The German Jordanian University (GJU) hosted the international special session “Sustainable Buildings and Cities: Integrating Technology, Design, and Human Behavior (SS-SBC)” as part of the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Mobility Applications, Renewables and Technology (SMART 2026).
Organised and chaired by Dr.-Ing. Farah Al-Atrash, Dean of the School of Architecture and Built Environment (SABE), the special session featured 22 research papers from researchers and academics representing ten countries. Across four scientific sessions on 19–20 October 2026, participants explored sustainable architecture, smart cities, energy efficiency, artificial intelligence, urban mobility and human behaviour, highlighting the role of technology, design and people in shaping sustainable and resilient built environments.
The session featured strong participation from SABE and GJU researchers alongside international contributors. It provided a platform for presenting research findings, exchanging expertise and developing academic partnerships across disciplines and countries.
The session and its associated contributions received three awards. Dr. Al-Atrash received the Premier Contributor Award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to SMART 2026, including managing 22 papers, co-authoring six papers and engaging researchers from ten countries. The session also received the Best Special Session Award, recognising its scientific contribution and organisation.
The Best Paper Award in Green Buildings and Cities was awarded to “Adaptive Thermal Comfort in Reused Heritage Buildings: A Comparative Field Study in Amman, Jordan and Trier, Germany,” co-authored by Dr. Al-Atrash, Rawan Khattab, Matthias Sieveke, Robert Thum and Paul Pletz. The research examines thermal comfort in reused heritage educational buildings, connecting building performance and occupant experience with sustainable conservation practices.
Dr. Al-Atrash was also appointed to the International Steering Committee of SMART, further strengthening GJU’s participation in the conference’s international scientific community.
Dr. Al-Atrash expressed her appreciation to the conference organiser, Prof. Ahmed Masmoudi, the Technical Program Committee, reviewers, session co-chairs, speakers and contributing researchers. She also acknowledged the dedication and collaboration of her colleagues and research partners in making the session a successful platform for international scientific exchange.
These achievements reflect GJU’s commitment to applied research, international cooperation and architectural education that responds to environmental challenges and community needs.