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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Digital Transformation in Modern Zoos: Merging Technology, Nature-Based Environments and Ethical Principles
(Auckland University of Technology, 2025-12-03) Morrison, Ann; Viller, Stephen
Contemporary zoos are redefining their role in animal welfare and biodiversity conservation by integrating emerging technologies with nature-based designs and ethical care practices. Grounded in policy milestones like The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, 1973 and The Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992, these institutions address ecological challenges with innovative solutions while maintaining their focus on preserving biodiversity and ethical animal care. This paper examines how modern zoos integrate digital technologies into their operations, integrating advanced monitoring systems, automated welfare assessment tools, and nature-based habitat designs. Advanced technologies allow zoos to create tailored care strategies for animals, where enrichment designs and habitat characteristics align with species-specific needs. However, we identify challenges in standardizing technology adoption across institutions and maintaining the balance between digital innovation and naturalistic care approaches. Through case study analysis and examination of current practices, we show that successful technology implementation depends on careful alignment with ethical principles that prioritize animal autonomy and environ-mental integrity. The adoption of technology in zoos underscores their trans-formative role within the built environment. Our findings indicate that the most effective zoo operations integrate technological capabilities with nature-based design principles, creating environments where digital monitoring enhances rather than replaces natural behavioral patterns. This integration proves essential for zoos to fulfill their commitment to conservation while ensuring that animal welfare remains paramount. The research contributes to understanding how zoological institutions can leverage technological in-novation to advance biodiversity conservation without compromising the ecological and ethical foundations of species care
Summer Outdoor Thermal Risk Area Mapping on a University Campus in Auckland, New Zealand
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-12-18) Hashemi, S; Ghaffarianhoseini, A; Ghaffarianhoseini, A; Naismith, N; Barmomanesh, S; Sailor, D; Berardi, U
Outdoor thermal risks in urban areas are increasingly critical due to climate change and urbanization. This study identifies high-risk areas at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, using a multi-layered approach integrating hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Locations with Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) exceeding 23°C were analyzed alongside user density and survey-based vulnerability assessments, pinpointing two high-risk zones. Future projections for 2050 and 2080 (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios) indicate rising PET levels, amplifying thermal discomfort. Mitigation strategies, including green walls and tree planting, demonstrated PET reductions of 2°C and 3°C, respectively, under current conditions. These findings underscore the critical role of greenery in enhancing outdoor thermal comfort and resilience. The study’s replicable methodology offers urban planners a practical framework for addressing thermal risks and adapting outdoor spaces to climate change impacts, fostering urban livability.
Causal Relationship Between Project Financing and Overruns in Major Dam Projects in Africa
(Emerald, 2024-07-31) Olatunji, OA; Rotimi, JOB; Rotimi, FE; Silva, CCW
Purpose: Cost and schedule overruns are rife in dam projects. Normative evidence espouses overruns as though they are inimical to development and prosperity aspirations of stakeholders. This study examines the causal relationship between project financing and overruns. Design/methodology/approach: Causative data were extracted from completion reports of 28 major dam projects in Africa. Each of the projects was financed jointly by up to 10 international development lenders. Relationships between causes of overruns and project outcomes were analysed. Findings: Analyses elicit indicators of remarkable correlations between finance procedures and project outcomes. Lenders’ disposition to risk attenuation was the main debacles to project success. Interests had mounted, whilst release of fund was erratic and ill-timed. Finance objectives and mechanisms were grossly inadequate for projects’ intense bifurcations. Projects had slowed or stalled because lenders’ risks attenuation processes were purposed to favour lenders’ objectives, and not projects’ interests. In addition, findings also show project owners’ own funds and the number of lenders to a single project correlate with overruns. Practical implications: Findings imply commercial complexities around major projects. They also show transactions are shaped by subtle (mis)trust behaviours in project finance procedures. Thus, scholarly solutions to project performance issues should consider behavioural issues of stakeholding parties more broadly, beyond contractors and project owners. Project finance ecosystems are vulnerable to major actors’ self-interests, opportunism and predatory conducts. Borrowers would manage this by developing and improving their capacity to build resilience and trust. Evidence shows intense borrower nations in Africa have limited capacity and acuity for these. Originality/value: This study contextualises megaprojects in complexity rather than cost. Its additionality is in how finance steers absolute control of project environment away from project owners and how finance administration triggers risks and overrun.
