The Transforming Places, Practices, and Pedagogies Collaborative (TP3C) is a research unit within the School of Architecture at the University of Utah, dedicated to conducting architectural research. Our mission is to develop new knowledge, tools, processes, and spur innovation in architecture. We engage in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that addresses current challenges in architecture. We strive to bridge the gap between architectural profession and research, and engage with the industry and other partners in collaborative research projects.
News and Publications
Liberty Park Greenhouse Revitalization Study
“Liberty Park Greenhouse Revitalization Study” documents the outcomes of a revitalization study for the Liberty Park Greenhouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. The study was conducted by the University of Utah School of Architecture in collaboration with the Salt Lake City Public Lands, as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) initiative. The CIP initiative […]
Read MoreEnergy-Efficient Retrofitting Strategies for Research Laboratory Buildings: Case Study at the University of Utah
“Energy-Efficient Retrofitting Strategies for Research Laboratory Buildings: Case Study at the University of Utah” discusses building performance and retrofitting strategies for reducing energy consumption in existing research laboratories. Research laboratory buildings are one of the most energy-intensive building typologies due to their high energy demands, complex building systems, and significant loads for mechanical cooling and […]
Read MoreTP3C Research Presented at STRAND 2025 Conference
Prof. Suncica Milosevic and Prof. Ajla Aksamija presented a research paper at the STRAND OA2025 13th International Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Sustainable Urban Society Association and hosted by the the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and Gallery of Science and Technology in Belgrade, December 4 to 5, 2025. The study presented energy-efficient […]
Read MorePreserving the Past, Modeling the Future: A Retrofit Framework for the Sava Center in Belgrade
“Preserving the Past, Modeling the Future: A Retrofit Framework for the Sava Center in Belgrade” presents a research study on energy-efficient retrofit strategies for a culturally significant building. The Sava Center is one of the most iconic architectural and cultural landmarks of Yugoslav Modernism. Built between 1976 and 1979, it functioned as a major congress […]
Read MoreEnvironmentally Resilient and Energy Efficient Retrofit Strategies for Historically Significant Buildings
“Environmentally Resilient and Energy Efficient Retrofit Strategies for Historically Significant Buildings: Building Enclosure and Whole Building Energy Use Analysis” discusses research on environmentally resilient and energy efficient (EE) retrofit strategies for historically significant examples of Brutalist-style buildings in the Western Balkans. It presents a case-study analysis of a civic building, the Spomen Dom cultural and […]
Read MoreTP3C’s Project on Intelligent Facades Systems Receives a Patent
Professor Ajla Aksamija received a patent for an innovative active facade technology. The patent is for a novel type of facades, which integrate thermoelectric materials for heating, cooling, and energy generation. Thermoelectric materials are smart materials that generate heat or cooling when electricity is applied, exploiting the Peltier effect, and produce a voltage when exposed […]
Read MoreProfessional Webinar on High-Performance Facade Retrofits
Professor Aksamija will be presenting a webinar for professionals on October 16, 2025, focusing on high-performance facade retrofits. Registration is required for this free continuing education course, and participants will receive 1 LU/HSW (participants may provide their American Institute of Architects number during registration to receive certificate of completion).
Read MoreFTI Vitruvian Honors & Awards Keynote
Professor Ajla Aksamija will deliver a keynote address “Facade Retrofits: Design Methods for Improving Facade Performance of Existing Buildings” at the Facade Tectonics Institute’s Vitruvian Honors & Awards Ceremony in New York City on September 18, 2025. The ceremony will be held at the Center for Architecture. This global awards program celebrates excellence and innovation […]
Read MoreTP3C Research Presented at 16th Days of BHAAAS
Suncica Milosevic and Prof. Aksamija presented a research paper “Environmentally Resilient and Energy Efficient Retrofit Strategies for Historically Significant Buildings: Building Enclosure and Whole Building Energy Use Analysis” at the 16th Days of BHAAAS as part of the Technical and Natural Science Symposia, held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, June 19 to 22, 2025. The paper […]
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