2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Sustainable Development Initiatives in Central Taiwan Science Park: A Study of Residents’ Opinions and the Impact on the Urban Ecosystem

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Fu-Hsuan Chen

Buildings 2023, 13(5), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051202 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 622

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the role of the Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) in promoting sustainable development, with a specific focus on the park’s recycling technologies. By combining survey research and conducting in-depth interviews with residents living around the CTSP, their [...] Read more.

The present study aims to explore the role of the Central Taiwan Science Park (CTSP) in promoting sustainable development, with a specific focus on the park’s recycling technologies. By combining survey research and conducting in-depth interviews with residents living around the CTSP, their observations were analyzed using statistical data released by the government. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how technology parks can promote circular economy and waste reduction, as well as to understand the potential impact of the CTSP on the environment and neighboring communities. The study found that the CTSP is committed to maximizing the use of recycling and has established advanced recycling facilities and green infrastructure to promote waste reduction. Residents’ opinions played a crucial role in understanding the current situation and the way forward, helping the CTSP design effective green infrastructure for the urban ecosystem. The results of this study could inform stakeholders about sustainable recycling and zero-waste initiatives in Taiwan’s technology industry and support government efforts to cultivate more sustainable urban ecosystems. Furthermore, this study found that environmental education can effectively raise awareness and promote action Full article

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Open AccessArticle

User-Centric Innovation District Planning: Lessons from Brisbane’s Leading Innovation Districts

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Niusha Esmaeilpoorarabi

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Tan Yigitcanlar

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 883; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040883 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 576

Abstract

Innovation districts are widely known as an effective land use type for fostering and sustaining knowledge and innovation economy growth in cities. Knowledge workers and the public are among the main stakeholders and key drivers for the growth of innovation districts. However, these [...] Read more.

Innovation districts are widely known as an effective land use type for fostering and sustaining knowledge and innovation economy growth in cities. Knowledge workers and the public are among the main stakeholders and key drivers for the growth of innovation districts. However, these groups’ needs are often not well considered in the top-down implementation of innovation districts. This paper aims to explore the user preferences and decision makers’ perspectives in innovation district planning, design, and development. The study tackles the question of which characteristics fulfil the responsibility of innovation districts toward both societies (reflecting user preferences) and cities (reflecting decision makers’ perspectives). As for the methodology, a case study approach was employed to collect the required data from three innovation districts in Brisbane, Australia. The data are qualitatively and quantitatively analysed. The analysis findings highlighted the similarities between user preferences and decision makers’ perspectives—e.g., usefulness of decentralisation, urbanism, mixed-use development, street life, and social interactions in innovation districts—and the differences that need to be carefully factored into the planning, design, and development of innovation districts with a user-centric approach. Full article

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Open AccessEditorial

Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development—Addressing the Challenges of the 21st Century

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Liyin Shen

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J. Jorge Ochoa

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Haijun Bao

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 847; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040847 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 633

Abstract

Urbanisation has been one of the most transformative processes of our time, and in recent decades has led to significant changes in the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us [...] Full article

Open AccessEditorial

Strategies for Sustainable Urban Development—Exploring Innovative Approaches for a Liveable Future

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Liyin Shen

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J. Jorge Ochoa

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Haijun Bao

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030764 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 438

Abstract

Cities are the engines of economic growth, but they are also the source of many environmental and social challenges [...] Full article

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Conflicts in the Process of Industrial Building Renovation Based on Grounded Theory: A China Study

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Buildings 2023, 13(3), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030676 - 03 Mar 2023

Viewed by 687

Abstract

With the transformation of industry in China, and industrial production changes from an incremental economy to a stock economy, a massive renovation of industrial buildings and intensification of renovation conflicts coexist. Industrial building renovation conflict seriously affects industrial building renovation. Based on the [...] Read more.

With the transformation of industry in China, and industrial production changes from an incremental economy to a stock economy, a massive renovation of industrial buildings and intensification of renovation conflicts coexist. Industrial building renovation conflict seriously affects industrial building renovation. Based on the Grounded Theory, this paper selects Ningbo City as the research area and builds the “interest–situation–conflict” model through investigation and interview, exploring the reasons for conflicts and the influencing factors of industrial building renovation. Situational factors for three types of conflicts, namely, government–residents, government–enterprises, and residents–enterprises, are greatly affected by policies and systems, supervision and feedback, and different standpoints, respectively. Based on the “interest-situation-conflict” model, this paper analyzes the reasons for the conflicts among government, enterprises, and residents and puts forward countermeasures to solve nimby (not in my back yard) conflict, compensation conflict, development conflict, goals conflict, financial conflict, participation conflict, and conflict of interests and rights, so as to promote the renovation of industrial buildings. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Perception of Urban Regeneration by Stakeholders: A Case Study of the Student Village Design Project in Korea

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Joo Young Kim

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Jung Hoon Kim

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Kyung Wook Seo

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020516 - 14 Feb 2023

Viewed by 858

Abstract

Urban regeneration by participatory methods is being discussed in many parts of the world, but conflicts between stakeholders emerge as a major challenge. In order to address this problem, a new approach to urban regeneration has been attempted in Korea. By targeting towns [...] Read more.

