results from experiments conducted at RMIT Vietnam. With locally available ingredients such as black tea, oolong tea, dragon fruit, mango and banana, a range of BC samples have been successfully grown to develop BC-based textiles. Through the study, it was observed that factors such as the concentration of growing mediums, pH levels, ambient conditions, and time influence the growth of BC. Additionally, through stakeholder feedback, the study examines the properties of these prototype textiles to identify potential applications. These newly developed materials could be utilized for clothing, accessories, and food packaging to address the harmful production and waste issues created by current textile technologies.
A Critical Comparison of Green Building Rating Systems
(Elsevier, 2017-07-08) Ghaffarian Hoseini, A; Doan, Dat; Naismith, N; Zhang, T; GhaffarianHoseini, A; Tookey, J
Various green rating systems are established globally to evaluate the sustainability of construction projects. Their categories and criteria have been under constant updates to follow the sustainable trend of building development. This paper aims to develop a systematic review of the development of green rating systems. The specific objectives are: 1) discover how interest and research in green rating systems have developed; 2) identify the similarity, difference, strength and weakness of green rating systems; 3) examine whether they fully assess the projects in all aspects of sustainability. Specifically, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Assessment Method), CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental Efficiency) and Green Star NZ were analysed in this paper. The results indicate that BREEAM, LEED, and CASBEE have been utilized since late the 2000s while Green Star NZ is still in its earlier stages. 70% of the research papers focusing on BREEAM, LEED, CASBEE are developed geographically in the USA, Canada, the UK, China, and Australia. Although these four rating systems were initiated in different contexts with different standards, Indoor Environment Quality, Energy, and Material are core common categories for all. Environmental concerns are the main focus in New Construction manuals while Society is emphasized in Neighbourhood Development manuals. Currently, BREEAM has been the only tool which could assess all four sustainable factors. Further in-depth research is anticipated to focus more on economic and institutional factors to improve the capability of green rating systems for sustainability assessment purposes.
IoT in Smart-City Auckland – Developing an Urban IoT Diffusion Framework
(ePress, Unitec, 2025-11-25) Dhawan, Kamal; Mirzaei, Maryam; Sultanbekov, Kanat
Smart cities integrate technology, sustainability and governance to address urbanisation challenges, employing IoT for real-time monitoring and efficiency. This study explores IoT adoption in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, examining benefits, challenges and diffusion patterns across transport, utilities and environmental sectors. Using Rogers’ diffusion of innovations (DoI) framework, it analyses adoption drivers – relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability – through qualitative methods, including literature reviews, opendata analysis and stakeholder interviews. Findings aim to develop an urban IoT diffusion framework, offering insights for scalable, sustainable, smart city strategies. Tāmaki Makaurau initiatives, such as smart traffic systems and water management, highlight IoT’s role in enhancing liveability, resource efficiency and economic growth, positioning it as a model for urban innovation.
Towards Reciprocity: Mediating Human-Nature Relations Through HCI
(Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), 2025-11-28) Perera, Piumi; Cumbo, Bronwyn; Bidwell, Nicola J; Vella, Kellie; Webber, Sarah; Zhang, Huiwen; Wadley, Greg; Paay, Jeni; Morrison, Ann; Giraldo, Catalina; Cheng, Xin
As concerns of ecological degradation intensify, digital technologies are increasingly explored for their potential to inspire environmental concern and deepen human-nature relationships. In Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), many nature-focused technologies still reflect deeply extractive anthropocentric views that separate humans from nature. However, there is now growing interest in designing from alternative orientations (e.g., more-than-human approaches and relational ontologies), to move towards more inclusive forms of nature interaction. This paper reports insights from an academic workshop involving HCI researchers and practitioners, who explored these tensions through design activities for diverse nature spaces. We identify key challenges and opportunities for HCI in supporting more meaningful engagements with nature, emphasizing under-explored application areas, and proposing future research directions. We argue that challenging existing temporal and methodological constraints embedded in HCI design processes is essential to fostering reciprocity, to create mutually responsive relationships where human and non-human needs, rhythms, and agencies are acknowledged and respected.
