This book includes peer reviewed article from the 3rd International Conference on Trends in Architecture and Construction (ICTAC-2025) held at Chandigarh in India. It highlights innovative approaches in architecture and construction that address the evolving challenges of contemporary society. Centered around the themes of Sustainable Cities and Communities, Innovative Architectural & Construction Techniques, and Heritage and Conservation, the papers presented at the scientific symposium will emphasize on sustainable practices in urban planning, design, and construction—particularly in response to climate change and the need to reduce environmental impact. The book also explores the rapid technological advancements transforming the industry, including AI, digital tools, and cutting-edge design processes. By fostering a culture of innovation, sustainability, and excellence, the book seeks to address the pressing challenges of the built environment while contributing to societal progress.

Dr Niyati Jigyasu is an architect, presently a professor at the University Institute of Architecture, Chandigarh University. She is an academic with experience at various institutions in India and abroad. Her co-edited book, “Intangible Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Conservation of Historic Towns in Asia,” was published by Springer Publishing in Jan 2025. She is a reviewer for the International Journal of Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, Emerald Publishing, Heritage and Society, Taylor and Francis Publishing and Discover Sustainability by Springer Publishing. She is the co-editor for the Journal ‘Heritage and Society’, Taylor and Francis publishing.

Prof. Swati Behl Uppal is an academician, architect, and consultant, with 22 years of diverse professional experience. Currently, she is the principal at the University Institute of Architecture, Chandigarh University. She has been instrumental in establishing the Energy Lab at her institute, which now serves as the cornerstone for the annual Summer School program, attracting participants from across the globe.  Her primary research interests include urban design, urban planning, urban land use and city growth, built environment, and public spaces. She has authored several publications on urban design and architecture. Uppal has also been an active peer reviewer, contributing to publications.

Prof. Usha Iyer-Raniga is a Professor, Sustainable Built Environment at the School of Property and Construction Management, RMIT University. Usha is a co-lead of the Circular Built Environment (CBE) working group established under the GlobalABC / One Planet Network’s Materials Hub hosted by UNEP and jointly implemented by UNEP, UNOPS, and UN Habitat. Usha has presented on sustainability and circularity in the built environment at various CoPs, including the launch of her book on circular practices in buildings and construction at the most recent CoP. Her teaching portfolio extends to Asian countries. She is a reviewer and scientific committee member for various referred journals and refereed conferences, and is co-convening the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026.

Dr Elena Tarsi is an architect and PhD. in urban territorial and environmental planning. She is currently a researcher at the Department of Architecture of the University of Florence, where she is the coordinator of LabPSM—Laboratory City and territory in the Global South. She is also a “collaborator researcher” at the Centre for Social Studies of the University of Coimbra. Her research interests focus on the dynamics of informal settlements dynamics both in the Global South and the Global North. Recently, she has dealt with the impacts of climate change in cities and the role of cities and territories in the European Green Deal policies.

Dr Anna Orchowska is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology, where she is an active researcher, educator, conservationist, editor, and author of numerous scientific articles. Her primary affiliation is with the Department of History, Theory of Architecture, and Conservation of Monuments. Dr. Orchowska earned her Ph.D. in Technical Sciences in Architecture and Urban Planning, with a dissertation titled The Architecture and Spatial Layout of the Gdynia Port of the Interwar Period as Cultural Heritage.

Ar. Shadab Hassan Khan is an accomplished architect and academic with over a decade of experience spanning professional practice and higher education. He is currently pursuing a PhD at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra. His current research focuses on the role of urban planning in supporting the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indian cities—a crucial area for fostering inclusive urban growth and local economic resilience. His research interests include sustainable development strategies for hilly regions, traditional architectural practices, and solid waste management.

Dr Anna Orchowska is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology, where she is an active researcher, educator, conservationist, editor, and author of numerous scientific articles. Her primary affiliation is with the Department of History, Theory of Architecture, and Conservation of Monuments. Dr. Orchowska earned her Ph.D. in Technical Sciences in Architecture and Urban Planning, with a dissertation titled The Architecture and Spatial Layout of the Gdynia Port of the Interwar Period as Cultural Heritage.

Ar. Shadab Hassan Khan is an accomplished architect and academic with over a decade of experience spanning professional practice and higher education. He is currently pursuing a PhD at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra. His current research focuses on the role of urban planning in supporting the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indian cities—a crucial area for fostering inclusive urban growth and local economic resilience. His research interests include sustainable development strategies for hilly regions, traditional architectural practices, and solid waste management.