Book excerpt: In the field of architecture, urbanism, and heritage studies, the realm of contemporary ideas is in a constant state of evolution, reflecting the dynamic nature of our surrounding world. Amidst this intricate tapestry, this collection of book chapters, appropriately titled "Convergence of Contemporary Thought in Architecture, Urbanism, and Heritage Studies," emerges as a guiding light through a maze of concepts, challenges, and imaginative solutions. The chapters within this volume traverse the globe, exploring diverse cultural, geographical, and temporal settings. Each chapter offers distinctive perspectives on various facets of the constructed environment, ranging from the preservation of architectural heritage to the modeling of urban energy consumption, from the fusion of traditional and innovative approaches to the consequences of human habitation on natural ecosystems.