International Journal of Building, Urban, Interior and Landscape Technology

Your Life Is Manufactured: How We Make Things, Why It Matters and How We Can Do It Better

Hyunwook Hwangbo — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This book review highlights the pivotal role of manufacturing in modern society and the increasingly varied industrial landscapes shaped by digital transformation. This underscores the importance of adopting a human-centered approach to achieve sustainable manufacturing. From a sociomaterialist perspective, Cambridge University Professor Tim Minshall discusses the critical role of manufacturing within complex artificial systems that emerge from digital innovation, advocating sustainable practices rooted in human-centered values. By utilizing a sociotechnical systems innovation framework, this book offers valuable insights for those interested in exploring complex systems and technological trends, supported by the epistemic foundation of sociomaterialism that underpins Minshall's arguments. This review explores the vital contributions of manufacturing, considering its epistemological basis and addressing the often-overlooked practical agenda for latecomer manufacturers in the Global South, such as Thailand, to promote sustainable manufacturing-led innovation amid ongoing digital transformation.

The Philosophy of Space and Place in Geography: Analyzing the Historical Urban Development of Kerman City Through the Spatial Distribution of Mosques

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Abstract

This article aims to examine the significance, status, and role of mosques in Kerman city, and the meaningful correlation between mosques during different urban periods and the identity of urban development. It seeks to demonstrate the potential identity of mosques in the city, showcasing the primary role they play in Kerman's development. Using various analytical methods and tools, the study will illustrate the role and standing of mosques in the urban development of Kerman. Therefore, this research is analytical and based on field surveys, which can also be categorized as applied methods in this field. The tools employed in the research process include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis tools to demonstrate the spatial development trends of the city. The results indicate that mosques have had effective programs for urban development during the examined periods, and the spatial distribution of mosques serves as a close proxy for urban development. Therefore, locational data for places of worship, which is often readily available and accessible, can be utilized to extract historical urban development over a specific timeframe.

Water Management in Housing Developments on Wetlands

KHOEM SOVANBOREY, Nij Tontisirin — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Phnom Penh’s rapid urban expansion has led to the large-scale conversion of wetlands into residential areas, undermining natural flood protection and accelerating environmental degradation. While previous studies have examined wetland loss and urban governance challenges in Cambodia, few have compared water management practices between Borey (gated communities) and non-Borey (non-gated) on both wetland and non-wetland. This study addresses that gap through a mixed-methods approach combining GIS mapping, field surveys, and semi-structured interviews with 27 stakeholders. Results show that while Borey developments feature planned layouts and green areas, these are predominantly decorative and provide limited flood mitigation. Non-Borey projects, particularly on wetlands, face severe flood risks due to inadequate drainage and minimal green space. Weak enforcement of wetland protection laws, fragmented governance, and the absence of water-sensitive design standards exacerbate these problems. Policy recommendations include mandating nature-based solutions, integrating Water Sensitive Urban Design principles into all housing developments, and strengthening enforcement of environmental regulations. By reframing wetlands as essential urban infrastructure, Phnom Penh can balance housing growth with climate resilience.