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Block mode delivery is widely practised in higher education institutions across the world. It is popular at postgraduate level, such as in business and management fields, but is less common at undergraduate level, especially for studio design teaching. There is a lack of literature on the block mode delivery for studio design teaching. The aim of this paper is to identify the favourable attributes and challenges of the block mode delivery for studio design teaching through the analysis of three undergraduate design studio units at an Australian university as case studies. Students' written feedback of studying these three units were collected and reviewed to evaluate strategies for enhancing student engagement. Challenges of block teaching to students and staff are discussed. The findings suggest that there are various ways to engage with students for active learning in block teaching, which are valuable for curriculum design and continuous improvement.

In the last few decades, the promotion of active transport has been a viable solution recommended by transportation researchers, urban planners, and policymakers to reduce traffic congestion and improve public health in cities. To encourage active transport, it is important for cities to provide safe and accessible infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as incentives for individuals to choose active modes of transportation over private vehicles. In this research, we focused on the suburb of Point Cook, located within the City of Wyndham in Melbourne's west, owing to its rising human population and private vehicle ownership. The primary aim of this research is to examine the barriers in the interconnectivity of active transport networks for pedestrians and cyclists and to determine the segments of the transportation network that are not accessible to Point Cook residents. Our methodology is enshrined in the use of Social Pinpoint, which is an online interactive survey platform, and ground surveys (face-to-face interviews). In our assessment of the suburb of Point Cook, we utilised the concept of 20-min neighbourhoods to evaluate the accessibility of many important places within an 800-metre walking distance from residents' homes. Based on our online interactive survey findings, approximately one-third of the individuals engaged in regular walking, with a frequency ranging from once a day to once every two days. One-third of the participants engaged in walking trips once or twice a week, whereas the remaining two-thirds conducted walking trips less frequently than once a week. Almost 89% of the participants expressed varying levels of interest in increasing their walking frequency. The findings showed that improving pedestrian and cycling networks that are easily accessible, well-integrated, inclusive, and safe is a prerequisite for achieving active transport and create neighbourhoods in which everything is accessible within a 20-min walking distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings consume 10% of global energy and 50% of global electricity for heating and cooling. Transitioning to energy-efficient buildings is essential to address the global energy challenge and meet sustainable development goals (SDGs) to limit global temperature rise below 1.5 ° C . The shift from traditional to smart grids has led to the development of micro, milli, and nanogrids, which share energy resources symbiotically and balance heating/cooling demands dealing with acute doldrums (dunkelflaute). This scoping review explores the methods by which phase change materials (PCMs) can be used in residential buildings to form a nanogrid. This review examines the components and concepts that promote the seamless integration of PCMs in residential houses. It also discusses the key challenges (e.g., scalability, stability, and economic feasibility in high summer temperatures), proposing the community-scale network of nanogrids (NoN) and the potential of thermochromic and photochromic materials. The findings of this review highlight the importance of latent heat storage methods and ingenious grid architectures such as nanogrids to construct resilient and sustainable houses in the future and thereby offer practical insights for policymakers and industries in the energy sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart Heritage, a concept closely linked to Smart Cities and Smart Tourism, is an emerging field focused on enhancing heritage identity, visitor experience, and cultural sustainability. While initial frameworks have been developed, there is a gap in applying Smart Heritage at the precinct level, especially in large-scale heritage sites. This study addresses this gap by examining how open-access data can be utilised in a real-world case study of Chinatown Melbourne, a key urban heritage precinct. Data sources include archival maps, open-access databases, and 3D models provided by the local city council, covering resources such as on-street parking, pedestrian activity, microclimate, and dwelling functionalities. This study employed a structured methodology that transitions from global best practices to local applications, linking these data resources to Smart Heritage applications and identifying opportunities for improving urban management, heritage curation, and the tourism experience within the case study precinct. The findings offer practical insights for researchers and policymakers, demonstrating how data can support the development of culturally sustainable and technologically integrated heritage precincts. Future research should explore additional data types and case studies to further advance the field of Smart Heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive reuse is a widely employed strategy for heritage conservation and management, especially within the context of heritage tourism. However, its application to religious architecture presents unique