Post-socialist urban development in the Albanian capital, Tirana, is characterized by unplanned urbanization that led to the loss of the city's historical fabric. This study focuses on a historic neighbourhood of Tirana affected by urban transformation. It defines housing as the predominant function that has influenced the morphology of the neighbourhood and divides it into three layers, namely pre-socialist, socialist, and post-socialist.

The aim is to reveal the influence of each urban layer on neighbourhood and city identity. To achieve this goal, we rely on the concept of place identity, which consists of physical elements and identificatory relations. The methodology includes sampling of citizens (67 per layer), surveying (No = 201), GIS-mapping and data analysis by clustering physical elements (landmark, house, street, public space) and identificatory relation features (memories, experiences, social and self-identity aspects).

The results show that the city identity is reported to be slightly higher compared to the neighbourhood identity. The residents of older layers compared with those of newer have higher identification with both neighbourhood and city. Finally, the neighbourhood identity is generated by houses, as physical aspects, and socialization as identificatory relation, whereas city identity is generated by public spaces, as physical aspects, and as identificatory relation aspects socialization, and self-identity aspects.

To address the insufficient integration of performance evaluation and contextual analysis in traditional architectural design, this paper proposes a design workflow that combines data-driven and performance-driven approaches, establishing a comprehensive operational pathway from typology selection and design generation to performance assessment. Using Yanshen Ancient Town, a cold region, as the study area, the research evaluates 18 traditional courtyard types and 8 brick kiln courtyard types. Benchmark models are selected based on the combined performance of PET (Physiological Equivalent Temperature) and MRT (Mean Radiant Temperature) indices. Subsequently, multiple performance indicators, including indoor and outdoor thermal comfort, indoor illuminance, and building energy consumption, are integrated into the analysis. Using a genetic algorithm, Pareto optimal solutions that meet performance requirements are iteratively optimized and filtered. Based on the learning rates and various evaluation indicators, XGBoost is ultimately selected to classify and predict the overall building performance. Results indicate that the model achieves an average prediction accuracy of 83.6%. Additionally, SHAP analysis of the independent variables in the algorithm reveals distinct influencing trends under different performance labels. The workflow demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating performance prediction in the early design stage of village courtyards, significantly enhancing the efficiency of feedback and follow-up between design decision-making and performance evaluation.

This article investigates the interdisciplinary nature of what is frequently referred to as architectural phenomenology. By highlighting the intricacy of architecture's disciplinarity, it exposes the paradoxical attitude of architectural phenomenology towards crossing disciplinary borders, and sets out to contextualize the paradoxical attitude about interdisciplinary research in history. Following three thematic threads representative of the tradition centered on Ernesto Nathan Rogers, Christian Norberg-Schulz, and the Essex school, it showcases the diverse modalities of how architecture and phenomenology were combined in the past, and identifies a significant gap in their limited interpretations of the relation between these two fields, often characterized by a one-sided illumination. Drawing attention to the insufficiently theorized reciprocity between architecture and philosophy, it reveals in architectural phenomenology an interdisciplinary interplay implicitly involving all other disciplines, which offers unlimited possibilities of research to be further explored. Taking a closer look at the interdisciplinary nature of architecture and phenomenology, it speculates on the future directions of architectural phenomenology acting as an interdisciplinary arena, pointing to phenomenology's recent interest in enactivist cognitive science and architecture's critical engagement with socio-political issues that converge in an investigation of the built environment.

Clarifying the quality elements that have a significant impact on public perception is a prerequisite for improving the quality of parks, and comparative cross-regional studies can help to identify local landscape preferences and formulate specialized development strategies. Using online review data and natural language processing methods, this study explores how Chongqing and Chengdu residents' perceptions of environmental features of urban parks affect their overall satisfaction. The results show that: (1) There are 16 (Chongqing) and 13 (Chengdu) environmental features that residents pay attention to in urban parks, and the two places pay the highest attention to the natural features of urban parks. In addition, Chongqing residents pay more attention to the recreational services of urban parks, while Chengdu residents pay more attention to the aesthetics and culture of urban parks. (2) Positive environmental factors increase visitors' satisfaction, but this effect decreases with increasing frequency of perceived, while negative factors continue to have a negative impact on satisfaction. Through online text data and natural language processing technology, the public's perception of parks can be analyzed on a large scale, in depth, and with high accuracy, providing guidance for urban sustainable construction and characteristic style extraction.

