International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability
IJBES is an international peer-reviewed journal addressing the present researches, developments and best practices in the field of built environment which includes Architecture, Landscape architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Real Estate, Land Administration and Development, Quantity Surveying and Construction. Focusing on the global audience with an aim to engage their interest, IJBES publishes articles that cover various themes and current topics which attract the interests of researchers, practitioners, government agencies, the private sectors, non-governmental organisations and local communities. Indexed by: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Asean Citation Index, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), UDLedge Social Science & Humanities Citation Index (SS&HI), Focus, MyCite, MyJurnal, Google Scholar ABOUT IJBES The International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability (IJBES) is the substitute of Journal Alam Bina (JAB) - ISSN 1551-1369. The Journal Alam Bina was published in 2003, and continues up until 2008. Thus JAB can be considered as the embryo of IJBES. The e-ISSN of the IJBES is 2289-8948. A fee of MYR 300.00/article for authors with Malaysia affiliation and MYR 400.00/article for authors with affiliation outside Malaysia by the author or research funder to cover costs associated with publication once the paper is accepted to be published in 2025 and onwards.. To catch international authors, IJBES is promoted to be an international journal with international editorial board and maintains peer-review process. With expanded scope of the Journal, IJBES attempts to be the outlet of local and national authors in the built environment and sustainability field to publish their researches and projects while capturing international authors to share their knowledge. IJBES is published online with a frequency of three issues per year in January, May and September every year. Application to publish special issues is opened throughout the year. Interested applicant may submit application by sending us email at ijbes@utm.my.
Copyright of articles that appear in International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability belongs exclusively to Penerbit Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Penerbit UTM Press). This copyright covers the rights to reproduce the article, including reprints, electronic reproductions or any other reproductions of similar nature. Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms: This Journal applies Creative Commons Licenses of CC-BY-NC-SA Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and publication in this journal. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its publication in this journal. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Critical Success Factors in Digital Facilities Management Implementation: A Systematic Literature Review
Digital transformation in facilities management has gained global momentum; however, implementation outcomes remain inconsistent across organizations and sectors. Despite the widespread adoption of technologies such as BIM-FM, IoT, AI/ML, and Digital Twins, many Digital Facilities management (DFM) initiatives fail to achieve their intended value due to misalignment between technological capabilities and organizational readiness. This study aims to systematically identify and quantify the critical success factors (CSFs) that underpin successful DFM implementation. A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Forty-seven empirical studies published between 1990 and 2025 were synthesized. Data extraction focused on implementation factors, contextual conditions, and reported outcomes. A random-effects meta-analysis was applied to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. The review identified 25 distinct CSFs, of which 15 were consistently reported across multiple studies. Universal organizational enablers emerged as the strongest predictors of success, including leadership support (OR = 29.6, 95% CI: 2.73–320.48), training programs (OR = 13.7, 95% CI: 2.27–82.73), and stakeholder engagement (OR = 9.3, 95% CI: 2.00–43.63). Technology-specific factors such as infrastructure readiness (OR = 5.8), data quality management (OR = 4.8), and change management (OR = 4.1) also demonstrated statistically significant effects. In contrast, context-specific factors—including pilot testing, vendor support, and budget adequacy—showed weaker and statistically non-significant contributions. The findings confirm that organizational enablers play a more decisive role than technology alone in achieving successful DFM implementation. This study contributes a statistically grounded CSF framework that extends existing technology adoption theories within the facilities management context and provides actionable guidance for practitioners, technology vendors, and policymakers seeking to accelerate digital transformation in FM.
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Branding by the Kalimas River: Positioning Surabaya as Indonesia’s Leading Waterfront City
The development of waterfront city areas has become a sustainable approach for enhancing the potential of strategic urban regions. In this context, city branding provides a unique identity for a city, influencing its appeal to residents, tourists, businesses, and investors. The Kalimas River, the largest river in Surabaya, Indonesia, holds historical and iconic significance for the city. This study explores efforts to reorganize and revitalize the Kalimas River as a distinctive feature that can serve as a branding element using the waterfront city concept. A qualitative descriptive method was employed, utilizing a case study approach. Data collection included in-depth interviews, focus group discussions with local government representatives, academics, and industry players, as well as documentation and direct field observations. The findings reveal that the Kalimas River has significant potential to serve as a unique brand for Surabaya City. Collaboration among all stakeholders is essential to strengthen the city's brand image to realize this potential sustainably.
Enjoyment, Service Quality and Attitude Towards the Intention to Use Public Transport: A Case of Tourists in Kuala Lumpur
Public transport plays a critical role in facilitating urban tourism mobility. However, in Kuala Lumpur, both locals and tourists predominantly rely on private vehicles for intra-city travel. While previous research has largely emphasized improving public transport service quality, limited attention has been given to understanding the enjoyment that drive tourists to choose public transport. This study addresses this gap by investigating the enjoyment and service quality in influencing tourists’ use of public transport in Kuala Lumpur. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to 440 tourists who had used public transport during their visit, with data analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via AMOS. The findings reveal that service quality does not serve as a direct determinant of tourists’ intention to use public transport. Instead, enjoyment is the strongest predictor of intention to public transport use. Additionally, the analysis identified attitude as a mediating variable between service quality and behavioural intention. These results suggest that beyond operational improvements, public transport operators should leverage the experiential and leisure-related aspects of public transport—such as cityscape views and cultural encounters—to enhance its appeal among tourists. This study contributes to the transportation literature by integrating enjoyment as factor in understanding tourists' public transport usage behaviour.
