TP3C research team met with the Advisory Board Members on February 24, 2025. TP3C Advisory Board members include leading professionals from local and national/international organizations, as well as advocates of architectural research:

• Dr. Mahsa Farid Mohajer (Sustainable Building Analyst, Stantec),
• David Green (Master Planning Urban Design Leader and Principal, Arup),
• Dr. Mic Patterson (Ambassador of Innovation & Collaboration, Facade Tectonics Institute),
• Emir Tursic (Partner and Office Director, HKS), and
• Mark Walsh (Global Director of Technical Design and Principal, Perkins&Will).

TP3C team included Dr. Ajla Aksamija, Dr. Emmanuel Aghimien, Suncica Milosevic (PhD Candidate), Jami Quesenberry (MSAS Candidate), and Fatema Udaipurwala (MArch Candidate).

The first part of the meeting was used to discuss current TP3C’s research projects, educational and outreach efforts. The second part of the meeting was used to discuss current and future research needs of the Architectural/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry (with particular focus on TP3C’s research areas), as well as funding mechanisms for architectural research. Two themes emerged from these conversations:

• Bridging the Gap through Collaboration between Academia and Practice: participants agreed that stronger collaboration between academic institutions and professional firms is essential. While large firms may maintain internal research, partnering with academia can be more cost-effective and timelier, especially for smaller or mid-scale practices. Academic institutions can focus on long-term, in-depth studies. In return, professional firms gain access to innovative ideas and rigorous research without the high overhead of maintaining in-house research teams.
• Aligning Research with Market Needs: in collaborative research projects, it is necessary to align research studies with the needs of the profession, addressing real-world challenges.

In terms of emerging research topics and needs, these four general areas were identified:

• Building Performance & Sustainability: facade systems, longevity, durability, and systems designed for disassembly. Research into retrofit potential and adaptive capacity is especially urgent given uncertain economic and environmental futures.
• Circular Economy: European initiatives in circular economy research were noted as more robust compared to similar initiatives in the U.S. due to funding opportunities. Programs focusing on demolition, waste management, and sustainable reuse were highlighted.
• Digital Technologies/Delivery & Construction Methods: discussions also touched on digital delivery methods, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) for design and client communication, and the role of automation and robotics in construction. There is a need for innovative collaborations between designers, contractors, and fabricators to harness these technologies effectively.
• Post-Occupancy Evaluations: using real building projects as case studies for long-term performance and occupant satisfaction studies was seen as a valuable research pathway.