This study explores the interaction between spatial configuration, natural mobility, and visual accessibility in exhibition spaces, an area that remains underexplored. By integrating visibility graph analysis (VGA), intelligent agent simulation (IAS), topological analysis, and field observation, the research examines functional layout and accessibility across four museums. Findings indicate that corridors and pathways, second only to exhibition halls, play a crucial role in spatial mobility. Composite layouts (e.g., circular and L-shaped designs) exhibit superior mean depth and integration, yet connectivity and mean depth demonstrate a nonlinear relationship. Elongated or complex path turns increase cognitive load, complicating navigation, while open passageways promote smoother visitor distribution. Topological analysis effectively identifies optimal nodes, key locations, and path-turn efficiency under accessibility constraints. Visitor dwell time is shaped not only by exhibit content but also by spatial location, entry sequence, and visitor density. Results support the assumption that space syntax models align with real-world visitor flow patterns, yet predictive models fail to fully capture variations in mobility across different timeframes and behavioral contexts. These insights contribute to optimizing museum design for improved visitor experience and spatial efficiency.

Vitality transfer patterns are essential for creating vibrant, sustainable cities, yet their dynamic changes over time remain underexplored. Taking Nanjing as a case study, this study employed 24 h of location-based service data as a time series to explore the vitality transfer pattern within a day from both distribution and aggregation perspectives. Spatial dependence decay patterns were detected using residual clustering relationships, and the LightGBM model was used to explore the relationship between vitality transfer and 50 factors in five categories: transportation, function, economy, morphology, and geography. The results show that the urban vitality distribution has a polycentric agglomeration pattern, which goes through four periods in a day. Vitality transfer is the cyclical process of transformation from one aggregated state to another. The spatial dependence was maximized at 0.75 km². The magnitude of vitality fluctuation is strongly influenced by factors such as morphology, transportation, and function. Spatial differences in factors combine to drive vitality transfer in distribution and aggregation, with factors such as accessibility and building age diversity influencing distribution, and factors such as accessibility and POI diversity altering aggregation. This study supports the rational design of vibrant urban spaces and promotes effective vitality transfer and sustainable urban development.

The regeneration of cultural spaces in historic conservation areas aims to enhance these spaces while preserving their heritage. Achieving sustainable regeneration requires an understanding of the interplay between spaces and their underlying cultures. This study examines the urban regeneration of courtyard spaces on Beijing's Yangmeizhu Street, using Space Syntax and acculturation theory to explore spatial and cultural attributes. A Kruskal-Wallis H analysis is conducted to investigate the correlation between these features. Findings demonstrate cultural acculturation along Yangmeizhu Street, evaluated through behavior, knowledge, values, and identity. Three typologies emerge: separation (maintaining a unique identity), integration (adopting a broader culture while preserving a distinct identity), and assimilation (complete adoption of the surrounding culture). The assimilation type shows notable differences in spatial characteristics compared to integration and separation. This research highlights the impact of space managers or designers with diverse cultural backgrounds on the transformation of cultural spaces during urban regeneration, revealing contributions from both foreign and indigenous cultures.

This study examines the structural characteristics and technical principles of the hybrid framing cantilever bridges along the Longchuan River in Tengchong, Yunnan, China, taking the Yezhuqing Bridge as a case example. Such bridges integrate diverse construction techniques—including inclined cantilevers, iron chains, three-sided arches, and strut frames—showcasing the craftsmanship characteristic of a region shaped by cultural blending. This paper first analyzes the structural design and mechanical principles based on the bridge's form, and then examines construction details to understand material selection, reconstruct fabrication methods, and explore craftsmanship thinking. The findings reveal that in the structural design, iron chains, strut frames, and three-sided arches each take on distinct load-bearing roles in a cantilever bridge, enabling it to achieve a large span. By coordinating structural components, this bridge type does not require scaffolding during construction, instead relying on the components themselves for mutual support throughout the building process. In terms of construction details, skillful arrangement of elements like wooden pegs enhances convenience and precision during construction, while ensuring overall integrity and stability. Additionally, this study examines existing structural vulnerabilities and past restoration issues, providing insights for future conservation efforts.

