Emerald Studies in Sustainable Architecture and Design – Serie

As cities evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century, the concept of "smart cities" has gained significant traction. While much of the discourse focuses on digitalization and the role of information and communication technology (ICT), the fundamental impact of architecture and design in shaping sustainable and user-friendly environments is often overlooked. The built environment, which includes its structures, interiors, and public spaces, plays a crucial role in determining how livable and adaptable a city truly is.Design and Architecture for Sustainable, Resilient, and User-Friendly Cities and Interiors inserts itself into this ongoing debate by shifting the focus away from technology as the primary driver of smart urban development. Instead, this volume explores how architecture and design serve as the foundation for creating cities that are not only smart but also livable, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges. Divided into three parts, the authors of this collected edtion examine contemporary design and architectural principles, innovative approaches to sustainable product development, and case studies that highlight the intersection of design, user experience, and urban resilience. By centering infrastructure and spatial planning in discussions on smart cities, this edited collection offers a fresh and necessary perspective that redefines the role of design in urban evolution.Bringing together scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines, this volume is an essential resource for architects, urban planners, designers, and policymakers seeking to create cities that prioritize both technological advancement and human well-being. Addressing critical gaps in existing literature, this work provides a new framework for understanding how the built environment contributes to the future of sustainable urban living.

The way we design and build our cities, buildings, and public spaces takes on critical importance in the face of critical issues such as climate change, social inequality, and rapid urbanization. Architecture and design not only shape the environments in which we live but also influence energy use, natural resource management, and social inclusion. These disciplines have the potential to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development, yet their contributions are often overlooked.Sustainability, Resilience, and Inclusiveness through Human-Centred Architecture and Design examines the profound ways in which architecture and design can contribute to global imperatives framed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10).This volume offers a three-part exploration. Part 1 delves into energy efficiency, discussing innovations like biomimicry for zero-energy buildings and IoT-integrated systems in educational spaces. Part 2 bridges sustainability and heritage preservation, showcasing AI-assisted designs and adaptive placemaking strategies. Finally, Part 3 presents real-world case studies, from Saudi Arabia’s sustainable design frameworks to the impact of the pandemic on residential spaces in Egypt. With fresh insights and empirical evidence, this collected edition sets a new agenda for integrating human-centered approaches into sustainable design and architecture. Providing a vital resource for academics, policymakers, architects, and urban planners, Human-Centered Architecture and Design underscores the urgent need for collaboration across disciplines to create a built environment that supports thriving, resilient, and inclusive communities.