challenges that have not been thoroughly explored. In Harbin, a city in northeastern China known for its Russian-influenced heritage, many abandoned religious-affiliated buildings have been repurposed for other functions. Such transformations raise concerns about how the architectural features and the functionalities of these buildings have been preserved and reused. This study investigates the adaptive reuse strategies applied to Russian-influenced religious buildings in Harbin, focusing on how these strategies impact architectural preservation and sustainable heritage tourism development. It begins by documenting the distinctive architectural styles of Russian-influenced religious buildings in Harbin, followed by a detailed analysis of the selected case studies. The study evaluates the current conditions and uses of these buildings, identifying both the opportunities and constraints of adaptive reuse. The findings reveal a balance between preserving external architectural features and adapting interior spaces to accommodate various functions, particularly in sacred-to-secular transformations. This study highlights the complexities of reconciling historical authenticity with economic viability by comparing sacred-to-sacred adaptations—which retain community relevance—with sacred-to-secular conversions—which prioritise cultural utility. It further examines how historical events and the Western and Chinese conservation dichotomy shape current adaptive reuse practices and preservation priorities in Harbin, offering broader insights into balancing cultural symbolism and functionality in heritage tourism. The findings provide valuable recommendations for policymakers to optimise adaptive reuse practices in religious heritage buildings, ensuring the preservation of architectural identities while supporting sustainable heritage tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As cities expand rapidly, the combined effects of urbanization, global warming, and the intensification of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon have become more challenging for urban environments. In response, Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) has gained attention as a practical and effective tool for mitigating UHI and improving climate change. Among various UGIs, urban parks have been the subject of numerous studies due to their proven ability to reduce air and surface temperatures, improve local microclimates, and enhance overall urban livability. This systematic review synthesizes the existing body of research to identify key factors that influence the cooling performance of urban parks. A total of 131 peer-reviewed studies between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, focusing on both design-related and site-related factors that play pivotal roles in a park's cooling effectiveness. Design-related factors include park size, shape, vegetation density and composition, the presence of water bodies, and impervious surfaces while site-related factors encompass background climate conditions, the proximity to natural water bodies, and the urban configuration surrounding the parks. The findings reveal that park size, tree coverage, and the presence of water bodies are the most influential design-related factors in enhancing cooling performance. For site-related factors, wind speed and direction emerged as critical components for maximizing cooling benefits. Research also showed urban configuration can affect the overall cooling performance by influencing airflow patterns and shading. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for cities worldwide as they strive to design parks that address their specific environmental and climatic challenges. The findings of this review offer practical guidance for landscape architects and urban planners, enabling them to design parks that deliver enhanced cooling benefits, especially when cities face rising temperatures and an increasing number of heatwaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, accessibility to services and activities using sustainable transport modes has become an important goal for land use and transport planning policies. Traditional approaches rely on objective measures, such as travel time, distance, costs, and other spatial data, overlooking personal preferences, experiences, demographic features, and socio-cultural and economic dynamics. Attributes that affect perceptions of accessibility require attention but our understanding of the factors influencing perceived accessibility is inadequate, particularly in Australia's expanding suburbs. Through a literature review and questionnaire surveys, this study aims to take into account various travel characteristics and enhance the understanding of how perceived safety and service quality impact mobility behaviour and perceived accessibility within the Australian context. The study found that perceived safety and service quality have significant impacts on perceived accessibility and hence influence the use of public transport. We have identified critical factors that require proper consideration in transport and land use planning and policies to enable a better contribution from public transport to the liveability and well-being of residents in Australian suburbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: Japanese prefabricated housing manufacturers have gained international recognition for their innovative approaches to the whole design process, ranging from initial design to innovative cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art automated production lines, meticulous workmanship, and mass customisation. In this entry, three manufacturers (Daiwa House, Sekisui House, and Misawa Homes) were selected as case studies for close examination. By studying these leading companies, researchers and industry professionals can gain valuable insights into best practices, challenges, and innovations within the Japanese prefabricated