USC Architecture XpoInstructor: Douglas Noble & Karen Kensek
This research examines how strategic wall insulation placement enhances indoor thermal comfort and energy efficiency in extreme desert climates, focusing on Joshua Tree National Park. Using simulation tools such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Honeybee, and Ladybug, various insulation configurations internal, external, and dual-sided were evaluated on modular concrete structures. Results show that optimized insulation reduces heat […]
The U.S. construction industry produces vast amounts of demolition waste, including architectural float glass from building facades. Due to recycling limitations, much of this glass ends up in landfills. This research explores down-cycling architectural glass into concrete as fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and cement substitutes. Results show improved compressive strength at 10–20% aggregate replacement, while […]
This thesis investigates the impact of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) on employee well-being in hot-desking office environments using physiological data. The data were measured by wearable Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electrodermal Activity (EDA) sensors, as well as ambient temperature monitoring tools. It aims to assess how flexible workspaces influence stress and productivity by comparing […]
A data-driven approach is proposed to accurately predict individualized thermal comfort conditions by integrating the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database II with subject-based thermal comfort profiles of building occupants. By applying transfer learning techniques, this framework generates subject-specific models that enhance accuracy despite limited data points. Combinatorial probability analysis indicates that achieving total satisfaction becomes […]
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat wave events; however, existing apartment buildings in Los Angeles do not typically provide passive cooling, and instead exacerbate an individual’s exposure to extreme heat. In this study, a typical Dingbat apartment building was digitally modeled, and indoor air temperatures were measured in a heat wave […]
Ginsburg Hall at USC, with its expansive glazed atriums, served as the site for a study exploring advanced shading strategies to address heat gain and cooling demands. Using Grasshopper and Honeybee, both static and kinetic shading systems—such as louvers, eggcrate shades, fritted glazing, and foldable and closable dynamic elements—were simulated and analyzed periodically and seasonally. […]
This study investigates the impact of hot-desking on employee experience and IEQ in commercial offices. Using POE surveys, sensor data, and lab simulations, it compares environmental parameters before and after implementation. Results indicate that hot-desking slightly improves comfort and productivity. The study supports hot-desking as a strategy to optimize space use and enhance workplace efficiency.
In the Master of Building Science program at USC, the written thesis is one of several important elements of the overall academic program. ARCH 692A and ARCH 692B are the major components of a two semester long thesis series of courses for preparing and guiding students through their thesis development and completion. The thesis is based on their purposeful and detailed research activity. In addition to mastery in other courses, to graduate with an MBS degree, the thesis student completes serious and scholarly scientific research and then documents the process and its results.