Urban regeneration by participatory methods is being discussed in many parts of the world, but conflicts between stakeholders emerge as a major challenge. In order to address this problem, a new approach to urban regeneration has been attempted in Korea. By targeting towns with university campuses, this project encourages active participation from university students as well as local residents. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions, the project adopted an online-based communication strategy. First, the online data was collected; second, the data for each participant was classified through data refinement; and third, the data analysis and data visualization were carried out at each stage using program R. The results revealed that the stakeholders exhibited different perceptions about the process, indicating a potential benefit of distinct role division for the success of the multiparty project. The significance of this study lies in the fact that it analyzes participants’ perceptions of urban regeneration using a text-mining process. The results of the study can serve as the basis for minimizing conflict and planning effective urban regeneration. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Participation as a Tool for the Sustainable Redesign of Vacant Heritage: The Case of Politiebureau Groningen Centrum

by

Chi Liu

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Joana dos Santos Gonçalves

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Wido Quist

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020515 - 14 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1035

Abstract

This paper explores the opportunities for locals’ participation as a tool for the sustainable redevelopment of vacant heritage. It focuses on the Politiebureau Groningen Centrum (The Netherlands) as a case study to apply a novel approach to engage community participation in architectural redesign. [...] Read more.

This paper explores the opportunities for locals’ participation as a tool for the sustainable redevelopment of vacant heritage. It focuses on the Politiebureau Groningen Centrum (The Netherlands) as a case study to apply a novel approach to engage community participation in architectural redesign. It fills the academic gap on participation in heritage building redesign lacking diversity in stakeholder perspectives and overcomes some of the current participatory design tools’ downsides, identified in the previous literature: lack of transparent communication and high requirement for participants. This research employs a combination of methods structured by sets of divergent and convergent phases. Cognitive mapping, semi-structured interviewing, and a 2,5D model game were tested in the research for inquiry and redesign testing, the two key participatory stages. The research outcomes include participants’ perceptions and remembrance of the site for generating redesign scenarios, the common ground in their scenario preferences, and their contrasting attitudes toward the overall material and the specific elements. The 2,5D model game tool turns out effective in transparently delivering the redesign possibilities to participants and lowering the requirements of time, language skill, and learning capacity, thus being easily repeatable for other sites and participants to boost social and community values. Future research recommendations are given on applying the approach to larger samples covering all the minorities to get in-depth knowledge on the community’s collective perspectives in relation to their sociodemographic characteristics and validate the hypothesis on their preferences toward materials and elements. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Barriers to the Digitalization of China’s Real Estate Enterprises in Operations Management with an Integrated FTA–DEMATEL–ISM Approach

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Buildings 2023, 13(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010100 - 30 Dec 2022

Viewed by 1092

Abstract

This paper aims to identify indicators of the obstacles that affect the digitalization of real estate enterprises in their operations management, and analyze the influence, hierarchy and relationships of these indicators. The indicators of obstacles that affect the digitalization of real estate enterprise [...] Read more.

This paper aims to identify indicators of the obstacles that affect the digitalization of real estate enterprises in their operations management, and analyze the influence, hierarchy and relationships of these indicators. The indicators of obstacles that affect the digitalization of real estate enterprise operations management were explored by searching the literature and using the Delphi method and a word cloud diagram. The obstacle indicator system was built according to the upstream, middle and downstream levels of the value chain. The FTA obstacle model was used to analyze the influence of obstacle index, and the DEMATEL–ISM model was used to analyze the hierarchical structure and correlations between indicators. The results are as follows. The biggest barriers in real estate digitalization are in the upstream level, such as the difficulty in adopting new technologies, lack of information technology talent and the high cost of digital software. According to analysis from the DEMATEL–ISM, the difficulty of enterprises to use new technologies has a deep-rooted influence on the digitalization of real estate enterprises. Lack of information technology talent and the high cost of digital software in the upstream level as well as barriers related to a company’s development strategy and investment willingness constitute barriers in the midstream level. These barriers not only affect the external and internal links, but also influence each other. The lack of overall regulation and supervision can explain the reason for these barriers. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Sports Parks during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Taking Sports Parks in Beijing as Examples

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Xianfeng Wu

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Xiangyu Li

Buildings 2022, 12(12), 2250; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122250 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 964

Abstract

China fully built a wealthy society but faced a serious COVID-19 epidemic together with the rest of the world. The emergence of the epidemic highlights the importance of sports parks for physical activity. By reviewing national fitness policies and identifying several types of [...] Read more.

