The urban landscape is undergoing significant transformations due to economic shifts, urban planning initiatives, technological advancements, and sociopolitical changes. Almost 89% of the U.S. population is projected to reside in urban areas by 2050, which increases a pressing need for innovative and efficient urban revitalization strategies. Modular construction is an extensively researched topic with potential promise for addressing these challenges; however, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of its specific opportunities and challenges within the context of urban revitalization. This paper explores the potential of modular construction methods as a viable solution in densely populated areas with limited space and competing land uses. This study employs a systematic literature review using PRISMA and mixed methods analysis with NVivo to identify the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing modular construction in urban settings. The findings highlight the advantages of modular construction, including reduced construction time, enhanced quality control, and improved sustainability. However, challenges such as land scarcity, restrictive zoning laws, and the need for innovative planning and collaboration among stakeholders are also emphasized. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and developers to effectively leverage modular construction methods for sustainable and efficient urban renewal efforts.

Training the future construction engineering workforce would benefit from an increased familiarity with sustainable building design. Given limits on total credits and accreditation requirements, engineering curricula often emphasize specialized content at the cost of essential context and connection between the range of systems and professional roles involved in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Here, we explore how development of a building technology and design course addresses the unmet need. The subject class leverages the benefits of guiding students through an iterative design process to confront the challenges of, and synergies between, the multiple building systems present in contemporary buildings. Following a model closer to studio instruction, students address the totality of a project in the context of design where the outcome is not predetermined. Students are guided by the application of analytical software and quantified performance feedback on metrics such as daylighting, energy, and carbon which they integrate directly into their ongoing design process. The combination of these features in a single class facilitates the productive addition of critical content and experience into the existing degree program structure. In turn, this promotes trainees being better prepared to collaborate towards achieving sustainable development goals. This paper focuses on the developments and observations from delivering this course 5 times and provides a perspective on its contributions to a construction engineering degree.