This study investigates the potential of built environments to induce contemplative states, contributing to the emerging field of contemplative neuroaesthetics. While the psychological benefits of these states are well-documented, their relationship with architecture remains underexplored. Using an embodied cognition framework, we explore how architectural features engage the sensorimotor system, fostering contemplative experiences. The ancient city of Ghardaïa, known for its natural harmony and subtle aesthetics, was the case study. Twenty participants, with no prior exposure to the site or architectural background, took part in a real-world experiment. They followed a designated path while equipped with a 32-channel mobile EEG system, smart band, and wide-angle cameras. Subjective feedback was collected via questionnaires. Multiple linear regression revealed that curved pathways significantly reduced Default Mode Network (DMN) activity (β = -0.064; p < 0.0001), suggesting heightened sensorimotor engagement, potentially inducing a contemplative state. Conversely, higher occlusivity, measured through space syntax, correlated with increased DMN activity (β = 0.153; p < 0.009), indicating enclosed spaces promote introspection. Architectural features like corbels, arches, and landmarks also influenced DMN activity, highlighting spatial elements' role in shaping brain dynamics. Future research should examine architectural contexts to clarify these mechanisms, with implications for designing spaces that promote well-being.

Urban tourism space is the primary area where tourism activities occur and a key driver of regional tourism space evolution. To explore the correlation between population aggregation and urban tourism spatial heterogeneity in the big data era, this study focuses on Wuhan's main urban area in 2023. Using the Geographically Weighted Regression model, it analyzes the factors influencing tourism spatial heterogeneity. Additionally, Baidu Heat map data is employed to identify crowd aggregation levels during holidays, revealing the distribution patterns of urban tourism space. The results indicate that (1) factors derived from the GWR model significantly influence the number of tourism spaces in Wuhan, with evident spatial differences; (2) based on the spatial matching of heterogeneity factors and crowd aggregation levels, urban tourism space can be categorized into six types, including five core tourism spaces and other scattered spaces. This research highlights the spatial heterogeneity of urban tourism in Wuhan and provides a scientific basis for the transformation and quality improvement of urban tourism space by exploring the impact of population activity density.

Aspects of urban environments, especially green spaces, are known to benefit mental health and well-being. However, the healing potential of urban third places remains underexamined compared to the well-documented benefits of more "natural" environments. "Third places" refers to public spaces where people gather outside of their homes (first place) and workplaces (second place), thereby supporting well-being through fostering social interaction and community engagement. Using fNIRS, Empatica E4 wristbands, questionnaires and interviews with 40 young adults in Shanghai, China, we found that third places demonstrate healing effects comparable to natural environments neurologically, psychologically, and physiologically, although they are achieved through distinct underlying mechanisms. Third places contribute to mental wellbeing through emotional pathways, primarily by fostering "pleasure" through social engagement and environmental design, while natural spaces promote "gratitude" through biophilic connections. These results underscore the importance of third places in mental health support for young adults, highlighting the need for social infrastructure interventions. Optimizing third places could create healthier, less stressful, and more emotionally positive urban environments.

Rapid urbanization in China presents complex challenges for urban development, particularly in older neighborhoods. The rise of digital cities and the shift from expansion to optimizing existing urban areas have highlighted significant issues related to infrastructure, regeneration, and the preservation of local characteristics. These challenges hinder sustainable urban development and negatively impact residents' quality of life, making the transition to smart cities imperative. This study uses Suzhou's old neighborhoods as a case study, employing big data and Geographic Information System (GIS) software to conduct a comprehensive quantitative assessment. Techniques such as kernel density and accessibility analysis reveal key issues in infrastructure, sustainability, and local characteristics, providing a data foundation for targeted strategies. Based on these findings, the paper proposes micro-renovation strategies aimed at enhancing community functionality and improving residents' quality of life through refined management. The study underscores that, under the "ecological + digital" sustainable development framework, renewing old neighborhoods can address existing challenges while revitalizing cities towards smarter, greener, and more livable futures.

Researchers are increasingly interested in the impact of the built environment on urban walkability. Pedestrian satisfaction is a key indicator of walkability and can elucidate latent factors to improve walking environment. This study develops an assessment framework for evaluating walking satisfaction on sidewalks in commercial districts in Japan according to the built environment and personal attributes. Questionnaire surveys were used to collect data from 963 Japanese residents' impact ratings of built environment variables. Six factors were extracted following exploratory factor analysis. Second-order confirmatory factor analysis was then applied to further explore the relationship between observed variables and latent factors. Latent class analysis was employed to classify the population, and personal attributes served as covariates in the multinomial logistic regression analysis to explore how these attributes affected the latent classes. The results indicated that visual impression, spatial richness, accessibility, comfort, diversity, and security influence pedestrian walking satisfaction on sidewalks in commercial districts. Travel purpose and travel method are important indicators that influence the latent classes of the population. The result presented herein can guide policy makers to optimize the construction of walkable urban environments and enact policies based on the factors and populations that are best suited to urban development.