China fully built a wealthy society but faced a serious COVID-19 epidemic together with the rest of the world. The emergence of the epidemic highlights the importance of sports parks for physical activity. By reviewing national fitness policies and identifying several types of sports parks, this paper investigates urban dwellers’ usage and preferences in sports parks by means of a questionnaire, with behavioural observation and interviews as complementary research methods. Taking the Beijing Olympic Forest Park, Sun Park, and Huilongguan Park as examples, this study reveals that participants present a high overall satisfaction with the sports parks. The factor analysis indicates that Sports Facilities and Maintenance & Management are the first and second most significant factors influencing residents’ willingness to use sports parks. This research can guide the planning and construction of sports park in the future. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Green Roofs as an Approach to Enhance Urban Sustainability: A Study of Public Perception in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

by

Ali Alqahtany

Buildings 2022, 12(12), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122202 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1446

Abstract

This study focuses on highlighting the major effects and challenges being faced in the implementation of the green roof technique in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Green roofs have proven to be energy efficient, environment friendly, and economical in a long run. Due to the [...] Read more.

This study focuses on highlighting the major effects and challenges being faced in the implementation of the green roof technique in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Green roofs have proven to be energy efficient, environment friendly, and economical in a long run. Due to the increasing global environment temperature, it has become necessary to implement such sustainable methods that help in the achievement of urban sustainability. Saudi Arabia has seen some reluctance in the implementation of green roofs in buildings. The reasons for not adopting this system have not been reported as yet. To study the level of awareness among the public and the challenges they are facing regarding green roofs, this study was taken up. A survey questionnaire was designed with a high level of flexibility covering the key issues, including the related areas that are affected in the daily life of a resident and also the challenges faced by the general public in the installation of such systems in their existing or new buildings. An extensive literature review and a reconnaissance survey were performed before shortlisting the major factors and challenges to be included in the survey questionnaire. An overwhelming response was received from the people of Riyadh City. Almost 94% of people agreed to the fact that green roofs enhance the aesthetics of the building, and the same number of people agreed that they play a role in controlling the air quality. On the other hand, 91% of the respondents identified the climate of the area as the biggest challenge in implementing green roofs on the buildings. The study concludes with strong recommendations for the local authorities to plan quick actions. The study shall help the building owners, city planners, and policy makers in identifying the major hurdles being faced by the residents in adopting green roofs and will help them to provide solutions to these issues. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

A Parametric Framework to Assess Generative Urban Design Proposals for Transit-Oriented Development

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Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111971 - 14 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1271

Abstract

Urban design has been valuable in bringing the principles of transit-oriented development (TOD) into reality. However, a majority of recommendations summarized by scholars for promoting TODs through urban design have failed to promote the progress of the urban design. The main reason for [...] Read more.

Urban design has been valuable in bringing the principles of transit-oriented development (TOD) into reality. However, a majority of recommendations summarized by scholars for promoting TODs through urban design have failed to promote the progress of the urban design. The main reason for this issue is the long-standing tradition of design decision-making based on designers’ experience and the lack of quantitative assessment feedback on design schemes. With the development of big data and artificial intelligence, optimisation-based generative design has been explored to overcome the limitations of experience-based urban design approaches. However, the techniques and workflows are still not mature enough for designers to adopt. In response to these challenges, this study proposes a framework that integrates the generative design method and data-driven decision-making approach for urban design solutions that better implement the basic principles of TODs. Based on the urban design intelligence for TODs, this framework uses parametric tools and models to evaluate the generative urban design proposals, providing timely feedback to support the design decisions. The framework is applied to a case study to examine the feasibility. It is demonstrated that this approach succeeds in selecting optimal TOD design solutions. The role of designers’ decision-making in generative urban design, as well as the importance of quantitative and qualitative assessment in experience-based decision-making, are highlighted. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Principles of Design for Vulnerable Communities: A Research by Design Approach Overrunning the Disciplinary Boundaries

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Emanuele Giorgi

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Tiziano Cattaneo

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Karol Paulina Serrato Guerrero

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1789; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111789 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1319

Abstract

Current changes are making communities, cities, and territories increasingly vulnerable. Urban architectural interventions have the power to intervene this situation, directly reducing vulnerabilities or backing social initiatives. Urban and architectural interventions, however, are also those that take a longer time to be implemented [...] Read more.

