Experts on built environment

The built environment refers to the human-made physical environment in which people live, work, and interact. It includes buildings, infrastructure, public spaces, and transportation systems. The built environment is designed and constructed by architects, engineers, urban planners, and other professionals to meet the needs of society.

The built environment plays a significant role in the quality of life of individuals and communities. It affects the health, safety, and well-being of people and has an impact on the environment. The design of the built environment can influence factors such as access to public transportation, availability of healthy food options, and the quality of air and water.

Sustainability is an essential consideration in the built environment. The use of sustainable materials, renewable energy, and green infrastructure can reduce the environmental impact of the built environment and promote more sustainable living. Sustainable design principles also emphasize social equity, economic viability, and ecological resilience to create healthier and more livable communities. WPI experts on the built environment include researchers in civil, environmental, and architectural engineering, fire protection engineering, and The Global School. Their work includes efforts to meet the infrastructure needs of the future, by using new materials that can reduce energy use and emissions, improve thermal comfort, limit maintenance costs, and address indoor air quality concerns.

Carrick McAfee Eggleston
  • Professor Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
Professor Eggleston's research is focused on natural materials and how they interact with the environment in which we live. ... View Profile
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Shichao Liu
  • Assistant Professor Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
Professor Liu’s research focuses on built and urban environment, occupant-building-environment interaction, and integrated design for sustainable and healthy buildings. ... View Profile
Nan Ma
  • Assistant Professor Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
Professor Ma is an Assistant Professor of Architectural Engineering at WPI and the founding director of the Laboratory for Healthy, Environmental, and Resilient Buildings (HERB-Lab). ... View Profile
Aaron R. Sakulich
  • Associate Professor Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
Professor Sakulich's research focuses on developing new, more durable materials for use in infrastructure, which will lead to a lowered maintenance burden, improved user safety, and a reduced environmental impact. ... View Profile
Albert Simeoni
  • Professor and Department Head Fire Protection Engineering
Professor Albert Simeoni is a renowned expert in wildfires. His research focuses on the unusual or poorly understood fire behavior that leads to high impact on people and property. ... View Profile
Sarah Strauss
  • Professor The Global School
Professor Strauss offers a wide array of expertise in health-related aspects of human interaction with the environment. ... View Profile
Steven Van Dessel
  • Associate Professor & Director Architectural Engineering Program Civil, Environmental, & Architectural Engineering
Professor Van Dessel's research activities are in the area of sustainable building design and building technology, with a special focus on the study of adaptive building envelop systems. ... View Profile