Through the HEaT Lab, the assistant professor integrates adaptive facades and AI to enhance occupant well-being
Building on an extensive background in architectural engineering and sustainability, Mehdi Ghiai joined the Texas Tech University Department of Design in fall 2024 with a clear mission: improving the 90% of our lives spent indoors.
As an assistant professor and founder of the Human, Environment, and Technology (HEaT) lab, Ghiai focuses on the building “enclosure”—the critical boundary between the interior and the outside world. This boundary dictates the thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort of every occupant.
“One of the main challenges is finding the right balance,” Ghiai said. “For example,
daylight is important because it supports visibility, productivity and healthy circadian
rhythms, but too much direct sunlight can cause glare and discomfort.”
Ghiai’s journey began during his undergraduate studies in 2000, where he became fascinated by the relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. This interest followed him from Iran, where he was a tenured faculty member beginning in 2008, to the U.S. in 2021 as a visiting scholar at Texas Tech.
His research evolved to prioritize building performance, specifically how envelopes can support healthier and more energy-efficient environments. Today, his work often centers on adaptive facades.
Climate-Responsive Design
While traditional window treatments are static, adaptive facade systems represent a climate-responsive design approach. These systems allow a building to react to shifting environmental conditions, such as the change from day to night or the transition of seasons, in real time.
According to Ghiai, these intelligent systems aim to enhance indoor comfort for occupants, significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings, and facilitate natural daylighting while maintaining outdoor views.
The Digital Frontier
Beyond the physical envelope, Ghiai is integrating cutting-edge technology into the design process. Through the HEaT lab, he utilizes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to explore environmental design and post-occupancy evaluation.
With more than 40 publications and professional certifications, including LEED AP BD+C and WELL AP, Ghiai continues to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, sustainable design. As the current vice president of the Interdisciplinary Environmental Association, he remains dedicated to enhancing human well-being within the built environment at Texas Tech.