Current changes are making communities, cities, and territories increasingly vulnerable. Urban architectural interventions have the power to intervene this situation, directly reducing vulnerabilities or backing social initiatives. Urban and architectural interventions, however, are also those that take a longer time to be implemented and to impact society. For this, these interventions must be sustained by broad and transversal visions, as well as referring to the temporal context of the coming decades. For these reasons, the research project “Design for Vulnerables” aims to define which methodologies should be adopted to reduce urban vulnerabilities in the coming decades. A design workshop, set in a vulnerable community in the northern Mexico, was organized, documented, and analyzed. Based on the research by design methodology, the research highlighted current issues, transversal to urban-architectural design, which influence urban vulnerabilities. This multidisciplinary approach made it possible to generating a set of principles of Design for Vulnerables, graphically represented by a re-interpretation of the Krebs cycle. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Measuring Street Network Efficiency and Block Sizes in Superblocks—Addressing the Gap between Policy and Practice

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Rim Anabtawi

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Martin Scoppa

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101686 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 859

Abstract

This paper uses quantitative methods to evaluate the application of street connectivity policies stated by Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) on newly developed projects. The evaluation of the study was performed by measuring efficiency, i.e., how short and direct are paths between [...] Read more.

This paper uses quantitative methods to evaluate the application of street connectivity policies stated by Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC) on newly developed projects. The evaluation of the study was performed by measuring efficiency, i.e., how short and direct are paths between residential and nonresidential destinations to understand the ability of street networks to support sustainable transportation modes in the Capital District project. Efficiency is measured in twelve neighborhoods of the Capital District using Pedestrian Route Directness (PRD), a metric that meets Estidama—Abu Dhabi Green Rating System—walkability standards. Observation and analysis of the current stage of development show that more than 58% of the neighborhoods failed the route efficiency test to connect residential plots to one another. In addition, more than 40% of the neighborhood’s residential plots could not efficiently connect to nonresidential plots. The study includes recommendations for policymakers and project developers to enhance the street infrastructure to correlate with Estidama ratings by taking advantage of sikkak, the alleyways system that is found in other neighborhoods in the city. Significantly, recommendations are based on rigorous quantitative analyses that can be used for implementation in real-world projects, thus strengthening the connection between policy and practice. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Structural Relationship between COVID-19, Night-Time Economic Vitality, and Credit-Card Sales: The Application of a Formative Measurement Model in PLS-SEM

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Seong-a Kim

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Heungsoon Kim

Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101606 - 04 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 923

Abstract

Cities worldwide are actively promoting their Night-Time Economies (NTEs) to recover from the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. However, in the case of Seoul, Korea, the interest in the NTE from an urban perspective remains insufficient. Therefore, this study was performed with the [...] Read more.

Cities worldwide are actively promoting their Night-Time Economies (NTEs) to recover from the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. However, in the case of Seoul, Korea, the interest in the NTE from an urban perspective remains insufficient. Therefore, this study was performed with the following two objectives: (1) To empirically identify the characteristics of Korea’s NTE and derive an indicator of the nighttime economic vitality (NTEV) by considering the NTE in urban regions; (2) to explore the structural relationship between NTEV, COVID-19, and credit-card sales in Seoul, to which operational restrictions were stringently applied according to the COVID-19 policy of Korea. The NTEV was evaluated using indicators of the nightly floating population, night-lighting value, and number of entertainment facilities. Moreover, to identify the structural relationship between COVID-19, NTEV, and credit-card sales based on abnormal analysis data, a formative measurement model of the partial least squares structural equipment modeling framework was used. The results highlighted that the effect of COVID-19 differed depending on the density of facilities to which the “social distancing policy” was applied, and the NTEV boosted the consumption economy of the entire city. Moreover, we empirically confirmed that an increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 patients directly or indirectly decreased credit-card sales, which deteriorated the urban economy. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Decarbonization of the Colombian Building Sector: Social Network Analysis of Enabling Stakeholders

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Buildings 2022, 12(10), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101531 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1147

Abstract

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is one of the main challenges to stopping climate change; in particular, the building sector acts as one of the main emitters. In response, governments have been developing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and roadmaps to establish measures to [...] Read more.

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is one of the main challenges to stopping climate change; in particular, the building sector acts as one of the main emitters. In response, governments have been developing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and roadmaps to establish measures to achieve net-zero emissions. One of the main barriers to implementing these measures, particularly in the building sector, underlays in stakeholder integration. Through social network analysis (SNA) concepts, this research explores the roles of the actors whose participation is required in decarbonizing the Colombian building sector. These stakeholders engage in enabling categories (e.g., policy, finance, technology, and capacity development) required to achieve net-zero emissions, according to the goals proposed by the Colombian Green Building Council (CGBC). For the network analysis, we employ the results of semi-structured interviews led by the CGBC within the framework of the Zero Carbon Building Accelerator (ZCBA) project. Findings show highly interconnected networks characterized by redundant connections among actors. Three types of actors are identified within each enabler network: prominent actors with high centrality values, in charge of coordinating most of the actions required to achieve net-zero emissions; second-level actors limited to specific roles in policy-making processes; and perimeter actors focused on a few particular actions. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

A Classification-Based Blockchain Architecture for Smart Home with Hierarchical PoW Mechanism

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Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091321 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 981

Abstract

Smart home, as a typical Internet of Things (IoT) application, provides people with a variety of conveniences. Unfortunately, it may suffer from security and privacy issues. Currently, blockchain theory is considered as one of the potential solutions to the IoT security problem. However, [...] Read more.