Exploring the Potential of Virtual Reality Technology to Improve Safety Practices in the Construction Sector Through Network, Loop, and Critical Path Analysis
(MDPI AG, 2025-11-18) Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Jessica, Pricillia; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali
The study explores how Virtual Reality (VR) can improve safety training in the construction industry by identifying key influencing factors and analysing their interactions to enhance safety outcomes. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, yielding 58 relevant studies published between 2019 and 2024. Thematic analysis was employed to determine and categorise key factors influencing VR training effectiveness. Using network analysis techniques, the study generated author–factor and interrelation matrices, a causal loop diagram, and loop and critical path analyses to determine feedback mechanisms and the most influential factor sequences. The study identified 33 key factors across behavioural, cognitive, technological, social, economic, and health and safety themes. Safety and hazard awareness, immersive experiences, realism, and worker behaviour were the most dominant. These factors were found to support better engagement, learning, and safety performance. On the other hand, financial constraints, low adoption rates, communication issues, and language barriers were identified as limiting factors that reduce the overall impact and integration of VR training in construction environments. This research presents an interrelation-based framework for analysing VR training effectiveness using thematic and network analysis.
A System Dynamics Framework for Whole Life Costing in Seismic and Climate-Sensitive Residential Construction in New Zealand
(Emerald, 2025-11-18) Samarasekara, Herath Mudiyanselage Samadhi Nayanathara; Purushothaman, Mahesh Babu; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali
Purpose This study develops a whole life costing (WLC) framework tailored to New Zealand's residential construction sector, addressing key region-specific challenges such as seismic risks, climate variability, and evolving regulatory conditions. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted alongside 22 semi-structured expert interviews to identify critical cost drivers influencing WLC in residential buildings. The study applies system dynamics (SD) methodology, using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and degree centrality analysis to model complex interdependencies and feedback loops among these cost drivers. Findings The study identifies 73 key cost drivers across technical, environmental, economic, regulatory and behavioural domains. These drivers are structured into a hierarchical framework that models their interactions across the acquisition, operational and end-of-life phases of residential buildings. The findings emphasise the importance of seismic resilience, energy efficiency, material durability and climate-related impacts in long-term cost planning for residential buildings in New Zealand. Research limitations/implications The framework is based on expert interviews and literature review, which may limit the scope of identified factors. The research is conceptual in nature, and empirical validation of the framework is needed to confirm its practical applicability across different residential projects. Future research could include testing the framework in real-world settings or extending it to other geographical contexts. Practical implications The proposed WLC framework provides policymakers, developers and architects with a structured tool for evaluating long-term costs and benefits of residential construction projects. It integrates local environmental, economic and regulatory factors, thus promoting sustainable design and more informed decision-making throughout the construction lifecycle. The framework can guide policy development, building regulations and sustainable construction practices in New Zealand and similar regions. Social implications The framework promotes long-term affordability, quality and resilience in residential buildings, supporting improved public health, energy equity and disaster preparedness, critical issues for vulnerable communities affected by housing and environmental instability. Originality/value This study presents the first context-specific WLC framework for New Zealand's residential construction sector. Unlike global models, it incorporates critical regional factors, such as seismic and climate risks, to offer a more comprehensive and practical tool for enhancing the economic sustainability of residential buildings. The framework's innovative use of system dynamics and causal loop modelling offers new insights into lifecycle cost estimation and long-term sustainability in construction.