Critical Success Factors for Sustainable Water Supply Projects in Nigeria: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Nigeria faces significant challenges in achieving sustainable water supply, with rural areas particularly affected by low functionality rates and poor service delivery. Understanding the critical success factors (CSFs) for sustainable water supply projects is essential for improving implementation outcomes and policy effectiveness. This systematic literature review and meta-analysis aimed to: (a) identify the success factors for implementation of water supply projects in Nigeria; and (b) determine the critical success factors for implementation of water supply projects in Nigeria through quantitative synthesis and comparative analysis. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases (SciSpace, Google Scholar, PubMed, ArXiv) and grey literature sources from January 2015 to September 2025. Studies were screened using predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, with data extraction focusing on success factors, challenges, and sustainability outcomes. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool functionality rates, with meta-regression analysis examining factor relationships and determining criticality rankings. From 464 initial records, 141 studies were included in qualitative synthesis and 51 in quantitative meta-analysis, covering 12,847 rural handpumps and water systems. The pooled functionality rate was 52.3% (95% CI: 47.8-56.8%) with high heterogeneity (I² = 78.2%). Twenty-three success factors were identified across five domains: Technical (operation & maintenance systems, technology choice), Financial (sustainable financing, cost recovery), Institutional (clear mandates, policy frameworks), Social (community participation, local ownership), and Environmental (ecosystem protection, climate resilience). Through criticality analysis, community participation emerged as the most critical success factor, explaining 67.3% of variance in functionality outcomes (β = 8.7, p < 0.001), followed by O&M systems (mentioned in 89% of studies) and institutional mandates (92% of studies). Village-Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM) programs showed large effect size improvements (Cohen's d = 0.89, +16.7% functionality increase). Significant geographic disparities were observed between Northern (46.1%) and Southern (58.4%) states (p = 0.031). This study identified 23 success factors for water supply implementation in Nigeria, with community participation, O&M systems, and institutional mandates determined as the three most critical factors for project success. VLOM programs demonstrate proven effectiveness and should be scaled nationally. Regional disparities necessitate differentiated policy approaches with enhanced support for northern states.
ISO45001:2018 Implementation: An Overview of its Effectiveness in the Construction Industry at the State of Selangor, Malaysia
This study examines the effectiveness of ISO45001:2018 implementation in Selangor’s construction industry. Despite the industry’s economic importance, it continues to experience a high rate of accidents. Addressing the lack of research on the effectiveness of ISO45001:2018 in enhancing safety compliance and participation, this paper investigates the influence of management commitment, worker involvement, and training on safety outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining survey data from 124 employees with semi-structured interviews to explore the relationship between safety practices and ISO45001:2018 adoption. The findings reveal that ISO45001:2018 plays a critical role in strengthening compliance and employee participation, particularly when supported by strong management commitment and targeted training programs. The study concludes that ISO45001:2018 serves as an effective strategic tool for building a safety-oriented work culture and provides valuable guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises facing challenges in adopting international standards. The results contribute practical insights for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to improve occupational safety management in high-risk industries through the implementation of ISO45001:2018.
Boosting Workplace Safety and Health with 5S: A Case Study at the IMU Construction Site
The construction industry is one of the most dangerous economic sectors, which has a major role in workplace fatalities and accidents. Strategies for continuous improvement that can methodically improve occupational safety and health (OSH) are necessary to address this issue. Implementing the 5S program, a Japanese methodology rooted based on the Kaizen philosophy, is one of the ways to encourage workers in an organization to practice discipline, cleanliness in the workplace. This research was conducted to assess how well the 5S program contributed to improving OSH aspects at the International Medical University (IMU) Hospital construction site in Kuala Lumpur. The issue stems from the absence of organized and regular safety procedures at building sites, which raises the possibility of mishaps and lowers output. This study explores how such problems can be mitigated by employing a methodical approach, such as 5S. A qualitative research design using a survey methodology was employed. Field interviews and self-observation were used to collect primary data, and literature reviews were used to collect secondary data. The study covered the pre- and post-implementation phases of the 5S program and was carried out over three years (2018–2021). The findings reveal that all five of the 5S elements, Seiri (sort), Seiton (set in order), Seiso (shine), Seiketsu (standardize), and Shitsuke (sustain), had significantly improved OSH practices. These upgrades resulted in improved worker discipline, cleaner work environments, reduced material hazards, safer storage procedures, and safety compliance. In the future, the study recommends making the 5S practices a standard procedure in the Malaysian construction sector. In order to maintain the advancements made possible by this system, it also emphasizes the necessity of ongoing training, top management commitment, and regular audits.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Shading Systems: A Critical Review of Design Strategies, Energy Performance, Integration Potentials, and Malaysian Context
This review critically examines the development and performance of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) shading systems, with emphasis on adaptive design strategies, energy optimization, and aesthetic integration. Following PRISMA-2020, we conducted a systematic review of English, peer-reviewed literature in Web of Science and Scopus for 2010-2024. We identified 2,699 records; after removing 525 duplicates, 601 automation-flagged ineligible items, and 216 records for other reasons, 1,357 records were screened. We excluded 619 at screening, sought 738 reports for retrieval (411 not retrievable), and assessed 327 full texts for eligibility; 190 were excluded (non-empirical 114, not peer-reviewed 56, full text unavailable 20). The final corpus comprised 27 studies (137 included reports) (Figure 1). Key quantitative findings from these studies indicate cooling-load reductiorns of 10-77%; adaptive systems achieving ≈65% daylight autonomy with DGP ≤ 0.25; rooftop systems yielding 50-70% more electricity than vertical facades; semi-transparent east façades delivering sDA ≈ 50-60% with DGP ≈ 0.30-0.40; and south-facing arrays at ~45° tilt reaching ~104 kWh·m-²·yr-¹. Three trends emerge: (1) a shift toward adaptive façades using real-time, AI-driven controls to balance energy and visual comfort; (2) growing use of multi-objective simulation frameworks coupling energy, daylighting, and thermal analyses; and (3) heightened attention to aesthetic coherence and user perception. Despite progress, challenges persist in life-cycle validation, standardized evaluation, and cross-disciplinary integration. The paper concludes with a framework that couples dynamic-shading logic, architectural aesthetics, and performance-based simulation to guide future BIPV façade research. Unlike previous reviews that consider energy or daylight in isolation, this study integrates typological design, energy/thermal/visual performance, and aesthetic/user acceptance into one comparative framework, providing decision-ready ranges and trade-off matrices for BIPV shading.
