Editorial

The essays of this volume constitute the second lot selected from the conference which took place in July 2023. They illustrate the diverse and multifaceted nature of contemporary architectural research, reflecting its engagement with technological advancements, sustainable practices, the integration of history in design thinking, and ethical considerations. While each one tackles unique subjects, they all contribute to an overarching discourse that shapes how architecture is perceived, designed, and executed in the current era.

Dilara Yaratgan’s in “Ethical Engagements in Urban Space Design” explores the ethical dimensions of urban landscape design, emphasising the role of human intervention and its relationship with nature. By decentering the role of the human designer, the essay challenges the traditional perception of architectural authorship. This shift is vital in contemporary architecture, where the focus is moving from individual creators to a collaborative process involving various stakeholders, including nonhuman agents such as nature itself. In the context of urbanism, this research holds significant relevance as cities face ecological crises and challenges in maintaining biodiversity. Contemporary architectural practices are increasingly expected to prioritize sustainability, regeneration, and ethical interventions, and this essay’s focus on urban parks in London reflects this growing trend. The use of “natureculture” as a key concept demonstrates a convergence between natural and cultural elements, which mirrors broader global discussions on landscape urbanism and the Anthropocene.

Carlo Vannini’s work in “Digital Models for Sustainable Housing Renewal” addresses the renovation of post-war social housing through the lens of sustainability and digital innovation. His research reflects the increasing reliance on digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, and energy-saving strategies in architecture today. Vannini’s study aligns with the principles of the European New Green Deal and the New European Bauhaus, both of which call for greener, more efficient buildings. This research holds particular relevance to contemporary architectural discourse by emphasizing the role of digital models and prefabricated building systems in tackling social housing issues. Urbanization pressures, along with the need to create environmentally responsible buildings, have led to renewed interest in updating older housing stocks instead of demolishing them. Vannini’s exploration into the recalibration of buildings rather than their destruction is in line with the recent ethical stance towards adaptive reuse, thus fostering economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Júlia Beltran Borràs’s work in "Reuse of Buildings in Portugal"investigates the transformation and reuse of existing buildings within the urban fabric of Portugal, focusing on a variety of projects that merge historical elements with modern urban demands. This exploration is crucial to contemporary architecture, which frequently wrestles with balancing preservation and innovation. In architecture today, there is an increasing trend toward adaptive reuse, where old buildings are repurposed for modern functions, rather than demolishing and replacing them. Borràs’s analysis of historical buildings in Lisbon, Braga, and Torres Vedras illustrates how architects are creating new public spaces by integrating elements of the past. This idea resonates with the growing appreciation for the cultural and historical contexts of architecture, where the material past informs the design of future urban spaces. Her focus on the “mutation of buildings” reflects an architectural philosophy that recognizes the importance of pre-existing structures, allowing for the creation of urban spaces that are historically informed yet functionally relevant for contemporary society. This contributes to the ongoing dialogue in architecture about sustainability, not only in environmental terms but also in cultural and historical preservation.

The research by David Pérez-Royo, Alicia Llorca-Ponce, and Fernando García-Martínez in “Real Estate Investment and Methodologies” shifts the focus from architectural design to the financial and technological dimensions of real estate investment. The introduction of big data and artificial intelligence into the real estate sector signifies a growing intersection between architecture and digital technology, particularly in the analysis of housing demand, urban development, and property management. The application of data-driven methodologies to real estate investments aligns with a larger architectural trend of using computational tools to inform design, planning, and management processes. This research speaks to a broader narrative in contemporary architecture, where technology is not only a tool for design but also a means to optimize and innovate in property markets and urban planning. The study emphasizes the importance of structured methodologies and new technologies in making real estate more accessible and efficient, reflecting an emerging architectural discourse that seeks to blend design and economic considerations with advanced computational tools.

Prefabricated Housing Construction Throughout History (Maria Piqueras Blasco and Ivan Cabrera i Fausto). Maria and Ivan’s exploration of prefabricated housing construction through history provides a comprehensive view of its evolution from a temporary solution to a permanent and sustainable option in modern architecture. The focus on speed of assembly and flexibility in design highlights two critical aspects driving the adoption of prefabricated construction today. The study’s emphasis on industrialization and technological advances parallels contemporary efforts to create faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly building methods. This aligns with the global shift towards sustainability and the desire to address housing shortages through innovative construction techniques. Prefabrication, as explored in this paper, is relevant to contemporary architectural practice as it offers a solution to some of today’s biggest challenges, including housing crises, cost efficiency, and environmental impact. The method’s evolution into a sustainable alternative positions it as a key component of architectural innovation, especially in the context of rapidly growing urban populations and the need for affordable housing solutions.

