Bioclimatic Planning and Design Research (BPDR) 

The BPDR unit at the Sheffield School of Architecture is a vibrant team of postdoctoral and doctoral researchers specialising in architectural and urban science. Our focus is leveraging multi-scale computational models to address the complex challenges brought by climate change and the energy transition, particularly their impacts on the functionality and liveability of buildings, urban spaces, and cities. We are dedicated to developing robust models serving as the bedrock for testing planning and design hypotheses aimed at improving thermal comfort, air quality, and energy efficiency. Grounded in real-world data, our research initiatives aim to effectuate meaningful transformations in the field. Our core ethos is rooted in the tangible impact our research models can bring to real-world scenarios. Through ongoing projects like Renovating Care Homes Fit for the Future, we employ innovative computational methodologies, such as explainable metamodelling through machine learning, to tackle pressing issues in urban environments. Our team's passion lies in making substantial differences in the built environment, aligning our efforts with creating impactful solutions for present and future challenges.

Dr Chengzhi Peng (BArch, DipLA, MSc, PhD, SFHEA), BPDR Lead