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Cost Efficiency of Green Infrastructure in Flash Flood Management: An Economic Model for Local Authorities
The gradual increase in the urbanization process over the years has increased the impervious surfaces while reducing green spaces, thereby contributing to the frequent occurrence of flash floods. The higher prevalence of flash foods has impacted the local authorities in spending huge amounts of costing for the purpose of repairing and cleaning the damaged public infrastructures. Therefore, numerous studies have proven the positive association between the availability of green infrastructures, namely green roofs, bioswales, and permeable pavements and their roles in minimizing stormwater runoff and flood risks in city area. However, there are limited studies which evaluate the economic worth of implementing these green infrastructures in preventing flash floods. Hence, it is vital to evaluate the potential long-term cost reductions from implementation of green infrastructure in flash flood mitigation to local authorities. Henceforth, this study aims to develop an economic model of the green infrastructure’s efficiency of green roof, permeable pavement, and bioswale in managing stormwater runoff. This study is conducted within the jurisdiction of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur. It integrated data from systematic analysis from literature reviews and cost-benefit analysis based on interviews with local authorities to estimate the savings achieved through green infrastructure in flash flood management for local authorities. The findings show that the estimated cost savings by implementing green roof, permeable pavement and bioswale are approximately RM6,848, RM7,500 and RM6,875 per km² respectively. However, it is recommended to implement all three green infrastructures to maximize the overall effectiveness in reducing stormwater runoff and to achieve optimal cost savings from economic and environmental perspectives. This study is significant in promoting sustainable practices in infrastructure management and achieving the nation's Sustainable Development agenda.
Artificial Intelligence in Tropical Building Performance: A Systematic Literature Review
This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in building performance research within tropical climates, which are characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and solar radiation. These environmental conditions present challenges for achieving energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The review, guided by the PRISMA framework and structured using the PICO model, synthesizes findings from 56 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2025. It aims to identify the types of AI technologies employed, their specific applications, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their implementation in tropical building contexts. The analysis reveals increasing adoption of AI in domains such as indoor environmental quality (IEQ), energy consumption, HVAC optimization, and daylighting. Techniques such as machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and expert systems are commonly used for predictive modelling, simulation, and real-time control. AI has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing building performance, enabling more adaptive and efficient systems. However, the review also identifies several limitations. These include the scarcity of high-quality, localized data in tropical regions, limited generalizability of AI models across diverse building types, and the lack of integration with real-time building management systems. Daylighting and passive design strategies remain underexplored, and there is a need for more occupant-centric approaches. To address these gaps, future research should focus on hybrid modelling techniques, explainable AI, and the development of open-access datasets. Collaboration among researchers and policymakers can translate AI research into context-specific tools and standards supporting SDGs 7, 11, and 13 for sustainable tropical buildings.
The Relationship of Place Attachment and Subjective Wellbeing: Heritage City Johor Bahru
Heritage cities encompass a wide array of tangible and intangible cultural resources, including historical structures, architectural styles, customs, and cultural environments. The field of place attachment has been extensively studied, and the issue persists, particularly about the erosion of local values caused by the rapid expansion in historic cities. Furthermore, recent studies have placed growing emphasis on the problem of wellbeing, particularly in relation to the built environment. This study aims to explore the role of place attachment towards local community wellbeing. In this study, a quantitative method was carried out on 173 respondents around the Johor Bahru heritage city, which includes the dimension of place attachment as well as the subjective wellbeing. Spatial and behavioural analysis revealed that respondents living within 5 km of the heritage area reported the highest visitation frequency, with 70.6% visiting daily and more than 60% visiting 2–4 times monthly. The result indicates that the longer and more frequent respondents spend time in the heritage city, the stronger the attachment that can be felt. However, the physical proximity alone does not significantly impact wellbeing. Besides that, the result shows that the Johor Bahru heritage city still has a place attachment value, but at a low and moderate level. Place identity showed the highest correlation with positive affect (r = .589, p < .001), while place dependence and social bonding also correlated with higher life satisfaction (r = .320, p < .001 and r = .315, p < .001, respectively). However, negative affect was weakly associated with place attachment variables, with no significant correlations found for social relations (r = 0.006, p = 0.936) and place dependence (r = 0.101, p = 0.187) with negative emotions. Personal inclination to narrate stories about one's city is identified as a powerful indicator of strong correlation between variables. This study opened that method proposed can produce a reliable data that can be statistically analysed to identify the patterns and connection between variables.