housing sector. The research methods involved a desktop study of available information on websites, articles, and reports, as well as undertaking two study tours on residential sustainable design in Japan in 2022 and 2023. These three manufacturers were discussed and compared with respect to their development trajectories, design customisation, research capabilities and technological advancements, sustainable initiatives and procurement, as well as their after-sale services. They have demonstrated their adaptability and flexibility in response to natural disasters and the transformation of the needs in society. They are all keen on reducing the environmental impacts of their work towards zero carbon emissions and a sustainable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessibility is commonly defined and operationalised through objective measurements, such as travel time and physical distance to destinations; however, there is a lack of empirical studies capturing perceived accessibility from individual perspectives. With the aim of sustainable transport for inclusive communities, it is crucial to investigate the impact of socio-economy and travel mode on perceived accessibility and key driving factors of perceived safety and service quality. Through the collection of primary data from one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Melbourne, this study examined variation of perceptions towards accessibility, safety, and service quality among diverse social groups and travellers using different modes of transport. The findings of this study would assist transport planners in making informed decisions in creating inclusive transport networks that can improve community health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the current energy crisis and climate change, sustainable urban planning and building design are a priority to achieve a net-zero future, as energy use in buildings for thermal comfort is one of the major carbon emission contributors. To adapt to a rapidly growing and stringent urban environment, where buildings are causing more emissions due to more frequent and severe extreme hot weather events, the parametric design approach has great potential and flexibility in providing a sustainable solution by simulating different design scenarios. This study aims to analyse urban geometry and identify the impact of various built environment scenarios on outdoor thermal comfort under certain climates. The Grasshopper program was used along with the Ladybugs plug-in to provide visualised outcomes of outdoor thermal comfort, with simulation models on Rhinoceros 3D Version 7 SR37 (7.37.24107.1500). Comparing the thermal comfort performance of different design scenarios, based on building height, orientation and urban geometry, helps to identify which factors are more impactful on building design. This study demonstrates the workflow of parametric design in analysing the microclimate pattern and outdoor thermal comfort performance of the existing built environment in Melbourne, Australia, to provide an insight for stakeholders and builders to inform better decision-making in urban planning and building design in order to achieve a zero-emission future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates how window design features, such as size, placement, and orientation, might impact occupants' behavior related to natural ventilation in residential houses and how residents manage natural ventilation to affect indoor air quality (IAQ), comfort, and energy efficiency. By analyzing responses from a questionnaire distributed among 200 occupants, this article reveals that stuffy air, perceived outdoor pollutants, odors, and relative humidity, along with factors like inadequate ventilation, temperature fluctuations, and energy consumption concerns, emerge as primary issues affecting occupants' comfort and well-being. This study proposes design recommendations for enhancing IAQ, including optimal window placement for cross-ventilation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR) considerations, and the integration of smart window technologies. This research recognizes that window design is not just a technical matter but involves understanding social and behavioral factors as well. By analyzing occupant responses, it aims to provide insights into the socio-technical parameters that should be considered in window design. The findings offer valuable strategies for architects, designers, and homeowners to optimize natural ventilation and underscore the importance of an occupant-centered approach in sustainable building design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green roofs are increasingly recognised as a crucial urban solution, addressing climate change, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable architecture in densely populated areas. In this manuscript, the research study delves into the influence of green roofs on energy consumption, focusing on the Treasury Place building in Melbourne, Australia. The utilisation of DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus simulations was explored. Various green roof parameters such as the Leaf Area Index (LAI), plant height, soil moisture, and tree coverage were optimised and compared against base case scenarios. The key findings indicate an optimal LAI of 1.08 for maximum energy savings, with diminishing returns beyond an LAI of 2.5. The soil moisture content was most effective, around 50%, while a plant height of approximately 0.33 m optimised energy reduction. The introduction of 50% canopy tree coverage provided temperature regulation, but increased soil moisture due to trees and their influence on wind flow had an adverse energy impact. These results emphasise the necessity for precise green roof representation and parameter optimisation for maximum energy efficiency. This research offers essential insights for those in urban planning and building design, endorsing green