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NUS CDE researchers decode the ‘DNA’ of Singapore’s shophouses with AI

Researchers from NUS CDE have developed a computational framework that reconstructs the genealogy of vernacular architecture, including Singapore's historic shophouses. The framework generates a detailed architectural 'family network' that reveals how different styles evolved and interacted over time.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026

ICU design guidelines highlight how hospital environments shape patient care and safety

The guidelines recommend single-patient rooms, strong visibility between staff and patients, infection prevention features, flexible layouts for patient surges, and greater access to natural light. Natural light emerged as a consistent theme across the evidence, suggesting benefits for both patients and staff working long shifts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCritical Care Nursing Clinics of North America·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 30, 2026

‘Baked’, printed, ready – premiere of architecture made from yeast

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a new bio-based material using yeast, cellulose, alginate, glycerol, and water. The material can be 3D printed, has customizable properties, and is biodegradable, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Professor Lam Khee Poh named IWBI Global WELL Educator of the Year 2025

Prof Lam received the award for his sustained impact on generations of students and his contributions to research and practice in healthy and sustainable built environments. He has advanced education through theoretical and translational research, integrating humanities with science and technology.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·DateMay 7, 2026

Hidden math link helps designers build fantastic shapes

Researchers at Princeton University developed a system to mimic natural structures' microstructural patterns and mechanical properties. By combining origami and tensegrity, they found that the same equation describes both engineering structures, enabling designers to create irregular shapes with less computational complexity.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2026

FAU study uncovers why pedestrian deaths continue to rise in the US

A new study by Florida Atlantic University researchers highlights the role of urban planning in increasing pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in the US. The study reveals that everyday destinations like grocery stores and pharmacies along busy roads significantly increase risk of serious injury or death.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 27, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Housing Bureau and HKU sign MOU on innovative technological research and applications for public housing developments in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Housing Bureau and the University of Hong Kong have signed an MOU to leverage research prowess in advancing construction technologies for public housing projects. The partnership aims to bring world-class innovations to local construction practices, prioritizing quality, sustainability, and efficiency.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·DateMar 31, 2026

From measurement to meaning: new research introduces a learning architecture for the age of AI

A new study proposes a learning architecture that integrates educational philosophy with AI-driven design, aiming to transform assessment into an ongoing process of reflection. The system prioritizes human judgment and interpretation over standardized metrics, enabling educators to build adaptive and interpretable feedback systems.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2026

Pioneering AI tool predicts building emissions from simple text descriptions

Researchers at the University of Bath developed an AI tool that predicts building emissions from simple text descriptions, providing architects with real-time feedback on sustainability. The tool uses machine learning and natural language processing to estimate embodied carbon and suggests improvements to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalArchitectural Engineering and Design Management·DateMar 2, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Balancing comfort and sustainability with climate-tailored housing

A research team from Osaka Metropolitan University found that optimizing window-to-wall ratio and insulation can reduce energy consumption by up to 27% in subtropical regions. The study provides tailored design guidelines for each climate zone, promoting net-zero energy housing and climate adaptation policies.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEnergy Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2026

Living walls boost biodiversity by providing safe spaces for urban wildlife

A new study has found that living walls can significantly enhance urban biodiversity by attracting pollinators and other wildlife. The research revealed that soil-based living walls with plants in soil attracted more wildlife than those with artificial substrates, and specific plant species like ivy and honeysuckle were most effective.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalUrban Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2026

Measuring movement creates new way to map indoor air pollution

Researchers developed a new way of measuring indoor air pollution by analyzing human movement, showing elevated levels of pollutants during occupied periods. The study provides a new approach to designing healthier indoor spaces, combining Birmingham's air-pollution expertise with radar-based sensing and optimization techniques.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJan 14, 2026
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Parametric urban design: A promising method to create daily environments supporting health

Researchers propose parametric urban design as a solution to improve urban design practice. This approach generates multiple possible layouts and assesses their impact on cardiometabolic health through algorithmic models. It addresses limitations of current methods by considering interdependencies between built environment features.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalDevelopments in the Built Environment·DateDec 16, 2025