Comparative Analysis of Construction Businesses in New Zealand: Global Financial Crisis, Earthquakes, and COVID-19
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2026-01-27) Mirhosseini, F; Babaeian Jelodar, M; Wilkinson, S
Construction businesses are increasingly exposed to diverse and recurring crises, yet their resilience across different disruption types remains underexplored. Most existing research focuses on single events, overlooking the compounded effects of crises such as economic downturns, natural disasters, and pandemics. This study addresses that gap by analyzing how New Zealand construction businesses responded to three major disruptions: the 2008 global financial crisis, the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These cases were selected because they represent the most transformative economic, natural, and health-related shocks in recent New Zealand history, enabling a rare longitudinal and cross-crisis perspective. Using a qualitative, exploratory multi-case study approach, the research draws on 16 semi-structured interviews with industry professionals and a systematic literature review. To enhance validity, interview data were triangulated with secondary sources such as industry reports and government documents. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo and guided by Resilience Engineering, Institutional Learning, and Systems Thinking, ensured robust and triangulated findings. Three consistent vulnerability areas emerged across all crises: contractual rigidity, supply chain fragility, and workforce constraints. These issues were intensified during COVID-19 due to extended uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and global logistics challenges. While some businesses innovated at the firm level, responses remained largely reactive, exposing sector-wide gaps in learning and foresight. The study offers a cross-crisis resilience framework linking business vulnerabilities to theoretical constructs and recommends adaptive contracts, diversified supply strategies, and institutional learning mechanisms to strengthen future preparedness in the construction sector. This framework advances both theoretical understanding and practical guidance for policymakers and industry leaders.
An Integrated Challenge–strategy Framework for Construction Waste Management in New Zealand: Behavioural and Organisational Challenges and Strategies
(Emerald, 2026-02-24) Doan, Dat Tien; Albsoul, Hadeel; Shobha, Athira Ravipillai; GhaffarianHoseini, Ali; Ghaffarianhoseini, Amirhosein
Purpose Rapid construction growth is increasing construction and demolition waste and associated environmental burdens. Construction waste management involves structured practices aimed at reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Despite its recognised benefits, implementing sustainable strategies remains challenging. This research aims to examine the challenges and potential solutions for managing construction waste in New Zealand, focusing on stakeholder perspectives and sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review of Scopus and Google Scholar identified 43 eligible studies. Ten semi-structured interviews with New Zealand subject-matter experts complemented the review. Thematic synthesis was used to derive challenge domains, map barriers to coordinated strategy packages and develop an integrated conceptual framework. Findings Six challenge domains were identified: governance and compliance; infrastructure and resource capacity; financial constraints; waste management planning; culture and education and market availability and demand. Strategies addressing these challenges emphasise stakeholder collaboration, financial incentives, education, logistics and infrastructure planning and technological innovation. Public–private partnerships, certification schemes and procurement requirements were identified as enabling mechanisms that reinforce consistent waste-minimising decisions and accountability across supply chains. Practical implications The framework guides policymakers and practitioners in aligning regulation, incentives, collaboration and technology adoption to improve diversion and material value retention. It supports Sustainable Development Goals 9, 11, 12 and 13 through innovation, responsible consumption and production and reduced waste-related emissions. Originality/value Integrating systematic review evidence with expert interviews, the study offers a New Zealand-focused challenge–strategy framework that explains how interacting institutional, organisational, and market conditions shape waste minimisation outcomes across design, construction and end-of-life stages.