Interactions of Key Factors Affecting the Implementation of Integrated Project Delivery in the Global Construction Industry: A Systematic Review
(Emerald, 2025-10-29) Bin Asad, Saad; Mahesh Babu, Purushothaman; Poshdar, Mani
Purpose Integrated project delivery (IPD) is an approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively utilises the skills and opinions of all project participants to enhance sustainability through waste reduction. Though numerous articles on factors related to IPD are available, the interactions between factors associated with IPD are a research gap. This study addresses this research gap and aims to identify the interactions between key factors of IPD. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using three databases and key publishers – Scopus, Emerald and ScienceDirect. The SLR identified 222 factors related to IPD by studying 66 articles. The factors were uploaded to VOSViewer to identify the critical factors through repetition. Each of the 66 articles was examined to determine the interactions between factors through deductive reasoning. The interactions were visualised using VENSIM, and analysis methods such as nodes, degree of centrality and eigenvector centrality were used to identify the critical factors of IPD. Findings A total of 127 factors were identified, of which mutual respect and trust, resistance to change, challenging cultural paradigms, client/owner’s resistance to change, difficulties in achieving financial transparency, interoperability and cost estimation challenges were deemed critical factors of IPD. The implications of this research will aid researchers and industry practitioners in comprehensively understanding the interactions between key factors, thus preparing solutions to increase IPD implementation for sustainable construction in the global context. Originality/value This study is the first to analyse the interactions between IPD factors in the global construction industry based solely on an SLR. While several articles have been written on the factors of IPD implementation globally, the interactions have never been studied before.
Towards a Well-being-Oriented Framework for Urban Digital Twins
(Elsevier BV, 2025-10-22) Patel, Urva ; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali; Burgess, Andrew
Urban well-being is gaining prominence as a critical pillar of sustainable development practice and urban planning; however, digital twin technology continues to focus predominantly on physical infrastructure. This paper introduces an exploratory conceptual framework for incorporating urban well-being indicators into urban digital twin platforms, utilizing New Zealand's Living Standards Framework (LSF) and adopting a policy-oriented approach to selecting well-being indicators. Through consultation with experts and a literature review, we identified six policy-relevant proxies: carbon emissions, drinking water quality, road fatalities, crime rates, work commute times, and internet access, which reflect the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of well-being. Historical data from 2017 to 2023 was operationalised in a Python-based analytical dashboard, which generates descriptive statistics, benchmarks, correlations, and Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) forecasts. The study also assessed the technical feasibility of urban well-being indicators using publicly available open-source digital twin platforms such as Eclipse Ditto and FIWARE. The results indicate that integration is technically feasible; however, they are constrained by schema incompatibilities, limited native analytics capabilities, and questions of scalability regarding how proxies relate to urban well-being. As a proof-of-concept study, it explored how digital twin technology could be reshaped to support holistic, citizen-oriented objectives for well-being and complement participatory and multi-criteria approaches.
Structural Equation Modelling of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Adoption Framework in New Zealand
(Emerald, 2025-10-28) Doan, Dat Tien; Ghaffarian Hoseini, Ali; Naismith, Nicola; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein; Zhang, Tongrui; Tookey, John
Purpose Building information modelling (BIM) adoption in the construction industry has increased, driven by its potential to revolutionise project outcomes through improved efficiency and collaboration. However, New Zealand’s BIM adoption is still in its early stages, hindered by unique challenges such as a lack of comprehensive, tailored guidelines. While other countries have developed BIM frameworks to address their specific needs, a critical gap exists in New Zealand for a structured framework tailored to its context. This research aims to fill this gap by examining the key factors influencing BIM adoption in New Zealand, addressing the unique local challenges and opportunities. Design/methodology/approach This research employed a questionnaire to collect data from New Zealand construction professionals experienced in BIM. The data were analysed using partial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess measurement and structural models. Findings The study identifies seven critical categories, encompassing 31 factors, that significantly impact BIM adoption in the region. Among these, leadership emerged as the most influential category, underscoring the importance of clear BIM leadership roles and regular reviews of strategic plans. Originality/value This research systematically integrates qualitative and quantitative insights to develop a comprehensive, empirically validated framework specifically for New Zealand. This study uniquely employs PLS-SEM to test interrelationships between 31 factors across seven categories, offering a structured decision-making model for policymakers and industry professionals. The framework not only addresses New Zealand’s context-specific barriers but also provides a scalable model that can inform BIM adoption strategies in other countries facing similar challenges.
