Research

Our research is focused on design, operation and optimization of high-performance buildings (towards energy efficiency, human comfort, well-being, and sustainability). It includes experimental studies in full-scale facilities as well as modeling studies on building energy performance, indoor environmental quality and human comfort, model-based control, smart sensing, daylighting and dynamic facades.

Research Themes and Projects (click on images for details)

DYNAMIC FACADES AND DAYLIGHT CONTROL

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND COMFORT

HUMAN-CENTERED SYSTEMS FOR SMART, CYBER-ENABLED SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

VISUAL COMFORT AND LIGHTING PREFERENCES

BUILDING SIMULATION, TOOLS AND APPLICATIONS

SMART SENSING AND CONTROL WITH HDRI CAMERAS

BUILDING ENVELOPE

RADIANT HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS

Research Facilities

We conduct experimental research for exploratory studies, model validation and technology testing. We have small and large-scale modular and reconfigurable facilities to experimentally study building energy performance, predictive controls, integrated sensing, indoor environmental quality, human comfort and preferences, building envelope technologies and daylighting control systems.

Facade and Architectural Engineering Labs

The Facade Engineering laboratories consist of two full-scale, side-by-side single-storey offices to compare the performance of envelope systems under the same weather conditions. A modular curtain wall façade can house different glazing systems and materials, shading attachments, openings for natural ventilation, and insulated sections. Reconfigurable floor, walls, windows, ceiling, lighting, shading, A/C system, controls enable easy evaluation of different technologies and controls.

The rooms are fully instrumented with solar, daylight and temperature sensors, air velocity meters, fans, infrared and HDRI cameras, modular A/C components, data acquisition systems, power and heat flow meters, and computing facilities.

This facility is located outside the Bowen Lab.

Living Labs and Center for High Performance Buildings

The Center for High Performance Buildings (CHPB), located in Herrick Labs, is a large scale laboratory with unique research facilities for studying the different building systems at the component, systems and whole-building scale.

The "Living Labs" are four identical, side-by-side large open-plan office spaces with reconfigurable envelope, lighting, shading, air and hydronic comfort delivery systems, integrated and mobile sensing, and flexible customized controls. They can house up to 96 people and are used to study the impact of building systems and operation on energy use, indoor environmental quality and comfort, human-building interactions and personal preferences.