The study of outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) stands as a vital issue for urban areas because it determines city sustainability and viability. The physical configuration of urban areas determines this factor, which is subject to building regulations. Amending these regulations, in particular regarding building height (BH), can significantly impact OTC. This research aims to investigate the effect of BH restrictions on OTC within residential neighborhoods in a Mediterranean context, focusing on the potential benefits of relaxing these restrictions according to Jordanian building standards. The research was conducted on a residential block in Irbid City, with simulations performed using Envi-met software to explore varying BH restrictions and their effects on air temperature (T) across two residential zones (Categories A and C). The results were analyzed using the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) index to assess spatial variations in T, and statistical comparisons were made via ANOVA, along with Tukey and Dunnett post-hoc tests, using Minitab software. The study found that relaxing BH restrictions leads to a notable improvement in OTC by reducing T. The optimal scenario involved increasing BH by two storeys, which resulted in reducing T by 0.42 °C in Category C and 0.44 °C in Category A. The findings highlight the importance of reviewing BH regulations to enhance OTC and support vertical urban expansion. This can ultimately contribute to sustainable urban development in Jordan. The research offers essential recommendations to urban planners and policymakers for creating climate-responsive zoning regulations that boost outdoor thermal comfort in Jordanian cities.

Children living in urban environments are increasingly vulnerable to psychological pressures such as stress, anxiety, and depression, largely due to limited access to space and time for play. Play is a vital activity for children’s mental well-being; however, within the context of urban residential areas in Indonesia, particularly in the post-COVID-19 period, play opportunities have become increasingly constrained. Children tend to remain indoors for both living and recreational activities, driven by multiple factors including the perceived insecurity of public spaces, academic pressures, parenting styles, and limited adult supervision. This study aims to explore the principles of placemaking from the perspective of children within private domestic spaces, with a focus on the urban area of Tangerang, Indonesia. Employing a qualitative approach, data were collected through online open-ended questionnaires administered to 104 children, supplemented by in-depth online interviews and direct observation, followed by coding-based analysis. The findings indicate that children aged 10–12 interpret placemaking through two primary dimensions: visual-sensory aspects (tangible affordances such as spatial dimensions and facilities) and perceived-sensory aspects (intangible affordances such as spatial conditions). Their adaptive strategies are shaped by their perception of spatial potential within the domestic environment. These findings offer conceptual contributions to the development of more child-friendly housing and residential area designs through a placemaking approach grounded in children’s lived experiences.

In densely populated urban areas, the scarcity of land has necessitated the adoption of vertical housing solutions, including affordable apartments, to address growing housing needs. Bandung City is no exception, experiencing a significant increase in the construction of affordable apartments. However, this rapid expansion poses substantial environmental challenges. To mitigate these impacts, sustainable practices must be systematically integrated into building site development. This study evaluates the green performance of affordable apartments in Bandung City with a specific focus on the criteria of appropriate site development. Data were collected through literature reviews, on-site observations, and photographic documentation, while green performance was assessed by comparing total scores against established sustainability benchmarks. Community perspectives and levels of awareness regarding the implementation of appropriate site development were further examined through structured questionnaires. The findings indicate that the green performance of low-cost and middle-class apartments in Bandung remains suboptimal. Weaknesses include limited provision of green spaces, substandard site selection that fails to meet environmentally responsive criteria, inadequate amenities for pedestrians and cyclists, low non-roof albedo values, and insufficient systems for rainwater runoff management. By contrast, identified strengths include the provision of public facilities, accessible ground floors, and the use of reflective rooftop materials. Conformance with appropriate site development criteria is influenced by factors such as stakeholder awareness, regulatory enforcement, financial constraints, and site-specific characteristics. In this context, architects play a critical role in integrating sustainable design principles at the site level, bridging regulatory requirements with creative solutions to enhance environmental performance. The results of this study are expected to provide actionable insights for policymakers, architects, developers, and urban planners, ultimately contributing to the advancement of more climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable affordable housing in Indonesian cities.

