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Azadeh O. SawyerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Building Technology
• Lighting Design
• Sustainable Architecture
• +5 more

Azadeh O. Sawyer is an Assistant Professor in Building Technology at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Architecture, serving as Track Chair for the Master of Science in Building Performance & Diagnostics (MSBPD) and PhD-BPD programs. Her research bridges architecture, engineering, and human perception, focusing on optimizing building envelopes and integrating virtual reality (VR) for evaluating lighting design and occupant comfort. Education: Ph.D. (2019) in Building Technology from the University of Michigan (Taubman College), M.Sc. in Architecture (University of Michigan), M.Des.S. from Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and B.Arch. (2008) from California College of the Arts. Research interests include: evaluating façade design through VR simulations, quantifying user perception of light distribution, and exploring kinetic systems/smart materials for health and circadian rhythm impacts. She emphasizes closing the gap between measured environmental data and human sensory experiences in 'green' buildings. Awards include the Dow Fellowship, Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, and Harvard’s Daniel L. Schodek Award. Her work has been presented at the International Building Performance Simulation Association conference and published in peer-reviewed venues. Teaching includes courses on daylight simulation with VR (48-692), sustainable design synthesis (48-731/48-732), and thesis guidance for MSBPD students.

Yiqun PanView profile

Visiting Professor

• Building Performance Simulation
• Energy Efficiency
• Sustainable Building Design
• +5 more

Dr. Yiqun Pan is a Special Faculty at Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Building Performance and Diagnostics, and a Visiting Professor at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. With 25+ years of experience, she specializes in building performance simulation, energy efficiency, and sustainable design. Her work integrates machine learning and big data to enhance building performance and occupant well-being. Research focuses include low-carbon building technologies, energy flexibility optimization, and carbon reduction strategies. She has led projects funded by the China National Science Foundation and U.S. Energy Foundation. Dr. Pan has authored six books and over 150 publications, including 42 English journal papers. Teaching includes courses on LEED certification, green infrastructure, HVAC systems for low-carbon buildings, and building energy systems integration. Awards include IBPSA Fellow and ASHRAE Membership. She chaired the 2023 Building Simulation Conference, demonstrating global leadership in building science. Her contributions span tool development (e.g., DeST 3.0 simulation platform) and interdisciplinary collaborations. Current work bridges academic research with practical applications, advancing sustainable urban development and zero-carbon building practices.

Dana CupkovaView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Design
• Ecological Architecture
• Circular Material Systems
• +3 more

Dana Cupkova is Professor and Track Chair for the Master of Science in Sustainable Design (MSSD) at Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture. She directs EPIPHYTE Lab, focusing on ecological relationships between architecture and landscape through thermodynamics, bio-based processes, and advanced manufacturing. Her design approach emphasizes ecological attunement and material circularity using construction waste streams. Her research investigates decarbonization strategies through bio-based material remediation and waste stream reutilization. Cupkova's work has been supported by DOE, Manufacturing Futures Institute, and recognized with ACADIA Teaching Award and ACSA Creative Achievement Award.

Berangere LartigueView profile

Associate Professor

• Thermal Engineering
• Building Envelope Optimization
• Energy Efficiency
• +3 more

Berangere Lartigue is an Associate Professor at Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse, France, and a Visiting Researcher at Carnegie Mellon University, where she contributes to the Doctor of Design (DDes) program. Her academic roles include teaching undergraduate courses in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and aerodynamics, as well as developing a graduate-level course on research initiation for the Master’s program in sustainable buildings. Her research focuses on thermal characterization of materials, linking micro-structure to macroscopic thermal properties. She also explores optimization techniques to enhance building envelope performance across energy efficiency, daylighting, and thermal comfort. Additionally, she develops AI-based models to simulate building occupant behavior. Berangere serves as an expert reviewer for European research projects and holds an associate editor position at scientific journals.