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
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Building Facade Design: Models, Applications, and Future Directions
“Generative Artificial Intelligence in Building Facade Design: Models, Applications, and Future Directions” provides a comprehensive review of generative AI methods for facade design and research. Facade systems in buildings contribute significantly to buildings’ aesthetic qualities, performance, and occupants’ comfort. Recent advancements in generative AI have created new opportunities for building design exploration. Despite the growing […]
Read MoreHottest Day in Salt Lake City
Prof. Ajla Aksamija’s research has been featured in the University of Utah’s reflection of the hottest recorded day in Salt Lake City, which occurred on Sunday, July 12, 2026. The temperature reached 109 degrees F on that day, and Dr. Jakob Jensen, Senior Associate Vice President for Research, stated that “[e]xtreme heat touches every part […]
Read MorePresentation at the CATE 2026 Conference
Prof. Suncica Milosevic presented a paper at the Comfort at the Extremes (CATE) 2026 Conference in Tucson, AZ, May 27 to 29. The paper “Evaluating Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of an Existing Research Laboratory Building: Seasonal Analysis of Thermal Comfort and IEQ Indices,” discusses seasonal indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance of a 13,000 m² (140,000 […]
Read MoreEvaluating Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of an Existing Research Laboratory Building: Seasonal Analysis of Thermal Comfort and IEQ Indices
“Evaluating Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) of an Existing Research Laboratory Building: Seasonal Analysis of Thermal Comfort and IEQ Indices” analyzes the seasonal indoor environmental quality (IEQ) performance of a 13,000 m² (140,000 ft²), five-story academic research laboratory building at the University of Utah. Using on-site environmental monitoring data, the study evaluates IEQ conditions across an […]
Read MoreTP3C Research Presented at the IAQVEC 2026 Conference
Dr. Emmanuel Aghimien presented a paper at the 12th International Conference on Indoor Air Quality, Ventilation & Energy Conservation in Buildings (IAQVEC 2026) in Los Angeles, CA, May 18 to 22. Dr. Aghimien presented “Indoor Environmental Quality in a Mid-Century Research Laboratory Building,” co-authored with Prof. Ajla Aksamija and Prof. Timothy Adekunle. The paper discusses […]
Read MoreIndoor Environmental Quality in a Mid-Century Research Laboratory Building
“Indoor Environmental Quality in a Mid-Century Research Laboratory Building” discusses a research study that investigated indoor environmental quality in an existing research laboratory building. Research laboratory buildings are among the most energy-intensive building types due to their high energy demand, ventilation requirements, and the need to maintain controlled indoor environmental conditions. Previous indoor environmental quality […]
Read MoreTP3C Research Presented at the ANNSIM 2026 Conference
Dr. Emmanuel Aghimien presented a paper at the Annual Modeling and Simulation Conference (ANNSIM) in Orlando, FL, May 5 to 7, organized by the Society for Modeling & Simulation International (SCS). This annual conference covers state-of-the-art developments in modeling and simulation in various disciplines, including the Symposium on Simulation for Architecture and Urban Design (SimAUD). […]
Read MoreSimulation-Driven Xgboost Model for Multi-Output Building Facade Performance Prediction
“Simulation-Driven Xgboost Model for Multi-Output Building Facade Performance Prediction” presents a research study that couples artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with building performance simulations for facade design analysis and optimization. Building performance simulations have become the most widely adopted approach for evaluating facade performance during the design process; however, they are computationally expensive, especially when exploring […]
Read MoreBest Paper Award at the ARCC 2026 International Conference
“Place-Based Retrofitting Strategies for Global Architectural Challenges: A Comparative Analysis of Three Brutalist Building Typologies in the Western Balkans”, authored by Prof. Suncica Milosevic and Prof. Ajla Aksamija, received the Best Paper Award the Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) 2026 International Conference in Atlanta, GA, April 8 to 11. […]
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