Guest editor introduction [Architecture and Planning Journal, v. 26, issue 1]

Abstract

This issue of Architecture and Planning Journal, published right in the middle of this pandemic crisis, cover a wide spectrum of subjects; however, I’m pleased to verify that almost all the reflections presented have in common the promotion of strategies for a more sustainable built environment. Some focus in the building scale, from the pedagogical approach based on the 1 to 1 scaled Design (Build Method) learning in architectural education, to the Integration of Photovoltaics in facades and the Biophilic Design of Outdoor Pedagogical Spaces. Others are more related with planning and urban scales, with subjects such as: Sustainable Development Concepts to Revitalize an Historic Urban Quarter, Rainwater Harvesting in a Coastal Zone, Functions’ distribution on Waterfronts, Social Heritage Conservation and, the use of Space Syntax for Enhancing Pedestrian Flow. In the border line between the building and the urban scales is a paper reporting a research on the conditioning of Wind tunnel effect on pedestrians’ comfort. Finally, I must point out an article, titled Para(Noia)Metric: Architecture beyond the Edge of Rationality, which deals with a very pertinent discussion topic today, the misuse of emerging digital technologies in such a way that it may conflicts with sustainable development goals.