PhD position - AIM-FRAME: Automated field measurements for daylight modelling
Challenge: Fast digitisation of buildings for daylight assessments
Change: Combine photogrammetry and High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI)
Impact: Improve daylight performance of existing buildings
Well-designed daylight and passive solar systems are key to a successful energy transition. However, current design tools are still a long way from guaranteeing a healthy and sustainable balance between the benefits of sunlight and the prevention of its undesired effects, i.e. glare and overheating. We need more evidence on daylight performance, collected in real spaces to inform future design and simulation practice. Your research has the potential to be an important contribution towards this goal.
During your PhD, you will explore novel approaches to collecting optical and geometrical information from existing spaces. You will combine methods used in surveying and photogrammetry with High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI), a photographic technique to measure luminance. Besides field measurements, you will also gain experience in advanced daylight simulation tools. You will compare your field measurements with results that you obtain from advanced daylight simulations and test your digital models against the requirements for annual daylight assessments, to improve daylight performance of both new and existing buildings.
You will be part of the Building Physics and Services Group in the Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology (AE+T) at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment. The group has extensive expertise on sustainable building, active and passive strategies, and places particular emphasis on their integration to achieving healthy, comfortable and low-energy buildings.
You will be mentored by Dr Eleonora Brembilla (AE+T) and by Prof Jantien Stoter (Department of Urbanism). Dr Brembilla is a renowned expert in daylight measurement and modelling. Prof Stoter leads the successful 3D Geoinformation research group (http://3d.bk.tudelft.nl/). Together they will guide you through your doctorate studies, but you will ultimately be in control of your research direction and gradually become an independent researcher.
Requirements
- Completed MSc degree in Building/Civil Engineering, Architecture, Geomatics, Computer Science, or other relevant disciplines.
- A curiosity-driven mindset and a passion for (doing) research.
- The ability to work in a team, take initiative, results oriented, analytical, organized and creative.
- Very good command of verbal and written English (C1 level according to the CEFR framework).
Evidence of one or more of the following points is a plus:
- Experience with climate-based daylight simulation software (e.g. Honeybee, DIVA);
- Knowledge of coding languages (e.g. Python, Matlab, Bash);
- Passion for photography and/or lighting design.