Assessing Thermal Comfort in Office Buildings: A Parametric Study of Kinetic Louvers and Double-Skin Facades in Türkiye
The optimization of building façades plays a crucial role in enhancing indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency, particularly in climate-responsive design. This study investigates the impact of kinetic shading systems, glazing modifications, and non-ventilated double-skin façades (DSFs) on indoor thermal comfort in four distinct climatic zones of Türkiye: Zone 1- hot-summer Mediterranean (Antalya), Zone 2- temperate (Istanbul), Zone 3- semi-cold (Ankara), and Zone 4- cold (Erzurum). The analysis was conducted using computational simulations. A parametric simulation workflow was used to assess thermal comfort through the Percent of Comfortable Time (PCT) based on the PMV model under various façade configurations. The findings indicate that kinetic louvers significantly enhance summer thermal comfort, increasing PCT from 6.87% to 18.66% in Zone 1(Antalya), 24.05% to 47.02% in Zone 2 (Istanbul), 31.58% to 54.48% in Zone 3 (Ankara), and 42.56% to 57.05% in Zone 4 (Erzurum). When combined with double-pane Low-E glazing and reduced WWR (0.3), PCT reached its highest values: 40.32% (Zone 1), 79.59% (Zone 2), and 79.23% (Zone 3), indicating strong combined effect between dynamic shading and optimized envelope design. Double-skin façade (DSF) systems produced moderate but consistent improvements across the four climates. The non-ventilated DSF increased PCT from 6.87% to 17.17% in Zone 1 (Antalya), 24.05% to 39.20% in Zone 2 (Istanbul), 31.58% to 46.81% in Zone 3 (Ankara), and 42.56% to 48.34% in Zone 4 (Erzurum). When DSFs were paired with Low-E glazing, PCT further improved to 23.35% (Zone 1), 49.61% (Zone 2), 50.43% (Zone 3), and 41.35% (Zone 4). However, DSF performance remained lower than kinetic shading in extreme climates, reflecting the limited adaptability of non-ventilated cavities. Overall, the findings confirm that façade optimization must be climate-specific: dynamic shading and high-performance glazing yield the largest gains in warm and temperate regions, while cold climates benefit more from strategies that balance shading control with heat-retention properties.
Systematic Review of Integrating 3D Laser Scanner and Building Information Modeling in Dimensional Quality Assessment of As-built Structures
Ensuring the dimensional accuracy of constructed structures is crucial for quality control purposes in assessing whether the elements align with the design dimensions and tolerances and also to identify inconsistencies and deformations to prevent subsequent construction complications. This paper explores the integration of 3D laser scanner and Building Information Modeling (BIM) as an automated validation system for assessing dimensional quality. This method employs 3D laser scanner, point cloud registration and processing and scan-to-BIM techniques to facilitate dimensional deviation/tolerances analysis and verification. The paper presents a review of existing research on the automated dimensional quality assessment by using scientometric analysis and critical reviews. Firstly, three (3) key research themes are recognized and described based on the findings of scientometric analysis: a) reality capture to information integration, highlighting the transition from raw point cloud acquisition and registration to semantically enhanced BIM representations, b) dimensional conformance, which implements tolerance-aware comparisons between as-built data and design models to ensure traceability and compliance, and c) automation to site domain, which integrates the workflows into field application via automated system, machine learning, and deep learning to facilitate inspection, monitoring, and decision-making. Subsequently, existing assessment methodologies were evaluated and contrasted via critical review. The gaps between existing methodologies and actual needs are summarized. Finally, future directions in the field are anticipated correspondingly. Overall, this paper contributes to future research and applications concerning dimensional quality assessment through BIM application.
Assessing Consumer Awareness and Knowledge Gaps in Circular Construction: Evidence from Ghana
Consumer awareness of circular construction (CC) remains a critical barrier to achieving sustainable housing and climate goals in Ghana, as limited understanding and persistent misconceptions weaken the demand for circular solutions. This study aimed to assess consumer awareness of CC, identify key knowledge gaps and perceived barriers, and examine demographic variations in awareness among urban housing decision-makers in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was developed from established CC literature, validated through expert review and pilot testing, and administered to 200 adult respondents using stratified random sampling in four cities. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index rankings, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and thematic analysis. The results indicate that awareness of CC in Ghana is modest and uneven. Respondents showed moderate familiarity with cost-saving potential, environmental certifications, and carbon reduction benefits; however, their understanding of lifecycle benefits, material reuse principles, long-term economic advantages, and policy frameworks remained limited. The most influential barriers were concerns regarding the functional adequacy of CC buildings, perceived maintenance demands, technological complexity, market immaturity, and doubts about the durability of the recycled materials. Information deficits and cost-related concerns were ranked comparatively lower. Nevertheless, qualitative responses revealed ongoing anxiety about perceived high costs, highlighting a gap between recognised long-term savings and perceptions of short-term affordability. Awareness varied by age, education, and work experience but not by gender, occupation, housing, or city. By identifying these knowledge gaps, this study shows how awareness affects CC attitude and adoption. The findings guide policymakers in strengthening CC uptake in Ghana's built environment.
Exploring A Preliminary Conceptual Framework for Integrating Sharia Compliance into Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in Indonesia
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a collaborative mechanism between the government and the private sector for delivering public infrastructure over the long term. In Indonesia, PPP plays a critical role in addressing the infrastructure investment gap, which is estimated at IDR 6,445 trillion for the 2020–2024 period. In response, there is growing interest in Sharia-compliant PPP schemes to attract investment from Sharia-conscious stakeholders. This study proposes a preliminary conceptual framework for integrating Sharia compliance into PPP in Indonesia. A two-step approach is employed: (1) a document review of Indonesian PPP regulations to establish a foundational understanding of the PPP stages and a co-occurrence analysis to identify key intersections between Sharia principles across the PPP stages. This approach helps identify key topics essential for developing the preliminary conceptual framework. The findings indicate that existing studies do not explicitly address the integration of Sharia compliance across all PPP stages. However, Sharia-compliant financing is frequently discussed in the transaction stage, while certain principles could be preliminarily integrated into the planning, preparation, and management stages. These findings form the basis for integrating Sharia compliance into PPP in Indonesia, which could serve as a foundation for further research on Sharia-based PPP policies and practice implementation in the country. In addition to proposing a preliminary conceptual framework, the study underscores the need for empirical testing and validation. Expert opinions from Sharia scholars and infrastructure specialists are crucial for refining the framework and ensuring its broader applicability across various infrastructure sectors.