Emergency departments (EDs) are among the busiest hospital units, where visibility is crucial for surveillance, collaboration, and wayfinding. In China, high ED patient volumes lead to crowded corridors, significantly impacting visibility. However, current visibility assessment methods focus on static obstructions such as walls and columns, neglecting crowd obstruction, and underestimating visual impediments.To address this research gap, this study proposes a novel visibility assessment method combining agent-based simulation and space syntax analysis. Based on peak-hour behavioral data from Hospital R's ED, crowd movement was simulated across six ED plans with different corridor layouts. The simulated crowd positions were then treated as visual obstacles, and space syntax theory was applied to evaluate visibility under crowd obstruction at various timesteps. The findings reveal that: 1) ring corridor layouts reduce patient backtracking and corridor congestion; 2) ring corridor layouts facilitate better natural surveillance of the overall space by medical staff with crowd obstruction considered; 3) ring corridor layouts enable medical staff to see each other more easily, supporting team collaboration, regardless of crowd obstruction; 4) simple layouts perform best in terms of wayfinding, irrespective of crowd obstruction. This study presents the first comprehensive quantitative assessment of ED visibility under crowd obstruction, with potential applications in other crowded public spaces.

This study aims to construct a new method for collecting colours from Guangzhou historical buildings using the Natural Color Sytem (NCS) colour system for on-site comparison. It seeks to detect and classify the primary and secondary colours of the buildings through image attributes, and to analyse the group co-occurrence and clustering algorithm characteristics of the colours of the historical buildings, as well as the colour hierarchy based on the image clustering algorithm. The study further evaluates the colour ratings of the historical buildings through questionnaire validation, explores the relationship between colour attributes (hue, lightness, and chroma), and classifies the colour evaluation criteria into five tiers. It was found that the symbiotic clustering diagrams of the colours of the historic buildings in Guangzhou exhibited distinct colour rating relationships, with the clustering colour hierarchy showing a high correlation with the results of the colour ratings assessed by questionnaire validation. A close relationship between the computer-generated output and the perceptual judgement is demonstrated, further proving the reliability and accuracy of the computer model. The results of the study provide comparable data and practical tools for colour planning and management of urban historic building facades.

This paper presents the design of a unit-type solar self-insulating composite exterior wall panel, which integrates a solar collector panel, photovoltaic (PV) panel, and insulation board into a single unit module. The research explores the utilization of an optimized solar collector panel to provide hot air indoors and proposes methods of application on facades. Using Fluent for simulation, it was found that on a sunny winter day, the thermal performance of the optimized solar collector panel increased by 94.68% compared to its pre-optimized state. A three-day experiment showed a maximum average temperature rise of 41.23 ℃ at the air outlet, close to the simulation. Finally, the energy efficiency and economic benefits of the study were calculated, which showed an energy saving rate of 65.47% for the composite exterior wall panels. This research provides ideas for solving the winter heating problem in cold regions' buildings and the design application of self-insulating composite exterior wall panels in prefabricated buildings.

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for enhancing transportation efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality while fostering inclusive communities in dense, multifunctional urban areas. However, the relationship between TOD's economic benefits and social equity remains underexplored. This study critically evaluates TOD in Dalian, China, introducing the expanded Node-Place-Economy (NPE) model, which integrates economic and social dimensions into the traditional Node-Place model. The NPE model offers a comprehensive framework for assessing TOD effectiveness, particularly in balancing economic growth and equitable resource distribution. The research highlights significant disparities between central and peripheral regions, with central areas performing better in both economic and social equity, while peripheral areas exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. Through spatial analysis and the Coupling Coordination Index (CCI), the study identifies factors influencing the synergy between economic vitality and social equity, such as the density of commercial, sports, and entertainment facilities. The findings emphasize the need for more equitable TOD planning, suggesting that future urban developments should prioritize social inclusiveness alongside economic efficiency. This research expands the theoretical foundation of TOD and offers practical insights for urban planners aiming to achieve sustainable and inclusive urban development.