The rapid evolution of globalization and the knowledge economy underscores the strategic importance of learning city development for sustainable urban growth. This study investigates Yazd City, Iran a UNESCO-listed heritage city with a distinct economic profile and arid climate by assessing the integration of economic indicators into learning city frameworks. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to assess data normality, multiple linear regression analysis to establish causal relationships, and Kendall’s W test to rank economic performance across the city’s eight urban districts. Stratified random sampling and ethical protocols were observed in data collection. The results reveal a statistically significant correlation (R2 = 0.91) between economic stability and learning city attributes. District prioritization identified Area 7 as the most developed marked by commercial vibrancy and accessible education while Area 5 ranked lowest due to infrastructural degradation and limited policy support. These spatial disparities highlight the need for targeted, district-specific economic interventions to promote balanced learning city development. By offering an innovative, data-driven prioritization model tailored to Yazd’s socio-economic context, the study contributes to learning city theory and provides actionable guidance for policymakers and urban planners. The framework also holds relevance for other cities confronting the dual challenge of economic and educational integration.

Many cities around the world encompass informal settlements that share significant challenges, including poor housing quality, social exclusion, insufficient open green spaces, and inadequate infrastructure networks, among others. This case study introduces urban acupuncture and the livable cities approach within a proposal for the urban rehabilitation of Mohammad Amin Camp, an Informal settlement in the capital city of Jordan, Amman. Within its methodological framework, the study employs a qualitative research methodology, conducting field observations and direct interaction with the local community and analyzing existing documents to investigate the impact of a targeted intervention to enhance the camp’s physical, environmental, and social conditions. This study primarily focuses on investigating how community-oriented design strategies and targeted urban acupuncture interventions can address the community’s specific needs within key social nodes to enhance overall livability and promote sustainability. The case study’s findings highlight the potential of incorporating some principles of livable cities through the urban acupuncture approach to transform informal settlements into sustainable urban contexts and create resilient communities. The case study demonstrates the potential effectiveness of specific small-scale interventions such as green infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly streets, and community participation in improving the quality of life in the camp. This case study research contributes to future initiatives to develop similar informal settlements by analyzing the challenges and opportunities associated with the proposed rehabilitation process.

Contemporary architectural practice often emphasizes efficiency, innovation, and functionality, yet the growing pressures of urbanization and environmental change demand a reorientation toward human-centric dimensions of design. Architecture has historically fulfilled not only physical and aesthetic purposes but also psychological and symbolic roles, as seen in traditions of sacred geometry, spatial harmony, and symbolic forms in spaces for contemplation and healing. This research examines how these ancient principles can inform contemporary architecture to address stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue, highlighting the importance of embedding emotional and spiritual well-being into the built environment. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining historical analysis, architectural theory, and spatial psychology. The study began with a literature review on sacred geometrical principles and their applications in religious and meditative spaces, followed by case studies of contemporary wellness centers, meditation halls, and spiritual retreats. In-depth interviews with architects, environmental psychologists, and meditation practitioners (n = 15) further informed the analysis. Spatial elements were assessed for their emotional impact, symbolic value, and material sustainability, with qualitative findings interpreted through environmental psychology and phenomenology. Results indicate that architectural forms rooted in sacred geometry—such as domes, pyramids, and mandala-based layouts—enhanced meditative focus, spatial awareness, and emotional stability. Participants reported reduced anxiety, greater clarity, and improved grounding in spaces characterized by formal coherence, symmetry, and symbolic resonance. Design factors such as natural light modulation, acoustic balance, and material tactility significantly contributed to sensory comfort. Notably, spaces integrating holistic design principles were linked to a 30–40% self-reported increase in relaxation and emotional clarity. The study concludes that architecture, when guided by sacred geometry, symbolic form, and environmental responsiveness, can act as a catalyst for emotional healing and spiritual connection. These findings advocate for a more integrative model of design that complements functional performance with psychological and spiritual well-being, offering valuable implications for urban planning, wellness infrastructure, and public health policy.