Key Environmental Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Residents in Urban Residential Neighborhoods: A Case study of Sangi Neighborhood, Bushehr, Iran
In recent years, mental health has emerged as a growing concern within residential settings of developing countries, where fast urbanization and environmental stressors have contributed to a rise in psychiatric disorders. Among the various factors influencing public health, the quality of the urban environment plays a significant role in supporting or undermining the mental well-being of residents. Within this broader context, this article explores the relationship between urban environmental conditions and mental health outcomes, focusing on the Sangi neighborhood in Bushehr City, Iran. By examining this specific case, the study seeks to uncover the key environmental and social variables that influence mental health in urban residential areas. This study employs descriptive-interpretive qualitative method, which has led to practical strategies for Sangi neighborhood. Twenty-four variables relevant to the subject were identified from reliable, up-to-date, and pertinent sources. These variables were then entered into MicMac software for cross-effects analysis. Pairwise comparisons between the variables were conducted using the Delphi method, with the involvement of five experts. The findings show that noise pollution and congestion, safety and security, participation in neighborhood affairs, sense of attachment to the neighborhood, social interactions, facilities and amenities within neighborhood, residents’ sense of happiness, vitality and diversity, social capital, adequate housing and social unity are among the effective and controllable key factors affecting the mental health of residents in Sangi. Also, variables such as cleanliness and natural light are known as effective and uncontrollable driving factors of mental health. Ultimately, the study formulates necessary operational strategies to improve the quality of the identified variables in Sangi neighborhood in Bushehr. The findings of this study can be applied on similar case studies in Iran and other countries.
Thermal Treatment of Construction Waste: A Waste Management Approach in Malaysia
Thermal treatment of waste materials is identified as one of the potential methods in waste management practice. The method is currently implemented in Malaysia for municipal solid waste and it is believed that thermal treatment processes are suitable too for certain types of construction waste materials. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the chemical properties of construction waste materials in terms of moisture content, volatile matter, ash content and fixed carbon through proximate analysis to determine the possible construction waste materials that can be included in thermal treatment processes. The findings of the proximate analysis showed that wood waste recorded 85.11% volatile matter with 1.28% ash content, while plastic waste recorded 90.19% volatile matter with 7.50% ash content. It was understood that the higher the percentage of volatile matter in a particular material, the longer the combustion process, hence, the higher the heating value might be generated. For that reason, wood and plastic waste from the construction industry could be a great source for thermal treatment processes and heat energy generation since both materials are highly volatile matter with relatively low ash content or residuals. The minimal residuals could preserve our landfill space and lessen the environmental impacts.
Conservation and Sustainability of Haydarpasa’s Urban Heritage Values Through Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Approach
Haydarpasa represents a distinctive focal point within the historical urban landscape of Istanbul, shaping the city’s cultural identity and offering significant potential to balance urban conservation with sustainable development. The area's designation as an urban conservation zone, along with zoning amendments and large-scale infrastructure projects, has raised complex challenges regarding the continuity of its transportation function, adaptive reuse of idle structures, and the long-term sustainability of heritage values amidst ongoing privatization and speculative redevelopment pressures. In this context, UNESCO’s 2011 Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Recommendation offers a comprehensive framework for urban heritage conservation by integrating socio-cultural, environmental, and spatial dimensions. This study aims to examine the urban heritage values of Haydarpasa and evaluate sustainable conservation possibilities by proposing implementation steps and tools in line with the HUL approach. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study is supported by literature review, analysis of historical maps and documents, field observations, and institutional visits. The data were thematically analyzed according to the HUL steps, and existing problems and deficiencies in the area’s conservation were categorized and assessed. Implementation steps were prioritized based on the site's vulnerability, planning context, and stakeholder involvement; subsequently, HUL-based tools were developed, and the strengths and limitations of the approach were discussed. The findings reveal that the conservation of Haydarpasa should not be limited to its physical structures but must also encompass its transportation function, collective memory, and urban identity. The HUL approach provides a strategic framework that enables the systematic identification of the site’s challenges and potentials, while facilitating the development of governance tools aligned with sustainable urban development.
Urban Heritage Decline: Conservation Challenges in the Historic Town of Chukai, Terengganu, Malaysia
Mapping plays a pivotal role in preserving the cultural identity of heritage towns, serving as a systematic approach to documenting and safeguarding historical assets. In smaller towns like Chukai, Malaysia—a coastal port with a rich history—the loss of historical buildings signals physical deterioration and the erosion of cultural heritage and urban characters. This study investigates both the spatial and physical transformation of Chukai’s historical buildings, integrating content-based document analysis, field-based structured observation, and GIS-based spatial mapping using QGIS software. The research utilises two core spatial datasets from 1995 and 2021, which are cross-referenced with field-verified building conditions and GPS-based location data. Findings reveal significant gaps in conservation strategies and inconsistencies in mapping practices, contributing to the neglect of heritage assets and diminishing the town’s historical identity. Through comparative spatial analysis, the study identifies areas of concentrated heritage loss, particularly along the waterfront, suggesting patterns linked to commercial redevelopment pressures. The study highlights how spatial trends in building loss reflect broader urban policy shortcomings and limited on-ground conservation efforts. This research advocates for an inclusive and strategic approach to heritage preservation by addressing the unique challenges of smaller heritage towns. It underscores the value of integrating mapping technologies into heritage management systems and recommends embedding GIS-based monitoring within local planning frameworks. These insights inspire stakeholders to recognise the value of smaller heritage towns and prioritise their protection within broader cultural and urban sustainability frameworks.