Smart home, as a typical Internet of Things (IoT) application, provides people with a variety of conveniences. Unfortunately, it may suffer from security and privacy issues. Currently, blockchain theory is considered as one of the potential solutions to the IoT security problem. However, according to the rules of blockchain, it requires large storage to store distributed ledgers and undertakes long latency caused by proof of work (PoW), which cannot be performed by resource-constrained IoT devices. To address the issue, we propose a classification-based blockchain architecture with a hierarchical PoW mechanism, which can reduce the storage consumption and decrease the latency. In our architecture, we divide IoT devices into several child nodes by data classification and convert the data storage into partial network storage. Furthermore, we try to set the moderate-cost security grades (SG) to adjust the difficulty of PoW for reduction of latency. Finally, comparing the performance of our scheme with the traditional method and current technology, the proposed architecture not only takes up less storage (i.e., almost 90% reduction) but also increases efficiency (i.e., almost 50% running time saving) while ensuring safety. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Identifying Critical Influencing Factors of the Value Creation of Urban Rail Transit PPP Projects in China

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Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081080 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1259

Abstract

Value creation is the primary motivation for public-private cooperation. The development of urban rail transit (URT) projects requires heavy investment and abundant construction and management experience. Thus, public-private partnership (PPP) is usually adopted in URT project development to benefit the public and private [...] Read more.

Value creation is the primary motivation for public-private cooperation. The development of urban rail transit (URT) projects requires heavy investment and abundant construction and management experience. Thus, public-private partnership (PPP) is usually adopted in URT project development to benefit the public and private sectors. However, with the high-quality development of PPP projects, the value creation of URT PPP projects is not only about achieving basic project objectives but also relying on partner synergy to achieve value-added. Based on the extended connotation of value creation, this study intends to systematically identify the influencing factors of value creation of URT PPP projects in China. The grounded theory approach was adopted to deduce the influencing factors of value creation through analyzing the various types of articles related to Chinese URT PPP projects. Resources complementarity among stakeholders, cooperation environment, and partnership synergy were identified as the main influencing factors. Meanwhile, a theoretical model that described how these influencing factors combined to promote value creation during public-private sectors cooperation of URT projects was established. This research helps broaden the understanding of how public and private sectors should cooperate and collaborate in URT projects to realize value maximization and promote the sustainable development of URT PPP projects and provides a model for further empirical examination. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Factor Analysis for Urban Resilience: A Case Study of Chengdu–Chongqing Urban Agglomeration

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Buildings 2022, 12(7), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070962 - 06 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1456

Abstract

Resilient cities provide a new operating mechanism for sustainable urban development and can effectively reduce urban disaster losses. Urban resilience has become an important research topic, but few scholars focus on the urban resilience of urban agglomerations in western China. Therefore, this paper [...] Read more.

Resilient cities provide a new operating mechanism for sustainable urban development and can effectively reduce urban disaster losses. Urban resilience has become an important research topic, but few scholars focus on the urban resilience of urban agglomerations in western China. Therefore, this paper takes the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration of China as the study area and aims to evaluate the resilience level of cities in typical regions of western China. This study uses multiple interdisciplinary methods, such as the entropy weight method, Theil index, and geographically and temporally weighted regression, to evaluate the resilience levels of 16 cities in the region and discuss the influencing factors of regional urban resilience. The results show that the urban resilience of cities in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration has evolved from a low to high level. Additionally, there are significant spatial differences in urban resilience in the Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration, and the resilience levels of cities in the east and west of the region are relatively high, while the resilience levels of cities in the south and north are relatively low. Further research found that factors such as administrative level, marketization level, industrial structure, population density, urbanization level, and emergency facility level all have a significant positive impact on the improvement of urban resilience, but this impact has spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Based on the above research results, the strategies have been proposed from the perspective of sustainable urban development to provide a new theoretical support and decision-making reference for improving the resilience level of urban agglomerations in western China. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Administrative Division Adjustment on Enterprise Earnings Management: A Quasi-Natural Experiment on City–County Consolidation

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Yueling Xu

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Yijiu Ge

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Haijun Bao

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070951 - 04 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 725

Abstract

City–county consolidation is a common measure used by many cities to promote urbanization. This study develops the theoretical transmission mechanism, “city-county consolidation intensifies competition in the enterprise market improves the earnings management level of enterprises,” to analyze the influence of city–county consolidation on [...] Read more.