roofs as a pivotal solution for sustainable urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies acknowledge the significance of assessment frameworks for urban heritage sites in preserving their identities. Due to the pandemic and its impact on heritage sites and visitors, the spatial features and identities of many heritage sites have undergone inevitable shifts, challenging the current assessment frameworks. As numerous urban heritage sites are being revitalised post COVID-19, this study aims to explore how heritage-assessment frameworks can be adapted during the pandemic to sustainably capture the identity of urban heritage sites, particularly from a spatial perspective. Methodologically, the study first examines existing urban-heritage-assessment frameworks, including typologies, embedded spatial attributes, and analysis methods, through a literature review. The research adopts the methodology framework for collecting and assessing evidence to demonstrate the cultural significance outlined in the 'Guidance on identifying place and object of state-level social value in Victoria' under Criterion G by the Heritage Council of Victoria. Chinatown, Melbourne, serves as the case study to address the research questions, utilising qualitative data from archival review and field observation. The results highlight the shortcomings of current heritage assessments, particularly in urban contexts, emphasising the overlooked importance of spatial attributes for understanding urban identity. This is exemplified by the exacerbated identity crisis in Chinatown, Melbourne, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the study recommends future heritage assessments incorporate spatial attributes with a thematic approach tailored to diverse cultural-heritage backgrounds in the post-pandemic era. The study acknowledges the sample size and encourages future studies to test the framework with case studies of varied backgrounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Neighborhood places that facilitate older residents to meet and interact (third places) receive an increasing research interest as studies have consistently shown the benefits of social engagement for older adults' health. This scoping review synthesized the findings of studies examining the role of third places in older adults' social engagement. Research Design and Methods Searching 5 databases (CINAHL, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science) in October 2021, this study identified quantitative and qualitative studies that examined the relationships between third places and social engagement (interaction and network) among older adults. Results A total of 32 studies (12 quantitative and 20 qualitative studies) met the eligibility criteria. These studies examined 4 types of third place, namely, community facilities, local businesses, open/green spaces, and transition spaces. More than two thirds of the studies reviewed found that access to community facilities, local businesses, and open/green spaces were related to older adults' social interaction. For the relationships between third places and social networks, the importance of accessible local businesses and the quality of open/green spaces was supported by fewer studies. Discussion and Implications The findings of quantitative and qualitative studies suggest that local places that are convenient to visit and comfortable to stay in for older adults are likely to enhance their social interaction and network. However, more specific evidence is needed to inform the planning and design of third places. The review discusses future research topics that address the gaps identified in the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue–green infrastructure (BGI) has become a practical approach with emerging attention to addressing flood mitigation in many countries worldwide. The environmentally sound, sustainable approach of BGI has led it to gain scientific interest above other available mitigation techniques, such as grey infrastructure, soakaways, etc. This study was intended to conduct a thorough scoping review, followed by a bibliometric analysis, using the VOSViewer version 1.6.19, of the available flood mitigation techniques and the emergence and effectiveness of BGI as a strategy. The scoping review was based on 50+ recent (between 2013 and 2022) journal research papers. The study enabled the development of an elaborative idea about BGI and its applications in Australia, and it describes the trend of research to use BGI for flood mitigation. Following a comprehensive survey, it was established that BGI had been recognized as an effective measure in addressing unexpected floods, and it is indeed a beneficial project in the long term. It mitigates urban flooding, improves the environmental quality by purifying the urban atmosphere, and, further, includes the health and well-being of the community as co-benefits. However, although BGI has many environmental and other connected benefits, there are some restrictions that are decelerating the initiation of BGI as a project. Therefore, this application takes time and effort even before implementation. The bibliometric analysis of this study revealed that robust connectivity is seen in the global perspective between BGI, green infrastructure, and flood risk management, depicting a strong bond. In contrast, in the Australian context, an explicitly networked BGI specifically had yet to be seen, and only "green infrastructure" was used instead. However, the emergence of BGI for flood mitigation was recognized in 2015, while Australian research was likely initiated in 2016. There is less acceleration in Australian studies compared to the global scenario. BGI is a trending topic in scientific research, offering a vast variety of benefits to the country. Concluding, this study strongly suggests an immediate initiation of proper awareness and the development of relatable policies as two primary