Successful Strategies and Design Processes that Impact Occupants and Building Operations

This research project was a collaboration between the Energy Trust of Oregon and the Salazar
architect firm sponsored by the 2022 Net Zero emerging leadership grant. I served as an intern in this project to assist with the firms’ AIA 2030 Commitment to evolve design practices, meet energy targets and achieve net-zero buildings by 2030. The main goal of this project was to investigate design strategies in affordable housing which can improve the health and well-being of residents while also meeting the 2030 carbon emission target. We conducted energy simulation and visual and thermal comfort analysis for the constructed buildings of the Salazar architect to evaluate their success according to the 2030 Net-zero benchmark. The results of this study indicated that the Material of interior spaces, the Shape and form of shading devices, and the layout of the building can play a significant role in daylight performance and energy consumption of affordable housing.