Architectural Design Decision Insights through Agent-based Simulations [ABS] A Case Study from Professionals' Perspectives

This research aims to explore the potential of ABS within architectural practice by examining various aspects through the lens of current design professionals. The objective is to identify previously unexplored data during the design phase of the building under study, which could be revealed through crowd behavior simulations.

Exploring Material Entanglement. Framing Holistic Material Choices in Architecture

This research aims to understand and create a framework to navigate the processes, barriers, and benefits involved in making holistic material choices for projects to promote social and environmentally well-being. Making mindful material choices is a complex problem with a multitude of variables and decision factors that vary from project to project, thus establishing a framework to understand this nuance and complexity in a meaningful way could prove to be a useful tool for navigating these choices in architectural practice.

Integration of AI and XR in Optimizing Human-Centered Architectural Spaces: A Scoping Review

By synthesizing knowledge from diverse sources, the research seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of how AI and XR contribute to the evolution of architectural design, fostering environments that not only respond to technological advancements but prioritize the well-being and experiences of their inhabitants.

Cultivating Myco Insulation

The goal of this project is to review the current state of affairs amongst the disciplines using Neri Oxman’s Krebs Cycle of Creativity to create a holistic understanding of mycelium as an insulation product to produce a roadmap to its eventual implementation in building practice.

Modern Slavery: A Framework for Mitigating Forced Labor in the Building Materials Supply Chain

The research aims to raise awareness of the issue, proposing a framework and offering resources as an advocacy tool to empower design professionals in recognizing and mitigating the risk of forced labor within the supply chains of specified building materials.

Exploring the Impact of Inclusive Architecture in Retail Design Beyond ADA Standards

The research project intends to bridge the gap between theory and practice, transforming the way architects and designers approach inclusive design. It strives to offer guidance that fosters an inclusive, diverse, and equitable built environment for everyone, regardless of their abilities, with a particular focus on retail spaces.

Digital Twin

This research aims to analyze the application of digital twins for energy optimization in hybrid offices by leveraging the digital twin process and using Jetson Nano as a tool while proposing strategies for firms to harness its energy-saving potential.

Recycled Carpet’s Life Cycle and Health Impacts

The research seeks to unveil the life cycle of recycled carpet and raise awareness of the health impacts of recycled carpet’s life cycle and components on workers and consumers, to empower design professionals to make well-informed decisions.

Storytelling: A Tool Beyond the Narrative

The research aims to fill the gap between the communities’ want to tell their narrative and feel heard and the traditional community engagement tools that mainly focus on collecting data and providing design solutions. It aims to transform narrative into data and tools of analysis where data is not at the front of the work that is being done but an outcome of connecting with the community.

Prototyping Secondary Lumber Networks

In MN, roughly 20% of C&DW is recycled but the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) estimates the waste stream has far more potential for reuse and recycling. Research into C&DW material reuse can divert more C&DW from landfills which would not only help mitigate harmful environmental impacts but also extend the life of still-valuable material.

Occupant Satisfaction in Buildings, Benchmarks & Beyond (B3) Workplace 

The research provides insight and future direction to the green building rating and the current limitation of the available guidelines. Though this research is inconclusive based on the research limitation. It indicates an increased possibility for occupant satisfaction to be improved significantly with the full implementation of sustainability criteria focused on occupant satisfaction. However, implementation must be considered with profit, planet, and other credit categories.

Calculating Carbon: Understanding the Impact of Interior Materials Selection

The results identified the high-impact interior materials such as resilient flooring, acoustic wood panels, and carpet considering their impacts in 75 years. Findings from the research suggest that the environmental impacts of interior materials can be mitigated by specifying low-impact products for high-quantity components and balancing between environmental impact per unit, quantity of materials, and their reference service life.

Pre- and Post-Occupancy Evaluations

The research is an effort to inform the future of architectural and environmental design practice. The literature demonstrates the importance of PPOEs, yet its data collection is most often not included in practice. The research questions the traditional design process and aims to extend the role of the design team beyond the completion of built form through the practice of Pre- and Post-Occupancy Evaluations.