considerations to encourage the implementation of BGI, which is an effective strategy to address floods in Australia and create livable and healthy cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: The term 'environmental design for dementia' relates to both the process and outcomes of designing to support or improve cognitive accessibility in physical environments. Environmental design for dementia is evidenced as an effective nonpharmacological intervention for treatment of the symptoms of dementia and is associated with higher levels of independence and wellbeing for people living with a variety of age-related cognitive, physical, and sensory impairments. Evidence-based dementia design principles have been established as a means of supporting both the design and evaluation of environmental design for dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The globe is at a crossroads in terms of the urban heat island effect, with rising surface temperatures due to urbanization and an expanding built environment. This cause-and-effect connection may be linked to weather-related dangers, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. Urbanization and industrialization will not lead to a secure and sustainable future. Finding solutions to problems such as the heat island effect is at the forefront of scientific research and policy development. Sustainable ways to decrease urban heat island impacts are a core principle for urban planners. This literature study examines the benefits of adding green infrastructure and sustainable materials in built-up areas to reduce the urban heat island effect. Materials such as reflective street pavements, coating materials including light-colored paint, phase-change materials, color-changing paint, fluorescence paint, and energy-efficient appliances are considered sustainable materials, whereas green infrastructure like green roofs, green walls, green parking and pavements, and shaded streets are considered to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The hurdles to the widespread adoption of such practices include a lack of governmental legislation, insufficient technological development, an erroneous estimation of economic gains, and unwillingness on the part of impacted parties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As most people spend their days indoors, it is indeed important that buildings provide residents with a higher standard of health, convenience, and safety. As a result, many practices are implemented into buildings to improve the comfort of occupants, particularly thermal comfort; nevertheless, the energy required to run and maintain these applications is a significant constraint. Renewable energy sources offer alternative solutions to energy demand problems, and selecting the best renewable energy sources is crucial. In this article, we examine the health and well-being advantages to the occupants, as well as the surrounding environment, of a variety of novel strategies that may be integrated into buildings to increase occupants' thermal comfort for conventional practices using solar power. The key discoveries explored in this article include daylighting, passive ventilation, thermal applications, cooling applications, and power generation. For this, the information was gathered by a systematic review of the relevant prior literature. In addition, the detrimental effects of existing practices on the health and well-being of residents and the environment are included. While there are still some practical obstacles to overcome in the extraction of solar energy, the technology exists. Potential future obstacles to the broad acceptance and usage of solar energy systems in buildings are highlighted, as well as possible solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many unique ethnic enclaves have been established in Australia due to the country's rich and diverse immigration history. Chinatown Melbourne is one of the oldest and most iconic examples that date back to the gold rush period in the 1850s. Previous studies have examined many aspects of the precinct, such as its architectural styles and demography shifts. However, there is a lack of research investigating the enclave's urban characteristics and the consequent urban identity. This knowledge gap can lead to unfeasible heritage conservation decisions with a lack of emphasis on the precinct's unique identity. Hence, this study aims to scrutinize the precinct's past urban evolution and its present characteristics to better understand its heritage value and enhance future urban policies. Qualitative data are collected using archival and literature review, map analysis, and field observation. Overall, by elucidating Chinatown Melbourne's urban characteristics and key urban movements, the study depicts the precinct's identity, addressing elements like the main, laneway, gateway, and public space. The output of the research provides insights into how future heritage policies and initiatives can benefit from the case study in enhancing heritage protection and sustaining its urban identity. Further research is recommended to incorporate quantitative research methods and compare results with this study's findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid alteration to land cover, combined with climate change, results in the variation of the land surface temperature (LST). This LST variation is mainly affected by the spatiotemporal changes of land cover classes, their geospatial characteristics, and spectral indices. Melbourne has been the subject of previous studies of land cover change but often over short time periods without considering the trade-offs between land use/land cover (LULC) and mean daytimes summer season LST over a more extended period. To fill this gap, this research aims to investigate the role of LULC change on mean annual daytime LST in the hot summers of 2001 and 2018 in Melbourne. To achieve the study's aim, LULC and LST maps