Architecture Engineers Award

  The global construction sector faces immense pressure to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental degradation and resource depletion. Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) has emerged as a promising solution, offering a means to reuse construction and demolition (C&D) waste effectively. By substituting natural aggregates with recycled ones, RAC contributes to reducing landfill accumulation and conserving natural resources. However, challenges such as variability in recycled aggregate (RA) quality, higher water absorption, and the presence of adhered mortar demand systematic research to optimize its performance. This introduction sets the foundation for exploring the multifaceted aspects of RAC, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete (CC). Fresh-State Characteristics of Recycled Aggregate Concrete The fresh-state behavior of RAC is largely influenced by the physical properties of recycled aggregates. Increased porosity and...

Global warming has intensified the frequency and severity of heat waves, posing serious challenges to urban environments worldwide. Traditional pavements, known for their high heat absorption and retention, exacerbate urban heat stress and contribute to severe thermal discomfort and material deterioration. To address these pressing issues, innovative sustainable solutions are being explored. This study introduces a novel nature-based cold pavement system that utilizes subsurface naturally cooled water to reduce surface temperatures through conduction. The approach is designed to enhance thermal comfort and safety in outdoor urban areas, particularly in hot climates, without depending on evaporative cooling or water consumption. The Challenge of Urban Heat and Pavement Thermal Stress Urban surfaces, especially pavements, act as heat sinks that intensify local temperatures, aggravating the urban heat island effect. During extreme summer conditions, surface temperatures can exceed saf...

Accurate long-term forecasting of building energy demand is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable climate mitigation targets. However, traditional modeling frameworks often rely on static assumptions of internal heat gains, neglecting the evolving socioeconomic drivers that shape global energy patterns. This research bridges that gap by introducing a dynamic, data-driven approach to forecast internal heat gains using the XGBoost ensemble model. By integrating historical data with future projections aligned with the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), the study provides a comprehensive, globally consistent dataset that enhances predictive accuracy and supports climate-resilient building design strategies. Dynamic Modeling of Internal Heat Gains The study leverages advanced machine learning, specifically XGBoost, to model and forecast key variables influencing internal heat gains such as household size and energy intensity across major end-uses. Unlike conventional regression-bas...

  Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have gained recognition in the architectural and construction industries due to their sustainability, ease of processing, and aesthetic flexibility. However, their limited load-bearing capacity and inherent brittleness restrict their use in demanding structural applications. The integration of carbon fabric mesh prepregs (CFMPs) through co-extrusion offers a new pathway to overcome these challenges. By combining material science and architectural engineering principles, this study explores the development of a high-performance composite system (BPC-CFMP) with superior mechanical adaptability for architectural components. Problem Identification and Research Gap Conventional WPCs exhibit inferior toughness and low fracture resistance, leading to early failure under high-stress conditions. Although fiber fabric prepregs provide bidirectional reinforcement, their post-curing rigidity often limits flexibility, resulting in brittle fractures under load...

  In the global effort toward achieving carbon neutrality, the building sector stands as one of the largest contributors to energy consumption and emissions. Enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings, particularly during their operational phase, has therefore become a central focus of modern architecture and sustainability research. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Twin technologies presents a promising path forward, enabling data-driven insights, real-time control, and predictive energy management. This research investigates the role of AI-driven Digital Twins in optimizing building performance, aligning technological innovation with sustainable design principles. Research Motivation and Objectives Buildings account for a significant portion of global energy demand, and inefficiencies in operation often stem from the lack of real-time monitoring and predictive control systems. Traditional energy management approaches fall short in dynamically adapt...

Particulate matter (PM) is recognized as a major air pollutant with significant adverse effects on human health worldwide. In underground restaurants in China, the growing reliance on prefabricated dishes has raised concerns about indoor particulate pollution. Limited natural ventilation, confined spaces, and intensive cooking activities may exacerbate the accumulation of PM, creating elevated exposure risks for both employees and customers. Understanding the levels and sources of particulate pollution in these settings is essential for developing effective health protection and pollution control strategies. Research Objective This study aims to address the existing research gap regarding particulate pollution in underground restaurants arising from the preparation of prefabricated dishes. Specifically, it seeks to systematically measure PM concentrations across different types of underground spaces and to identify the key factors influencing indoor particulate levels. By providing ...

  Architecture merges science, art, technology, and psychology to shape environments that influence human comfort and emotional well-being. The study investigates how building forms—particularly curved and angular geometries—affect users’ psychological responses and spatial preferences. By examining perception, emotional engagement, and context-based appeal, the research seeks to understand how architectural form can enhance user experience and inform evidence-based design strategies. Theoretical Foundation: Environmental Psychology and Form Perception Environmental psychology provides insights into how individuals emotionally and cognitively respond to spatial environments. Curved architectural forms often evoke feelings of comfort, softness, and safety, while angular designs may convey strength, modernity, or tension. Understanding these psychological associations helps architects design spaces that align with intended emotional outcomes and social purposes. Curved Geometry and ...

The rising need for sustainable and resilient marine infrastructure has accelerated the adoption of advanced fabrication technologies like 3D printing. Among these, 3D-printed fiber-reinforced concrete (3DPFRC) has emerged as a transformative solution for developing complex and durable marine structures such as sea walls, breakwaters, and underwater pipelines. This innovation combines precision design with environmental responsibility, significantly reducing material waste and production time. However, ensuring both high mechanical performance and low carbon emissions in 3DPFRC remains a pressing research challenge that requires interdisciplinary approaches integrating material science, artificial intelligence, and environmental engineering. Significance of 3DPFRC in Marine Environments Marine environments pose extreme challenges such as corrosion, pressure fluctuations, and high salinity, demanding materials with superior strength and durability. 3DPFRC addresses these issues by e...