Smart buildings equipped with diverse control systems serve the objectives of gathering data, optimizing energy efficiency (EE), and detecting and diagnosing faults, particularly in the domain of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Digital twins (DTs) offering an environmentally sustainable solution for managing facilities and incorporated with artificial intelligence (AI) create opportunities for maintaining IEQ and optimizing EE. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of AI-driven DTs on enhancing IEQ and EE in smart building systems (SBS). A scoping review was performed to establish the theoretical background about DTs, AI, IEQ, and SBS, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the specialists in the industry to obtain qualitative data, and quantitative data were gathered via a computerized self-administered questionnaire (CSAQ) survey, focusing on how DTs can improve IEQ and EE in SBS. The results indicate that the AI-driven DT enhances occupants’ comfort and energy-efficiency performance and enables decision-making on automatic fault detection and maintenance conditioning to improve buildings’ serviceability and IEQ in real time, in response to the key industrial needs in building energy management systems (BEMS) and interrogative and predictive analytics for maintenance. The integration of AI with DT presents a transformative approach to improving IEQ and EE in SBS. The practical implications of this advancement span across design, construction, AI, and policy domains, offering significant opportunities and challenges that need to be carefully considered.

This book combines Construction 6.0 with AEC principles for designing sustainable, health-focused Martian habitats. It unveils innovative architectural designs ideal for Mars, utilizing 3D printing, autonomous robotics, and regolith, alongside renewable energy and life support systems. With an emphasis on well-being, it integrates biophilic design and digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency. Exploring various habitat models, it advocates a multidisciplinary approach to extraterrestrial colonization that balances technological advancement with environmental and ethical stewardship, aiming to make human life on Mars a healthy and sustainable reality.

This research investigates the technical performance of finishing materials used in the facades of school buildings in hot and arid regions, addressing the lack of thorough evaluation in material selection. Current practices often result in rapid material degradation, necessitating frequent maintenance. The study seeks to establish technical standards and indicators for evaluating material durability and condition over time. By focusing on two selected school buildings, the research aims to provide insights into material performance and user behavior impacts. It includes a literature review, field surveys, and laboratory testing to evaluate material resistance to local environmental and human factors. The study's findings will contribute to developing guidelines for improving the durability of finishing materials in school buildings, thereby reducing maintenance costs and enhancing building longevity. One key conclusion is the inadequacy of current materials in withstanding local conditions, highlighting the need for specialized studies to establish local standards for material evaluation. The research encountered several obstacles, including technical challenges related to limited capabilities for sample testing. The second set of challenges were administrative in nature, which hindered the research due to the regulations and requirements for accessing school buildings. Additionally, there were difficulties in extracting samples of finishing materials and subsequently replacing them within the building. 

This research examines how human behavior, particularly negative student behavior such as vandalism, dismantling, and scratching, affects the aesthetic performance of finishing materials in school buildings, which is contrary to the purpose of education and teaching. It aims to help architects select materials that can better withstand such behaviors, ensuring the durability of buildings by maintaining their boundaries with the surrounding environment. Performance evaluation plays a key role in determining the suitability of finishing materials under these conditions. The research problem is the "lack of a local study addressing the impact of negative behavior on the aesthetic performance of finishing materials in school buildings." The research objective is to develop a theoretical framework to measure this impact and assess the compatibility of these materials with student behavior. The study begins by introducing the concepts of behavior and performance, followed by a review of relevant literature to construct a theoretical framework with primary and secondary concepts. Two local primary school projects were analyzed using specific analytical and measurement methods. A combination of descriptive, analytical, and experimental approaches was adopted, during which samples of finishing materials—such as granite, mosaic, paint, and ceramic—were tested. These analyses led to key findings and recommendations. The research encountered several constraints, including administrative restrictions related to school regulations, technical difficulties in installing cameras and collecting material samples, and social limitations. Notably, some female staff members were reluctant to be monitored by cameras due to cultural privacy norms prevalent in Iraqi society. The study concluded with several findings, the most significant being that finishing coating materials exhibited significantly weaker aesthetic performance against negative behaviors compared to materials like ceramic and granite. Walls were identified as the most affected surfaces, followed by floors, as both are easily accessible and often neglected due to their lower aesthetic quality. In contrast, ceilings showed no significant impact as students cannot reach them. Negative behaviors were most common in vertical circulation areas due to crowding. Accordingly, the research reached several recommendations, the most important of which are: improving the quality of finishing materials, particularly for walls and floors, to increase their resistance to negative behavior. It also suggests implementing effective strategies for managing recurring behaviors on a regular basis to enhance discipline and reduce undesirable actions over time.

