Daylighting dynamism and constant change can characterize buildings and spaces with a living quality that cannot be achieved with any other design element. However, daylighting can create unwanted lighting conditions in the visual field causing discomfort and glare. This may affect the performance of building occupants such as workers or students. Consequently, designing for daylighting needs a good understanding of daylighting. Designers can rely on information from simulation software to re-imagine the space, especially to examine possible unexpected visual discomfort conditions.This paper aims to represent different visual comfort evaluation methods that can help decision-makers make better informed decisions. Different definitions and structures associated with daylight and glare are examined. It also presents a review of the literature of previous research conducted on daylighting, visual comfort analysis and glare studies.

Autonomous public transport (APT) is revolutionizing urban mobility by integrating advanced technologies, including electric autonomous buses and shared autonomous vehicles (SAVs). This paper examines the historical evolution of APT, from early automation efforts in the 1920s to the deployment of autonomous shuttles in contemporary cities. It highlights technological milestones, legislative developments, and shifts in public perception that have influenced the adoption of APT. The research identifies key benefits of APT, including enhanced road safety, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved cost-efficiency in public transport operations. Additionally, the environmental potential of SAVs to reduce traffic congestion and emissions is explored, particularly when integrated with renewable energy sources and sustainable urban planning. However, the study also addresses significant challenges, such as handling emergencies without human intervention, rising cybersecurity threats, and employment displacement in the transportation sector. Social equity concerns are also discussed, especially regarding access and the risk of increasing urban inequality. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable mobility, transportation innovation, and the future of smart cities by providing a comprehensive analysis of both opportunities and obstacles. Effective policy frameworks and inclusive planning are essential for the successful implementation of APT systems worldwide.

Cities around the world have been hit by the COVID-19 crisis. The worst consequences of the pandemic are closely related to urban areas. Many studies investigated the impact of COVID-19 on people but there are few studies that have investigated the satisfaction level of university students during the COVID-19 lockdown at the neighborhood level. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the satisfaction of university students at the neighborhood level during the COVID-19 lockdown and investigate the experience of online education during that period—if they received any. An online survey was conducted involving university students of different countries, and a total of 427 responses (n = 427) were received and analyzed using the CHAID model. Results show that comfort at residences during the COVID-19 lockdown was affected by the neighborhood environment (viz., greenery, pleasant views, independent housing with gardening facilities), transportation (i.e., saving 1–2 commuting hours on a daily basis and safety from traffic hazards), and the provision of online education (i.e., effectiveness, such as traditional methods of education and the opportunity to connect with field experts). Thus, it can be concluded that providing green neighborhoods, detached or terraced houses (townhouses) with visual connection, and gardening facilities for the residents should be encouraged in the future because these types of neighborhoods are not only comfortable in ordinary situations but also provide comfort during critical periods such as COVID-19 lockdowns. It can also be concluded that a hybrid style of education should be encouraged for universities, as it can save travel time, provide safety from traffic, and provide more opportunities to become connected with international experts through online guest lectures, seminars, and workshops.

Introduction: The influence of urban green spaces on public health is receiving unprecedented attention. Managing urban greenspaces sustainably requires an understanding of the mechanisms behind the positive effects of urban biodiversity on the wellbeing of residents. Urban parks could improve mental restoration of park users. The restoration potential may be influenced by the biophysical characteristics of the park.Methods: This study aimed to understand two aspects of urban parks in Multan, Pakistan: (a) How does the perception of biodiversity and the quality of urban parks relate to mental restorativeness of park visitors? (b) What are the determinants of respondents' willingness to pay for the conservation and management of park biodiversity and quality in urban parks? Data were collected from October 2021 to December 2021 through a cross-sectional survey in which 550 park visitors were interviewed from six randomly selected urban parks in Multan. Multiple linear regression analysis, a binary logistic model, and a chi-square test were applied to analyze the data.Results and discussion: The study empirically highlights the positive contribution of park visits to mental restorativeness. Biodiversity and quality were positively correlated with the mental restorativeness of park visitors. Sixty-two percent (62%) of the visitors were reluctant to pay, whereas 38% were ready to pay between Rs. 850/3.7$ and Rs. 1,700/7.4$ each year. Education, occupation, and monthly income significantly positively affected the respondent's WTP attitudes. The study highlights the importance of using urban parks as tools to promote mental restorativeness, combat social stress, and increase urban vegetation cover.

Background: Understanding public acceptance of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is essential for cities transitioning toward smart mobility systems. Dubai aims to transform 25% of trips to autonomous mode by year 2030, yet little is known about residents’ readiness. Methods: An online survey (N = 302; 2024/2025) measured awareness, perceived benefits/risks, trust, cybersecurity concerns, and behavioral intention (BI). Constructs were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression. Results: Cybersecurity concern was the strongest negative predictor of BI, while perceived usefulness (accident reduction) showed a weak, marginal positive effect. Gender, age, and cost effects were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Public acceptance is shaped more by trust, safety perception, and perceived system reliability than by demographics or cost. Policy actions should focus on transparent regulation, cybersecurity audits, and public AV pilots.