Challenges, Innovations and Future Perspectives for Next-Generation Smart Buildings
A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Sensors".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 20
Special Issue Editor
Interests: 3D modeling; 3D visualization; digital culture; face recognition; mixed reality; multimedia
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The evolution of smart buildings has revolutionized how we design, construct, and interact with built environments. These next-generation structures integrate advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and edge computing to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and occupant well-being. However, the rapid advancements in technology come with a plethora of challenges, including interoperability, cybersecurity, energy management, and scalability. Moreover, the need to address global concerns such as climate change and urbanization underscores the importance of developing resilient and adaptive smart building solutions. This Special Issue steps into the critical issues shaping the future of smart buildings. It highlights emerging trends, innovative approaches, and the pressing challenges faced by stakeholders in designing and managing these advanced systems. By addressing these themes, this issue aims to inspire innovative solutions and foster advancements that contribute to smarter, more sustainable, and human-centered environments. We welcome diverse perspectives that explore the transformative potential of smart buildings in meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Sensors play a pivotal role in monitoring and controlling environmental parameters, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and lighting, to optimize building performance and occupant comfort. Advanced sensor systems enable real-time data acquisition, facilitating the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance energy efficiency, safety, and automation in smart buildings. Furthermore, as smart buildings evolve, novel sensing technologies are required to address challenges such as multi-modal data fusion, interoperability, and cybersecurity. Applications such as predictive maintenance, occupancy detection, and health monitoring for occupants also rely on innovative sensor systems. These advancements directly align with the journal’s focus on sensor development, deployment, and their impact on technology-driven solutions. By addressing the critical challenges and future trends in smart building design and management, this topic contributes to the ongoing exploration of how sensors can transform modern living and ensure sustainable and adaptive built environments.
Prof. Dr. Christos-Nikolaos Anagnostopoulos
Guest Editor
Asimina Dimara
Guest Editor Assistant
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Keywords
- smart buildings
- next-generation technologies
- Internet of Things
- artificial intelligence
- energy management
- sustainability
- cybersecurity
- urbanization
- building automation
- human-centered design
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