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This paper reviews, summarizes and pieces together scattered information on the newly completed Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, Illinois. It explains the design process that transformed an outmoded infrastructure and disused river banks into an attractive gathering civic space, a linear urban park and a functional transportation corridor.

Literature review.

Overall, the paper reports on one of the latest projects in Chicago that symbolizes the city's long history and earnest commitment to urban sustainability.

The paper identifies key urban sustainability lessons that are transferable to other cities.

It is the first paper that stitches together scattered information on the topic.

Globalization has supported the exportation of exotic design and construction of many buildings including skyscrapers. In the past two decades skyscrapers have proliferated across cities all over the world, particularly those in the Arabian Peninsula. Because of their massive bulk and soaring height, these skyscrapers have dramatically altered the urban landscape and city identity. This paper examines the role of skyscrapers in supporting place identity in the Arabian Peninsula. Through case studies, the paper describes and evaluates skyscraper projects. While the “imported” iconic skyscrapers with their flamboyant forms have been transformative in re-imaging cities and their skylines, many of these have been transplanted to these cities with little consideration for local heritage and culture.

This chapter outlines complex and conflicting issues related to designing tall buildings. It gathers a vast amount of fragmented criticism and concerns and organizes them around the three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental. Mapping out the “unsustainable” aspects forms the foundation for addressing them in future research and tall building developments. The chapter engages the reader with a preliminary discussion on potential solutions to the outlined problems. It also balances extensive criticism by highlighting the virtues and advantages of tall buildings. Consequently, this chapter forms a foundation for improving the sustainability of tall buildings whenever and wherever they are constructed.

The aim of this paper is to identify the university student’s preferences for some important attributes of residence hall design. The study also attempts to highlight the differences and similarities in student’s preferences.

The survey was distributed among students who were living in residence halls of a public university in Malaysia. A total of 752 students were recruited as participants. Data were collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. Students were asked to indicate their preferences rating a 4-point scale. The survey included questions concerning students’ preferences for residing in traditional and suite-style residence halls, single room and double room as well as rooms in which each student’s area is marked clearly. Collected data were analysed using PASW Statistics 17.

The results indicated that, in total, students highly preferred residing in suite-style to traditional residence halls. Staying in a single room with shared bathroom was also preferred to double-sharing room. The results of study also indicated that living in a room in which each student ' s area is marked clearly is of great interest. The study proved significant differences in the students’ preferences based on their gender, nationality and study level.

The outcome of this study can enhance the awareness of residence hall organizers and architects with regard to some of students’ priorities.

The results give an important insight into student’s preferences towards their residence hall. The study provides statistic evidence unfavourably of traditional residence halls among the students of new generation. It also provides an insight into students ' greater needs and requirements for privacy.