City–county consolidation is a common measure used by many cities to promote urbanization. This study develops the theoretical transmission mechanism, “city-county consolidation intensifies competition in the enterprise market improves the earnings management level of enterprises,” to analyze the influence of city–county consolidation on enterprises’ earnings management. An empirical analysis using the difference-in-differences (DID) method was conducted on data of industrial enterprises from 1999 to 2006. The results show that city–county consolidation promotes motivation for the use of enterprises’ earnings management. Second, city–county consolidation significantly intensifies enterprises’ downward earnings management behavior. Third, following city–county consolidation, non-state-owned enterprises are more strongly motivated to implement earnings management than state-owned enterprises. Fourth, city–county consolidation only significantly impacts the earnings management of enterprises affiliated with counties; it does not significantly impact the earnings management of those affiliated with central, provincial, or municipal governments. Therefore, this study provides empirical evidence from the perspective of market competition, which has important reference significance for urbanization development to improve national governance capacity by optimizing administrative divisions. Full article

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Behaviour-Driven Energy-Saving in Hotels: The Roles of Extraversion and Past Behaviours on Guests’ Energy-Conservation Intention

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Buildings 2022, 12(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070941 - 02 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1454

Abstract

The growing environmental concerns and the significant energy consumption in hotel buildings make the ability to proactively manage energy and lower carbon intensity essential in the global hospitality industry. Activating guests’ energy-conservation behaviours is a potential strategy for sustainable hotel operation and maintenance. [...] Read more.

The growing environmental concerns and the significant energy consumption in hotel buildings make the ability to proactively manage energy and lower carbon intensity essential in the global hospitality industry. Activating guests’ energy-conservation behaviours is a potential strategy for sustainable hotel operation and maintenance. Yet, the psychological mechanism of hotel building energy-conservation intention and the roles of personality traits have not been sufficiently investigated. This study aims to examine the role of guests’ extraversion levels in their hotel building energy-conservation behavioural intention using a modified theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model. The study extends the TPB model with personal norms and past behaviour as two additional factors and employs past behaviour as a moderator to bridge extraversion and other psychological factors. A field experiment was conducted consisting of 530 hotel guests in Shanghai, China. The results demonstrate the relationships between attitude, behavioural control, personal norms, past behaviour and energy-conservation intention. Specifically, extraversion negatively influences perceived behavioural control (PBC) (β = −0.176, p < 0.001) and positively impacts on personal norms (β = 0.290, p < 0.001), both of which significantly contribute to guest energy-saving intention. In addition, past behaviours positively moderate the effects of extraversion on subjective norms and personal norms. This research enriches the hospitality and tourism management literature by shedding novel light on how guests’ personality characteristics influence their pro-environment intentions during their stays in hotel buildings. The findings would drive the hotel building energy management forward through actionable and effective energy-conservation interventions and enhanced guest satisfaction. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

New Direction of Sustainable Urbanization: The Impact of Digital Technologies and Policies on China’s In Situ Urbanization

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Chuanxi Zhang

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Wenzhang Zhou

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070882 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1445

Abstract

As part of the process of sustainable urban planning in China, digital technologies have led to major practical and academic concerns. However, few scholars have focused on the impact of digital technologies on in situ urbanization from a policy–technology perspective. This interdisciplinary work [...] Read more.

As part of the process of sustainable urban planning in China, digital technologies have led to major practical and academic concerns. However, few scholars have focused on the impact of digital technologies on in situ urbanization from a policy–technology perspective. This interdisciplinary work aims to analyze how digital policies and their technologies contribute to the transformation of in situ urbanization patterns. This study follows the structure of law and policy research regarding the path of phenomenon presentation–institutional analysis–limitation interpretation. First, the legislation and policies for digitalization of the countryside has drastically changed the logic of how traditional in situ urbanization works. The concept of in situ urbanization 2.0 is used to describe this new phenomenon. Second, historical legitimacy, performance legitimacy, and socially sustainable reproduction are three reasons why rural digitalization reform has triggered in situ urbanization 2.0. Finally, the double dilemma of overreliance on technological change in the in situ urbanization 2.0 process is pointed out; these dilemmas need to be addressed through legislation and policy adjustments. Four recommendations for action are proposed to address these dilemmas. The findings of this research contribute to the literature on sustainable urban planning and rural digitalization reform. Full article

Open AccessArticle

A Technical Proposal for the Implementation of Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) on Preserved Historic Buildings in Turkey

by

Yunus Konbul

and

Mustafa Yanalak

Buildings 2022, 12(6), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060778 - 07 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1286

Abstract

Buildings that have cultural and historical significance are very important elements of our living spaces and they must be protected by public authorities. However, the preservation of these buildings prevents their landowners from using their development rights and causes economic losses. If those [...] Read more.

