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
Environmentally 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 […]
Read MoreBEC-UT/COTE Spring Symposium
Professor Ajla Aksamija will be presenting “High-Performance Facades and Impact of Climate Change on Facade Performance” at the Building Enclosure Council (BEC) Utah/AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Spring Symposium on May 9, 2025. This 1.5 hr presentation will cover methods for designing sustainable, high-performance facades, and the necessary steps in ensuring that the environmental […]
Read MoreResearch Symposium at the Clemson University
Professor Ajla Aksamija will participate as a panelist at the “DIA-LOGUE: Theory & Practice” Symposium on April 25, 2025, organized by the Design and the Built Environment (DBE) PhD Program at Clemson University. The gap between academic research and professional practice presents a critical challenge concerning the disciplines focusing on the built environment. This symposium […]
Read MoreEnergy Efficiency Retrofit of a Multifamily Residential Complex in Utah
“Energy Efficiency Retrofit of a Multifamily Residential Complex in Utah” discusses the energy-efficiency retrofit of an existing multifamily residential complex in Murray, Utah. Funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), the project included two buildings, each comprised of four residential units. The retrofit primarily focused on improvements to the building enclosure and building systems of […]
Read MoreHousing for Environmental and Human Health: Intersecting the Living Building Challenge and Cohousing
“Housing for Environmental and Human Health: Intersecting the Living Building Challenge and Cohousing” presents a research study on environmentally conscious cohousing development in Utah. The state of housing in Utah faces competing challenges–a housing shortage that cannot be ignored as well as the negative impact of the built environment on the state’s natural resources. A […]
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