Potential for End-User Digital Engagement in Residential Apartment Building Design in Australia: Current Status, and Challenges

Maedeh Motalebi¹, Emma Heffernan², Timothy McCarthy¹, Samin Marzban¹

1. University of Wollongong
2. The University of Sydney

Published in Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024), edited by Ali GhaffarianHoseini, Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, Farzad Rahimian and Mahesh Babu Purushothaman. Springer Nature, Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, volume 591, 2025, pages 1299 to 1309. DOI 10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_125.

Abstract

Australia's current design practices for apartment buildings show a notable absence of direct engagement with end-users. This study delves into the potential of digital platforms to bridge this gap, enhancing the dialogue between developers and future residents. Through eleven semi-structured interviews with industry professionals, including designers and developers, insights were gathered on the prospective integration of digital tools for end-user engagement into the design process. The investigation revealed potential challenges that might arise with adopting digital platforms: aligning user expectations with project economics, overcoming a lack of developer awareness about the significance of digital platforms in the design process, and navigating the constraints of a relatively small market. Additionally, the traditional linear engagement process does not well align with the iterative, user-responsive nature of digital engagement platforms. Highlighting the importance of digital tools in creating meaningful interactions with future residents, the research suggests that while introducing these platforms may add complexity, it is essential for fostering user-centric, community-driven environments. In contrast to proactive implementations in countries like the USA, Australia's current lack of such digital engagement tools marks a significant gap. Despite expected challenges, digital platforms are recommended to ensure apartment designs better reflect end-user needs and preferences.

Keywords

Session

Presented in Track N, Saturday 9 November 2024, 16:15 to 18:15, room WA 224 B, Auckland University of Technology. Session chair Dr Aysu Kuru.

How to Cite

Motalebi, M., Heffernan, E., McCarthy, T., & Marzban, S. (2025). Potential for End-User Digital Engagement in Residential Apartment Building Design in Australia: Current Status, and Challenges. In A. GhaffarianHoseini, A. GhaffarianHoseini, F. Rahimian, & M. B. Purushothaman (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment (SASBE 2024) (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol. 591, pp. 1299–1309). Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-96-4051-5_125

About the Conference

Presented at SASBE 2024, the International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, held in Auckland from 7 to 9 November 2024 and chaired by Professors Ali and Amirhosein GhaffarianHoseini, founders of GDI Academy. The version of record is published by Springer Nature; this page is the conference archive record kept by GDI Academy.