Architecture Engineers Award

Building lift-up design, a vernacular architectural strategy commonly found in tropical climates, involves elevating structures above ground level using columns. Traditionally used to improve ventilation and reduce heat gain, this feature has also been incorporated into modern buildings in tropical and subtropical cities. Despite its long-standing presence, only recent research has systematically examined its influence on urban microclimates. This study reviews the environmental performance of lift-up design across multiple scales, from individual buildings to complex urban configurations. Vernacular Origins and Contemporary Applications Historically, lift-up structures were developed as adaptive responses to hot and humid climates, allowing airflow beneath buildings while reducing exposure to ground moisture and heat. In contemporary architecture, this strategy has been reinterpreted in large-scale urban projects and landmark buildings. However, the transition from vernacular to mod...

Growing global energy concerns have increased the importance of energy-efficient building strategies that reduce dependence on mechanical cooling systems. Natural ventilation is a critical passive design approach capable of improving indoor air quality, preventing moisture accumulation, and lowering cooling energy demand. However, many previous ventilation-oriented design studies rely on simplified models, focus on single climatic scales, and address only specific stages of the building design process. This study introduces an integrated methodology for ventilation-oriented building design that operates across multiple spatial scales and design phases. Limitations of Conventional Ventilation Design Approaches Traditional ventilation design methods typically evaluate airflow conditions at a single scale, often focusing only on building form or façade openings. These approaches rarely incorporate broader urban wind environments or consider how ventilation strategies evolve throughout ...

Bio-based construction materials are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives capable of reducing the environmental footprint of buildings while enhancing energy efficiency. However, many comparative studies assess these materials against conventional wall systems of equal thickness, often neglecting the influence of thermal mass and climate-specific behavior at the whole-building scale. Due to their lightweight structure and limited thermal mass, bio-based systems may struggle to balance heating and cooling demands across different climates. This study evaluates the energy performance of hemp concrete, wood concrete, and straw-based wall systems, emphasizing the interaction between insulation, thermal inertia, and climate conditions. Methodological Framework and Co-Simulation Strategy A validated co-simulation methodology integrating TRNSYS and MATLAB was employed to assess whole-building energy performance. Two analytical scenarios were developed to isolate and evaluate key...

In response to accelerating global challenges such as resource depletion, climate risk, and urban health inequality, architectural design is undergoing a fundamental shift from experience-based approaches to intelligence-driven practices. Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Architectural Design (AI4SAD) has emerged as a critical catalyst in this transformation. This study provides the first comprehensive mapping of AI4SAD research, examining how AI is being applied across architectural design stages, sustainability objectives, and algorithmic domains. Scope and Methodology of the Systematic Review The research is grounded in a systematic review of 408 scholarly studies, offering a robust spatiotemporal overview of global AI4SAD development. By analyzing patterns across regions, time periods, design phases, and sustainability targets, the study establishes a structured evidence base that reveals dominant research trajectories as well as underexplored areas within AI-driven sustai...