Why didn’t the senior citizen cross the road? Slower crossings may help people with reduced mobility

Research finds that standard road crossing intervals are too short for older adults with limited mobility, resulting in a need for slower crossings. The study analyzed walking speeds of 1,110 adults aged 65 and over and found that just 1.5% can cross the road within the typical time allowed by pedestrian signals.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2025

Building better, building beautiful

Researchers have developed a novel computational form-finding method that allows for the creation of complex, lattice-structured gridshells. This breakthrough method reduces computation cost by 98% and provides a standardized approach to designing attractive and robust gridshell structures.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Office speech levels are influenced by environment, design and meeting type, Concordia study shows

A new Concordia University study reveals that office speech levels are shaped by more than personal habits, with physical design and communication type playing a significant role. Real-world speech levels were found to be lower overall than industry standards, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of noise control in office design.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScience and Technology for the Built Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2025

FAU historian traces the transformation of U.S. nursing homes into big business

A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of the Society of Architectural Historians·TypeCase study·DateOct 22, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Architecture’s past holds the key to sustainable future

The authors argue that energy availability has driven architectural design throughout history, with fossil fuels transforming buildings in the 17th century. They challenge conventional wisdom on sustainability, highlighting the high energy costs of modern minimalist designs like the Seagram Building.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·DateSep 15, 2025

AI model maps building emissions to support fairer climate policies

The open-source AI model accurately maps building carbon emissions across multiple cities, identifying key factors that influence energy use, including urban form, planning history, and income levels. The research highlights the need for place-based strategies to reduce emissions from lower-income communities.

SourceNational University of Singapore College of Design and Engineering·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2025

Creating carbon-capturing cement

A team of Penn engineers and materials scientists have developed a biomineral-infused concrete that captures up to 142% more CO2 than conventional mixes while using less cement. The new material is stronger, lighter, and uses fewer materials like cement.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

A building material that lives and stores carbon

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a living material that can absorb CO2 from the air through photosynthesis and store it in a stable mineral form. The material, made with cyanobacteria, can be shaped using 3D printing and requires sunlight, water, and nutrients to grow.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 20, 2025

A century of lightness - the legacy of Frei Otto

Frei Otto's ideas revolutionized architecture with his focus on lightweight, interdisciplinary, and responsible design. His work continues to inspire research in sustainable building methods, and his legacy shapes the University of Stuttgart's strategic profile area for Architecture and Adaptive Buildings.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·DateJun 6, 2025

"A unique position in Swedish architecture"

A new thesis on Uppsala University's Main Building delves into its architectural design, exploring how the building deviated from original plans. The study reveals the significance of antiquity-inspired themes, including a dragon mural and plaster casts of statues.

SourceUppsala University·DateMay 27, 2025

Study explores how to use AI to listen to the ‘heartbeat’ of a city

University of Missouri researchers create digital sentiment map using AI to analyze public Instagram posts, linking emotional tone to real-life features. The tool aims to improve city services, identify areas of concern, and inform emergency response decisions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Computer Science·DateMay 21, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Build it and they shall come

A study conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University found that the opening of a multifunctional facility called ONIKURU significantly increased residents' daily walking time, especially among female young adults. The results suggest that such architecture-scale interventions can contribute to building health-promoting environments.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2025

After greening comes darkness….and it really does matter!

Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.

SourceLancaster University·DateMar 24, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Researchers from South Korea reveal how gender shapes perceptions of safety in urban parking spaces

A study by Seoul National University researchers found that men and women prioritize different aspects of visibility in urban spaces, with men focusing on clear views and women concerned with unexpected threats. The research suggests designing piloti parking spaces with transparent fences and minimizing blind spots can reduce crime anx...

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Bioinspired weather-responsive adaptive shading

Researchers developed an energy-autonomous facade system that adapts to weather using bioinspired design and additive manufacturing. The 'Solar Gate' system harnesses hygromorphism, a property of cellulose, to open and close autonomously without electrical energy.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2025

Graz University of Technology develops modular timber high-rise building for resource-efficient construction

The Graz University of Technology has developed a modular timber high-rise building system that combines prefabricated 3D timber modules with open load-bearing structures. This allows for flexible adaptations, extended operating life, and reduced resource consumption. The system enables targeted repairs and replacements of individual m...