Decarbonising Construction Logistics: The Role of Supplier-led Distribution and Integrated Warehousing
(Emerald, 2026-01-07) Dhawan, K; Tookey, J; Fredriksson, A; Tetik, M
Purpose – This study aims to examine how supplier-led distribution and integrated warehousing enhance transport efficiency and reduce embodied carbon in construction logistics. Focusing on plasterboard delivery in Auckland’s linear urban context, it examines how early supplier engagement and forward-stocking can reconfigure logistics operations to address spatial and operational challenges, decarbonising the construction supply chain. Design/methodology/approach – This case-based analysis uses empirical data from supplier-managed plasterboard distribution in Auckland to assess how logistics reconfiguration – supplier-led deliveries and integrated warehousing – impacts transport efficiency and carbon embodiment. Carbon outcomes are quantified using Environmental Product Declarations and New Zealand freight emissions benchmarks, with application of spatial analysis and supply chain modelling to evaluate the impacts of forward-stocking and supplier engagement on fragmented construction logistics. Findings – The study finds that supplier-led distribution, integrated warehousing and forward-stocking significantly enhance transport efficiency by consolidating deliveries and reducing vehicle movements, resulting in measurable embodied carbon reductions. It underscores the importance of early supplier engagement and spatially responsive logistics planning in addressing urban sprawl, demonstrating that reconfigured supply chains offer both operational and environmental benefits towards construction sector decarbonisation. Originality/value – The paper analyses the interplay of distribution, transport and warehousing in linear sprawl, proposing an integrated transport-driven warehousing model. It demonstrates improved efficiency through supplier-centric distribution and challenges status-quo transport life cycle assessment, typically overlooked due to data availability constraints. Theoretically, it extends employment of operations research, limited to manufacturing and freight transport, in construction as a defragmentation enabler. It also argues for municipalities to require logistics plans, to bridge policy-practice gaps.
Positive Pressure Ventilation Systems and Indoor Air Quality: PM₂.₅ Outcomes in Residential Buildings
(Elsevier BV, 2026-02-07) Hernandez, German; Borge, Rafael; Berry, Terri-Ann
Fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) presents a risk to residential indoor environments, particularly during winter, when occupancy is high and natural ventilation is reduced. Evidence from intervention-based field studies is limited, especially under real-world, continuously occupied conditions. This study investigates the effects of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) systems on indoor PM₂.₅ concentrations in 24 homes across New Zealand. Using a pre-post intervention design, PM₂.₅ concentrations, temperature and relative humidity were measured in living rooms and master bedrooms over six week periods before and after PPV installation during winter. Following PPV installation, mean indoor PM₂.₅ concentrations decreased across all homes, with reductions ranging from 38% to 62%. Linear mixed effects regression modelling supported the observed reductions while accounting for outdoor PM₂.₅ and building characteristics. Indoor PM₂.₅ concentrations were higher in living rooms than in bedrooms, although post-intervention reductions were similar between rooms. Indoor-outdoor (I/O) ratios exceeded 1.0 in half of the homes prior to PPV installation and fell below 1.0 in most homes post-installation, indicating reduced dominance of indoor sources. Post-PPV reductions in indoor PM₂.₅ were larger during peak activity periods than non-peak periods and tended to be greater in homes with larger indoor-outdoor temperature differentials, suggesting that building envelope performance influences PPV effectiveness. This study presents field-based evidence that PPV systems can reduce indoor PM₂.₅ in homes during winter, especially where initial indoor concentrations are high and thermal separation from outdoors is greater. The findings highlight the combined importance of ventilation, envelope performance, and occupant behaviour in reducing indoor PM₂.₅ exposure.