In this study, we critically examine the potential of recycled construction materials, focusing on how these materials can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage in the construction sector. By adopting an integrated approach that combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) within the circular economy framework, we thoroughly examine the lifecycle environmental performance of these materials. Our findings reveal a promising future where incorporating recycled materials in construction can significantly lower GHG emissions and conserve energy. This underscores their crucial role in advancing sustainable construction practices. Moreover, our study emphasizes the need for robust regulatory frameworks and technological innovations to enhance the adoption of environmentally responsible practices. We encourage policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the academic community to collaborate and promote the adoption of a circular economy strategy in the building sector. Our research contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable construction, offering evidence-based insights that can inform future policies and initiatives to improve environmental stewardship in the construction industry. This study aligns with the European Union’s objectives of achieving climate-neutral cities by 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals outlined for completion by 2030. Overall, this paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable construction, providing a fact-driven basis for future policy and initiatives to enhance environmental stewardship in the industry. 

This study takes a unique approach by investigating the integration of Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) within residential architecture. It explores their combined potential to foster neuro-responsive, sustainable environments within the framework of Construction 5.0. The methodological approach involves real-time BCI data and subjective evaluations of occupants’ experiences to elucidate cognitive and emotional states. These data inform BIM-driven alterations that facilitate adaptable, customized, and sustainability-oriented architectural solutions. The results highlight the ability of BCI–BIM integration to create dynamic, occupant-responsive environments that enhance well-being, promote energy efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. The primary contribution of this work is the demonstration of the viability of neuro-responsive architecture, wherein cognitive input from Brain–Computer Interfaces enables real-time modifications to architectural designs. This technique enhances built environments’ flexibility and user-centered quality by integrating occupant preferences and mental states into the design process. Furthermore, integrating BCI and BIM technologies has significant implications for advancing sustainability and facilitating the design of energy-efficient and ecologically responsible residential areas. The study offers practical insights for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, providing a method for implementing BCI–BIM systems to enhance user experience and promote sustainable design practices. The research examines ethical issues concerning privacy, data security, and informed permission, ensuring these technologies adhere to moral and legal requirements. The study underscores the transformational potential of BCI–BIM integration while acknowledging challenges related to data interoperability, integrity, and scalability. As a result, ongoing innovation and rigorous ethical supervision are crucial for effectively implementing these technologies. The findings provide practical insights for architects, engineers, and industry professionals, offering a roadmap for developing intelligent and ethically sound design practices.

This study conducts an in-depth analysis of the interplay between sustainable industrial growth and integrated industrial urban environments, proposing a novel paradigm for urban production. The aim of this study is to combine sustainable industrial growth with its integration into urban environments, to establish a new and novel way to seamlessly integrate industrial processes within urban surroundings. This research utilizes a thorough approach, incorporating several disciplines, to examine Hamadan industrial city. It includes an extensive survey of existing literature, a comparative analysis based on empirical evidence, and a detailed evaluation of a specific example. This technique aims to address a significant research gap by providing a comprehensive framework that promotes sustainable industrial practices in urban environments. The scholarly contribution of this work is to manifest in its formulation of a pragmatic framework designed to provide urban planners and policymakers with strategies to harmonize industrial growth with urban sustainability imperatives. This article tackles the considerable challenges posed by escalating urbanization and industrialization. To conceive a framework for urban planning and industrial operations that emphasize environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and social welfare is the primary purpose of this project. The study shows how industrial cities may revitalize economies, innovate industries, and solve urban problems including housing shortages and congestion. The importance of creative, collaborative, and policy-driven initiatives to build sustainable and resilient industrial-urban ecosystems in global industrial sustainability efforts is highlighted. The findings show that synergistic urban-industrial integration is needed for economic growth, environmental protection, and social welfare.

