Architecture Engineers Award

The accelerating global transition toward carbon neutrality demands rapid and reliable energy prediction tools for innovative building systems such as Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) modular buildings. Conventional physics-based simulation methods, while accurate, are computationally intensive and unsuitable for real-time design optimization. This study proposes a novel machine learning-based rapid energy prediction methodology tailored specifically to the thermal and geometric characteristics of modular BIPV-integrated buildings. Feature Engineering for Modular Building Representation A comprehensive feature engineering framework was developed to capture the distinctive attributes of modular construction. The approach incorporates six-surface thermal property encoding, geometric parameters, and detailed solar irradiance calculations to represent envelope exposure and inter-module interactions. This structured encoding ensures that key thermal behaviors and photovoltaic infl...

Architecture plays a pivotal role in addressing global carbon emission reduction by integrating renewable energy, sustainable urban planning, and green industrial practices within the built environment. This study highlights how a holistic architectural approach can reduce carbon footprints, combining design innovation with renewable technologies like solar and wind energy, and embedding urban strategies such as green roofs, passive design, and electric mobility. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, architecture is positioned as a driver of climate-responsive development that aligns ecological responsibility with economic growth. Renewable Energy Integration in Architectural Design The integration of renewable energy into architectural systems represents a crucial step toward carbon-neutral buildings. Research emphasizes the application of solar photovoltaics, building-integrated wind systems, and energy-efficient façade designs. These strategies demonstrate how renewable energy...