Characterization of Sustainable Bacterial Cellulose From Indigenous Vietnamese Biomass for Potential Textile Applications
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-10-09) Cleveland, D; Nayak, R; Joseph, F; Nguyen, TA
This research explored the fabrication and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC), with a distinct emphasis on leveraging indigenous Vietnamese biomass sources. A diverse sample library consisting of 150 BC samples was prepared, with six samples selected for objective evaluation, based on the standard test methods. These samples were subjected to characterization techniques including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to explore potential applications of BC in fashion and textiles. Moreover, the growth medium (or SCOBY- Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), from which the BC was cultivated, was analyzed to identify the constituent bacterial and yeast strains. The EDX analysis showed the major elements of BC were Carbon (C) followed by Oxygen (O), which accounted for 99% of the elemental composition of BC. The cellulosic structure was confirmed by the FTIR results, which indicated the characteristics bonds of BC. The DSC results showed that thermal stability can be achieved for the fashion and textiles produced from BC. Bacterial analysis showed the presence of Acetobacter Indonesiensis, a gram-negative bacterium, in all the BC samples. The outcomes of this study established a deeper comprehension of the morphological, thermal, biological, and chemical attributes of BC, as well as the microbial dynamics within the SCOBY mother. This exploration not only augments the existing knowledge on BC's potential in material design but also paves the way for further research on the influence of local ingredients on biomaterial production, thereby contributing to the burgeoning field of sustainable material innovation within a localized context.
Application of Building Information Modeling for Energy Efficiency: A Systematic Review
(MDPI AG, 2025-10-16) Zhang, Tongrui; Yang, Xiaofei; Wu, Zhenzhen; Zhai, Guoliang; Doan, Dat; Sun, Qingwei; Gao, Hui
As global warming worsens, reducing energy use is becoming increasingly crucial. In recent years, 34% of the world’s energy use has been consumed by buildings. Therefore, improving building energy efficiency is essential for halting climate change and promoting sustainability. In this regard, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is steadily emerging as a valuable tool for promoting energy efficiency. This research adopts a systematic review approach, and 87 articles were included for review. This research identified seven areas in which BIM plays a role in energy efficiency. For each area, workflows for the adoption of BIM were explored. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of each adoption of BIM were critically examined. In conclusion, visualization is the most helpful feature of BIM and is beneficial for almost all applications. In addition, software compatibility issues and high initial setup costs are the most common drawbacks of adopting BIM. This research makes several contributions to the literature. First, the results of this study help provide a better understanding of the importance of BIM in energy efficiency improvement. Secondly, our research supplements the energy field that identifies seven BIM use categories. Thirdly, this article critically examines the use of BIM in the building energy field.
Blockchain-Powered Authentication: Reinforcing Identification for Misinformation in AI-Generated Videos
(AUT Graduate Research School and Auckland University of Technology Library, 2025-03-26) Moolika Gedara, Kasun
The rapid rise of misinformation and disinformation through manipulated videos poses a significant threat to the integrity of digital content. This research explores the potential synergy between blockchain technology and AI-generated video identification to combat this issue. By integrating the immutable ledger of blockchain with advanced algorithms, this researcher aims to create a robust framework for authenticating video content and curbing the dissemination of misinformation.This research investigates the technical feasibility, security implications, and potential impact of such a solution on contemporary digital content authentication challenges. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), digital content creation and manipulation have become more sophisticated, raising concerns about the authenticity and trustworthiness of media. To address these challenges, a sophisticated algorithm that combines video blockchain and advanced cryptographic functions is proposed to develop a sustainable method for video authentication. Methodologically, a comparative review of state-of-the-art approaches was conducted, and the method implemented using the sophisticated datasets. Results demonstrate a high level of performance, surpassing other existing methods.The proliferation of manipulated videos, deepfakes, and other forms of synthetic media has amplified concerns about misinformation and its societal impacts. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions to authenticate video content effectively and mitigate misinformation risks. This research provides a significant contribution to this field, offering a viable approach to enhancing the security and reliability of digital media.