Investigating the Connection Between Individual Resilience and Organisational Resilience
(MDPI AG, 2025-10-15) Mitansha, M; Potangaroa, R
Resilience has become a central theme in organisational research, particularly in sectors such as construction that face frequent disruption, complexity, and uncertainty. Although individual resilience (IR) and organisational resilience (OR) have been widely explored, their relationship remains conceptually fragmented and often assumed to be either linear or inherently aligned. This study, thus, examines how the IR–OR relationship has been conceptualised in the literature, explores the nature of their interdependence, and identifies future research opportunities. A reflexive thematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s framework, supported by NVivo 14 for data organisation and pattern identification. The analysis revealed gaps in how resilience is theorised and highlighted the absence of cohesive frameworks linking individual and organisational domains. In response, the study introduces three conceptual models: the stacked model, which treats IR and OR as hierarchical; the nested model, which reflects partial overlap; and the modified integrated model, indicating combined action of various factors. While this study draws on literature across all industries, the New Zealand construction sector is referenced as an illustrative example of a highly vulnerable sector where future empirical testing of the proposed models would be valuable. This research contributes to theory by reframing resilience as a relational construct shaped by numerous conditions. It also provides a foundation for future empirical studies and practical frameworks that embed resilience more holistically into organisational design, leadership development, and workforce strategy.
Developing Data-Driven, Sustainable Construction Material Transportation Logistics
(MDPI AG, 2025-12-26) Tookey, John; Dhawan, Kamal
Construction logistics is central to optimising site operations and delivery processes, yet the need to meet dynamic site requirements while minimising transport movements presents a persistent challenge. Transport efficiency can be improved through both strategic and operational interventions at the business-unit level. This study examines transport-related distribution practices within the plasterboard supply chain in Auckland, New Zealand, and evaluates opportunities to enhance efficiency using established performance metrics. By integrating supply chain management and circular economy principles through spatial analysis and supply chain modelling, the research demonstrates the potential to achieve up to a three-fold improvement in vehicle capacity utilisation. The operational analysis—focused on general-purpose (non-specialist) transport—is grounded in real-world transport data that extends beyond conventional trip-centricity to capture a broader supply chain perspective. This approach addresses a key methodological gap by empirically validating analytical models in a specific operational context. In addition to quantifying efficiency gains, the study identifies context-specific inefficiencies that constrain construction transport performance and proposes sustainable solutions that extend beyond technological fixes. These include strategic organisational measures for improving fleet management, transport contracting and pricing, collaborative planning across supply chain actors, waste management practices, and collaborative logistics through integrated warehousing. By linking technical analysis with business-oriented insights, the research provides proof-of-concept for practical, scalable strategies for improved construction logistics and wider freight transport efficiency grounded in empirical evidence.
Unpacking the Internal Sustainability Drivers for Enhanced Performance of Construction Firms
(MDPI AG, 2025-12-28) Rotimi, Funmilayo Ebun; Kalatehjaria, Roohollah; Moshood, Taofeeq Durojaye; Jalali, Zahra
Construction firms struggle to implement sustainable practices, delivering triple bottom line benefits despite growing environmental pressures. While research examines isolated sustainability drivers, the understanding of how organizational factors integrate to enable successful implementation remains fragmented. This systematic literature review synthesizes 249 articles (2010–2025) to develop an integrated framework explaining how internal capabilities drive sustainable innovation and performance in construction. This thematic synthesis reveals three critical insights. First, successful sustainability requires integrated configuration across green innovation capabilities, organizational learning, environmental governance responses, and performance measurement, not isolated initiatives. Second, construction’s project-based discontinuity, fragmented supply chains, and regulatory heterogeneity require capability configurations absent from manufacturing-focused sustainability theories. Third, cross-domain synergies create reinforcing feedback loops where capabilities enable compliance, measurement accelerates innovation, and governance catalyses development. This research provides practitioners an actionable framework identifying critical capability investments and interdependencies for sustainability implementation. Theoretically, we extend the Natural Resource-Based View and the Dynamic Capability View through three construction-specific mechanisms: temporal knowledge discontinuity paradox, distributed capability configuration, and regulatory complexity multipliers. These extensions advance sustainability theory beyond manufacturing, providing a foundation for understanding sustainable competitive advantage in project-based, fragmented industries.
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.

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