Assessing Awareness, Understanding and Adoption of Smart Buildings in Algeria: From Architects’ Perspectives

In recent years, smart buildings have been revolutionizing the construction industry through their potential to enhance energy efficiency, improve occupant comfort and safety, and promote sustainability in the built environment. Nevertheless, despite growing adoption in developed countries, implementation in developing nations, particularly Algeria, remains limited. A major barrier is the lack of awareness among architects regarding the benefits and technical aspects of these systems. This study aims to evaluate Algerian architects’ awareness and understanding of smart buildings. A mixed-methods approach was applied, beginning with a literature review to establish the theoretical framework, followed by a quantitative survey involving 134 practicing architects. Findings indicate that most participants possess limited knowledge, particularly regarding design and implementation, which constrains progress toward a smarter and more sustainable built environment. The study emphasizes the significance of educational workshops and training programs in enhancing architects’ awareness and technical preparedness. By providing a contextualized understanding of smart building adoption in Algeria, this research highlights the main factors influencing awareness levels and outlines potential strategies for improvement.