were generated based on the cost-effective cloud-based geospatial analysis platform Google Earth Engine (GEE). Furthermore, the geospatial and geo-statistical relationship between LULC, LST, and spectral indices of LULC, including the Normalised Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were identified. The findings showed that the mean daytime LST increased by 5.1 °C from 2001 to 2018. The minimum and maximum LST values were recorded for the vegetation and the built-up area classes for 2001 and 2018. Additionally, the mean daytime LST for vegetation and the built-up area classes increased by 5.5 °C and 5.9 °C from 2001 to 2018, respectively. Furthermore, both elevation and NDVI were revealed as the most influencing factors in the LULC classification process. Considering the R2 values between LULC and LST and their NDVI values in 2018, grass (0.48), forest (0.27), and shrubs (0.21) had the highest values. In addition, urban areas (0.64), bare land (0.62), and cropland (0.61) LULC types showed the highest R2 values between LST regarding their NDBI values. This study highlights why urban planners and policymakers must understand the impacts of LULC change on LST. Appropriate policy measures can be proposed based on the findings to control Melbourne's future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-minute neighbourhoods highlight the importance of well-connected and mixed-used neighbourhoods and communities with proximate access to employment, essential services, public transport, and open spaces. Shorter distances together with re-prioritised public spaces encourage more active transport choices, resulting in public health benefits and reduced environmental pollution. Higher liveability brought about by mixed-use developments enables people to have equitable access to local facilities, amenities, and employment opportunities, promoting vibrancy, social cohesion, and intergenerational connections. The attributes of 20-minute neighbourhoods also combine to create places, that are acknowledged as friendly for all ages, address changing needs across the life course, and provide better support for the ageing population. Furthermore, there are indications that 20-minute neighbourhoods may be more resilient against many of the negative impacts of stringent public health protocols such as those implemented in periods of lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. In this article, we evaluate and compare planning policies and practices aimed at establishing 20-minute neighbourhoods in Melbourne (Australia) and Scotland (the UK). Using case studies, we discuss similarities and differences involved in using place-based approaches of 20-minute neighbourhoods to address 21st-century challenges in key areas of health and wellbeing, equity, environmental sustainability, and community resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article compares research identifying the systemic barriers to disability access and inclusion in two regional Australian cities, and discusses some of the leadership and design challenges that will need to be addressed by government and industry to embed universal design principles within the planning, development, and redevelopment of urban infrastructure. In Geelong, Victoria, given the often-opaque decision-making dynamics at play in the urban planning and development of cities, the disability community sought a more holistic and consultative approach to addressing access and inclusion. Systems-thinking for a collective impact approach was used to generate recommendations for action around improving universal design regulations, community attitudes to disability, access to information, accessible housing, partnerships, and disability employment. At Bunbury, Western Australia, a similar project analysed systemic factors affecting universal design at a local government level, and recommended a suite of safeguards for universal design including staff training, policies and procedures, best practice benchmarks, technical support and engagement in co-design. We describe the process followed in both studies to identify how, through collaborative and action-oriented research methods, the studies identified key technical, cultural, political, and structural changes required to achieve equitable access and inclusion in the urban landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melbourne's Chinatown is the oldest in Australia. A large amount of research on this unique ethnic enclave has been conducted to elucidate its formation history, heritage significance, cultural influence and architectural features. However, the discussion of the precinct's spatial characteristics remains mostly marginalised. As a heritage precinct in the centre of an urban grid form, the precinct offers a unique spatial experience to its visitors. To better fathom the street layout of the area, three objectives are addressed in this study, including understanding: (1) the precinct's street network in the grid system, (2) the visibility relationship within the precinct and (3) the relationship between buildings and streets. A joint methodology framework is established to fulfil the research objectives by incorporating space syntax methods and field observation. The findings facilitate policymakers and planners in understanding the precinct's unique street layout and making relevant preservation decisions. Further studies are encouraged to scrutinise other spatial and urban characteristics of the precinct and test the proposed methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessibility is commonly assessed using indicators calculated from spatial data. Comparatively perceived accessibility cannot be adequately reflected by these calculated measures because it involves the perception to participate in spatially dispersed opportunities. This highlights the need to understand and consider perceived accessibility for planning and evaluation of transport systems