Geospatial Approaches to Enhancing Urban Flood Resilience in Auckland, New Zealand: Implementation of Innovative Mitigation Strategies
(SDEWES Centre, 2025) Annadi, Sai Meghana; Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Dokyi, George
Flooding is a major threat to urban resilience, particularly in rapidly urbanising coastal cities like Auckland, New Zealand, where urban growth and climate shifts increase flood risks. This study addresses the gap in integrating multi-criteria decision-making tools with Geographic Information System to enhance flood resilience strategies. A novel combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process and spatial analysis was used to develop a high-resolution flood susceptibility model, analysing seven key factors, including slope, land use, rainfall intensity, and drainage density. The results show that 16% of Auckland is highly susceptible to flooding, 63% moderately susceptible, and 21% at low risk. The model, validated against historical flood data, demonstrated 82.98% accuracy. These findings offer actionable insights for urban planners, enabling dynamic floodplain management and real-time decision support systems. This research provides a framework for sustainable urban planning and disaster mitigation, advancing both theoretical and practical approaches to flood resilience.
Transforming Spaces: The Role of Adaptive Reuse in Strengthening Urban Resilience in Auckland, New Zealand
(Elsevier BV, 2025-10-03) Aigwi, Itohan Esther; Mendoza, Lisandro; Poorisat, Tharaya; Nwadike, Amarachukwu Nnadozie
In an era marked by rapid urbanisation and the increasing threats posed by climate change, cities worldwide face the pressing challenge of enhancing resilience while accommodating growing populations. This study explores the potential of Adaptive Reuse (AR) in strengthening New Zealand's existing urban resilience strategies. By combining a thorough document analysis (n = 8) and two insightful case studies of existing AR projects in Auckland, valuable insights are uncovered to promote sustainable urban development. The findings underscore the significant advantages of AR, including improvements in Energy Efficiency (EE), reductions in waste, and enhancements in socio-economic vibrancy. While there are notable challenges to address—such as financial limitations, regulatory adaptation, enforcement issues, and the need for cohesive collaboration among stakeholders—these barriers present opportunities for growth and improvement. The study offers practical recommendations for strengthening existing regulatory frameworks, boosting financial incentives, and fostering stronger stakeholder engagement in New Zealand. It also highlights the importance of aligning AR practices with global sustainability objectives, including the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to promote long-term urban resilience in New Zealand. These insights would serve as a valuable resource for relevant AR policymakers, investors, building professionals, users of existing buildings, and academics.
Evolution and Critical Evaluation of Deterministic Physically Based Rainfall-Induced Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: A Mixed Review
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-10-03) Sachinthaka, Rajitha; Kalatehjari, Roohollah; Brook, Martin S
Physically-based models play a critical role in assessing rainfall-induced landslide susceptibility, offering valuable insights into landslide hazard prediction and risk mitigation. This study conducts a scientometric and systematic review of deterministic, physically-based, rainfall-induced landslide susceptibility mapping, synthesising research trends and advancements in this domain. A comprehensive literature search, conducted through the Scopus database following PRISMA guidelines, identifying 70 key studies for in-depth analysis. The findings reveal significant progress, including the integration of climate change projections, enhanced real-time monitoring systems, and advancements in high-resolution data processing. Despite these developments, challenges persist in achieving a balance between model complexity and practical applicability. This review highlights the need for standardised validation protocols, robust uncertainty analysis, and interdisciplinary approaches that merge physical modelling with machine learning techniques. By evaluating the evolution and current state of deterministic physically-based landslide modelling, this study provides a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners, contributing to the advancement of more reliable and accessible landslide susceptibility assessments.

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