Kampung Sayong in Transition: Analyzing Urbanization’s Impact on Malay Settlements Patterns and Social Fabric
The process of urbanization in developing countries is characterized by a double-edged sword, especially with regard to indigenous communities. This research aims to analyze how has urbanization and the socio-economic effects on the traditional settlement patterns and Malay community in the village of Kampung Sayong, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia, over the period between 1900 and 2022. This research employs both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques, such as questionnaires, interviews, observation, and data from tools such as SPSS V11, Google Earth mapping, and drone technology. The findings reveal a nuanced picture: the process has provided much-needed advances in physical development, employment prospects, and network access. It has caused the decline of conventional farming practices and the breakdown of social relations, which has characterized the village. The findings of this study underscore the importance of urban planning approaches that will preserve claims to tangible and intangible cultural assets, as well as issues related to land tenure, lack of adequate housing, and environmental conservation. Thus, this paper has benefited the global discussion on sustainable urbanization. It provides information from the Kampung Sayong Kuala Kangsar Perak with lessons that policymakers would require to attain sustainable modernization while protecting the Malay local cultures.
Evaluation and Improvement of Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality in Post-Disaster Permanent Housing: A Case Study of Bingöl, Türkiye
Post-disaster permanent housing plays a critical role in long-term recovery. In cold-climate regions like Bingöl, Türkiye, such housing must ensure adequate thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ) to support occupant well-being. This study evaluates the environmental performance of a representative single-storey post-earthquake housing unit constructed after the 2003 Bingöl earthquake. Field measurements were conducted between December 2023 and February 2024 in five rooms, recording temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, CO² concentrations and PM (PM₁–₁₀) levels. Results revealed that most rooms failed to meet ASHRAE 55 winter comfort thresholds, with temperature deviations exceeding 3.5°C in under-heated spaces. Stoves improved thermal comfort but elevated CO₂ and PM concentrations, indicating trade-offs between comfort and IAQ. Dynamic simulations using DesignBuilder tested envelope retrofit scenarios including insulation and glazing upgrades. Simulations showed a 7.1% reduction in discomfort hours, 60% lower heating energy demand, and a 12.3% drop in CO₂ emissions. These improvements were cost-effective and readily applicable in post-disaster contexts. This study contributes by combining field-based environmental data with simulation modelling to assess both thermal comfort and IAQ in cold-climate post-disaster housing. The findings inform resilient and sustainable housing strategies for future disaster recovery efforts.
Factors Influencing Life Expectancy: Global Evidence from 125 Countries
The global average lifespan is influenced by a multitude of factors; however, due to limitations in data availability and quality, comprehensive research on their collective impact remains inadequate. Moreover, there is a dearth of studies that concurrently examine the effects of socioeconomic and environmental factors on life expectancy. In certain instances, these factors exhibit conflicting effects, thereby restricting the generalizability of findings across different countries. This paper investigates the associations between various determinants and life expectancy at birth, utilizing 2015 data from 125 nations sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, and the United Nations (UN). Specifically, it examines the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, air pollution (PM 2.5), per capita alcohol consumption, happiness levels, gross domestic product (GDP), obesity rates measured via Body Mass Index (BMI), corruption levels via corruption perception index, and government health expenditures on life expectancy. Through regression analysis, significant associations are identified between alcohol consumption, happiness levels, CO2 emissions, and air pollution and life expectancy, illustrating the complex interplay of socioeconomic, environmental, and individual lifestyle elements in determining longevity.
Evaluating Student Learning Outcomes Using Kolb Learning Style Inventory
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) play a crucial role in contemporary educational curricula. While a considerable body of research has focused on the development and effectiveness of SLOs, there has been limited exploration of their use for examining other academic phenomena. A school's teaching philosophy is of critical importance, and course content needs to be designed in alignment with this philosophy. Hypothesizing that the SLOs serve as a concise representation of the course content and a reflection of the school's underlying philosophy, this study proposes a methodology for evaluating SLOs as part of a broader goal to assess course content, given that SLOs provide measurability. Kolb's Learning Style Inventory (KLSI) was used as a tool, as it has been cited by scholars for its potential to provide insights into the perspectives of different types of learners. This includes students in various disciplines including architecture, the chosen discipline of this research. A questionnaire, designed by integrating KLSI and SLOs was administered in a case study of architectural design studios. Key findings suggest that the method demonstrates its potential to assess SLOs from the perspective of various types of learners. This includes, but is not limited to, determining whether the SLOs address diverse learner types across various academic levels, whether they prioritize specific learner types at different levels, and whether they maintain a consistent focus on particular learner types throughout all academic years. Additionally, a supporting finding suggests that this approach may provide rational justifications for the SLOs within architectural design studios, highlighting challenges in fully adhering to certain established standards. In this way, this paper introduces a novel application of SLOs in academic contexts and aims to contribute to the alignment of course content with the school’s teaching philosophies, while potentially influencing student intake policies within the field of architecture.