Purpose

The concept of Construction 5.0 has emerged as the next frontier in construction practices and is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies with human-centered approaches, sustainable practices and resilience considerations to build smart and future-ready buildings. However, there is currently a gap in research that provides a comprehensive perspective on the opportunities and challenges of facilitating Construction 5.0. This study aims to explore the opportunities and challenges in facilitating Construction 5.0 and its potential to implement smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used to evaluate the research model and investigate the opportunities and challenges related to Construction 5.0 in its implementation for smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.

Findings

The results show that adopting human-centric technology, sustaining resilience and maintaining sustainability in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry seizes the opportunities to overcome the challenges for facilitating Construction 5.0 in the implementation of smart, sustainable and resilient buildings.

Practical implications

The AEC industry facilitating Construction 5.0 has the potential to redefine the future of construction, creating a built environment that is not only intelligent, sustainable and resilient but also deeply connected with the well-being and values of the communities it serves.

Originality/value

The research illuminates the path forward for a holistic understanding of Construction 5.0, envisioning a future where smart, sustainable and resilient buildings stand as testaments to the harmonious collaboration between humans and technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) simulation models and digital twins (DT) are used in designingand treating the activities, layout, and functions for the new generation of buildings to enhanceuser experience and optimize building performance. These models use data about a building’s use,configuration, functions, and environment to simulate different design options and predict theireffects on house function efficiency, comfort, and safety. On the one hand, AI algorithms are usedto analyze this data and find patterns and trends that can guide the design process. On the otherhand, DTs are digital recreations of actual structures that can replicate building performance in realtime. These models would evaluate alternative design options, the performance of the building, andways to improve user comfort and building efficiency. This study examined the important role ofintelligent building design aspects, such as activities using multi-layout and the creation of particularfunctions based on AI simulation models, in developing DT-based smart building systems. Theempirical data came from a study of architecture and engineering firms throughout the globe usinga CSAQ (computer-administered, self-completed survey). For this purpose, the study employedstructural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the hypotheses and build the relationship model. Theresearch verifies the relevance of AI-based simulation models supporting the creation of intelligentbuilding design features (activities, layout, functionalities), enabling the construction of DT-basedsmart building systems. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for further exploration ofAI-based simulation models’ role and integration with DT in smart building design.

The pressing concern of climate change and the imperative to mitigate CO2 emissions have significantly influenced the selection of outdoor plant species. Consequently, evaluating CO2's environmental effects on plants has become integral to the decision-making process. Notably, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from buildings is significant in tackling the consequences of climate change and addressing energy deficiencies. This article presents a novel approach by introducing plant panels as an integral component in future building designs, epitomizing the next generation of sustainable structures and offering a new and sustainable building solution. The integration of environmentally friendly building materials enhances buildings' indoor environments. Consequently, it becomes crucial to analyze manufacturing processes in order to reduce energy consumption, minimize waste generation, and incorporate green technologies. In this context, experimentation was conducted on six distinct plant species, revealing that the energy-saving potential of different plant types on buildings varies significantly. This finding contributes to the economy's improvement and fosters enhanced health-related and environmental responsibility. The proposed plant panels harmonize various building components and embody a strategic approach to promote health and well-being through bio-innovation. Furthermore, this innovative solution seeks to provide a sustainable alternative by addressing the challenges of unsustainable practices, outdated standards, limited implementation of new technologies, and excessive administrative barriers in the construction industry. The obtained outcomes will provide stakeholders within the building sector with pertinent data concerning performance and durability. Furthermore, these results will enable producers to acquire essential information, facilitating product improvement.