Buildings that have cultural and historical significance are very important elements of our living spaces and they must be protected by public authorities. However, the preservation of these buildings prevents their landowners from using their development rights and causes economic losses. If those losses are not compensated, it results in social injustice. Leaving this problem unsolved makes historic buildings a target for arson, facilitates the destruction of unregistered (unlisted) historic buildings for redevelopment with a higher density. The traditional methods, namely expropriation and property exchange, generally fail to compensate those development losses. However, the method of transfer of development rights (TDR) can be a good option for this task in Turkey as well. Although there have been some important legislative actions, an “implementing regulation” could not be enacted so far. In this study, we attempt to develop a step-by-step methodology for the implementation of a TDR program from the perspective of land management. The methodology introduced in this paper is also tested for its validity by interviewing 18 professionals from related sectors and all the interviewees agreed on them with minor suggestions. The results derived from this study could benefit not only property owners, but also overall preservation efforts in the country. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Developing a Conceptual Partner Selection Framework: Digital Green Innovation Management of Prefabricated Construction Enterprises for Sustainable Urban Development

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Buildings 2022, 12(6), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12060721 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 1673

Abstract

Digital green innovation management activities are the core of low-carbon intelligent development of prefabricated construction enterprises (PCEs) for sustainable urban development. PCEs have to seek joint venture partners to avoid the financial risk of digital green innovation projects. The purpose of this study [...] Read more.

Digital green innovation management activities are the core of low-carbon intelligent development of prefabricated construction enterprises (PCEs) for sustainable urban development. PCEs have to seek joint venture partners to avoid the financial risk of digital green innovation projects. The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual partner selection framework for the digital green innovation management of prefabricated construction towards urban building 5.0. In this study, first, symbiosis theory and six analysis methods were integrated to innovatively build a 3W1H-P framework system for the joint venture capital partner selection of digital green innovation projects. Second, the dual combination weighting method was innovatively proposed to avoid subjective and objective deviation in attribute weight and time weight. Finally, empirical research was carried out to verify the scientific nature, reliability, and practicability of the framework system and selection model. The results of this study show that the framework system and selection model proposed can be used to assist PCEs to select joint investment partners of digital green and innovative projects for sustainable urban development. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Electricity Consumption Factors of Buildings in Seoul, Korea Using Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression

by

Hanghun Jo

and

Heungsoon Kim

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050678 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1221

Abstract

The recent increase in energy consumption worldwide has accelerated global warming. Thus, developed countries are aiming to reduce energy consumption in cities and promote eco-friendly policies. Buildings account for most of the energy used in a city. Therefore, it is necessary to identify [...] Read more.

The recent increase in energy consumption worldwide has accelerated global warming. Thus, developed countries are aiming to reduce energy consumption in cities and promote eco-friendly policies. Buildings account for most of the energy used in a city. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the factors that affect electrical energy consumption in urban buildings. In this study, we use multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) to analyze these urban characteristic factors at the global and local scales in Seoul, Korea. It is found that population and household characteristics, outdoor temperature, green and water areas, building area according to building usage, and construction age significantly affect the electrical energy consumption of buildings. In addition, the influences of these variables change with the region. Variables with different coefficients by region are winter temperature, green and water area, and households with three or more persons. The results confirm that even within a city, the influence of the aforementioned factors varies in terms of spatial distribution and patterns. This study is significant as it carried out basic research for energy consumption reduction in buildings by deriving related influencing factors. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Identification of Urban Functional Areas Based on the Multimodal Deep Learning Fusion of High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images and Social Perception Data

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Buildings 2022, 12(5), 556; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050556 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1526

Abstract

As the basic spatial unit of urban planning and management, it is necessary to know the distribution status of urban functional areas in time. Due to the complexity of urban land use, it is difficult to identify the urban functional areas using only [...] Read more.