Evaluating Sustainable Energy Standards in Hospitality Architecture: A Case Study of Trabzon’s Zorlu Grand Hotel
Sustainability, eco-friendly design, and green design concepts have become more prevalent due to the negative consequences of globalization. Sustainability affects various fields, such as health and architecture, in addition to impacting the tourism sector. Sustainable hotel practices begin with the site selection for the building. They are based on the principle of considering the building, environment, and human health as a whole, adopting principles that aim to minimize environmental problems and preserve natural resources. In this study, Trabzon Zorlu Grand Hotel, which holds a green hotel certificate and occupies an important location in Trabzon, was discussed to highlight the significance of sustainability in hotel buildings and emphasize environmental awareness. The study was conducted in three stages. Firstly, the theoretical context was developed. In the second stage, data related to the study area were obtained, and an interview was conducted with a hotel official using the observation method. In the final stage, the obtained data were evaluated, and recommendations were presented. The findings suggest that the hotel generally meets the sustainable hotel criteria in the context of water, waste management, energy, transportation, pollution, materials, sustainable lands, management, indoor quality, and innovation.
Improving BIM-BEM Interoperability for Sustainable Energy Practices in Malaysia’s Built Environment: A Mixed Method Analysis
This study focuses on improving the interoperability of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Building Energy Modelling (BEM) in Malaysia's built environment, driven by the increasing adoption of BIM under high energy consumption conditions. Recognising the challenges related to data flow in BIM-BEM interoperability, the study aimed to identify critical energy-related properties for accurate energy performance analysis, assess interoperability issues between BIM and BEM models, and propose effective strategies. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from questionnaire surveys with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews, the findings highlighted the importance of energy-related properties in energy performance analysis, as well as interoperability issues such as data loss, limited data feedback loops and inaccuracies in data transition that affect the analysis results. Practical strategies recommended include middleware corrective tools, visual programming, and semantic enrichment to enhance data exchange and accuracy in energy analysis. The study was confirmed by high Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.822 to 0.874 in reliability analysis, which ensures the credibility of the results. Ultimately, this study contributes theoretical advancements and practical guidance for industry stakeholders to promote sustainable construction practices, support the National Energy Efficiency Plan, align with the path toward Industrial Revolution 4.0, adopt global technologies, and enhance energy-saving and sustainable practices.
Next-Generation BIM Competency: Curriculum Integration to Equip UTM Civil Engineering Graduates for Industry Demands
Building Information Modelling has modernized the landscape of construction management and education by presenting innovative resources that enrich the teaching and application of industry-specific management practices. However, there remains a lack of standardised criteria for cultivating skilled BIM graduates and proving that current course information meets the construction industry's demands for fresh graduates. This study aims to integrate BIM into the civil engineering curriculum at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to better equip undergraduates with the competencies required by the Malaysian construction industry. Using a mixed-method explanatory sequential design, the study focuses on quantitative data collection and analysis, then transitions to qualitative methods to validate the initial findings and provide further insights. Data was collected from 90 civil engineering students at UTM who had completed BIM courses, with a response rate of 48.65%. The findings indicate that the current curriculum does not fully prepare graduates with the essential BIM skills required in the workplace, as BIM adoption in Malaysia is largely confined to 3D applications. The study identifies key technical skills for BIM-proficient graduates, such as modelling, information management, project coordination and interoperability with BIM tools. While non-technical skills go to adaptability and flexibility, continuous learning, collaboration and visualisation. To enhance the curriculum, it is recommended to provide elective courses in BIM, continuous curriculum updates, soft skills developments and hands-on experience. A BIM conceptual framework for integration into the UTM curriculum is proposed based on data collected from surveys, expert consultations, and an extensive literature review. The study presents valuable insights into the current state of BIM education at UTM and can be a point of reference for future research on standardising BIM teaching protocols in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
A Review on Green Building vs. Green Construction: Key Differences, Benefits, Challenges, Rating, and Future OutlookGreen Building vs. Green Construction: Exploring Key Differences and Challenges for a More Sustainable Industry (A Narrative Review)
The construction industry is a major contributor to a country’s Gross Domestic Product; however, construction activities also result in high greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation that negatively impact the environment. To overcome these practices, sustainable development has become a popular concept, with Green Building and Green Construction introduced to promote sustainability in the construction industry. This review aims to address critical research questions distinguishing the concepts of Green Construction and Green Building, providing a better understanding of green practices in the construction industry, including the key definitions and concepts that contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection. Additionally, this study explores the differences and similarities between Green Construction and Green Building, operationalising them and discussing the implications they have for building and construction practices. Furthermore, the review highlights the key drivers and challenges for establishing the terms Green Building and Green Construction, as well as their broader societal goals such as sustainability and environmental protection. This review also examines the benefits and drivers of green practices implementation in the industry, and recognises the development of established green rating systems to evaluate the green measures of building projects. By shedding light on these aspects, this study will enable stakeholders and key players in the industry to pay more attention and take proactive actions towards the future direction of sustainable development.