from a complementary perspective. Therefore, this study aims to offer a systematic review concerning the interpretations of perceived accessibility in transport, its concept, major social drivers, barriers, evaluation methods and key influencing factors. This review also highlights the importance of perceived safety and service quality in public transport and their relationship with perceived accessibility in daily travel. The paper argues that perceived accessibility with due consideration of perceived safety and service quality will contribute to the development from mobility-based to accessibility-based planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most reliable and prominent renewable energy resource which addresses the global energy demand is the Solar photovoltaics (PV) systems. Usage of the PV system substantially reduces the carbon footprint of the energy generation process leading towards an environmentally friendly alternative. The substantial rise in the adaptation of the distributed energy resources likes solar PV and batteries into conventional electric power grids, has increased the complexity of the energy management problem. Many Researchers across the world are working towards developing accurate forecasting models to predict the solar PV system’s generation capacity in advance to effectively manage the supply and demand. In this research, a modified support vector regression (SVR) based solar irradiance forecasting model with a minute wise time horizon is proposed, developed, and tested using the data obtained from Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Australia. The performance of the proposed approach is then validated using the benchmark statistical models like, the persistence algorithm, autoregression model, moving average model, a hybrid autoregressive moving average model and an autoregressive integrated moving average model. Metrics like root mean square error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE) and mean bias error (MBE) are used to validate the performance of the proposed approach. Results indicated that the Modified SVR model reduces the forecasting error and the computational complexity substantially and outperforms the other conventional approaches. The increased performance of the forecasting method will assist in developing an efficient energy management system for future electricity grids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: Age-friendly built environments have been promoted by the World Health Organisation (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland) under the Global Age-friendly Cities (AFC) movement in which three domains are related to the built environment. These are: housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and public buildings. The aim is to foster active ageing by optimising opportunities for older adults to maximise their independent living ability and participate in their communities to enhance their quality of life and wellbeing. An age-friendly built environment is inclusive, accessible, respects individual needs and addresses the wide range of capacities across the course of life. Agefriendly housing promotes ageing in familiar surroundings and maintains social connections at the neighbourhood and community levels. Both age-friendly housing and buildings provide barrier-free provisions to minimise the needs for subsequent adaptations. Age-friendly public and outdoor spaces encourage older adults to spend time outside and engage with others against isolation and loneliness. Age-friendly public transport enables older adults to get around and enhances their mobility. For achieving an age-friendly living environment, a holistic approach is required to enable independent living, inclusion and active participation of older adults in society. The eight domains of the AFC movement are not mutually exclusive but overlap and support with one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in biomimicry in built environments highlights the awareness raised among designers on the potentials nature offers to human and system function improvements. Biomimicry has been widely utilized in advanced material technology. However, its potential in sustainable architecture and construction has yet to be discussed in depth. Thus, this study offers a comprehensive review of the use of biomimicry in architecture and structural engineering. It also reviews the methods in which biomimicry assists in achieving efficient, sustainable built environments. The first part of this review paper introduces the concept of biomimicry historically and practically, discusses the use of biomimicry in design and architecture, provides a comprehensive overview of the potential and benefits of biomimicry in architecture, and explores how biomimicry can be utilized in building envelops. Then, in the second part, the integration of biomimicry in structural engineering and construction is thoroughly explained through several case studies. Finally, biomimicry in architectural and structural design of built environments in creating climate-sensitive and energy-efficient design is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the Python-based open-source library Energym, a building model library to test and benchmark building controllers. The incorporated building models are presented with a brief explanation of their function, location and technical equipment. Furthermore, the library structure is described, highlighting the necessary features to provide the benchmarking and control capabilities, i.e., standardized evaluation scenarios, key performance indicators (KPIs) and forecasts of uncertain variables. We go on to characterize the evaluation scenarios for each of the models and give formal definitions of the KPIs. We describe the calibration methodologies used for constructing the models and illustrate their usage through examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]