The Covid-19 pandemic, as well as other natural events, have been felt worldwide and in every facet of human life. Equally notable and inspiring, was the prompt and immediate multilateral response and actions to find meaningful and impactful solutions. Therefore, our first statement of this year as Editors is to recognise the contributions of everyone, everywhere, in advancing the cause of humanity through the various radical, and day-to-day efforts. The pandemic has also demonstrated the value of scientific work, and of every scientist, researcher and academic. We thank those who have, and are undertaking the immensely important work of finding effective vaccines. We recognise the efforts of others supporting the various social, environmental and economic need, monitoring and intervention activities, maintaining learning and educational continuity, undertaking studies on shifts in the built environment and how we can support new ways of living, socialising and working. These combine in the improved recognition that all efforts are necessary to adapt and deliver healthier, more versatile, and wholesome buildings.
Our goal with the Journal of Architectural Engineering and Design Management is to work within our remit to provide researchers with the platform to showcase their high value and impactful work. The journal’s current ranking reflects this. Further, we are quite pleased that the journal will this year also report an impact factor for the first time. Therefore, we also use this opportunity to thank the journal’s past editors-in-chief, past and current associate editors, editorial board members, and authors whose contributions have enabled this important milestone. We also thank the excellent Taylor and Francis staff who work efficiently to implement the vision, and maintain the service and quality standards of the journal.
We are proposing two issues in a combined volume to start the year. These issues address the social, procedural and technical aspects of architectural design, analysis and implementation of innovative building materials and technologies, stakeholder factors and life-cycle post-occupancy issues.
Papers in the first issue can be broadly classified into two areas: design, and practice. The first paper provides insights into the thinking processes involved in design problem solving whilst formulating and proposing a building as a product. The second presents a participatory design approach to spatial design configuration. The next two papers review the roles of government and clients in design and building processes, including in the delivery of foreign Aid projects . As well as the challenges and opportunities for clients to involve contractors during the early stages of projects. The final paper in this issue considers the involvement of migrant labour in adoption of Industrialised Building Systems using the Malaysian construction sector as the case example.
The papers in the second issue focus on the principles, implementation, and cost analysis of architectural systems and technologies. The first paper addresses implementation, frameworks/guidance, applications in design for manufacture and assembly – DfMA. The second paper explores the acceptance and adoption of earth-based materials for urban housing. The third and fourth papers investigate the technical and cost assessment of façade and glazing systems. The final paper explores the same issues but in the context of defect resolution in iconic buildings. In this case, in the restoration of a church in Rome.
All the papers in this volume reinforce or demonstrate innovation in different ways and we thank the authors for the privilege of being part of this academic process. Finally, our thanks to all the reviewers for positively engaging with the authors and their work. We are grateful for their contributions to maintaining academic quality and integrity for our collective benefit.