Delphi Study on the Difficulties of Safety Practice Implementation in Indonesia: A Case of Transportation Infrastructure Projects
Despite the fact that health and safety practice at work has been promoted over decades, occupational injuries and fatalities continue to plague the construction industry particularly in developing economies like Indonesia. What are the major difficulties in implementing safety practices in Indonesian, and how do these challenges differ from those identified in previous research? This study aims at investigating the difficulties of implementing safety practices in Indonesian, specifically in the case of transportation infrastructure projects (TIPs). A perusal of past research successfully identified 16 fundamental difficulties to implement safety practices, mostly in the field of construction industry. Based on the expert’s opinions, two difficulties were added by considering the characteristic of TIPs and domestic issue. A two-round Delphi survey was employed to obtain 16 experts’ consensus on major fundamental difficulties in implementing safety practice at TIPs. The experts were academia, government agencies and practitioners having national occupational safety certificate and TIPs experienced. Most of experts agreed that difficulty in changing the workers’ mindset and unsafe outward demeanour, the uniqueness of TIPs (complexity, massive heavy equipment and adverse site condition), adversity of conducting safety supervision on TIP’s sites, lack of safety awareness of workers (ignorance and disobey) and difficulty to enforce national standard and regulation as the five topmost difficulties of safety practice implementation at TIPs. The findings on the key issues hampering the implementation of safety practices in TIPs are very important for the project’s stakeholders in designing strategy or program to improved safety implementation in similar projects. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing a detailed analysis of safety challenges specific to Indonesian transportation infrastructure projects, which have unique characteristics such as large-scale operations and complex infrastructure. While the Delphi survey method is effective for obtaining expert consensus, it may be subject to biases.
A New Approach for an Enhancement Method of Existing Built Environment: Contextual Sustainability of Antalya
Existing structures have significant potential to control urban growth and resource consumption. Several studies are focused on enhancing the energy efficiency of current buildings and evaluating their adaptability. Nevertheless, the main issue lies in the lack of a comprehensive method that seeks to achieve the sustainability of already constructed structures on an urban scale. In this study, the concept of “contextual sustainability” reveals the necessity of an enhancement method that suggests that the sustainability of distinctive built environments depends not only on their structural integrity but also on their social and spatial connection capacities with the existing urban texture. The aim of this research is to support the sustainable enhancement of existing buildings in the city center by using a “contextual sustainability” approach. This process included identifying both common and unique character areas and focus axes by the headings of Settlement, Street Pattern, Architectural Design, Block Layout, Building Types, Land Use, Accessibility, and Place Identity under the “contextual analysis” method. Following this, “scenario-based enhancement plans” are created for each identified character area and focus axes. In conclusion, the “contextual sustainability” method highlights that each urban area has a unique role, requiring tailored enhancement strategies. Enhancement scenarios benefit the environment and promote social, cultural, and economic growth, supporting broader urban sustainability goals. Therefore, existing buildings with different structural features and socio-cultural uses should be considered within the context of their environment before enhancement. Integrated solutions with high-scale urban goals should be determined. Enhancement approach not only envisions the integration of existing buildings into urban uses and targets also provides a practical roadmap for doing so. Tailored to each building's environmental context, this method, which can be applied to other cities, offers a valuable guidance for urban planners and designers in diverse urban settings.
Assessment of Occupational Accidents in the Malaysian Construction Industry from 2015 to 2023: A Study on ISO 45001 Implementation, Impact on Workers, and Safety Recommendations
This research embarks on a comprehensive investigation into the landscape of occupational accidents within the Malaysian construction industry spanning the period from 2015 to 2023, addressing a crucial knowledge gap concerning the prevalence, trends, and implications of workplace safety incidents. Despite the construction sector's pivotal role in driving economic development, its persistent high incidence of occupational accidents presents a pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard workers' well-being and ensure sustainable growth. Leveraging quantitative data obtained from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), this study conducts a meticulous analysis of accident frequency, severity, and distribution across various states and years, unveiling significant regional disparities and shedding light on key contributing factors to accident occurrence. The study incorporates an analysis of ISO 45001 implementation status within construction companies, revealing stark differences in accident rates between certified and non-certified entities. Certified companies consistently demonstrate lower accident rates, suggesting a potential correlation between ISO 45001 compliance and improved safety performance. These findings underscore the significance of ISO 45001 certification in promoting safer work environments and reducing the incidence of occupational accidents within the Malaysian construction industry. The findings highlight the urgent imperative for collaborative action among stakeholders to fortify safety regulations, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and instill a robust culture of safety within the construction industry. By examining the efficacy of legislative frameworks, regulatory enforcement, and industry practices, the research underscores the critical importance of concerted efforts aimed at mitigating workplace hazards and fostering a safer working environment for all. Moreover, the study's substantive insights and actionable recommendations offer invaluable guidance for policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and relevant organizations, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering transformative changes to enhance occupational safety standards within Malaysia's construction sector.
An Analytical Approach to Urban Landscape Planning Studies: Bibliometric Analysis
This study aims to evaluate urban landscape planning resources, to reveal traditional and modern landscape planning approaches in an integrated manner. In addition, it is aimed to determine the place and usage areas of landscape in urban planning in order to increase the impact of urban landscape planning and contribute to its development. In this context, to carry out descriptive network and cluster analyzes and bibliometric analyzes of studies conducted in the field of urban landscape planning in peer-reviewed journals (4250 articles) between 2000 and 2021, using the WOS database and R program, within the framework of various parameters. The study reveals the 21-year development process of urban landscape planning and the interest/study tendency towards the subject. Within the scope of the bibliometric analysis results obtained in the study, which provides an overview of the field of urban landscape planning, the contributions of the studies on the subject to the field are determined and it is aimed to be a reference and guide for similar studies to be done in the future. According to the findings, the subjects of landscape, managemenet, sustainability, land use, ecosystem services, climate change come to the fore in the studies carried out intensively in China, the USA and the United Kingdom. The most influential journals in the field can be listed as Landscape and Urban Planning, Sustainability and Land. Although there are bibliometric studies in the field of Landscape Architecture, this study presents the first bibliometric approach with an overview by considering all the sources in the temporal process and scanned in the articles in the field of urban landscape planning. By identifying key thematic trends, the study will contribute to guiding future research and to the development of sustainable, nature-based urban planning policies.