The Need for Smart Architecture Caused by the Impact of COVID-19 upon Architecture and City: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The recent pandemic era of COVID-19 has shown social adjustment on a global scale in an attempt to reduce contamination. In response, academic studies relating to smart technologies have increased to assist with governmental restrictions such as social distancing. Despite the restrictions, architectural, engineering and construction industries have shown an increase in budget and activity. An investigation of the adjustments made in response to the pandemic through utilizing new technologies, such as the internet of things (IoT) and smart technologies, is necessary to understand the research trends of the new normal. This study should address various sectors, including business, healthcare, architecture, education, tourism and transportation. In this study, a literature review was performed on two web-based, peer-reviewed journal databases, SCOPUS and Web of Science, to identify a trend in research for the pandemic era in various sectors. The results from 123 papers revealed a focused word group of IoT, smart technologies, architecture, building, space and COVID-19. Overlapping knowledges of IoT systems, within the design of a building which was designed for a specific purpose, were discovered. The findings justify the need for a new sub-category within the field of architecture called “smart architecture”. This aims to categorize the knowledge which is required to embed IoT systems in three key architectural topics—planning, design, and construction—for building design with specific purposes, tailored to various sectors.

A Comprehensive Approach to Capturing the Impact and Identifying Countermeasures of the COVID-19 Pandemic at Construction Sites in the Republic of Korea

“…This study established approaches to address similar future pandemic scenarios by evaluating the impacts and countermeasures in the ordinarily conservative construction industry, which had been slow to adopt new technologies and is labor-intensive; therefore, it offers a unique research opportunity [2,40]. Moreover, the study presents a novel framework for analyzing these scenarios.…”

“…The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted labor-intensive industries, resulting in decreased worker participation. This was due to measures such as social distancing, lockdowns, and improved hygiene protocols, which caused delays and cancellations of projects [1,2]. This, in turn, substantially impacted the economic status of many countries.…”

“…A research model was then proposed using a robust and reproducible method linking the model to future research directions. (2) The framework factors were thoroughly developed by identifying the groups and categories of site management based on a network of words in systematically extracted papers. Consequently, the impacts of and responses to COVID-19 at construction sites were identified for various projects and countries.…”

“…therefore, it offers a unique research opportunity[2,40]. Moreover, the study presents a novel framework for analyzing these scenarios.…”

Influence of the Demographic, Social, and Environmental Factors on the COVID-19 Pandemic—Analysis of the Local Variations Using Geographically Weighted Regression

“…The perception of public spaces has changed, and their accessibility and uses have changed [33][34][35][36]. The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the functioning and planning of urban areas-with half of the globe forced into lockdown, urban planners needed a new approach to the use of space in many aspects of urban activity and population mobility [37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. Employment has a significant impact on mental health, especially in the context of a global pandemic.…”