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The UNESCO label of World Heritage can attract a high number of tourists to heritage properties for their Outstanding Universal Values (OUV). Although international studies have demonstrated the World Heritage system can contribute to stimulating cultural tourism and boosting the local economy, how this heritage-led development process promotes urban conservation and morphological changes in cities is yet to be explored adequately. This paper aims to explore the urban morphology of a historic Chinese city after its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, taking the Old Town of Lijiang as case. The methods of spatial plan analysis and discourse analysis are used to analyse the data. The research findings have demonstrated that, theoretically, the Conzenian approach of urban morphology can be an effective framework for World Heritage OUV-monitoring. Methodologically, the analysis of spatial plans and multi-stakeholder interviews can reveal local urban morphology from macro to micro levels. Case-specifically in Lijiang, urban physical characteristics and building structures have been well maintained while traditional social fabric and neighbourhood networks have almost vanished. This research has incorporated the urban morphology approach into (world) heritage management in China, as well as worldwide, in order to maintain the balance between urban conservation and economic growth.

The energy consumption of the construction sector and its overall environmental impact has greater potential for improvement than those of many other sectors. Most energy consumed throughout the lifecycle of a building is expended during its operation and maintenance, for which the building envelope plays an important role. This study reports on the design, construction, and thermal performance evaluation of a ventilated facade. The facade should be quickly assembled, disassembled, and stored in containers for easy onward transport. Such features comply with the Rules and Building Code of the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018 and the relevant Eurocodes. The facade is constructed using bio-based materials in keeping with the principles of a circular economy. The exterior cladding consists of sanitary paper, grass, reeds, recycled textiles, drinking water treatment waste, bio-based polyester resin, and other materials. Temperature and the air velocity measurements recorded on the facade in Dubai showed that the facade had contributed to cool temperatures within the apartment, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. The facade is a promising option for climates with hot summers and mild winters as it contributes to reducing energy consumption and the environmental impact of building materials.