State-of-the-art in the use of responsive systems for the built environment: a systematic literature review

Purpose Construction and infrastructure are designed to meet societal needs over extended periods. However, their limited operational flexibility often results in suboptimal service delivery during changing demand scenarios. Despite recent technological advancements sparking interest in responsive systems that enhance the operational efficiency of infrastructure in the face of demand fluctuations, a comprehensive systematic analysis identifying clear trends, technological maturity and implementation barriers remains lacking. This study addresses the current gap in understanding by providing a comprehensive review of responsive systems in the built environment. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a systematic methodology for literature selection, guided by six criteria and analyzes the selected works across three levels. This approach ensures thorough coverage and a structured understanding of the research landscape related to responsive systems in the built environment. Findings The analysis reveals significant growth in research on responsive systems for the built environment, particularly since 2016. Key applications include responsive HVAC, partitions, alert systems, traffic control and energy management, driven by demand for safety, energy efficiency and operational optimization. Residential and commercial buildings, transport hubs and healthcare facilities dominate as testbeds, benefiting from the availability of mature sensing technologies for HVAC and lighting solutions. These trends underscore the field’s rapid evolution and application potential. Originality/value This study offers a systematic review of responsive systems in the built environment, addressing the lack of comprehensive analysis in the field. It provides valuable insights into emerging technologies and their potential to enhance infrastructure flexibility and operational efficiency, paving the way for innovative solutions in dynamic urban systems.