As the basic spatial unit of urban planning and management, it is necessary to know the distribution status of urban functional areas in time. Due to the complexity of urban land use, it is difficult to identify the urban functional areas using only remote sensing images. Social perception data can provide additional information for the identification of urban functional areas. However, the sources of remote sensing data and social perception data differ, with some differences in data forms. Existing methods cannot comprehensively consider the characteristics of these data for functional area identification. Therefore, in this study, we propose a multimodal deep learning method with an attention mechanism to fully utilize the data features of these two modalities and apply it to the recognition of urban functional areas. First, the pre-processed remote sensing images, points of interest, and building footprint data are divided into block-based target units of features by the road network. Next, the remote sensing image features and social perception data features of the target unit are extracted separately using a two-branch convolutional network. Finally, features are extracted sequentially along two separate dimensions, being channel and spatial, to generate an attention weight map for the identification and classification mapping of urban functional areas. The model framework was finally applied to the Ningbo dataset for testing, and the recognition accuracy was above 93%. The experimental results deduce, as a whole, that the prediction performance of the deep multimodal fusion model framework with an attention mechanism is comparatively superior to other traditional methods. It can provide a reference for the classification of urban land use and provide data support for urban planning and management. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Green Land Use Efficiency and Influencing Factors of Resource-Based Cities in the Yellow River Basin under Carbon Emission Constraints

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Buildings 2022, 12(5), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050551 - 26 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1258

Abstract

Green and low-carbon strategies represent governance orientations for resource-based cities to respond to global changes and achieve sustainable development. Designating the Yellow River Basin (YRB), an important ecological functional area and an ecologically fragile area, as the research area, this study used the [...] Read more.

Green and low-carbon strategies represent governance orientations for resource-based cities to respond to global changes and achieve sustainable development. Designating the Yellow River Basin (YRB), an important ecological functional area and an ecologically fragile area, as the research area, this study used the super-efficiency SBM model while considering undesirable outputs, including carbon emissions, to analyze green land use efficiency (GLUE) and its temporal and spatial differentiation, then used the Tobit regression model to analyze the influencing factors. The results were as follows: (1) The GLUE of the YRB presented a spatial pattern of “high in the west and low in the east”. (2) Overall, the efficiency values of all areas and types increased annually, but differences occurred in various areas and types of resource-based cities. (3) Overall, the efficiency values of the Yellow River Basin showed a “high-low” polarization. (4) Economic development and population growth factors substantially impacted the GLUE of resource-based cities in this region. It is concluded that increasing the efficiency improvement of low-efficiency regions or cities can improve regional GLUE. To ensure regional green and low-carbon transformation and development, it is essential to enhance urban economic vitality, promote an orderly population flow, and strive to improve social and public services. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

The Benefit of Rail: Estimating the Impact of Station Accessibility on Residential Property Prices

by

Dániel Tordai

and

András Munkácsy

Buildings 2022, 12(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12020222 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1636

Abstract

This article focuses on the relationship between the prices and the distance from a metro or commuter railway station to residential properties. Relevant efforts have already been dedicated to estimating the effect of station accessibility, but one of the key limitations of previous [...] Read more.

This article focuses on the relationship between the prices and the distance from a metro or commuter railway station to residential properties. Relevant efforts have already been dedicated to estimating the effect of station accessibility, but one of the key limitations of previous studies was the heterogeneity of real estate. Here, the data on homogeneous real estate type in Budapest, Hungary, namely panel flats (built with uniform technology between the 1960s and 1990s) are analysed by statistical methods. First, it is demonstrated that this real estate type is indeed highly homogenous. Second, linear regression is used to understand the relationship and its magnitude between flat prices and distance of stations. The results show a statistically significant relationship, i.e., that five additional minutes of travel time to the nearest station providing fast access to the city centre makes real estate prices drop by nearly 1%. In light of current policies promoting rail for passenger transportation, the findings may be applied for value capture policies to increase the viability and feasibility of urban railway projects. Full article

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2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

Open AccessArticle

New Dimension to Green Buildings: Turning Green into Occupant Well-Being

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Buildings 2021, 11(11), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11110534 - 11 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2161

Abstract

A series of international conferences and initiatives, such as the Habitat III New Urban Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goals, have urged industry, scholars, and policymakers to create an inclusive and sustainable built environment for all in the coming era of cities. Green [...] Read more.

A series of international conferences and initiatives, such as the Habitat III New Urban Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goals, have urged industry, scholars, and policymakers to create an inclusive and sustainable built environment for all in the coming era of cities. Green building schemes, which have been gaining momentum over recent decades, are one of the most influential measures that have been taken to promote urban sustainability. However, due to disciplinary characteristics, most current studies share a techno-engineering focus. Seldom do they answer the question: will green buildings make a difference to the occupants? This paper explains how, and to what extent, green features and design contribute to different dimensions of occupant well-being by conducting a systematic and comprehensive review of current journal articles and industrial reports. It provides an alternative, occupant-oriented perspective to the conventional discourse. A conceptual framework is developed, revealing that green building aspects are linked to six dimensions (three subjective and three objective) of occupant well-being. It further shows how different green features are linked with these dimensions through a detailed examination of the literature. Finally, suggestions are provided based on the research findings for the direction of future green building development and empirical research. Full article

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