Across these five essays, several common threads emerge that are highly relevant to contemporary architectural research:

1. Technological Integration: The use of digital models, big data, and artificial intelligence features prominently in both Vannini’s and Pérez-Royo’s research, reflecting a broader shift toward the digitization of architecture. Today, architects and urban planners are increasingly leveraging technological advancements to design more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly buildings and environments.

2. Sustainability and Adaptive Reuse: Both Vannini and Borràs focus on the renovation and reuse of existing buildings, which speaks to a critical contemporary issue: sustainability. Rather than demolishing old structures, modern architecture frequently aims to repurpose them, reducing waste and maintaining historical integrity while adapting them for present-day use. This mirrors global sustainability goals, where the built environment is increasingly designed to conserve energy and minimize environmental impact.

3. Ethical and Social Considerations: Yaratgan’s and Vannini’s research points to the ethical and social responsibilities of architects, whether in promoting biodiversity in urban spaces or in ensuring that social housing meets the needs of contemporary residents. Modern architecture is expected to engage with these broader social and environmental concerns, moving beyond aesthetics to address the challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and social equity.

4. Historical Continuity: Borràs’s emphasis on integrating history into modern architectural projects speaks to a growing recognition of the value of historical continuity in urban design. Architects today are tasked not just with creating new structures but with understanding the layers of history within urban environments and designing in ways that respect and enhance these layers.

5. Collaborative and Multidisciplinary Approach: Another important aspect seen in these works, particularly Yaratgan’s, is the decentering of the singular architect’s role and recognizing the collaborative nature of creating and maintaining urban spaces. This aligns with current trends in architecture, where multidisciplinary approaches involving ecologists, urban planners, and local communities are becoming essential in the design process.

Contemporary architectural research, as reflected in these essays, is characterised by an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses digital innovation, sustainability, historical preservation, and ethical responsibility. Each study brings forward a different aspect of how architecture is evolving to meet the challenges of the 21st century—whether through rethinking the role of the architect, using technology to enhance the built environment, or integrating the past with the present. As architecture continues to be influenced by global trends such as the green economy, digital transformation, and urbanization, these studies provide critical insights into how the field can adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex world.

A recurring theme is the use of digital tools—from big data to AI—to optimize design and real estate management, as seen in the works of Vannini and Pérez-Royo et al. These technologies are revolutionising how architecture interacts with the environment, the economy, and social structures, facilitating a more efficient, user-centered approach. Sustainability is another critical focal point, with an emphasis on renovating and reusing existing structures rather than demolishing them. Vannini’s exploration of social housing renewal and Borràs’s studies on adaptive reuse in Portugal underscore the importance of environmentally and culturally sustainable practices in architecture today. This approach reflects broader global movements, such as the European New Green Deal, aligning architecture with ecological and societal goals.

Yaratgan’s work further pushes the boundaries of ethical engagement by advocating for a decentered role of human designers, recognizing the influence of multiple actors—including nature—in shaping urban spaces. This mirrors the evolving understanding of architecture as a collaborative and multidisciplinary practice, essential for addressing complex urban and environmental challenges.

All in all, contemporary architecture is evolving to integrate technological advancements, historical continuity, and social responsibility, aiming to create spaces that are not only functional but also sustainable, inclusive, and sensitive to the past and future needs of society. These essays collectively reflect the expanding scope of architectural research, which now intersects with ecology, technology, history, and ethics in shaping the built environment.

The essays included in this volume illustrate the diverse and evolving nature of contemporary architectural research. Key themes such as technological innovation, sustainability, ethical design, historical continuity, and economic efficiencyare reshaping how architects approach the design and development of the built environment. As architecture continues to adapt to the challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and technological advancements, the ideas presented in these works highlight the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of architecture. Through the use of digital tools, prefabricated construction, adaptive reuse, and data-driven methodologies, architecture is becoming more responsive to both the needs of society and the pressing global issues of our time.