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2024

NTU Singapore’s Gaia wins UNESCO’s grand prize for architecture and design

Gaia clinched the top award after making the shortlist with five other world-class university buildings. NTU is a pioneer in sustainable building technologies, advancing the use of Mass Engineered Timber (MET) for tropical climates and inspiring a global shift toward eco-conscious building technologies.

SourceNanyang Technological University·TypeNews article·DateDec 2, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Origami-inspired architecture

A multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects applied origami techniques to create living buildings that respond to environmental factors. The researchers combined human design creativity with computational intelligence to increase the effectiveness of designs for environmentally responsive building technologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateNov 4, 2024

Not going out is the “new normal” post-Covid, say experts

A recent study found that the pandemic led to a significant shift towards staying at home, with people spending nearly an hour less per day on out-of-home activities. The trend has continued post-pandemic, with time spent away from home still lower than in 2019.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateOct 31, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Artificial intelligence tools bring efficiency to the architectural process

The article discusses how AI tools are transforming the architectural design process, enabling faster production of options for clients. Startups like Arqgen and SleepUp are leveraging generative design techniques to create innovative solutions for interior design and real estate development, respectively.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateOct 16, 2024

AI-trained CCTV in rivers can spot blockages and reduce floods

Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Flood Risk Management·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2024

Demand-side actions could help construction sector deliver on net-zero targets

A new study suggests that using state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies can enable Europe's construction sector to almost eliminate its carbon emissions by 2060. Employing technologies like solar energy and heat pumps can reduce total energy used for heating and cooling buildings by up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

New research solves Crystal Palace mystery

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal for the History of Engineering & Technology·DateSep 16, 2024

High ceilings linked to poorer exam results for uni students

Researchers from UniSA and Deakin University found a link between rooms with high ceilings and poorer examination results. The study analyzed data from 15,400 undergraduate students, comparing their exam scores to ceiling heights, and found lower scores when sitting exams in larger rooms.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Environmental Science·TypeCase study·DateJul 2, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Moving beyond cubicles: How an active workplace design can drive workers’ behaviors

Researchers identify gaps in understanding how workplace design influences employee active and sedentary behaviors. A new study suggests that accurately measuring behaviors and analyzing spatial layouts can inform the design of work environments that facilitate engagement with inactive behaviors.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 31, 2024

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

Resilience in architecture: the diaspora’s response to the Second World War

This article explores how war refugees, particularly Lithuanians, used architecture to preserve their cultural identity and promote national identity after World War II. Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology argue that the diaspora's response to WWII is an important part of architectural history, worthy of greater recognition.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalBuildings·DateMar 18, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

3D printed nanocellulose upscaled for green architectural applications

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new, sustainable architectural material by 3D printing nanocellulose and algae. The material's use could significantly reduce energy consumption in construction, aligning with the European Green Deal's goals.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Optical computing boost with diffractive network advance

Researchers extend spatially incoherent diffractive networks to perform complex-valued linear transformations with negligible error, opening up new applications in fields like autonomous vehicles. This breakthrough enables the encryption and decryption of complex-valued images using spatially incoherent diffractive networks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 22, 2024

This adaptive roof tile can cut both heating and cooling costs

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed an adaptive roof tile that can switch between heating and cooling modes based on temperature. The device, powered by a wax motor, has been shown to reduce energy consumption for cooling by 3.1x and heating by 2.6x compared to conventional devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalDevice·DateDec 13, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Autonomous excavator constructs a 6-meter-high dry-stone wall

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Is there a physiological explanation behind experiencing glare?

A study published in Scientific Reports investigated physiological explanations for glare experience. Researchers found that macular pigment density may not explain variations in people's glare perception, particularly under neutral daylight conditions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 2023

A sustainable alternative to air conditioning

A team of researchers from McGill University, UCLA, and Princeton has found an inexpensive, sustainable way to cool buildings in hot climates using radiative cooling materials. They achieved temperatures several degrees below the ambient temperature, without compromising healthy ventilation air changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 30, 2023